scholarly journals Risk factors associated with Ctenocephalides felis flea infestation of peri-urban goats: a neglected parasite in an under-appreciated host

2021 ◽  
Vol 53 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Rose Dahm ◽  
Jordana Burdon Bailey ◽  
Robert F. Kelly ◽  
Patrick Chikungwa ◽  
Julius Chulu ◽  
...  

AbstractGoats are critical in mixed smallholder agricultural systems in lower and middle-income countries, while fleas are important human and animal health concerns around the world. Convenience sampling was used to describe and consider risk factors for flea infestations of peri-urban goats, with the aim of informing the iterative development of animal husbandry and management based control strategies. Seven hundred and ninety-two goats were examined in 228 households across 10 peri-urban communities surrounding Blantyre in southern Malawi. The prevalence of Ctenocephalides felis fleas was 18.3, 37.1 and 100% at the levels of individual goats, households and communities, respectively, highlighting a neglected human and animal health concern. Constant introduction of new livestock coupled to a lack of biosecurity within communities, the ubiquitous presence of dog and cat hosts for C. felis, the frequency and thoroughness of cleaning overnight goat accommodation, and goat age less than 12 months old were identified as risk factors for flea infestation. This focal cross-sectional study highlights the significance of fleas in peri-urban communities and uncovers trends and commonalities that are needed to inform sustainable disease management. The majority of the peri-urban goat keepers were female, had resided in the same community throughout their whole life and had primary level education. Advice on the planned management of fleas in livestock needs to be tailored towards this demographic group. This approach affords an opportunity to promote public health measures to address household flea infestations and zoonotic disease spread.

