Incidence and prevalence of traumatic and non-traumatic wounds and burns and access to wound care in Sierra Leone; data from a nationwide household survey (PRESSCO) 2020.

Objectives: This wound section of the PREvalence Study on Surgical COnditions (PRESSCO) determines the incidence and prevalence of wounds and burns in Sierra Leone. It further describes access to wound care and wound-related healthcare-seeking behaviour.

Methods: Between October 2019 and March 2020, a nationwide cross-sectional household survey was performed.

Non-Invasive Malaria Detection in Sub-Saharan Africa Using a DNA-Based Sensor System.

Malaria poses a serious global health problem, with half the world population being at risk. Regular screening is crucial for breaking the transmission cycle and combatting the disease spreading. However, current diagnostic tools relying on blood samples face challenges in many malaria-epidemic areas.

The effect of Plasmodium falciparum exposure and maternal anti-circumsporozoite protein antibodies on responses to RTS,S/AS01 vaccination in infants and children: an ancillary observational immunological study to a phase 3, randomised clinical trial.

Background: The RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine showed lower antibody response and protective efficacy in infants aged 6-12 weeks compared with children aged 5-17 months (for whom this vaccine is recommended). We aimed to study the effect of previous Plasmodium falciparum exposure on the antibody responses to RTS,S/AS01 vaccination in infants and children, and the mediating effect of baseline (including maternal) anti-circumsporozoite protein (CSP) antibodies.

Methods: In this observational study, we included children and infants from six African countries (Burkina Faso, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, and Tanzania) enrolled in the MAL067 immunology ancillary study of the RTS,S/AS01 phase 3 clinical trial from March 27, 2009, to Jan 21, 2011.

Trend of RTS,S vaccine uptake in the malaria vaccine implementing programme (MVIP) pilot regions, Ghana; 2019-2022.

Introduction: The uptake trend of a new vaccine is unpredictable and may reflect the quality of introduction process and community acceptance. The objective of this study was to conduct a trend analysis of RTS,S malaria vaccine uptake in the seven pilot regions of Ghana from 2019 to 2022. The findings are envisaged to strengthen malaria vaccine introductions in the future.

Evolution of Pfdhps and Pfdhfr mutations before and after adopting seasonal malaria chemoprevention in Nanoro, Burkina Faso.

Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention consisting of monthly administration of amodiaquine/sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine to children aged 3-59 months during the transmission season could promote SP-resistance. Mutations in dihydrofolate reductase (Pfdhfr) and dihydropteroate synthase (Pfdhps) genes were assessed before and after SMC adoption in Burkina Faso. A total of 769 dried blood spots were selected from studies conducted in Nanoro, Burkina Faso, between 2010 and 2020.

Predictors of measles-rubella vaccination status in the Savannah Region, Ghana: A cross-sectional study among caregivers of children aged 18-59 months.

Introduction: Savannah Region witnessed a decline in measles-rubella (MR) vaccination coverage prior to the measles outbreak in 2022. This study aimed to assess contributory factors of the low routine MR vaccination coverage and proffer recommendations to improve vaccination uptake.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two districts (Bole and Central Gonja) of Savannah Region from December 2022 to June 2023.

Dissemination and outcome reporting bias in clinical malaria intervention trials: a cross-sectional analysis.

Background: Dissemination and outcome reporting biases are a significant problem in clinical research, with far-reaching implications for both scientific understanding and clinical decision-making. This study investigates the prevalence of dissemination- and outcome reporting biases in registered interventional malaria research.

Methods: All malaria interventional trials registered on ClinicalTrials.

An assessment of Ghana's pilot of the RTS,S malaria vaccine implementation programme; 2019-2021: a retrospective study.

Background: In May 2019, Ghana piloted the introduction of RTS,S malaria vaccine into routine immunization in 42 districts of seven of the 16 regions. The RTS,S malaria vaccine implementation programme (MVIP) post-introduction evaluation (PIE) conducted in Ghana, assessed the immunization system as well as healthcare worker and caregiver experiences during the phase-one rollout but was less expressive on quantitative grading of the respective thematic areas of the vaccine introduction plan. Given the utility of summary statistics in programme evaluation and communication, this follow-up study aimed to provide an overall rating of the country's performance regarding the MVIP .

Post-tuberculosis treatment paradoxical reactions.

Paradoxical reactions (PR) to tuberculosis (TB) treatment are common during treatment, but have also been described after treatment. A presentation with recurrent signs or symptoms of TB after cure or completion of prior treatment needs to be differentiated between microbiological relapse and a paradoxical reaction. We searched all published literature on post-treatment PR, and present a synthesis of 30 studies, focusing on the epidemiology, diagnosis and management of this phenomenon.

