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Prevalence of Malaria from Blood Smears Examination: A Three-Year Retrospective Study from Nakfa Hospital, Eritrea
Yafet Kesete,
Meron Tesfay,
Shewit Mihretab
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 3, September 2022
Pages:
94-98
Received:
2 April 2022
Accepted:
15 April 2022
Published:
28 July 2022
DOI:
10.11648/j.wjph.20220703.11
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Abstract: Background: Malaria afflicts more than 90 countries in the tropical and subtropical region in which more than half of the cases are present in Sub-Saharan Africa. Assessing its geographical and temporal prevalence is necessary to implement effective control measures. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine a three-year prevalence of malaria from peripheral blood smear examination. Methods: A retrospective study was carried out in Nakfa Hospital, northern Eritrea, using data recorded from September 2016 to August 2019. All demographic details of subjects and positive malaria case note were obtained from patient admission and laboratory registers. Results: The overall prevalence of smear positive malaria cases was 33.0%. Males (58.19%) were more prone to have a positive malaria smear than females (41.8%). A higher prevalence of malaria was observed in the adult age group (35%) compared with children under 5 years old children (27%). The highest prevalence of malaria cases was found in the year 2016 (48.8%) and 2017 (41%). High slide positive rate was also observed in summer (40%) and autumn (39.52%). Months of July (45%) and September (40.6%) were noted to have the maximum number of cases. Plasmodium vivax constituted the most predominant malaria infections (78.06%), while p. falciparum was also present (21.26 %). Almost around 70% of cases were reported from patients living in and at the peripheries of Nakfa town. Conclusion: Marked reduction trends were observed in morbidity related to malaria throughout the study years. However, vigilant surveillance is required especially during malaria transmission peaks from July to October which also overlap with harvesting seasons.
Abstract: Background: Malaria afflicts more than 90 countries in the tropical and subtropical region in which more than half of the cases are present in Sub-Saharan Africa. Assessing its geographical and temporal prevalence is necessary to implement effective control measures. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine a three-year prevalence of malari...
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Neuronal Hyperexcitability: The Elusive Link Between Social Dysfunction and Biological Dysfunction
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 3, September 2022
Pages:
99-110
Received:
5 August 2022
Accepted:
23 August 2022
Published:
31 August 2022
DOI:
10.11648/j.wjph.20220703.12
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Abstract: Human society is a macrocosm of the human body. Hence, it should not be surprising that a physiological abnormality that can disrupt virtually every system of the human body can disrupt virtually aspect of human society. According to the multi-circuit neuronal hyperexcitability (MCNH) hypothesis of psychiatric disorders, an inherent hyperexcitability of the neurological system drives the wide range of psychological, emotional, and behavioral disturbances that together are referred to as “mental illness.” It also drives the plethora of autonomic, endocrinologic, metabolic, and immunologic disturbances that have been linked to mental illness. The means by which the neuronal hyperexcitability trait has these diverse effects is that a pathological elevation in neural signaling causes chaotic electrical signals to be sent both to the mind and to the various organs and systems of the body. The chaotic signaling to the mind causes the mental, emotional, and behavioral problems, and the chaotic signaling to the body causes the chronic medical problems with which the trait is associated. But beyond these effects, the neuronal hyperexcitability trait drives nearly every major social problem in society, including domestic violence, child abuse, abortion, substance misuse, unemployment, homelessness, and criminality. The means by which the trait drives all of these social problems is the same as that by which it drives all of the aforementioned psychiatric and medical problems because human society is made of billions of human beings, and nearly half of the world’s population harbors the trait of neuronal hyperexcitability. This article will take a detailed look at how the common but elusive trait of neuronal hyperexcitability translates into all of the psychiatric, medical, and social problems that have been plaguing humanity since antiquity and offer a practical intervention that has the potential to change the world.
Abstract: Human society is a macrocosm of the human body. Hence, it should not be surprising that a physiological abnormality that can disrupt virtually every system of the human body can disrupt virtually aspect of human society. According to the multi-circuit neuronal hyperexcitability (MCNH) hypothesis of psychiatric disorders, an inherent hyperexcitabili...