Author(s):  
Teh Exodus Akwa ◽  
Nguimbous Simone

Typhoid fever is a communicable disease transmitted by the bacteria Salmonella typhi, related to serotype paratyphi A, B and C. The disease is of a significant health concern in most developing countries especially Cameroon. Objectives: The study aimed at determining the prevalence and associated risk factors of typhoid fever in children ( 0-18 years) attending the “Deo Gratias” hospital in Douala. Method: A hospital base cross sectional study from August to September 2018 was carried out in patients’ age 0-18 years suffering from typhoid fever at the Deo gratias Catholic hospital. Widal slide agglutination test was the diagnostic test used. Positive tested patients were administered questionnaires to evaluate the level of knowledge, attitude and practice toward the disease, as well as their self-management abilities. Data obtained from respondents was analysed by descriptive statistics. One-way ANOVA and means comparison using Tukey’s test (α = 0.05) was performed to check whether the population of respondents differed significantly across risk factor practices. Results were finally presented on bar charts, tables and pie chart. Results: Typhoid fever was more prevalent in females (52.3%) than in males (47.7%), with a high proportion in the ages 5-9 years (38.6%). A significant difference was observed in population of respondents across risk factor practices. Conclusion: Water quality have a great impact on the burden of typhoid fever among children. The identification of risk factors associated to the disease is of great importance in the development of rational control strategies of the disease.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mamoudou Cisse ◽  
Ibrahim Sangare ◽  
Arthur D. Djibougou ◽  
Marc C. Tahita ◽  
Souleymane Gnissi ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundSchistosomiasis remains a major public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa. Although schistosomiasis is well documented in school-aged children in Burkina Faso, prevalence data among preschool-aged children (PSAC) are limited and outdated, and its risk factors in this group remain poorly documented. The main objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors associated with Schistosoma (S.) mansoni infection among PSAC from Panamasso village, western Burkina Faso.MethodologyA cross-sectional study was carried out among 228 children under 6 years old from Panamasso village. Sociodemographic and water contact data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Kato-Katz and formol-ether concentration techniques were used to detect S. mansoni eggs in stool samples. Urine samples were subjected to a point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) cassette test and a centrifugation method to check for both S. mansoni and S. haematobium infection, respectively. Potential risk factors for S. mansoni infection were explored using multivariable logistic regression.ResultsThe mean age of children was 40.2 ± 15.0 months. The prevalence of S. mansoni infection as determined by Kato-Katz, formol-ether concentration, and POC-CCA was 42.1%, 39.5% and 80.7%, respectively. Based on the combined results of the three methods, the overall prevalence of S. mansoni infection was 81.1%. No case of S. haematobium infection was found. The geometric mean intensity of S. mansoni infection was 107.2 eggs per gram of faeces with 54.2%, 33.3%, and 12.5% of the children having light, moderate, and heavy infections, respectively. Girls (AOR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.3-6.1), a household located within 500 m from the pond (AOR = 3.0, 95% CI: 1.0-8.6), or between 500 and 1000 m from the pond (AOR = 3.0, 95% CI: 1.2-7.2), and child’s history of going to the pond (AOR = 5.0, 95% CI: 1.7-14.3) were the variables significantly associated with S. mansoni infection. ConclusionS. mansoni was the sole species infecting a high proportion of PSAC in the study area. A mass drug administration program with praziquantel is therefore urgently required for those below 6 year-old. Other control strategies should include increased community-awareness and provision of safe water.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mamoudou Cisse ◽  
Ibrahim Sangare ◽  
Arthur D. Djibougou ◽  
Marc C. Tahita ◽  
Souleymane Gnissi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Schistosomiasis remains a major public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa. Although schistosomiasis is well documented in school-aged children in Burkina Faso, prevalence data among preschool-aged children (PSAC) are limited and outdated, and its risk factors in this group remain poorly documented. The main objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors associated with Schistosoma (S.) mansoni infection among PSAC from Panamasso village, western Burkina Faso. Methodology A cross-sectional study was carried out among 228 children under 6 years old from Panamasso village. Sociodemographic and water contact data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Kato-Katz and formol-ether concentration techniques were used to detect S. mansoni eggs in stool samples. Urine samples were subjected to a point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) cassette test and a centrifugation method to check for both S. mansoni and S. haematobium infection, respectively. Potential risk factors for S. mansoni infection were explored using multivariable logistic regression. Results The mean age of children was 40.2 ± 15.0 months. The prevalence of S. mansoni infection as determined by Kato-Katz, formol-ether concentration and POC-CCA was 42.1%, 39.5% and 80.7%, respectively. Based on the combined results of the three methods, the overall prevalence of S. mansoni infection was 81.1%. No case of S. haematobium infection was found. The geometric mean intensity of S. mansoni infection was 107.2 eggs per gram of feces with 54.2%, 33.3% and 12.5% of the children having light, moderate and heavy infections, respectively. Girls (AOR = 2.9, 95% CI 1.3–6.1), a household located within 500 m from the pond (AOR = 3.0, 95% CI 1.0–8.6) or between 500 and 1000 m from the pond (AOR = 3.0, 95% CI 1.2–7.2), and the child’s history of going to the pond (AOR = 5.0, 95% CI 1.7–14.3) were the variables significantly associated with S. mansoni infection. Conclusion S. mansoni was the sole species infecting a high proportion of PSAC in the study area. A mass drug administration program with praziquantel is therefore urgently required for those below 6 years old. Other control strategies should include increased community-awareness and provision of safe water.


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Maina Kagira ◽  
Paul Njuki Kanyari ◽  
Ndicho Maingi ◽  
Samuel Maina Githigia ◽  
Chege Ng'ang'a ◽  
...  

A cross-sectional study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of ectoparasites and possible risk factors in free-range pigs from 135 farms of Busia District, Kenya. Three hundred and six pigs were examined for presence of external parasites using standard parasitological methods. Data on management practices including housing and history of acaricide spraying were also collected. The ectoparasites found in the pigs were Haematopinus suis (96.1%), Sarcoptes scabiei (63.7%), and ticks (29.7%). The tick species included Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (70%), Boophilus decoloratus (31%), and Amblyomma variegatum (12%). The occurrence of the infestations was associated with age, being highest in sows (S. scabiei) and finishers (ticks and H. suis). Male pigs had highest prevalences of H. suis and ticks, while female pigs had highest prevalence of S. scabiei. The prevalence of the parasitic infestations was significantly () associated with their origin being either lower (H. suis and S. scabiei) or higher (ticks) in pigs originating from divisions with high rainfall. Housed pigs had significantly () lower prevalence of H. suis and ticks than those from households without pig housing. It is concluded that the free-range pigs have high prevalence of ectoparasites, and effective control strategies focussing on improved animal husbandry and acaricide use should be implemented.


