Cultural and socio-economic conditions as factors contributing to chronic stress in sub-Saharan African communities

Stress is known to contribute to overall health status. Many individuals in sub-Saharan Africa are believed to be stressed about their employment, income, and health. This study aimed to investigate hair cortisol as a biomarker of chronic stress in settlement communities in Kenya. Hair samples were collected from 108 volunteers from settlement communities in Kenya. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique was used to measure hair cortisol concentrations. In parallel, a health survey was completed. The mean ± SD for the cortisol concentration in the hair of volunteers from the settlement communities in Naivasha was 639 ± 300 ng/g, which was higher than found for a Caucasian reference group (299 ± 110 ng/g; one-way ANOVA, P = 0.0003). There were no differences in hair cortisol concentrations between members of slum settlements adjacent to large floriculture farms in Naivasha (Karagita, Kamere/Kwa Muhia/DCK, and Kasarani) compared with those well-removed from all floriculture in Mogotio (Mogotio and Westlands/Katorongot). However, hair cortisol concentrations were significantly higher in females, divorced volunteers, those who made below minimum wage, and those who reported feeling unsafe collecting water or using sanitation facilities within these 2 settlement groups. We found no evidence for increased chronic stress (measured by hair cortisol content) between members of slum settlements adjacent to versus distant to large floriculture farms. Cultural and socio-economic conditions that prevail in much of sub-Saharan Africa were found to be factors contributing to chronic stress.

Download Full-text

Comparison of Hair Cortisol Levels and Perceived Stress in Mothers Who Deliver at Preterm and Term

Biological Research For Nursing ◽

10.1177/1099800418758952 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 20 (3) ◽

pp. 292-299 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Allyson R. Duffy ◽

Donna L. Schminkey ◽

Maureen W. Groer ◽

Melissa Shelton ◽

Samia Dutra

Keyword(s):

Perceived Stress ◽

Allostatic Load ◽

Rate Of Change ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Hair Cortisol ◽

Third Trimester ◽

Hair Samples ◽

The Mean ◽

Preliminary Study ◽

Cortisol Levels

Objective: To evaluate relationships between hair cortisol levels and perceived stress in mothers who deliver preterm and term. We hypothesized that the rate of change in cortisol levels would be greater in the preterm delivery group. Methods: This preliminary study compared hair cortisol levels and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) scores in predominately Caucasian mothers who delivered preterm ( n = 22) and term ( n = 30). We collected PSS and hair samples of ≥10 cm in length from mothers after delivery. Hair was segmented into three sections, and cortisol was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The mean gestational age was 31.45 ( SD = 4.2) weeks for preterm deliveries and 39.45 ( SD = 1.1) for term. Cortisol differed significantly in the third trimester between mothers delivering term and preterm ( t = 2.16, df = 48, p = .04) and trended toward significance in the second trimester ( t = 1.88, df = 48, p = .06). PSS differed significantly between the two groups ( t = −2.96, df = 50, p = .05). Our data did not provide support for our hypothesis. Conclusion: There appeared to be a blunted, flattened pattern of change in cortisol levels across gestation in the women who delivered preterm, suggesting diminished hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis responsiveness in mechanisms that promote preterm labor. Future studies are needed to further evaluate best strategies for measuring the mechanisms of allostatic load during pregnancy along with the psychoneuroendocrine and immune triggers and placental responses that lead to premature birth.

Download Full-text

A Case for Regular Aflatoxin Monitoring in Peanut Butter in Sub-Saharan Africa: Lessons from a 3-Year Survey in Zambia

Journal of Food Protection ◽

10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-15-542 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 79 (5) ◽

pp. 795-800 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

SAMUEL M. C. NJOROGE ◽

LIMBIKANI MATUMBA ◽

KENNEDY KANENGA ◽

MOSES SIAMBI ◽

FARID WALIYAR ◽

...

