scholarly journals An Outbreak of Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis Caused by Human Adenovirus Type 8 in Primary School, Southwest China

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Duo Li ◽  
Jie-Nan Zhou ◽  
Hong Li ◽  
Cun-Ying He ◽  
Qing-Shan Dai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Southwest China ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Case Definition ◽  
Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis ◽  
Blurred Vision ◽  
Follicular Hyperplasia ◽  
Epidemiological Characteristics ◽  
Acute Conjunctivitis

Abstract Background Two outbreaks of acute conjunctivitis occurred successively with an interval of five days in two boarding primary schools in Weixi Lisu autonomous county, Diqing Tibetan autonomous prefecture, Yunnan. The aims of this study were to determine the intensity of and characteristics of outbreaks, as well as the clinical manifestation of patients and risk factors infected, and the pathogen causing two outbreaks. Methods An outbreak investigation and a case-control study were conducted in two primary schools. The relevant specimens were collected by case definition, Next generation sequencing was adopted to identify the pathogen, and the epidemiological investigation method was used to analyze the related epidemiological characteristics such as risk factors. The phylogenetic tree was constructed by MEGA 7.0. Results A total of 331 acute conjunctivitis cases, as acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis probable cases, were reported in two schools and the attack rates were 30.59% (171/559, 95%CI: 26.76-34.42) and 20.41% (160/784, 95%CI: 17.58-23.24), respectively. Cases occurred in all grades and classes in both schools, and only one staff was ill in each school. Epidemic situations lasted for 54 days and 45 days, respectively. Epidemic curve of two breaks appearing two peaks indicated the mode of person-to-person transmission for two outbreaks. The patients had typical manifestations of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) such as acute onset, follicular hyperplasia, pseudomembrane formation, preauricular lymphadenopathy, corneal involvement and blurred vision, and the longer course of the disease (average 9.40 days, longest 23 days and shortest 7 days). The risk factor in infection was close contact with the patient or personal items contaminated by the patient. The pathogen caused the outbreaks is HAdV-8. The virus was highly homologous to the 2016 HAdV-8 strain in Tibet, China. Conclusions This study strongly suggests that HAdV-8 could lead to serious consequences. This is the second report of a HAdV-8 associated EKC outbreak in mainland of China. Tibetan HAdV-8 might be circulating in southwest China, it is necessary to monitor the pathogen of acute conjunctivitis in this area.

scholarly journals An Outbreak of Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis Caused by Human Adenovirus Type 8 in Primary School, Southwest China

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Duo Li ◽  
Jie-Nan Zhou ◽  
Hong Li ◽  
Cun-Ying He ◽  
Qing-Shan Dai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Southwest China ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Case Definition ◽  
Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis ◽  
Blurred Vision ◽  
Follicular Hyperplasia ◽  
Epidemiological Characteristics ◽  
Acute Conjunctivitis

Abstract Background Two outbreaks of acute conjunctivitis occurred successively with an interval of five days in two boarding primary schools in Weixi Lisu autonomous county, Diqing Tibetan autonomous prefecture, Yunnan. The aims of this study were to determine the intensity of and characteristics of outbreaks, as well as the clinical manifestation of patients and risk factors infected, and the pathogen causing two outbreaks. Methods An outbreak investigation and a case-control study were conducted in two primary schools. The relevant specimens were collected by case definition, Next generation sequencing was adopted to identify the pathogen, and the epidemiological investigation method was used to analyze the related epidemiological characteristics such as risk factors. The phylogenetic tree was constructed by MEGA 7.0. Results A total of 331 acute conjunctivitis cases, as acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis probable cases, were reported in two schools and the attack rates were 30.59% (171/559, 95%CI: 26.76-34.42) and 20.41% (160/784, 95%CI: 17.58-23.24), respectively. Cases occurred in all grades and classes in both schools, and only one staff was ill in each school. Epidemic situations lasted for 54 days and 45 days, respectively. Epidemic curve of two breaks appearing two peaks indicated the mode of person-to-person transmission for two outbreaks. The patients had typical manifestations of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) such as acute onset, follicular hyperplasia, pseudomembrane formation, preauricular lymphadenopathy, corneal involvement and blurred vision, and the longer course of the disease (average 9.40 days, longest 23 days and shortest 7 days). The risk factor in infection was close contact with the patient or personal items contaminated by the patient. The pathogen caused the outbreaks is HAdV-8. The virus was highly homologous to the 2016 HAdV-8 strain in Tibet, China. Conclusions This study strongly suggests that HAdV-8 could lead to serious consequences. This is the second report of a HAdV-8 associated EKC outbreak in mainland of China. Tibetan HAdV-8 might be circulating in southwest China, it is necessary to monitor the pathogen of acute conjunctivitis in this area.