Author(s):  
Julio César Castillo-Cuenca ◽  
Álvaro Martínez-Moreno ◽  
José Manuel Diaz-Cao ◽  
Angel Entrena-García ◽  
Jorge Fraga ◽  
...  

AbstractA cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and associated risk factors in pigs in the largest pork-producing region in Cuba. Serum samples from 420 pigs, including 210 sows and 210 post-weaning pigs, were tested for antibodies against T. gondii using a commercial indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Anti-T. gondii antibodies were detected in 56 animals (13.3%, 95% CI: 10.1–16.6). A generalized estimating equations model revealed that the risk factors associated with higher seropositivity in pigs were altitude (higher in farm’s location < 250 m above sea level (masl) versus ≥ 250 masl) and age (higher in sows compared to post-weaning pigs). The results indicated that this protozoan parasite is widely distributed on pig farms in the study area, which is a public health concern since the consumption of raw or undercooked pork meat products containing tissue cysts is considered one of the main routes of T. gondii transmission worldwide. Control measures should be implemented to reduce the risk of exposure to T. gondii in pigs in Cuba.


2021 ◽  
Vol 74 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Molhima M. Elmahi ◽  
Mohammed O. Hussien ◽  
Abdel Rahim E. Karrar ◽  
Amira M. Elhassan ◽  
Abdel Rahim M. El Hussein

Abstract Background Bluetongue (BT) is a vector-borne viral disease of ruminant and camelid species which is transmitted by Culicoides spp. The causative agent of BT is bluetongue virus (BTV) that belongs to genus Orbivirus of the family Reoviridae. The clinical disease is seen mainly in sheep but mostly sub-clinical infections of BT are seen in cattle, goats and camelids. The clinical reaction of camels to infection is usually not apparent. The disease is notifiable to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), causing great economic losses due to decreased trade and high mortality and morbidity rates associated with bluetongue outbreaks. The objective of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of BTV in camels in Kassala State, Eastern Sudan and to identify the potential risk factors associated with the infection. A cross sectional study using a structured questionnaire survey was conducted during 2015–2016. A total of 210 serum samples were collected randomly from camels from 8 localities of Kassala State. The serum samples were screened for the presence of BTV specific immunoglobulin (IgG) antibodies using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA). Results Seropositivity to BTV IgG was detected in 165 of 210 camels’ sera accounting for a prevalence of 78.6%. Potential risk factors to BTV infection were associated with sex (OR = 0.061, p-value = 0.001) and seasonal river as water source for drinking (OR = 32.257, p-value = 0.0108). Conclusions Sex and seasonal river as water source for drinking were considered as potential risk factors for seropositivity to BTV in camels. The high prevalence of BTV in camels in Kassala State, Eastern Sudan, necessitates further epidemiological studies of BTV infection in camels and other ruminant species to better be able to control BT disease in this region.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Roqia Saleem Maabreh ◽  
Raya Yousef Al-Husban ◽  
Hekmat Yousef Al-Akash ◽  
Noha Al-Shdayfat

Purpose Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the most important health issues faced by women worldwide. The purpose of this study is to identify Jordanian women’s knowledge, barriers and measures pertaining to risk factors and screening choices of CC (Pap smear tests). Design/methodology/approach This study applied a cross sectional design by collecting data from a convenient sample of 200 women between 20 and 70 years of age in health and public centers in Jordan. Data was then analyzed using the descriptive statistical tools of SPSS, version 21. Findings The findings revealed that 55.5% of the participants had no information about the Pap smear, and 75% did not know the risk factors. Moreover, 50% of the sample did not know where to take the test, and 50% reported a lack of encouragement from the husband to undertake the test. More than half of the participants (56.5%) expressed fear that cervical screening would be a painful examination even though they reported not having any previous experience with the test. Originality/value Based on these findings, public education about CC screening is essential, including advertising and a campaign similar to the breast cancer awareness programs in Jordan, as a way of encouraging early screening to improve the health of women.