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Prescribers’, Dispensers’ and Users’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Relative to Antimicrobial Resistance in Douala, Cameroon
Cecile Ingrid Djuikoue,
Cedric Dylan Seugnou Nana,
Ngaleu Ngouambe Audrey Pamela,
Dorine Ngatcheu Ekeu,
Grace Wanda,
Celianthe Guegang Guegang,
Wega Farid,
Benjamin Longo-Mbenza,
Tchokonte-Nana Venant,
Dieudone Adiogo,
Omer Njajou
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 3, September 2022
Pages:
111-118
Received:
4 August 2022
Accepted:
24 August 2022
Published:
5 September 2022
DOI:
10.11648/j.wjph.20220703.13
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Abstract: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most serious threats to global health today. It is now expanding exponentially in all regions of the world. Every day, new resistance mechanisms are emerging and spreading globally, compromising our ability to treat the most common infectious diseases. Given the fact that on AMR is insufficient in Cameroun our country, this study aimed to identify some determinants of AMR. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. Convenience non-probabilistic sampling was chosen. Participants enrolled were: prescribers, providers and users of antimicrobials in Douala III subdivisions from Cameroun. Recruitment was done using a questionnaire, while the laboratories were described via an observation grid. The Chi 2 test was done with a significance rate of 5% and a 95% confidence interval. 300 participants and 12 laboratories were identified, the female gender was the most represented with 59%, the age group the most represented was that of 26- years and nurses represent (56%) of the prescribers. The informal sector was overwhelmingly represented by pharmacy salespersons (55%), most of whom were antimicrobial dispensers (53%). The AMR problem was perceived by the vast majority of the population as a problem in practice, locally and nationally. The management of AM waste was mainly done in dustbins, returned to the source and incinerators depending on the target (users, dispensers). The only laboratory with a quality system had an adequate technical platform for diagnosis. Standardized protocols were not available in some, nor commonly used in the mostly private laboratories. Users resorted first to street vendors, then to pharmacies and finally to hospitals. Antibiotics were the most widely used, prescribed and dispensed antimicrobials. Some baseline characteristics significantly influence antimicrobial resistance. Efforts remain to be made in all sectors such as user awareness, regulation of antimicrobial prescribing and implementation of a national action plan.
Abstract: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most serious threats to global health today. It is now expanding exponentially in all regions of the world. Every day, new resistance mechanisms are emerging and spreading globally, compromising our ability to treat the most common infectious diseases. Given the fact that on AMR is insufficient in Camero...
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Risk Factors for Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) Among Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-Infected Patients in Northwestern Nigeria
Egbenoma Andrew Aigboeghian,
Simon Ikechukwu Enem,
Preciousgift Orhue Isibor
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 3, September 2022
Pages:
119-123
Received:
25 July 2022
Accepted:
9 August 2022
Published:
14 September 2022
DOI:
10.11648/j.wjph.20220703.14
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Abstract: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a major threat to tuberculosis (TB) control, and a common occurrence among HIV-infected patients in Nigeria. MDR-TB represents TB simultaneously resistant to at least rifampicin and isoniazid. This study aimed to identify the risk factors for MDR-TB among HIV-infected patients from four Northwestern Nigeria states attending treatment in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital. A hospital-based retrospective case-control study was conducted by reviewing the clinical records of HIV-infected patients tested for MDR-TB from January 2015 to January 2017. A total of 111 MDR-TB cases were obtained, with equal number (111) of randomly selected controls for this study. We used a descriptive statistical technique to obtain summary values for cases and controls. Variables that showed significant association in bivariate analysis were subjected to multivariable logistic analysis. The independent predictors for MDR-TB were Female Sex (AOR=48.26, 95%, Cl: 6.39-365.88), Rural Residence (AOR=4.09, 95%, Cl: 2.05-8.17) and Age (26-45 years) (AOR=1.34, 95%, Cl: 0.56-3.59). Factors such as; Currently Married, Not Currently Married, Previously Treated and Previously Untreated showed no statistical significance at p>0.05. This study identified Female Sex, Rural Residence, and Age (26-45 years) as risk factors for MDR-TB among HIV-infected patients in Northwestern Nigeria. We recommend a prospective study for further understanding of the clinical outcomes of TB treatment and disease.
Abstract: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a major threat to tuberculosis (TB) control, and a common occurrence among HIV-infected patients in Nigeria. MDR-TB represents TB simultaneously resistant to at least rifampicin and isoniazid. This study aimed to identify the risk factors for MDR-TB among HIV-infected patients from four Northwestern Nige...
