BACKGROUNDCoronavirus disease 2019 occurs after exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). For persons who are exposed, the standard of care is observation and quarantine. Whether hydroxychloroquine can prevent symptomatic infection after SARS-CoV-2 exposure is unknown. METHODSWe conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial across the United States and parts of Canada testing hydroxychloroquine as postexposure prophylaxis. We enrolled adults who had household or occupational exposure to someone with confirmed Covid-19 at a distance of less than 6 ft for more than 10 minutes while wearing neither a face mask nor an eye shield (high-risk exposure) or while wearing a face mask but no eye shield (moderate-risk exposure). Within 4 days after exposure, we randomly assigned participants to receive either placebo or hydroxychloroquine (800 mg once, followed by 600 mg in 6 to 8 hours, then 600 mg daily for 4 additional days). The primary outcome was the incidence of either laboratory-confirmed Covid-19 or illness compatible with Covid-19 within 14 days. RESULTSWe enrolled 821 asymptomatic participants. Overall, 87.6% of the participants (719 of 821) reported a high-risk exposure to a confirmed Covid-19 contact. The incidence of new illness compatible with Covid-19 did not differ significantly between participants receiving hydroxychloroquine (49 of 414 [11.8%]) and those receiving placebo (58 of 407 [14.3%]); the absolute difference was −2.4 percentage points (95% confidence interval, −7.0 to 2.2; P = 0.35). Side effects were more common with hydroxychloroquine than with placebo (40.1% vs. 16.8%), but no serious adverse reactions were reported. CONCLUSIONSAfter high-risk or moderate-risk exposure to Covid-19, hydroxychloroquine did not prevent illness compatible with Covid-19 or confirmed infection when used as postexposure prophylaxis within 4 days after exposure. (Funded by David Baszucki and Jan Ellison Baszucki and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04308668.

SummaryBackgroundWHO recommends Xpert MTB/RIF as initial diagnostic testing for tuberculous meningitis. However, diagnosis remains difficult, with Xpert sensitivity of about 50–70% and culture sensitivity of about 60%. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of the new Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra (Xpert Ultra) for tuberculous meningitis.MethodsWe prospectively obtained diagnostic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens during screening for a trial on the treatment of HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis in Mbarara, Uganda. HIV-infected adults with suspected meningitis (eg, headache, nuchal rigidity, altered mental status) were screened consecutively at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital. We centrifuged CSF, resuspended the pellet in 2 mL of CSF, and tested 0·5 mL with mycobacteria growth indicator tube culture, 1 mL with Xpert, and cryopreserved 0·5 mL, later tested with Xpert Ultra. We assessed diagnostic performance against uniform clinical case definition or a composite reference standard of any positive CSF tuberculous test.FindingsFrom Feb 27, 2015, to Nov 7, 2016, we prospectively evaluated 129 HIV-infected adults with suspected meningitis for tuberculosis. 23 participants were classified as probable or definite tuberculous meningitis by uniform case definition, excluding Xpert Ultra results. Xpert Ultra sensitivity was 70% (95% CI 47–87; 16 of 23 cases) for probable or definite tuberculous meningitis compared with 43% (23–66; 10/23) for Xpert and 43% (23–66; 10/23) for culture. With composite standard, we detected tuberculous meningitis in 22 (17%) of 129 participants. Xpert Ultra had 95% sensitivity (95% CI 77–99; 21 of 22 cases) for tuberculous meningitis, which was higher than either Xpert (45% [24–68]; 10/22; p=0·0010) or culture (45% [24–68]; 10/22; p=0·0034). Of 21 participants positive by Xpert Ultra, 13 were positive by culture, Xpert, or both, and eight were only positive by Xpert Ultra. Of those eight, three were categorised as probable tuberculous meningitis, three as possible tuberculous meningitis, and two as not tuberculous meningitis. Testing 6 mL or more of CSF was associated with more frequent detection of tuberculosis than with less than 6 mL (26% vs 7%; p=0·014).InterpretationXpert Ultra detected significantly more tuberculous meningitis than did either Xpert or culture. WHO now recommends the use of Xpert Ultra as the initial diagnostic test for suspected tuberculous meningitis.FundingNational Institute of Neurologic Diseases and Stroke, Fogarty International Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, UK Medical Research Council/DfID/Wellcome Trust Global Health Trials, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.

