FRANCIS KURIA - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by FRANCIS KURIA

Research paper thumbnail of Use of Sentinel Surveillance Platforms for Monitoring SARS-CoV-2 Activity: Evidence From Analysis of Kenya Influenza Sentinel Surveillance Data (Preprint)

Research paper thumbnail of Utility of Sentinel Surveillance Platforms for Monitoring SARS-CoV-2 Activity: Evidence from Analysis of Kenya Influenza Sentinel Surveillance Data (Preprint)

JMIR public health and surveillance, Mar 25, 2024

Research paper thumbnail of Diagnostic accuracy of the Panbio COVID-19 antigen rapid test device for SARS-CoV-2 detection in Kenya, 2021: A field evaluation

PLOS ONE, Jan 25, 2023

Background Accurate and timely diagnosis is essential in limiting the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infect... more Background Accurate and timely diagnosis is essential in limiting the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The reference standard, rRT-PCR, requires specialized laboratories, costly reagents, and a long turnaround time. Antigen RDTs provide a feasible alternative to rRT-PCR since they are quick, relatively inexpensive, and do not require a laboratory. The WHO requires that Ag RDTs have a sensitivity �80% and specificity �97%. Methods This evaluation was conducted at 11 health facilities in Kenya between March and July 2021. We enrolled persons of any age with respiratory symptoms and asymptomatic contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases. We collected demographic and clinical information and two nasopharyngeal specimens from each participant for Ag RDT testing and rRT-PCR. We calculated the diagnostic performance of the Panbio™ Ag RDT against the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) rRT-PCR test. Results We evaluated the Ag RDT in 2,245 individuals where 551 (24.5%, 95% CI: 22.8-26.3%) tested positive by rRT-PCR. Overall sensitivity of the Ag RDT was 46.6% (95% CI: 42.4-50.9%), specificity 98.5% (95% CI: 97.8-99.0%), PPV 90.8% (95% CI: 86.8-93.9%) and NPV 85.0% (95% CI: 83.4-86.6%). Among symptomatic individuals, sensitivity was 60.6% (95% CI: 54.3-66.7%) and specificity was 98.1% (95% CI: 96.7-99.0%). Among asymptomatic individuals, sensitivity was 34.7% (95% CI 29.3-40.4%) and specificity was 98.7% (95% CI: 97.8-99.3%). In persons with onset of symptoms <5 days (594/876, 67.8%),

Research paper thumbnail of Superior mesenteric venous thrombosis presenting with hematemesis: a case report

The Annals of African Surgery, Aug 29, 2022

The superior mesenteric vein (SMV) is one of the two tributaries to the portal vein, which is the... more The superior mesenteric vein (SMV) is one of the two tributaries to the portal vein, which is the main prehepatic drainage channel of the splanchnic circulation. Venous thrombosis in the SMV is one of the rare causes of splanchnic ischemic syndrome. Clinical presentation is often vague abdominal symptoms. It seldom presents with hematemesis, which may further confound diagnosis, thereby increasing the risk of poor outcomes. This case highlights an otherwise healthy 31-year-old woman, who presenting at a tertiary hospital in Nairobi with a 2-day history of epigastric pain and copious hematemesis. She had been treated for Helicobacter pylori gastritis 2 months prior. Common differentials were considered. However, with normal esophagogastroduodenoscopy findings and darkcolored fluid sequestered in the upper gastrointestinal tract, mesenteric venous congestion with associated small bowel ischemia was suspected. Three-phase abdominal computed tomography angiogram confirmed proximal superior mesenteric venous thrombosis extending into the portal vein confluence. Associated small bowel necrosis was suspected, and surgery involving resection and primary ileo-jejunal anastomosis was performed. Post-operative 2-week parenteral nutrition and anticoagulation were administered. The patient was discharged after 3 weeks of hospitalization and remains in excellent condition.

