Christiane Gerard - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Christiane Gerard
Gut, 1997
The presence of viral RNA in plasma was searched fo r by RT-PCR using specific primers choosen in... more The presence of viral RNA in plasma was searched fo r by RT-PCR using specific primers choosen in the N S3 region of the viral genome. 82 patients were enrole d among whom 51 males (62.2%) and 31 females (37.8% ) (mean age: 56.4 ± 16.4 years). Three patients were chronic HBs antigen carriers (4%) and 9 had HCV ant ibodies (12%). 70 were blood products recipients (85.4%) an d 19 had history of both renal transplantation and transfusion (23.2%). Seven had elevated levels of t ransaminases (8.5%). The mean duration of hemodialy sis was 5.8 ± 6.5 years.
Acta gastro-enterologica Belgica, 2011
Hepatitis C virus genotype 2 is the third in order of frequency in Belgium. The aim of this study... more Hepatitis C virus genotype 2 is the third in order of frequency in Belgium. The aim of this study was to better define the genotype 2 carriers' epidemiology characteristics. In a database comprising 1726 viremic hepatitis C virus patient from the south part of Belgium, the files of 98 genotype 2 carriers were reviewed. There was a strong association between genotype 2 and the mode of transmission. The rate of contamination by invasive medical exams was very high (23%), and statistically different from the one of the others genotypes. Eligibility for antiviral therapies and the rate of sustained viral response were high. HCV genotype 2 was highly associated with transmission by invasive medical exams.
Global Journal of Medical Research, 2021
West Africa is reputed as an epicenter of HIV-2 infection. Studies undertaken in Mali suspected H... more West Africa is reputed as an epicenter of HIV-2 infection. Studies undertaken in Mali suspected HIV-1 more prevalent. Our study aims to document HIV infectious profiles in Mali and analyze HIV-1 dominance. We documented HIV studies undertaken in Mali from1985 to 2010. We proceeded to a bibliographic search focused on theses from the Medicine Pharmacy Odontostomatology Faculty (FMPOS) of Bamako, survey reports, and abstracts or papers published in reviews with the reading committee. Documents were physically and virtually (via website) consulted and exploited. We gave preference to studies that discriminated against HIV serotypes. The data were analyzed according to study population/publication, representativeness, infectious profiles reporting, socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. HIV profiles variation in space and time was analyzed by using a linear regression model. Calculations were done using Excel software.
Aim:To evaluate the positive predictive value of the NS3 HCV epitope in 2 sub-populations of Mali... more Aim:To evaluate the positive predictive value of the NS3 HCV epitope in 2 sub-populations of Malian women. Patients and Methods: two prospective studies were held in Bamako (Malian capital). They concerned 1000 pregnant women selected between May 26th and Jun 16th 2009 in six reference health centers and 231 women > 50 years old who frequented the general practitioners in two hospital between October 25 and December 24th 2010. Blood collection and samples prearation/ storage were performed in good conditions. HCV screening was performed by using Monolisa Ab/Ag Ultra and Innotest Ab IV. HCV-LIA was used as confirmation test. PCR HCV-RNA analysis and LiPA Genotyping Assay were performed. Results: Among 17 HCV-LIA positive profiles, NS3, C1 and C2 were clearly predominant (94.1%, 94.1% and 88.2%). There was an obvious association between the intensity of the NS3 HCV band and HCV viraemia and this association was highly significant when the NS3 intensity band was ≥ 3 (P < 0.001) and then between HCV viraemia and the coexistence of HCV C1/NS3 bands when the band intensity was > 2 (P < 0.01). One sample with a TR> 5 with both HCV EIA tests exhibited an isolated NS3 band (4+) was concluded as "indeterminate" according to the manufacturers'recommandations but was however found PCR(+). Conclusion: These results indicate that intense reactivity on the NS3 epitope of the HCV-LIA is predictive of HCV viraemia; this also support the hypothesis that reactivity of isolated NS3 band intensity ≥ ± 0.5 may be indicative of HCV seroconversion.
