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.

Building community partnerships: case studies of Community Advisory Boards at research sites in Peru, Zimbabwe, and Thailand.

Abstract: Background Differences in resources, knowledge, and infrastructure between countries initiating and countries hosting HIV prevention research trials frequently yield ethical dilemmas Community Advisory Boards (CABs) have emerged as one strategy for establishing partnerships between researchers and host communities to promote community consultation in socially sensitive researchPurpose To understand the evolution of CABs and community partnerships at international research sites conducting HIV prevention trialsMethods Three research sites of the HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) were selected to include geographical representation and diverse populations at risk for HIV/AIDS — in Lima, Peru; Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe; and Chiang Mai, Thailand Data collection included review of secondary data, including academic publications and site-specific progress reports; observations at the research sites; face-to-face interviews with CAB members, research staff, and other key informants; and focus groups with stud

Myocardial dysfunction in human immunodeficiency virus infection: an echocardiographic study of 157 patients in hospital in Zimbabwe.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and characteristics of myocardial dysfunction and other cardiac manifestations in acutely ill hospital patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Zimbabwe. DESIGN: A prospective echocardiographic survey of acutely ill HIV seropositive patients. SETTING: General medical ward, Harare Central Hospital, Zimbabwe. PATIENTS: One hundred and fifty seven HIV seropositive patients admitted with various acute medical conditions over a 12 month period, January to December 1994. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Detection of myocardial dysfunction and other cardiac abnormalities by cross sectional echocardiography. RESULTS: Eighty (51%) men and 77 women were studied (mean (SD) age 34.4 (8.5), range 15-60 years for males and 31.6 (9.0), range 16-65 years for females). They were all heterosexual. None was haemophiliac or an intravenous drug user. Echocardiographic abnormalities were found in 79 (50%) patients: 14/151 (9%) had dilated cardiomyopathy, 33/151 (22%) left ventricular dysfunction, 9/151 isolated right ventricular dilatation, and 30/157 (19%) pericardial disease (28 with effusions, three having tamponade). There were two cases of constrictive pericarditis and one of ascending aortic aneurysm. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high prevalence of echocardiographically detected myocardial and pericardial disease in this group of acutely ill HIV infected patients. Left ventricular dysfunction without dilatation was common, but its significance was not ascertained.

Infections with Babesia canis and Ehrlichia canis in dogs in Zimbabwe

Abstract: Of 105 dogs examined at a veterinary hospital in Harare, Zimbabwe, 52 per cent had antibodies reactive with Ehrlichia canis in indirect fluorescent antibody tests, 26 per cent had Babesia canis parasites in peripheral blood smears and 17 per cent had both infections. None of the dogs with serological evidence of ehrlichiosis had typical E canis morulae detectable in blood smears. The infections were regarded as incidental findings not readily related to the reasons for examination in 46 per cent of the dogs with antibodies to E canis and 17 per cent of the dogs with both infections. The most common laboratory abnormalities were anaemia and thrombocytopenia and the prevalence and severity of these in concurrent infections were intermediate to those found in individual infections. There were no pathognomonic clinical signs or laboratory abnormalities which could be used to distinguish between individual and concurrent infections. However, there was a significantly higher prevalence of non-regenerative anaemia in dogs with antibodies to E canis than in dogs with both infections. The prevalence of thrombocytopenia was significantly higher in dogs with babesiosis than in dogs with antibodies to E canis and the prevalence of hyperglobulinaemia was significantly higher in dogs with both infections than in dogs with antibodies to E canis.

Acceptability of early infant male circumcision as an HIV prevention intervention in Zimbabwe: a qualitative perspective.

Abstract: Background Early infant male circumcision (EIMC) is simpler, safer and more cost-effective than adult circumcision. In sub-Saharan Africa, there are concerns about acceptability of EIMC which could affect uptake. In 2009 a quantitative survey of 2,746 rural Zimbabweans (aged 18–44) indicated that 60% of women and 58% of men would be willing to have their newborn son circumcised. Willingness was associated with knowledge of HIV and male circumcision. This qualitative study was conducted to better understand this issue. Methods In 2010, 24 group discussions were held across Zimbabwe with participants from seven ethnic groups. Additionally, key informant interviews were held with private paediatricians who offer EIMC (n = 2) plus one traditional leader. Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed, translated into English (where necessary), coded using NVivo 8 and analysed using grounded theory principles. Results Knowledge of the procedure was poor. Despite this, acceptability of EIMC was high among parents from most ethnic groups. Discussions suggested that fathers would make the ultimate decision regarding EIMC although mothers and extended family can have (often covert) influence. Participants' concerns centred on: safety, motive behind free service provision plus handling and disposal of the discarded foreskin. Older men from the dominant traditionally circumcising population strongly opposed EIMC, arguing that it separates circumcision from adolescent initiation, as well as allowing women (mothers) to nurse the wound, considered taboo. Conclusions EIMC is likely to be an acceptable HIV prevention intervention for most populations in Zimbabwe, if barriers to uptake are appropriately addressed and fathers are specifically targeted by the programme.