Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of Toxocara cati Infection in Feral Cats in Alexandria City, Northern Egypt

Background: This study was performed to determine the prevalence and to identify precisely Toxocara spp., which infects feral cats in Alexandria, Egypt based on morphological and molecular approaches. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 100 feral cats trapped from different areas of Alexandria during 2018. Adult male and female worms were recovered from small intestinal contents after euthanasia and dissection of cats. Distinct morphological features were initially determined using available keys, and then after amplification and sequencing of the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (nad1) gene was carried out and phylogenetic trees were constructed. Results: Forty out of 100 cats were infected with Toxocara spp. Intensity of infection ranged from 1 to 9 worms/cat, with a mean of 2.27±1.6. All isolates were confirmed as T. cati based on morphological features and the sequence of nad1 gene. Results of the current study clearly show that Egyptian T. cati isolate examined herein is genetically similar to those recorded in other countries. Conclusion: The current work revealed high prevalence of T. cati in feral cats in the study area. This is the first genetic study that confirms T. cati from feral cats in Egypt. In addition, it demonstrated the suitability and need of genetic markers such as nad1 for identification of Toxocara spp. Furthermore highlights the public health importance of T. cati in Egypt.

Download Full-text

Brucellosis in camel and human: Seroprevalence and associated risk factors in Amibara district of Afar region, Ethiopia

10.21203/rs.3.rs-1073598/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Fekadu Gutema ◽

Prof Kebede Amenu ◽

Adugna Chalchisa ◽

Prof Gezahegn Mamo

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Close Contact ◽

Mammalian Species ◽

Raw Milk ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Public Health Importance ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

North East ◽

Afar Region ◽

Associated Risk Factors

Abstract Background: Brucellosis is an important neglected zoonotic disease caused by infection with bacteria of the genus Brucella affecting different mammalian species including man. A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the seroprevalence of brucellosis in camels and human and its associated risk factors in Amibara district of Afar region, North east Ethiopia from October 2019 to May 2020Result: A total of 250 camel and 120 human sera were serially tested using the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT), and Complement Fixation Test (CFT). The overall seroprevalence of camel brucellosis in the current study was 7.6% (95% CI: 4.9-11.56) using RBPT and 3.2% (95% CI: 1.63-6.2) by combined RBPT and CFT. In Human twelve (10%) of the collected sera were positive by RBPT among which only four of them (3.33%) were positive by CFT. The risk factors analysis indicated that, age, body condition, number of parity and abortion history were significantly associated with brucella seropositivity in camel(P≤0.05). In human, occupation and non-protective handling of dystocia cases showed apparent association with brucella seropositivity.Conclusion: The results of the present study indicated that, brucellosis is a common health problem in camel and human in Amibara district of Afar region. The public health importance of this disease is associated with raw milk consumption and close contact with the animals having history of recent abortion. Therefore, controlling the risk factors, establishing brucella diagnostic service in human clinics and hospitals, continuous social training with feedback assessments and overall implementing of One Health approach framework to attain optimal health for people and domestic animals in area are recommended to safeguard the health of society.

Download Full-text

Prevalence of intestinal parasites and associated factors among children from child centres in Bahir Dar city, northwest Ethiopia

Tropical Doctor ◽

10.1177/0049475520920161 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 50 (3) ◽

pp. 194-198

Author(s):

Aynework Abebaw ◽

Getaneh Alemu ◽

Animen Ayehu

Keyword(s):

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Parasitic Infection ◽

Single Species ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Northwest Ethiopia ◽

Bahir Dar ◽

Public Health Importance ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Control Programmes ◽

Stool Samples

Data concerning the burden of parasites among populations living in overcrowded circumstances have paramount importance for the success of interventions aimed at eliminating such disease. A cross-sectional study was therefore conducted from February to May 2019 among 217 children at child centres in Bahir Dar city. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and stool samples were processed for parasitological investigation. A total of 53 (24.4%) children were infected with at least a single species of intestinal parasite. Giardia lamblia (7.8%) was the most frequent, followed by Hymenolepis nana (6%). Children with untrimmed fingernails (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.422, P = 0.027) were significantly more prone to infection. Similarly, children with no habit of hand washing after soil contact (AOR = 2.752, P = 0.014) or after defecation (AOR = 3.087, P = 0.026) were significantly associated with parasitic infection. The prevalence of intestinal parasites at child centres in Bahir Dar is of public health importance; therefore, control programmes should target these children.