iCryptococcal antigen screening is recommended among people living with AIDS when entering HIV care with a CD4 count of <100 cells/l, and preemptive fluconazole monotherapy treatment is recommended for those with subclinical cryptococcal antigenemia. Yet, knowledge is limited of current antimicrobial resistance in Africa. We examined antifungal drug susceptibility in 198 clinical isolates collected from Kampala, Uganda, between 2010 and 2014 using the CLSI broth microdilution assay. In comparison with two previous studies from 1998 to 1999 that reported an MIC 50 of 4 g/ml and an MIC 90 of 8 g/ml prior to widespread human fluconazole and agricultural azole fungicide usage, we report an upward shift in the fluconazole MIC 50 to 8 g/ml and an MIC 90 value of 32 g/ml, with 31% of isolates with a fluconazole MIC of >16 g/ml. We observed an amphotericin B MIC 50 of 0.5 g/ml and an MIC 90 of 1 g/ml, of which 99.5% of isolates (197 of 198 isolates) were still susceptible. No correlation between MIC and clinical outcome was observed in the context of amphotericin B and fluconazole combination induction therapy. We also analyzed Cryptococcus susceptibility to sertraline, with an MIC 50 of 4 g/ml, suggesting that sertraline is a promising oral, low-cost, available, novel medication and a possible alternative to fluconazole. Although the CLSI broth microdilution assay is ideal to standardize results, limit human bias, and increase assay capacity, such assays are often inaccessible in low-income countries. Thus, we also developed and validated an assay that could easily be implemented in a resource-limited setting, with similar susceptibility results (P ‫؍‬ 0.52).

Background Cryptococcus is the most common cause of adult meningitis in Africa. We evaluated the activity of adjunctive sertraline, previously demonstrated to have in vitro and in vivo activity against Cryptococcus. Methods We enrolled 172 HIV-infected Ugandans with cryptococcal meningitis from August 2013 through August 2014 into an open-label dose-finding study to assess safety and microbiologic efficacy. Sertraline 100–400mg/day was added to standard therapy of amphotericin + fluconazole 800mg/day. We evaluated early fungicidal activity via Cryptococcus cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) clearance rate, sertraline pharmacokinetics, and in vitro susceptibility. Findings Participants receiving any sertraline dose averaged a CSF clearance rate of −0·37 (95%CI: −0·41, −0·33) colony forming units (CFU)/mL/day. Incidence of paradoxical immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) was 5% (2/43) and relapse was 0% through 12-weeks. Sertraline reached steady state concentrations in plasma by day 7, with median steady-state concentrations of 201 ng/mL (IQR, 90–300; n=49) with 200mg/day and 399 ng/mL (IQR, 279–560; n=30) with 400mg/day. Plasma concentrations reached 83% of steady state levels by day 3. The median projected steady state brain tissue concentration at 200mg/day was 3·7 (IQR, 2·0–5·7) mcg/mL and 6·8 (IQR, 4·6–9·7) mcg/mL at 400mg/day. Minimum inhibitory concentrations were ≤2 mcg/mL for 27% (35/128), ≤4 mcg/mL for 84% (108/128), ≤6 mcg/mL for 91% (117/128), and ≤8 mcg/mL for 100% of 128 Cryptococcus isolates. Interpretation Sertraline had faster cryptococcal CSF clearance, decreased IRIS, and decreased relapse compared with historical experiences. Sertraline reaches therapeutic levels in a clinical setting. This inexpensive and off-patent oral medication is a promising adjunctive antifungal therapy. Funding National Institutes of Health, Grand Challenges Canada.

Background: Identifying new antifungals for cryptococcal meningitis remains a priority given the inadequacy of current therapy. Sertraline has previously demonstrated in vitro and in vivo activity against Cryptococcus. We evaluated the efficacy of adjunctive sertraline for cryptococcal meningitis in a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Methods: We assessed 18-week survival among HIV-infected Ugandan adults with cryptococcal meningitis enrolled from 09 March 2015 to 29 May 2017. Participants were randomly assigned to receive standard therapy with 7-14 days of amphotericin (0•7-1•0 mg/kg/day) + fluconazole (starting at 800 mg/day) with either adjunctive sertraline or placebo. Sertraline was administered at a dose of 400 mg/day for 2 weeks, followed by 200 mg/day for 12 weeks, then tapered off over 3 weeks. Randomisation in a 1:1 ratio was performed with variable block sizes of 2 and 4, with stratification by site (Kampala or Mbarara) and antiretroviral status (experienced or naïve). Analysis was by intention-to-treat. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number .

