Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)

CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeiÃoamento de Pessoal de NÃvel Superior / As mulheres em idade fÃrtil tÃm sido alvo da contaminaÃÃo pelo vÃrus da imunodeficiÃncia adquirida (HIV), o que requer atenÃÃo especial, principalmente na gestaÃÃo, pois hà o risco da transmissÃo vertical (TV) do HIV. A terapia combinada de alta potÃncia se mostrou decisiva na reduÃÃo da taxa de TV, porÃm as medidas de controle nÃo sÃo satisfatÃrias. Objetivou-se avaliar as aÃÃes de controle da TV do HIV em uma maternidade pÃblica. Trata-se de pesquisa do tipo descritiva, exploratÃria e avaliativa. Para abordagem do estudo utilizou-se a complementaridade da pesquisa qualitativa e quantitativa. Coletou-se os dados na Maternidade Escola Assis Chateaubriand (MEAC), localizada em Fortaleza-CearÃ, no perÃodo de setembro a dezembro de 2004. A populaÃÃo do estudo constou de oito puÃrperas com infecÃÃo pelo HIV e oito profissionais que prestaram assistÃncia a estas puÃrperas. Utilizou-se como tÃcnicas de coleta de dados a observaÃÃo estruturada e a entrevista, que seguiram um roteiro de observaÃÃo estruturada e um roteiro de entrevista semi-estruturada. Os dados quantitativos foram analisados e dispostos em tabelas; e os qualitativos analisados e organizados atravÃs da proposta de anÃlise de conteÃdo. Obedeceu-se os aspectos Ãticos da pesquisa com seres humanos, uma vez que todos os sujeitos assinaram o termo de consentimento livre e esclarecido. A maioria das puÃrperas tinha entre 22 e 29 anos, era solteira, com uniÃo estÃvel e procedente do interior, possuÃa baixa escolaridade, tinha entre um e dois filhos; sabia do diagnÃstico a menos de um ano, informou seis ou mais consultas de prÃ-natal e participou de acompanhamento especializado. Pouca parcela das gestantes iniciou a terapia anti-retroviral no perÃodo recomendado e sabia informar sobre a sorologia do parceiro. A maternidade disponibilizou o tratamento para todas as gestantes no momento do trabalho de parto e no parto. Seis profissionais de saÃde que prestava assistÃncia era enfermeiro, encontrava-se entre 26 e 49 anos de idade, a maioria fez referÃncia ao tempo de formaÃÃo entre um e nove anos e de trabalho na maternidade entre um e 15 anos; a minoria recebeu algum tipo de treinamento sobre TV. Identificou-se que os profissionais de saÃde deixaram de realizar aconselhamento e orientaÃÃes sobre preparo da fÃrmula infantil, alimentos e seguimento do recÃm-nascido, sobre consulta puerperal e adesÃo ao tratamento. A instituiÃÃo tinha quantidade insuficiente de alguns insumos, como atadura e inibidor de lactaÃÃo, e centralizava o preenchimento das fichas de investigaÃÃo no nÃcleo de vigilÃncia epidemiolÃgica. Estes resultados nortearÃo o planejamento de intervenÃÃes para futuras aÃÃes, com vistas à melhoria da qualidade na assistÃncia Ãs gestantes com HIV/aids. Sugere-se a criaÃÃo de uma estrutura organizacional e funcional para a implementaÃÃo de protocolos, capacitaÃÃes, reuniÃes de avaliaÃÃo, atuaÃÃo responsÃvel dos enfermeiros, determinaÃÃo de fluxo de atendimento e elaboraÃÃo de um manual direcionado aos profissionais de saÃde. / The women in fertile age have been target of the contamination for the HIV, what it requires special attention, mainly in the gestation, therefore there is the risk of the vertical transmission (VT) of the HIV. The agreed therapy of high power showed decisive in the reduction of the VT tax, however the measures of control are not satisfactory. It was objectified to evaluate the actions of control the VT of the HIV in a public maternity. One is about research, descriptive, exploratory and avaliative type. For boarding of the study it was used complementation of the qualitative and quantitative research. The data were collected in Assis Chateaubriand School Maternity (MEAC), located in Fortaleza-CearÃ, in period of September to December of 2004. The populationâs study consisted of eight postpartum women with infection for the HIV and eight professionals who had given assistance to these postpartum women. The structuralized or standardized comment and the interview were used as techniques. As instruments for the dataâs collection, a script of structuralized comment and a script of half-structuralized interview. The quantitative data had been analyzed and made use in figures; end the qualitative ones analyzed and organized through the proposal of content analysis. It obeyed the ethical aspects of the research with human beings and all the subjects had signed the term of free and clarified assent. The majority of postpartum women had between 22 and 29 years, was single, with steady union, and originating the country, there was low study, had between one and two children; it known of the diagnosis to less of one year, informed six or more prenatalâs consultations of and participated of specialized accompaniment. Little parcel of the pregnant initiated the antiretroviral therapy in the recommended period and to inform about partnerâs serology. The maternity disposed the treatment for all the pregnant women at the moment of the childbirth work and in the childbirth. The majority of the health professionals that gave assistance was nurse, between 26 and 49 years and make reference at time of formation between one and nine years and of work in the maternity between one and 15 years; the minority received some type of training about VT. It was identified that professionals of health had left to realized advice and orientation about preparation of the infantile formula, foods and pursuing of the new-born, about puerperal consultation and adhesion to the treatment. The institution had insufficient amount of some resourchs and centered the fulfilling of the inquiry fiches. It was concluded that these results will guide in the planning of interventions for future actions, with sights to the improvement of the quality in the assistance to the pregnant women with HIV/aids. It is suggested creation of a organizacional and functional structure for the implementation of the protocol, qualifications, meetings of evaluation, responsible performance of the nurses, determination of attendance flow and elaboration of a manual directed to the professionals of health.