Download Full-text

Food intake of European adolescents in the light of different food-based dietary guidelines: results of the HELENA (Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence) Study

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980011001935 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 15 (3) ◽

pp. 386-398 ◽

Cited By ~ 104

Author(s):

Katharina Diethelm ◽

Nicole Jankovic ◽

Luis A Moreno ◽

Inge Huybrechts ◽

Stefaan De Henauw ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Intake ◽

Food Consumption ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Healthy Lifestyle ◽

Meat Products ◽

Later Life ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Dietary Guidelines ◽

Public Health Importance ◽

Cross Sectional

AbstractObjectiveSince inadequate food consumption patterns during adolescence are not only linked with the occurrence of obesity in youth but also with the subsequent risk of developing diseases in adulthood, the establishment and maintenance of a healthy diet early in life is of great public health importance. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to describe and evaluate the food consumption of a well-characterized sample of European adolescents against food-based dietary guidelines for the first time.DesignThe HELENA (Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence) Study is a cross-sectional study, whose main objective was to obtain comparable data on a variety of nutritional and health-related parameters in adolescents aged 12·5–17·5 years.SettingTen cities in Europe.SubjectsThe initial sample consisted of more than 3000 European adolescents. Among these, 1593 adolescents (54 % female) had sufficient and plausible dietary data on energy and food intakes from two 24 h recalls using the HELENA-DIAT software.ResultsFood intake of adolescents in Europe is not optimal compared with the two food-based dietary guidelines, Optimized Mixed Diet and Food Guide Pyramid, examined in this study. Adolescents eat half of the recommended amount of fruit and vegetables and less than two-thirds of the recommended amount of milk (and milk products), but consume much more meat (and meat products), fats and sweets than recommended. However, median total energy intake may be estimated to be nearly in line with the recommendations.ConclusionThe results urge the need to improve the dietary habits of adolescents in order to maintain health in later life.

Download Full-text

First molecular-based anti-TB drug resistance survey in Eritrea

The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease ◽

10.5588/ijtld.20.0558 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 25 (1) ◽

pp. 43-51

Author(s):

A. B. Mesfin ◽

Z. Z. Araia ◽

H. N. Beyene ◽

A. H. Mebrahtu ◽

N. N. Suud ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Drug Resistance ◽

Oral Treatment ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Fluoroquinolone Resistance ◽

Sputum Smear ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Targeted Next Generation Sequencing ◽

Molecular Approaches ◽

Appropriate Treatment ◽

Previously Treated

BACKGROUND: In the absence of reliable data on drug-resistant TB in Eritrea, a national survey was conducted in 2018 using molecular-based methods, bypassing the need for culture.METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in all 77 TB microscopy centres in the country. All 629 newly registered sputum smear-positive pulmonary TB patients were enrolled over 12 months. Sputum samples were tested using the Xpert® MTB/RIF assay and targeted next-generation sequencing (Deeplex Myc-TB) to identify resistance and explore the phylogenetics of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex strains.RESULTS: Drug resistance profiles were obtained for 555 patients (502 new, 53 previously treated). The prevalence of rifampicin-resistant TB (RR-TB) was respectively 2.0% and 7.6% among new and previously treated cases. All RR-TB isolates that were susceptible to isoniazid displayed a phylogenetic marker conferring capreomycin resistance, confirming circulation of a previously described resistant TB sub-lineage in the Horn of Africa. Only one case of fluoroquinolone resistance was detected.CONCLUSION: The prevalence of rifampicin resistance among TB patients is encouragingly low. The scarcity of fluoroquinolone resistance bodes well for the success of the recommended all-oral treatment regimen. Surveillance based on molecular approaches enables a reliable estimation of the burden of resistance and can be used to guide appropriate treatment and care.

