What and how can we learn from complex global problems for antimicrobial resistance policy? A comparative study combining historical and foresight approaches.

Objectives: To (i) develop a methodology for using historical and comparative perspectives to inform policy and (ii) provide evidence for antimicrobial-resistance (AMR) policymaking by drawing on lessons from climate change and tobacco control.

Methods: Using a qualitative design, we systematically examined two other complex, large-scale policy issues-climate change and tobacco control-to identify what relevance to AMR can be learned from how these issues have evolved over time. During 2018-2020, we employed a five-stage approach to conducting an exploratory study involving a review of secondary historical analysis, identification of drivers of change, prioritisation of the identified drivers, scenario generation and elicitation of possible policy responses.

Evaluating total lymphocyte counts as a substitute for CD4 counts in the follow up of AIDS patients.

This study evaluated total lymphocyte count (TLC) as a substitute marker for CD4+ cell counts to identify patients who need prophylaxis against opportunistic infection (CD4 < 200 cells/mm(3)) and patients with CD4 < 350 cells/mm(3) (Brazilian threshold value of CD4 count to define AIDS). We evaluated TLC and CD4+ cells count of 1,174 HIV-infected patients, in Salvador, Brazil, from May 2003 to September 2004. CD4+ cell counts were performed by flow cytometry, and TLC was measured with an automated hematological counter.