Browsing by Author "Colebunders, Robert"

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    Emergomyces : the global rise of new dimorphic fungal pathogens
    (Public Library of Science, 2019) Schwartz, Ilan S.; Govender, Nelesh P.; Sigler, Lynne; Jiang, Yanping; Maphang, Tsidiso G.; Toplis, Barbra; Botha, Alfred; Dukik, Karolina; Hoving, J. Claire; Munoz, Jose F.; De Hoog, Sybren; Cuomo, Christina A.; Colebunders, Robert; Kenyon, Chris
    Unknown until recently, the genus Emergomyces is composed of dimorphic fungi with human pathogenic potential. Five described species have been implicated as causes of disease in immunocompromised persons on at least 4 continents. In some regions, such as southern Africa, this disease, emergomycosis, is now the most commonly diagnosed dimorphic fungal infection. Herein, we review the history of these fungi, clinical features and pathogenesis of disease, what is known of their biology, and future research directions.
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    Emergomyces africanus in soil, South Africa
    (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2018-02) Schwartz, Ilan S.; Lerm, Barbra; Hoving, J. Claire; Kenyon, Chris; Horsnell, William G.; Basson, W. Joan; Otieno-Odhiambo, Patricia; Govender, Nelesh P.; Colebunders, Robert; Botha, Alfred
    We detected Emergomyces africanus, a thermally dimorphic fungus that causes an HIV-associated systemic mycosis, by PCR in 18 (30%) of 60 soil samples from a wide range of habitats in South Africa. Direct and indirect culture techniques were unsuccessful. Experimental intraperitoneal inoculation of conidia induced murine disease.
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    Molecular detection of airborne Emergomyces africanus, a thermally dimorphic fungal pathogen, in Cape Town, South Africa
    (Public Library of Science, 2018) Schwartz, Ilan S.; McLoud, Josh D.; Berman, Dilys; Botha, Alfred; Lerm, Barbra; Colebunders, Robert; Levetin, Estelle; Kenyon, Chris
    Emergomyces africanus is a thermally dimorphic fungus that causes a systemic mycosis in immunocompromised persons in South Africa. Infection is presumed to follow inhalation of airborne propagules. We developed a quantitative PCR protocol able to detect as few as 5 Es. africanus propagules per day. Samples were collected in Cape Town, South Africa over 50 weeks by a Burkard spore trap with an alternate orifice. We detected Es. africanus in air samples from 34 days (10%) distributed over 11 weeks. These results suggest environmental exposure to airborne Es. africanus propagules occurs more commonly in endemic areas than previously appreciated.
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    Predictors of condom use and refusal among the population of Free State province in South Africa
    (BioMed Central, 2012-05) Chandran, Thoovakkunon Moorkoth; Berkvens, Dirk; Chikobvu, Perpetual; Nostlinger, Christiana; Colebunders, Robert; Williams, Brian Gerard; Speybroeck, Niko
    Background: This study investigated the extent and predictors of condom use and condom refusal in the Free State province in South Africa. Methods: Through a household survey conducted in the Free Sate province of South Africa, 5,837 adults were interviewed. Univariate and multivariate survey logistic regressions and classification trees (CT) were used for analysing two response variables 'ever used condom' and 'ever refused condom' .Results: Eighty-three per cent of the respondents had ever used condoms, of which 38% always used them; 61% used them during the last sexual intercourse and 9% had ever refused to use them. The univariate logistic regression models and CT analysis indicated that a strong predictor of condom use was its perceived need. In the CT analysis, this variable was followed in importance by 'knowledge of correct use of condom', condom availability, young age, being single and higher education. 'Perceived need' for condoms did not remain significant in the multivariate analysis after controlling for other variables. The strongest predictor of condom refusal, as shown by the CT, was shame associated with condoms followed by the presence of sexual risk behaviour, knowing one's HIV status, older age and lacking knowledge of condoms (i.e., ability to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy, availability, correct and consistent use and existence of female condoms). In the multivariate logistic regression, age was not significant for condom refusal while affordability and perceived need were additional significant variables.ConclusionsThe use of complementary modelling techniques such as CT in addition to logistic regressions adds to a better understanding of condom use and refusal. Further improvement in correct and consistent use of condoms will require targeted interventions. In addition to existing social marketing campaigns, tailored approaches should focus on establishing the perceived need for condom-use and improving skills for correct use. They should also incorporate interventions to reduce the shame associated with condoms and individual counselling of those likely to refuse condoms.