scholarly journals Prevalence of Trypanosoma congolense and Trypanosoma vivax in Lira District, Uganda

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Aziz Katabazi ◽  
Adamu Almustapha Aliero ◽  
Sarah Gift Witto ◽  
Martin Odoki ◽  
Simon Peter Musinguzi

Trypanosomes are the causative agents of animal African trypanosomiasis (AAT) and human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), the former affecting domestic animals prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa. The main species causing AAT in cattle are T. congolense, T. vivax, and T. b. brucei. Northern Uganda has been politically unstable with no form of vector control in place. The return of displaced inhabitants led to the restocking of cattle from AAT endemic areas. It was thus important to estimate the burden of trypanosomiasis in the region. This study was designed to compare the prevalence of animal African trypanosomes in cattle in Lira District using microscopy and polymerase chain reaction amplification (PCR) methods. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 254 cattle from the three villages of Acanakwo A, Barropok, and Acungkena in Lira District, Uganda, were selected by simple random sampling technique and screened for trypanosomiasis using microscopy and PCR methods. The prevalence of trypanosomiasis according to microscopic results was 5/254 (2.0%) as compared to 11/254 (4.3%) trypanosomiasis prevalence according to PCR analysis. The prevalence of trypanosomiasis infection in the animal studied is 11/254 (4.3%). Trypanosoma congolense was the most dominant trypanosome species with a proportion of 9/11 (81.8%), followed by T. vivax 1/11 (9.1%) and mixed infection of T. congolense/T. vivax1/11 (9.1%). Barropok village had the highest prevalence of trypanosomiasis with 6/11 (54.5%). There is a statistically significant relationship ( OR = 6.041 ; 95% CI: 1.634-22.331; p < 0.05 ) between abnormal PCV and trypanosome infection. Polymerase reaction amplification was the most reliable diagnostic method due to its high sensitivity and specificity as compared to the conventional microscopic method. Polymerase reaction amplification appears to have adequate accuracy to substitute the use of a microscope where facilities allow. This study, therefore, underscores the urgent need for local surveillance schemes more especially at the grassroots in Uganda to provide data for reference guideline development needed for the control of trypanosomiasis in Uganda.

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Idongesit Godwin Utuk ◽  
Kayode Omoniyi Osungbade ◽  
Taiwo Akinyode Obembe ◽  
David Ayobami Adewole ◽  
Victoria Oluwabunmi Oladoyin

Background:Despite demonstrating global concerns about infection in the workplace, very little research has explored how co-workers react to those living with HIV in the workplace in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to assess the level of stigmatising attitude towards co-workers living with HIV in the workplace.Methods:The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey involving 403 respondents. They were recruited from selected companies through a multistage sampling technique. Survey was carried out using pre-tested semi-structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences to generate frequencies, cross tabulations of variables at 5% level of significance. Logistic regression model was used to determine the predictors at 95% confidence intervals.Results:Mean age of respondents was 32.9 ± 9.4 years with 86.1% being females. Overall, slightly below two-third (63.0%) had good knowledge on transmission of HIV/AIDS while 218 (54.1%) respondents had a high stigmatising attitude towards co-workers with HIV in the workplace. More female respondents (69.6%) demonstrated high stigmatising attitudes towards co-workers with HIV in the workplace (p = 0.012). Female workers were twice more likely to have high stigmatising attitudes towards co-worker with HIV [OR 2.1 (95% CI: 1.13 – 3.83)].Conclusion:Stigma towards people living with HIV/AIDs is still very persistent in different settings. Good knowledge amongst our participants about HIV/AIDs did not translate to low stigmatising attitudes among workers. Concerted efforts and trainings on the transmission of HIV/AIDs are essential to reduce stigma that is still very prevalent in workplace settings.


Parasite ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
pp. 46
Author(s):  
Megasari Marsela ◽  
Kyoko Hayashida ◽  
Ryo Nakao ◽  
Elisha Chatanga ◽  
Alex Kiarie Gaithuma ◽  
...  

This study aimed to identify trypanosomes infecting cattle in Malawi in order to understand the importance of cattle in the transmission dynamics of Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) and Animal African Trypanosomosis (AAT). A total of 446 DNA samples from cattle blood from three regions of Malawi were screened for African trypanosomes by ITS1 PCR. The obtained amplicons were sequenced using a portable next-generation sequencer, MinION, for validation. Comparison of the results from ITS1 PCR and MinION sequencing showed that combining the two methods provided more accurate species identification than ITS1 PCR alone. Further PCR screening targeting the serum resistance-associated (SRA) gene was conducted to detect Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense. Trypanosoma congolense was the most prevalent Trypanosoma sp., which was found in Nkhotakota (10.8%; 20 of 185), followed by Kasungu (2.5%; 5 of 199). Of note, the prevalence of T. b. rhodesiense detected by SRA PCR was high in Kasungu and Nkhotakota showing 9.5% (19 of 199) and 2.7% (5 of 185), respectively. We report the presence of animal African trypanosomes and T. b. rhodesiense from cattle at the human–livestock–wildlife interface for the first time in Malawi. Our results confirmed that animal trypanosomes are important causes of anemia in cattle and that cattle are potential reservoirs for human African trypanosomiasis in Malawi.


2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 17-26
Author(s):  
I.A. Raji ◽  
A.U. Abubakar ◽  
M.M. Bello ◽  
A.Z. Ezenwoko ◽  
Z.B. Suleiman ◽  
...  

Background: Malnutrition remains a killer of children, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Nigeria, malnutrition is among the top five killers of children under five years of age. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of factors contributing to child malnutrition among mothers of under-fives.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 347 mothers of under-five children who were selected using a multistage sampling technique from January to March 2018. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS® version 20.0. Descriptive statistics, crude and adjusted Odds Ratio (OR) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) in cross-tabulation and binary logistic regression analysis, respectively, were estimated.Results: More than half, 198 (57.0%) were aged 40 years and below. Most, 324 (93.4%) of the respondents were Hausas, with only 45 (13.0%) having tertiary education. Majority of the respondents, 326 (93.9%) knew that diarrhoea-causing diseases could lead to malnutrition. About two-thirds, 222 (64.0%) knew that deworming could protect a child from malnutrition. Less than half, 169 (48.7%) did not know that overeating starchy food can cause malnutrition. Overall, majority 216 [62.2% (95% CI = 56.9% - 67.4%)] of the respondents had good knowledge of factors associated with malnutrition. There were no statistically significant predictors of knowledge of factors contributing to malnutrition.Conclusion: Mothers of under-five children in Sokoto metropolis had a high level of knowledge of the factors contributing to child malnutrition. However, there is still a need to continue educating mothers of under-five children on the importance of maintaining proper nutrition for their children. Keywords: Awareness; Factors; Knowledge; Malnutrition; Mothers; Under-five


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  

Background: Hypertension, the global first and third risk for mortality and disease burden respectively, is recording an increment in Sub-Saharan Africa countries. This study aimed to identify prevalence and its associated risk factor of Hypertension in the Assosa town. Objective: To identify prevalence and factors associated with hypertension in the study area to increase it’s prevention and control methods. Methods & materials: Institutional based cross sectional study design with quota non-probability sampling technique was conducted among patients visited OPD units ofAssosa General Hospital (AGH) andAssosa Health Center(AHC) fromMarch to June 2018. All outpatients were included. To collect data, pre-tested structured questionnaire and face to face interviews were used. Components ofstatisticalresearch software SPSS version-21 like frequency table, chi-square test of independence & logistic regression was used to enter, analyze, summarize and characterize disease and associated factors data. Result: The study was conducted among 194 participants(152 from AGH and 42 from AHC) with 102 males and 92 females. Prevalence of hypertension among patients visited outpatient units of Assosa General Hospital and Assosa Health Center was 17.5%, and was slightly highest in male than female. Associated factors for hypertension among patients visited OPD units of AGH & AHC were history of hypertension in the family (CI=95% and COR=4.497(1.133-17.844) and being private employee (CI=95% and COR=0.0017(0.001-0.407). Conclusion & recommendation: Prevalence of HTN in the Assosa town, was low and influenced by some risk factors like work status and previousfamily history of hypertension. Even if usual usage ofsalt and using vegetable oil was not associated factor, being private employee were independent factor of HTN. In-depth study is recommended for further investigation. To increase preventative methods of HTN, health education supported by mass media, illustrative posters and anotherstrategies at every government & non government work sector are recommended.


2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Ibrahim M.J. ◽  
Sani Z.M. ◽  
Olorukooba A.A. ◽  
Usman N.O. ◽  
Ahmad A.I. ◽  
...  

Background: In spite of concerted global efforts to reduce childhood mortality, countries in Sub-Saharan Africa are still being plagued with incomparably high mortality rates; thereby contributing majorly to the global burden. These deaths occur from causes which are preventable. Men play a pivotal role in sustained efforts to reduce childhood mortality, however, they are usually overlooked in favour of the mothers. The study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude of men towards factors influencing childhood mortality in a semi-urban community, North-Western Nigeria.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. A total of 174 married men were sampled using a multistage sampling technique. Data collected were analysed using the IBM SPSS version 21. Results were presented in tables and bar charts. The level of statistical significance was set at p<0.05.Results: The mean age (±SD) of the respondents was 38 (±11.2) years. One hundred and ten (64.7%) of the respondents had lost a child under the age of five years. Majority 142 (83.5%) of the respondents had poor knowledge of risk factors influencing childhood mortality and 141 (82.9%) of the respondents had a positive attitude towards prevention of childhood mortality.Conclusion: The study has highlighted the need for increased male involvement in child health issues. Interventions such as health education and community mobilization that aims to educate men on risk factors and danger signs associated with poor childhood health outcomes should be carried out in this area.


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Arif Hussen Jamie ◽  
Abduseme Mohammed Ahmed

Background: Worldwide more than 20 million low birth weights occur annually with the incidence of 15 to 20%, majority of this occur in low- and middle-income countries and 95.6% occur in developing nations. Its regional estimate was 28% in South Asia, 13% in sub-Saharan Africa and 13% in least developed countryObjective:  To assess factors associated with low birth weight among newborns in Jugal Hospital, Harari Regional State, Ethiopia.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among newborns in Jugal hospital, Ethiopia from June 01 to July 10, 2019. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select the study subjects. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with low birth weight among newbornsResults: The magnitude of low birth weight was 19.53%. Women who had previous history of low birth weight had 5.21 times higher odds ratio of delivered low birth weight baby than their counterparts [AOR = 5.21, 95% CI: (1.5-14.2)], and pregnant women who delivered before 37 weeks of gestational age had 4.8 times higher odds ratio of delivered low birth weight neonates than those delivered at term [AOR = 4.8, 95% CI: (1.3-10.4)]Conclusion: The prevalence of low birth weight in Harar, Jugal Hospital was 19.53%. Low birth weight in the previous pregnancy and gestational age 37 weeks, and showed significant association with birth weight neonates. Governmental and non-governmental organizations working on maternal and child health should focus on identified factors in order to tackle the problem of birth weight.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
ISSA FUNSHO HABEEB ◽  
GLORIA DADA CHECHET ◽  
JACOB K. P. KWAGA

Abstract Background: Trypanosomiasis is a fatal disease that threatens the economy of at least 37 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa most especially livestock farming. In this study, we sought to investigate the prevalence of trypanosome infection in cattle, the potentials of these livestock as reservoirs of human-infective trypanosomes and the spatial distribution of trypanosome infected herds.Methods: The survey was conducted at the midland between the Northern and Southern part of Nigeria, an area perceived to have harboured migrating animals over the years due to insecurity in the north. A randomized cross-sectional study was conducted along the Jebba axis of river Niger, Kwara state by screening cattle from 36 herd clusters by nested PCR using ITS-1 generic primers. Data generated were analyzed using the Chi square test at 95% confidence interval. Results: Microscopic screening identified 3/398 samples representing 0.75% prevalence while twelve animals, representing 3.02% of the 398 sampled were detected as positive by PCR. Our result showed a decline in the PCV of infected animals (24.7%). The infection rate were categorized as single infection 11/12 (91.67%) and mixed infection 1/12 (8.33%). Animals were more susceptible to Trypanosoma congolense infection (50%) with T. congolense Savannah being the most prevalent Sub-specie (71.4%). Consequently, Trypanosome infections were more prevalent among female animals (4.30%), young animals (10.0%), White Fulani breeds (3.7%), animals with residency period of three years or less (3.18%), Transhumance animals (3.6%), animals with the diseases history (4.05%), animals with no history of drug administration (3.1%), animals close to river Niger (56.2%), larger herds (33.3%) and animals that have travelled to trypanosome endemic areas (50.0%). Aside age and distance of animals from river Niger, statistical difference in every other parameter tested were based on mere probabilistic chance. Spatial data showed that the disease is prevalent among herd located in less than 3Km distance from the river Niger which may represent a key risk factor. Conclusion: It is concluded that our study area may not be classified endemic but the epidemiological significance of this finding is that at least cattle populations may play a vital role in the maintenance and possible resurgence of the disease in the study area.


