Browsing by Author "Samsunder, Natasha."

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Assessing the implementation effectiveness and safety of 1% tenofovir gel provision through family planning services in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: study protocol for an open-label randomized controlled trial.
(BioMed Central., 2014) Mansoor, Leila Essop.; Abdool Karim, Quarraisha.; Mngadi, Kathryn Therese.; Dlamini, Sarah Alexandra.; Montague, Carl.; Nkomonde, Nelisiwe.; Mvandaba, Nomzamo.; Baxter, Cheryl.; Gengiah, Tanuja Narayansamy.; Samsunder, Natasha.; Dawood, Halima.; Grobler, Anna Christina.; Fröhlich, Janet Ann.; Abdool Karim, Salim Safurdeen.
Background: The Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) 004 trial demonstrated a 39% reduction in HIV infection, with a 54% HIV reduction in women who used tenofovir gel consistently. A confirmatory trial is expected to report results in early 2015. In the interim, we have a unique window of opportunity to prepare for and devise effective strategies for the future policy and programmatic scale-up of tenofovir gel provision. One approach is to integrate tenofovir gel provision into family planning (FP) services. The CAPRISA 008 implementation trial provides an opportunity to provide post-trial access to tenofovir gel while generating empiric evidence to assess whether integrating tenofovir gel provision into routine FP services can achieve similar levels of adherence as the CAPRISA 004 trial. Methods/design: This is a two-arm, open-label, randomized controlled non-inferiority trial. A maximum of 700 sexually active, HIV-uninfected women aged 18 years and older who previously participated in an antiretroviral prevention study will be enrolled from an urban and rural site in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The anticipated study duration is 30 months, with active accrual requiring approximately 12 months (following which an open cohort will be maintained) and follow-up continuing for approximately 18 months. At each of the two sites, eligible participants will be randomly assigned to receive tenofovir gel through either FP services (intervention arm) or through the CAPRISA research clinics (control arm). As part of the study intervention, a quality improvement approach will be used to assist the FP services to expand their current services to include tenofovir gel provision. Discussion: This protocol aims to address an important implementation question on whether FP services are able to effectively incorporate tenofovir gel provision for this at-risk group of women in South Africa. Provision of tenofovir gel to the women from the CAPRISA 004 trial meets the ethical obligation for post-trial access, and helps identify a potential avenue for future scale-up of microbicides within the public health system of South Africa. Trial registration: This trial was registered with the South Africa Department of Health (reference: DOH-27-0812-4129) and ClinicalTrials.gov (reference: NCT01691768) on 05 July 2012.
Beyond syndromic management: opportunities for diagnosis-based treatment of sexually transmitted infections in low- and middle-income countries.
(Public Library of Science., 2018) Garrett, Nigel Joel.; Osman, Farzana.; Maharaj, Bhavna.; Naicker, Nivashnee.; Gibbs, Andrew.; Norman, Emily.; Samsunder, Natasha.; Ngobese, Hope.; Mitchev, Nireshni.; Singh, Ravesh.; Abdool Karim, Salim Safurdeen.; Kharsany, Ayesha Bibi Mahomed.; Mlisana, Koleka Patience.; Rompalo, Anne.; Mindel, Adrian.
Abstract available in pdf.
Cervicovaginal inflammation facilitates acquisition of less infectious HIV variants.
(Oxford University Press., 2017) Selhorst, Philippe.; Masson, Lindi.; Ismail, Sherazaan D.; Samsunder, Natasha.; Garrett, Nigel Joel.; Mansoor, Leila Essop.; Abdool Karim, Quarraisha.; Abdool Karim, Salim Safurdeen.; Passmore, Jo-Ann Shelley.; Williamson, Carolyn.
Abstract available in pdf.
Distinct genital tract HIV-specific antibody profiles associated with Tenofovir gel.
(Nature., 2016) Archary, Derseree.; Seaton, Kelly E.; Passmore, Jo-Ann Shelley.; Werner, Lise.; Deal, Aaron W.; Dunphy, Laura J.; Arnold, Kelly B.; Yates, Nicole L.; Lauffenburger, Douglas A.; Bergin, Philip.; Liebenberg, Lenine Julie.; Samsunder, Natasha.; Mureithi, Marianne W.; Altfeld, Marcus.; Garrett, Nigel Joel.; Abdool Karim, Quarraisha.; Abdool Karim, Salim Safurdeen.; Morris, Lynn.; Tomaras, Georgia D.
