Infection risk factors associated with seropositivity forToxoplasma gondiiin a population-based study in the Central Region, Ghana

2014 ◽  
Vol 143 (9) ◽  
pp. 1904-1912 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. K. ABU ◽  
J. N. BOAMPONG ◽  
I. AYI ◽  
G. GHARTEY-KWANSAH ◽  
R. AFOAKWAH ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Central Region ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Igm Antibodies ◽  
Infection Risk Factors

SUMMARYAbout 20–90% of the world's population has had contact withToxoplasma gondiiparasites. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors associated withT. gondiiinfection in the Central Region, Ghana. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in three selected communities. Serum samples were tested for the presence of anti-T. gondiiIgG and IgM antibodies by ELISA. A serological criterion for seropositivity was a positive test result for any of the two anti-ToxoplasmaIgG or IgM antibodies or a combination of both. In all, 390 participants of mean age 47·0 years consisting of 118 (30·3%) males and 272 (69·7%) females were tested. The overall seroprevalence ofT. gondiiwas 85% (333/390) where fishermen, farmers and fishmongers, respectively, had the highest seropositivity. IgG and IgM antibodies were detected in 329 (84%) and 25 (6%), respectively, while both IgG and IgM antibodies were detected in 21 (5%) of the participants. Respectively, 1% (4/390) and 79% (308/390) of participants tested positive for IgM-only and IgG-only antibodies. There was a significant relationship betweenToxoplasmaseropositivity and contact with soil, presence of a cat in the surrounding area, age, sources of drinking water, level of formal education, and socioeconomic status. The results suggest that the seashore may serve as a good ground for sporulation and survival ofToxoplasmaoocysts.

scholarly journals HBV and HCV serological markers in patients with the hepatosplenic form of mansonic schistosomiasis

2011 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 124-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jéfferson Luis de Almeida Silva ◽  
Veridiana Sales Barbosa de Souza ◽  
Tatiana Aguiar Santos Vilella ◽  
Ana Lúcia C. Domingues ◽  
Maria Rosângela Cunha Duarte Coêlho
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Northeastern Brazil ◽  
Serological Markers ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated

CONTEXT: Blood transfusion is one of the major risk factors for the transmission of the hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) viruses. However, there are no reports describing the endoscopic transmission of these viruses in patients with the hepatosplenic form of schistosomiasis. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of serological markers of HBV and HCV in patients with the hepatosplenic form of schistosomiasis and evaluate the possible risk factors associated with these infections. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 230 patients with hepatosplenic form of schistosomiasis who attended a university hospital in Recife, Northeastern Brazil, from February to August 2008. The patients answered a standardized questionnaire about risk factors. Serum samples were analyzed for anti-HBc total, anti-HBs, HBsAg, and anti-HCV using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression were performed. RESULTS: The prevalence was 30% for anti-HBc total and/or HBsAg and 7.4% for anti-HCV. There was a higher frequency of the serological markers in females and in patients aged .50 years. A significant association was detected between the presence of anti-HCV and the receipt of six or more blood transfusions. There was no association of history and number of digestive endoscopies with the serological markers analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a higher prevalence of serological markers for HBV and a lower prevalence of anti-HCV. Our results indicate that females and patients of an advanced age are the most affected categories and that patients that received multiple transfusions are at a higher probability of HCV infection.

Paratuberculosis in dairy goat flocks from southern Spain: risk factors associated with seroprevalence

2019 ◽  
Vol 185 (19) ◽  
pp. 600-600 ◽  
Author(s):  
Belén Barrero-Domínguez ◽  
Inmaculada Luque ◽  
Belen Huerta ◽  
Jaime Gomez-Laguna ◽  
Ángela Galán-Relaño ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Current Data ◽  
Southern Spain ◽  
Dairy Goat ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Worldwide Distribution

