bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PO 8581 ZOONOTIC VIRAL ANTIGENS SURVEILLANCE IN HEALTHY POPULATIONS LIVING IN LAMBARÉNÉ, GABON
Authors: Bache Emmanuel , Loembe Marguerite M , Agnandji Selidji T 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundWorldwide, viral zoonotic infections such as filoviruses, flaviviruses, nairoviruses and arenaviruses cause self-limiting to severe diseases. They are endemic in sub-Saharan Africa, causing sporadic outbreaks warranting the development of sustainable surveillance systems. In Gabon, Ebola outbreaks occurred from 1994 to 2002 causing 214 human cases and 150 deaths, while Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya virus outbreaks occurred between 2007 and 2010. Beyond these outbreaks, little is known about the epidemiology. Recently, in collaboration with the Japanese government, the Research and Health Ministries of Gabon supported the implementation of a biosecurity level-3 (BSL-3) laboratory at CERMEL in Lambaréné as a zoonotic disease surveillance unit. Start-off involved antigen detection and characterisation of circulating antibodies to targeted viral antigens in healthy populations. This study reports data from healthy participants (18–50 years) in a phase I rVSV-ZEBOV-GP Ebola vaccine trial.MethodsHundred-six (106) baseline samples were screened for Ebola, Dengue (serotypes) 1–4 and Chikungunya viral RNA by RT-PCR on serum. IgG ELISA on plasma was used to identify antibodies against: Zaire-Ebola-(EBOV-GP and EBOV-VP40), Marburg-(MARV-GP and MARV-VP40), Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever-(CCHFV-GP), Lasa-(LASV-GPC and LASV-NP), Yellow Fever-(YFV-NS1), West-Nile-(WNV-NS1), Zika virus-(ZIKV-NS1), Chikungunya-(CHIKV-VLP) and Dengue-(DENV1-NS1,DENV2-NS1,DENV3-NS1,DENV4-NS1) virus antigens.ResultsNo viral RNA was isolated by RT-PCR in 106 samples. About 9% (10/106), 3% (3/106), 6% (6/106), 24% (25/106), 51% (54/106), 38% (40/106) and 36% (38/106) participants were seropositive for antibodies specific to EBOV-GP, MARV-GP, CCHFV-GP, YFV-NS1, WNV-NS1, ZIKV-NS1 and CHIKV-VLP, respectively. Twelve percent (12%; 13/106) of participants possessed antibodies specific to Zika, Chikungunya and Dengue 1–4 antigens. Six percent (6%; 6/106) of participants were seropositive for EBOV-GP and CCHFV-GP.ConclusionWe found antibodies to viral zoonotic infections among our healthy volunteers. Further assays, including neutralisation assays are being performed to ascertain the specificity of the antibodies. These findings, once confirmed, will provide insights into disease surveillance, vaccine trial designs, evaluation of post-vaccine immune responses, variability in adverse events and overall disease transmission patterns.
PO 8585 HIV, HBV AND HCV PREVALENCE, CO-INFECTIONS, RISK FACTORS AND AWARENESS AMONG STUDENTS IN A NIGERIAN UNIVERSITY
Authors: Japhet Margaret , Adewumi Moses , Olufisayo Adesina 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundHIV, Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) are life threatening viral infections. Co-infections are possible since they share routes of transmission through exchange of blood/body fluids. Youths are the most vulnerable to HIV infection due to unsafe practices. There is no free counselling and testing for HBV/HCV in Nigeria, hence many may not be aware of their HBV/HCV status. This study assessed prevalence, knowledge and risk factors of transmission among University students in order to provide preventive intervention.MethodsPreviously counselled/consenting university students (total=903, M=502, F=428; age range 16–40 years; mean age 19 years) were enrolled. Relevant information was collected through questionnaire. About 5 ml of blood was collected from each student and serum recovered was analysed for detectable HIV antigens/antibodies using specific ELISA kit. HIV antigen/antibody-positives were analysed for detectable hepatitis B surface antigen and anti-HCV. The HIV and HBV-positives were compared in terms of gender, age group, and risk factors by use of chi-square and Fischer exact tests, with two-tailed significance using SPSS version 20.0.1 for Windows.ResultOf the 930 students examined, 630 (67.7%) were sexually active and 104 (16.5%) had multiple sex partners. Knowledge of HIV, HBV and HCV status was 55%, 36.3% and 4.2% respectively. Overall, 13 (1.40%) students had detectable HIV antigens and/or antibodies, 5 (38.5%) of whom were HBV-positive, none had HCV infection. All HBV-positive students were ignorant of their HBV status. HIV and HBV-positive students fall within age range 15–24 years with higher HIV/HBV prevalence in females than males. Statistical significance exists between HIV, HBV prevalence and a) gender, b) number of sex partners, and c) sharing sharps with people of unknown HIV/HBV status (p=0.005; 0.002 and 0.005, respectively).ConclusionKnowledge about HBV and HCV is generally low among the students. Awareness campaigns specifically tailored towards educating young adults on HIV, HBV and HCV prevention/control should be encouraged.
