Browsing by Author "Najjingo, Irene"

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    Accuracy and Incremental Yield of the Chest X-Ray in Screening for Tuberculosis in Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study
    (Tuberculosis research and treatment, 2021) Nalunjogi, Joanitah; Mugabe, Frank; Najjingo, Irene; Lusiba, Pastan; Olweny, Francis; Mubiru, Joseph; Kayongo, Edward; Sekibira, Rogers; Katamba, Achilles; Kirenga, Bruce
    TheWHOEND TB strategy requires ≥90% case detection to combat tuberculosis (TB). Increased TB case detection requires a more sensitive and specific screening tool. Currently, the symptoms recommended for screening TB have been found to be suboptimal since up to 44% of individuals with TB are asymptomatic. The chest X-ray (CXR) as a screening tool for pulmonary TB was evaluated in this study, as well as its incremental yield in TB diagnosis using a cross-sectional study involving secondary analysis of data of 4512 consented/assented participants ≥15 years who participated in the Uganda National TB prevalence survey between 2014 and 2015. Participants with a cough ≥2 weeks, fever, weight loss, and night sweats screened positive for TB using the symptoms screening method, while participants with a TB defining abnormality on CXR screened positive for TB by the CXR screening method. The Löwenstein-Jensen (LJ) culture was used as a gold standard for TB diagnosis. The CXR had 93% sensitivity and 65% specificity compared to LJ culture results, while symptoms had 76% sensitivity and 31% specificity. The screening algorithm involving the CXR in addition to symptoms led to a 38% increment in the yield of diagnosed tuberculosis. The number needed to screen using the CXR and symptoms screening algorithm was 32 compared to 45 when the symptoms are used alone. Therefore, the CXR in combination with symptoms is a good TB screening tool and increases the yield of diagnosed TB.
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    Accuracy of the chest x-ray in screening for tuberculosis in Uganda: A cross-sectional study.
    (Research Square, 2020) Nalunjogi, Joanitah; Mugabe, Frank; Najjingo, Irene; Lusiba, Pastan; Olweny, Francis; Mubiru, Joseph; Kayongo, Edward; Sekibira, Rogers; Katamba, Achilles; Kirenga, Bruce
    The WHO END TB strategy requires ≥90% case detection to combat tuberculosis (TB). Increased TB case detection requires a more sensitive and specific screening tool. Currently, the symptoms recommended for screening TB have been found to be sub-optimal. CXR as a screening tool for pulmonary TB was evaluated in this study, as well as factors related to its false positive results. METHODS: A cross sectional study of 4441 records of consented/assented participants ≥15 years. Participants with a cough ≥2 weeks and/or any abnormality in the lung on CXR were included in the study. Löwenstein-Jensen (LJ) culture was used as the gold standard. The CXR were categorised as Abnormal meaning presence of any CXR abnormality suggestive of active tuberculosis. Symptoms were categorised as abnormal meaning presence of any of cough ≥ 2 weeks, fever, weightloss or night sweats. RESULTS: The CXR had sensitivity 93%, specificity 65% compared to culture results while symptoms had sensitivity 76% and specificity 31%. The adjusted prevalence ratio (APR) of a false positive CXR result increased with age categories (years); 45 - 54, APR 1.18 (1.08, 1.29), 55 – 64 APR 1.18 (1.09, 1.29), 65+years APR 1.2 (1.10, 1.30).The APR was 0.93 (0.90, 0.96) among males and 0.86 (0.79, 0.93) among HIV positive individuals. CONCLUSIONS: The CXR is a fair tuberculosis screening tool and performed better than symptoms in Uganda.