Research paper thumbnail of Mapping of cholera hotspots in Kenya using epidemiologic and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) indicators as part of Kenya’s new 2022–2030 cholera elimination plan

PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases

Cholera is an issue of major public health importance. It was first reported in Kenya in 1971, wi... more Cholera is an issue of major public health importance. It was first reported in Kenya in 1971, with the country experiencing outbreaks through the years, most recently in 2021. Factors associated with the outbreaks in Kenya include open defecation, population growth with inadequate expansion of safe drinking water and sanitation infrastructure, population movement from neighboring countries, crowded settings such as refugee camps coupled with massive displacement of persons, mass gathering events, and changes in rainfall patterns. The Ministry of Health, together with other ministries and partners, revised the national cholera control plan to a multisectoral cholera elimination plan that is aligned with the Global Roadmap for Ending Cholera. One of the key features in the revised plan is the identification of hotspots. The hotspot identification exercise followed guidance and tools provided by the Global Task Force on Cholera Control (GTFCC). Two epidemiological indicators were used...

Research paper thumbnail of Characterization of COVID-19 cases in the early phase (March to July 2020) of the pandemic in Kenya

Journal of Global Health, Dec 30, 2022

Background Kenya detected the first case of COVID-19 on March 13, 2020, and as of July 30, 2020, ... more Background Kenya detected the first case of COVID-19 on March 13, 2020, and as of July 30, 2020, 17 975 cases with 285 deaths (case fatality rate (CFR) = 1.6%) had been reported. This study described the cases during the early phase of the pandemic to provide information for monitoring and response planning in the local context. Methods We reviewed COVID-19 case records from isolation centres while considering national representation and the WHO sampling guideline for clinical characterization of the COVID-19 pandemic within a country. Socio-demographic, clinical, and exposure data were summarized using median and mean for continuous variables and proportions for categorical variables. We assigned exposure variables to socio-demographics, exposure, and contact data, while the clinical spectrum was assigned outcome variables and their associations were assessed. Results A total of 2796 case records were reviewed including 2049 (73.3%) male, 852 (30.5%) aged 30-39 years, 2730 (97.6%) Kenyans, 636 (22.7%) transporters, and 743 (26.6%) residents of Nairobi City County. Up to 609 (21.8%) cases had underlying medical conditions, including hypertension (n = 285 (46.8%)), diabetes (n = 211 (34.6%)), and multiple conditions (n = 129 (21.2%)). Out of 1893 (67.7%) cases with likely sources of exposure, 601 (31.8%) were due to international travel. There were 2340 contacts listed for 577 (20.6%) cases, with 632 contacts (27.0%) being traced. The odds of developing COVID-19 symptoms were higher among case who were aged above 60 years (odds ratio (OR) = 1.99, P = 0.007) or had underlying conditions (OR = 2.73, P < 0.001) and lower among transport sector employees (OR = 0.31, P < 0.001). The odds of developing severe COVID-19 disease were higher among cases who had underlying medical conditions (OR = 1.56, P < 0.001) and lower among cases exposed through community gatherings (OR = 0.27, P < 0.001). The odds of survival of cases from COVID-19 disease were higher among transport sector employees (OR = 3.35, P = 0.004); but lower among cases who were aged ≥60 years (OR = 0.58, P = 0.034) and those with underlying conditions (OR = 0.58, P = 0.025). Conclusion The early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated a need to target the elderly and comorbid cases with prevention and control strategies while closely monitoring asymptomatic cases.

Research paper thumbnail of Post surgical complications of hirschsprung's disease and their management at Kenyatta National Hospital:a 10-year retrospective study

Research paper thumbnail of Diagnostic accuracy of the Panbio™ COVID-19 Antigen rapid test device for SARS-CoV-2 detection in Kenya, 2021: A field evaluation

BackgroundAccurate and timely diagnosis is essential in limiting the spread of severe acute respi... more BackgroundAccurate and timely diagnosis is essential in limiting the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR), the reference standard, requires specialized laboratories, costly reagents, and a long turnaround time. Antigen rapid diagnostic tests (Ag RDTs) provide a feasible alternative to rRT-PCR since they are quick, relatively inexpensive, and do not require a laboratory. The WHO requires that Ag RDTs have a sensitivity ≥80% and specificity ≥97%.MethodsThis evaluation was conducted at 11 health facilities in Kenya between March and July 2021. We enrolled persons of any age with respiratory symptoms and asymptomatic contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases. We collected demographic and clinical information and two nasopharyngeal specimens from each participant for Ag RDT testing and rRT-PCR. We calculated the diagnostic performance of the Panbio™ Ag RDT against the US Centers fo...