European Journal of Immunogenetics, 2000
Peer reviewe
Medecine Et Hygiene, 1999
En milieu hospitalier, la transmission du virus de l'hepatite C se produit essentiellement se... more En milieu hospitalier, la transmission du virus de l'hepatite C se produit essentiellement selon trois schemas : d'un membre du personnel infecte a un patient a l'occasion d'un acte de soin, d'un patient a un membre du personnel lors d'une blessure accidentelle, et, situation de loin la plus frequente, d'un patient a un autre a la suite d'examens medicaux invasifs. La connaissance exhaustive des modes mineurs de transmission du virus C est un atout anamnestique de poids pour le ciblage des personnes exposees au risque d'une infection. L'enjeu est important puisqu'on sait que la mise en evidence rapide des infections a virus C permet d'instaurer des traitements d'autant plus efficaces qu'ils sont precoces.
East African medical journal, 2013
BACKGROUND Screening of alloantibodies in patients is not yet done in district hospitals of Rwand... more BACKGROUND Screening of alloantibodies in patients is not yet done in district hospitals of Rwanda. The practice is to transfuse ABO/D compatible blood following an immediate spin crossmatch (IS-XM) or indirect antiglobulin test crossmatch (IAT-XM). OBJECTIVES To assess the risk of red blood cell (RBC) alloimmunisation associated with the use of IS-XM compared to the IAT-XM in patients receiving blood transfusions in district hospitals in Rwanda. DESIGN A cross-sectional comparative descriptive study. SETTING Four Rwandan district hospitals. Kirehe and Nyanza hospitals used IS-XM while Muhima and Ruhengeri hospitals used IAT-XM. SUBJECTS Blood samples were obtained from 187 patients (101 with IS-XM and 86 with IAT-XM) transfused in January, February, October, and November of 2012. RESULTS The median age of blood recipients was 31 years (7 - 80) and 36% of them were male. Sixteen specific antibodies were identified in 12 patients: anti-RH1/D (2),anti-RH2/C (2), anti-RH3/E (2), anti-R...
Acta Gastro-enterologica Belgica, 2004
Acta Gastro-enterologica Belgica, 2004
Acta Gastro-enterologica Belgica, 2005
Peer reviewe
Gut, 1999
Background In people who are infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV), chronic infection often d... more Background In people who are infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV), chronic infection often develops and is difficult to eradicate. We sought to determine whether treatment during the acute phase could prevent the development of chronic infection. Methods Between 1998 and 2001, we identified 44 patients throughout Germany who had acute hepatitis C. Patients received 5 million U of interferon alfa-2b subcutaneously daily for 4 weeks and then three times per week for another 20 weeks. Serum HCV RNA levels were measured before and during therapy and 24 weeks after the end of therapy. Results The mean age of the 44 patients was 36 years; 25 were women. Nine became infected with HCV through intravenous drug use, 14 through a needle-stick injury, 7 through medical procedures, and 10 through sexual contact; the mode of infection could not be determined in 4. The average time from infection to the first signs or symptoms of hepatitis was 54 days, and the average time from infection until the start of therapy was 89 days. At the end of both therapy and follow-up, 43 patients (98 percent) had undetectable levels of HCV RNA in serum and normal serum alanine aminotransferase levels. Levels of HCV RNA became undetectable after an average of 3.2 weeks of treatment. Therapy was well tolerated in all but one patient, who stopped therapy after 12 weeks because of side effects. Conclusions Treatment of acute hepatitis C with interferon alfa-2b prevents chronic infection. (N Engl
Gastroenterologie Clinique Et Biologique, 1998
Peer reviewe
Vox Sanguinis, 2021
, with details of the nature of the infringement. We will investigate the claim and if justified,... more , with details of the nature of the infringement. We will investigate the claim and if justified, we will take the appropriate steps.
