scholarly journals Monitoring migrant groups as a post-validation surveillance approach to contain the potential reemergence of lymphatic filariasis in Togo

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Monique Ameyo Dorkenoo ◽  
Martin Kouame Tchankoni ◽  
Degninou Yehadji ◽  
Kossi Yakpa ◽  
Mawèké Tchalim ◽  
...  

Abstract Background In March 2017, Togo was declared the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to eliminate lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem, but post-validation surveillance has been lacking. In some areas of the country, migrant groups from neighboring countries that are still endemic for LF pose a risk of reintroduction of LF to Togo. The objective of this study was to identify the risk posed by migrant groups by measuring their prevalence of LF infection and investigating any positive case using Togo’s case investigation algorithm to prevent resurgence of LF and sustain Togo’s elimination success. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018 in the northernmost region of the country. Three migrant populations were identified: (i) nomadic Peuhls, (ii) Togolese members of local communities who migrate annually to neighboring countries for seasonal labor, and (iii) refugees from Ghana who came to Togo because of a communal conflict in Ghana. A questionnaire was designed to collect data on demographics and history of LF and MDA; all participants were tested for circulating filariasis antigen (CFA) using the filariasis test strip (FTS). Any CFA-positive case was confirmed with nocturnal microfilaremia. Results Refugees, seasonal economic migrants and nomadic Peuhls represented 42.1%, 31.4% and 26.5% of the study participants, respectively. The overall prevalence of CFA was 4.2% (58/1391) with the highest prevalence in the nomadic Peuhl group (11.9%), but only one of them (0.07%) was confirmed positive with nocturnal microfilaremia. Using the case investigation algorithm, no other positive case was identified in the positive case’s surroundings. Conclusion This study demonstrates that nomadic Peuhls, with a CFA prevalence of 11.9%, pose a potential risk for reintroduction of LF into Togo while Ghanaian refugees and seasonal economic migrants do not appear to pose a significant risk. Periodic monitoring of migrants, especially the nomadic Peuhl population, is a potential post-validation surveillance approach that could be used to promptly detect any LF cluster that may arise.

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Marina Aferiba Tandoh ◽  
Abigail Owusuaa Appiah ◽  
Anthony Kwaku Edusei

Anemia among adolescent females is a major worldwide public health problem which should be given appropriate attention. Half of all anemic cases are caused by iron deficiency. In addition to anemia, poor nutrition is also a challenge in sub-Saharan Africa. This study determined the prevalence of anemia and undernutrition among adolescent females in school. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 151 adolescent females in four basic schools in the Ahafo region of Ghana. The hemoglobin level and anthropometry measures of participants were taken to determine their anemic and nutritional status. The prevalence of anemia among adolescent females in school was 50.3%. Out of the 151 participants, 6.6%, 19.9%, and 23.8% were severely anemic, moderately anemic, or mildly anemic, respectively. Only 2% of the participants were underweight, but the rate of stunting was 26.5%. The notable high prevalence of anemia that was found among adolescent females was correlated with other health and wellness concerns. Anemia and under nutrition negatively affect academic performance, productivity, and general wellbeing of adolescents; therefore, effective measures should be put in place to correct and eradicate these nutritional problems.


Author(s):  
M. U. Iduh ◽  
K. Mohammed ◽  
I. Isah ◽  
O. F. Ashcroft ◽  
M. K. Garba ◽  
...  

Background: Gastro Intestinal Helminths infection is one of the major health burdens in developing countries particularly in Sub -Saharan Africa. It has been estimated to affect about 2.5 billion people globally and 250 million people are thought to be ill as a result of such infections, the majority being children. Aims: The study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of gastro intestinal helminths infections among people of Wamakko and Tambuwal local government area in Sokoto state. Study Design: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted among Hausa- Fulani in wamakko and Tambuwal area in Sokoto, from June 2019 to October 2019. Methodology: Parasitological examination was carried out on stool samples from 243 participants using microscopy following formal ether concentration methods. Results: Finding revealed that 29 (12%) were positive for gastro intestinal helminths infections. Males recorded more prevalence (11.9%) than the females (11.8%). Conclusion: Gastro intestinal helminths parasites continue to remain a serious public health problem in North-western Nigeria. Low level of education, occupational status, and poor water supply seems to be among significant risk factors for these infections. Creating awareness, increase level of sanitation, good water supply and de-worming programme among school children will reduce prevalence and intensity of gastro intestinal helminths parasitic infections in the study area.