A transmissão vertical do HIV-1 da mãe para criança foi significativamente reduzida com o uso de terapias antirretrovirais, resultando um aumento do número de crianças que foram expostas ao vírus. Estudos evidenciam a expressão de receptores Toll-like (TLR) em células trofoblásticas que pode ser uma ferramenta importante para regular a diferenciação e ativação de células do sistema imunológico, orquestrando um ambiente imunorregulador, contribuindo para o sucesso gravidez e proteção do feto. Considerando que as consequências da infecção por HIV-1 no microambiente placentário, na mãe e no recém-nascido (RN) não são bem entendidos, salienta-se a necessidade de investigar estratégias que possam potencializar a resposta imune inata, neste contexto. Com isso, no presente trabalho, foram avaliados as células mononucleares (CMN) do sangue periférico e cordão umbilical (RN) de parturientes infectadas por HIV-1 e parturientes-RN não infectados, a secreção de TNF-a, IL-10 e IFN-a induzida por agonistas de TLRs extracelular (TLR2, TLR4 e TLR5) e agonistas de TLRs intracelulares (TLR3, TLR7, TLR7/8, TLR9). Além disso, como sensor da resposta imune inata foi avaliado o perfil de resposta de células dendríticas mielóides (mDC) e plasmocitóides (pDC), após ativação com ligantes relacionados com resposta antiviral (TLR7, TLR7/8 e TLR9). No microambiente placentário foi verificada a expressão de CD123, TLR8, CD14/CD16 e HLA-G de amostras da decídua e vilo de mães infectadas por HIV-1 e grupo controle. Os resultados mostraram que as CMNs de mães infetadas por HIV-1 e de seus RNs têm um déficit na secreção TNF-a após ativação pelas vias de TLR2, TLR5, TLR3, TLR7, contudo, preservada para estimulação TLR7/TLR8 (composto CL097), principalmente pelas células de recém-nascidos. Além disso, apenas a ativação com CL097 foi eficaz para induzir a secreção IL-10 e IFN-a pelo grupo infectado, tanto na mãe quanto no RN. O CL097 também foi capaz de induzir a expressão de RNAm para o fator regulador de interferon-7 (IRF-7), IFN-a e TNF-a em níveis similares entre os grupos, confirmando o potencial de ativação TLR7/8. A ativação via TLR7/TLR8 foi capaz de controlar o déficit na da produção de TNF-a pelas mDC, mas não reverteu a resposta funcional de IFN-a por pDCs nas mães e RN infectados por HIV-1. No tecido placentário infectado por HIV-1, houve aumento da expressão de TLR8, CD123, e HLA-G. Os achados mostraram a importância da via TLR8 tanto na resposta sistêmica como no microambiente placentário, ressaltando a importância dos ligantes naturais e/ou sintético no papel adjuvante para melhorar a resposta antiviral na interação materno-fetal. / Mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1 has been significantly reduced with the use of antiretroviral therapies, resulting an increased number of HIV1-exposed uninfected infants. Studies have been evidenced that expression of Toll-like receptors (TLR) in trophoblast cells may be a relevant tool to regulate the differentiation and activation of immune cells, orchestrating an immunoregulatory environment, contributing to successful pregnancy and fetal protection. Since the consequences of HIV-infection in the immune innate system from placental microenvironment, mother, and newborn are not well understood, emphasize to investigate the strategies to potentiate the innate immune immune response. We evaluated in mononuclear cells (CMN) of peripheral blood and cord blood from HIV-1-infected pregnant and uninfected mother-cord blood the TNF-a, IL-10 and IFN-a secretion induced by agonists of extracellular Toll-like receptor (TLRs) (TLR2, TLR4 and TLR5) and agonists for intracellular TLRs (TLR7, TLR7/8, TLR9). Moreover, as checkpoint of innate immune response we evaluate the myeloid dendritic cells (mDC) and plasmacytoid DC (pDC) responsinevess to TLRs related to antiviral response (TLR7, TLR7/8 e TLR9). Were also evaluated expression of CD123, TLR8, CD14/CD16 and HLA-G of maternal samples of decidua and villi both infected by HIV-1.The results showed that HIV-1 infected mother-cord blood have a deficit in the TNF-a response induced by TLR2, TLR5, TLR3, TLR7 PBMC activation, but preserved for TLR7/8 (CL097) stimulation, mainly by the newborn cells. Moreover, only CL097 activation was efficacious to induce IL-10 and IFN-a secretion by the infected group, in both mother and cord blood cells. Up-regulation of IFN-a secretion level was achieved with CL097 by cord blood from HIV-infected mother compared to control mothers. CL097 stimulation was also able to induce Interferon-regulator factor-7, IFN-a and TNF-a mRNA expression in PBMC at similar levels between groups, confirming the potential of TLR7/8 activation. TLR7/TLR8 activation overcomes the impairment of TNF-a production by mDC, but maintained the dysfunctional type I IFN response by pDCs in HIV-infected pairs. Expression of TLR8, CD123 and HLA-G was increased in placental tissue from infected-mother compare to uninfected control. Our findings highlight the dysfunction of innate immune response in HIV-treated mother-newborn. Adjuvant potential of TLR8, in the systemic response as well as in the placental microenvironment, emphasizes the use of natural and /or synthetic TLR agonists to improve antiviral response at the maternal-fetal interface.