Acta Clinica Belgica, 2009
In Belgium, prevention of anti-D immunization is currently based on systematic postnatal prophyla... more In Belgium, prevention of anti-D immunization is currently based on systematic postnatal prophylaxis associated with targeted antenatal injection in high-risk situations of foeto-maternal haemorrhage. The failures of prevention are mainly due to the non-respect of established guidelines for RhIG prophylaxis, and to spontaneous undetected foetal-maternal haemorrhages without any obvious cause during the third trimester of pregnancy. In order to reduce the rate of residual post-pregnancy anti-D immunization, several countries decided to associate the classical prophylaxis to a routine antenatal anti-D prophylaxis (RAADP) during the 28th or 29th week of gestation. Since a few years, the foetal RHD genotyping in maternal plasma enables us to limit the antenatal prophylaxis only to those D-women carrying a D+ foetus. This paper deals with: the advantages of an antenatal prevention in the light of non-invasive foetal RHD genotyping, the rules rendering prevention protocols effi cient whatever the algorithm applied, and the recommended immuno-haematology follow-up of women who received RhIG.
Revue médicale de Liège
A Caucasian woman, with a A+ CCD.ee K neg erythrocyte phenotype and no history of blood transfusi... more A Caucasian woman, with a A+ CCD.ee K neg erythrocyte phenotype and no history of blood transfusion, delivered a first child who developed mild anemia. The direct antiglobulin test performed on the newborn red blood cells belonging to the A+ CCD.ee K neg group, was strongly positive for IgG. During the pregnancy and after the delivery, the woman had a negative irregular antibody screening test, using standard red blood cells. However, at birth, using a collection of thawed red blood cells with rare phenotypes (private antigens), the lab showed an antibody anti-Wr(a) in the maternal serum. The activity of the maternal antibody, with a titer of 16, was completely inhibited by dithiothreitol, indicating the nature IgM of the circulating antibody. The presence of the antigen Wr(a) on the surface of the newborn and its biological father red blood cells was confirmed. The concentration of IgG anti-Wr(a) on baby erythrocytes was demonstrated by the presence of the antibody anti-Wr(a) in th...
Revue d'épidémiologie et de santé publique, 2008
The goal of the study is to assess the prevalence and risk factors of HIV in pregnant women in th... more The goal of the study is to assess the prevalence and risk factors of HIV in pregnant women in the North-East rural area of the Democratic Republic of Congo. We undertook an exploratory study on women attending the antenatal care during the study period (from December 2002 to December 2004) in the referral General hospital of the health catchments' area of Oicha (DRC). Women with gestational age equal or above 36 weeks were included in the study. After a first test using rapid test Abbott Determine locally, a second crossing check was performed in the referral HIV laboratory in Liege (Belgium). Among 5016 participants tested, 94 were positive (prevalence of 1.9% [CI95% 1.5-2.5]). Following factors predict a risk of being positive among participants: the statute of displacement (OR: 5.77; IC95%: 3.59-9.29); widowhood and divorces (OR: 4.47; IC95%: 1.47-13.60); mobility related to the profession of the husband (OR: 4.00; IC95%: 2.36-6,75); living the countryside (OR: 1.67; IC95%: ...
Revue médicale de Liège, 2006
Despite generalisation of anti-D immunoprophylaxis, RhD allo-immunisation still remains the major... more Despite generalisation of anti-D immunoprophylaxis, RhD allo-immunisation still remains the major cause of severe haemolytic disease of the fetus and of the newborn (HDFN). The routine follow up of pregnant women comprises: the ABO/D, Rh/Kell red cells typing and the search for irregular antibodies. In case of anti-D immunisation, the paternal Rh phenotype, when known, provides useful information regarding the probability for the fetus to have inherited the D antigen and thereby to be exposed to the risk of HDFN. The antibody titre, which is predictive of possible in vivo haemolysis, must be interpreted in the light of the previous obstetric history, and can lead to the decision of invasive amniocentesis. Then the measurement of the optical density (deltaOD450 nm) and the fetal RhD typing can be realised on amniotic fluid. New molecular techniques make it possible now to demonstrate the presence of fetal DNA in maternal plasma. These methods lying on non invasive procedures could ad...