scholarly journals An Outbreak of Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis Caused by Human Adenovirus Type 8 in Primary School, Southwest China

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Duo Li ◽  
Jie-Nan Zhou ◽  
Hong Li ◽  
Cun-Ying He ◽  
Qing-Shan Dai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Southwest China ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Case Definition ◽  
Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis ◽  
Blurred Vision ◽  
Follicular Hyperplasia ◽  
Epidemiological Characteristics ◽  
Acute Conjunctivitis

Abstract Background Two outbreaks of acute conjunctivitis occurred successively with an interval of five days in two boarding primary schools in Weixi Lisu autonomous county, Diqing Tibetan autonomous prefecture, Yunnan. The aims of this study were to determine the intensity of and characteristics of outbreaks, as well as the clinical manifestation of patients and risk factors infected, and the pathogen causing two outbreaks. Methods An outbreak investigation and a case-control study were conducted in two primary schools. The relevant specimens were collected by case definition, Next generation sequencing was adopted to identify the pathogen, and the epidemiological investigation method was used to analyze the related epidemiological characteristics such as risk factors. The phylogenetic tree was constructed by MEGA 7.0. Results A total of 331 acute conjunctivitis cases, as acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis probable cases, were reported in two schools and the attack rates were 30.59% (171/559, 95%CI: 26.76-34.42) and 20.41% (160/784, 95%CI: 17.58-23.24), respectively. Cases occurred in all grades and classes in both schools, and only one staff was ill in each school. Epidemic situations lasted for 54 days and 45 days, respectively. Epidemic curve of two breaks appearing two peaks indicated the mode of person-to-person transmission for two outbreaks. The patients had typical manifestations of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) such as acute onset, follicular hyperplasia, pseudomembrane formation, preauricular lymphadenopathy, corneal involvement and blurred vision, and the longer course of the disease (average 9.40 days, longest 23 days and shortest 7 days). The risk factor in infection was close contact with the patient or personal items contaminated by the patient. The pathogen caused the outbreaks is HAdV-8. The virus was highly homologous to the 2016 HAdV-8 strain in Tibet, China. Conclusions This study strongly suggests that HAdV-8 could lead to serious consequences. This is the second report of a HAdV-8 associated EKC outbreak in mainland of China. Tibetan HAdV-8 might be circulating in southwest China, it is necessary to monitor the pathogen of acute conjunctivitis in this area.

scholarly journals An Outbreak of Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis Caused by Human Adenovirus Type 8 in Primary School, Southwest China

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Duo Li ◽  
Jie-Nan Zhou ◽  
Hong Li ◽  
Cun-Ying He ◽  
Qing-Shan Dai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Primary School ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Southwest China ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis ◽  
Blurred Vision ◽  
Epidemiological Characteristics ◽  
Acute Conjunctivitis

Abstract Background: Two outbreaks of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) occurred successively with an interval of five days in two primary boarding schools in Weixi Lisu Autonomous County, Diqing, and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan. The aims of this study were to determine the intensity and characteristics of the outbreaks, as well as the clinical manifestations in the patients, the risk factors for infection and the pathogen responsible for the two outbreaks. Methods: An outbreak investigation was conducted in two primary schools, and a case-control study including patients from the Weixi County Ethnic Primary School was performed. Relevant specimens were collected according to the case definition, and next-generation sequencing was employed to identify the pathogen. An epidemiological investigation method was used to analyse the related epidemiological characteristics, such as risk factors. The phylogenetic tree was constructed by MEGA 7.0. Results: A total of 331 acute conjunctivitis cases, including probable cases of EKC, were reported in the two schools, and the attack rates were 30.59% (171/559, 95%CI: 26.76-34.42) and 20.41% (160/784, 95%CI: 17.58-23.24), respectively. Cases occurred in all grades and classes in both schools, and only one staff member in each school presented illness. The epidemics lasted for 54 days and 45 days, respectively. The patients had typical manifestations of EKC, such as acute onset, follicular hyperplasia, pseudomembrane formation, preauricular lymphadenopathy, corneal involvement and blurred vision, and a relatively long disease course (average 9.40 days, longest 23 days and shortest 7 days). The risk factor for infection was close contact with a patient or personal items contaminated by a patient. The pathogen responsible for the outbreaks was HAdV-8. The virus was highly similar to the 2016 HAdV-8 strain from Tibet, China. Conclusions: This study strongly suggests that HAdV-8 could lead to serious consequences. This is the second report of a HAdV-8-associated EKC outbreak in mainland China. Tibetan HAdV-8 might be circulating in southwest China; therefore, it is necessary to monitor the pathogens causing acute conjunctivitis in this area.