PO 8592 WHY, WHEN AND WHERE DO NEWBORNS NOT ONLY GET SICK BUT ALSO DIE IN SÃO TOMÉ AND PRÍNCIPE? A CASE-CONTROL STUDY
Authors: Vasconcelos Alexandra , Sousa Swasilanne , Bandeira Nelson , Baptista João L , Machado Maria Do Céu , Pereira Filomena 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundNeonatal deaths in São Tomé and Príncipe account for about 43% of all under-5 deaths, but there are major gaps in understanding this. The objective of this study was to identify ante-, intra-, and post-partum risk factors and to analyse characteristics of neonatal morbimortality.MethodsStillbirths and sick newborns (NB) with ≥32 week´s gestation or ≥1500 g were eligible cases, while controls were healthy newborns≥28 days. The study is still underway, and more data will become available. Results presented here are from a questionnaire applied by the investigator, and from medical records of mothers and newborns. Point-of-care tests were used to screen for syphilis, HIV and Hepatitis B. The SPSS 23 statistical programme was used for data analysis. Informed consent was obtained from every mother included in the study.ResultsOut of 675 mothers, 132 were enrolled corresponding to 134 newborns (2 twins), while 35 cases and 41 newborn controles were followed up. Pregnant women’s medium age was 26 years, 23% being adolescents and 23% without antenatal care. Primary education was attended by 57%, secondary by 63%, 7% never attended school. Syphilis – 1/96 reactive test; HIV or malaria not detected; 3 infected with HBV. Newborn morbimortality: 10 preterm, 12 birth asphyxia, 30 with risk of neonatal and 8 with invasive infections, 8 foetal growth restriction, 5 microcephaly, 4 minor congenital anomalies and 1 death in the first 24 hours of life (congenital lung anomaly). Low birth weight (<2500 g), meconium and caesarean section were statistically significant with respect to morbidity (p<0.05). No deaths were verified in the 76 babies followed up.ConclusionIn this study, newborn morbidity was high (59%). More conclusions will be drawn when a higher number of participants is included and analysed. As a result, at the completion of this study, we hope to be able to design an intervention algorithm in order to achieve peri-neonatal morbimortality reduction.
OC 8453 SCALING-UP MASS TESTING AND TREATMENT EFFECTIVELY REDUCED MALARIA ASYMPTOMATIC PARASITAEMIA IN CHILDREN UNDER 15 YEARS OF AGE IN GHANA
Authors: Ndong Ignatius Cheng , Ahorlu Collins Stephan , Okyere Daniel , Nyarko Alexander A , Amambua-Ngwa Alfred , Koram Kwakwo A 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundGlobal efforts to scale up malaria control interventions that work, are gaining momentum. These include the use of long-lasting insecticide nets, intermittent preventive treatment and test, treat and track using artemisinin-based combination therapies. Mass testing, treatment and tracking (MTTT) of the entire populations complemented by home-based management (HBM) using volunteers could be an effective approach at lower cost. MTTT of children in Ghana has demonstrated a parasite load reduction of 90%. However, unanswered questions include – Could this be scaled-up? What proportion of the community could be covered? What do we need? Can MTTT reduce asymptomatic parasitaemia levels in under-15 children?MethodsThe target population for this study was 5000 asymptomatic individuals in seven communities in the Pakro subdistrict in Ghana. A community register was developed following a census. Community volunteers conducted quarterly house-to-house testing (using RDTs) and treating positive cases with ACTs. Between interventions HBM was conducted.ResultsIn those tested, asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia reduced from 1795 (36.3%) in July 2017 to 942 (23.1%) in March 2018. In eight months, parasitaemia declined by 43.5% and 37.3% in children under 15 and under 5, respectively. Coverage was 98.8% in July 2017 and 81.4% in March 2018. One of the challenges that surfaced was the fact that decrease in hospital attendance had a negative effect on money generated by the health facility. The district and subdistrict services, though appreciating the work, indicated that the negative effect on the health system may be serious and that measures need to be taken to address alternative financing for the health system.ConclusionThis study has demonstrated that combining MTTT and home-based management of malaria could reduce prevalence in under-15 children and that using community volunteers could ensure effective coverage at lower cost. There is need to start looking at financing of the health system without malaria.
