scholarly journals Pathogenicity and non-opportunistic character of Blastocystis spp.: a hospital-based survey in Central Cameroon

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (05) ◽  
pp. 373-379 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stéphanie Jupsa-Mbiandou ◽  
Samuel Fosso ◽  
Edimo Billé ◽  
Tito T Mélachio-Tanekou ◽  
Gideon Ajeagah-Aghaindum ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Blastocystis Spp ◽  
Stool Samples ◽  
Hiv Negative

Introduction: Blastocystis spp. is a protist found in humans. Although usually the most frequent protozoa found in stool samples of both symptomatic and healthy subjects, its pathogenic or rather opportunistic role is yet to be clearly elucidated. To attempt to fill this gap, a cross-sectional study was conducted to compare the frequency of Blastocystis spp. in HIV positive (HIV+) versus HIV negative (HIV-) individuals in four health facilities of the Center Region of Cameroon. Methodology: Stool samples were collected from 283 HIV positive and 245 HIV negative subjects and analyzed using direct diagnostic tests. Results: A total of 46 (8.7%) individuals were found infected with Blastocystis spp., including 6.7% HIV positive and 11.0% HIV negative. This species was more frequent in urban and semi-urban areas than in rural areas, but evenly distributed among genders and age groups as well as among all sectors of activity. The prevalence of Blastocystis spp. (11.3%) was higher in HIV+ patients with a CD4 count ≥ 500 cells / mm3, but no significant difference was found among HIV clinical stages. Likewise prevalence, the mean number of cysts per gram of stool was similar between HIV positive and HIV negative individuals. People infected with Blastocystis spp. showed diverse clinical signs, but only flatulence was significantly more prevalent. The frequencies of these clinical signs were not related to HIV status. Conclusion: No clear relationship links the infection with Blastocystis spp. to HIV, although its presence was associated with digestive disorder, suggesting that this parasite might not be opportunist.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Smear-Positive Tuberculosis among Patients Who Visited Saint Paul’s Specialized Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dinna Abera Nugussie ◽  
Getachew Ali Mohammed ◽  
Anteneh Tesfaye Tefera
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Addis Ababa ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Specialized Hospital ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas ◽  
Hiv Negative

Background. Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a health problem in both developed and developing countries, including Ethiopia. Objective. In this study, the prevalence of smear-positive tuberculosis among presumptive TB cases who visited the hospital was assessed. Method. Acid fast bacilli (AFB) test was performed on samples collected from 200 presumptive TB cases. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tools. Result. Among 200 presumptive TB cases, 10% (20 individuals) (60% were male and 40% were female) were found to be positive for the AFB. Of these AFB positive subjects, 11.2% and 6.3% were from urban and rural areas, respectively. Among 20 AFB positive cases, 45% (9), 45% (9), and 10% (2) were HIV positive, HIV negative, and with HIV status unknown, respectively. The highest AFB positive cases were found within age group between 25 and 44 years (70%) and followed by age above 40 years (30%). It was found out that 75% (15), 15% (3), 5% (1), and 5% (1) were unemployed, government employed, student, and nongovernment employed, accordingly. Conclusion. This study indicated higher level of AFB positive cases within age groups of 25–44 and 65–74 years and also exhibited higher prevalence of TB cases from urban areas.

An Epidemiological, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Study of Giardia lamblia in Anbar Province – Iraq

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (01) ◽  
pp. 39-45
Author(s):  
Suad Shallal Shahatha
Keyword(s):  
Teaching Hospital ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Giardia Lamblia ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Culture Media ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Stool Samples ◽  
Women And Children ◽  
Teucrium Polium L ◽  
Therapeutic Study

