Prevalence, Serovars, and Factors Associated with Salmonella Contamination of Chicken Carcasses Sold in Outlets of the Informal Market in Gauteng Province, South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 84 (6) ◽  
pp. 991-999
Author(s):  
THELMA M. MOKGOPHI ◽  
NOMAKORINTE GCEBE ◽  
FOLORUNSO FASINA ◽  
KUDAKHWASHE JAMBWA ◽  
ABIODUN A. ADESIYUN

ABSTRACT Salmonella has been linked to many foodborne illnesses and epidemics in both humans and animals. This cross-sectional study determined the prevalence, serovars, and factors associated with Salmonella contamination of chickens slaughtered in informal market outlets in Gauteng Province, South Africa. A total of 151 chicken carcasses were randomly collected from 47 outlets. Standard bacteriological and molecular methods were used to isolate, identify, and determine the serovar of Salmonella isolates. The prevalence of Salmonella in carcass swabs, cloacal swabs, and carcass drips was 29.1% (44 of 151), 27.2% (41 of 151), and 43.7% (66 of 151), respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (P = 0.004). Only 5 (township locations of outlet, throughput, carcass evisceration, location of carcass for sale, and outlet sanitation) of 10 factors investigated for the contamination of carcasses by Salmonella were statistically significantly (P < 0.05) associated with the isolation of Salmonella. Of the 268 isolates of Salmonella, 157 (58.6%) were typeable using a limited molecular PCR technique, and nine serovars were identified. The predominant Salmonella enterica serovars were Bovismorbificans (31.0%), Enteritidis (7.5%), and Hadar (6.7%). The five important factors found to be significantly associated with the isolation of Salmonella at these outlets offer opportunities for the reduction of Salmonella contamination. There is a need for further investigation of the probable causes of the predominant isolation of Salmonella serovar Bovismorbificans in chickens and its potential implications for human infections in South Africa. It is concluded that chickens purchased from the informal market in Gauteng Province can be a source for salmonellosis in humans if improperly cooked before consumption. HIGHLIGHTS

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dana Bresenham ◽  
Aaron M. Kipp ◽  
Andrew Medina-Marino

Abstract Background South Africa has one of the world’s worst tuberculosis (TB) (520 per 100 000 population) and TB-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemics (~ 56% TB/HIV co-infected). While individual- and system-level factors influencing progression along the TB cascade have been identified, the impact of stigma is underexplored and underappreciated. We conducted an exploratory study to 1) describe differences in perceived community-level TB stigma among community members, TB presumptives, and TB patients, and 2) identify factors associated with TB stigma levels among these groups. Methods A cross sectional study was conducted in November 2017 at public health care facilities in Buffalo City Metro (BCM) and Zululand health districts, South Africa. Community members, TB presumptives, and TB patients were recruited. Data were collected on sociodemographic characteristics, TB knowledge, health and clinical history, social support, and both HIV and TB stigma. A validated scale assessing perceived community TB stigma was used. Univariate and multivariate linear regression models were used to describe differences in perceived community TB stigma by participant type and to identify factors associated with TB stigma. Results We enrolled 397 participants. On a scale of zero to 24, the mean stigma score for TB presumptives (14.7 ± 4.4) was statistically higher than community members (13.6 ± 4.8) and TB patients (13.3 ± 5.1). Community members from Zululand (β = 5.73; 95% CI 2.19, 9.72) had higher TB stigma compared to those from BCM. Previously having TB (β = − 2.19; 95% CI − 4.37, 0.0064) was associated with reduced TB stigma among community members. Understanding the relationship between HIV and TB disease (β = 2.48; 95% CI 0.020, 4.94), and having low social support (β = − 0.077; 95% CI − 0.14, 0.010) were associated with increased TB stigma among TB presumptives. Among TB Patients, identifying as Black African (β = − 2.90; 95% CI − 4.74, − 1.04) and knowing the correct causes of TB (β = − 2.93; 95% CI − 4.92, − 0.94) were associated with decreased TB stigma, while understanding the relationship between HIV and TB disease (β = 2.48; 95% CI 1.05, 3.90) and higher HIV stigma (β = 0.32; 95% CI 0.21, 0.42) were associated with increased TB stigma. Conclusions TB stigma interventions should be developed for TB presumptives, as stigma may increase initial-loss-to-follow up. Given that stigma may be driven by numerous factors throughout the TB cascade, adaptive stigma reduction interventions may be required.