Research paper thumbnail of Use of Sentinel Surveillance Platforms for Monitoring SARS-CoV-2 Activity: Evidence From Analysis of Kenya Influenza Sentinel Surveillance Data (Preprint)

Research paper thumbnail of Utility of Sentinel Surveillance Platforms for Monitoring SARS-CoV-2 Activity: Evidence from Analysis of Kenya Influenza Sentinel Surveillance Data (Preprint)

JMIR public health and surveillance, Mar 25, 2024

Research paper thumbnail of Diagnostic accuracy of the Panbio COVID-19 antigen rapid test device for SARS-CoV-2 detection in Kenya, 2021: A field evaluation

PLOS ONE, Jan 25, 2023

Background Accurate and timely diagnosis is essential in limiting the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infect... more Background Accurate and timely diagnosis is essential in limiting the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The reference standard, rRT-PCR, requires specialized laboratories, costly reagents, and a long turnaround time. Antigen RDTs provide a feasible alternative to rRT-PCR since they are quick, relatively inexpensive, and do not require a laboratory. The WHO requires that Ag RDTs have a sensitivity �80% and specificity �97%. Methods This evaluation was conducted at 11 health facilities in Kenya between March and July 2021. We enrolled persons of any age with respiratory symptoms and asymptomatic contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases. We collected demographic and clinical information and two nasopharyngeal specimens from each participant for Ag RDT testing and rRT-PCR. We calculated the diagnostic performance of the Panbio™ Ag RDT against the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) rRT-PCR test. Results We evaluated the Ag RDT in 2,245 individuals where 551 (24.5%, 95% CI: 22.8-26.3%) tested positive by rRT-PCR. Overall sensitivity of the Ag RDT was 46.6% (95% CI: 42.4-50.9%), specificity 98.5% (95% CI: 97.8-99.0%), PPV 90.8% (95% CI: 86.8-93.9%) and NPV 85.0% (95% CI: 83.4-86.6%). Among symptomatic individuals, sensitivity was 60.6% (95% CI: 54.3-66.7%) and specificity was 98.1% (95% CI: 96.7-99.0%). Among asymptomatic individuals, sensitivity was 34.7% (95% CI 29.3-40.4%) and specificity was 98.7% (95% CI: 97.8-99.3%). In persons with onset of symptoms <5 days (594/876, 67.8%),

Research paper thumbnail of Superior mesenteric venous thrombosis presenting with hematemesis: a case report

The Annals of African Surgery, Aug 29, 2022

The superior mesenteric vein (SMV) is one of the two tributaries to the portal vein, which is the... more The superior mesenteric vein (SMV) is one of the two tributaries to the portal vein, which is the main prehepatic drainage channel of the splanchnic circulation. Venous thrombosis in the SMV is one of the rare causes of splanchnic ischemic syndrome. Clinical presentation is often vague abdominal symptoms. It seldom presents with hematemesis, which may further confound diagnosis, thereby increasing the risk of poor outcomes. This case highlights an otherwise healthy 31-year-old woman, who presenting at a tertiary hospital in Nairobi with a 2-day history of epigastric pain and copious hematemesis. She had been treated for Helicobacter pylori gastritis 2 months prior. Common differentials were considered. However, with normal esophagogastroduodenoscopy findings and darkcolored fluid sequestered in the upper gastrointestinal tract, mesenteric venous congestion with associated small bowel ischemia was suspected. Three-phase abdominal computed tomography angiogram confirmed proximal superior mesenteric venous thrombosis extending into the portal vein confluence. Associated small bowel necrosis was suspected, and surgery involving resection and primary ileo-jejunal anastomosis was performed. Post-operative 2-week parenteral nutrition and anticoagulation were administered. The patient was discharged after 3 weeks of hospitalization and remains in excellent condition.

