Intestinal helminth infections are major parasitic diseases causing public health problems in Ethiopia. Although the epidemiology of these infections are well documented in Ethiopia, new transmission ...foci for schistosomiasis are being reported in different parts of the country. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni and other intestinal helminth infections among school children and determine the endemicity of schistosomiasis in Wolaita Zone, southern Ethiopia.
Cross-sectional parasitological and malacological surveys were conducted by collecting stool samples for microscopic examination and snails for intermediate host identification. Stool samples were collected from 503 children and processed for microscopic examination using Kato-Katz and formalin-ether concentration methods. Snails collected from aquatic environments in the study area were identified to species level and Biomphalaria pfeifferi snails, the intermediate host of S. mansoni,, were individually exposed to artificial light in order to induce cercariae shedding. Cercariae shed from snails were used to infect laboratory-bred Swiss albino mice in order to identify the schistosome to species level.
The overall prevalence of intestinal helminth infections was 72.2% among school children. S. mansoni infection prevalence was 58.6%. The prevalence and intensity of S. mansoni infections varied among schools and sex of children. Swimming was the only factor reported to be significantly associated with S. mansoni infection (AOR = 2.954, 95% CI:1.962-4.449). Other intestinal helminth species identified were hookworms (27.6%), Ascaris lumbricoides (8.7%), E. vermicularis (2.8%), Taenia species (2.6%), T. trichiura (1.2%) and H. nana (0.6%). Only B. pfeifferi snails collected from streams shed schistosome cercariae and 792 adult S. mansoni worms were harvested from mice exposed to cercariae shed from B. pfeifferi on the 6th week post-exposure.
The present study found high level of intestinal helminth infections in the study area. The study also confirmed autochthonous transmission and endemicity of S. mansoni as evidenced by both parasitological and malacological findings as well as by further establishing infections in lab-bred mice. Therefore, there is a need to include the area in the control programs with anti-helminth drugs and also consider other complementary measures including sanitation, provision of clean water supply, and snail control.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
A comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of Streptococcus pneumoniae colonization in conjunction with respiratory virus infections is essential for enhancing our knowledge of the pathogenesis ...and advancing the development of effective preventive strategies. Therefore, a case-control study was carried out in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to investigate the colonization rate of S. pneumoniae and its coinfection dynamics with respiratory viruses among children under the age of 5 years. Samples from the nasopharyngeal and/or oropharyngeal, along with socio-demographic and clinical information, were collected from 420 children under 5 years old (210 cases with lower respiratory tract infections and 210 controls with conditions other than respiratory infections.). A one-step Multiplex real-time PCR using the Allplex Respiratory Panel Assays 1-4 was performed to identify respiratory viruses and bacteria. Data analysis was conducted using STATA software version 17. The overall colonization rate of S. pneumoniae in children aged less than 5 years was 51.2% (215/420). The colonization rates in cases and controls were 54.8% (115/210) and 47.6% (100/210), respectively (p = 0.14). Colonization rates were observed to commence at an early age in children, with a colonization rate of 48.9% and 52.7% among infants younger than 6 months controls and cases, respectively. The prevalence of AdV (OR, 3.11; 95% CI 1.31-8.19), RSV B (OR, 2.53; 95% CI 1.01-6.78) and HRV (OR, 1.7; 95% CI 1.04-2.78) tends to be higher in children who tested positive for S. pneumoniae compared to those who tested negative for S. pneumoniae. Further longitudinal research is needed to understand and determine interaction mechanisms between pneumococci and viral pathogens and the clinical implications of this coinfection dynamics.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children worldwide and disproportionally affect Sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the heaviest burden of LRIs in ...Ethiopia, to date, no published studies have reported a comprehensive viral etiology of LRTIs among children in Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to determine and estimate the etiological contribution of respiratory viruses to LRTIs in < 5 years children in Ethiopia.
A prospective case-control study was conducted from September 2019 to May 2022 in two major governmental hospitals, St. Paul Hospital Millennium Medical College and ALERT Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal samples and socio-demographic and clinical information were collected from children under 5 years. A one-step Multiplex real-time PCR (Allplex™ Respiratory Panel Assays 1-3) was done to detect respiratory viruses. STATA software version 17 was used for the data analysis. We computed the odds ratio (OR), the attributable fraction among exposed (AFE) and the population attributable fraction (PAF) to measure the association of the detected viruses with LRTIs.
Overall, 210 LRTIs cases and 210 non-LRTI controls were included in the study. The likelihood of detecting one or more viruses from NP/OP was higher among cases than controls (83.8% vs. 50.3%, p = 0.004). The multivariate logistic regression showed a significantly higher detection rate for RSV A (OR: 14.6, 95% CI 4.1-52.3), RSV B (OR: 8.1, 95% CI 2.3-29.1), influenza A virus (OR: 5.8, 95% CI 1.5-22.9), and PIV 1 (OR: 4.3, 95% CI 1.1-16.4), among cases when compared with controls. The overall AFE and PAF for RSV A were (93.2% and 17.3%), RSV B (87.7% and 10.4%) and Influenza A virus (82.8% and 6.3%), respectively. The mean CT values were significantly lower for only RSV B detected in the case groups as compared with the mean CT values of RSV B detected in the control group (p = 0.01).