The outbreak of the Ebola virus was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Due to the complex nature of the outbreak, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had created interim guidance for monitoring people potentially exposed to Ebola and for evaluating their intended travel and restricting the movements of carriers when needed. Tools to evaluate the risk of individuals and groups of individuals contracting the disease could mitigate the growing anxiety and fear. The goal is to understand and analyze the nature of risk an individual would face when he/she comes in contact with a carrier. This thesis presents a tool that makes use of contextual data intelligence to predict the risk factor of individuals who come in contact with the carrier.

Parameter estimation of respiratory infection surveillance dynamics commonly utilize data aggregated over space and time. However, estimates derived from aggregated data may fail to account for biologically meaningful spatiotemporal heterogeneity of effects or to identify where and when transmissions occur. This dissertation shows that high-resolution temporal and spatial data can improve our understanding of heterogeneity while producing more valid and precise estimates of transmission parameters (e.g., contagiousness), behavioral trends (e.g., face mask utilization), and intervention effects (e.g., at-home test distribution). In three projects, we evaluate spatiotemporal heterogeneity in the context of two major respiratory pathogens: Tuberculosis and SARSCoV-2. First, in project one, we identify disease transmission hotspots from a tuberculosis case surveillance system in Greater Vitória, Brazil. Utilizing a human mobility model and recently developed method to quantify disease transmission, we overcome multiple methodological constraints that often obscure spatially and temporally accurate transmission measurements. We estimate that two cities in Greater Vitória, Vila Velha (reproductive number = 1.05, 95%CI: 1.03–1.07) and Vitória (reproductive number = 1.04, 95%CI: 1.02–1.06), help sustain tuberculosis transmission in the entire region and may be effective targets for intervention, while Cariacica (reproductive number = 0.95, 95%CI: 0.94–0.97) fell below the critical threshold of 1 required to sustain transmission alone. Next, in project two, we utilize interrupted time series methods to estimate the effect of mask mandates on mask adherence using a nationally representative digital health survey on masking and a comprehensive database of pandemic-related government policies. The analysis focuses on improving previous attempts at measuring the effectiveness of mask mandates at the state level, by utilizing county-level exposure and outcome data. We find that mask mandates were associated with a large heterogeneity of effects, ranging from increasing masking approximately 8% in counties with low levels of prior masking to 1% or lower change in masking in places like the Northeast U.S. where masking levels were already high. Last, in project three, we leverage the same nationally representative digital health survey to understand at-home testing patterns in the United States. We utilize two different economic measures of resource allocation and a regression model with autoregressive integrated moving average errors to examine if the Covidtests.gov government program reduced at-home testing inequities. We show that Covidtest.gov did increase at-home testing across all demographics; however, income-, geographic- and race-based disparities in at-home test utilization were heightened during periods when the program was active. Specifically, the regression results estimate that Theil’s T, an economic metric used here to measure at-home testing disparities, was 53% (95%CI: 6%–121%) higher for household income, 214% (95%CI: 86%–429%) higher for race, and 90% (95%CI: 23%–193%) higher for geography during Covidtest.gov dissemination periods. Disparities were not elevated for age. Together, these three projects demonstrate the substantial role that high-resolution data can play in improving our understanding of respiratory infection surveillance and informing effective public health interventions.

The study sought to explore and describe the breastfeeding practices of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive postnatal clients’ non-commitment to exclusive breastfeeding in George Mukhari Hospital, South Africa. A non-experimental quantitative design was used. Inferences drawn from the study were that HIV positive clients that opted for exclusive breastfeeding did not commit for fear of transmission of HIV to the baby and exclusive breastfeeding was stopped before the recommended 6 months. Most of the respondents’ partners did not come for counselling. There was lack of emotional support by staff after testing. Health education and emotional support of HIV positive clients has to be intensified. / Health Studies / M. A. (Health Studies)