PLoS Medicine ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. e1003565
Author(s):  
Gerhard H. Janse van Rensburg ◽  
Ute Dagmar Feucht ◽  
Jennifer Makin ◽  
Nanya le Clus ◽  
Theunis Avenant

Background Human migration is a worldwide phenomenon that receives considerable attention from the media and healthcare authorities alike. A significant proportion of children seen at public sector health facilities in South Africa (SA) are immigrants, and gaps have previously been noted in their healthcare provision. The objective of the study was to describe the characteristics and differences between the immigrant and SA children admitted to Kalafong Provincial Tertiary Hospital (KPTH), a large public sector hospital in the urban Gauteng Province of SA. Methods and findings A cross-sectional study was conducted over a 4-month period during 2016 to 2017. Information was obtained through a structured questionnaire and health record review. The enrolled study participants included 508 children divided into 2 groups, namely 271 general paediatric patients and 237 neonates. Twenty-five percent of children in the neonatal group and 22.5% in the general paediatric group were immigrants. The parents/caregivers of the immigrant group had a lower educational level (p < 0.0001 neonatal and paediatric), lower income (neonatal p < 0.001; paediatric p = 0.024), difficulty communicating in English (p < 0.001 neonatal and paediatric), and were more likely residing in informal settlements (neonatal p = 0.001; paediatric p = 0.007) compared to the SA group. In the neonatal group, there was no difference in the number of antenatal care (ANC) visits, type of delivery, gestational age, and birth weight. In the general paediatric group, there was no difference in immunisation and vitamin A supplementation coverage, but when comparing growth, the immigrant group had more malnutrition compared to the SA group (p = 0.029 for wasting). There was no difference in the prevalence of maternal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, with equally good prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) coverage. There was also no difference in reported difficulties by immigrants in terms of access to healthcare (neonatal p = 0.379; paediatric p = 0.246), although a large proportion (10%) of the neonates of immigrant mothers were born outside a medical facility. Conclusions Although there were health-related differences between immigrant and SA children accessing in-hospital care, these were fewer than expected. Differences were found in parental educational level and socioeconomic factors, but these did not significantly affect ANC attendance, delivery outcomes, immunisation coverage, HIV prevalence, or PMTCT coverage. The immigrant population should be viewed as a high-risk group, with potential problems including suboptimal child growth. Health workers should advocate for all children in the community they are serving and promote tolerance, respect, and equal healthcare access.


2020 ◽  
Vol 103 (5) ◽  
pp. 465-471

Background: Hyponatremia is associated with unfavorable outcomes in many cases. The mainstay of hyponatremia treatment depends on its symptoms and etiology. However, etiologies, clinical manifestations, and factors associated with severe symptomatic hyponatremia have been rarely reported. Objective: To analyze and report etiologies, clinical manifestations, and factors associated with severe symptomatic hyponatremia. Materials and Methods: In the present cross-sectional study, the authors enrolled hospitalized patients with hyponatremia who had consulted a nephrologist between October 1, 2017, and October 31, 2018. Their baseline characteristics and clinical manifestations were recorded. Etiologies were confirmed by the attending nephrology staff. Factors associated with severe symptomatic hyponatremia were evaluated using logistic regression analysis. Results: One hundred patients were included in this study. The syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis (SIAD), hypovolemia, and hydrochlorothiazide use were the leading hyponatremia etiologies. Hyponatremia etiologies differed between patients with community-acquired hyponatremia (n=50) and those with hospital-associated hyponatremia (n=50). Patients with communityacquired hyponatremia were older, presented with a higher frequency of severe symptomatic hyponatremia, and showed lower SNa-levels. Low SNa-levels were significantly associated with severe symptomatic hyponatremia (p=0.014). Conclusion: Hyponatremia remains an important health problem. SIAD, hypovolemia, and hydrochlorothiazide use are among the leading etiologies of hyponatremia. Low SNa-levels are associated with severe symptomatic hyponatremia; thus, physicians should pay close attention to low SNa-levels in hospitalized patients. Keywords: Hyponatremia, Symptomatic Hyponatremia, Community-acquired hyponatremia, Hospital-associated hyponatremia


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