PO 8597 NEUTRALISING AND NON-NEUTRALISING ANTIBODIES RESPONSE IN HIV-1-INFECTED INDIVIDUALS FROM MOZAMBIQUE
Authors: Gonçalves Paloma , Martin Francisco , Borges Patricia , Santo Maria Espirito , Taveira Nuno , Marcelino José 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundA vaccine that protects against the different HIV subtypes circulating around the world is essential to control and eliminate HIV infection. The immunogens are the key to develop an effective HIV vaccine. In this study, we characterised the antibody response against recombinant C2V3C3 polypeptides from several HIV-1 subtypes and evaluated the neutralising antibody response.MethodsPlasmas from HIV-1-infected individuals under treatment (n=39) and drugs-naïve individuals (n=8) were tested in an ELISA assay to determine the presence of antibodies against polypeptides from HIV-1 subtypes (CRF02_AG, B, C, G and H). The neutralising activity of plasma was evaluated with a panel of six HIV-1 viruses from a reference panel, [one tier 1 (NL4.3), and five tier 2 (PCH119_CRF07, PCE1176_C, TRO11_B, 246 F3_AC and CRF07_BJOX2000)] in a TZM-bl cells-based assay.ResultsOut of 48 plasmas, 44 (89.6%) reacted at least with one polypeptide and four (10.4%) did not react with any polypeptide. Interestingly, 56% of the plasmas recognise ≥3 peptides and 6 reacted with all polypeptides. The polypeptide from virus CRF02_AG was the most antigenic (77%) followed by the polypeptide C (58.3%), G (58.3%), H (50%) and B (35.4%). There was a positive correlation between polypeptides number recognised and binding antibody reactivity (r=0.4895, p=0.0111). All plasmas from drugs-naïve individuals neutralised at least one virus with neutralising activity between 39.3% and 95.7%. Four plasmas showed neutralising activity >50% against five viruses. The virus 249 F3 was the easiest to neutralise (median, 65.7%), whereas PCH119_CRF07 was the most difficult to neutralise (median, 43.6%). Neutralising activity of plasmas from patients under treatment are ongoing.ConclusionIn summary, these polypeptides could be useful in vaccine design once they are very antigenic and we observed a heterologous neutralising antibody response in naïve patients that expressed positive antibody-response anti-peptides.
PO 8607 DETECTION OFPLASMODIUM FALCIPARUMHISTIDINE-RICH PROTEIN 2/3(PFHRP-2/PFHRP-3) GENES DELETION AND AMINO ACID NUCLEOTIDE SEQUENCE VARIABILITY IN NIGERIA
Authors: Funwei Roland , Falade Catherine O , Ojurongbe Olusola 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundPrompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment remain the hallmark needed to reduce malaria-related mortality in areas of high transmission. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) that target the Pfhrp-2 gene, are essential in resource-limited settings where microscopy is not available. However, Pfhrp-2 gene deletion is implicated in limiting RDT sensitivity. Studies evaluating Pfhrp-2 and Pfhrp-3 deletion and the amino acid sequence diversity has not been investigated in Nigeria. We therefore hypothesised that malaria parasites in Nigeria are lacking Pfhrp-2/Pfhrp-3 genes with variable amino acid repeats sequences.MethodsThe study was part of a prospective cohort study evaluating RDTs performance. We pooled 66 samples comprising false negatives (n=31) and true positives (n=35) to elucidate Pfhrp-2/Pfhrp-3 gene deletion, RDT cross-reactivity with Pfhrp-3 antigen and amino acid sequence diversity. The 18SrRNA, msp 1, msp2 and glurp genes were amplified to establish activePlasmodium falciparuminfection and the exon-2 regions of Pfhrp-2 and Pfhrp-3 genes were amplified to determine the presence or absence of Pfhrp-2 and Pfhrp-3 genes. Isolates with conserved Pfhrp-2/Pfhrp-3 were sequenced.ResultsAll 66 samples were positive for 18SrRNA, msp1, msp2 and glurp, indicating activeP. falciparuminfection. However, 16.7% and 6.0% of the samples were lacking Pfhrp-2 and Pfhrp-3 genes. Of the false negative samples, 25.8% and 12.9% has Pfhrp-2 and Pfhrp-3 deletions. Three Pfhrp-3 conserved antigens cross reacted to give RDT positive results. An extensive diversity in the amino acid sequence was observed.ConclusionPlasmodium falciparumparasites in Nigeria lack Pfhrp-2 and Pfhrp-3 genes. However, the proportion of deletions is low compared to reports from other malaria-endemic regions. In addition, a high amino acid tandem repeat was observed. A combination of pLDH and Pfhrp-2 based RDTs is recommended for accurate malaria diagnosis.