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Socio-Economic Implications of COVID-19 Prevention and Control Measures in Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study Design
Getachew Weldeyohannes,
Alemu Kibret,
Ephrem Mamo,
Getabalew Endazenaw Bekele,
Aman Yesuf,
Trhas Tadesse
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 3, September 2022
Pages:
124-131
Received:
22 August 2022
Accepted:
5 September 2022
Published:
16 September 2022
DOI:
10.11648/j.wjph.20220703.15
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Abstract: Several African countries have reacted quickly and decisively to curb the potential influx and spread of the COVID-19 virus very much in line with emerging international experience. The aim of this study was to assess the socio- economic Implications of COVID-19 prevention and control measures in Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia. A quantitative study method was applied to address the objectives of the study. The study used cross-sectional study design using community based approaches as appropriate as possible to address the specific objectives. The data was collected using interviewer administered structured questionnaire. A total of 634 participants were selected from each stratum. In each stratum a systematic random sampling techniques were applied. Descriptive analysis using frequency, percentages, cross-tabulations and figures were performed to summarize and present the data. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify variables that are significant with the outcome variable at p value ≤ 0.20 and those variables were considered for the final model. In this study more than half of study participants 337 (53.2%) and 325 (51.3%) reported that economic and social challenges were imposed on them as a result of adherence to CCOVID-19 prevention and Control respectively. Factors that were associated with economic and social implications of COVID-19 preventive and control measures include age marital status, monthly income social distancing practice and smoking. In conclusion, more than half of the study participants were faced both economic and social problems as result of practicing COVID-19 prevention and controlling measures.
Abstract: Several African countries have reacted quickly and decisively to curb the potential influx and spread of the COVID-19 virus very much in line with emerging international experience. The aim of this study was to assess the socio- economic Implications of COVID-19 prevention and control measures in Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia. A quantitative study method w...
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The Nature of Changes in Liver Function and Structure in Patients with COVID-19 and End-Stage Chronic Renal Failure Treated at a Repurposed Moscow Clinic
Vechorko Valery Ivanovich,
Evgeny Mikhailovich Evsikov,
Teplova Natalya Vadimovna
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 3, September 2022
Pages:
132-140
Received:
23 April 2021
Accepted:
13 May 2021
Published:
16 September 2022
DOI:
10.11648/j.wjph.20220703.16
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Abstract: Relevance: Currently, COVID-19 is considered as a systemic disease with impaired immune system function, primarily affecting the lungs, as well as the heart, kidneys, and intestines. The nature of changes in liver function in (COVID-19) is still poorly understood and poorly covered in the available literature. There are no publications on the nature of liver and gastrointestinal tract damage in patients with end-stage chronic kidney disease with COVID-19 virus infection complicated by pneumonia, in the available modern literature. Purpose of the work: To assess the structure of liver pathology in patients with end-stage chronic renal failure (CRF), including chronically receiving hemofiltration procedures, hospitalized with a diagnosis of COVID-19 in a converted emergency hospital in Moscow. Material and methods: We studied 72 patients, including 38 men and 34 women aged 23-86 years, with an average of 58.2±4.8, who were admitted to the hospital for diagnosis and treatment in the period from 10.04.2020 to 02.10.2020 with diagnoses according to ICD-10: U07.1 Coronavirus infection caused by the COVID-19 virus. All patients underwent ultrasound examination of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas and spleen. The level of liver enzyme activity in dynamics, serum albumin concentration, prothrombin time and index were evaluated. Results: Biochemical signs of liver cell cytolysis were detected in 25-57% of patients with viral pneumonia in COVID-19, which complicates the course of terminal forms of chronic kidney disease with hemodialysis. Most often, the disease was accompanied by signs of a decrease in the synthesis of hemostatic proteins of the prothrombin complex and serum albumin, which may be associated with an aggravation of the severity of their existing chronic anemia. hematomegaly and changes in the liver structure were diagnosed in 42-85% of patients with this pathology and were combined with ultrasoundsigns of damage to the pancreas and spleen in 26-38%. In 11-19% of patients with COVID-19 infection, chronic liver damage preceded the development of pneumonia. Regardless of the state of renal function, these changes were accompanied by a worsening of the course of pre-existing liver and pancreatic lesions, including hepatitis and pancreatitis. Conclusion: Assessment of the state of enzyme and protein-producing function of the liver and pancreas should be included in the standards of inpatient examination in patients with end-stage renal failure and hemodialysis, with the development of COVID-19 and viral pneumonia, due to the high prevalence of liver, gallbladder and pancreas pathology.
Abstract: Relevance: Currently, COVID-19 is considered as a systemic disease with impaired immune system function, primarily affecting the lungs, as well as the heart, kidneys, and intestines. The nature of changes in liver function in (COVID-19) is still poorly understood and poorly covered in the available literature. There are no publications on the natur...
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