Objectives To assess and summarize the published literature on the extent to which bacterial vaginosis (BV) may increase the risk of HIV acquisition. Design Meta-analysis of published studies. Methods MEDLINE and other electronic databases were systematically searched for eligible publications. The association between BV and incident HIV was separately analyzed from that between BV and prevalent HIV. The latter were further analyzed stratified by BV diagnostic method, HIV risk profile of the study population and whether or not adjusted estimates were presented. Results Twenty-three eligible publications were identified, including a total of 30,739 women. BV was associated with an increased risk of HIV acquisition in HIV-incidence studies (relative risk = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.2, 2.1). All but one of 21 HIV-prevalence studies reported estimates above the null. The latter results were heterogeneous and showed some evidence of funnel plot asymmetry, precluding the estimation of a single summary measure. The association between BV and HIV in prevalence studies appeared stronger for women without high-risk sexual behavior. Conclusions BV was consistently associated with an increased risk of HIV infection. High BV prevalence may result in a high number of HIV infections being attributable to BV. More prospective studies are needed to accurately evaluate the role of BV in HIV acquisition in low versus high risk women. Furthermore, randomized clinical trials may be worth considering to determine the effect of BV control measures on HIV acquisition.

The majority of male partners of women with trichomoniasis were infected; however, few factors predicted infection. T. vaginalis causes a highly prevalent STI, necessitating vastly improved partner management, application of sensitive nucleic-acid based testing, and better clinical recognition.

BackgroundAcute respiratory infections (ARI) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in under-five children worldwide. About 6.6 million children less than 5 years of age die every year in the world; 95% of them in low-income countries and one third of the total deaths is due to ARI. This study aimed at determining the proportion of acute respiratory infections and the associated risk factors in children under 5 years visiting the Bamenda Regional Hospital in Cameroon.MethodsA cross-sectional analytic study involving 512 children under 5 years was carried out from December 2014 to February 2015. Participants were enrolled by a consecutive convenient sampling method. A structured questionnaire was used to collect clinical, socio-demographic and environmental data. Diagnosis of ARI was based on the revised WHO guidelines for diagnosing and management of childhood pneumonia. The data was analyzed using the statistical software EpiInfo™ version 7.ResultsThe proportion of ARIs was 54.7% (280/512), while that of pneumonia was 22.3% (112/512). Risk factors associated with ARI were: HIV infection ORadj 2.76[1.05–7.25], poor maternal education (None or primary only) ORadj 2.80 [1.85–4.35], exposure to wood smoke ORadj 1.85 [1.22–2.78], passive smoking ORadj 3.58 [1.45–8.84] and contact with someone who has cough ORadj 3.37 [2.21–5.14].Age, gender, immunization status, breastfeeding, nutritional status, fathers’ education, parents’ age, school attendance and overcrowding were not significantly associated with ARI.ConclusionThe proportion of ARI is high and is associated with HIV infection, poor maternal education, exposure to wood smoke, passive cigarette smoking, and contact with persons having a cough. Control programs should focus on diagnosis, treatment and prevention of ARIs.

BackgroundMalaria is a public health problem especially in vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and children under five years in Cameroon including the Buea Health District (BHD). Misconceptions concerning it exist. This study assessed the level of knowledge and perceptions towards malaria control among pregnant women and mothers/caretakers of under-fives in the BHD.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the BHD in August, 2011 in five health areas. A questionnaire was used to collect data on demographic variables, knowledge and perceptions towards malaria control from 443 respondents aged 15–73 years.ResultsOf the 443 respondents interviewed, 99% had heard about malaria. Awareness of malaria was similar in rural (98.04%) and urban (98.97%) areas. The health facility was the most popular source of information (74%). The radio, television, tracts/posters and the community relay agents (CRAs) all informed significantly higher proportions of respondents in the urban than rural communities (P <0.05). Overall, 92% of respondents had the right perception of malaria and 88% knew at least one correct sign/symptom of malaria. The most recognised sign of malaria was fever. When all aspects of malaria were considered, majority (88%) of respondents had good levels of knowledge on malaria. The level of good knowledge in respondents with ≥ secondary school education (91%) was significantly higher (P = 0.01) than in those with ≤ primary school level (83%). Overall, 99% had heard about insecticide treated nets (ITNs); 99% perceived ITNs as a good means to prevent malaria; most respondents (57%) used ITNs mainly for protection against mosquito bites while 48% used them for protection against malaria.ConclusionRespondents with no formal education had a poor level of knowledge on malaria. Hence, new strategies for sensitization messages involving their active participation need to be developed.

BackgroundHighly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has greatly reduced the morbidity and mortality of HIV/AIDS patients but has also been associated with increased metabolic complications and cardiovascular diseases. Data on the association between HAART and hypertension (HTN) in Africa are scarce.ObjectivesPrimarily to compare the prevalence of HTN in HIV/AIDS patients on HAART and HAART-naïve patients in Limbe, Cameroon; and secondarily to assess other socio-demographic and clinical factors associated with HTN in this population.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted at the Limbe Regional Hospital HIV treatment center between April and June 2013, involving 200 HIV/AIDS patients (100 on first-line HAART regimens for at least 12 months matched by age and sex to 100 HAART-naïve patients). HTN was defined as a systolic blood pressure (BP) ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg.ResultsThe prevalence of HTN in patients on HAART was twice (38%; 95% CI: 28.5–48.3) that of the HAART-naïve patients (19%; 95% CI, 11.8–28.1), p = 0.003. In multivariate analyses adjusted for age, gender, smoking, family history of HTN, and BMI-defined overweight, HAART was associated with HTN, the adjusted odds ratio of the HAART-treated versus HAART-naïve group was 2.20 (95% CI: 1.07–4.52), p = 0.032. HTN was associated with older age and male gender, in the HAART group and with BMI-defined overweight in the HAART-naïve group.ConclusionThe prevalence of hypertension in HIV/AIDS patients in Limbe stands out to be elevated, higher in patients on HAART compared to those not on treatment. Blood pressure and cardiovascular risk factors should be routinely monitored. Other factors such as diet, weight control and physical exercise should also be considered.