Research paper thumbnail of Mapping of cholera hotspots in Kenya using epidemiologic and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) indicators as part of Kenya’s new 2022–2030 cholera elimination plan

PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases

Cholera is an issue of major public health importance. It was first reported in Kenya in 1971, wi... more Cholera is an issue of major public health importance. It was first reported in Kenya in 1971, with the country experiencing outbreaks through the years, most recently in 2021. Factors associated with the outbreaks in Kenya include open defecation, population growth with inadequate expansion of safe drinking water and sanitation infrastructure, population movement from neighboring countries, crowded settings such as refugee camps coupled with massive displacement of persons, mass gathering events, and changes in rainfall patterns. The Ministry of Health, together with other ministries and partners, revised the national cholera control plan to a multisectoral cholera elimination plan that is aligned with the Global Roadmap for Ending Cholera. One of the key features in the revised plan is the identification of hotspots. The hotspot identification exercise followed guidance and tools provided by the Global Task Force on Cholera Control (GTFCC). Two epidemiological indicators were used...

Research paper thumbnail of Characterization of COVID-19 cases in the early phase (March to July 2020) of the pandemic in Kenya

Journal of Global Health, Dec 30, 2022

Background Kenya detected the first case of COVID-19 on March 13, 2020, and as of July 30, 2020, ... more Background Kenya detected the first case of COVID-19 on March 13, 2020, and as of July 30, 2020, 17 975 cases with 285 deaths (case fatality rate (CFR) = 1.6%) had been reported. This study described the cases during the early phase of the pandemic to provide information for monitoring and response planning in the local context. Methods We reviewed COVID-19 case records from isolation centres while considering national representation and the WHO sampling guideline for clinical characterization of the COVID-19 pandemic within a country. Socio-demographic, clinical, and exposure data were summarized using median and mean for continuous variables and proportions for categorical variables. We assigned exposure variables to socio-demographics, exposure, and contact data, while the clinical spectrum was assigned outcome variables and their associations were assessed. Results A total of 2796 case records were reviewed including 2049 (73.3%) male, 852 (30.5%) aged 30-39 years, 2730 (97.6%) Kenyans, 636 (22.7%) transporters, and 743 (26.6%) residents of Nairobi City County. Up to 609 (21.8%) cases had underlying medical conditions, including hypertension (n = 285 (46.8%)), diabetes (n = 211 (34.6%)), and multiple conditions (n = 129 (21.2%)). Out of 1893 (67.7%) cases with likely sources of exposure, 601 (31.8%) were due to international travel. There were 2340 contacts listed for 577 (20.6%) cases, with 632 contacts (27.0%) being traced. The odds of developing COVID-19 symptoms were higher among case who were aged above 60 years (odds ratio (OR) = 1.99, P = 0.007) or had underlying conditions (OR = 2.73, P < 0.001) and lower among transport sector employees (OR = 0.31, P < 0.001). The odds of developing severe COVID-19 disease were higher among cases who had underlying medical conditions (OR = 1.56, P < 0.001) and lower among cases exposed through community gatherings (OR = 0.27, P < 0.001). The odds of survival of cases from COVID-19 disease were higher among transport sector employees (OR = 3.35, P = 0.004); but lower among cases who were aged ≥60 years (OR = 0.58, P = 0.034) and those with underlying conditions (OR = 0.58, P = 0.025). Conclusion The early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated a need to target the elderly and comorbid cases with prevention and control strategies while closely monitoring asymptomatic cases.

Research paper thumbnail of Post surgical complications of hirschsprung's disease and their management at Kenyatta National Hospital:a 10-year retrospective study

Research paper thumbnail of Diagnostic accuracy of the Panbio™ COVID-19 Antigen rapid test device for SARS-CoV-2 detection in Kenya, 2021: A field evaluation

BackgroundAccurate and timely diagnosis is essential in limiting the spread of severe acute respi... more BackgroundAccurate and timely diagnosis is essential in limiting the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR), the reference standard, requires specialized laboratories, costly reagents, and a long turnaround time. Antigen rapid diagnostic tests (Ag RDTs) provide a feasible alternative to rRT-PCR since they are quick, relatively inexpensive, and do not require a laboratory. The WHO requires that Ag RDTs have a sensitivity ≥80% and specificity ≥97%.MethodsThis evaluation was conducted at 11 health facilities in Kenya between March and July 2021. We enrolled persons of any age with respiratory symptoms and asymptomatic contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases. We collected demographic and clinical information and two nasopharyngeal specimens from each participant for Ag RDT testing and rRT-PCR. We calculated the diagnostic performance of the Panbio™ Ag RDT against the US Centers fo...