Understanding the epidemiology of iNTS disease in Africa in preparation for future iNTS- vaccine studies in endemic countries: Seroepidemiology in Africa of iNTS (SAiNTS) Study Protocol: Malawi site [Version 9.0].

Background: Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) are a major cause of bloodstream infections amongst children in sub-Saharan Africa. A clear understanding of the seroepidemiology and correlates of protection for invasive NTS (iNTS) in relation to key risk factors (malaria, anaemia, malnutrition) in children in Africa is needed to inform strategies for disease control including vaccine implementation.

Methodology: The SAiNTS study is a prospective community cohort study with paired serology samples from 2500 Malawian children 0-5 years at baseline and three months to measure age-stratified acquisition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) O-antigen antibody (IgG) and serum bactericidal activity to the main serovars causing iNTS ( Typhimurium and .

Evaluating the relationship between ciprofloxacin prescription and non-susceptibility in Salmonella Typhi in Blantyre, Malawi: an observational study.

Background: Ciprofloxacin is the first-line drug for treating typhoid fever in many countries in Africa with a high disease burden, but the emergence of non-susceptibility poses a challenge to public health programmes. Through enhanced surveillance as part of vaccine evaluation, we investigated the occurrence and potential determinants of ciprofloxacin non-susceptibility in Blantyre, Malawi.

Methods: We conducted systematic surveillance of typhoid fever cases and antibiotic prescription in two health centres in Blantyre, Malawi, between Oct 1, 2016, and Oct 31, 2019, as part of the STRATAA and TyVAC studies.

Incidence of invasive non-typhoidal in Blantyre, Malawi between January 2011-December 2019.

The Malawi-Liverpool Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme (MLW) has undertaken sentinel surveillance of bloodstream infection and meningitis at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH), Blantyre, Malawi for 20 years. Previously, three epidemics of bloodstream infection have been identified. Here we provide updated surveillance data on invasive non-typhoidal disease from 2011 - 2019.

Hepatitis B Vaccination Impact and the Unmet Need for Antiviral Treatment in Blantyre, Malawi.

Background: Hepatitis B is the leading cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer in sub-Saharan Africa. To reduce mortality, antiviral treatment programs are needed. We estimated prevalence, vaccine impact, and need for antiviral treatment in Blantyre, Malawi.

Diagnostic performance evaluation of hepatitis B e antigen rapid diagnostic tests in Malawi.

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) has targeted a reduction in viral hepatitis-related mortality by 65% and incidence by 90% by 2030, necessitating enhanced hepatitis B treatment and prevention programmes in low- and middle-income countries. Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) status is used in the assessment of eligibility for antiviral treatment and for prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT). Accordingly, the WHO has classified HBeAg rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) as essential medical devices.