RSV, Influenza A and PIV 1 viruses were significantly associated with LRTIs in < 5 years children in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Therefore, we underscore the importance of developing prevention strategies for these viruses in Ethiopia and support the importance of developing and introducing an effective vaccine against these viruses.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Abstract
The number of diabetic foot ulcer patients is substantially increasing, with the rapidly rising burden of diabetic mellitus in sub-Saharan Africa. The data on the regional prevalence of ...diabetic foot ulcer infecting bacteria and their antimicrobial resistance patterns is crucial for its proper management. This systematic review and meta-analysis determined the pooled prevalence of bacterial profiles and antimicrobial resistance patterns of infected diabetic foot ulcers in sub-Saharan Africa. A comprehensive search of the literature was performed on CINAHL, EMBASE, Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Critical appraisal was done using the Joanna Briggs Institute’s tool for prevalence studies. A pooled statistical meta-analysis was conducted using STATA Version 17.0. The
I
2
statistics and Egger’s test were used to assess the heterogeneity and publication bias. The pooled prevalence and the corresponding 95% confidence interval of bacterial profiles and their antimicrobial resistance patterns were estimated using a random effect model. Eleven studies with a total of 1174 study participants and 1701 bacteria isolates were included. The pooled prevalence of the most common bacterial isolates obtained from DFU were
S. aureus
(34.34%),
E. coli
(21.16%), and
P. aeruginosa
(20.98%). The highest pooled resistance pattern of
S. aureus
was towards Gentamicin (57.96%) and Ciprofloxacin (52.45%).
E.coli
and
K. Pneumoniae
showed more than a 50% resistance rate for the most common antibiotics tested. Both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria were associated with diabetic foot ulcers in sub-Saharan Africa. Our findings are important for planning treatment with the appropriate antibiotics in the region. The high antimicrobial resistance prevalence rate indicates the need for context-specific effective strategies aimed at infection prevention and evidence-based alternative therapies.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
Frequently encountered multidrug-resistant bacterial isolates of
and
are common and prevalent in a hospital environment. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and pattern of ...antibiotic resistance, extended spectrum and metallo beta-lactamase producing
and
isolates from restricted settings of indoor air hospital environment.
A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Wolaita Sodo University Teaching and referral Hospital, Ethiopia from December 1/2015 to April 30/2015. The Air samples were collected from delivery room, intensive care unit and operation theatre of the hospital by active, Anderson six slate sampler technique during the first week of the months, twice a week during Monday's and Friday's. Standard microbiological procedures were followed to isolate
and
Susceptibility testing was performed on isolates using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion technique. Extended spectrum beta lactamase production was detected by double disc synergy test and Imipenem-resistant isolates were screened for producing Metallo-beta lactamase.
A total number of 216 indoor air samples were collected from the delivery room, intensive care unit, and operation room. Correspondingly, 43
isolates were identified (13 from delivery room, 21 from intensive care unit and 9 from operation room). Likewise 24
isolates were obtained (4 from delivery room, 13 from intensive care unit and 7 from operation room). Extended spectrum beta lactamase and metalo-beta lactamase production were observed in 24 (55.8%) and 13 (30.2%) isolates of
respectively, whereas
showed 15 (62.5%) extended spectrum beta lactamase and 9 (37.5%) metallo-beta lactamase production.
Extended spectrum beta lactamase and metallo-beta lactamase producing bacteria in hospital air is a new dimension for specific setting of the study area where antimicrobial resistance is increasing and surgical site infection is prevalent. So, identification of these microorganisms has a great role in reducing the burden of antibiotic resistance and could also provide a significant input for framing hospital infection control policies.
The aim of this study was to investigate nasopharyngeal carriage rate and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of Streptococcus pneumoniae among school children.
Three hundred eleven (43.8%) became ...culture positive for S. pneumoniae. The carriage rate among children, 3-5 years old was 62.5%, which was higher than the carriage rate of 38.6% among 6-13 years old children. Age ≤ 5 years and co-sleeping with siblings remained significantly associated with S. pneumoniae carriage. 155 (49.8%) of the isolates were resistant to co-trimoxazole, 152 (48.9%) of the isolates were resistant to tetracycline, and 88 (28.3%) of isolates were resistant to oxacillin. Multi drug resistant S. pneumoniae was observed in 90 (28.9%) of isolates. There is high prevalence of S. pneumoniae in primary school children in our study area. Relatively high carriage rate of resistance to oxacillin, tetracycline and co-trimoxazole were observed. These findings provide baseline data for future studies to further compare pneumococcal carriage rates and antibiotic resistance patterns.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
Background. Transfusion-transmissible infections, human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and syphilis are among the greatest threats to blood safety and pose a serious ...public health problem. Objective. To determine the magnitude of blood borne infections among blood donors at Wolaita Sodo University Teaching Referral Hospital. Methods and Materials. A cross-sectional study was conducted from 10/11/2015 up to 10/12/2015. 390 donors were consecutively included and data on donor’s age, sex, blood type, and serum screening results were obtained by structured questionnaire and laboratory investigation. The collected data were entered into Epi Data version 1.4 and then exported to SPSS version 20.0 for analysis. Result. The seroprevalence of blood borne pathogens is 29.5% of which HCV, HBV, HIV, and syphilis account for 8.5%, 9.5%, 6.4%, and 7.5%, respectively. Multiple infections were observed among 2.8% of the infected individuals. In addition, age ≥ 30 has a significant association with HCV. Conclusion. Significantly higher prevalence of transfusion-transmissible infections was identified from blood donors and they remain to be the greatest threat to blood safety, so comprehensive screening of donors’ blood for HIV, HBV, HCV, and syphilis using standard methods is highly recommended to ensure the safety of blood recipient.
