Utilizing first void urine for high-risk HPV testing for cervical cancer screening in HIV-positive women in Katete, Zambia.

Background: The World Health Organization targets to screen 70% of women worldwide twice for cervical cancer by the year 2030, first by age of 35, and again by the age of 45. However, with the current low screening coverage in many developing countries, this may not be achieved because the invasive sampling method is unacceptable to some. In Zambia, for instance, despite the availability of free cervical cancer screening through the establishment of the Cervical Cancer Prevention Programme, some women are still reluctant to go for screening.

Structural characteristics of measles virus entry.

Measles virus, a member of the genus Morbillivirus, is highly contagious and still shows considerable mortality with over 100000 deaths annually, although efficient attenuated vaccines exist. Recent studies of measles virus haemagglutinin (MeV-H) and its receptor, including crystallographic and electron microscopic structural analyses combined with functional assays, have revealed how the MeV-H protein recognizes its cognate receptors, SLAM and Nectin-4, and how the glycan shield ensures effective vaccination. In addition, the crystal structure of the MeV-F protein indicated its similarity to those of other paramyxoviruses.

Specificity of Morbillivirus Hemagglutinins to Recognize SLAM of Different Species.

Measles virus (MV) and canine distemper virus (CDV) are highly contagious and deadly, forming part of the morbillivirus genus. The receptor recognition by morbillivirus hemagglutinin (H) is important for determining tissue tropism and host range. Recent reports largely urge caution as regards to the potential expansion of host specificities of morbilliviruses.

Clinical and genetic analysis of spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) in Zambian families.

Background: To date, 43 types of Spinocerebellar Ataxias (SCAs) have been identified. A subset of the SCAs are caused by the pathogenic expansion of a CAG repeat tract within the corresponding gene. Ethnic and geographic differences are evident in the prevalence of the autosomal dominant SCAs.

Frequency of APOE, MTHFR and ACE polymorphisms in the Zambian population.

Background: Polymorphisms within the apolipoprotein-E (APOE), Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) genes has been associated with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disorders, Alzheimer's disease and other complex diseases in various populations. The aim of the study was to analyze the allelic and genotypic frequencies of APOE, MTHFR C677T and ACE I/D gene polymorphisms in the Zambian population.

Results: The allele frequencies of APOE polymorphism in the Zambian populations were 13.

Association of the APOE, MTHFR and ACE Genes Polymorphisms and Stroke in Zambian Patients.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of APOE, MTHFR and ACE polymorphisms with stroke in the Zambian population. We analyzed 41 stroke patients and 116 control subjects all of Zambian origin for associations between the genotype of the APOE, MTHFR and ACE polymorphisms and stroke. The APOE ε2ε4 genotype showed increased risk for hemorrhagic stroke (P<0.