MOSP - Macao Scientific Publishers

Research Article

Frequency of the sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait in Heglig Area-Sudan

Full Length Research Paper

Abstract: Sickle cell disease is a genetic, hereditary and chronic disease that affects the health of its carriers and might impair their health-related quality of life. The aim of the current study was to determine the sickle cell trait frequency in Sudanese patient living in Heglig area in Western of Southern Kordofan state from November 2008 to February 2009. An analytical, descriptive and cross-sectional study conducted for one hundred participants who had confirmed patient diagnosed as (Hb S disease) homozygosis patient,2-5 mL of venous blood was collected for the measurements of complete blood count, sickling test and Hb electrophoresis. Demographic data and family history were collected in a pre designed questionnaire with written consent all participants. In this study the frequency of sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease were (52%) and (14%) respectively and 34% were normal. The sickling test showed that 71 % of the study population were negative sickling test, the remaining 29 % were positive. The total erythrocytes was significantly decreased in sickle cell disease (p< 0.000) compared with normal and sickle cell trait, also the hemoglobin concentration and packed cell volume were significantly lower than that of normal individuals and sickle cell trait patients. The frequencies of sickle cell trait was higher among the participants and patients of sickle disease showed lower values of red blood cells parameters , but higher values of white blood cells and platelets compared to haemoglobin phenotype AA control participants.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Sickle cell disease, Frequencies, Haematological values, Heglig , Sudan.

2014, 3(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Self-reported adherence to antiretroviral therapy in sub-Saharan Africa: A meta-analysis

Full Length Research Paper

Abstract: As treatment of HIV infection with antiretroviral medications becomes a reality in sub-Saharan Africa, adherence to treatment regimen becomes a challenge. A meta-analysis was conducted to summarize the reported adherence rate in sub-Saharan Africa. Forest plot was used to visualize the extent of heterogeneity among studies. Following the random effect model, the combined adherence percent was 84.31% (95% CI = 79.48% - 88.60%). The Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis provided an alternative statistical method to evaluate pooled proportion and the analysis was similar to the random effect analysis. Identified barriers to adherence include: depression, centralized ART clinic, interruption in drug supply/procurement, stigma, absence of social support, cost of ART, complacency, forgetfulness and medication related problems. Cost of ART (OR = 2.19; 95% CI= 1.65 – 2.90), Complacency (OR = 5.25; 95% CI = 2.89 – 10.80), and medication related problems (OR = 1.68; 95%CI = 1.28 – 2.22) were the strongest barriers to adherence. This study showed a good level of adherence in sub-Saharan Africa. However, barriers to adherence identified in this study could be employed to improve adherence to a near perfect level.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Adherence, antiretroviral, Sub-Saharan Africa, HIV/AIDS, self-reported, meta-analysis.

2014, 3(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Prevalence of pathogenic protozoa infection in humans and their associated risk factors in Benue State, Nigeria

Bernard Ortwer Atu, Ifeoma Nancy I. Obijiaku* and Sabo Ezemuel Yakubu

Abstract: Pathogenic intestinal protozoa have been associated with human gastrointestinal disorders worldwide. This study was designed to determine the prevalence & associated risk factors of Cryptosporidium parvum (CP), Entamoeba histolytica (EH) and Giardia lamblia (GL) infections in people living in the senatorial districts of Benue state (zones A, B and C). A cross-sectional study was designed in which 733 stool samples were collected from out-patients and apparently healthy individuals from homes. Ethical consent was sought and approved before sample collection. Samples were analyzed using the Rida® Quick immunochromatographic method. A structured questionnaire was administered to subjects to obtain information on their socio-demographic characteristics. The results showed a total prevalence rate of 47.8, 31.5 and 43.9% in zones A, B and C respectively. While source of drinking water was positively associated with protozoa infections in zones A and C, age, hand washing habit and source of food were statistically significant only in zone A (p < 0.05). In zone B, literacy level, household toilet facility and care of fruits significantly increased infection rates (p < 0.05). This study has identified specific risk factors responsible for pathogenic protozoa infections in humans in Benue state.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Cryptosporidium parvum, Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, risk factors, Benue State, Nigeria.