Anemia ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irene Ule Ngole Sumbele ◽  
Sharon Odmia Sama ◽  
Helen Kuokuo Kimbi ◽  
Germain Sotoing Taiwe

Background. Malaria remains a major killer of children in Sub-Saharan Africa, while anaemia is a public health problem with significant morbidity and mortality. Examining the factors associated with moderate to severe anaemia (MdSA) and malarial anaemia as well as the haematological characteristics is essential.Methodology. Children (1–14 years) at presentation at the Regional Hospital Annex-Buea were examined clinically and blood samples were collected for malaria parasite detection and full blood count evaluation.Results.Plasmodium falciparum, anaemia, and malarial anaemia occurred in 33.8%, 62.0%, and 23.6% of the 216 children, respectively. Anaemia prevalence was significantly higher in malaria parasite positive children and those with fever than their respective counterparts. MdSA and moderate to severe malarial anaemia (MdSMA) were detected in 38.0% and 15.3% of the participants, respectively. The prevalence of MdSA was significantly higher in children whose household head had no formal education, resided in the lowland, or was febrile, while MdSMA was significantly higher in febrile children only. Children with MdSMA had significantly lower mean white blood cell, lymphocyte, and platelet counts while the mean granulocyte count was significantly higher.Conclusion. Being febrile was the only predictor of both MdSA and MdSMA. More haematological insult occurred in children with MdSMA compared to MdSA.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Irene Ule Ngole Sumbele ◽  
Ofon Vitalis Otia ◽  
Orelien Sylvain Mtopi Bopda ◽  
Calvin Bisong Ebai ◽  
Helen KuoKuo Kimbi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Despite the ubiquity of polyparasitism, its health impacts have been inadequately studied. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and determinants of polyparasitism with Schistosoma haematobium, Plasmodium and soil-transmitted helminths (STH) following sustained control measures, as well as evaluate the outcomes and clinical correlates of infection in school-aged children (SAC) living in the schistosomiasis endemic focus of Muyuka-Cameroon. Methods In a cross-sectional study, urine, blood and stool samples were each collected from SAC (4–14 years) selected at random between March and June 2015. Microhaematuria in urine was detected using reagent strip and S. haematobium ova by filtration/microscopy methods. Plasmodium was detected using Giemsa-stained blood films and complete blood count was obtained using an auto-haematology analyser. STH in stool was detected by the Kato-Katz method. Categorical and continuous variables were compared as required, Kappa value estimated and the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) in the multivariate analysis was used to evaluate association of the risk factors with infection. Results Out of the 638 SAC examined, single infection was prevalent in 33.4% while polyparasitism was 19.9%. Prevalence of S. haematobium + Plasmodium was 7.8%; S. haematobium + STH was 0.8%; Plasmodium + STH was 0.8%; while S. haematobium + Plasmodium + STH was 0.9%. Higher preponderance of S. haematobium + Plasmodium infection occurred in females, those from Likoko, did not use potable water, practiced bathing in stream and carried out open defecation than their equivalents. However, being female (aOR = 2.38, P = 0.009) was the only significant risk factor identified. Anaemia was a common morbidity (74.3%) with a slight agreement with microscopy in predicting S. haematobium and Plasmodium infections. The sensitivity and specificity of haematuria (13.0%) in predicting S. haematobium infection was 46.5% and 100% with a moderate agreement with microscopy. Co-infection with S. haematobium and malaria parasite was significantly associated with threefold odds of history of fever in the last three days. Conclusions Polyparasitism is a public health problem in Muyuka with females most at risk. Anaemia prevalence is exacerbated in co- and triple-infections and together with a history of fever are of value in predicting polyparasitism.