Abstract available in PDF file.
Effect of antiretroviral therapy on the memory and activation profiles of B cells in HIV-infected African women.
(American Association of Immunologists., 2017) Tanko, Ramla F.; Soares, Andreia P.; Müller, Tracey L.; Garrett, Nigel Joel.; Samsunder, Natasha.; Abdool Karim, Quarraisha.; Abdool Karim, Salim Safurdeen.; Riou, Catherine.; Burgers, Wendy A.
Abstract available in pdf.
Evaluation of laboratory tests for COVID-19 in South Africa.
(2023) Samsunder, Natasha.; Kharsany, Ayesha Bibi Mahomed.; Sivro, Aida.
Abstract available in PDF.
Ex vivo HIV entry into blood CD4+ T cells does not predict heterosexual HIV acquisition in women.
(Public Library of Science., 2018) Joag, Vineet.; Sivro, Aida.; Yende-Zuma, Fortunate Nonhlanhla.; Imam, Hajra.; Samsunder, Natasha.; Abdool Karim, Quarraisha.; Abdool Karim, Salim Safurdeen.; McKinnon, Lyle R.; Kaul, Rupert.
Abstract available in pdf.
The fourth generation AlereTM HIV Combo rapid test improves detection of acute infection in MTN-003 (VOICE) samples.
(Journal of Clinical Virology, 2017-09) Livant, Edward.; Heaps, Amy.; Kelly, Cliff.; Maharaj, Rashika.; Samsunder, Natasha.; Nhlangulela, Lindiwe.; Karugaba, Patrick.; Panchia, Ravindre.; Marrazzo, Jeanne M.; Chirenje, Zvavahera Mike.; Parikh, Urvi M.
Abstract available in pdf.
High burden of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection among young women in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
(Public Library of Science., 2016) Ebrahim, Sumayyah.; Mndende, Xolani K.; Kharsany, Ayesha Bibi Mahomed.; Mbulawa, Zizipho Z.; Naranbhai, Vivek.; Werner, Lise.; Samsunder, Natasha.; Abdool Karim, Quarraisha.; Williamson, Anna-Lise.; Fröhlich, Janet Ann.
Abstract available in PDF file.
HIV disease progression in seroconvertors from the CAPRISA 004 tenofovir gel pre-exposure prophylaxis trial.
(Lippincott Williams & Wilkins., 2015) Garrett, Nigel Joel.; Werner, Lise.; Naicker, Nivashnee.; Naranbhai, Vivek.; Sibeko, Sengeziwe.; Samsunder, Natasha.; Gray, Clive M.; Williamson, Carolyn.; Morris, Lynn.; Abdool Karim, Quarraisha.; Abdool Karim, Salim Safurdeen.
Abstract available in pdf.
HIV infection in high school students in rural South Africa: role of transmissions among students.
(Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., 2014) Kharsany, Ayesha Bibi Mahomed.; Buthelezi, Thulasizwe John.; Fröhlich, Janet Ann.; Yende-Zuma, Fortunate Nonhlanhla.; Samsunder, Natasha.; Mahlase, Gethwana.; Williamson, Carolyn.; Travers, Simon A.; Marais, Jinny C.; Dellar, Rachael Claire.; Abdool Karim, Salim Safurdeen.; Abdool Karim, Quarraisha.
Abstract available in pdf.
HIV prevalence among high school learners - opportunities for schools-based HIV testing programmes and sexual reproductive health services.
(BioMed Central., 2011) Kharsany, Ayesha Bibi Mahomed.; Mlotshwa, Mukelisiwe.; Fröhlich, Janet Ann.; Yende Zuma, Nonhlanhla.; Samsunder, Natasha.; Abdool Karim, Salim Safurdeen.; Abdool Karim, Quarraisha.
