Integration of human papillomavirus associated anal cancer screening into HIV care and treatment program in Pakistan: perceptions of policymakers, managers, and care providers.

Background: The incidence of anal cancer, largely associated with anal human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, is increasing among men who have sex with men (MSM), and transgender women living with or without HIV. Screening for anal cancer to detect anal precancerous lesions in high-risk groups is an important opportunity for prevention but still lacking in many low-and-middle-income countries. The aim of this study was to explore the readiness of Pakistan's healthcare system to integrate anal cancer and HPV screening into a national HIV program, as perceived by policymakers, health managers, and healthcare providers.

Human papillomavirus-associated anal squamous intraepithelial lesions in men who have sex with men and transgender women living with and without HIV in Karachi Pakistan: implications for screening and prevention.

Background: Anal squamous intraepithelial lesions (ASIL), strongly related to human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, is more prevalent among men who have sex with men (MSM). However, no such data are available for Pakistan yet, and neither HPV vaccination nor anal-cytology screening is implemented in Pakistan. The purpose of this first ever study was to assess the prevalence of HPV-related anal cytological abnormalities among MSM and transgender women living with and without HIV infection in Pakistan.

Anal human papillomavirus infection among men who have sex with men and transgender women living with and without HIV in Pakistan: findings from a cross-sectional study.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of infection, genotypes and risk factors for human papillomavirus (HPV) among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women living with and without HIV in Pakistan. Anal infection with HPV is very common worldwide among MSM, particularly among MSM living with HIV. The high prevalence of HIV among MSM and male-to-female transgendered individuals in Pakistan is a significant health concern since access to screening and health-seeking is often delayed in this stigmatised key population.

Persistent albuminuria as a surrogate marker of chronic kidney damage among newly diagnosed hypertensives: Prevalence and risk factors in an urban population in Karachi, Pakistan.

Background: Hypertension is a major public health problem worldwide and a key factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Detection and treatment of CKD is of paramount importance. Albuminuria is one of the earliest screening markers recommended in patients at increased risk for CKD.

Prevalence of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis in Karachi, Pakistan: identification of at risk groups.

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a possible threat to global tuberculosis control. Despite a disease prevalence of 263/100 000 population Pakistan lacks information on prevalence of drug resistant TB. Our objective was to estimate prevalence of MDR and associated risk factors in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in Karachi.

Increased isolation of ESBL producing Klebsiella pneumoniae with emergence of carbapenem resistant isolates in Pakistan: report from a tertiary care hospital.

Objective: To report trends of extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL), multidrug resistant (MDR) ESBL and emergence of carbapenem resistant ESBL producing isolates of K. pneumoniae from Pakistan.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of laboratory data was conducted (2002-2007).

Trends in antimicrobial resistance in Shigella species in Karachi, Pakistan.

Background: Shigellosis is a common cause of morbidity, especially in the very young and old, in developing countries. The disease is treated with antibiotics. Surveillance of antimicrobial resistance trends is essential owing to the global emergence of antimicrobial resistance.

Impact of infection control activities on the rate of needle stick injuries at a tertiary care hospital of Pakistan over a period of six years: an observational study.

Background: Accidental exposure to blood and body fluids is frequent among health care workers. They are at high risk of nosocomial transmission of blood borne pathogens due to injuries caused by used sharps. We are reporting impact of surveillance and educational program on the rate of needle stick injuries among health care workers at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan.