Seroprevalence ofEchinococcus granulosusinfection in Croatian patients with cystic liver disease

2010 ◽  
Vol 85 (2) ◽  
pp. 192-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Tabain ◽  
M. Sviben ◽  
S. Ljubin-Sternak ◽  
T. Vilibić-Čavlek ◽  
G. Mlinarić-Galinović
Keyword(s):  
Liver Disease ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Confirmatory Test ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Seroprevalence Rate ◽  
Common Diagnosis ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Cystic Liver

AbstractCystic liver disease (CLD), presenting with solitary or multiple cysts in the liver, is a common diagnosis today, primarily due to the frequent application of modern radiological methods. There is a wide range of possible causes. CLD of infective origin is usually caused by an echinococcal species. During the past three decades a number of cystic echinococcosis (CE) control programmes have led to a significant decrease in the incidence of human hydatidosis in some endemic areas. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence ofE. granulosusinfection in Croatian patients with CLD. A total of 540 serum samples from patients with hepatic cysts detected by imaging methods were screened for the presence ofE. granulosusIgG antibodies using semiquantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The Western blot technique was used as a confirmatory test for the CE diagnosis. The overallE. granulosusseroprevalence rate in patients with CLD was 3.9%. There was no significant difference in seroprevalence rate between male and female patients (P = 0.541). According to age groups, there was a significant difference in seropositivity among age groups (P = 0.002). The highest seroprevalence rate was detected in the youngest age group (up to 18 years), both in males and females (20% and 13%, respectively). This study indicates that CE still represents a public health problem in Croatia. Preventive measures should be used to controlEchinococcusinfections, including avoidance of contact with infected dogs, egg-contaminated soil or plants; control and treatment of dogs with antihelmintics; hand washing, improved sanitation and health education.

scholarly journals Bovine Brucellosis Seroprevalence and Potential Transmission Risk to Workers at the Port-Bouët Abattoir, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire

2021 ◽  
pp. 76-84
Author(s):  
Kaba S. ◽  
Acapovi-Yao G. ◽  
Dagnogo K. ◽  
Kallo V. ◽  
Sevidzem S. L. ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rose Bengal ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Transmission Risk ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Neglected Diseases ◽  
Seroprevalence Rate ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Significant Difference

Brucellosis is one of the most common bacterial zoonosis in the world. It is caused by Brucella species and is an infectious and contagious disease transmissible to humans and to several animal species. This disease remains one of the neglected diseases in several countries and represents a real public health problem. A cross sectional study was conducted at the Port-Bouët abattoir in order to determine the seroprevalence as well as to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) of workers. Three hundred and eighty-seven (387) cattle blood samples collected from January 5 to March 30 2019 were diagnosed using the Rose Bengal and indirect Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (i-ELISA) techniques. The seroprevalence was 0.52% (95% CI: 0.06265-1.8542) for i-ELISA and Rose Bengal. Regarding seroprevalence with sex, males recorded 0.3% (95 CI: 0.00776-1.6617), while females had 1.85% (95% CI: 0.04687-9.8991) for both Rose Bengal and i-ELISA tests with no statistically significant difference (X2=2; df=1; p=0.157). Animals >3years old recorded a higher seroprevalence rate eventhough with no statistically significant difference (X2=3; df=2; p=0.223). Also, our findings established that the potential risk of contracting brucellosis at the abattoir by workers is high due to the handling of animal tissues without the use of Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs). This baseline information indicates the neccesity for a more in-depth study on the traceability of animals coming to the abattoir as well as study the occurrence of brucellosis in animals and among abattoir workers following a one health approach in order to contribute to the development of a sub-regional integrated programme for the control of brucellosis. This collective approach will minimize the risk of contamination with brucellosis by workers.

scholarly journals Energy and Nutrient Intakes of Rural Nigerian Schoolchildren: Relationship With Dietary Diversity

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 241-253
Author(s):  
Rufina Ayogu
Keyword(s):  
Random Sampling ◽  
Nutrient Intake ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Nutrient Intakes ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Risks Factors ◽  
Female Headed Households ◽  
Haenszel Test