Molecular surveillance for dengue serotypes among the population living in Moyen-Ogooué province, Gabon; evidence of the presence of dengue serotype 1.

Background: Despite dengue virus (DENV) outbreak in Gabon a decade ago, less is known on the potential circulation of DENV serotypes in the country. Previous studies conducted in some areas of the country, are limited to hospital-based surveys which reported the presence of some cases of serotype 2 and 3 seven years ago and more recently the serotype 1. As further investigation, we extend the survey to the community of Moyen Ogooué region with the aim to assess the presence of the dengue virus serotypes, additionally to characterize chikungunya (CHIKV) infection and describe the symptomatology associated with infections.

Repurposing of anti-malarial drugs for the treatment of tuberculosis: realistic strategy or fanciful dead end?

Background: Drug repurposing offers a strategic alternative to the development of novel compounds, leveraging the known safety and pharmacokinetic profiles of medications, such as linezolid and levofloxacin for tuberculosis (TB). Anti-malarial drugs, including quinolones and artemisinins, are already applied to other diseases and infections and could be promising for TB treatment.

Methods: This review included studies on the activity of anti-malarial drugs, specifically quinolones and artemisinins, against Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC), summarizing results from in vitro, in vivo (animal models) studies, and clinical trials.

Validation of artificial intelligence-based digital microscopy for automated detection of Schistosoma haematobium eggs in urine in Gabon.

Introduction: Schistosomiasis is a significant public health concern, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. Conventional microscopy is the standard diagnostic method in resource-limited settings, but with limitations, such as the need for expert microscopists. An automated digital microscope with artificial intelligence (Schistoscope), offers a potential solution.

So, what's best? Accuracy and acceptance of thermometers in triage and inpatients in a low-resource tropical setting - The MaTe study.

Objectives: We searched for the most-suitable thermometry method in the low-resource, tropical setting of Sierra Leone, both in terms of accuracy and also patient and user acceptance.

Methods: We conducted a prospective comparative study of different methods of body temperature measurement. Each participant had their temperature taken by four different methods: non-contact infrared temperature (NCIT), axillary, tympanic membrane and rectal measurements.

Trend of measles-rubella vaccination coverage and impact on measles epidemiology in the Savannah Region, Ghana; 2018-2022: A secondary data analysis.

Introduction: Ghana witnessed an outbreak of measles in 2022 following the COVID-19 pandemic, and Savannah Region was among the regions severely impacted. The objective of this study was to conduct trend analysis of measles case incidence and measles-rubella (MR) vaccination coverage in the Savannah Region to identify gaps and propose remedial actions to mitigate future outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs).

Methods: Analysis of measles surveillance and measles-rubella vaccination data for 2018-2022 was conducted to assess relationship between immunization coverage and measles case incidence.

Mosquito-Borne Arboviruses Occurrence and Distribution in the Last Three Decades in Central Africa: A Systematic Literature Review.

Arboviruses represent a real public health problem globally and in the Central African subregion in particular, which represents a high-risk zone for the emergence and re-emergence of arbovirus outbreaks. Furthermore, an updated review on the current arbovirus burden and associated mosquito vectors is lacking for this region. To contribute to filling this knowledge gap, the current study was designed with the following objectives: (i) to systematically review data on the occurrence and distribution of arboviruses and mosquito fauna; and (ii) to identify potential spillover mosquito species in the Central African region in the last 30 years.

Overcoming publication and dissemination bias in infectious diseases clinical trials.

Non-timely reporting, selective reporting, or non-reporting of clinical trial results are prevalent and serious issues. WHO mandates that summary results be available in registries within 12 months of study completion and published in full text within 24 months. However, only a limited number of clinical trials in infectious diseases, including those done during the COVID-19 pandemic, have their results posted on ClinicalTrials.

Distribution of Aedes mosquito species along the rural-urban gradient in Lambaréné and its surrounding.

Background: Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti are known for their potential as vectors of dengue (DENV) and chikungunya (CHIKV) viruses. However, entomological surveys are mostly carried out during epidemics. In Gabon where outbreaks of both viruses have occurred, there is no vector control program targeting these arboviruses.

Prostration and the prognosis of death in African children with severe malaria.

Objectives: Malaria is still one of the main reasons for hospitalization in children living in sub-Saharan Africa. Rapid risk stratification at admission is essential for optimal medical care and improved prognosis. Whereas coma, deep breathing, and, to a lesser degree, severe anemia are established predictors of malaria-related death, the value of assessing prostration for risk stratification is less certain.