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Aflatoxin B1 ◽

Peanut Butter ◽

Aflatoxin Contamination ◽

Comprehensive Analysis ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Contamination Level ◽

Batch Number ◽

Sub Saharan

ABSTRACT A 3-year comprehensive analysis of aflatoxin contamination in peanut butter was conducted in Zambia, sub-Saharan Africa. The study analyzed 954 containers of 24 local and imported peanut butter brands collected from shops in Chipata, Mambwe, Petauke, Katete, and Nyimba districts and also in Lusaka from 2012 to 2014. For analysis, a sample included six containers of a single brand, from the same processing batch number and the same shop. Each container was quantitatively analyzed for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in six replicates by using competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; thus, aflatoxin contamination level of a given sample was derived from an average of 36 test values. Results showed that 73% of the brands tested in 2012 were contaminated with AFB1 levels >20 μg/kg and ranged up to 130 μg/kg. In 2013, 80% of the brands were contaminated with AFB1 levels >20 μg/kg and ranged up to 10,740 μg/kg. Compared with brand data from 2012 and 2013, fewer brands in 2014, i.e., 53%, had aflatoxin B1 levels >20 μg/kg and ranged up to 1,000 μg/kg. Of the eight brands tested repeatedly across the 3-year period, none consistently averaged ≤20 μg/kg. Our survey clearly demonstrates the regular occurrence of high levels of AF B1 in peanut butter in Zambia. Considering that some of the brands tested originated from neighboring countries such as Malawi, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, the current findings provide a sub-Saharan regional perspective regarding the safety of peanut butter.

Download Full-text

Potential of Spirulina Platensis as a Nutritional Supplement in Malnourished HIV-Infected Adults in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Randomised, Single-Blind Study

Nutrition and Metabolic Insights ◽

10.4137/nmi.s5862 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 4 ◽

pp. NMI.S5862 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

M. Azabji-Kenfack ◽

S. Edie Dikosso ◽

E.G. Loni ◽

E.A. Onana ◽

E. Sobngwi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Composition ◽

Viral Load ◽

Serum Albumin ◽

Spirulina Platensis ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Nutritional Rehabilitation ◽

Group A ◽

The Mean ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Group B

Background Malnutrition is a major global public health issue and its impact on communities and individuals is more dramatic in Sub-Saharan Africa, where it is compounded by widespread poverty and generalized high prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Therefore, malnutrition should be addressed through a multisectorial approach, and malnourished individuals should have access to nutritional rehabilitation molecules that are affordable, accessible, rich in nutrient and efficient. We thus assessed the efficacy of two affordable and accessible nutritional supplements, spirulina platensis versus soya beans among malnourished HIV-infected adults. Methods Undernourished patients, naïve of, but eligible to antiretroviral treatment (ART), aged 18 to 35 years were enrolled and randomly assigned to two groups. The first group received spirulina (Group A) as food supplement and the second received soya beans (Group B). Patients were initiated ART simultaneously with supplements. Food supplements were auto-administered daily, the quantity being calculated according to weight to provide 1.5 g/kg body weight of proteins with 25% from supplements (spirulina and soya beans). Patients were monitored at baseline and followed-up during twelve weeks for anthropometric parameters, body composition, haemoglobin and serum albumin, CD4 count and viral load. Results Fifty-two patients were enrolled (Group A: 26 and Group B: 26). The mean age was 26.4 ± 4.9 years (Group A) and 28.7 ± 4.8 (Group B) with no significant difference between groups ( P = 0.10). After 12 weeks, weight and BMI significantly improved in both groups ( P < 0.001 within each group). The mean gain in weight and BMI in Group A and B were 4.8 vs. 6.5 kg, ( P = 0.68) and 1.3 vs. 1.90 Kg/m2, ( P = 0.82) respectively. In terms of body composition, fat free mass (FFM) did not significantly increase within each group (40.5 vs. 42.2 Kg, P = 0.56 for Group A; 39.2 vs. 39.0 Kg, P = 0.22 for Group B). But when compared between the two groups at the end of the trial, FFM was significantly higher in the spirulina group (42.2 vs. 39.0 Kg, P = 0.01). The haemoglobin level rose significantly within groups ( P < 0.001 for each group) with no difference between groups ( P = 0.77). Serum albumin level did not increase significantly within groups ( P < 0.90 vs. P < 0.82) with no difference between groups ( P = 0.39). The increase in CD4 cell count within groups was significant ( P < 0.01 in both groups), with a significantly higher CD4 count in the spirulina group compared to subjects on soya beans at the end of the study ( P = 0.02). Within each group, HIV viral load significantly reduced at the end of the study ( P < 0.001 and P = 0.04 for spirulina and soya beans groups respectively). Between the groups, the viral load was similar at baseline but significantly reduced in the spirulina group at the end of the study ( P = 0.02). Conclusion We therefore conclude in this preliminary study, firstly, that both spirulina and soja improve on nutritional status of malnourished HIV-infected patients but in terms of quality of nutritional improvement, subjects on spirulina were better off than subjects on soya beans. Secondly, nutritional rehabilitation improves on immune status with a consequent drop in viral load but further investigations on the antiviral effects of this alga and its clinical implications are strongly needed.