BackgroundParatuberculosis (PTB) is a chronic, enteric wasting disease of ruminants caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), with a worldwide distribution. Andalusia, located in southern Spain, is one of the European regions with the highest goat census and the highest milk production; however, current data on the prevalence of MAP in this species are not available.MethodsA cross-sectional study was performed to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with PTB in dairy goat flocks from southern Spain. A total of 3312 serum samples were collected from 48 flocks located in three different geographical areas. Health and productive parameters were surveyed during the visit to the herds.ResultsA total of 511 goats were seropositive, with overall true seroprevalence of 22.54 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval (CI95) 21.12–23.97). Of the goat herds, 87.50 per cent (CI9578.14–96.98) were seropositive. The intraherd seroprevalence was 25.43±31.71, distributed as follows: 22 flocks with a seroprevalence under 10 per cent; 18 flocks between 10 per cent and 50 per cent; and eight flocks with a frequency over 50 per cent. Multivariate logistic regression showed significant association between PTB seropositivity and the following variables: intensive production system, lack of management by batches, inappropriate ventilationandseropositivity tocaprinearthritisencephalitisvirus (CAEV).ConclusionsThe results indicate a widespread PTB infection in goat herds in southern Spain. Thus, control programmes must include management and sanitary measures to reduce the prevalence. Further experimental studies are necessary to determine the influence of CAEV-PTB coinfection on immune status.

scholarly journals High Prevalence Of Alphaherpes Virus 2 (HSV-2) Positivity In Prisons From Midwest Brazil: A Cross-Sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathália Alves Araujo de Almeida ◽  
Lyana Rodrigues Pinto Lima ◽  
Marco Antonio Moreira Puga ◽  
Ana Rita Coimbra Motta de Castro ◽  
Marco Aurelio Horta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Prison Population ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mato Grosso ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Homosexual Relationship ◽  
Prison Populations

Abstract Herpes virus 2 (HSV-2) is the main cause of genital herpes, one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the world. STIs are major public health problems in prisons because of the behaviors of prisoners and the presence of other factors that increase the risk of transmission. The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence and risk factors associated with HSV-2 infection at 12 prisons in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. We tested 872 serum samples (732 from males, 140 from females) for anti-HSV-2 IgG, and tested the positive samples (n = 184) for anti-HSV-2 IgM. Anti-HSV-2 IgG positivity (n = 85, 43.1%, 95% CI = 34.6 to 40.4). The prevalence of HSV-2 positivity was much greater than reported in the general population of Brazil and in other prison populations worldwide. There was a greater risk of HSV-2 positivity in prisoners who were older, female, unmarried, HIV positive, positive for other STIs, not previously incarcerated, in the same cell with more than 26 individuals, and in those who reported having had genital discharge in the past month, having had a homosexual relationship in recent months, and not using or occasionally not using condoms during sexual intercourse. Further analysis of prisoners with active HSV-2 infections (anti-HSV-2 IgM positivity) indicated that unmarried status and the presence of 26 or more prisoners in the same cell increased the risk for active HSV-2 infection. This study provides important data on HSV-2 seroprevalence in the prison population of Brazil, and identified risk factors associated with HSV-2 infection. These data provide important information needed to implement procedures that better prevent and control of STIs in prison populations.

Characteristics and risk factors associated with stroke subtypes among adult patients admitted to stroke unit of JUMC

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bekalu Getachew Gebreegziabher ◽  
Tesema Etefa Birhanu ◽  
Diriba Dereje Olana ◽  
Behailu Terefe Tesfaye
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Stroke Unit ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Data Entry ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Stroke Subtypes

Background: Stroke is a great public health problem in Ethiopia. According to reports, in-hospital stroke mortality was estimated to be 14.7% in Ethiopia. Despite this, in this country researches done on factors associated with stroke sub-types were inadequate. Objective: To assess the Characteristics and risk factors associated with stroke sub-types among patients admitted to JUMC. Methods and materials: A retrospective cross sectional study was conducted from May 2017 to May 2018 in stroke unit of Jimma University Medical Center. A total of 106 medical charts of patients diagnosed with stroke were reviewed. Checklist comprising of relevant variables was used to collect data. SPSS version 21 was employed for data entry and analysis. Chi-square test was used to point-out association and difference among stroke sub-types. The data was presented using text, tables and figures. Result: From a total of 106 patients, 67(63.2%) were men. The mean ± SD of age was 52.67±12.46 years, and no significant association was found. Of all the patients, 59(55.6%) had ischemic strokes and 47(44.4%) had hemorrhagic strokes. The most common risk factor in the patients was alcohol use with a prevalence of 69.9%. Of all the risk factors, only sex, cigarettes smoking and dyslipidemia were significantly associated to sub-types of stroke. Conclusion: Ischemic stroke was the most common subtype of stroke. Sex of patient, cigarette smoking and dyslipidemia are significantly associated with the two stroke subtypes.