Thesis (MCurr)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: HIV infection poses a major obstacle in breastfeeding as it represents the most common way by which children acquire HIV. Exclusive breastfeeding has been discovered as the most effective intervention in preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV, mortality and promotion of HIV free survival. The main objective was to evaluate the evidence on the effectiveness of exclusive breastfeeding versus formula feeding and/ or mixed feeding in the prevention of HIV-1 transmission from mother to child. To identify the studies, an electronic search was conducted using PUBMED/MEDLINE, CINAHL, CENTRAL and EMBASE databases. Electronic journals, which include the Southern African Journal of HIV medicine (SAJHIV), HIV Medicine Journal and American Journal of Public Health, were also accessed. Manual searches were carried out. In addition, relevant experts were contacted in order to locate more data. There were no limitations with regards to date and language. The review considered studies on infants who were vertically HIV-1 exposed (mother HIV positive during pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding). These infants were exclusively breastfed for six months with administration of antiretroviral prophylaxis and were compared to infants exclusively formula fed. The outcomes measured were vertically acquired HIV infection; mortality and HIV free survival up to 24 months of age. Two reviewers independently selected articles which met the inclusion criteria. They independently extracted the data using a data extraction tool. Disagreements were solved by discussion. Data was then meta-analysed using Rev Man 5.1.0. Methodological quality of each trial was assessed by the reviewers using the Cochrane assessment tool for risk of bias. Two randomised clinical trials and one intervention cohort study (n=2112 infants) comparing exclusive breastfeeding with exclusive formula feeding were included. HIV infection was associated with exclusive breastfeeding as compared with exclusive formula feeding (Risk ratio 1.67, 95% CI 1.26 to 2.23, p=0.0005). Exclusive formula feeding was associated with high mortality from infections (Risk ratio of 0.67 95% CI 0.43 to 0.83, p=0.002 Chi²= 1.30, p=0.52, I²=0%). There were no statistically significant differences in HIV free survival between exclusive breastfeeding and exclusive formula feeding as measured by trialists at 9, 18 and 24 months (Risk ratio 1.19, 95% CI, 0.92 to 1.54, p=0.19, Chi²= 3.15, p=0.21, I²=36 % 3 studies, 1012 infants). None of the studies included reported on mixed feeding. Complete avoidance of breastfeeding is effective in preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV. HIV infection during breastfeeding might be an indicator of mixed feeding and poor adherence. Formula feeding is only applicable in settings where formula milk is accessible, feasible, acceptable, safe and sustainable (AFASS) because formula feeding carries a high risk of mortality from causes other than HIV. If the AFASS criteria cannot be met, mothers should be encouraged to exclusively breastfeed and ensure that their infants completely adhere to the antiretroviral prophylaxis because they decrease the rate of vertical HIV-1 transmission. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: MIV besmetting veroorsaak ‘n groot struikelblok vir borsvoeding, omdat dit die mees algemene manier is waarop babas met MIV besmet word. Eklusiewe borsvoeding is as die mees effektiewe intervensie ontdek in die voorkoming van moeder na kind oordrag van MIV, morbiditeit en die bevordering van MIV vrye oorlewing. Die hoofdoelwit is om die effektiwiteit van eksklusiewe borsvoeding teenoor formule-voeding en of gemengde voeding in die voorkoming van MIV oordrag van moeder na kind te evalueer. Elektroniese navorsing is gedoen deur gebruik te maak van PUBMED/MEDLINE, CINAHL, CENTRAL en EMBASE databasisse. Elektroniese joernale wat die Southern African Journal of HIV medicine (SAJHIV), HIV Medicine Journal and American Journal of Public Health insluit, is ook gebruik. Handnavorsing is ook gedoen, asook relevante data van kenners op die gebied, is verkry. Geen beperking is geplaas op taal of tyd nie. Studies op babas wat blootgestel is aan die MIV-1 (moeder MIV positief gedurende swangerskap en borsvoeding) is in die oorsig oorweeg. Hierdie babas is eksklusief vir 6 maande gerborsvoed, met of sonder anti-retrovirale behandeling, en is vergelyk met eksklusiewe formule-voeding. Die resultaat was dat almal tot op 24 maande gemeet is aan MIV besmetting, mortaliteit en MIV vrye oorlewing. Twee resensente het onafhanklik artikels geselekteer wat aan die ingeslote kriteria voldoen het. Hulle het onafhanklik data geselekteer deur van ’n selekteringsinstrument gebruik te maak. Misverstande is deur besprekings opgelos. Data was daarna gemeet en gemetaanaliseer deur Rev Man 5.1.0. Die metadologiese kwaliteit van elk proeflopie is geassesseer deur die resensente wat gebruik gemaak het van die Cochrane evalueringsinstrument om die risiko van onewewigtigheid uit te skakel. Twee ewekansige kliniese proewe en een intervensie kohort studie (n = 2112 babas) wat eksklusiewe borsvoeding vergelyk met 'n eksklusiewe formule-voeding is ingesluit. MIVinfeksie wat verband hou met 'n eksklusiewe borsvoeding is vergelyk met eksklusiewe formule-voeding (risiko verhouding van 1.67, 95% CI 1.26 tot 2,23, p=0.0005). Eksklusiewe formule-voeding hou verband met 'n hoë mortaliteit van infeksies met ’n risiko verhouding van 0.67, 95% CI 0.43 tot 0.83, p = 0.52, Chi ² = 1.30, p = 0.52, I ² = 0%. Daar is geen statisties beduidende verskille in MIV-vrye oorlewing tussen eksklusiewe borsvoeding en eksklusiewe formule-voeding nie wat deur die proefnemers gemeet is op 9, 18 en 24 maande (risiko verhouding 1.19, 95% CI, 0.92 tot 1.54, p = 0,19, Chi ² = 3,15, p = 0.21, I ² = 36% 3 studies, 1012 babas). Nie een van die ingeslote studies het verslag gedoen oor gemengde voeding nie. Algehele vermyding van borsvoeding is effektief in die voorkoming van Moeder na Kind oordrag van MIV. MIV-infeksie gedurende borsvoeding mag ’n aanduiding van gemengde voeding en swak nakoming wees. Formule voeding is alleenlik van toepassing in situasies waar formule-melk toeganklik, uitvoerbaar, veilig en volhoubaar is, want formule-voeding dra ’n hoë risiko van mortaliteit weens ander oorsake buiten MIV. Indien daar nie aan hierdie kriteria voldoen kan word nie, behoort moeders aangemoedig te word om eksklusief te borsvoed en seker te maak dat hulle babas die antiretrovirale profilaksie getrou neem, want dit verlaag die koers van vertikale MIV-1 oordrag.