Gut, 1997
The presence of viral RNA in plasma was searched fo r by RT-PCR using specific primers choosen in... more The presence of viral RNA in plasma was searched fo r by RT-PCR using specific primers choosen in the N S3 region of the viral genome. 82 patients were enrole d among whom 51 males (62.2%) and 31 females (37.8% ) (mean age: 56.4 ± 16.4 years). Three patients were chronic HBs antigen carriers (4%) and 9 had HCV ant ibodies (12%). 70 were blood products recipients (85.4%) an d 19 had history of both renal transplantation and transfusion (23.2%). Seven had elevated levels of t ransaminases (8.5%). The mean duration of hemodialy sis was 5.8 ± 6.5 years.
Acta gastro-enterologica Belgica, 2011
Hepatitis C virus genotype 2 is the third in order of frequency in Belgium. The aim of this study... more Hepatitis C virus genotype 2 is the third in order of frequency in Belgium. The aim of this study was to better define the genotype 2 carriers' epidemiology characteristics. In a database comprising 1726 viremic hepatitis C virus patient from the south part of Belgium, the files of 98 genotype 2 carriers were reviewed. There was a strong association between genotype 2 and the mode of transmission. The rate of contamination by invasive medical exams was very high (23%), and statistically different from the one of the others genotypes. Eligibility for antiviral therapies and the rate of sustained viral response were high. HCV genotype 2 was highly associated with transmission by invasive medical exams.
Global Journal of Medical Research, 2021
West Africa is reputed as an epicenter of HIV-2 infection. Studies undertaken in Mali suspected H... more West Africa is reputed as an epicenter of HIV-2 infection. Studies undertaken in Mali suspected HIV-1 more prevalent. Our study aims to document HIV infectious profiles in Mali and analyze HIV-1 dominance. We documented HIV studies undertaken in Mali from1985 to 2010. We proceeded to a bibliographic search focused on theses from the Medicine Pharmacy Odontostomatology Faculty (FMPOS) of Bamako, survey reports, and abstracts or papers published in reviews with the reading committee. Documents were physically and virtually (via website) consulted and exploited. We gave preference to studies that discriminated against HIV serotypes. The data were analyzed according to study population/publication, representativeness, infectious profiles reporting, socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. HIV profiles variation in space and time was analyzed by using a linear regression model. Calculations were done using Excel software.
Aim:To evaluate the positive predictive value of the NS3 HCV epitope in 2 sub-populations of Mali... more Aim:To evaluate the positive predictive value of the NS3 HCV epitope in 2 sub-populations of Malian women. Patients and Methods: two prospective studies were held in Bamako (Malian capital). They concerned 1000 pregnant women selected between May 26th and Jun 16th 2009 in six reference health centers and 231 women > 50 years old who frequented the general practitioners in two hospital between October 25 and December 24th 2010. Blood collection and samples prearation/ storage were performed in good conditions. HCV screening was performed by using Monolisa Ab/Ag Ultra and Innotest Ab IV. HCV-LIA was used as confirmation test. PCR HCV-RNA analysis and LiPA Genotyping Assay were performed. Results: Among 17 HCV-LIA positive profiles, NS3, C1 and C2 were clearly predominant (94.1%, 94.1% and 88.2%). There was an obvious association between the intensity of the NS3 HCV band and HCV viraemia and this association was highly significant when the NS3 intensity band was ≥ 3 (P < 0.001) and then between HCV viraemia and the coexistence of HCV C1/NS3 bands when the band intensity was > 2 (P < 0.01). One sample with a TR> 5 with both HCV EIA tests exhibited an isolated NS3 band (4+) was concluded as "indeterminate" according to the manufacturers'recommandations but was however found PCR(+). Conclusion: These results indicate that intense reactivity on the NS3 epitope of the HCV-LIA is predictive of HCV viraemia; this also support the hypothesis that reactivity of isolated NS3 band intensity ≥ ± 0.5 may be indicative of HCV seroconversion.