Background: Undernutrition among schoolchildren is a prevalent public health problem which may be due to inadequate energy and nutrient intakes associated with low dietary diversity. Objective: This study assessed dietary diversity scores (DDS), energy and nutrient intakes of schoolchildren (6-15 years), and risks factors of DDS and determined if energy and nutrient intakes were dependent on dietary diversity. Methods: The study involved a 2-stage random sampling of 90 schoolchildren. Dietary diversity and nutrient intake data were obtained through a 3-day weighed food intake. Analysis of variance, t test, and χ2 with Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test were used to determine relationships among and between variables; P < .05 was reported as significant. Results: Few (22.2%) had high DDS with no significant difference ( P > .05) between age groups and sex. Children from male headed households were more likely to have medium DDS (odds ratio [OR] = 3.231; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.037-10.070) than those from female headed households ( P < .05). Low nutrient intakes were observed among 85.6% for niacin, 76.7% for calcium, 72.2% for riboflavin, 54.4% for protein, 32.2% for thiamine, and 15.6% for vitamin C. Among boys, prevalence of inadequate riboflavin intake was significantly ( P < .05) higher among 6- to 9-year-olds. Among girls, prevalence of inadequate vitamin A intake was significantly ( P < .01) higher among 10 to 15-year-olds. Children with adequate intakes of iron (OR = 0.744, 95% CI = 0.653-0.847) and thiamine (OR = 5.651, 95% CI = 1.214-26.310) were more likely to have high DDS. Conclusion: The schoolchildren had low energy and nutrient intakes. Iron and thiamine, intakes were dependent on DDS.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Hepatitis B among Food Vendors in Wurukum Market, Makurdi Benue State

2018 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
V. U. Obisike ◽  
C. M. Uke ◽  
E. U. Amuta
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Liver Disease ◽  
Hepatitis B Virus ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Hbv Infection ◽  
Test Strips ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
B Virus ◽  
Life Threatening

Hepatitis B is a life threatening infectious liver disease caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBV among food vendors in Wurukum, a highly commercial section of metropolitan Makurdi in Benue State. The test was carried out with the use of an immunochromatographic  micropoint HBsAg test strips and a HBsAg  buffer screen for the virus. Out of the 250 non-vaccinated food vendors sampled, 27(10.8%) had HBV infection, with more in males (21.7%) than in females (6.6%). No significant difference (p>0.05) was found among age groups in spite of the observed highest prevalence of 14.3% among the 20-29 year olds. Therefore, the need for routine screening cannot be overemphasized in spite of known risk factors among food vendors.

scholarly journals Prevalence and risk factors for myopia among school children in Aba, Nigeria

2017 ◽  
Vol 76 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Uchenna C. Atowa ◽  
Alvin J. Munsamy ◽  
Samuel O. Wajuihian
Keyword(s):  
School Children ◽  
Refractive Error ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Level Of Education ◽  
Multi Stage ◽  
Significant Difference

Aim: To study the prevalence of myopia among school children in Aba, Nigeria.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in public and private (primary and secondary) schools. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used for selecting participants aged between 8 and 15 years from 12 schools in Aba, Nigeria. Data were analysed for 1197 children who underwent a comprehensive eye examination. The children were divided according to the following criteria: age groups (group 1 [8–11 years] or group 2 [12–15 years]), gender (male or female), level of education (primary or secondary) and type of school (public or private). Myopia was defined as spherical equivalent refraction (SER) ≤ -0.50 D in the poorer eye.Results: The prevalence of myopia was estimated to be 2.7%. Of the 96 children with refractive error, 78.1% were uncorrected. In using logistic regression analysis, risk of developing myopia was associated with older age groups (odds ratio [OR]: 1.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.16–9.11; p < 0.010) and higher level of education (OR: 1.73; 95% CI, 1.05–2.86; p < 0.030). There was no significant difference in myopia prevalence between male and female children (p = 0.89).Conclusion: Although the prevalence of myopia and overall prevalence of refractive error in school children in Aba were low, the high prevalence of uncorrected refractive error is a significant public health problem. An effective and sustainable children’s vision screening programme is needed to prevent visual impairment and blindness.

scholarly journals Analysis of measles-related hospitalizations in Tuscany from 2000 to 2014

2016 ◽  
Vol 144 (12) ◽  
pp. 2605-2612 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. BERTI ◽  
S. SOLLAI ◽  
E. ORLANDINI ◽  
L. GALLI ◽  
M. DE MARTINO ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Hospitalization Rate ◽  
Measles Elimination ◽  
Hospitalization Rates ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Measles Outbreaks ◽  
Measles Incidence ◽  
Discharge Database

SUMMARYTo evaluate measles incidence and its relevant changes over a 14-year period (2000–2014), we analysed data from the regional hospital discharge database on children and adults hospitalized in Tuscany, Italy. A total of 181 paediatric and 413 adult cases were identified. Despite all the efforts towards regional measles elimination, we observed that the overall measles hospitalization rates for children and adults living in Tuscany globally increased from 0·45 to 0·85/100 000 during the study period (P = 0·001) showing fluctuations due to periodic measles outbreaks. Data stratified by age group showed that the hospitalization rate significantly increased in young adults over the study period, confirming an increase in susceptibility to measles in this subpopulation. Conversely, no statistically significant difference was observed in the hospitalization rate in the other age groups. However, children aged <1 year still exhibit the highest hospitalization rate. Pneumonia represented the most common complication in both the adult and children subsets. No death was reported. Measles still represents a public health problem, and national strategies should be implemented, focusing on emergent susceptible subsets, such as infants and young adults.