scholarly journals An Outbreak of Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis Caused by Human Adenovirus Type 8 in Primary School, Southwest China

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Duo Li ◽  
Jie-Nan Zhou ◽  
Hong Li ◽  
Cun-Ying He ◽  
Qing-Shan Dai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Primary School ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Southwest China ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis ◽  
Blurred Vision ◽  
Epidemiological Characteristics ◽  
Acute Conjunctivitis

Abstract Background: Two outbreaks of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) occurred successively with an interval of five days in two primary boarding schools in Weixi Lisu Autonomous County, Diqing, and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan. The aims of this study were to determine the intensity and characteristics of the outbreaks, as well as the clinical manifestations in the patients, the risk factors for infection and the pathogen responsible for the two outbreaks. Methods: An outbreak investigation was conducted in two primary schools, and a case-control study including patients from the Weixi County Ethnic Primary School was performed. Relevant specimens were collected according to the case definition, and next-generation sequencing was employed to identify the pathogen. An epidemiological investigation method was used to analyse the related epidemiological characteristics, such as risk factors. The phylogenetic tree was constructed by MEGA 7.0. Results: A total of 331 acute conjunctivitis cases, including probable cases of EKC, were reported in the two schools, and the attack rates were 30.59% (171/559, 95%CI: 26.76-34.42) and 20.41% (160/784, 95%CI: 17.58-23.24), respectively. Cases occurred in all grades and classes in both schools, and only one staff member in each school presented illness. The epidemics lasted for 54 days and 45 days, respectively. The patients had typical manifestations of EKC, such as acute onset, follicular hyperplasia, pseudomembrane formation, preauricular lymphadenopathy, corneal involvement and blurred vision, and a relatively long disease course (average 9.40 days, longest 23 days and shortest 7 days). The risk factor for infection was close contact with a patient or personal items contaminated by a patient. The pathogen responsible for the outbreaks was HAdV-8. The virus was highly similar to the 2016 HAdV-8 strain from Tibet, China. Conclusions: This study strongly suggests that HAdV-8 could lead to serious consequences. This is the second report of a HAdV-8-associated EKC outbreak in mainland China. Tibetan HAdV-8 might be circulating in southwest China; therefore, it is necessary to monitor the pathogens causing acute conjunctivitis in this area.

scholarly journals Risk factors associated with scabies infestation among primary schoolchildren in a low socio-economic area in southeast of Iran

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alireza Sanei-Dehkordi ◽  
Moussa Soleimani-Ahmadi ◽  
Mehdi Zare ◽  
Seyed Aghil Jaberhashemi
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Low Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Educational Level ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Personal Hygiene ◽  
Major Health Problem ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Primary Schoolchildren ◽  
Scabies Infestation