2014, 3(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Various manifestations of extrapulmonary tuberculosis and its relationship with HIV-AIDS

Irappa Madabhavi, Swaroop Revannasiddaiah and Priyanka Das

Abstract: Tuberculosis is known from ancient times. Recently HIV and Tuberculosis emerged as an important treatable co-epidemic especially in developing countries. Extra-Pulmonary Tubercular involvement is one of the important manifestations of Tuberculosis especially in HIV co-infected patients. But the extra-pulmonary manifestations vary between patients of Tuberculosis with HIV and without HIV co infection. In HIV subgroup lymph node tuberculosis (58.1%) was commonest extra pulmonary presentation with cervical lymph nodes (35.5%) as commonest site. Neurological tuberculosis (32.3%) was second common followed by pleural effusion (29%). Abdominal tuberculosis (19%) was at fourth place with hepatomegaly and omental mass as commonest clinical finding. Ascites was not seen in any of the patient. None of patients with HIV co infection had skeletal and pericardial involvement. EPTB most commonly affects the younger economically productive section of the society. Co-infection with HIV is an important risk factor. The site of organ involvement in EPTB is different in HIV-infected and non-HIV-infected persons. There is higher frequency of disseminated disease among HIV – TB co-infected patients.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Tuberculosis, HIV, extra pulmonary TB (EPTB) manifestations, co- infection, epidemics.

2014, 3(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Post-mortem of the 2007 Plague epidemic in Zambia

Mabvuto Kango

Abstract: Zambia’s Petauke district experienced a plague epidemic in 2007, where there were a total of 425 cases and two deaths. What could have contributed to such a large number of cases? Due to the changing rainfall (and other climatic conditions) patterns, outbreaks of diseases such as plague are likely to recur. Identification and sharing of some of the lessons learned can greatly contribute to reducing morbidity and preventing mortality in future. The article presents a Case study of the 2007 Plague Epidemic in Zambia that highlights what went right and what went wrong in responding to the epidemic.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Zambia, lessons learned, plague, rainfall patterns, outbreak.

2014, 3(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Effects of peer education on AIDS knowledge and sexual behavior among youths on national service and secondary school students in Nigeria

Hassan AO, Oladeji AO, Osinowo K, Ajuwon AJ, Atibioke OP, Ojomo OA, Ehimatie B and Ladipo OA

Abstract: Young persons are disproportionately affected by the impact of HIV in Nigeria. This paper presents findings from an evaluation of a national youth HIV prevention program designed to determine the effects of HIV prevention intervention (HPI) on Youths on Compulsory National Service (YoCNS) and Adolescents in Secondary Schools (AiSS). Data were collected from 229 YoCNS who received training on HIV prevention and 231 of their counterparts who did not. Among AiSS, data were collected from 909 respondents who were trained as peer educators and among 1005 students who were not. Data were collected in six states namely Akwa-Ibom, Enugu, Gombe, Kaduna, Plateau and Osun using a questionnaire that explored knowledge on HIV and sexual behavior and supplemented by focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. Results show that both youths and students who received HPI reported superior knowledge on HIV/AIDS than their counterparts who did not. Students in the intervention sites also reported fewer numbers of multiple sexual partners (9.7%) compared to those in the comparison sites (15.4%). The qualitative data shows that the project had positive effects on both youths and students who received the intervention. Given these positive outcomes, it is recommended that the project should not only be sustained but expanded to reach adolescents who are out of school.[...] Read More.

Keywords: HIV prevention intervention, Youths on National Service, Adolescents in Secondary Schools, Peer education, Knowledge on HIV.

2014, 3(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Survey on alcohol exposure in relations to behavioral practices, health situations, and academic performances of students in higher institutions of learning in Buea, Cameroon

Ernest E. Fon, Abiya E. Acha, and Wilfred A. Abia,

Abstract: Alcohol has a strong effect on people and can cause major health problems, including liver cirrhosis and injuries in consumer’s bodies. In Cameroon, data on alcohol consumption levels as well as its influences on youth psychology and education are currently non-existing. The aim of this survey was to determine beer consumption patterns amongst students in higher institutions of learning in Buea, Cameroon, in relations to students’ lifestyles, health history and academic performances. Structured questionnaires were randomly administered to some 280 students. A total of 200 responses (males: 56.5%; females: 43.5%) were obtained from students who consume beer. Beer consumption practices were directly associated with students monthly pocket allowances. Averagely, students who drank beer consumed 1.7 L/day. This may partly justify the observed alcohol intoxication related symptoms including nausea, memory loss, accidents as revealed by survey findings. Generally, beer intake correlated negatively with student’s attitude toward their studies and positively with violence as well as nasty practices such as unconscious sexual behaviours; pointing at risk of HIV infections. This preliminary survey has for the first time in Cameroon provided data on beer intake and its effects on student’s health, behaviours and attitude towards their education.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Alcohol, students’, academic performances, behavioural practices, health situations.