Author(s):  
Jubina Bency Anthoorathodi ◽  
Aqueen Joju ◽  
Ann Mereena Reji ◽  
Anupama Pallivalappil Asokan ◽  
Anzeem Naseem ◽  
...  

Background: Polypharmacy or the concurrent use of multiple medications, is on the rise, especially in the elderly population as they suffer from multiple co-morbidities. Polypharmacy has been reported to increase the risks for inappropriate medication intake. Objectives: The aim was to investigate the prevalence of polypharmacy and usage of potentially inappropriate medication using Beer’s criteria and to find out the various risk factors of polypharmacy in hospitalised elderly.Methods: A cross sectional study was done in patients aged 60 years and above using a pre designed semi structured questionnaire and from their case records to assess the pattern of polypharmacy by different socio-demographic characteristics and also to found out the risk factors of polypharmacy.Results: 50 patients aged 60 and above were involved in our study out of which, 46% were females and 54% were males. Mean age of our study population was 71.5±8.3. Among them, 30 were hypertensive, 27 were diabetic, 9 of them had dyslipidaemia and 8 of them had coronary artery disease Mean number of medication use was 5.1±4.1. Polypharmacy was observed in 42% of the patients. 20% patients received potentially inappropriate drugs from Beer’s list. We also found significant association of polypharmacy with diabetes mellitus and hypertension.Conclusions: The present study has shown polypharmacy and usage of potentially inappropriate medication as an emerging public health concern. Diabetes mellitus and hypertension were found to be risk factors of polypharmacy. Deprescription should be integrated into clinical care and prescribers need to be educated about Beers criteria and encouraged for rational prescription.


2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 261-266
Author(s):  
O Ochima ◽  
AJ Randawa ◽  
SE Adaji ◽  
GI Ogbu

Hepatitis and TB co-infection in PLWHA is now a major source of co-morbidity and of public health concern. HIV and Hepatitis are two viruses with overlapping epidemics and shared routes of transmission. The clinical course of HCV is accelerated in patients with HIV with resultant end-stage Liver disease as a major cause of death. Most studies in my environment failed to identify significant risk factors for HCV infection thus making intervention difficult. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out among consecutive consenting HIV positive pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic of ABUTH-Zaria Nigeria. Relevant information was obtained using a structurally administered questionnaire while Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent assay Biotech Laboratories UK was used for anti Hepatitis C antibodies assay. Twenty four of the 285 samples tested positive for anti HCV antibodies giving a co-infection rate of 8.4%. Lack of formal education was associated with HCV-HIV co-infection (p <0.05), odds ratio (OR) 2.5; 95%CI 0.97-6.97. The possible risk factors analyzed including previous blood transfusion and injecting drug use were not associated with HIV- HCV co-infection (p>0.05). This study revealed a high HCV co-infection with significant association with non-formal educational status. Improving female education may be one important strategy for its prevention.


2014 ◽  
Vol 143 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
N.-Z. ZHANG ◽  
X.-X. ZHANG ◽  
D.-H. ZHOU ◽  
S.-Y. HUANG ◽  
W.-P. TIAN ◽  
...  

SUMMARYParrots are one of the most popular pet birds in China, and can harbour Chlamydia which has significance for human and animal health. We investigated, by indirect haemagglutination assay, the seroprevalence of Chlamydia infection in four species of parrots, namely budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus), lovebirds (Agapornis sp.), cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) and Alexandrine parakeets (Psittacula eupatria) that were collected from Weifang and Beijing cities, North China and explored the association between potential risk factors and chlamydial seropositivity. We further determined the genotype of Chlamydia in 21 fresh faecal samples based on the ompA sequence by reconstruction of phylogenetic relationships. Of the 311 parrots examined, 35·37% (95% confidence interval 30·06–40·68) were seropositive, and species, gender, age, season and geographical location were identified as risk factors. Two PCR-positive samples represented Chlamydia psittaci genotype A. The occurrence of C. psittaci genotype A in the droppings of two pet parrots in China suggests potential environmental contamination with Chlamydiaceae and may raise a public health concern.


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