Abstract Background Scabies is a neglected tropical disease caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei that burrows under the skin. It is a major health problem in tropical areas, largely affecting children. Scabies is common and highly contagious and in schoolchildren spreads quite rapidly, due to overcrowding and close contact within the schools. This study aimed to determine the risk factors associated with scabies infestation among primary schoolchildren in Bashagard County, one of the low socio-economic areas in southeast of Iran. Methods To conduct this community-based, descriptive, and cross-sectional study, four primary schools were randomly selected in the Bashagard County. All students in these schools were selected and examined for scabies. Clinical examination and sociodemographic profile of students were assessed using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Chi-square test, and binary logistic regression were used to analyse the factors associated with scabies infestation by SPSS version 21 software. Results Out of 480 studied schoolchildren, 15 cases of scabies with a prevalence of 3.1 % were observed. The frequency of infestation in males was 1.6 % and it was 4.7 % in females. Independent factors associated with a high risk of scabies infestation in unadjusted analysis were being student of grade 5–6 (cOR = 13.12, 95 % CI 2.92–58.89, p = 0.0001), low educational level of father (cOR = 4.37, 95 % CI 0.97–19.59, p = 0.036), low educational level of mother (cOR = 4.14, 95 % CI 1.92–18.57, p = 0.045), joblessness of father (cOR = 14.77, 95 % CI 4.97–43.89, p = 0.0001), employment of mother (cOR = 5.28, 95 % CI 1.38–20.16, p = 0.007), large family size (cOR = 3.34, 95 % CI 1.05–10.64, p = 0.031), use of shared articles (cOR = 33.37, 95 % CI 10.82–102.90, p = 0.0001), and absence of bathroom in the house (cOR = 11.77, 95 % CI 2.16–63.94, p = 0.0001). Conclusions Results of this study confirmed that scabies is still one of the most important health problems in the primary schools of the Bashagard County. Low socioeconomic status and personal hygiene of the schoolchildren were the most important factors influencing the prevalence of scabies. Improvement of socioeconomic conditions and implementation of appropriate educational programs and active surveillance system to quickly detect and treat scabies cases are necessary in order to reduce the prevalence of scabies in schoolchildren in this area.

Prevalence of Allergic Rhinitis and Associated Risk Factors in 6 to 12 Years Schoolchildren From Wuhan in Central China: A Cross-sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 632-641 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huan Tong ◽  
Ling Gao ◽  
Yuqin Deng ◽  
Yonggang Kong ◽  
Rong Xiang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Allergic Rhinitis ◽  
Urban Area ◽  
Central Region ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Central China ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Primary Schoolchildren ◽  
Epidemiological Characteristics

Background Over the past decade, the prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR) in China increased and showed a trend of younger age. The clinical features of AR in primary schoolchildren are still not clear enough. Objective To investigate the prevalence and epidemiological characteristics of AR among 6- to 12-year-old children in the central region of China. Methods Children from 6 primary schools were randomly selected from urban area of Wuhan, which lies in the central region of China. The questionnaires were distributed by mobile APP and filled out by the children and their parents online together. AR was diagnosed by Score for Allergic Rhinitis. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the risk factors for AR. Results A total of 5550 valid questionnaires were returned for evaluation. The prevalence of AR among 6- to 12-year-old children in urban area of Wuhan was 28.6%. Multivariate analysis revealed that male (odds ratio [OR] = 1.521, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.335, 1.732]), family history of atopy (OR = 3.220, 95% CI = [2.818, 3.681]), previous food allergy (OR = 1.590, 95% CI = [1.302, 1.942]), air purifier (OR = 1.420, 95% CI = [1.240, 1.625]), exposure to dust (OR = 1.764, 95% CI = [1.410, 2.207]), maternal exposure to smoke during pregnancy (OR = 1.242, 95% CI = [1.047, 1.473]), living in towns (OR = 1.468, 95% CI = [1.043, 2.006]) or metropolis (OR = 1.629, 95% CI = [1.205, 2.201]) before 2 years old, frequent application of antibiotics are risk factors for AR, while daily outdoor time for more than 1 hour (OR = 0.770, 95% CI = [0.673, 0.881]) and breastfeeding for more than 6 months (OR = 0.799, 95% CI = [0.701, 0.910]) reduced the risk significantly. Conclusions We found an unexpectedly high prevalence of AR among primary schoolchildren aged 6 to 12 years in the central region of China. Both genetic and environmental factors were associated with the development of AR.

scholarly journals Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella Pneumoniae  in Southwest China: Molecular Characterizations and Risk Factors Caused by NDM and KPC Producers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhaoyinqian Li ◽  
Zixuan Ding ◽  
Jia Yang ◽  
Yao Liu ◽  
Xinrui Jin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Klebsiella Pneumoniae ◽  
Resistance Gene ◽  
Southwest China ◽  
Gene Cassettes ◽  
Conserved Regions ◽  
Carbapenem Resistant ◽  
Extended Spectrum ◽  
Synergy Test ◽  
Epidemiological Characteristics