scholarly journals Risk Factors of Inadequate Bowel Preparation for Screening Colonoscopy

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 2740
Author(s):  
Efrat L. Amitay ◽  
Tobias Niedermaier ◽  
Anton Gies ◽  
Michael Hoffmeister ◽  
Hermann Brenner
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Bowel Preparation ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Screening Colonoscopy ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Screening Practice ◽  
Abdominal Symptoms ◽  
Inadequate Bowel Preparation

The success of a colonoscopy in detecting and removing pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions depends heavily on the quality of bowel preparation. Despite efforts, 20–44% of colonoscopy participants have an inadequate bowel preparation. We aimed to assess and compare risk factors for inadequate bowel preparation and for the presence of advanced colorectal neoplasms in routine screening practice. In this cross-sectional study, among 8125 participants of screening colonoscopy in Germany with a comprehensive assessment of sociodemographic factors, lifestyle and medical history, we examined factors associated with inadequate bowel preparation and with findings of advanced neoplasms using adjusted log-binomial regression models. Among the identified risk factors assessed, three factors were identified that were significantly associated with inadequate bowel preparation: age ≥ 70 years (adjusted prevalence ratios, aPR, 1.50 95%CI 1.31–1.71), smoking (aPR 1.29 95%CI 1.11–1.50) and abdominal symptoms (aPR 1.14 95%CI 1.02–1.27). The same risk factors were also associated with the prevalence of advanced neoplasms in our study (aPR 1.72, 1.62 and 1.44, respectively). The risk factors associated with inadequate bowel preparation in this study were also associated with a higher risk for advanced neoplasms. Inadequate bowel preparation for colonoscopy might lead to missed colorectal cancer (CRC) precursors and the late diagnosis of CRC. People at high risk of advanced neoplasms are in particular need of enhanced bowel preparation.

scholarly journals Burnout Syndrome during Residency Training in Jordan: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Implications

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1557
Author(s):  
Abdullah Nimer ◽  
Suzan Naser ◽  
Nesrin Sultan ◽  
Rawand Said Alasad ◽  
Alexander Rabadi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Burnout Syndrome ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Resident Physicians ◽  
Healthcare Professions

Burnout syndrome is common among healthcare professions, including resident physicians. We aimed to assess the prevalence of burnout among resident physicians in Jordan, and a secondary aim was to evaluate the risk factors associated with the development of burnout syndrome in those residents, including gender, working hours, psychological distress, training sector, and specialty. In this cross-sectional study, 481 residents were recruited utilizing multistage stratified sampling to represent the four major health sectors in Jordan. Data were collected using an online questionnaire, where the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) was used to assess the prevalence of burnout. The prevalence, group differences, and predictors of burnout were statistically analyzed using STATA 15. Overall, 373 (77.5%) residents were found to have burnout. Factors associated with higher levels of burnout were psychological stress (β = 2.34, CI = [1.88–2.81]), longer working hours (β = 4.07, CI = [0.52–7.62], for 51–75 h a week, β = 7.27, CI = [2.86–11.69], for 76–100 h a week and β = 7.27, CI = [0.06–14.49], for >100 h a week), and obstetrics/gynecology residents (β = 9.66, CI = [3.59–15.73]). Conversely, medical sub-specialty residents, as well as private and university hospital residents, had lower burnout levels. We concluded that decreasing the workload on residents, offering psychological counseling, and promoting a safety culture for residents might help in mitigating burnout consequences.

scholarly journals A retrospective cross-sectional study for predicting 72-h mortality in patients with serum aspartate aminotransferase levels ≥ 3000 U/L

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kai Saito ◽  
Hitoshi Sugawara ◽  
Tamami Watanabe ◽  
Akira Ishii ◽  
Takahiko Fukuchi
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Alkaline Phosphatase ◽  
Creatine Kinase ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sodium Potassium ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
C Statistic ◽  
Serum Aspartate Aminotransferase