Thesis (MMed)-- Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The vast majority of new Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections in infants and young children occur through mother-to-child-transmission (MTCT), either during pregnancy, labour or delivery or by breastfeeding. Without access to perinatal MTCT (PMTCT) programmes approximately 30% of all babies born annually will be infected with HIV. OBJECTIVES The aim was to implement and audit a quality improvement cycle at the Worcester Obstetric Unit, which comprises of Worcester Hospital, a regional hospital in the Western Cape Province and its level one midwife obstetric Unit (MOU), in order to improve the quality of the PMTCT programme. The intervention included the implementation of easy changes and tools in the Antenatal Clinic, Infectious Diseases Clinic and Labour ward. METHODS The files and antenatal records of all HIV positive patients and patients with an unknown HIV status, who delivered at the Worcester Obstetric Unit during January, February and March of 2010 and 2011, were reviewed. All HIV negative patients and patients that had stillbirths and miscarriages were excluded. The pre-interventional findings of 2010 were compared with the post-interventional findings of 2011. RESULTS At the Worcester Obstetric Unit, for the study time period, there were 907 deliveries in 2010, of which 102 (11.2%) patients were HIV positive and 4 (0.4%) had an unknown HIV status compared to 2011, with 865 deliveries of which 108(12.5%) patients were HIV positive and no patients had an unknown HIV status. Significantly more patients were diagnosed with HIV before they fell pregnant than during pregnancy in the 2011 group, when compared with the 2010 group. A CD4 count was done on 94% of patients who were newly diagnosed with HIV and those with an unknown CD4 count result in the 2010 group, compared to 92% in 2011. There was a significant improvement after the intervention in the time it took from when blood was drawn for a CD4 count until the result was followed up, the median time decreased from 34 to 8 days (p=0.000001). Significantly more patients qualified for highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) after the guidelines were changed and the CD4 cut off was increased to 350 cells/l (p=0.001). Prior the intervention 18 patients did not receive the correct management before delivery due to preventable reasons, compared to one at the MOU. After the intervention this decreased significantly to only one patient at Worcester Hospital and none at the MOU (p=0.000001). Before the intervention adherence to the PMTCT protocol at the MOU was significantly better than at the hospital (p=0.0005) and after the intervention there was no significant difference (p=1.0). CONCLUSION Although the audit and quality improvement cycle was performed at a single hospital, with specific changes geared towards their needs, the basic principles can be applied to any Unit in the country providing a PMTCT service. Educating staff, creating awareness and reminding staff of the basic principles of PMTCT, implementing small changes and streamlining processes and setting specific goals or timelines, can lead to significant improvements in care, which ultimately will lead to a decrease in PMTCT of HIV and HIV related maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die oorgrote meerderheid (>90%) van nuwe Menslike Immuniteitsgebreksvirus (MIV) infeksies in babas en jong kinders vind plaas deur middel van moeder-na-kind-oordrag, hetsy gedurende swangerskap, die kraamproses of borsvoeding. Sonder toegang tot perinatale voorkomingsprogramme (PMTCT) sal ongeveer 30% van alle babas jaarliks met MIV geïnfekteer word. DOELWITTE Die doel van die studie was om ‘n gehalteverbeteringsiklus by die Worcester Verloskunde Eenheid, wat bestaan uit Worcester Hospitaal, 'n streekshospitaal in die Wes-Kaapprovinsie en sy vlak een vroedvrou verlossingseenheid (VVE), te implementer en daarna te oudit, om sodoende die gehalte van die PMTCT-program te verbeter. Die intervensie het bestaan uit die implementering van eenvoudige veranderinge en prosesse in die voorgeboortekliniek, infeksiesiekte-kliniek en kraamsaal. METODES Die lêers en voorgeboorte rekords van alle MIV-positiewe pasiënte en pasiënte met 'n onbekende MIV-status, wat gedurende Januarie, Februarie en Maart van 2010 en 2011 verlos het by die Worcester Verloskunde Eenheid, is nagegaan. Alle MIV-negatiewe pasiënte en pasiënte met doodgebore babas en miskrame is uitgesluit. Die pre-intervensie bevindings van 2010 is vergelyk met die post-intervensie bevindings van 2011. RESULTATE By die Worcester Verloskunde Eenheid was daar 907 geboortes gedurende die studietydperk in 2010, waarvan 102 (11,2%) pasiënte MIV-positief was en 4 (0,4%) met ‘n onbekende MIV-status. In 2011 was daar 865 geboortes waarvan 108 (12,5%) pasiënte MIV-positief was en geen met 'n onbekende MIV-status. In die 2011-groep is beduidend meer pasiënte gediagnoseer met MIV voor as tydens swangerskap. In die 2010-groep is daar 'n CD4-telling gedoen vir 94% van nuut gediagnoseerde pasiënte en diegene met 'n onbekende CD4-telling, in vergelyking met 92% in 2011. Daar was 'n beduidende verbetering na die intervensie in die tyd wat dit geneem het vandat bloed getrek is vir 'n CD4-telling totdat die resultaat opgevolg is. Die mediane tyd het verminder vanaf 34 na 8 dae (p = 0.000001). Nadat die riglyne vir kwalifisering vir hoogs aktiewe antiretrovirale terapie (HAART) verander is na ‘n CD4 telling 350 selle/l het daar beduidend meer pasiënte gekwalifiseer vir HAART. By Worcester Hospitaal het 18 pasiënte voor die intervensie nie die korrekte behandeling intrapartum ontvang nie weens voorkombare redes, in vergelyking met slegs een pasiënt by die VVE. Na die intervensie was daar ‘n beduidende afname na slegs een pasiënt by Worcester Hospitaal en geen by die MOU (p = 0.000001). Voor die intervensie was die korrekte uitvoering van die PMTCT-protokol by die MOU beduidend beter as by die hospitaal (p = 0,0005) en na die intervensie was daar geen beduidende verskil (p = 1.0). GEVOLGTREKKING Alhoewel die oudit en gehalteverbeteringsiklus uitgevoer is by 'n enkele hospitaal, met spesifieke veranderinge gerig tot hul behoeftes, kan die basiese beginsels toegepas word in enige eenheid in die land wat ‘n PMTCT diens verskaf. Opvoeding van personeel en bewusmaking rakende die basiese beginsels van PMTCT, klein veranderinge en die vaartbelyning van prosesse by die voorgeboorte klinieke en die stel van spesifieke doelwitte of tydlyne, kan lei tot aansienlike verbeteringe in pasiënte sorg. Dit sal uiteindelik lei tot 'n afname in die MIV oordrag van moeder na kind, asook MIV-verwante morbiditeit en mortaliteit in moeders en kinders.