OC 8465 THE DEVELOPMENT OF A CONJUGATE VACCINE AGAINST GROUP B STREPTOCOCCUS: AN AFRICAN PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Wilson Seanette , Tippoo Patrick 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundStreptococcus agalactiae,or group B streptococcus (GBS), is a gram-positive streptococcal bacterium that is well-recognised as one of the leading causes of infant death, particularly in the early neonatal period (the first week of life). An estimated one in five pregnant women around the world carries GBS bacteria in their gastrointestinal or genitourinary tracts and vertical transmission from colonised mothers can lead to invasive disease in their offspring. A recent study conservatively estimated that out of 410,000 GBS cases globally every year, there are at least 1 47 000 stillbirths and infant deaths. Despite being home to only 13% of the world’s population, Africa has the highest GBS disease burden, with 54% of estimated cases and 65% of stillbirths and infant deaths.An effective GBS vaccine, given during pregnancy, is a promising strategy to protect against GBS disease. Currently, no licensed vaccine exists to prevent it, but scientific evaluation of feasibility is favourable. The leading vaccine candidates are capsular polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccines. Evidence suggests maternal immunisation with a safe and effective GBS vaccine may reduce the disease risk in neonates and young infants.The Biovac Institute was established as a private-public partnership and is the only Southern African vaccine manufacturer. Located in Cape Town, South Africa, Biovac’s mission is to become a leading vaccine developer and producer in South Africa to increase capacity in Africa which only has four other vaccine manufacturers.In collaboration with PATH, an international health organisation, and other partners, Biovac is developing a multivalent conjugate vaccine against GBS. The first stage of the project involves the development of biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes and analytical tests, the preparation of clinical trial product, and execution of a first-in-human clinical trial.This presentation will provide an overview of the project, progress to date, and the path to commercialisation.
OC 8173 RAPID DETECTION OFMYCOBACTERIUM ULCERANSBY RECOMBINASE POLYMERASE AMPLIFICATION
Authors: Frimpong Michael , Ahor Hubert , Sarpong Francisca , Laing Ken , Wansbrough-Jones Mark , Phillips Richard 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundThere are no primary measures to prevent people from contracting Buruli ulcer, mainly due to poor understanding of its epidemiology. The current control strategy emphasises early diagnosis and prompt treatment, with the goal of avoiding the complications associated with advanced stages of the disease. There is no diagnostic test for the disease appropriate for use at the primary health care level where most cases are detected and treated. Diagnosis based on clinical signs is unreliable in inexperienced hands and complicated by infections that have similar presentations. This study was to develop and evaluate the use of recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) assay for the detection ofMycobacterium ulceransat the point of patient care.MethodsA specific fragment of IS2404 ofM. ulceranswas amplified in 15 min at a constant temperature of 42°C, using the RPA assay and analysed on a portable fluorometre. Themethod was tested for sensitivity and specificity with molecular standard of IS2404 DNA fragment, variousM.ulceransstrains, other mycobacteria and environmentally associated bacteria. Additionally, the assay performance as a diagnostic tool was tested with archived DNA from symptomatic patients. All results were compared with that of a highly sensitive IS2404 PCR.ResultsThe detection limit was 50 copies of IS2404 in 15 min using plasmid standard and 125 fg with genomicMuDNA equivalent 25 genomic copies. The assay was highly specific in detecting all strains ofM. ulceranswith no observed cross reactivity with other mycobacteria and common skin colonising bacteria. The clinical sensitivity and specificity of the BU-RPA assay using clinical samples was 86% and 100% respectively.ConclusionWe have developed a real-time isothermal RPA assay for the detection ofM. ulceransas a cheaper alternative to PCR. Combining this assay with a simple extraction protocol will maximise its use as point-of-care test for Buruli ulcer.