European Journal of Immunogenetics, 2000
Peer reviewe
Medecine Et Hygiene, 1999
En milieu hospitalier, la transmission du virus de l'hepatite C se produit essentiellement se... more En milieu hospitalier, la transmission du virus de l'hepatite C se produit essentiellement selon trois schemas : d'un membre du personnel infecte a un patient a l'occasion d'un acte de soin, d'un patient a un membre du personnel lors d'une blessure accidentelle, et, situation de loin la plus frequente, d'un patient a un autre a la suite d'examens medicaux invasifs. La connaissance exhaustive des modes mineurs de transmission du virus C est un atout anamnestique de poids pour le ciblage des personnes exposees au risque d'une infection. L'enjeu est important puisqu'on sait que la mise en evidence rapide des infections a virus C permet d'instaurer des traitements d'autant plus efficaces qu'ils sont precoces.
East African medical journal, 2013
BACKGROUND Screening of alloantibodies in patients is not yet done in district hospitals of Rwand... more BACKGROUND Screening of alloantibodies in patients is not yet done in district hospitals of Rwanda. The practice is to transfuse ABO/D compatible blood following an immediate spin crossmatch (IS-XM) or indirect antiglobulin test crossmatch (IAT-XM). OBJECTIVES To assess the risk of red blood cell (RBC) alloimmunisation associated with the use of IS-XM compared to the IAT-XM in patients receiving blood transfusions in district hospitals in Rwanda. DESIGN A cross-sectional comparative descriptive study. SETTING Four Rwandan district hospitals. Kirehe and Nyanza hospitals used IS-XM while Muhima and Ruhengeri hospitals used IAT-XM. SUBJECTS Blood samples were obtained from 187 patients (101 with IS-XM and 86 with IAT-XM) transfused in January, February, October, and November of 2012. RESULTS The median age of blood recipients was 31 years (7 - 80) and 36% of them were male. Sixteen specific antibodies were identified in 12 patients: anti-RH1/D (2),anti-RH2/C (2), anti-RH3/E (2), anti-R...
Acta Gastro-enterologica Belgica, 2004
Acta Gastro-enterologica Belgica, 2004
Acta Gastro-enterologica Belgica, 2005
Peer reviewe
Gut, 1999
Background In people who are infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV), chronic infection often d... more Background In people who are infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV), chronic infection often develops and is difficult to eradicate. We sought to determine whether treatment during the acute phase could prevent the development of chronic infection. Methods Between 1998 and 2001, we identified 44 patients throughout Germany who had acute hepatitis C. Patients received 5 million U of interferon alfa-2b subcutaneously daily for 4 weeks and then three times per week for another 20 weeks. Serum HCV RNA levels were measured before and during therapy and 24 weeks after the end of therapy. Results The mean age of the 44 patients was 36 years; 25 were women. Nine became infected with HCV through intravenous drug use, 14 through a needle-stick injury, 7 through medical procedures, and 10 through sexual contact; the mode of infection could not be determined in 4. The average time from infection to the first signs or symptoms of hepatitis was 54 days, and the average time from infection until the start of therapy was 89 days. At the end of both therapy and follow-up, 43 patients (98 percent) had undetectable levels of HCV RNA in serum and normal serum alanine aminotransferase levels. Levels of HCV RNA became undetectable after an average of 3.2 weeks of treatment. Therapy was well tolerated in all but one patient, who stopped therapy after 12 weeks because of side effects. Conclusions Treatment of acute hepatitis C with interferon alfa-2b prevents chronic infection. (N Engl
Gastroenterologie Clinique Et Biologique, 1998
Peer reviewe
Vox Sanguinis, 2021
, with details of the nature of the infringement. We will investigate the claim and if justified,... more , with details of the nature of the infringement. We will investigate the claim and if justified, we will take the appropriate steps.