Thesis (MPA)--University of Stellenbosch, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: South Africa has the world’s highest adult HIV infection rate in the world. Experts estimate that over 1 500 people are being infected with the HIV virus per day in South Africa. The virus is undoubtedly having a negative impact on the labour population of the country and will ultimately affect the productivity of South Africa. The Constitution of South Africa, Act 108 of 1996, firmly denounces any form of unfair discrimination. The White Paper on Defence charges the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to be an operationally ready force. The potentially crippling effect HIV and AIDS can have on the effectiveness of SANDF is an area that needs to be researched. The military environment is unique in that it is considered to be a high-risk organisation in terms of HIV infection. Overseas deployment, male-dominated environments, risk-taking ethos and monthly income are all elements that accelerate the spread of HIV within the SANDF. The SANDF is a dominant member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and is involved in Peace Support Operations (PSO) throughout the African continent. This military intervention is predicted to increase with time. HIV in sub-Saharan Africa has infected over 30 million people – many with little or no primary health care. The South African coastline is nearly 3 000km in length with six world-class harbours. These are strategic points that contribute to South Africa’s economic prosperity on the African continent. It is the SA Navy’s role to ensure that these harbours are well-guarded. The personnel responsible for patrolling the waters of the South African coastline need to be exposed to the proper training to be competent at this task. Military training needs to prepare learners in the event of combat. This simulation of the combat environment may lead to injuries that heighten the threat of HIV transmission. SANDF training units traditionally discharge those members who are medically unable to complete the mental and physical requirements of the course. The Military Training for Officers Part One (MTO1) course of the SA Navy is no different. HIV has created a new dynamic in that medical confidentiality protects the status of those people who are infected. Current SANDF policy does not offer sufficient guidelines to training units when dealing with learners who are infected with HIV. Human rights are constitutionally protected and unfair discrimination of any form is prohibited. The SANDF still needs to be operationally deployable and uniform members with HIV hinder this requirement. The question really is: is it fair discrimination to disallow/remove uniform members from the MTO1 course if they are HIV positive? The purpose of this research is to establish what the best practises would be in managing HIV positive learners in the military training environment. The work environment would have to be researched to determine whether or not the threat of HIV transmission exists. Learners would be approached to determine if they felt they were at risk during training exercises. The training staff who execute the training exercises would need to be asked if they felt endangered or exposed to HIV infection during these exercises. Military medical personnel who deal with either training or HIV in their everyday jobs would then review this data. The social stigma surrounding HIV is one of the challenges within this research design. The ethics and legality of mandatory HIV testing in the SANDF is an area that has sparked reaction from human rights movements. The compromising of human rights for the sake national security is an area of proportionality that raises new debates with the advent of HIV. There are various alternatives of managing HIV within the SANDF that should be considered. The current SANDF HIV policy is, at best, vague when dealing with specific training issues. This research intends on making policy-makers within the SANDF aware of the need to make definitive policy decisions to ensure that HIV does not compromise the effectiveness of the SANDF. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die hoogste volwasse HIV infeksie in die wêreld, kom tans in Suid Afrika voor. Deskundiges is van mening dat daar daagliks in Suid Afrika meer as 1500 mense met die virus besmet word. Die virus het ‘n definitiewe negatiewe impak op die Suid Afrikaanse arbeidsmark, en sal onomwonde die produktiwiteit van Suid Afrika beinvloed. Die Suid Afrikaanse Grondwet, Wet 108 van 1996 verbied onomwende enige vorm van onbillike diskriminasie. Die Witskrif ten opsigte van Verdediging verwag van die Suid Afrikaanse Nasionale Weermag (SANW) om 'n operasioneel voorbereide mag te wees. Die potensiële krippelende effek wat HIV/VIGS op die effektiwiteit van die SANW kan hê is ‘n area wat indiringende navorsing benodig. Die militere omgewing is uniek in die opsig dat dit beskou word as ‘n hoë risisko organisasie in terme van HIV infeksie. Internationale ontplooiings, manlik-georiënteerde omgewings, risiko-bepalende faktore, en maandelikse inkomste is almal elemente wat die verspreiding van HIV binne die SANW verhoog. Die SANW is die dominante lid van die Suider Afrikaanse Ontwikkelings Gemeenskap en is betrokke in vredes ondersteunnings operasies binne Afrika. Die word in die vooruitsig gesien dat die bogenoemde intervensies met tyd sal toeneem. In die Sub-Saharastreek het die HIV virus reeds 30 