Background: Young girls in sub Saharan Africa are reported to have higher rates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection compared to boys in the same age group. Knowledge of HIV status amongst high schools learners provides an important gateway to prevention and treatment services. This study aimed at determining the HIV prevalence and explored the feasibility of HIV testing among high school learners. Methods: Between September 2010 and February 2011, a linked, anonymous cross-sectional survey was conducted in two public sector high schools in the rural KwaZulu-Natal midlands. Following written informed consent, dried blood spot samples (DBS) were collected and tested for HIV. The overall and age-specific HIV prevalence were compared with select demographic variables. Results: The HIV prevalence in learners aged 12 to 25 in school A was 4.7% (95% CI 2.8-6.5) compared to 2.5% (95% CI 1.6-3.5) in school B, (p = 0.04). Whilst the HIV prevalence was similar for boys at 1.3% (95% CI 0-2.8) in school A and 1.7% (95% CI 0.5-2.8) in school B, the prevalence in girls was consistently higher and was 7.7% (95% CI 4.5-10.9) in school A and 3.2% (95% CI 1.8-4.6) in school B. The age-specific HIV prevalence in girls increased 1.5 to 2 fold for each two year age category, while for boys the prevalence was stable across all age groups. Conclusions: The high HIV prevalence in female learners underscores the importance of sexual reproductive health and schools-based HIV testing programs as an important gateway to prevention and treatment services. Keywords: Young girls, HIV prevalence, surveillance
Innate immune activation enhances HIV acquisition in women, diminishing the effectiveness of tenofovir microbicide gel.
(Oxford University Press., 2011) Naranbhai, Vivek.; Abdool Karim, Salim Safurdeen.; Altfeld, Marcus.; Samsunder, Natasha.; Durgiah, Raveshni.; Sibeko, Sengeziwe.; Abdool Karim, Quarraisha.; Carr, William Henry.
The antiretroviral agent, tenofovir, formulated as a vaginal microbicide gel, reduces human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition by 39% in women. This study assessed the role of preexisting immune activation in HIV acquisition in women from the CAPRISA 004 trial, to identify potential strategies to increase the effectiveness of tenofovir gel. Systemic cytokine and cellular immune mediators (platelets and natural killer [NK] cells) were assessed in women at high risk for HIV assigned to either tenofovir or placebo gel in the CAPRISA 004 trial. Notwithstanding tenofovir gel use, women who acquired HIV had significantly higher systemic innate immune activation prior to infection than women who remained uninfected. Activation of both soluble (cytokine) and cellular (NK cells) immune mediators were associated with HIV acquisition, individually or in combination. Hence, an innate immune activation suppressant could be added to tenofovir gel as a potential combination gel strategy in developing the next generation of higher efficacy antiretroviral microbicides.
Interleukin 1-Beta (IL-1β) production by innate cells following TLR stimulation correlates with TB recurrence in art-treated HIV-infected patients.
(Wolters Kluwer Health., 2017) Thobakgale, Christina Fanesa.; Naidoo, Kewreshini Kasturi.; McKinnon, Lyle R.; Werner, Lise.; Samsunder, Natasha.; Abdool Karim, Salim Safurdeen.; Ndung'u, Peter Thumbi.; Altfeld, Marcus.; Naidoo, Kogieleum.
Abstract available.
Lower concentrations of chemotactic cytokines and soluble innate factors in the lower female genital tract associated with the use of injectable hormonal contraceptive.
(Elsevier., 2015) Ngcapu, Sinaye.; Masson, Lindi.; Sibeko, Sengeziwe.; Werner, Lise.; McKinnon, Lyle R.; Mlisana, Koleka Patience.; Shey, Muki Shehu.; Samsunder, Natasha.; Abdool Karim, Salim Safurdeen.; Abdool Karim, Quarraisha.; Passmore, Jo-Ann Shelley.
Abstract available in pdf.
Prevalence of HIV, HSV-2 and pregnancy among high school students in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: a bio-behavioural cross-sectional survey.