Abstract Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the most common Enterobacteriaceae. In recent years, carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) has become one of the most important carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. CRKP are usually resistant to antibiotics. Up to this day, the emergence of carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae has been a challenge for treatment of clinical infection.Methods: (i) 66 non-repetitive clinical CRKP isolates were identified by matrix-assisted laser analytical ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer (MALDI-TOF-MS) and drug sensitivity analysis was performed by Vitek2 Compact. EDTA-synergy test and mCIM / eCIM test were used to detect drug-resistant phenotypes. (ii) Carbapenemase genes, extended-spectrum β-lactamase genes (ESBLs), cephalosporinase gene (AmpC), virulence genes, integron and resistance gene cassettes were amplified by PCR. (iii) Plasmid typing was performed by plasmid conjugation assay and PCR-based replicon typing (PBRT) method. (iv) The genetic environments of KPC-2 and NDM-1 were analyzed by using overlapping PCR. (v) MLST was used to analyze the molecular epidemiological characteristics of CRKP. (vi) Risk factors of CRKP infection by logistic regression model.Results: Our study revealed that 42 of the 66 CRKP isolates obtained from patients were identified as blaKPC-2, 24 blaNDM-1-positive strains were identified (20 blaNDM-1 and 4 blaNDM-5), of which 18 were from the neonatal departments. And CRKP strains were ESBL (extended-spectrum β-lactamases) and AmpC enzymes producer, Notably, we found two CR-hvKp (carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent klebsiella pneumoniae) strains, which contains blaKPC-2 gene and other resistant genes. Two of the 42 KPC-2-producing CRKP strains were positive for transconjugants, and the plasmid typing was the IncFII type. And two NDM-producing CRKP strains tested positive for transconjugants, which belonged to the lncX3 plasmid. Analysis of the genetic environment of these two genes has revealed that the highly conserved regions (tnpA-tnpR-ISkpn8-blaKPC-2) and conserved regions (blaNDM−1-bleMBL-trpF-tat) are associated with the dissemination of KPC-2 and NDM-1. Intl1 carrying drug resistance gene cassettes were widely distributed in CRKP. According to the MLST results, a total of 13 ST types were measured in 66 CRKP strains, ST11 and ST4495 were the main ST types, and the latter was the newly discovered ST type. Hematological disease, tracheal cannula and prior use of β-lactams and β-lactamase inhibitor combination were identified as independent risk factors for CRKP infections.Conclusion: These findings manifested the need for intensive surveillance and precautions to monitor the further spread of KPC and NDM in southwest China.

scholarly journals Study of Risk Factors for Total Attack Rate and Transmission Dynamics of Norovirus Outbreaks, Jiangsu Province, China, From 2012 to 2018

2022 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jing Ai ◽  
Yuanzhao Zhu ◽  
Jianguang Fu ◽  
Xiaoqing Cheng ◽  
Xuefeng Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Attack Rate ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Jiangsu Province ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
The Mean ◽  
And Control ◽  
Epidemiological Characteristics

Objective: To describe the epidemiological characteristics of norovirus outbreaks in Jiangsu Province, utilize the total attack rate (TAR) and transmissibility (Runc) as the measurement indicators of the outbreak, and a statistical difference in risk factors associated with TAR and transmissibility was compared. Ultimately, this study aimed to provide scientific suggestions to develop the most appropriate prevention and control measures.Method: We collected epidemiological data from investigation reports of all norovirus outbreaks in Jiangsu Province from 2012 to 2018 and performed epidemiological descriptions, sequenced the genes of the positive specimens collected that were eligible for sequencing, created a database and calculated the TAR, constructed SEIAR and SEIARW transmission dynamic models to calculate Runc, and performed statistical analyses of risk factors associated with the TAR and Runc.Results: We collected a total of 206 reported outbreaks, of which 145 could be used to calculate transmissibility. The mean TAR in was 2.6% and the mean Runc was 12.2. The epidemiological characteristics of norovirus outbreaks showed an overall increasing trend in the number of norovirus outbreaks from 2012 to 2018; more outbreaks in southern Jiangsu than northern Jiangsu; more outbreaks in urban areas than in rural areas; outbreaks occurred mostly in autumn and winter. Most of the sites where outbreaks occurred were schools, especially primary schools. Interpersonal transmission accounted for the majority. Analysis of the genotypes of noroviruses revealed that the major genotypes of the viruses changed every 3 years, with the GII.2 [P16] type of norovirus dominating from 2016 to 2018. Statistical analysis of TAR associated with risk factors found statistical differences in all risk factors, including time (year, month, season), location (geographic location, type of settlement, type of premises), population (total number of susceptible people at the outbreak site), transmission route, and genotype (P < 0.05). Statistical analysis of transmissibility associated with risk factors revealed that only transmissibility was statistically different between sites.Conclusions: The number of norovirus outbreaks in Jiangsu Province continues to increase during the follow-up period. Our findings highlight the impact of different factors on norovirus outbreaks and identify the key points of prevention and control in Jiangsu Province.