2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 338-345
Author(s):  
Alekaw Sema ◽  
Nigus Kassie ◽  
Bezabih Amsalu ◽  
Yalelet Belay ◽  
Alemu Guta ◽  
...  

Background The highest rate of preterm birth in the world is in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. However, there is limited data in this study area. Therefore, this study aims to assess the prevalence and associated factors of preterm birth in Dire Dawa City, Eastern Ethiopia. Method An institutional-based, cross-sectional study was conducted with 420 respondents. Conclusion Preterm birth is still a major public health problem in Dire Dawa City.


Author(s):  
Murniati Murniati ◽  
Etih Sudarnika ◽  
Yusuf Ridwan

The aims of this research were to estimate the prevalence and to determine the risk factors related to Toxocara cati (T. cati) infection in pet cats in Bogor. This study was cross sectional study using two types of data; laboratory examination results of feces samples and interview results of the cat owner using a structured questionnaires including characteristics of pet owner and pet care management. The data obtained from this study was analyzed using chi-square test. The results showed that 85 of 243 cats were positively infected by T. cati with 35% prevalence. The significant risk factor associated with the T. cati infection were: sex, sand provided, deworming and type of feed. Pet care management in Kota Bogor were well managed, however the prevalence of T. cati infection was still high. Therefore it can be a potential public health problem especially on cat owners.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Sylvain Raoul Simeni Njonnou ◽  
Jérôme Boombhi ◽  
Martine Claude Etoa Etoga ◽  
Aimée Tiodoung Timnou ◽  
Ahmadou Musa Jingi ◽  
...  

Background. Diabetes is a public health problem worldwide, associated with increased morbidity and mortality. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) 2017 data, around 425 million people worldwide suffer from diabetes. This number is expected to increase to 629 million in 2045. Various occidental studies reported the increased prevalence and lower control of diabetes among prisoners. However, there is no data on the characteristics of inmates with diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods. A cross-sectional study among incarcerated detainees from the Yaoundé Central Prison was conducted from January to July 2017. Diabetes was defined according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria. Analyzed variables included phenotypic characteristics, lifestyle, the reason for detention, the sentence severity, and the length of detention. Results. We recruited 437 inmates (344 men) with an average age of 37.0 (95% CI: 35.9-38.3) years. The most frequent age group was 20 to 39 years with 281 (64.7%) inmates, and the mean prison stay was 29.1 (95% CI: 25.7-32.8) months. The prevalence of diabetes in the Yaoundé Central Prison was 9.4%. The main cardiovascular risk factors were a sedentary lifestyle (91.1%), hypertension (39.6%), smoking (31.6%), and alcohol consumption (28.1%). Hypertension (p=0.005), obesity (p=0.0006), smoking (p=0.04), sedentary lifestyle (p=0.04), major crime (p=0.007), and minor crime (p=0.003) were associated with diabetes in univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, only obesity and sedentary lifestyle were associated with diabetes. Conclusion. Diabetes prevalence in the Yaoundé Central Prison was high, at 9.4%, compared to that in the general population. It was associated with other classical cardiovascular risk factors and factors linked to the sentence (minor and major crimes). This trial is registered with CE00617/CRERSHC/2016.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 192-198
Author(s):  
Frans Yosep Sitepu ◽  
Wiwit Aditama ◽  
Elpiani Depari

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. It is carrying a heavy public health problem burden in Indonesia. This study aimed to determine the risk of poor knowledge of TB, socioeconomic status, malnutrition and contact history with TB cases with the incidence of TB in Medan. This was a cross sectional study conducted between May – August 2019 in Medan municipality, in the three highest TB cases incidence public health centers (puskesmas). Structural interviews were conducted to solicit demographic data, clinical data, as well as the risk factors. Logistic regression was conducted to assess the potential risk factors associated with the infection. We enrolled 260 clinically suspected cases of TB, comprising 135 (51.9%) cases positive for TB and 125 (48.1%) cases negative for TB. In multivariate model, those who had contact history with active TB cases and those who malnourished had higher odds of having TB infection, with adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 5.58 (95%CI:3.13–9.93) and aOR: 3.36 (95%CI: 1.87–6.02), respectively. Having contact history with TB active case and malnutrition were the most significant risk factors of TB incidence in Medan municipality, North Sumatera, Indonesia. Therefore, educating patients on the importance of cough or sneezes etiquette procedures including use of face masks to minimize the risk of infection.