OC 8499 THE T-CELL VACCINE STRATEGY: GLOBALLY RELEVANT AIDS VACCINE EUROPE-AFRICA TRIALS PARTNERSHIP (GREAT)
Authors: Hanke Tomáš , Fast Patricia , Kaleebu Pontiano , Jaoko Walter , Sanders Eduard , Kilembe William , Kuipers Hester , Okech Brenda , Gilmour Jill 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundRemarkable progress has been achieved in decreasing AIDS-related deaths and HIV-1 transmission through ART. Nevertheless, an affordable, effective and durable HIV-1 vaccine protection remains the best solution for halting the AIDS epidemic.Our aim is to develop a vaccine inducing cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), which effectively inhibit HIV-1 replication and complement bnAbs for prevention; such T cells are likely critical for a successful cure. Central to our strategy is to focus HIV-1-specific CTL on the most functionally conserved regions (not a string of epitopes and not full-length proteins) common to most HIV-1 variants, which HIV-1 typically cannot change without losing fitness. These conserved regions were defined by bioinformatics, and a bivalent mosaic was computationally designed to increase the vaccine perfect match of potential T-cell epitopes to 80% of global HIV-1 variants; if successful, the vaccine will be suitable for global deployment. Furthermore, we maximised the inclusion of protective epitopes associated with viral control in treatment-naive HIV-1-positive individuals defined on 4 continents. These immunogens are delivered by the non-replicating simian adenovirus ChAdOx1 prime and non-replicating poxvirus MVA boost regimen, clinically proven safe and potent.MethodsThe GREAT consortium has been established to build capacity for a future efficacy trial in Zambia, around Lake Victoria and in Kenya by engaging populations at documented high risk for HIV-1 infection, despite preventive interventions, by diverse clades. We will conduct a phase I/IIa clinical trial HIV-CORE 006 to assess the safety and immunogenicity of the conserved-region vaccines, in preparation for an efficacy trial in these at-risk populations.ConclusionThe aims of the GREAT consortium are to ensure that at the completion of the programme grant, the vaccine regimen will be proven safe and potent, and the sites will be prepared to launch an appropriately designed trial to prove vaccine efficacy.
OC 8566 THE UNIVERSIDADE EDUARDO MONDLANE AND UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SAN DIEGO PARTNERSHIP, A PARADIGM FOR INSTITUTIONAL AND HUMAN RESOURCES CAPACITY BUILDING
Authors: Noormahomed Emilia , Scooley Robert 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundCollaborations between lower- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and high-income countries (HICs) are often scientifically and structurally driven by the HICs. Here we aim to describe a paradigm shift in collaboration, exemplified by the collaboration between the Universidade Eduardo Mondlane and University of California, San Diego through the Medical Education Partnership Initiative (MEPI), in which the formulation of priorities and administrative infrastructure reside in the LMICs.MethodsWe outline critical features of the MEPI partnership and compare with traditional models of collaboration, key features of success, lessons learned and the way forward.ResultsLMIC programme partners translate broad programme goals and define metrics into priorities tailored to local conditions. Programme funds flow to a LMIC-based leadership group that contracts with HIC-based peers to provide technical and scientific advice and consultation in a reverse funds flow model. Emphasis is placed on strengthening administrative capacity within LMIC institutions and on creating communities of practice with common goals that resulted in expanded collaboration with European, Latin American, and African institutions. A rigorous monitoring and evaluation process modify programme priorities based on evolving opportunities to maximise programme impact.Over five years, more than 63 research projects were designed, 19 of which received external funding and more than 40 manuscripts were published. Mozambican first-authored publications rose from 29% in 2001–2010% to 38% in 2011–2013.Eighteen (18) residents completed internal medicine specialty training between 2010 and 2014. This represents a fourfold increase from over 1991 to 2000. Three (3) Master’s programmes were created at Lurio University and 50 students successfully finished dissertations.ConclusionVesting LMIC partners with the responsibility for programme leadership and building administrative capacity in LMIC institutions substantially enhances programme relevance, impact and sustainability, and facilitates continuing acquisition of research and training funds to support professional development and institutional capacity building.