(BMJ., 2014) Abdool Karim, Quarraisha.; Kharsany, Ayesha Bibi Mahomed.; Leask, Kerry.; Ntombela, Fanelesibonge.; Humphries, Hilton Richard.; Fröhlich, Janet Ann.; Samsunder, Natasha.; Grobler, Anna Christina.; Dellar, Rachael Claire.; Abdool Karim, Salim Safurdeen.
Abstract available in pdf.
Protocol for a randomised controlled implementation trial of point-of-care viral load testing and task shifting : the Simplifying HIV TREAtment and Monitoring (STREAM) study.
(BMJ., 2017) Dorward, Jienchi.; Garrett, Nigel Joel.; Quame-Amaglo, Justice.; Samsunder, Natasha.; Ngobese, Hope.; Ngomane, Noluthando.; Moodley, Pravikrishnen.; Mlisana, Koleka Patience.; Schaafsma, Torin.; Donnell, Deborah.; Barnabas, Ruanne V.; Naidoo, Kogieleum.; Abdool Karim, Salim Safurdeen.; Celum, Connie Locke.; Drain, Paul K.
Abstract available in pdf.
Randomized cross-sectional study to compare HIV-1 specific antibody and cytokine concentrations in female genital secretions obtained by menstrual cup and cervicovaginal lavage.
(Public Library of Science., 2015) Archary, Derseree.; Liebenberg, Lenine Julie.; Werner, Lise.; Tulsi, Sahil.; Majola, Nelisile.; Naicker, Nivashnee.; Dlamini, Sarah Alexandra.; Hope, Thomas J.; Samsunder, Natasha.; Abdool Karim, Salim Safurdeen.; Morris, Lynn.; Passmore, Jo-Ann Shelley.; Garrett, Nigel Joel.
Abstract available in pdf.
Recruitment of high risk women for HIV prevention trials: baseline HIV prevalence and sexual behavior in the CAPRISA 004 tenofovir gel trial.
(Biomed Central, 2010) Abdool Karim, Quarraisha.; Kharsany, Ayesha Bibi Mahomed.; Fröhlich, Janet Ann.; Baxter, Cheryl.; Yende Zuma, Nonhlanhla.; Mansoor, Leila Essop.; Mlisana, Koleka Patience.; Maarschalk, Silvia.; Arulappan, Natasha.; Grobler, Anna Christina.; Sibeko, Sengeziwe.; Omar, Zaheen.; Gengiah, Tanuja Narayansamy.; Mlotshwa, Mukelisiwe.; Samsunder, Natasha.; Abdool Karim, Salim Safurdeen.
Background: Young women in sub-Saharan Africa bear a disproportionate burden of HIV infection compared to men but have limited options to reduce their HIV risk. Microbicides could fill an important HIV prevention gap for sexually active women who are unable to successfully negotiate mutual monogamy or condom use. Purpose: This paper describes the baseline sample characteristics in the CAPRISA 004 trial which assessed the safety and effectiveness of the vaginal microbicide, 1% tenofovir gel for HIV prevention in South Africa. Methods: This analysis assessed the baseline demographic, clinical and sexual behavior data of women screened and enrolled into the trial. The characteristics were summarized using descriptive summary measures; expressed as means and percent for categorical variables. Results: HIV prevalence at screening was 25.8% [95% Confidence Interval (CI):23.9-27.7). Of the 889 eligibly enrolled women who contributed follow-up data, rural participants recruited from a family planning (FP) clinic were younger, more likely to be living apart from their regular partner, reported lower coital frequency, had lower condom use (p < 0.001). In contrast, urban participants recruited from a sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic reported higher numbers of lifetime sexual partners, new partners in the last 30 days and receiving money in exchange for sex (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The populations selected provide suitable diverse target groups for HIV prevention intervention studies.
Replication capacity of viruses from acute infection drives HIV-1 disease progression.
(American Society for Microbiology., 2017) Selhorst, Philippe.; Combrinck, Carina.; Ndabambi, Nonkululeko.; Ismail, Sherazaan D.; Abrahams, Melissa-Rose.; Lacerda, Miguel.; Samsunder, Natasha.; Garrett, Nigel Joel.; Abdool Karim, Quarraisha.; Abdool Karim, Salim Safurdeen.; Williamson, Carolyn.
Abstract available in pdf.