2014, 3(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Occurrence of vancomycin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) in fresh and fermented milk in Nigeria: A preliminary report

Gali Abaka Umaru*, Junaidu Kabir, Veronica J. Umoh, Mohammed Bello, and Jacob K. P. Kwaga

Abstract: A study was conducted to determine the occurrence of vancomycin resistant S. aureus (VRSA) in milk in Nigeria. Fourty seven S. aureus were isolated from the 372 milk samples examined, out of which 20 (5.4%) were vancomycin-resistant. Fifteen (4%) of the VRSA were isolated from raw milk, 4 (1.1%) from bulk milk and 1 (0.3%) from pasteurized milk. No significant difference (P > 0.05) between the occurrence among the study variables was observed, . No VRSA occurred in the yogurt and ‘kindirmo’ samples examined. The decrease in the occurrence of the pathogen from raw milk to pasteurized milk and its absence in yogurt and ‘kidirmo’ suggest that pasteurization and fermentation may have eliminated most of the organisms. The resistance profiles of the VRSA isolates to other antibiotics showed high resistance to penicillin (100%), tetracycline (85%), amoxicillin (65%), methicillin (40%) and oxacillin (40%), but low to amikacin (5%) and sulphamethoxazole/trimethoprim (10%). None of the isolates were resistant to chloramphenicol and ciprofloxacin. The multiple antibiotic resistance index result revealed that 80% of the VRSA were resistant to 3 or more antibiotics. The presence of VRSA coupled with the multple resistance patterns of these isolates are of great concern and also of public health significance. Therefore more studies on the epidemiology of this pathogen in foods are required.[...] Read More.

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2014, 3(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Age and sex trends in the prevalence of obesity among different youth populations in South-East Nigeria

Nwobodo Ed, Anikeh LC#, Obikili E, Ajeigbe K, Onwubuya EI, Ejidike H and Chukwujekwu I

Abstract: There is need to continually monitor and document the trends of overweight and underweight in the public health context of developing nations so as to suitably adjust public health strategies and disease management approaches. This study reported the BMI trends of 2 different youth populations in southeast Nigeria. 2732 secondary school students were selected through a multi-stage sampling technique and their body mass indices obtained. The prevalence of overweight, obesity and underweight were determined using Body Mass Index (BMI). The findings were compared with the data of a cohort of medical school undergraduates (n=131). Approximately 75% and 66% respectively of secondary and tertiary students were underweight. The prevalence of overweight was 3% in secondary and 19% in tertiary student populations. Obesity was less than 1% in both groups. Only 21.99% and 14.52% respectively of the younger and older youth populations had normal BMI. The current mean prevalence of obesity among Nigeria youth populations was[...] Read More.

Keywords: Obesity, overweight, underweight, prevalence, Nigerian, youths, Age/Sex trend.

2014, 3(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Poor biosecurity in live bird markets in Uganda: A potential risk for highly pathogenic avian influenza disease outbreak in poultry and spread to humans

Halid Kirunda*, Hannah Kibuuka†, Achilles Byaruhanga†, Edison Mworozi†, Josephine Bwogi†, Lukwago Luswa†, Millard Millard†, Fred Wabwire-Mangen and Denis K Byarugaba*

Abstract: Live bird markets (LBMs) are essential for marketing of poultry, but can be a hub for the rapid spread of diseases including avian influenza (AI). We assessed the status of biosecurity in 108 LBMs in 37 districts of Uganda. In all LBMs, carcasses were disposed of in the open and birds were introduced in the markets without initial quarantine. A high proportion of markets lacked a dedicated site for unloading of birds (86.1%) and a programme for disinfection (99.1%), had dirty feed/water troughs (93.5%), were accessed by stray animals (97.2%), and had sick and healthy birds (96.3%) or different bird species (86.1%) sold together. Differences in practices occurred among geographical regions and market location. Birds were more likely to be slaughtered in the open in urban compared to rural LBMs (OR=14.6, 95% CI: 1.50 - 142), while selling of un-caged birds was less likely in central compared to western region (OR=0.2, 95% CI: 0.04 - 0.17). Different poultry species confined in the same cage were more likely to be sold in urban (OR=22, 95% CI: 1.14 - 435) compared to rural markets. We conclude that LBMs in Uganda are a potential risk for spread of AI to poultry and humans.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Biosecurity, live bird markets, avian influenza, environmental hygiene, management practices, segregation measures, traffic control measures.