Author(s):  
Ram Kumar Panika ◽  
Rupesh Sahu

Background: Lymphatic filariasis is the second leading cause of disability worldwide accounting for more than 5 million disability adjusted life years annually. It has been a major public health problem in India which leads to irreversible chronic manifestations which are responsible for considerable economic loss and severe physical disability to the affected individuals. Mass drug administration (MDA) means administration of diethylcarbamazine and albendazole tablets to all people (excluding children <2 years, pregnant women, seriously ill persons) in endemic areas once in a year. The objective of the study was to assess coverage, compliance of MDA and awareness about lymphatic filariasis in Tikamgarh district of Madhya Pradesh.Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted and total 120 households were surveyed in four randomly selected clusters of Tikamgarh district of Madhya Pradesh.Results: Out of total 743 persons 678 (91.25%) persons were eligible for MDA. Coverage rate was 86.57% and compliance rate was 74.27%. The main reason for non-compliance was not having the concerned disease (55.78%) followed by fear of side effect (22.31%). Only 40.83% among the surveyed families were aware about MDA and only 45.83% respondents had heard about lymphatic filariasis.Conclusions: There is coverage and compliance gap and awareness about the lymphatic filariasis and MDA program is limited. Drug compliance need to be improved and awareness need to be raised. MDA program should not be confined to tablet distribution only and due importance should be given to compliance rate.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irene Ule Ngole Sumbele ◽  
Ofon Vitalis Otia ◽  
Orelien Sylvain Mtopi Bopda ◽  
Calvin Bisong Ebai ◽  
Helen KuoKuo Kimbi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Despite the ubiquity of polyparasitism, its health impacts have been inadequately studied. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and determinants of polyparasitism with Schistosoma haematobium, Plasmodium and soil-transmitted helminths (STH) following sustained control measures, as well as evaluate the outcomes and clinical correlates of infection in school-aged children (SAC) living in the schistosomiasis endemic focus of Muyuka-Cameroon.Methods: In a cross-sectional study, urine, blood and stool samples were each collected from SAC (4-14 years) between March to June 2015. Microhaematuria in urine was detected using reagent strip and S. haematobium ova by filtration/microscopy methods. Plasmodium was detected using Giemsa stained blood films and complete blood count was obtained using an auto-haematology analyser. STH in stool was detected by the Kato-Katz method. Categorical and continuous variables were compared as required, Kappa value estimated and the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) in the multivariate analysis was used to evaluate association of the risk factors with infection.Results: Out of the 638 SAC examined, single infection was prevalent in 33.4% while polyparasitism was 19.9%. Prevalence of S. haematobium + Plasmodium was 7.8%; S. haematobium + STH was 0.8%; Plasmodium + STH was 0.8% while, S. haematobium + Plasmodium + STH was 0.9%. Higher preponderance of S. haematobium + Plasmodium infection occurred in females, those from Likoko, did not use potable water, practiced bathing in stream and carried out open defecation than their equivalents. However, being female (AOR =2.38, P=0.009) was the only significant risk factor identified. Anaemia was a common morbidity (74.3%) with a slight agreement with microscopy in predicting S. haematobium and Plasmodium infections. The sensitivity and specificity of haematuria (13.0%) in predicting S. haematobium infection was 46.5% and 100% with a moderate agreement with microscopy. Co-infection with S. haematobium and malaria parasite was significantly associated with 3-fold odds of history of fever in the last three days.Conclusions: Polyparasitism is a public health problem in the Ikata-Likoko area in Muyuka with females most at risk. Anaemia prevalence is exacerbated in co- and triple-infections and together with a history of fever are of value in predicting polyparasitism.


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