Background Interruption of an NNRTI-regimen is often necessary, but must be performed with caution because NNRTIs have a low genetic barrier to resistance. Limited data exist to guide clinical practice on the best interruption strategy to use. Methods Patients in the drug-conservation arm of SMART who interrupted a fully suppressive NNRTI-regimen were evaluated. From 2003, SMART recommended interruption of an NNRTI by: a staggered-interruption, where the NNRTI was stopped before the NRTIs; or by replacing the NNRTI with another drug before interruption. Simultaneous-interruption of all ARVs was discouraged. Re-suppression rates four-to-eight months after re-initiating NNRTI-therapy were assessed, as was the detection of drug-resistance mutations within two months of the treatment interruption in a subset (N=141). Results Overall, 601/688 (87.4%) patients who re-started an NNRTI achieved viral re-suppression. The adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) for achieving re-suppression was 1.94 (1.02-3.69) for patients with a staggered-interruption and 3.64 (1.37-9.64) for those with a switched-interruption compared to patients with a simultaneous-interruption. At least one NNRTI-mutation was detected in the virus of 16.4% patients with simultaneous-interruption, 12.5% patients with staggered-interruption and 4.2% patients with switched-interruption. Fewer patients with detectable mutations (i.e. 69.2%) achieved HIV-RNA≤400 copies/mL compared to those in whom no mutations were detected (i.e. 86.7%), p=0.05. Conclusions In patients who interrupt a suppressive NNRTI-regimen, the choice of interruption-strategy may influence re-suppression rates when re-starting a similar regimen. NNRTI drug-resistance mutations were observed in a relatively high proportion of patients. These data provide additional support for a staggered- or switched-interruption strategy for NNRTI drugs.

Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel pathogen causing the current worldwide coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Due to insufficient diagnostic testing in the United States, there is a need for clinical decision-making algorithms to guide testing prioritization. Methods We recruited participants nationwide for a randomized clinical trial. We categorized participants into three groups: 1) those with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, 2) those with probable SARS-CoV-2 infection (pending test or not tested but with a confirmed COVID-19 contact), and 3) those with possible SARS-CoV-2 infection (pending test or not tested and with a contact for whom testing was pending or not performed). We compared the frequency of self-reported symptoms in each group and categorized those reporting symptoms in early infection (0 – 2 days), mid-infection (3 – 5 days), and late infection (&gt;5 days). Results Among 1,252 symptomatic persons screened, 316 had confirmed, 393 had probable, and 543 had possible SARS-CoV-2 infection. In early infection, those with confirmed and probable SARS-CoV-2 infection shared similar symptom profiles, with fever most likely in confirmed cases (p = 0.002). Confirmed cases did not show any statistically significant differences compared to unconfirmed cases in symptom frequency at any time points. The most commonly reported symptoms in those with confirmed infection were cough (82%), fever (67%), fatigue (62%), and headache (60%), with only 52% reporting both fever and cough. Conclusion Symptomatic persons with probable SARS-CoV-2 infection present similarly to those with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. There was no pattern of symptom frequency over time.

BackgroundIncreased antiretroviral therapy (ART) availability has been associated with more patients developing cryptococcosis after ART initiation. Despite this changing epidemiology, data regarding cryptococcal meningitis in those already receiving ART are limited. We compared clinical presentations and outcomes among ART-naïve and ART-experienced Ugandans.MethodsWe prospectively enrolled 605 HIV-infected persons with first-episode cryptococcal meningitis from August 2013 to May 2017 who received amphotericin-based combination therapy. We classified participants by ART status and ART duration and compared groups for 2-week survival.ResultsOverall, 46% (281/605) of participants were receiving ART at presentation. Compared with those not receiving ART, those receiving ART had higher CD4 counts (P < .001) and lower cerebrospinal fluid fungal burdens (P < .001). Of those receiving ART, 56% (156/281) initiated ART within 6 months, and 18% (51/281) initiated ART within 14 days. Two-week mortality did not differ by ART status (27% in both ART-naïve and ART-experienced%; P > .99). However, 47% (24/51) of those receiving ART for ≤14 days died within 2 weeks, compared with 19% (20/105) of those receiving ART for 15–182 days and 26% (32/125) of those receiving ART for >6 months (P < .001). Among persons receiving ART for >6 months, 87% had HIV viral loads >1000 copies/mL.ConclusionsCryptococcosis after ART initiation is common in Africa. Patients initiating ART who unmask cryptococcal meningitis are at a high risk of death. Immune recovery in the setting of central nervous system infection is detrimental, and management of this population requires further study. Implementing pre-ART cryptococcal antigen screening is urgently needed to prevent cryptococcal meningitis after ART initiation.