This study was carried out to investigate the epidemiology of Giardia lamblia parasites in patients who visited some of the hospitals in Anbar province, which included (Fallujah Teaching Hospital, Ramadi Teaching Hospital, Ramadi Teaching Hospital for Women and Children and Hit Hospital) during by examining 864 stool samples in a direct examination method, The results revealed the infection rate was 41.7 % and the percentage of infection among males 47.8% is higher than that of females 35.4% with significant differences (p≤0.05). The age groups (1-9) years recorded the highest rates 55.4% and the lowest rate 13.6% in the age group (40-49) years. The highest rate of infection was 62.5% during the month of June, while the month of October was the lowest rate 5% and significant differences. The incidence rate in rural areas was 50.6% higher than in the urban areas 32.5%. The study also included the effect of Teucrium polium L. on the parasite in the culture media HSP-1, the concentrations of 0.5-3 mg / mL significantly affected Giardia, it was noted whenever the greater the concentration, the greater the effect during different treatment periods (1-4) days, as the highest concentration 3 mg/ml killed all Giardia parasites on the fourth day of treatment.

scholarly journals Anolunula in Fingernails among Patients Infected with HIV

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Pratik Gahalaut ◽  
Nitin Mishra ◽  
Sandhya Chauhan ◽  
Mir Mubashir Ali ◽  
Madhur Kant Rastogi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Negative Control ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Stage 1 ◽  
And Control ◽  
Hiv Negative

Lunula is the white, half-moon shaped area seen in proximal ends of some nails. Though a few studies have described the nail changes that can occur in association with HIV infection, none of these paid much attention to lunula. Aims and Objectives. To study the lunula in fingernails among HIV infected patients. Materials and Methods. An observational, cross-sectional study to record presence of lunula in 168 HIV-positive patients and compare it with age and sex matched 168 healthy HIV-negative control. Anolunula (absence of lunula) in HIV-positive patients was correlated with CD4 counts, stages of HIV infection, time since patient was diagnosed as HIV-positive, and status of antiretroviral therapy. Results. Anolunula was present in significantly more fingernails in HIV-positive patients compared to HIV-negative controls. There was a highly significant difference for total anolunula (anolunula in all fingernails) in study and control group. Incidence of total anolunula was directly proportional to the stage of HIV infection, increasing progressively as the HIV infection advances from stage 1 to stage 4. Conclusion. Absence of lunula is related to not only HIV infection per se but also the stages of HIV infection.

scholarly journals Examining the Dietary Diversity of Children in Niger

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 2961
Author(s):  
Nafissatou Cisse Egbuonye ◽  
Ariun Ishdorj ◽  
E.L.J. McKyer ◽  
Rahma Mkuu
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Wealth Index ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Child Factors

Malnutrition is a major public health concern in Niger. The stunting rate in children in Niger is over 50%, one of the highest in the world. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine children’s dietary diversity (CDD) and the maternal factors that impact CDD. A total of 1265 mother–child pairs were analyzed. Descriptive analysis was conducted to present maternal and child characteristics. To compare the mean scores of CDD in relation to the region, an independent sample t-test was conducted. A one-way ANOVA test was conducted to evaluate the CDD score by different age groups. A linear regression model was estimated to identify household, maternal and child factors that affect the CDD score. Our results indicate that most of the participants of our survey resided in rural areas and the majority (80.7%) of the mothers had no education. Factors such as region, children’s age, woman’s empowerment, vitamin A intake and wealth index were significant predictors of CDD (p < 0.05). The children residing in rural areas were more likely to have lower CDD scores (p < 0.05) than the children in urban areas, therefore becoming more susceptible to malnutrition.

scholarly journals Perbedaan Pengetahuan dan Sikap Remaja tentang Infeksi Menular Seksual di SMA/SMK Perkotaan dan Pedesaan

e-CliniC ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Erald J. Lanes ◽  
Suzanna P. Mongan ◽  
John J. E. Wantania
Keyword(s):  
High Schools ◽  
Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Equal Distribution ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Knowledge And Attitudes ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Premarital Sexual