AbstractRisk factors associated with 72-h mortality in patients with extremely high serum aspartate aminotransferase levels (AST; ≥ 3000 U/L) are unknown. This single-centre, retrospective, case-controlled, cross-sectional study obtained data from medical records of adult patients treated at Saitama Medical Center, Japan, from 2005 to 2019. We conducted a multivariate logistic after adjusting for age, sex, height, weight, body mass index, Brinkman Index, vital signs, biochemical values, updated Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score, CCI components, and underlying causes. A logistic regression model with selected validity risks and higher C-statistic for predicting 72-h mortality was established. During the 15-year period, 428 patients (133 non-survivors and 295 survivors [cases and controls by survival < 72 and ≥ 72 h, respectively]) with AST levels ≥ 3000 U/L were identified. The 72-h mortality rate was 133/428 (31.1%). The model used for predicting 72-h mortality through the assessment of alkaline phosphatase, creatine kinase, serum sodium, potassium, and phosphorus levels had a C-statistic value of 0.852 (sensitivity and specificity, 76.6%). The main independent risk factors associated with 72-h mortality among patients with AST levels ≥ 3000 U/L included higher serum values of alkaline phosphatase, creatine kinase, serum sodium, potassium, and phosphorus.

Activities and risk factors associated with fall-related injuries among US Army soldiers

2020 ◽  
pp. bmjmilitary-2020-001564
Author(s):  
Raina D Brooks ◽  
T Grier ◽  
B H Jones ◽  
M C Chervak
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Us Army ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Younger Age ◽  
Near Falls ◽  
Independent Risk Factors ◽  
Army Soldiers

IntroductionFalls/near falls are the second leading cause of hospitalisation and outpatient visits among US Army soldiers. While numerous studies have evaluated fall-related or near fall-related injuries among elderly adults, few have evaluated this association among young adults. The objective of this study is to describe the characteristics and risk factors associated with fall-related or near fall-related injuries among male US Army soldiers.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study of male US Army Airborne Division soldiers (n=5187). Electronic surveys captured demographic, lifestyle, physical training (PT), fitness and injury data during spring/summer of 2016. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors of fall-related or near fall-related injuries, adjusting for potential confounders.ResultsPrimary findings indicated that activities and risk factors associated with fall-related or near fall-related injuries among soldiers included younger age (≤35 years), holding a job that required minimal lifting activities, slower 2-mile run times and not running during personal PT.ConclusionsThe findings from this study suggest that male US Army soldiers and other physically active men may benefit from (1) obtaining and/or maintaining higher aerobic endurance and muscular strength, and (2) training focused on preventing fall-related injuries during PT, road marching and sports/recreational activities. Moreover, prevention strategies and education should further target younger soldiers (≤35 years old), as younger age is not modifiable.

scholarly journals The characteristics and risk factors of human papillomavirus infection: an outpatient population-based study in Changsha, Hunan

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bingsi Gao ◽  
Yu-Ligh Liou ◽  
Yang Yu ◽  
Lingxiao Zou ◽  
Waixing Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Hpv Infection ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hpv Dna ◽  
Test Kit

AbstractThis cross-sectional study investigated the characteristics of cervical HPV infection in Changsha area and explored the influence of Candida vaginitis on this infection. From 11 August 2017 to 11 September 2018, 12,628 outpatient participants ranged from 19 to 84 years old were enrolled and analyzed. HPV DNA was amplified and tested by HPV GenoArray Test Kit. The vaginal ecology was detected by microscopic and biochemistry examinations. The diagnosis of Candida vaginitis was based on microscopic examination (spores, and/or hypha) and biochemical testing (galactosidase) for vaginal discharge by experts. Statistical analyses were performed using SAS 9.4. Continuous and categorical variables were analyzed by t-tests and by Chi-square tests, respectively. HPV infection risk factors were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. Of the total number of participants, 1753 were infected with HPV (13.88%). Females aged ≥ 40 to < 50 years constituted the largest population of HPV-infected females (31.26%). The top 5 HPV subtypes affecting this population of 1753 infected females were the following: HPV-52 (28.01%), HPV-58 (14.83%), CP8304 (11.47%), HPV-53 (10.84%), and HPV-39 (9.64%). Age (OR 1.01; 95% CI 1–1.01; P < 0.05) and alcohol consumption (OR 1.30; 95% CI 1.09–1.56; P < 0.01) were found to be risk factors for HPV infection. However, the presence of Candida in the vaginal flora was found to be a protective factor against HPV infection (OR 0.62; 95% CI 0.48–0.8; P < 0.001). Comparing with our previous study of 2016, we conclude that the subtype distribution of HPV infection is relatively constant in Changsha. Our data suggest a negative correlation between vaginal Candida and HPV, however, more radical HPV management is required in this area for perimenopausal women and those who regularly consume alcohol.

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