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Prevalence and Mortality Associated with Tuberculosis Among HIV-Infected Patients in High-Volume HIV Care Sites in Conakry
Niouma Nestor Leno,
Foromo Guilavogui,
Mohamed Diallo,
Aboubacar Sidiki Magassouba,
Youssouf Koita,
Laye Kaba,
Souleymane Chaloub,
Andre Kamano,
Alexandre Delamou,
Alioune Camara
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 1, March 2023
Pages:
1-9
Received:
20 December 2022
Accepted:
6 January 2023
Published:
17 January 2023
Abstract: Introduction: The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of tuberculosis and to identify factors associated with its occurrence among HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy. It also estimated the survival rate among HIV patients co-infected with TB and among HIV patients not co-infected with TB. Methods: In this study, two types of studies were used. An analytical cross-sectional study was used to estimate the prevalence of TB at the time of data collection or extraction among HIV-infected patients. A historical cohort study was used to analyze the survival of HIV patients on ART at different time points during their follow-up. We used Kaplan Meir survival analysis techniques to estimate the cumulative incidence of death among patients on antiretroviral therapy at different follow-up periods. We used multivariate logistic regression to identify associations significantly associated with the occurrence of TB in patients living with HIV. Results: The prevalence of tuberculosis among HIV-infected patients was 21.19%. The cumulative probability of death for patients on ART was 6.80%, or an incidence rate of 3.27 per 100 person-years. The advanced clinical stage of HIV infection at ART initiation, the low CD4 count at ART initiation, and the high viral load at ART initiation were statistically associated with the occurrence of TB in HIV-infected patients (all AOR > 1, p-value < 0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that the cumulative probability of death was higher in patients co-infected with HIV and TB than in those who were not. A mixed study (a prospective quantitative component and a qualitative component) could allow a better understanding of this phenomenon of tuberculosis occurrence among HIV-infected patients in Guinea.
Abstract: Introduction: The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of tuberculosis and to identify factors associated with its occurrence among HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy. It also estimated the survival rate among HIV patients co-infected with TB and among HIV patients not co-infected with TB. Methods: In this study, two ...
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A Comparison of Histological Staining Methods for Pathogenic Fungi in Humans
JoAnna Rudasill,
Sheila Criswell
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 1, March 2023
Pages:
10-22
Received:
30 December 2022
Accepted:
1 February 2023
Published:
9 February 2023
Abstract: Background: Using special stains to detect fungus is an essential diagnostic tool in histology. Because microbiology cultures can take over a month for a definitive diagnosis, rapid detection and treatment of fungal infections are necessary for patient care, particularly in immunocompromised patients when infections may lead to life-threatening complications. Objective: A comparison of various classic special stain methods along with more recent modifications on those staining methods was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of fungal detection while attempting to ameliorate the dangers associated with certain chemicals used in histochemical procedures. Methods: Twenty-five formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded archived tissue blocks containing the genera Aspergillus, Blastomyces, Candida, Cryptococcus, Histoplasma, Mucor, and Pneumocystis were stained with periodic acid Schiff light green (PAS-LG) and Grocott methenamine silver (GMS) using standard methods. Modifications of these and other protocols found in the literature to include altering the oxidizing reagent, time in oxidizer, temperature of oxidizer, pretreatment, and counterstain applied were made and the results were compared. Results: Cryptococcus and Candida were the most readily labeled fungal genera with detection rates of 92% and 85%, respectively across all staining protocols assayed. Histoplasma, however proved to be the most difficult genus to successfully label with only a 21% sensitivity across all staining protocols. Conclusion: While several procedures which included altering oxidizers, incubation periods, and temperatures were variably successful, the original Grocott method with chromic acid as the oxidizer remained the most effective protocol in the detection of fungal elements with 96% sensitivity.
Abstract: Background: Using special stains to detect fungus is an essential diagnostic tool in histology. Because microbiology cultures can take over a month for a definitive diagnosis, rapid detection and treatment of fungal infections are necessary for patient care, particularly in immunocompromised patients when infections may lead to life-threatening com...