miljoen mense geïnfekteer – baie met min, of geen primêre gesondheidsorg tot hul beskikking. Die Suid Afrikaanse kuslyn is bykans 3 000 km in lengte, met ses wereldstandaard hawens, geleë langs die kuslyn. Laasgenoemde is strategiese punte wat bydra tot die ekonomiese vooruitgang binne die Afrika kontinent. Dit is die SA Vloot se verantwoordelikheid om toe te sien dat die hawens goed bewaak word. Die personeel verantwoordelik vir die patrolering van die waters langs die Suid Afrikaanse kuslyn moet blootstelling kry aan voldoende opleiding om die taak te kan verrig. Militêre opleiding moet leerders voorberei vir die moontlikheid van konflik. Hierdie simulering van die gevegs/konflik omgewing mag lei tot beserings wat die risiko ten opsigte van HIV verspreiding mag verhoog. Die SANW opleidingseenhede, het tradisioneel lede ontslaan wat nie aan die fisiese en geestelike vereistes van die kursus kon voldoen nie. Die Militêre opleiding vir Offisiere Deel Een kursus (MOO1) binne die SA Vloot is presies dieselfde. HIV het ‘n nuwe dinamika veroorsaak naamlik, mediese vertroulikheid, wat die status van geaffekteerde lede beskerm. Huidige SANW beleid verskaf onvoldoende riglyne aan opleidingseenhede vir die hantering van leerders wat die HIV virus onder hande het. Mense-regte word konstitusioneel beskerm en enige vorm van diskriminasie word verbied. Daar word egter steeds van die SANW verwag om operasioneel ontplooibaar te wees, en uniform lede met HIV verhinder hierdie bepaling. Die vraag is: Is dit billike diskriminasie om lede wat HIV positief is van die MOO1 kursus te verwyder? Die doel van hierdie navorsing is om te bepaal wat die beste praktyke sou wees in die bestuur van HIV-positiewe leerders in die militêre opleidings omgewing. Die werksomgewing sal nagevors moet word om te bepaal of die bedreiging van HIV-verspreiding bestaan aldan nie. Leerders sal genader moet word om te bepaal of hul ter eniger tyd gedurende opleidingsoefeninge gevoel het dat die risisko van blootstelling te hoog was. Die opleidings staflede wat die opleidings oefeninge oorsien sal gevra moet word of hul ter enige tyd bedreig of blootgestel gevoel het tot HIV infeksie. Militêre mediese personeel wat daagliks met opleiding of deur middel van hul daaglikse werk met HIV te doen het sal die data hersien. Die sosiale stigma ten opsigte van HIV-toetsing is een van die uitdagings binne hierdie navorsings onderwerp. Die etiek en regsgeldigheid van verpligte HIVtoetsing binne die SANW is ‘n area wat geweldige reakise ontlok het van menseresgte bewegings. Die kompromittering van menseregte ten gunste van nasionale sekuriteit is ‘n area van proportionaliteit wat nuwe debatering openbaar in die koms van HIV. Daar is verskeie alternatiewe vir die bestuur van HIV binne die SANW, wat oorweeg kan word. Die huidige SANW HIV beleid is, ten beste, uiters vaag met die hantering van spesiefieke opleidingsgeleenthede. Die navorsing beoog om beleidsmakers binne die SANW bewus te maak van die behoefte om definitiewe besluite te verseker dat HIV nie die effektiwitet van die SANW beinvloed nie.

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Introduction: An association between maternal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants has been reported. The impact of probiotics in an HIV-exposed very low birth weight (VLBW) infant on the occurrence of NEC is uncertain at present; however it is known that probiotics have protective effects against inflammation and prevent NEC. Postnatal growth restriction is a major issue in preterm, especially extremely-low-birth-weight (ELBW) infants and probiotics have been found to improve feeding tolerance in preterm infants. Human milk oligosaccharides (HMO) also known as the prebiotics of human milk, are known to have bifidogenic and anti-adhesive effects. Infants that receive human milk show a reduced incidence of NEC compared to those who receive infant formula. Very little is known about the composition of breast milk in the HIV-infected mother. Objective: The primary objective of the study was to assess the effect of probiotics on the incidence and severity of NEC in high-risk infants born to HIV-positive and HIV-negative women. The secondary objectives were to assess the effect of probiotic administration on feeding tolerance and growth outcomes of HIV-exposed but uninfected preterm infants, to describe the HMO composition of HIV-infected mothers breast milk and lastly to determine if HMO composition affects the incidence of NEC in HIV-exposed preterm very low birth weight infants. Patients and Methods: A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled trial was conducted for the period July 2011 to August 2012. HIV-exposed and HIV-unexposed premature (<34 weeks gestation) infants with a birth weight of ≥500g and ≤1250g were randomized to receive either a probiotic or a placebo. The probiotic consisted of 1x109 CFU, L. rhamnosus GG and B. infantis per day and was administered for 28 days. NEC was graded according to Bell’s criteria. Anthropometrical parameters and daily intakes were monitored. Breats milk samples were analysed for oligosaccharide content. Results: 74 HIV-exposed and 110 HIV-unexposed infants were enrolled and randomized (mean birth-weight, 987g; mean gestational 28.7 weeks). The incidence of death and NEC did not differ significantly between the HIV-exposed and unexposed groups but a significantly higher NEC incidence was found in the control group. There was no difference in the average daily weight