2009 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 8-11
Author(s):  
Mark Carrington

African trypanosomes are excellent parasites and can maintain an infection of a large mammalian host for months or years. In endemic areas, Human African Trypanosomiasis, also called sleeping sickness, has been largely unaffected by the advent of modern medicine, and trypanosomiasis of domestic livestock is a major restraint on productivity in endemic areas and is arguably the major contributor to the institutionalized poverty in much of rural sub-Saharan Africa1,2. A simple way of visualizing the effect of the livestock disease is to compare maps showing the distribution of livestock (www.ilri.org/InfoServ/Webpub/Fulldocs/Mappoverty/index.htm) and tsetse flies, the insect vector (www.fao.org/ag/AGAinfo/programmes/en/paat/maps.html): the lack of overlap is remarkable. Tsetse flies are only present in sub-Saharan Africa, and this probably restricted the spread of African trypanosomiasis until historical times. Livestock infections are now present in much of South Asia and South America, a product of long distance trade and adaptation of the trypanosomes to mechanical transmission3. The majority of research is on Trypanosoma brucei as this includes the human infective subspecies. This article provides a description of progress in the understanding the molecular details of how the trypanosome interacts with the mammalian immune system and how these studies have extended beyond this to fundamental aspects of eukaryotic cell biology.


2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 112-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chibueze Anosike ◽  
Nneka Uchenna Igboeli ◽  
Chinwe Victoria Ukwe ◽  
Chinyere Victoria Okani

Purpose The purpose of this paper was to assess and compare beliefs about mental illness among pharmacy and non-pharmacy students and to explore its associated factors. Design/methodology/approach This research was a cross-sectional survey conducted among undergraduate pharmacy and non-pharmacy students of a Nigerian university. The selected participants completed the Belief toward Mental Illness questionnaires after usual class lectures. Descriptive statistics, χ2 test, and t-test were used for data analysis. The level of significance was set at p<0.05. Findings Overall, pharmacy and non-pharmacy undergraduate students demonstrated negative beliefs about mental illness. There were no substantial differences in beliefs about mental illness among both groups of students. Students’ class, age, visit to a mental hospital and personal experience of mental disorder were significantly associated with beliefs about mental illness. Research limitations/implications The generalization of the study findings to other schools of pharmacy in Nigeria is uncertain because this study used convenience sampling technique and was conducted in a single public university. However, the study provides relevant educational opportunities to guide policy makers and university administrators on mental health literacy. Therefore, educational interventions addressing observed gaps in students’ opinions regarding mental illness are recommended. Originality/value There appears to be little or no data on the beliefs of undergraduate pharmacy trainees about mental disorders in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Adugna Dufera ◽  
Elias Teferi Bala ◽  
Habtamu Oljira Desta ◽  
Kefyalew Taye

Background. An estimated 303,000 maternal deaths occurred globally in 2015 from which sub-Saharan Africa alone accounted for 201,000 (66%) of the maternal deaths, and most of these are attributed to complications of pregnancy and childbirth due to the absence of institutional delivery by skilled attendants. Objective. The aim of this study was to assess institutional delivery utilization and associated factors among mothers who gave birth in the last one year in Chelia District. Methodology. A community-based cross-sectional study design supplemented by a qualitative method was employed from March 15 to 30, 2018. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 475 study participants. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires, and focus group discussions were employed to get qualitative data. The data were entered to EpiData version 3.1 and exported to the statistical package version 21 for analysis. Descriptive statistics and bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were computed to measure the strength of association between dependent and independent variables at a p value of <0.05. Results. Among the respondents, 216 (46.2%) utilized institutional delivery service. Monthly income (AOR=4.465, 95%CI=1.729,11.527), antenatal care attendance (AOR=0.077, 95%CI=0.008,0.73), knowledge of mothers about their expected date of delivery (AOR=0.297, 95%CI=0.179,4.93), intended pregnancy (AOR=0.326, 95%CI=0.162,0.654), discussion with health extension workers about the place of delivery at home visit (AOR=0.11, 95%CI=0.023,0.523), knowledge of mothers about the existence of the waiting area in health facilities (AOR=0.14, 95%CI=0.023,0.84), and number of children (AOR=0.119, 95%CI=0.029,0.485) had a significant association with institutional delivery utilization. Conclusion. Utilization of institutional delivery was low and far away from the expected country target in the district. The health sector should strive to increase proportion of institutional delivery by reaching pregnant mothers with timely antenatal care service provision and enhancing family planning provision.


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