2014, 3(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Performance of acute flaccid paralysis surveillance system in Zambia: 2000 to 2009- Analysis of secondary data

*RUFARO MUREBWA CHIRAMBO, KUMAR SRIDUTT BABOO AND SETER SIZIYA

Abstract: Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance was adopted by World Health Organization (WHO) following the World Health Assembly (WHA) Resolutions in May 1988, to monitor progress towards poliomyelitis eradication in all member countries. It was introduced in Zambia in 1993, but active AFP surveillance started in 1998. Since then, health workers collect AFP surveillance data, but there is no documented evidence of the review of the performance of the system and epidemiological analysis of the data. A retrospective descriptive analysis was conducted on secondary AFP surveillance data for the period 2000-2009, consisting of all children aged[...] Read More.

Keywords: Acute flaccid paralysis, Poliomyelitis eradication, core indicators, completeness of data, wild polio virus, Non-polio AFP rate, non-polio entero virus rate.

2014, 3(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Isolation and Characterization of Salmonella Gallinarum from Outbreaks of Fowl Typhoid in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Paul Habila Mamman, Haruna Makanjuola Kazeem, Mashood Abiola Raji, Andrew Jonathan Nok, Jacob Kwada Paghi Kwaga

Abstract: This study was carried out to isolate and characterize the causative agent of fowl typhoid in some outbreaks in chickens. Seventy isolates of Salmonella Gallinarum were recovered from culturing visceral organs and cloacal swabs obtained from 30 different outbreaks affecting 29 poultry farms in 8 parts of Kaduna State, Nigeria within two years, February, 2011 – January, 2013. Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction was carried out using primers targeting invA gene which confirmed all isolates as Salmonella. Multiplex PCR was carried out to target glgC and speC genes in order to differentiate between biovars Gallinarum and Pullorum. Results showed that all the isolates possessed both genes, confirming that they were biovar Gallinarum. Ten isolates were selected and characterized by XbaI - Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE). The selected isolates represented farms in various parts of the three Local Government Areas (LGAs) where outbreaks occurred. Out of these ten isolates, six isolates were chosen from 55 isolates recovered from 22 affected farms in Sabon Gari LGA. Three isolates were chosen from 9 isolates recovered from 5 affected farms in Kaduna North LGA; while 1 isolate was chosen from 5 isolates recovered from the 2 farms affected in Kaduna South LGA. The PFGE profiles showed >78% degree of relatedness among Salmonella isolates. This study provides information that the poultry industry in Kaduna State, Nigeria is still plagued with outbreaks of fowl typhoid caused by closely related Salmonella Gallinarum which were isolated.[...] Read More.

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2014, 3(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Refractive error among a sample of Female Primary School Children in Taif City, KSA

Dalia E. Desouky, Nighat M. and Tariq-Khan

Abstract: Refractive error is the most common cause of vision impairment among children, and schools with long period of engagement in vision screening were effective in detecting undiagnosed cases. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of refractive error among female primary school children. A cross-sectional study was carried out from February to March 2013 using structured questionnaire and visual examination. Visual acuity of 324 students was assessed using the Snellen’s chart. Those with VA 6/12 or less with or without correction in one or both eyes were examined by pinhole test, and an improvement of the VA with pinhole was considered refractive error. The prevalence of RE was 16.4%, and a significant relationship was found between having RE in one side and having a family history of wearing glasses, higher class grades, poor school performance, watching television at a distance less than 3 meters, using internet/ TV daily for more than 3 hours, and indulgence in computer or video games in the other side. The study showed that even in economically advantaged societies, refractive errors can go undetected in children. That is why integration of vision screening for refractive errors into KSA school health programmes is necessary.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Female, KSA, prevalence, refractive-errors, school-children.

2014, 3(1), 1-6;

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