gain for treatment groups or HIV exposure. The HIV-exposed group achieved significantly higher z-scores for length and head circumference at day 28 than the unexposed group (p<0.01 and p=0.03, respectively). There were no differences in the incidence of any signs of feeding intolerance and abdominal distension between the groups. Our results show significantly higher absolute concentrations of 2’-fucosyllactose, laco-N-tetraose and lacto-N-fucopentaose 1 and higher relative abundance of 3’-sialyllactose, difucosyl-lacto-N-tetraose and fucosyl-disialyllacto-N-hexaose in HIV-infected compared to -uninfected Secretor women. DSLNT concentrations were significantly lower in the breast milk of mothers whose infants developed NEC compared to infants without NEC. Conclusion: Probiotic supplementation reduced the incidence of NEC in the premature infants; however results failed to show a lower incidence of NEC in HIV-exposed premature infants. Probiotic supplementation did not affect growth outcomes or the incidence of any signs of feeding intolerance in HIV-exposure. The data confirms previous reports that HIV-infected mothers have higher 3’sialyllactose milk concentrations. Most intriguing though, the data also indicates that low levels of DSLNT in the mother’s milk increase the infant’s risk for NEC, which is in accordance with results from previously published animal studies and warrants further investigation. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Inleiding: ʼn Verwantskap tussen moederlike menslike immuniteitsgebreksvirus (MIV) en nekrotiserende enterokolitis (NEK) in premature babas is aangemeld. Die impak van probiotika in ʼn MIV-blootgestelde baie lae geboortemassa (BLGM) baba op die voorkoms van NEK is tans nog onseker, maar dit is wel bekend dat probiotika ʼn beskermende effek het teen inflammasie en die voorkoms van NEK. Nageboortelike groei beperkings is ʼn groot probleem in premature, veral ekstreme lae geboortemassa (ELGM) babas. Daar is gevind dat probiotika voeding toleransie in premature babas kan verbeter. Menslike melk oligosakkariede (MMO), ook bekend as die prebiotika van menslike melk, is bekend om bifidogeniese en anti-kleef effekte te hê. Babas wat moedersmelk ontvang toon ʼn verlaagde voorkoms van NEK in vergelyking met diegene wat baba formule melk ontvang. Baie min inligting is bekend oor die samestelling van borsmelk in die MIV-positiewe moeder. Doel: Die primêre doel van die studie was om die effek van probiotika op die voorkoms en die graad van NEK in hoë risiko babas van MIV-positiewe en MIV-negatiewe vroue te bepaal. Die sekondêre doelwitte was om die effek van probiotika op voeding verdraagsaamheid en groei uitkomste van MIV-blootgestelde, maar nie- geinfekteerde premature babas te evalueer sowel as die MMO samestelling van MIV-positiewe moeders se borsmelk te beskryf en laastens om die invloed van die MMO samestelling op die voorkoms van NEK in baie lae geboortegewig MIV-blootgestelde premature babas te beskryf. Pasiënte en Metodes: ʼn Gerandomiseerde, dubbelblinde, plasebo-beheerde studie is vir die tydperk Julie 2011 tot Augustus 2012 onderneem. MIV-blootgestelde en nie-blootgestelde premature (<34 weke) babas met 'n geboorte gewig van ≥500g en ≤1250g was ewekansig verdeel om probiotika of plasebo te ontvang. Die probiotika het bestaan uit 1x109 kolonie vormende eenhede, L. rhamnosus GG en B. infantis per dag en is toegedien vir 28 dae. NEK is gegradeer volgens Bell se kriteria. Antropometriese parameters en daaglikse inname is gemonitor. Borsmelk monsters is geanaliseer vir oligosakkaried inhoud. Resultate: 74 MIV-blootgestelde en 110 MIV-nie-blootgestelde babas is ingesluit en ewekansig ingedeel (gemiddelde geboorte gewig, 987g, gemiddelde gestasie 28,7 weke). Die voorkoms van die sterftes en NEK het nie beduidend verskil tussen die MIV-blootgestelde en nie-blootgestelde groepe nie, maar 'n beduidende verskil is gevind vir NEK voorkoms tussen die studie en die kontrole groep. Daar was geen verskil in die gemiddelde daaglikse gewigstoename tussen die behandelings groepe of MIV-blootstelling nie. Die MIV-blootgestelde groep het beduidend hoër z-tellings vir lengte en kopomtrek op dag 28 getoon teenoor die nie-blootgestelde groep (p <0.01 en p = 0,03, onderskeidelik). Daar was geen verskille in die voorkoms van voeding onverdraagsaamheid en abdominale distensie tussen die twee groepe nie. Ons resultate dui op aansienlik hoër absolute konsentrasies van 2'-fucosyllactose, laco-N-tetraose en lakto-N-fucopentaose 1 en hoër relatiewe voorkoms van 3'-sialyllactose, difucosyl-lakto-N-tetraose en fucosyl-disialyllacto-N-hexaose in MIV-positiewe vroue in vergelyking met-negatiewe Sekretor vroue. DSLNT konsentrasies was aansienlik laer in die melk van moeders wie se babas NEK ontwikkel het in vergelyking met babas sonder NEK. Gevolgtrekking: Probiotika aanvullings verminder die voorkoms van NEK in premature babas, maar die resultate kon nie ʼn laer voorkoms van NEK in MIV-blootgestelde premature babas bewys nie. Probiotiese aanvulling het geen invloed op groei uitkomste of die voorkoms van voeding onverdraagsaamheid in MIV-blootstelling getoon nie. Die data bevestig vorige verslae wat aandui dat MIV-besmette moeders hoër 3'sialyllactose borsmelk konsentrasies het. ʼn Interessante aspek is dat lae vlakke van DSLNT in die moeder se melk beduidend is van ʼn verhoogde risiko vir NEK, wat in ooreenstemming is met die resultate uit voorheen gepubliseerde dier studies en regverdig verdere ondersoeke.