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    Comparison of GeneXpert cycle threshold values with smear microscopy and culture as a measure of mycobacterial burden in five regional referral hospitals of Uganda- A cross-sectional study
    (PLoS ONE, 2019) Najjingo, Irene; Muttamba, Winters; Kirenga, Bruce J.; Nalunjogi, Joanitah; Bakesiima, Ritah; Olweny, Francis; Lusiba, Pastan; Katamba, Achilles; Joloba, Moses; Ssengooba, Willy
    Determining mycobacterial burden is important in assessing severity of disease, evaluating infectiousness and predicting patient treatment outcomes. Mycobacterial burden assessed by smear microscopy grade and time to culture positivity is clearly interpretable by most physicians. GeneXpert (Xpert) has been recommended by WHO as a first line tuberculosis (TB) diagnostic test as an alternative to smear microscopy. Xpert gives cycle threshold (Ct) values as a potential measure for mycobacterial burden. For physicians to clearly interpret Ct values as measures of mycobacterial burden, this study compared the Xpert quantification capabilities with those of smear microscopy and culture. The study also determined a linear relationship between Xpert Ct values and MGIT culture time to positivity (MGIT-TTP) and associated factors. A cut off Ct value which best predicts smear positivity was also determined using the Receiver Operator Curve analysis method. Results Excluding missing results and rifampicin resistant TB cases, a moderately strong correlation of 0.55 between Xpert Ct value and smear grade was obtained. A weak correlation of 0.37 was obtained between Xpert Ct values and MGIT time to positivity while that between Xpert Ct values and LJ culture was 0.34. The Xpert Ct values were found to increase by 2.57 for every unit increase in days to positive and HIV status was significantly associated with this relationship. A cut off Ct value of 23.62 was found to best predict smear positivity regardless of HIV status. Conclusion Our study findings show that GeneXpert Ct values are comparable to smear microscopy as a measure of M. tuberculosis burden and can be used to replace smear microscopy. However, given the low correlation between Xpert Ct value and culture positivity, Xpert Ct values cannot replace culture as a measure of M. tuberculosis burden among TB patients.
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    Dyslipidaemias in women using hormonal contraceptives: a cross sectional study in Mulago Hospital Family Planning Clinic, Kampala, Uganda
    (BMJ Open, 2018) Bakesiima, Ritah; Byakika-Kibwika, Pauline; Tumwine, James K.; Kalyango, Joan N.; Nabaasa, Gloria; Najjingo, Irene; Nabaggala, Grace S.; Olweny, Francis; Karamagi, Charles
    To determine the prevalence and factors associated with dyslipidaemias in women using hormonal contraceptives. Design Cross-sectional study Setting Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda Participants Three hundred and eighty-four consenting women, aged 18–49 years, who had used hormonal contraceptives for at least 3 months prior to the study. Study outcome Dyslipidaemias (defined as derangements in lipid profile levels which included total cholesterol ≥200 mg/dL, high density lipoprotein <40 mg/ dL, triglyceride >150 mg/dL or low-density lipoprotein ≥160 mg/dL) for which the prevalence and associated factors were obtained.
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    Helicobacter pylori from Peptic Ulcer Patients in Uganda Is Highly Resistant to Clarithromycin and Fluoroquinolones: Results of the GenoType HelicoDR Test Directly Applied on Stool
    (BioMed research international, 2017) Calmax Angol, Denish; Ocama, Ponsiano; Ayazika Kirabo, Tess; Okeng, Alfred; Najjingo, Irene; Bwanga, Freddie
    Around 70–90% of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is due to Helicobacter pylori and requires treatment with antimicrobials to which these bacteria are susceptible. Common H. pylori diagnostic tests do not provide drug susceptibility data. Using the GenoType HelicoDR PCR test designed for gastric biopsies for simultaneous detection of H. pylori and its resistance to clarithromycin (CLA)/fluoroquinolones (FLQ), we present evidence for stool as an optional test specimen and also provide data on prevalence of H. pylori resistance to CLA and FLQ in Uganda. Methods. Stool from 142 symptomatic PUD patients at three hospitals in Kampala was screened for H. pylori using a rapid antigen test.The GenoType HelicoDR test was run on all H. pylori antigen positives to determine PCR positivity and resistance to CLA/FLQ. Results. Thirty-one samples (22%) were H. pylori antigen positive, and 21 (68%) of these were H. pylori PCR positive. Six of the 21 (29%) were resistant to CLA and eight to FLQ (42%), while two gave invalid FLQ resistance results. Conclusion. Stool is a possible specimen for the GenoType HelicoDR test for rapid detection of H. pylori and drug resistance. In Uganda, Helicobacter pylori is highly resistant to CLA and FLQ.
