COVID Diagnostics: From Molecules to Omics.

The identification and genetic sequencing of a novel coronavirus was key to the diagnosis and management of the global pandemic. An understanding of the SARS-CoV-2 structure and mechanism of injury is vital to explaining the disease course and the pathophysiology of the signs and symptoms observed. This particularly as the presentation, disease course, and severity are noted to be highly variable.

Comparison of measured LDL cholesterol with calculated LDL-cholesterol using the Friedewald and Martin-Hopkins formulae in diabetic adults at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital/NHLS Laboratory.

Background: The National Cholesterol Education Programme Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) and the European Society of Cardiology recommend using low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) as a treatment target for cholesterol lowering therapy. The Friedewald formula underestimates LDL-C in non-fasted and hypertriglyceridemia patients. This study aimed to compare measured LDL-C to calculated LDL-C in diabetic patients using the Friedewald and Martin-Hopkins formulae.

A review of -multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in a neonatal unit in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Background: Multi-drug resistant organisms are an increasingly important cause of neonatal sepsis.

Aim: This study aimed to review neonatal sepsis caused by multi-drug resistant Enterobacteriaceae (MDRE) in neonates in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Methods: This was a cross sectional retrospective review of MDRE in neonates admitted to a tertiary neonatal unit between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2015.

Haemoglobin A1c or Glycated Albumin for Diagnosis and Monitoring Diabetes: An African Perspective.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has reached epidemic proportions across the globe with the largest increases seen in sub-Saharan Africa. Those that are diagnosed are largely poorly controlled. This review summarizes the limitations of the use of glycated haemoglobin (HBA1c) in Africa and current knowledge on the utility of glycated albumin and fructosamine in African patients.

Increased platelet and microparticle activation in HIV infection: upregulation of P-selectin and tissue factor expression.

Objective: HIV-1-infected patients have an increased risk for atherothrombosis and cardiovascular disease, but the mechanism behind these risks is poorly understood. We have previously reported that expression of tissue factor (TF) on circulating monocytes is increased in persons with HIV infection and that TF expression is related to immune activation, to levels of HIV in plasma, and to indices of microbial translocation. In this study, we explore the activation state of platelets in HIV disease.