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Prevalence and Risk Factors of Hepatitis C Viral Infection Among Pregnant Women at a Tertiary Institution in Lagos, Nigeria
Ngozi Nwabuogo Anayochukwu-Ugwu,
Innocent Anayochukwu Ugwu,
Joseph Tochukwu Enebe
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 1, March 2023
Pages:
23-30
Received:
26 January 2023
Accepted:
17 February 2023
Published:
28 February 2023
Abstract: Hepatitis C viral infection is a blood borne disease caused by Hepatitis C virus (HCV). It is significantly associated with morbidities and mortalities in men and women. Infection mostly occurs via contact with blood from transfusion of unscreened blood as well as blood products, illicit parenteral drug use (sharing of injection needles), unsafe health care and injection practices. Women who are pregnant and their unborn babies and infants are among the group of people less commonly talked about when the disease burden of HCV is being discussed in Nigeria. This study therefore aimed to ascertain the prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection among the pregnant women as well as the risk factors associated with the acquisition of the infection. Four hundred consenting antenatal attendees at the Lagos Island Maternity hospital, Nigeria were recruited and their blood samples were taken for analysis. A pretested and validated semi structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on risk factors for Hepatitis C Virus infection and socio demographic characteristic of participants. Univariate analysis was performed to obtain proportions and frequencies. In order to uncover additional risk variables for HCV infection, bivariate data analysis was carried out. Chi-square test was performed to assess statistical significance which was assumed at 0.05%. The mean age of the study subjects were 30.6 years with a standard deviation of ± 5.0 years. Majority of the study subjects 133 (33.2%) were in the age group of 30-34, most of them 238 (59.5%) had tertiary education, 396 (99.0%) were married, 110 (27.5%) were traders and 329 (82.3%) were of monogamous family setting. There was an overall sero-prevalence of 1.5% among the pregnant women with a higher prevalence of 1.25% among pregnant women who had more than one delivery (multiparous women) and 0.25% among pregnant women who had no previous delivery (nulliparous women). The risk factors that were significantly associated with the transmission of HCV infection included “Tattoo/Scarification (P=0.002) and “sharing of sharps and needles” (P=0.015). There is the need for effective public education on the ways of spread of HCV virus, practice of universal precautionary measures, adequate sterilization of instruments, appropriate use of injections, safe disposal of waste and sharps and avoidance of other high risk behavior that may lead to HCV infection. A more lager studies on the epidemiology of HCV infection is needed to inform health policy makers on strategies for prevention, screening, control and treatment of HCV infection.
Abstract: Hepatitis C viral infection is a blood borne disease caused by Hepatitis C virus (HCV). It is significantly associated with morbidities and mortalities in men and women. Infection mostly occurs via contact with blood from transfusion of unscreened blood as well as blood products, illicit parenteral drug use (sharing of injection needles), unsafe he...
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Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Towards COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control Measures in Mwandi District of Zambia – A Three-Year Retrospective Study
Tinkler Saul Simbeye,
Pamela Mwansa,
Queen Mulenga,
Evason Mandona,
Esther Masebe,
Arthur Chisanga,
Remmy Mulenga,
Inonge Milupi Muyunda,
Mary Mtonga Chimwala,
Kennedy Mwila,
Dorothy Banda
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 1, March 2023
Pages:
31-38
Received:
27 January 2023
Accepted:
24 February 2023
Published:
3 March 2023
Abstract: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) which affects the upper and the lower respiratory tract system and spreads via droplet and person-to-person close contact. This study sought to determine the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of people towards COVID-19 infection prevention and control measures in order to enhance and amplify the impact of COVID-19 preventive measures in Mwandi District, in the Western Province of Zambia in Central Africa. A total of 380 patients and clients aged between 15 and 50 whose COVID-19 status was not known were selected via simple random sampling technique to participate in this study. Data was collected using structured interview questionnaire and was analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Tables and charts were used to present the analyzed data. The correlations between predictors and end results variables were categorized by multivariate logistic regression analysis. This study revealed that most of study participants 35.8% (136) were aged between 21 and 30 with the mean value of 2.18. The study also disclosed that most of the study participants 58.4% (222) were females while 41.6% (158) were males with mean value of 1.58. The study further disclosed that 95% (361) of the respondents had adequate level of knowledge on COVID-19 infection prevention and control measures. And age, marital status, level of education, occupation and number of children were found to have significant correlation with level of knowledge on COVID-19 infection prevention and control measures (P<0.05). It also revealed that the vast majority of the respondents 92.1% (350) had good attitude towards COVID-19 infection prevention and control measures. Level of education and occupation were found to have statistically significant association with level of attitude towards covid-19 infection prevention and control measures (P<0.05). The study also uncovered that 76.1% (289) of the respondents had good practice towards COVID-19 infection prevention and control measures while 23.9% (91) had poor practice towards COVID-19 infection prevention and control measures. Level of education and occupation were found to have statistically substantial association with level of practice towards covid-19 infection prevention and control measures (P<0.05). However, it is recommended that there is need to raise community awareness on the importance of getting vaccinated against COVID-19 infection. There is also need for community sensitization on the importance of strict adherence to five golden rules of Covid-19 infection prevention and control measures.
Abstract: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) which affects the upper and the lower respiratory tract system and spreads via droplet and person-to-person close contact. This study sought to determine the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of people towards ...