Serological and Molecular Investigation of Swine Hepatitis E Virus in Pigs Raised in Southern Italy

2015 ◽  
Vol 78 (11) ◽  
pp. 2099-2102 ◽  
Author(s):  
NICOLA COSTANZO ◽  
ELEONORA SARNO ◽  
VINCENZO PERETTI ◽  
LUCIA CIAMBRONE ◽  
FRANCESCO CASALINUOVO ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis E Virus ◽  
Southern Italy ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Oral Route ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Viral Genomes ◽  
Reverse Transcription Pcr ◽  
Significant Difference

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is a common acute hepatitis transmitted by the fecal-oral route. In developed countries, the virus has a zoonotic potential, and domestic pigs and wild boars are considered main reservoirs. To assess the prevalence of HEV-positive animals in the Calabria region (southern Italy) on a serological and molecular level, a total of 216 autochthonous healthy pigs (Apulo-Calabrese breed) were sampled. Both sera and feces were collected. Pigs were grouped based on age: 117 pigs &lt;6 months and 99 pigs &gt;6 months. By using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay system, a total of 173 (80%) of the 216 pigs tested seropositive. In all sampled farms (n = 8), pigs with antibodies (immunoglobulin G) against HEV were detected at a level higher than 60%, with a significant difference among age groups (P &lt; 0.0001). Moreover, 16 fattening pigs were found to be nested reverse transcription PCR positive and thus to shed viral genomes in their feces. These positive findings resulted in a prevalence of 48.4% on the farm level (16 of 35 pigs) and an overall prevalence of 7.4% at the animal level (16 of 216 pigs). Based on the present study, HEV seems to circulate among the autochthonous domestic pig population of southern Italy with a low sharing rate. Further studies exploring the origin of infection are needed to minimize the risk of human exposure and to reduce consequences for public health.

Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii in pet dogs and cats in Beijing, China

2008 ◽  
Vol 53 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinhai Yu ◽  
Jun Ding ◽  
Zhaofei Xia ◽  
Degui Lin ◽  
Yili Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Latex Agglutination ◽  
Agglutination Test ◽  
Latex Agglutination Test ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Pet Dogs ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Beijing China

AbstractSera from 534 pet dogs and 335 pet cats from Beijing (China) were tested for anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or the latex agglutination test. The seropositivity by year, season, sex and age was analysed. Overall, 128 dogs (24.0%) and 50 cats (14.9%) had antibodies to T. gondii. When analysed by season, the highest seroprevalence was found in spring for dogs (31.3%) and cats (25.1%), and the differences in seroprevalence by season was statistically significant in cats (P<0.01) but not in dogs. The seroprevalence in male dogs (23.7%) and cats (15.1%) were slightly higher than their female counterparts (18.0% in dogs and 12.3% in cats). There was no obvious pattern of seropositivity or significant difference in different age groups in dogs or cats; nonetheless, a high proportion of dogs at 4 years of age were positive to T. gondii (31.8%) while cats with relatively high seropositivity rates were at 1 or 3.4 years of age (13.14%).

Depression Among Tunisian Young Mothers

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s244-s244
Author(s):  
O. Zerriaa ◽  
O. Moula ◽  
S. Ben Saadi ◽  
S. Chebli ◽  
R. Ghachem
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Context ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Well Being ◽  
University Education ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
Transversal Study ◽  
Two Age Groups