Abstract: Premarital sexual behavior in adolescence is a high risk factor for sexually transmitted infections. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that are generally transmitted through sexual contact. Differences in social, cultural, and economic factors were found to affect the incidence and prevalence of sexually transmitted infections between different groups in a population. These are likely caused by differences in the knowledge and attitudes of adolescents living in urban and rural areas. This study was aimed to obtain the differences in the level of knowledge and attitudes toward STIs of adolescents in urban and rural area schools. This was a descriptive study with a cross-sectional design conducted on 50 adolescents of urban senior high schools and 50 adolescents of rural senior high schools/vocational high schools. Questionnaires were distributed via email by using Google form. The results showed that adolescents living in urban areas had good knowledge about STIs meanwhile adolescents living in rural areas had fair knowledge. The attitudes about STIs of most adolescents living in urban areas and rural areas were good. In conclusion, adolescents living in urban areas had better knowledge about STIs than those living in rural areas, however, there was no significant difference in attitudes about STI between the two regions. Equal distribution of education in Indonesia is needed in urban as well as in rural areas.Keywords: sexually transmitted infections, adolescents, knowledge, attitudes, urban and rural Abstrak: Perilaku seksual pranikah pada usia remaja merupakan faktor risiko tinggi terhadap infeksi menular seksual (IMS). Infeksi menular seksual merupakan infeksi yang umumnya ditularkan melalui hubungan seksual. Perbedaan faktor sosial, kultural maupun ekonomi dapat memengaruhi insiden dan prevalensi IMS antara kelompok yang berbeda dalam suatu populasi. Hal tersebut kemungkinan besar disebabkan oleh adanya perbedaan pengetahuan dan sikap remaja yang tinggal di wilayah perkotaan dan pedesaan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui perbedaan tingkat pengetahuan dan sikap remaja terhadap IMS di sekolah wilayah perkotaan dan pedesaan. Jenis penelitian ialah deskriptif dengan desain potong lintang dan kuesioner didistribusikan secara daring menggunakan Google Form. Responden ialah 50 remaja di SMA wilayah perkotaan dan 50 remaja di SMA/SMK wilayah pedesaan. Hasil penelitian mendapatkan bahwa pengetahuan remaja tentang IMS pada siswa SMA perkotaan sebagian besar berada dalam kategori baik sedangkan pada siswa SMA/SMK pedesaan sebagian besar berada dalam kategori cukup. Sikap remaja tentang IMS pada siswa SMA/SMK perkotaan dan pedesaan sebagian besar baik. Simpulan penelitian ini ialah remaja perkotaan memiliki pengetahuan yang lebih baik mengenai IMS dibandingkan remaja di pedesaan namun tidak terdapat perbedaan sikap remaja yang bermakna mengenai IMS antara kedua wilayah. Pemerataan pendidikan di Indonesia dibutuhkan di wilayah perkotaan dan pedesaan.Kata kunci: infeksi menular seksual, remaja, pengetahuan, sikap, perkotaan dan pedesaan

scholarly journals Assessment of Cryptosporidium in Patients With Gastroenteritis by Modified Ziehl-Neelsen Staining Method in East Azerbaijan Province of Iran During 2018-2019

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 56-60
Author(s):  
Alireza Javidmehr ◽  
Yagoob Garedaghi ◽  
Amir Babak Sioufi
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
Stool Samples ◽  
East Azerbaijan

Introduction: Cryptosporidiosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease that is caused by Cryptosporidium species and leads to acute or chronic diarrhea and vomiting in patients. Due to the suitable conditions of East Azerbaijan province for parasite transmission, the present study was performed to evaluate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in patients with gastroenteritis referred to hospitals and reference laboratories of East Azerbaijan province during 2018-2019. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on patients with diarrhea who referred to hospitals and reference laboratories of East Azerbaijan province during 2018-2019. In this study, 180 fecal samples were collected from patients with gastroenteritis by cluster-random sampling. Stool samples were stored in 10% formalin and transferred to a parasitology laboratory and examined for parasite contamination by modified acid-fast staining (Modified Ziehl-Neelsen) method. Data were analyzed by chi-square test using SPSS. Results: Out of 180 samples, the highest number of diarrhea samples belonged to the age group over 40 years (35.5%) and the lowest belonged to the age group of 10-20 years (7.7%). Additionally, 56% of subjects were male and 44% were female. Of these patients, 57.7% lived in urban areas and 42.3% in rural areas. Cryptosporidium was observed in 1.6% (3 cases) of patients with gastroenteritis. There was a statistically significant relationship between Cryptosporidium infection and the age of patients with diarrhea (P<0.05). Conclusion: In the present study, a lower prevalence of cryptosporidiosis has been determined in comparison with previous studies in East Azerbaijan province. However, Cryptosporidium and other parasitic infections in the feces of patients with diarrhea referred to hospitals or reference laboratories need to be carefully diagnosed by appropriate parasitological methods.