scholarly journals Risk Factors Associated With Scabies Infestation Among Schoolchildren in a Low Socio-Economic Area in Southeast of Iran

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alireza Sanei-Dehkordi ◽  
Moussa Soleimani-Ahmadi ◽  
Mehdi Zare ◽  
Seyed Aghil Jaberhashemi
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Low Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Educational Level ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Personal Hygiene ◽  
Major Health Problem ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Scabies Infestation

Abstract Background: Scabies is a neglected tropical disease caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei that burrows under the skin. It is a major health problem in tropical areas, largely affecting children. Scabies is common and highly contagious and in schoolchildren spreads quite rapidly, due to overcrowding and close contact within the schools. This study aimed to determine the risk factors associated with scabies infestation among schoolchildren in Bashagard County, one of the low socio-economic areas in southeast of Iran.Methods: To conduct this community-based cross-sectional study, four primary schools were randomly selected in the Bashagard County. In each school all of the students were selected and examined for scabies. Clinical examination and sociodemographic profile of students were assessed using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS.21 software.Results: Out of 480 studied schoolchildren, there were 15 cases of scabies with a prevalence of 3.1%. The frequency of infestation in males was 1.6% and it was 4.7% in females. Independent factors associated with a high risk of scabies infestation in unadjusted analysis were being student of grade 5-6 (OR =13.12, 95% CI 2.92-58.89, p= 0.0001), being older than 10 years (OR =36.07, 95% CI 7.96-163.28, p= 0.0001), low educational level of father (OR =4.37, 95% CI 0.97-19.59, p= 0.036), low educational level of mother (OR =4.14, 95% CI 1.92-18.57, p=0.045), father’s joblessness (OR =14.77, 95% CI 4.97-43.89, p=0.0001), employment of mother (OR =5.28, 95% CI 1.38-20.16, p=0.007), large family size (OR =3.34, 95% CI 1.05-10.64, p=0.031), use of shared articles (OR =33.37, 95% CI 10.82-102.90, p= 0.0001), and absence of bathroom in the house (OR =11.77, 95% CI 2.16-63.94, p= 0.0001). Conclusion: Results of this study confirm that scabies is still one of the most important health problem in the Primary schools of the Bashagard County. Low socioeconomic status and personal hygiene of the schoolchildren were the most important factors significantly influencing the prevalence of scabies. Improvement of socioeconomic conditions and implementation of appropriate educational programs and active surveillance system to quickly detect and treat scabies cases is necessary to reduce the prevalence of scabies in schoolchildren in this area.

scholarly journals Epidemic Keratocunjunctivitis Treatment and Management

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (10) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Direct Contact ◽  
Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis ◽  
Blurred Vision ◽  
Corneal Inflammation ◽  
Tissue Resistance ◽  
Clinical Syndromes ◽  
High Incidence ◽  
Ambulatory Services ◽  
Epidemiological Characteristics ◽  
Punctate Keratitis

Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) is a viral conjunctival and corneal inflammation with high contagiosity, which, if is not adequately treated, may cause blurred vision for several years. The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis, as well to present the latest news regarding diagnosis, treatment and prophylaxis. Are known two well-defined clinical syndromes of adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis: epidemic keratoconjunctivitis and faringococcal fever, which are caused by various serotypes of adenoviruses. The exact incidence of adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis is not known. However, it mainly occurs during the winter months. Infection can occur during direct contact or through equipment, devices in ophthalmologic ambulances, etc. The virus is extremely resistant to various chemical and physical agents. Symptomatology is similar to other types of conjunctivitis, with high incidence of conjunctival pseudo membrane formation. In the cornea, the changes varying from epithelial punctate keratitis to sub epithelial infiltrates and the creation of nummular keratitis that leads to visual impairment. Diagnosis is mainly clinically decided, and etiology can be confirmed based on cell culture analysis. Conclusion: Until now there is no approved therapy against epidemic adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis. Uncontrolled use of antibiotics, particularly corticosteroids, which reduce tissue resistance, is responsible for the deterioration of such conditions. Priority in prevention EKC is the rigorous application of hygienic disinfectant measures in hospital areas, respectively medical devices in ophthalmologic ambulatory services.

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