Publications by authors named "M T Manhanzva"
Purpose Of Review: Women in Africa bear the burden of the HIV epidemic, which has been associated with the high prevalence of bacterial vaginosis (BV) in the region. However, little progress has been made in finding an effective cure for BV. Drawing on advances in microbiome-directed therapies for gastrointestinal disorders, similar live-biotherapeutic based approaches for BV treatment are being evaluated.
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- In sub-Saharan Africa, girls aged 15-19 represent 86% of HIV infections, underscoring the need to understand risk factors affecting them compared to adult women in South Africa.
- A study of 305 adolescent girls and 114 adult women in two South African provinces revealed that while adults reported higher risk sexual behaviors, adolescents had a higher prevalence of STIs (62.8% vs 34.0% in the Western Cape).
- Factors like earlier sexual debut and the use of intravaginal sexual enhancers among adolescents were significant, and behavioral risk factors such as the number of sexual partners and recent sexual activity were linked to STI presence in both age groups.
Novel point-of-care cytokine biomarker lateral flow test for the screening for sexually transmitted infections and bacterial vaginosis: study protocol of a multicentre multidisciplinary prospective observational clinical study to evaluate the performance and feasibility of the Genital InFlammation Test (GIFT).
BMJ Open
May 2024
Introduction: A prototype lateral flow device detecting cytokine biomarkers interleukin (IL)-1α and IL-1β has been developed as a point-of-care test-called the Genital InFlammation Test (GIFT)-for detecting genital inflammation associated with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and/or bacterial vaginosis (BV) in women. In this paper, we describe the rationale and design for studies that will be conducted in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Madagascar to evaluate the performance of GIFT and how it could be integrated into routine care.
Methods And Analysis: We will conduct a prospective, multidisciplinary, multicentre, cross-sectional and observational clinical study comprising two distinct components: a biomedical ('diagnostic study') and a qualitative, modelling and economic ('an integration into care study') part.
Purpose Of Review: Point-of-care (POC) testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can provide complementary coverage to existing HIV testing services in LMICs. This review summarizes current and emerging technologies for detecting STIs in LMICs, with an emphasis on women, discharge-causing infections (chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis, and syphilis), true POC, self-testing, ethics, and economic considerations related to equitable access.
Recent Findings: The WHO have recently adapted guidelines for treatment of STIs in women that advise the use of true-POC or near-POC tests to improve case finding.