Download Full-text

Prevalence and Knowledge of Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections in Mandailing Natal, North Sumatera, Indonesia

Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences ◽

10.3889/oamjms.2019.441 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (20) ◽

pp. 3443-3446

Author(s):

Rizky Keumala Ansari Nasution ◽

Badai Buana Nasution ◽

Munar Lubis ◽

Inke Nadia D. Lubis

Keyword(s):

Primary Schools ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

World Health ◽

Public Health Importance ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Helminth Infections ◽

Route Of Transmission ◽

High Prevalence ◽

Health Organization ◽

North Sumatra

BACKGROUND: Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infection remains of public health importance, particularly in developing countries. North Sumatra province of Indonesia has reported high prevalences of STH in many of its districts. AIM: In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of STH and evaluated STH knowledge and risk behaviours of school children in Mandailing Natal district. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study in two primary schools in Mandailing Natal district, North Sumatera province, Indonesia. Data were collected directly from the subjects using a questionnaire after receiving consent from their parents. A stool sample was also collected to determine the STH status of each subject. Samples were then transported to the parasitology laboratory at Universitas Sumatera Utara in Medan to be analysed by a trained analyst. Kato-Katz method was used to prepare the slides (World Health Organization, 2002). The intensity of infection is classified into light, moderate and heavy infection. RESULTS: Prevalences of STH infections were 76.8% and 87.2% in Singkuand and Sikapas primary schools, respectively. The majority of infections were Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura at a light intensity. Only small numbers of children in the two schools used soap before eating, used soap after defecating, and wear sandal/shoes when walking outdoor. Less than 50% of children also knew the route of transmission of STH. Poorer knowledge and behaviours were shown in children from Sikapas than in Singkuang. CONCLUSION: High prevalence and poor hygiene behaviours found in this study reinforce the need to identify the correct intervention to address this STH problem in the region.

Download Full-text

Prevalence and associated factors of chronic non-communicable diseases among cross-country truck drivers in Ethiopia

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-020-09646-w ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Tewodros Yosef

Keyword(s):

Associated Factors ◽

Healthcare Services ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Communicable Diseases ◽

Truck Drivers ◽

The Body ◽

Public Health Importance ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Non Communicable Diseases ◽

Cross Country

Abstract Background Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are diseases that are not transmitted from one person to another. Currently, NCDs are the primary causes of morbidity and mortality globally. Truck driving is an occupation that prone drivers to risk factors for NCDs than other occupations. Eventhough risk of developing NCDs among these population is high, studies that showed the prevalence and associated factors of chronic NCDs among truck drivers in Ethiopia are not available. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of chronic NCDs among truck drivers in Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 422 cross-country truck drivers at the Modjo dry port in Ethiopia. The interviwer-administered questionnaire technique was used to collect the data. The body mass index of the study participants was measured using DHM-15A standardized scale (BMI Height and Weight body fat scale). Results Of the 400 truck drivers interviewed, the prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases was 28.5, 95% CI (24.1–32.9%). Eighty (20%) had hypertension followed by 32(8%), and 22 (5.5%) had diabetes mellitus and asthma, respectively. The study also found that being married (AOR = 3.14, 95%CI [1.78–5.86]) and Separated/Divorced/Widower (AOR = 2.31, 95% CI [1.12–3.55]), having 3 or more family sizes (AOR = 1.46, 95% CI [1.33–4.42]), BMI ≥ 25 (AOR = 4.66, 95% CI [2.85–7.62]), smoking cigarettes [AOR = 1.71, 95% CI [1.03–2.81]), driving 10 or more years (AOR = 3.48, 95% CI [1.89–5.24]) and driving 9 or more hours daily (AOR = 3.76, 95% CI [1.96–6.54]) were statistically associated with chronic non-communicable diseases. Conclusion The prevalence of chronic NCDs among truck drivers was significant (28.5%), and we can conclude that chronic NCDs are of public health importance among truck drivers in Ethiopia. This may create a substantial load on the healthcare system as an end result of increased demand and contact with healthcare services. Therefore, a rigorous effort is needed to develop strategies for the prevention and management of NCDs.

