Non-uptake of COVID-19 vaccines and reasons for non-uptake among healthcare workers in Uganda: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Vaccines play a crucial role in eradicating and containing disease outbreaks. Therefore, understanding the reasons behind vaccine refusal and associated factors is essential for improving vaccine acceptance rates. Our objective was to examine the determinants of COVID-19 vaccine non-uptake and explore the reasons for non-uptake among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Uganda.

High uptake of COVID-19 vaccines among healthcare workers in urban Uganda.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to describe the facilitators, barriers to and level of uptake of COVID-19 vaccines among healthcare workers in primary healthcare facilities in an urban setting in Uganda.

Materials And Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among HCWs in private and public health facilities in Entebbe municipality between July 2021 and August 2021. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire that was shared, via an online link, to consented participants.

The bacterial profile and antibiotic susceptibility pattern in respiratory tract samples from art-experienced HIV-positive adults in Uganda.

Introduction: Microbial infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality among people living with HIV (PLWH). Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are responsible for approximately 70% of illnesses among PLWH. Drug resistant bacteria are highly prevalent among PLWH and this is a public health concern.

Infection with HIV-1 subtype D among acutely infected Ugandans is associated with higher median concentration of cytokines compared to subtype A.

Objective: The observation that HIV-1 subtype D progresses faster to disease than subtype A prompted us to examine cytokine levels early after infection within the predominant viral subtypes that circulate in Uganda and address the following research questions: (1) Do cytokine levels vary between subtypes A1 and D? (2) Do cytokine profiles correlate with disease outcomes?

Methods: To address these questions, HIV-1 subtypes were determined by population sequencing of the HIV-1 gene and 37 plasma cytokine concentrations were evaluated using V-Plex kits on Meso Scale Discovery platform in 65 recent sero-converters.

Results: HIV-1 subtype D () infections exhibited significantly higher median plasma concentrations of IL-5, IL-16, IL-1α, IL-7, IL-17A, CCL11 (Eotaxin-1), CXCL10 (IP-10), CCL13 (MCP-4) and VEGF-D compared to subtype A1 () infections. We also found that IL-12/23p40 and IL-1α were associated with faster CD4T cell count decline, while bFGF was associated with maintenance of CD4+ counts above 350 cells/microliter.

Evaluation of the performance of 25 SARS-CoV-2 serological rapid diagnostic tests using a reference panel of plasma specimens at the Uganda Virus Research Institute.

Introduction: Serological testing is needed to better understand the epidemiology of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) have been developed to detect specific antibodies, IgM and IgG, to the virus. The performance of 25 of these RDTs was evaluated.

HIV viral load suppression following intensive adherence counseling among people living with HIV on treatment at military-managed health facilities in Uganda.

Background: Uniformed service personnel have an increased risk of poor viral load suppression (VLS). This study was performed to evaluate the outcomes of interventions to improve VLS in the 28 military health facilities in Uganda.

Methods: This operational research was conducted between October 2018 and September 2019, among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the 28 health facilities managed by the military in Uganda.

Severe COVID-19 in Uganda across Two Epidemic Phases: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Among a prospective cohort of children and adults admitted to a national COVID-19 treatment unit in Uganda from March to December 2020, we characterized the epidemiology of and risk factors for severe illness. Across two epidemic phases differentiated by varying levels of community transmission, the proportion of patients admitted with WHO-defined severe COVID-19 ranged from 5% (7/146; 95% CI: 2-10) to 33% (41/124; 95% CI: 25-42); 21% (26/124; 95% CI: 14-29%) of patients admitted during the peak phase received oxygen therapy. Severe COVID-19 was associated with older age, male sex, and longer duration of illness before admission.

Field evaluation of the performance of a SARS-CoV-2 antigen rapid diagnostic test in Uganda using nasopharyngeal samples.

Objectives: There is a high demand for SARS-CoV-2 testing to identify COVID-19 cases. Real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) is the recommended diagnostic test but a number of constraints prevent its widespread implementation, including cost. The aim of this study was to evaluate a low cost and easy to use rapid antigen test for diagnosing COVID-19 at the point of care.

Correlates of uptake of optimal doses of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine for prevention of malaria during pregnancy in East-Central Uganda.

Background: In 2012, the World Health Organization recommended that pregnant women in malaria-endemic countries complete at least three (optimal) doses of intermittent preventive treatment (IPTp) using sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) to prevent malaria and related adverse events during pregnancy. Uganda adopted this recommendation, but uptake remains low in East-Central and information to explain this low uptake remains scanty. This analysis determined correlates of uptake of optimal doses of IPTp-SP in East-Central Uganda.

Prevalence, incidence and predictors of peripheral neuropathy in African adults with HIV infection within the DART trial.

Objectives: We investigated the prevalence, incidence and predictors of new peripheral neuropathy episodes in previously untreated, symptomatic HIV-infected Ugandan/Zimbabwean adults initiating zidovudine-based antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Design: An open-label, multicentre, randomized trial.

Methods: Peripheral neuropathy was self-reported at 12-weekly clinic visits.