Trachomatous Scarring and Infection With Non-Chlamydia Trachomatis Bacteria in Women in Kongwa, Tanzania.

Purpose: To assess for an association between conjunctival infection with nonchlamydial bacterial species and the presence of trachomatous scarring (TS) in women in central Tanzania.

Methods: Cross-sectional data were collected from a random sample of women ages 18 and older in 47 trachoma-endemic communities in Kongwa, Tanzania. Each participant completed a survey, provided a conjunctival swab sample, and received an ocular exam to assess for TS.

Dried blood spots perform well in viral load monitoring of patients who receive antiretroviral treatment in rural Tanzania.

Background: Monitoring of antiretroviral treatment (ART) with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) viral loads, as recommended in industrialized countries, is rarely available in resource-limited settings because of the high costs and stringent requirements for storage and transport of plasma. Dried blood spots (DBS) can be an alternative to plasma, but the use of DBS has not been assessed under field conditions in rural Africa. The present study investigates the performance of DBS in HIV viral load monitoring of patients who received ART in rural Tanzania.

Virological efficacy and emergence of drug resistance in adults on antiretroviral treatment in rural Tanzania.

Background: Virological response to antiretroviral treatment (ART) in rural Africa is poorly described. We examined virological efficacy and emergence of drug resistance in adults receiving first-line ART for up to 4 years in rural Tanzania.

Methods: Haydom Lutheran Hospital has provided ART to HIV-infected patients since October 2003.

Divergence and recombination of clinical herpes simplex virus type 2 isolates.

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infects the genital mucosa and is one of the most common sexually transmitted viruses. Here we sequenced a segment comprising 3.5% of the HSV-2 genome, including genes coding for glycoproteins G, I, and E, from 27 clinical isolates from Tanzania, 10 isolates from Norway, and 10 isolates from Sweden.

Herpes simplex virus infection and genital ulcer disease among patients with sexually transmitted infections in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

The relative importance of Haemophilus ducreyi and Treponema pallidum in genital ulcer disease in Africa has decreased recently, whereas that of herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 2 has increased. We analysed 301 lesional specimens from Tanzanian patients with genital ulcer disease for the presence of H. ducreyi, T.

Prevalence of antibodies against herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 in children and young people in an urban region in Tanzania.

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is transmitted by close contact, both sexual and nonsexual, and infections are acquired during childhood and adolescence. Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), however, is thought to be transmitted mainly by sexual contact. Most HSV-2 infections are consequently expected to occur after the onset of sexual activity.

A branched, synthetic oligopeptide corresponding to a region of glycoprotein G of HSV-1 reacts sensitively and specifically with HSV-1 antibodies in an ELISA.

Herpes simplex viruses types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2), which are common worldwide, are so similar that antibodies directed against one serotype may crossreact with antigens from the other one. Methods for specific detection of antibodies against HSV-1 or HSV-2 are based upon the antigenicities of glycoproteins G. However, due to the cost, the available commercial methods may not readily be used in developing countries.