Download Full-text

First Report of East African Cassava Mosaic Begomovirus in Nigeria

Plant Disease ◽

10.1094/pdis.1999.83.4.398a ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 83 (4) ◽

pp. 398-398 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

F. O. Ogbe ◽

G. I. Atiri ◽

D. Robinson ◽

S. Winter ◽

A. G. O. Dixon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Central Africa ◽

Mosaic Disease ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Cassava Mosaic Disease ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

East African ◽

African Countries ◽

Manihot Esculenta Crantz ◽

Cross River State ◽

Sub Saharan

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is an important food crop in sub-Saharan Africa. One of the major production constraints is cassava mosaic disease caused by African cassava mosaic (ACMV) and East African cassava mosaic (EACMV) begomoviruses. ACMV is widespread in its distribution, occurring throughout West and Central Africa and in some eastern and southern African countries. In contrast, EACMV has been reported to occur mainly in more easterly areas, particularly in coastal Kenya and Tanzania, Malawi, and Madagascar. In 1997, a survey was conducted in Nigeria to determine the distribution of ACMV and its strains. Samples from 225 cassava plants showing mosaic symptoms were tested with ACMV monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) in triple antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (1). Three samples reacted strongly with MAbs that could detect both ACMV and EACMV. One of them did not react with ACMV-specific MAbs while the other two reacted weakly with such MAbs. With polymerase chain reaction (2), the presence of EACMV and a mixture of EACMV and ACMV in the respective samples was confirmed. These samples were collected from two villages: Ogbena in Kwara State and Akamkpa in Cross River State. Co-infection of some cassava varieties with ACMV and EACMV leads to severe symptoms. More importantly, a strain of mosaic geminivirus known as Uganda variant arose from recombination between the two viruses (2). This report provides evidence for the presence of EACMV in West Africa. References: (1) J. E. Thomas et al. J. Gen. Virol. 67:2739, 1986. (2) X. Zhou et al. J. Gen. Virol. 78:2101, 1997.

Download Full-text

Cohort profile: internal migration in sub-Saharan Africa—The Migration and Health in Malawi (MHM) study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2016-014799 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 7 (5) ◽

pp. e014799 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Philip Anglewicz ◽

Mark VanLandingham ◽

Lucinda Manda-Taylor ◽

Hans-Peter Kohler

Keyword(s):

Health Outcomes ◽

Reference Group ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Extensive Information ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

The Relationship ◽

Mental And Physical Health ◽

Use Of Health Services ◽

Migration And Health ◽

Selection Of

PurposeThe Migration and Health in Malawi (MHM) study focuses on a key challenge in migration research: although it has long been established that migration and health are closely linked, identifying the effect of migration on various health outcomes is complicated by methodological challenges. The MHM study uses a longitudinal panel premigration and postmigration study design (with a non-migrant comparison group) to measure and/or control for important characteristics that affect both migration and health outcomes.ParticipantsData are available for two waves. The MHM interviewed 398 of 715 migrants in 2007 (55.7%) and 722 of 1013 in 2013 (71.3%); as well as 604 of 751 (80.4%) for a non-migrant reference group in 2013. The total interviewed sample size for the MHM in both waves is 1809. These data include extensive information on lifetime migration, socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, sexual behaviours, marriage, household/family structure, social networks and social capital, HIV/AIDS biomarkers and other dimensions of health.Findings to dateOur result for the relationship between migration and health differs by health measure and analytic approach. Migrants in Malawi have a significantly higher HIV prevalence than non-migrants, which is primarily due to the selection of HIV-positive individuals into migration. We find evidence for health selection; physically healthier men and women are more likely to move, partly because migration selects younger individuals. However, we do not find differences in physical or mental health between migrants and non-migrants after moving.Future plansWe are preparing a third round of data collection for these (and any new) migrants, which will take place in 2018. This cohort will be used to examine the effect of migration on various health measures and behaviours, including general mental and physical health, smoking and alcohol use, access to and use of health services and use of antiretroviral therapy.