IntroductionIn the Tunisian cultural context, the mother is in charge of childcare, housekeeping and the well-being of the whole family, which can lead to exhaustion and depression.ObjectiveTo estimate the frequency of depression among mothers aged between 20 and 40 years, its consequences and the possible solutions.MethodTransversal study using an anonymous questionnaire of 26 questions published through social media sites to mother with young aged children.ResultsThree hundred and twenty-seven mothers participated in the study: 20% of them aged between 20 and 30 years and 80% between 30 and 40. Ninety-seven percent of the participants were married; 96% of them had university education. Seventy-nine percent of them were working mothers and 50% of them did not get any help in childcare. Forty-two percent of the participants had only 1 child, 49% had 2 children, 8% 3 children and only 1 mother had 4 children. Depressive symptoms were present in 73% of the participants and were significantly higher among mothers aged between 30 and 40. However, depression was certain in only 36% of them and there was no significant difference between the two age groups. Eighteen percent of the participants noticed an increase in consummation of cigarettes, 31% resorted to tranquilizers, 25% needed sick leaves, and 2% resorted to alcohol use. Less working hours was suggested as a solution in 36% cases, sharing house chores in 30% cases.ConclusionDepression among young mother is a public health problem in Tunisia. It is underestimated and not always treated, which can have a serious impact on the whole family well-being.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Diagnosis of Lymphatic Filariasis Using Immunochromatography and Microscopy in Three Local Government Areas of Cross River State, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Maurice ◽  
E.U Sode ◽  
I.B Otu-Bassey
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Lymphatic Filariasis ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Cross River ◽  
Cross River State ◽  
Significant Difference

Human Lymphatic filariasis (LF) caused by three types of filarial worms; Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi and Brugiatimori is one of the neglected tropical diseases and spread by bites of infected Anopheles, Culex, Aedes, Ochleratus andMansoni mosquitoes. The study evaluated diagnostic methods using blood samples from 420 consented participants in threeLocal Government Areas of Cross River State. Blood samples were examined following one hour of administration ofDiethylcarbamazine citrate for LF microfilaria microscopy (Knott’s concentration) and for LF antigen usingimmunochromatographic (ICT) method (Alere filariasis test strip). Of the 420 samples examined, 1.7% was found to bepositive using microscopy while 4.8% were positive using ICT. There was no significant difference in the diagnosis oflymphatic filariasis using microscopy and ICT among participants in the local government areas (χ2= 21.84, p>0.05). Of the214 males and 206 females examined, 4.2% males and 5.3% females tested positive using ICT while 1.4% males and 1.9%females were found positive using microscopy. The difference in the infection between gender was statistically significant(χ2=0.298, p<0.05). Participants aged 21-24 years had the highest prevalence of 19.4% while the least prevalence of 1.5%was observed among age group 9-12years using ICT. Also, no significant difference was observed in the diagnosis of LFamong the age groups (χ2= 19.88, p>0.05). The study showed that LF still remains a public health problem in Cross RiverState. Mass drug administration should be scaled up in the state so as to reduce and finally eradicate the disease. Keywords: Diagnosis, Lymphatic filariasis, Immunochromatography, Microscopy

Transcript levels of cytokine coding genes in peripheral blood and tissues of patients with periodontitis

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Mohammad Taheri ◽  
Leila Gholami ◽  
Fwad Nicknafs ◽  
Bashdar Mahmud Hussen ◽  
Shahram Arsang-Jang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Peripheral Blood ◽  
Periodontal Diseases ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Microbial Pathogens ◽  
Blood Levels ◽  
P Value ◽  
Tissue Destruction ◽  
Host Immune Responses ◽  
Significant Difference

Periodontal diseases are common conditions in almost all age groups and a public health problem. Numerous risk factors have been demonstrated for this condition. The main mechanism of tissue destruction in the periodontitis is the functional interactions between microbial pathogens and host immune responses, thus cytokines have crucial roles in the pathogenesis periodontitis. Our previous study has demonstrated the susceptibility role of HLA-DRB1*04 allele in development of this disease. So, the individuals who were positive for HLA-DRB1*04 allele were excluded. We aimed to appraise the function of cytokines in the pathogenesis of periodontitis via assessment of tissue and blood levels of a number of cytokine coding genes, namely IL-1B, CXCL8, IL-17, IFNG, TGFB and TNFA1. Expressions of IFNG, IL-17, TGFB and TNFA1 were significantly higher in the peripheral blood of individuals with periodontitis compared with unaffected persons (Posterior beta = 1.91, P value = 0.043; Posterior beta = 1.84, P value = 0.033; Posterior beta = 0.713, P value = 0.009 and Posterior beta = 2.85, P value = 0.001, respectively). Moreover, expression of IL-17 was higher in females compared with males (Posterior beta = 1.47, P value = 0.036). As the interaction effect between gender and group was remarkable for IL-17 expression, we further conducted subgroup analysis within gender group. Expression of IL-17 was higher in male patients compared with unaffected males (Posterior beta = 1.9, P value = 0.048). We did not detect any significant difference in the expression of these cytokines in tissues obtained from affected individuals and unaffected controls. Therefore, our results imply dysregulation of cytokine coding genes in patients with periodontitis and warrant further mechanistical studies.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document