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FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of acute lower respiratory infections (ALRIs) in young children. To design preventive efforts in sub-Saharan Africa, a better knowledge of ...the true role of RSV in pediatric ALRIs is required. Therefore we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of case–control studies to estimate the etiological role of RSV to ALRIs in under 5 years children in sub-Saharan Africa.
This study was done according to PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS, Web of Sciences databases, and Google Scholar were used to retrieve articles. STATA software version 17 was used for data analysis. The results of all the included studies were standardized to odds ratios (ORs) with accompanying 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CIs) and the pooled estimates of ORs, attributable fraction among the exposed (AFE), and population attributable fraction (PAF) were reported. The heterogeneity was assessed using Cochrane chi-square (I 2) statistics.
A total of 6200 cases and 4986 controls from 14 articles that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included. The pooled prevalence of RSV among cases and controls was 23.52 % 95 % CI (20.68–26.47) and 4.33 % 95 % CI (3.11–5.73), respectively. The pooled OR is 7.04 95 % CI (4.41–11.24), which indicated a significant association between RSV and ALRI. Among ALRIs cases positive for RSV, the proportion of disease that was not attributable to the background rate (AFE) was 85.8 % 95 % CI (77.3–91.1). The fraction of ALRIs children that can be attributed to RSV (PAF) was 20.2 % 95 % CI (16–24.1).
This study showed clear associations between RSV and ALRI hospitalization in young children in sub-Saharan Africa indicating the need for prophylactic measures against RSV in this age group.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
The study aims to assess the burden of intestinal parasites and Salmonellosis among asymptomatic food handlers at meal serving facilities in Sodo town. Antibiotic resistance was also common and ...increasing among Salmonella isolates with multidrug resistance as current concern.
Community based cross-sectional study was carried out from 387 food handlers working in meal serving facilities. Food handlers, 159(41%) had one or more intestinal parasites. A. lumbricoides was the most prevalent parasite 30(7.8%), followed by Taenia species 26(6.7%) and Hook worm 23(5.9%). A total number of 35 Salmonella isolates were found of which Sero-group D was the most frequent, 17(48.5%) followed by Sero-group C, 12(34.3%), and B 6(17.1%). Ten (2.5%) isolates were Salmonella typhi. Raw meat eating, hand washing after toilet and after touching dirty materials showed significant association with intestinal pathogens. Salmonella isolates were highly resistant to ampicillin (85.7%), amoxicillin and tetracycline 74.3% each. Multidrug resistance prevalence of 81.8% was identified. Periodic screening of food handlers is important in order to prevent the transmission of intestinal parasites and Salmonellosis. Treatment needs to be based on accurate laboratory detection to mitigate the spread of drug resistant Salmonella strains.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
•This study highlights the immediate need for screening of pregnant women for GBS in health facilities of SSA.•This study also highlights the need for incorporating data on GBS cases, antibiotic ...resistance, and serotypes in the regular ANC systems.•A pentavalent vaccine (Ia/Ib/II/ III/V) would cover almost 88.6% of serotypes in SSA.
Group B Streptococcus (GBS)-associated maternal, perinatal, and neonatal mortality and morbidity disproportionately affects Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to address the estimated prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility, and serotype distribution of GBS isolates in SSA.
This study was done according to PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE/PubMed, CINAHL (EBSCO), Embase, SCOPUS, Web of Sciences databases, and Google Scholar were used to retrieve both published and unpublished articles. STATA software version 17 was used for data analysis. Forest plots using the random-effect model were used to present the findings. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochrane chi-square (I2) statistics, while the Egger intercept was used to assess publication bias.
Fifty-eight studies that fulfilled the eligibility criteria were included for meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of maternal rectovaginal colonization and vertical transmission of GBS were 16.06, 95% CI 13.94, 18.30 and 43.31%, 95% CI 30.75, 56.32, respectively. The highest pooled proportion of antibiotic resistance to GBS was observed in gentamicin (45.58%, 95% CI 4.12%, 91.23), followed by erythromycin, (25.11%, 95% CI 16.70, 34.49). The lowest antibiotic resistance was observed in vancomycin (3.84%, 95% CI 0.48, 9.22). Our findings indicate that serotypes Ia/Ib/II/ III/and V cover almost 88.6% of serotypes in SSA.
The estimated high prevalence and resistance to different antibiotic classes observed in GBS isolates from SSA suggests the need for implementation of effective intervention efforts.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
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