scholarly journals Epidemiology of animal bite in Iran during a 20-year period (1993–2013): a meta-analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maliheh Abedi ◽  
Amin Doosti-Irani ◽  
Fatemeh Jahanbakhsh ◽  
Amirhossein Sahebkar
Keyword(s):  
Incidence Rate ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Control Program ◽  
Accurate Data ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Efficient Resource ◽  
Incident Rate

Abstract Background Rabies is a fatal disease that still kills 2–6 people a year in Iran. A meta-analysis was conducted in order to generate accurate data on animal bite exposure, and to estimate the incidence of animal bite across the country. Materials and methods Major national and international electronic databases were searched using the keywords “animal bite,” rabies, prevalence, incidence, and Iran. Web of Knowledge, PubMed, Scopus, Ovid, and ScienceDirect were used as international databases, and the national databases included Science Information Database, MagIran, and IranDoc. Descriptive cross-sectional studies addressing the incidence of animal bite were selected and screened by two authors, and pre-specified data were extracted. The population of provinces or cities of studies was extracted from the Statistical Centre of Iran. The overall incidence of animal bite in Iran was estimated using a random-effects model with 95% confidence interval (CI). Study quality was assessed using the STROBE recommended checklist. Results A total of 34 studies were selected for the meta-analysis out of 1215 retrieved studies. The number of animal bites in the studies during 1993–2013 was 230,019 cases. The overall estimated incidence rate of animal bite in Iran was 13.20/1000 (95%, CI 12.10, 14.30) and the mean age of people was 26.23 (SD = 5.02) year. The incidence rate of animal bite among males (14.90/1000) was much higher than females (4.55/1000), and was higher in rural areas (17.45/1000) compared with urban areas (4.35/1000). The incident rate was highest among students compared with other reported occupations. The incidence rate of dogs was 10.40/1000 followed by cats, cows, wolves, jackals, and foxes. Domestic animals had a higher incidence rate than stray and wild animals. The incidence rate of animal bite during spring was 4.90/1000; however, the incidence rate in other seasons had no significant difference. In the retrieved studies, the highest incidence rate of animal bite was found in the West Azerbaijan Province (146.83/1000). Conclusion The current study is the first comprehensive analysis of the published animal bite studies in Iran. Accurate data on animal bite incidence may lead to more effective policy-decisions towards more efficient resource allocation to primary health care for reducing rabies case. Such information is a primary and major necessity for rabies control program in the country. Animal bite reduction can significantly minimize the risk of rabies infection, thereby reducing public health costs for the expensive post-exposure treatment.

Self-rated health and indicators of SES among the ageing in three types of communities

2007 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olli P. Nummela ◽  
Tommi T. Sulander ◽  
Heikki S. Heinonen ◽  
Antti K. Uutela
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Community Intervention ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Subjective Health ◽  
Birth Cohorts ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Self Rated Health

Aims: This paper examines associations between self-rated health, three indicators of SES (self-reported education, disposable household income, adequacy of income) and three types of communities (urban, densely or sparsely populated rural areas) among ageing men and women in the Province of Päijät-Häme, Southern Finland. There is a lack of knowledge regarding the magnitude of community type when examining the relation between subjective health and SES. Methods: Cross-sectional questionnaire data gathered in the spring of 2002 for a prospective follow-up of community interventions were used. These data, together with a number of clinical and laboratory measurements, yielded the baseline for a 10-year community intervention study. A representative stratified (age, gender, area) sample of men and women living in the province and belonging to the birth cohorts 1926—1930, 1936—1940, and 1946—1950 was obtained from the National Population Registry. The target sample was 4,272, with 2,815 persons responding (66% response rate). Results: Positive associations between indicators of SES and self-rated health were observed in all three community types. After adjusting for other factors, adequacy of income showed the strongest (positive) association with self-rated health in urban areas in all age groups. A similar pattern of associations, with varying statistical significance, though, was found in the two rural areas. Conclusions: This study supports the view that while actual income is positively correlated to health, adequacy of income is an even stronger predictor of it. Thus, there was a significant link between better financial standing and good health among ageing people, especially in urban areas.

