The Enterics for Global Health (EFGH) Shigella Surveillance Study in Kenya

Background: Although Shigella is an important cause of diarrhea in Kenyan children, robust research platforms capable of conducting incidence-based Shigella estimates and eventual Shigella-targeted clinical trials are needed to improve Shigella-related outcomes in children. Here, we describe characteristics of a disease surveillance platform whose goal is to support incidence and consequences of Shigella diarrhea as part of multicounty surveillance aimed at preparing sites and assembling expertise for future Shigella vaccine trials. Methods: We mobilized our preexisting expertise in shigellosis, vaccinology, and diarrheal disease epidemiology, which we combined with our experience conducting population-based sampling, clinical trials with high (97%–98%) retention rates, and healthcare utilization surveys. We leveraged our established demographic surveillance system (DSS), our network of healthcare centers serving the DSS, and our laboratory facilities with staff experienced in performing microbiologic and molecular diagnostics to identify enteric infections. We joined these resources with an international network of sites with similar capabilities and infrastructure to form a cohesive scientific network, designated Enterics for Global Health (EFGH), with the aim of expanding and updating our knowledge of the epidemiology and adverse consequences of shigellosis and enriching local research and career development priorities. Conclusions: Shigella surveillance data from this platform could help inform Shigella vaccine trials

Age schedules of intra-provincial migration in Kenya

Background: Migration today is a complex process determined by inter-related historical, geographical, economic, sociological and political factors. There are linkages between life-course transitions and patterns of movement necessitating estimation of migration propensities by age, sex and other characteristics. However, analysis of age specific migration propensities has been limited in developing countries.Data source and methods: Data was derived from the 2009 Kenya population and housing Census via the IPUMS data Series. The standard 7-parameter age migration schedule due to Rogers and Castro (1981) was fitted using Microsoft excel workbook using solver.Results: Large volumes of movements occur between ages 17 and 24.The peak ages at migration are similar to those observed in Asian migration patterns. The age pattern for all the regions had two peaks contrary to the standard with four.Conclusion: The results suggest that the main contributory factors behind migration schedules are schooling, labour force and associational moves.

Climate change and coastal cities : the case of Mombasa, Kenya

This paper discusses the risks that the city of Mombasa faces from the direct and indirect impacts of climate change. Mombasa is Kenya’s second largest city and has more than 700,000 inhabitants. It is the largest seaport in East Africa, serving not only Kenya but also many landlocked countries and the north of Tanzania. The city has a history of disasters related to climate extremes including fl oods, which cause serious damage nearly every year and, often, loss of life. The fl oods in October 2006 were particularly serious, affecting some 60,000 people in the city and the wider province. In addition, around 17 per cent of Mombasa’s area could be submerged by a sea-level rise of 0.3 metres, with a larger area rendered uninhabitable or unusable for agriculture because of water logging and salt stress. Tourism is an important part of the city’s economy. Thus, sandy beaches, historic and cultural monuments and several hotels, industries and port facilities would be negatively affected. This paper also discusses the measures needed to reduce the vulnerability of Mombasa’s population and economic base to climate change

Microbiological Methods Used in the Enterics for Global Health <i>Shigella</i> Surveillance Study

Funder: UKRI; DOI: https://doi.org/10.13039/100014013Abstract Background Shigella is a major cause of diarrhea in young children worldwide. Multiple vaccines targeting Shigella are in development, and phase 3 clinical trials are imminent to determine efficacy against shigellosis. Methods The Enterics for Global Health (EFGH) Shigella surveillance study is designed to determine the incidence of medically attended shigellosis in 6- to 35-month-old children in 7 resource-limited settings. Here, we describe the microbiological methods used to isolate and identify Shigella. We developed a standardized laboratory protocol for isolation and identification of Shigella by culture. This protocol was implemented across all 7 sites, ensuring consistency and comparability of results. Secondary objectives of the study are to determine the antibiotic resistance profiles of Shigella, compare isolation of Shigella from rectal swabs versus whole stool, and compare isolation of Shigella following transport of rectal swabs in Cary-Blair versus a modified buffered glycerol saline transport medium. Conclusions Data generated from EFGH using culture methods described herein can potentially be used for microbiological endpoints in future phase 3 clinical trials to evaluate vaccines against shigellosis and for other clinical and public health studies focused on these organisms. </jats:sec

Microbiological Methods Used in the Enterics for Global Health Shigella Surveillance Study.

Funder: UKRI; DOI: https://doi.org/10.13039/100014013BACKGROUND: Shigella is a major cause of diarrhea in young children worldwide. Multiple vaccines targeting Shigella are in development, and phase 3 clinical trials are imminent to determine efficacy against shigellosis. METHODS: The Enterics for Global Health (EFGH) Shigella surveillance study is designed to determine the incidence of medically attended shigellosis in 6- to 35-month-old children in 7 resource-limited settings. Here, we describe the microbiological methods used to isolate and identify Shigella. We developed a standardized laboratory protocol for isolation and identification of Shigella by culture. This protocol was implemented across all 7 sites, ensuring consistency and comparability of results. Secondary objectives of the study are to determine the antibiotic resistance profiles of Shigella, compare isolation of Shigella from rectal swabs versus whole stool, and compare isolation of Shigella following transport of rectal swabs in Cary-Blair versus a modified buffered glycerol saline transport medium. CONCLUSIONS: Data generated from EFGH using culture methods described herein can potentially be used for microbiological endpoints in future phase 3 clinical trials to evaluate vaccines against shigellosis and for other clinical and public health studies focused on these organisms