Download Full-text

EXPOSURE AND CONSEQUENCES OF NOISE POLLUTION AMONG RESIDENTS OF BICHI TOWN, KANO STATE, NIGERIA

FUDMA Journal of Sciences ◽

10.33003/fjs-2021-0502-626 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (2) ◽

pp. 151-157

Author(s):

Muktar A. Gadanya ◽

Imrana A. Buhari

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Health Effects ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Noise Pollution ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Living Condition ◽

Technological Advancement ◽

Public Health Importance ◽

Important Public Health Problem ◽

Cross Sectional

Environmental pollution is the most important public health problem densely in populated areas in the developing countries and often the underlying cause of many diseases of public health importance. Noise pollution is an undesirable sound that interferes with wellbeing in the environment with significant effects. With the current rapid growth and technological advancement, noise pollution is increasingly becoming environmental menace that deserves appropriate attention in order to mitigate its health effects. This paper aims to determine the sources, awareness and health effects of noise pollution in a typical Nigerian sub-urban population. Descriptive cross-sectional study using interviewer administered questionnaire and measurement of environmental noise using acoustic metre. Majority of the respondents (75.8%) were exposed to noise levels above the 55dB WHO safe noise level without health effects. Power generators, automobiles and grinding machines are the commonest sources of noise pollution in the studied environment amounted to a value of 55.8%, 40% and 35.8% respectively and to a lesser extent hawker (16.4%) and loudspeaker (9.6%) among others. Sleep disturbance, headache, and poor concentration were commonly reported effects of noise in the environment with magnitudes of 52.7%, 50.9%, 15.8% respectively. Anxiety (12.1%) and hearing disturbances (11.5%) were also common. Noise pollution associated health problems are common in the community with significant effects on the quality of life of the inhabitants. Stable power supply, effective legislation and improvement in living condition of the people are key to minimize noise pollution and avert its deleterious health effects

Download Full-text

Seroprevalence of visceral leishmaniasis in children living in rural areas of Ahar and Osku Counties in East Azarbaijan Province, North-west of Iran in 2018

Medical Journal of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences and Health Services ◽

10.34172/mj.2021.029 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 43 (1) ◽

pp. 61-68

Author(s):

Amirhossein Maghsood ◽

Mahdi Parsaei ◽

Afshin Azimi ◽

Mehdi Mohebali ◽

Behnaz Akhoundi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Visceral Leishmaniasis ◽

Antibody Titer ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Test Tube ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

North West ◽

Molecular Approaches ◽

Kala Azar

Background: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) or Kala-azar is an endemic disease in some areas of Iran, including East Azarbaijan, Ardabil, Fars and Bushehr provinces. The disease is sporadic in other parts of the country. According to the reports of numerous cases of the disease from Ahar and Osku counties (cities), East Azarbaijan province and the lack of new study on the prevalence of the disease, this study was designed to determine the seroprevalence of VL in the children of Ahar and Osku counties, in East Azarbaijan Province. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, blood samples were collected in the test tube without anticoagulants, from children under 8 years from rural areas of Ahar and Osko, in 2018. The samples were evaluated using Direct Agglutination Test (DAT) to measure anti Leishmania infantum antibodies for titer up to 1:3200. Results: Out of 209 children <8 years in selected centers in Ahar and Osku, two cases (0.95%) revealed anti-Leishmania antibodies titer 1:3200. Initially, one of the two positive individuals in the study had a suspicious antibody titer of 1:1600, whose antibody titer increased to 1:3200 after 4 weeks. Conclusion: The Kala-azar, in spite of low endemicity, is one of the health problems in Ahar and Osku in East Azarbaijan Province. This study suggests the necessity of supplementary studies based on molecular approaches in the region and other parts of the province.