scholarly journals Oral health in children with hearing and speech impairment in Banjaluka

2013 ◽  
Vol 60 (3) ◽  
pp. 139-146
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Djeri ◽  
Irena Kuzmanovic-Radman ◽  
Milkica Grabez ◽  
Zorislava Bajic ◽  
Alma Prtina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oral Health ◽  
Dental Caries ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
World Health ◽  
Healthy Children ◽  
Speech Impairment ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Dmft Index

Introduction. Children with hearing impairment do not understand speech without specific instructions and cannot meet daily life requirements. Children with hearing and speech impairment have higher DMFT index and poorer oral hygiene than healthy children of the same age. The aim of this study was to determine oral health status and the prevalence of dental caries in children attending The Center for Education and Rehabilitation of Speech and Hearing in Banjaluka. Material and Methods. The study was conducted as a cross-sectional study and it included 66 children of both genders, age 3 to 18 years, with deciduous, mixed and permanent dentition. General information about the respondents, their socioeconomic status, dental hygiene habits and frequency of dental visits were obtained using a questionnaire. Dental examination was performed using a dental mirror, regular and proximal probe on the daylight, in accordance with World Health Organization guidelines. Oral examination included: number of present teeth, presence of caries, restorations, number of extracted teeth. These data was entered in each patient?s dental record. The DMFT index was used for the assessment of dental status. Results. Results showed that the mean DMFT value in the total sample was 7.79. There was no significant difference in the DMFT index between genders (p=0.19). The significant difference was not found between children who live with parents and those who live in foster families (p=0.15). It was observed that the respondents from rural areas had higher DMFT index (8.68) than respondents from urban areas (5.83). The DMFT index increased with age and school age (p<0.001). Examined patients were most affected with dental caries (6.62%) and least affected with extracted teeth (0.38%). It was revealed that 6% of respondents do not brush their teeth, and 25.8% of respondents had never visited dentist. Conclusion. Children with hearing and speech impairment from Banjaluka have low level of oral health. The DMFT index, as one of the most important parameters of oral health in these children was much higher compared to European countries and other countries in the region.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Typhoid Infection among Pregnant Women Attending Specialist Hospital Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
pp. 93-101
Author(s):  
Kefas Hellamada Kwala ◽  
Aminu Innocent Asika
Keyword(s):  
Typhoid Fever ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Educational Level ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Stool Culture ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference

Typhoid fever is one of the major and common health problem worldwide. Typhoid fever caused by Salmonella typhi may be a cause of significant morbidity and mortality in both the mother and fetus in developing countries, where sanitation facilities, personal and food hygiene are inadequate. Thus, the present research was a cross-sectional study of Salmonella infection among pregnant women in Specialist Hospital Yola, Nigeria. The objectives of this study is to determine the prevalence of typhoid infection among pregnant women in Adamawa state in relation to age, educational level, occupation and location, explore factors associated with the infection and to provide information on its prevention and control strategies. Serological analyses (Widal test) and bacteriological analyses (stool culture) were carried out and compared among 313 participants. The results obtained showed that 209 (66.77%) of the participants were seropositive for typhoid fever, whereas 188 (60.06%) were positive based on bacteriological technique. Participants between age groups; 26-35 years old had the highest prevalence of 64.10%.There was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) between the prevalence of typhoid fever among the various age groups of the pregnant women examined. In relation to Educational level, participants with Non-formal education had the highest prevalence of typhoid infection 75.00%. There was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) between the prevalence of typhoid fever based on the educational level of the pregnant women examined.  Based on occupation of the participants, women who were involved in farming recorded the highest prevalence rate of 88.37%.There was statistically significant difference (P< 0.05) between the prevalence of typhoid fever and the occupation of the pregnant women examined. With respect to the location of the participants, subjects belonging to Semi-urban areas recorded the highest prevalence of 80.98%. There was statistically significant difference (P< 0.05) between the prevalence of typhoid fever and the location of the pregnant women examined. Pregnancy state makes the women more vulnerable to typhoid fever by affecting the physiology of pivotal organs, as such causing complications in pregnant women therefore early and prompt diagnosis of the infection is essential.

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