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    Incidence and risk factors of acute kidney injury in severely burned patients in Mulago Hospital, Uganda - a prospective cohort
    (International Journal of Burns and Trauma, 2022) Wandabwa, Joel; Kalyesubula, Robert; Najjingo, Irene; Nalunjogi, Joanitah; Ssekitooleko, Badru; Mbiine, Ronald; Alenyo, Rose
    Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is associated with increased mortality among severely burned patients. According to World Health Organization (WHO) 11 million people suffer from burns worldwide and burns contribute to 180,000 deaths yearly. Majority of these burns occur in the Low and Middle-Income Countries. Currently there is no published data on the incidence, risk factors and outcomes of AKI among patients with severe burns in Uganda. Early screening and treatment of patients at risk of developing AKI has been shown to improve survival. We therefore carried out a study to determine the incidence and risk factors of AKI in Uganda. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study that consecutively included patients with severe burns admitted in Mulago National Referral Hospital burns unit between February and May 2018. Patients were followed up for 14 days and AKI was assessed according to the KIDGO criteria. The incidence of AKI was expressed as a proportion. Kaplan Meier graph was used to estimate the median survival of patients with or without AKI. The risk factors for AKI were assessed using cox proportion hazard regression analysis. Results: Of the 147 patients screened, 92 met the inclusion criteria but 2 declined to participate in the study. Of the study participants, 48 (53.3%) were male, 47 (52.2%) were aged 3 years and below, the median TBSA was 17 (IQR; 13-23), 58 (69.9%) had low albumin levels and 16 (18.6%) had inhalation burns. The incidence of AKI was found to be 34.4% (95% CI; 25.9-45.9) with a mortality of 11.76% (95% CI; 6.37-20.73). Total burn surface area HR=3.10 (95% CI; 1.39 to 6.94 P=0.003) was the only independent risk factor for AKI. Conclusion: The incidence and mortality rate of AKI in patients with severe burns was found to be high. Having burns greater than 18% TBSA was an independent risk factor for AKI. Therefore, patients with burns greater than 18% should be assessed regularly for AKI so that treatment is instituted early should it occur.
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    Prevalence, risk factors and outcome in Ugandan children infected with Mycoplasma pneumoniae: a prospective study
    (Paediatrics and international child health, 2021) Nantanda, Rebecca; Bwanga, Freddie; Najjingo, Irene; Ndeezi, Grace; Tumwine, James K.
    Background: A typical bacteria cause 10–40% of all childhood community-acquired pneumonia and severe disease in children under 5 years of age. Data on the burden of atypical pneumonia in sub-Saharan Africa are limited. Aim: To determine the prevalence, associated factors, and outcome of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in children presenting with respiratory symptoms at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala. Methods: Children aged 2 months to 12 years who presented with cough and/or difficult breathing and fast breathing were recruited. A clinical history and physical examination were undertaken. Blood samples were taken at enrolment (Day 0) and on Day 21 to determine the presence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgM antibodies, and induced sputum for DNA-PCR. Admitted participants were followed for a maximum of 7 days or until discharge or death, whichever came first. Results: A total of 385 children were enrolled, and, of these, 368 (95.6%) were <5 years of age and the other 17 (4.4%) 5–12 years. Overall, 60/385 (15.6%) participants tested positive for M. pneumoniae IgM and/or DNA-PCR. Of these, 56/60 (93.3%) were <5 years of age. Wheezing was present in 21/60 (35.0%) of the children with atypical pneumonia (Mycoplasma pneumonia) and in 128/325 (39.4%) of those with typical pneumonia. The factors associated with M. pneumonia were female sex (AOR 1.94, 95% CI 1.22–3.08, p<0.001), age ≥12 months (AOR 2.73, 95% CI 1.53–4.87, p=0.01) and a history of prematurity (AOR 2.07, 95% CI 1.23–3.49, p=0.01). The overall mortality was 17/352 (4.8%) and, of these, 4/17 (23.5%) had M. pneumonia Conclusion: In Uganda, M. pneumonia is common in children <5 years of age, especially females above 2 years, and in those with a history of prematurity. It presents with severe symptoms requiring hospitalisation. The results highlight the importance of considering atypical bacteria in under-5s who present with symptoms of pneumonia.