Acta Clinica Belgica, 2009
In Belgium, prevention of anti-D immunization is currently based on systematic postnatal prophyla... more In Belgium, prevention of anti-D immunization is currently based on systematic postnatal prophylaxis associated with targeted antenatal injection in high-risk situations of foeto-maternal haemorrhage. The failures of prevention are mainly due to the non-respect of established guidelines for RhIG prophylaxis, and to spontaneous undetected foetal-maternal haemorrhages without any obvious cause during the third trimester of pregnancy. In order to reduce the rate of residual post-pregnancy anti-D immunization, several countries decided to associate the classical prophylaxis to a routine antenatal anti-D prophylaxis (RAADP) during the 28th or 29th week of gestation. Since a few years, the foetal RHD genotyping in maternal plasma enables us to limit the antenatal prophylaxis only to those D-women carrying a D+ foetus. This paper deals with: the advantages of an antenatal prevention in the light of non-invasive foetal RHD genotyping, the rules rendering prevention protocols effi cient whatever the algorithm applied, and the recommended immuno-haematology follow-up of women who received RhIG.
Revue médicale de Liège
A Caucasian woman, with a A+ CCD.ee K neg erythrocyte phenotype and no history of blood transfusi... more A Caucasian woman, with a A+ CCD.ee K neg erythrocyte phenotype and no history of blood transfusion, delivered a first child who developed mild anemia. The direct antiglobulin test performed on the newborn red blood cells belonging to the A+ CCD.ee K neg group, was strongly positive for IgG. During the pregnancy and after the delivery, the woman had a negative irregular antibody screening test, using standard red blood cells. However, at birth, using a collection of thawed red blood cells with rare phenotypes (private antigens), the lab showed an antibody anti-Wr(a) in the maternal serum. The activity of the maternal antibody, with a titer of 16, was completely inhibited by dithiothreitol, indicating the nature IgM of the circulating antibody. The presence of the antigen Wr(a) on the surface of the newborn and its biological father red blood cells was confirmed. The concentration of IgG anti-Wr(a) on baby erythrocytes was demonstrated by the presence of the antibody anti-Wr(a) in th...
Revue d'épidémiologie et de santé publique, 2008
The goal of the study is to assess the prevalence and risk factors of HIV in pregnant women in th... more The goal of the study is to assess the prevalence and risk factors of HIV in pregnant women in the North-East rural area of the Democratic Republic of Congo. We undertook an exploratory study on women attending the antenatal care during the study period (from December 2002 to December 2004) in the referral General hospital of the health catchments' area of Oicha (DRC). Women with gestational age equal or above 36 weeks were included in the study. After a first test using rapid test Abbott Determine locally, a second crossing check was performed in the referral HIV laboratory in Liege (Belgium). Among 5016 participants tested, 94 were positive (prevalence of 1.9% [CI95% 1.5-2.5]). Following factors predict a risk of being positive among participants: the statute of displacement (OR: 5.77; IC95%: 3.59-9.29); widowhood and divorces (OR: 4.47; IC95%: 1.47-13.60); mobility related to the profession of the husband (OR: 4.00; IC95%: 2.36-6,75); living the countryside (OR: 1.67; IC95%: ...
Revue médicale de Liège, 2006
Despite generalisation of anti-D immunoprophylaxis, RhD allo-immunisation still remains the major... more Despite generalisation of anti-D immunoprophylaxis, RhD allo-immunisation still remains the major cause of severe haemolytic disease of the fetus and of the newborn (HDFN). The routine follow up of pregnant women comprises: the ABO/D, Rh/Kell red cells typing and the search for irregular antibodies. In case of anti-D immunisation, the paternal Rh phenotype, when known, provides useful information regarding the probability for the fetus to have inherited the D antigen and thereby to be exposed to the risk of HDFN. The antibody titre, which is predictive of possible in vivo haemolysis, must be interpreted in the light of the previous obstetric history, and can lead to the decision of invasive amniocentesis. Then the measurement of the optical density (deltaOD450 nm) and the fetal RhD typing can be realised on amniotic fluid. New molecular techniques make it possible now to demonstrate the presence of fetal DNA in maternal plasma. These methods lying on non invasive procedures could ad...