Download Full-text

Prevalence, severity, and request for treatment of dental fluorosis among adults in an endemic region of Northern Nigeria

European Journal of Dentistry ◽

10.4103/ejd.ejd_260_17 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 12 (02) ◽

pp. 184-190 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Paul Ikhodaro Idon ◽

Joan Emien Enabulele

Keyword(s):

Dental Fluorosis ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Severe Form ◽

Endemic Region ◽

Public Health Importance ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Test Analysis ◽

Dental Patients

ABSTRACTObjectives: The objective was to assess the prevalence of all forms of dental fluorosis (DF), the severity, and the request for treatment as a measure of the burden of the condition among adult patients seen at a tertiary health facility in an endemic region of Northeastern Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that collected required information using a questionnaire from adult dental patients followed by dental examination to assess for DF. Statistical Analysis Used: Associations between sociodemographic distributions (age and gender) and prevalence were analyzed on the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences using the Chi-square test. Analysis was done at 95% confidence interval and the level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: Three hundred and twelve patients (41.7%) were diagnosed with DF among the patients who resided in the endemic region with a calculated Community Fluorosis Index of 0.62. The mean age of the affected patients was 33.8 ± 9.2 years, with a majority of the patients in the 16–25 (47.4%) years' age group and a preponderance among females (P = 0.003). A greater proportion of the 312 diagnosed patients, 201 (64.3%), had fluorosis of esthetic concern, while only 9.3% sought treatment. Most of these patients that sought treatment had the severe form of the enamel defect. Conclusions: DF should be considered as a condition of public health importance in this region. It is necessary to conduct a community-based study and fluoride mapping of the northeastern region as well to determine other factors that may contribute to its occurrence in this population.

Download Full-text

Nutrient intake of European adolescents: results of the HELENA (Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence) Study

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980013000463 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 17 (3) ◽

pp. 486-497 ◽

Cited By ~ 44

Author(s):

Katharina Diethelm ◽

Inge Huybrechts ◽

Luis Moreno ◽

Stefaan De Henauw ◽

Yannis Manios ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Children And Adolescents ◽

Nutrient Intake ◽

Healthy Lifestyle ◽

Nutrient Status ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Childhood And Adolescence ◽

Public Health Importance ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health Initiatives

AbstractObjectiveAn adequate nutritional intake in childhood and adolescence is crucial for growth and the prevention of youth and adult obesity and nutrition-related morbidities. Improving nutrient intake in children and adolescents is of public health importance. The purpose of the present study was to describe and evaluate the nutrient intake in a European sample using the D-A-CH nutrient intake recommendations and the Nutritional Quality Index (NQI).DesignThe HELENA (Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence) Study is a cross-sectional study, the main objective of which is to obtain comparable data on a variety of nutritional and health-related parameters in adolescents aged 12·5–17·5 years.SettingEight cities in Europe.SubjectsThe initial sample consisted of 3528 European adolescents. Among these, 1590 adolescents (54 % female) had sufficient and plausible dietary data on energy and nutrient intakes from two 24 h recalls using the HELENA-DIAT software.ResultsThe intakes of most macronutrients, vitamins and minerals were in line with the D-A-CH recommendations. While the intakes of SFA and salt were too high, the intake of PUFA was too low. Furthermore, the intakes of vitamin D, folate, iodine and F were less than about 55 % of the recommendations. The median NQI was about 71 (of a maximum of 100).ConclusionsThe intakes of most nutrients were adequate. However, further studies using suitable criteria to assess nutrient status are needed. Public health initiatives should educate children and adolescents regarding balanced food choices.

Download Full-text