University of Zimbabwe

About: University of Zimbabwe is a education organization based out in Harare, Harare, Zimbabwe. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The organization has 4378 authors who have published 6800 publications receiving 160720 citations. The organization is also known as: UZ & University College of Rhodesia and Nyasaland.

The relationship between HIV and prevalence of disabilities in sub-Saharan Africa: systematic review (FA).

Abstract: Objective To systematically review evidence on the prevalence and risk of disabilities among children and adults living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa Methods Articles were identified from 1980 to June 2013 through searching seven electronic databases Epidemiological studies conducted in sub-Saharan Africa that explored the association between HIV status and general disability or specific impairments with or without an HIV-uninfected comparison group were eligible for inclusion Results Of 12 867 records initially identified 61 papers were deemed eligible for inclusion The prevalence of disability was high across age groups impairment types and study locations Furthermore 73% of studies using an HIV- comparator found significantly lower levels of functioning in people living with HIV (PLHIV) By disability type the results were as follows: (i) for studies measuring physical impairments (n = 14) median prevalence of limitations in mobility and motor function among PLHIV was 250% (95% CI: 218-282%) Five of eight comparator studies found significantly reduced functioning among PLHIV; for arthritis two of three studies which used an HIV- comparison group found significantly increased prevalence among PLHIV; (ii) for sensory impairment studies (n = 17) median prevalence of visual impairment was 112% (95%CI: 95-131%) and hearing impairment was 241% (95%CI: 192-290%) in PLHIV Significantly increased prevalence among PLHIV was found in one of four (vision) and three of three studies (hearing) with comparators; (iii) for cognitive impairment in adults (n = 30) median prevalence for dementia was 253% (95% CI: 220-286%) and 409% (95% CI: 377-441%) for general cognitive impairment Across all types of cognitive impairment twelve of fourteen studies found a significant detrimental effect of HIV infection; (iv) for developmental delay in children with HIV (n = 20) median prevalence of motor delay was 677% (95% CI: 622-732%) All nine studies that included a comparator found a significant difference between PLHIV and controls; for cognitive development and global delay a significant detrimental effect of HIV was found in five of six and one of two studies respectively In the nine cohort studies comparing vertically infected and uninfected children eight showed a significant gap in development over time in children with HIV Finally fifteen of thirty-one (48%) studies found a statistically significant dose-response relationship between indicators of disease progression (CD4 or WHO stage) and disability Conclusions HIV is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa and the evidence suggests that it is linked to disabilities affecting a range of body structures and functions More research is needed to better understand the implications of HIV-related disability for individuals their families as well as those working in the fields of disability and HIV so that appropriate interventions can be developed

Problems, struggles and some success with spinal cord injury in Zimbabwe

Abstract: Spinal cord injury is a common occurrence in Zimbabwe and carries with it a high morbidity and mortality. In the past almost all patients discharged from hospital were dead within a year. Reasons for this high mortality are presented. The establishment of the National Rehabilitation Centre has had a profound impact on the survival of these individuals as well as on improving their quality of life. The results of a retrospective survey on the mortality and life situation of individuals with spinal cord injuries sustained through trauma are presented. However major unresolved problems are inadequate housing, lack of financial support, practically no prospect of employment and depression compounded by boredom.

Acceptability of adult male circumcision for sexually transmitted disease and HIV prevention in Zimbabwe.

Abstract: Worldwide over 35 cross-sectional and prospective studies1–6 various ecologic analyses and investigations of biologic plausibility sexually transmitted infection (STI) epidemiology and a longitudinal study of HIV-discordant heterosexual couples have identified lack of male circumcision as a significant risk factor for HIV acquisition. (However some crosssectional studies have found no correlation and in a Rwandan study women who reported that their current partners were circumcised had an increased risk of HIV.) In the regions of east and southern Africa where heterosexually spread HIV epidemics are especially severe large populations of men are uncircumcised pointing to a possible prevention intervention. Previous studies in 6 sub-Saharan African countries have explored men’s and women’s awareness of the potential health benefits of male circumcision and men’s willingness to undergo adult circumcision. Currently pilot programs to introduce safe affordable circumcision as part of male reproductive health services are being implemented or are planned in Botswana Haiti Kenya South Africa and Zambia. (excerpt)

Isolation of spotted fever group rickettsias from triturated ticks using a modification of the centrifugation-shell vial technique.

Abstract: A modification of the centrifugation-shell vial technique was used to isolate spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsias from triturated ticks which had previously been stored at -80 degrees C for up to 7 months. SFG rickettsias were successfully isolated in Vero cells from all 7 haemolymph positive ticks (Amblyomma hebraeum) used in the experiment. Attempts were also made to use these tick triturates to establish SFG rickettsial infections in tissue culture. Vero cells were used for 5 of the tick triturates and human embryonic lung cells (HEL) for the remaining 2. Infections were successfully established in 4 of the 5 Vero cell cultures, but in none of the HEL fibroblast cultures.