Download Full-text

No Confirmed Cases of Taenia solium Taeniasis in a Group of Recently Arrived Sub-Saharan Migrants to Italy

Pathogens ◽

10.3390/pathogens8040296 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (4) ◽

pp. 296 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Lorenzo Zammarchi ◽

Marta Tilli ◽

Antonia Mantella ◽

Annarita Botta ◽

Alessandra Nicoletti ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Positive Result ◽

Taenia Solium ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

False Positive Result ◽

Specific Enzyme ◽

Density Values ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Autochthonous Transmission

One-hundred and sixty-four migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa to Italy were screened with the Taenia solium specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay coproantigen (ELISA CoAg) and four (2.4%) were recorded as positive, but with optical density values near to the cut-off. No ELISA CoAg positive samples were confirmed by parasitological methods. Low positivity could be attributed to false positive result or cross-reaction with other Taenia species. Further studies are needed to assess the role of migration on sporadic autochthonous transmission of T. solium taeniasis/cysticercosis in Europe.

Download Full-text

Development of a Novel Cocktail Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay and a Field-Applicable Lateral-Flow Rapid Test for Diagnosis of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia

Journal of Clinical Microbiology ◽

10.1128/jcm.03259-15 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 54 (6) ◽

pp. 1557-1565 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Martin Heller ◽

Nimmo Gicheru ◽

Georgina Tjipura-Zaire ◽

Cecilia Muriuki ◽

Mingyan Yu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Rapid Test ◽

Lateral Flow ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Content Type ◽

Mycoplasma Mycoides ◽

Sub Saharan

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) is a severe respiratory disease that is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa. It is caused byMycoplasma mycoidessubsp.mycoides, a bacterium belonging to theMycoplasma mycoidescluster. In the absence of an efficient CBPP vaccine, improved and easy-to-use diagnostic assays for recurrent testing combined with isolation and treatment of positive animals represent an option for CBPP control in Africa. Here we describe the comprehensive screening of 17 immunogenicMycoplasma mycoidessubsp.mycoidesproteins using well-characterized bovine sera for the development of a novel cocktail enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for laboratory use. Two recombinantMycoplasmaimmunogens, MSC_0136 and MSC_0636, were used to set up a standardized cocktail ELISA protocol. According to the results from more than 100 serum samples tested, the sensitivity and specificity of the novel cocktail ELISA were 85.6% and 96.4%, respectively, with an overall diagnostic accuracy comparable to that of the Office International des Epizooties (OIE)-prescribed serological assays. In addition, we provide a proof of principle for a field-applicable, easy-to-use commercially produced prototype lateral-flow test for rapid (<30-min) diagnosis of CBPP.

Download Full-text

Squamous Cell Carcinoma in African Children with Xeroderma Pigmentosum: Three Case Reports

Case Reports in Dermatology ◽

10.1159/000452438 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. 311-318 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Mamadou Kaloga ◽

Pauline Dioussé ◽

Boubacar Ahy Diatta ◽

Mariama Bammo ◽

Sarah Kourouma ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽

Cell Carcinoma ◽

Squamous Cell ◽

Xeroderma Pigmentosum ◽

Case Reports ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Skin Cancers ◽

Black Skin ◽

The Mean ◽

Sub Saharan

Introduction: Xeroderma pigmentosum is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disease. This disease predisposes patients to early-onset skin cancers, particularly squamous cell carcinoma. Here, we report 3 pediatric cases, including 2 deaths. Observation: The subjects included 2 boys and 1 girl with skin type VI. All subjects were from consanguineous marriages, and the average age was 7.6 years. The patients all had ulcerative budding tumor lesions in the cephalic region, and the mean disease duration was 18 months. In all 3 cases, the diagnosis of xeroderma pigmentosum was made before the poikilodermal appearance of sun-exposed areas and photophobia. Neurological-type mental retardation was noted in 1 case. Histology confirmed squamous cell carcinoma in all 3 cases. The evolutions were marked by the death of 2 children (cases 1 and 3). In one case, the outcome was favorable following cancer excision and subsequent chemotherapy with adjuvant radiotherapy. Conclusion: Squamous cell carcinoma is a serious complication related to xeroderma pigmentosum in Sub-Saharan Africa. Prevention is based on the early diagnosis of xeroderma pigmentosum, black skin photoprotection, screening and early treatment of lesions, and genetic counseling.