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Community Scabies Outbreak Investigation and Risk Factors in Katondo Health Post, Kasenengwa District of Eastern Province: Unmatched Case Control Study
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 1, March 2023
Pages:
39-45
Received:
6 January 2023
Accepted:
27 January 2023
Published:
9 March 2023
Abstract: Scabies is a parasitic infestation caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis which is a microscopic mite that burrows into the skin and lays eggs. Prevalence of the condition range from 0.2% to 71% globally. This study was therefore conducted to investigate the suspected community scabies outbreak in Katondo Health Post of Kasenengwa District and bring out the significant associated factors. Unmatched case control study was conducted (1:2 case control ratio). Suspected outbreak was identified through weekly notifiable report. Desk review of the Out Patient Register (OPD) was done to determine additional suspected cases. Structured questionnaire was administered to collect risk factors data. Total study participants were therefore cases with clinical signs of symptoms unmatched to controls within the area. Frequency tables were used to present demographic variables. Attack rate was used to measure morbidity. Odds Ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to determine risk factors. Total of 64 clinical scabies cases were recorded giving an attack rate of 1/100 people. Mandondo zone which was the index case zone recorded the highest attack rate of 3/100 people. Mean age of the cases was 18 with range of 11-56 years. Statistically significant factors associated with the outbreak were Low education ((OR=4.9, 95% CI=1.34-6.45, P-Value=0.014), record of exchanging clothes (OR=2.1, 95%CI=1.45-5.34, P value 0.001), Skin contact with suspected case (OR=2.5, 95% CI=0.74-8.68, P Value=0.012), bathing less than 3 times per week (OR=5.4, 95% CI=2.38-14.43, P value: 0.000). Protective factors were, use of soap for bathing (OR=0.34, 95% CI=0.21-2.71, P value=0.003), family member less than 5 (OR=0.12, 95% CI= 0.12-0.06, P Value=0.000). From the results, it can be deduced that scabies outbreak occurred in Katondo Health Facility. Low education, record of exchanging clothes, bathing less than 3 times per week, and skin contact with the suspected case were the risk factors associated with outbreak. Epidemic protective factors were, use of soap for bathing and belonging to a household with family members less than 5. Providing risk factors-based health education on prevention and controls especially, at health facility and community level were recommended.
Abstract: Scabies is a parasitic infestation caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis which is a microscopic mite that burrows into the skin and lays eggs. Prevalence of the condition range from 0.2% to 71% globally. This study was therefore conducted to investigate the suspected community scabies outbreak in Katondo Health Post of Kasenengwa District and bri...
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The Incidence of COVID-19 Among Primary Middle School Students and Co-residents in Nan'an District, Chongqing, China: A Cross-Sectional Study
Hui Xiang,
Yan Wang,
Linlin Yang,
Wenwen Deng,
Jing Qin,
Lu Yu,
Li Qi,
Xiaoqing Tang
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 1, March 2023
Pages:
46-49
Received:
1 March 2023
Accepted:
21 March 2023
Published:
24 March 2023
Abstract: Objective: To understand the infection situation of COVID-19 among primary and middle school students and co-residents in Nan'an District of Chongqing during the new stage of "a Class B infectious disease under Category B management", and to provide scientific basis for the subsequent timely analysis of the epidemic situation and prediction of the demand for medical treatment resources. Methods: From December 20 to 21, 2022, 19225 students from 86 primary and secondary schools in Nan'an District were selected by stratified random cluster sampling method to conduct an electronic questionnaire survey. Results: A total of 17744 valid questionnaires were received, the response rate was 92.30%, the average age was 11 years old. The infection rate of novel coronavirus was 64.09%, among which the infection rate of middle school study group was higher than that of primary school study group, accounting for 65.39%. The infection rate of male students was slightly higher than that of female students (63.02%) The infection rate of Nanping residential area was higher than that of other residential areas, accounting for 66.25%. The symptoms, infection, medical treatment and hospitalization of co-residents were statistically significant. Conclusion: The infection rate of COVID-19 among primary and secondary schools and co-residents in Nan'an District is higher than that of Chongqing in the same period, but the subjects have high health awareness and take the initiative to seek medical treatment or be hospitalized. In the future, it is necessary to focus on people in junior high schools, male, old urban areas, etc. Publicity and education on family COVID-19 prevention measures shall be well conducted to ensure medical treatment resources in the region and provide timely and satisfactory medical and health services for residents.
Abstract: Objective: To understand the infection situation of COVID-19 among primary and middle school students and co-residents in Nan'an District of Chongqing during the new stage of "a Class B infectious disease under Category B management", and to provide scientific basis for the subsequent timely analysis of the epidemic situation and prediction of the ...
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