HBV immunization and vaccine coverage among hospitalized children in Cameroon, Central African Republic and Senegal: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Hepatitis B is a major health concern in Africa. The vaccine against hepatitis B virus (HBV) was introduced into the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) of Cameroon and Senegal in 2005, and of CAR (Central African Republic) in 2008. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess HBV immunization coverage following the vaccine's introduction into the EPI and factors associated with having been vaccinated.

Preventing HIV-1 transmission in breastfed infants in low resource settings: early HIV infection and late postnatal transmission in a routine prevention of mother-to-child transmission program in Yaounde, Cameroon.

Objective: To report on overall HIV-transmission rates [early and late postnatal transmission (LPNT)] in breastfed infants born to HIV-positive women.

Methods: Mother-baby pairs in a routine prevention of mother-to-child transmission program. Promotion of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) coupled with access to antiretroviral treatment (ART) or prevention using antiretroviral (pARV).

Early outcomes of HIV exposed children in the first district-wide programme using extended regimens for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, in Yaounde, Cameroon.

Objective: Report on the early outcomes achieved in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programme in the Djoungolo Health District using more effective antiretroviral PMTCT regimens.

Methods: Observational cohort of HIV exposed infants.

Main Outcome Measure: early infant HIV status and 3-month mortality rate.

Virological profile of pregnant HIV positive women with high levels of CD4 count in low income settings: can viral load help as eligibility criteria for maternal triple ARV prophylaxis (WHO 2010 option B)?

Introduction: The objective of the study was to determine HIV-1 RNA load profile during pregnancy and assess the eligibility for the maternal triple antiretroviral prophylaxis. It was an observational cohort of pregnant HIV positive women ignorant of antiretroviral therapy with CD4 cell count of > 350/mm(3) METHODS: Routine CD4 cell count assessment in HIV positive pregnant women completed by non exclusive measurement of the viral load by PCR /ARN in those with CD4 cell count > 350/mm(3).

Exclusion Criteria: highly active antiretroviral therapy prior to pregnancy.

Effectiveness of multidrug antiretroviral regimens to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1 in routine public health services in Cameroon.

Background: Multidrug antiretroviral (ARV) regimens including HAART and short-course dual antiretroviral (sc-dARV) regimens were introduced in 2004 to improve Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) in Cameroon. We assessed the effectiveness of these regimens from 6-10 weeks and 12 months of age, respectively.

Methodology/findings: We conducted a retrospective cohort study covering the period from October 2004 to March 2008 in a reference hospital in Cameroon.

Is exclusive artificial feeding feasible at 6 months post partum in Cameroon urban areas for HIV-exposed infants?

Unlabelled: The aim of the study was to evaluate the feasibility of infant feeding options of HIV positive mothers in urban areas (especially compliance to artificial feeding choices), before the implementation of the infant feeding interventions and procurement of breastmilksubstitutes. We conducted a survey among seropositive women diagnosed during pregnancy and counselled for infant feeding options. At 6 months post delivery an interview was done.