Download Full-text

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Treponema pallidum (Syphilis) Co-infection in Uyo, Nigeria

International STD Research & Reviews ◽

10.9734/isrr/2020/v9i230112 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 33-42

Author(s):

Iheanyi O. Okonko ◽

Hope C. Innocent- Adiele ◽

Amaka M. Awanye ◽

Tochi I. Cookey ◽

Charles C. Onoh

Keyword(s):

Reproductive Health ◽

Hiv Transmission ◽

Human Subjects ◽

Treponema Pallidum ◽

Educational Background ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Early Screening ◽

Medical Male Circumcision ◽

Sub Saharan

Aim: HIV/AIDS remains a leading cause of death and disability in Sub Saharan Africa and this accounts for almost half of the world’s HIV related deaths. On the other hand, bacterial sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as syphilis contributes to the morbidity and mortality obtained in developing countries. Co-infection of syphilis and HIV may increase the risk of HIV transmission and adversely affect reproductive health. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of STDs in HIV positive individuals can help prevent spread to their partners. There is also very little information about incidence and prevalence of HIV/Syphilis co-infection and their determinants. The aim of this study is to evaluate the HIV/Syphilis co-infection among HIV-infected individuals in Uyo, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 176 individuals living with HIV participated in this study. The average age of the study participants was 39.1 years from a range of 6-67 years. Plasma samples obtained from the human subjects were analysed for presence of HIV and Syphilis antibodies using enzyme-Linked immunosorbent Assay. Results: Our findings showed that the overall prevalence of HIV/Syphilis co-infection in Uyo was 1.7%. Analysis of the results revealed that the variables—sex and educational background—significantly influenced the rate of syphilis sero-positivity among the population under study. While variables- age, marital status and occupational skills non-significantly influenced the rate of syphilis sero-positivity among the population under study. Conclusion: This study confirmed the co-infection of HIV and Syphilis in Uyo, Nigeria. Early screening of Syphilis and other STDs contributes to the control of infection and reduces the spread of HIV to partners. A number of primary preventive interventions for HIV and syphilis need to be adopted including use of condoms and medical male circumcision in order to improve sexual and reproductive health amongst individuals.

Download Full-text

Farmer Demand and Willingness-To-Pay for Sweetpotato Silage-Based Diet as Pig Feed in Uganda

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su12166452 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (16) ◽

pp. 6452

Author(s):

Marsy Asindu ◽

Emily Ouma ◽

Gabriel Elepu ◽

Diego Naziri

Keyword(s):

Willingness To Pay ◽

Smallholder Farmers ◽

Secondary Data ◽

Market Potential ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Livestock Feed ◽

The Mean ◽

Pig Feed ◽

Sub Saharan

Smallholder livestock farmers across Sub-Saharan Africa are racing against time to find cheaper, nutritious, and sustainable feed alternatives to the more pronounced and expensive commercial concentrates amidst the increasing global demand for livestock products. Lately, many prominent feed conservation technologies have been developed, with a notable example being the sweetpotato silage technology that turns wasted sweetpotato components into a palatable and nutritious livestock feed. However, despite the potential benefits associated with these technologies, the level of demand and acceptance among smallholder farmers remains largely unknown. Thus, this paper assesses the farmer demand and willingness-to-pay (WTP) for sweetpotato silage-based diet as pig feed by smallholder farmers in Uganda. The information for the study was collected through secondary data review and semi-structured interviews to assess farmer WTP. The 256 semi-structured interviews were randomly drawn from 16 purposive clusters formed at a radius of 3 km around 16 farmers piloting sweetpotato silage-based diets for pig feed. The results show that pig farming is mainly the responsibility of women, with farmers’ mean willingness-to-pay price amounting to 0.20 USD per kilogram of sweetpotato silage-based diet. At the mean price, the annual demand for silage was estimated at 17,679 tons, with a market potential of approximately 3.59 million USD. The study concludes that, at the mean willingness-to-pay price, there is a substantial market potential that can be exploited by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) venturing in the livestock feed industry.

Download Full-text