Brucellosis in Herat Province, Afghanistan: Epidemiological Status and Risk Factors

Background: Human brucellosis, also known as Malta fever, is an acute systemic zoonotic disease in several parts of the world. The most pathogenic Brucella specie is Brucella melitensis that occurs in the human population of all age groups and of both sexes. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate human Brucella infection in Afghanistan. Methods: The participants in this cross-sectional study were 44 patients diagnosed with Brucella infection during eight months and confirmed using Wright test by physicians of Iran Clinic Hospital. For data analysis, a statistical model was used through SPSS. Results: The most affected patients were female housewives (40.9%) and students (18.18%). The most frequent clinical manifestations were recurrent attacks of fever (95.34%), weight loss (81.39%), loss of appetite (79.06%), musculoskeletal pain (69.76%), boredom (67.44%), and lethargy (60.46%). A total of 41 (93.18%) patients mentioned the consumption of unpasteurized milk as the source of infection. Conclusions: The study results revealed that the main route of Brucella transmission in Afghanistan is the consumption of contaminated dairy products. The highest prevalence of brucellosis was observed among the young and middle-aged populations and housewives.

Download Full-text

Following the Principles of Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders in Ultrasonographers

Serbian Journal of Experimental and Clinical Research ◽

10.2478/sjecr-2020-0036 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Author(s):

Vanja Jovanovic ◽

Jelena Maric ◽

Dejan Jovanovic

Keyword(s):

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Age Groups ◽

Clinical Manifestations ◽

Spinal Column ◽

Working Hours ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Preventative Measures ◽

Ultrasound Diagnostics ◽

Experience Pain

AbstractBackground/Aim. It has been noticed that doctors who regularly perform ultrasound examinations have different clinical manifestations of musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of this research is to examine the level of knowledge of ultrasonographers regarding preventative measures and health consequences of the forced body positions during work.Subjects and methods. The total of 75 doctors of both genders, aged 31-50 years, who use ultrasound diagnostics participated in the research. The research was conducted throughout 2016, as a cross-sectional study, with the aid of a structured questionaire.Results. The total of 60% subjects either rarely use the break during working hours or do not have a break at all. The participants most commonly use the movable monitor and the ability to wrap the cable around their arm (73,3%). This percentage is similar in all age groups. The respondents most often stated that they walk daily (41,3%), with no differences among age groups. 25% of the respondents negate any spine related pains, while over a half said that they experience pain in one segment of the spinal column (cervical, thoracic or lumbar), regardless of the age group. 52% said that they serch for information on their own accord, while 36% stated that they are not at all informed. Only in less than 10% of cases is information provided by the authorities in the institution where the participants are employed, and during regular health examinations, information is given by the designated doctor in 2,7% of cases.Conclusion. The respondents implement the recommendations regarding safe work and other preventative measures to a very small extent, regardless of gender and age. Most of the respondents experience pain in the spine and joints, which can be related to the work in ultrasound diagnostics. Additionally, doctors are not well-informed regarding the preventative measures.

Download Full-text

Epidemiology of Primary Malignant Bone Tumors in Isfahan Province, Iran

Journal of Research in Orthopedic Science ◽

10.32598/jrosj.6.4.49 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 6 (4) ◽

pp. 7-12

Author(s):

Hossein Akbari Aghdam ◽

◽

Azin Mohammad-Salehi ◽

Hamed i Zandi-esfahan ◽

Mohsen Heidari ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Soft Tissue ◽

Malignant Tumors ◽

Age Groups ◽

Soft Tissue Tumors ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Isfahan Province ◽

Medical Centers ◽

Study Results ◽

Epidemiological Characteristics

Background: Primary malignant tumors, including rare tumors of the skeleton, are of concern. However, the unpredictable prognosis, morbidity, and mortality of these tumors have raised them as one of the health problems. Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate the epidemiological characteristics of these tumors in Isfahan province, Iran. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 489 patients with malignant bone and soft tissue tumors were enrolled from 2006 to 2016. Their data were available in Isfahan medical centers, and their diagnostic biopsies from their hospitals’ records were examined. The data were statistically analyzed using SPSS. Results: The most common tumors were in the descending order: Osteosarcoma (15.1%), Ewing sarcoma (13.7%), chondrosarcoma (13.1%), fibrosarcoma and neurofibrosarcoma (10.8%), malignant fibrous histiocytoma (7.8%), synovial sarcoma (6.7%), liposarcoma (6.5%), dermatofibrosarcoma (3.3%), rhabdomyosarcoma (3.1%), and leiomyosarcoma (3.1%). Other sarcomas comprised 16.8%. The highest prevalence of tumors was in Isfahan city. Conclusion: This study was conducted for the first time in Isfahan Province to evaluate the epidemiological characteristics of malignant bone and soft tissue tumors. Our study results were similar to most studies conducted in different regions of the world. Considering the relatively high prevalence of malignant bone and soft tissue tumors in lower age groups, we recommend further studies in this area to manage this problem.

Download Full-text

GALL STONES;

The Professional Medical Journal ◽

10.29309/tpmj/2014.21.02.2103 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 21 (02) ◽

pp. 386-390

Author(s):

Alina Saqib ◽

Saeed Sattar Shaikh ◽

Jawad Mumtaz Sodhar

Keyword(s):

Biochemical Analysis ◽

Gall Stone ◽

Age Groups ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Gall Stones ◽

Female Predominance ◽

Study Results ◽

Different Types ◽

The Mean

Objectives: Recognition of various gall stones in the patients attending surgicalOPD by biochemical analysis of gall stones. Study design: Cross sectional study. Place &duration of study: ISRA Hospital, Hyderabad and Institute of Biochemistry Sindh UniversityJamshoro. Duration of study was 18 months. Methods: Cases were patients with gall stones whowere diagnosed on ultrasonography. Gall stone analysis was done from Institute of BiochemistrySindh University Jamshoro. A total of sixty nine subjects were included in the study. Results: Inthe present study the mean Age was 35.81+ 8.12 years. Frequencies in different age groups are15-24 (11.60%), 25-34 (24.64%), 35-44 (53.63%), 45-54 (8.69%), 55-64 (01.45%). Age distributionis shown in Graph III-1. In the present study 49(71.0%) were females and 20(29%) were maleswith the female to male ration of 2.45:1. gender distribution is shown in Graph III-2. In the presentfrequencies of different types of gall stones was, cholesterol stones 38(55.07%), pigmentedstones 20(28.99%) and mixed type of stones 11(15.94%). Frequencies of different types of gallstones is shown in Graph III-3. Conclusions: In our study the frequency of cholesterol gall stoneis more as compared to pigmented and mixed gall stones. A total of 55.07% of cholesterolgallstones were found in our study with the female predominance.

Download Full-text

PREVALENCE OF OSTEOPOROSIS IN SUB-URBAN POPULATION OF CHENNAI USING QUS (QUANTITATIVE ULTRASOUND) OF CALCANEUM -A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

10.36106/ijsr/1604084 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 43-44

Author(s):

S. Balameena ◽

R Agavendra ◽

Karthikeyan Karthikeyan ◽

Sujatha Sujatha ◽

Sabarish Sabarish ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Screening Test ◽

Past History ◽

Age Groups ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Health Concern ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Study Results ◽

History Of ◽

Ultrasound Score

Background:Burden of Osteoporosis and its related fractures are enormous and growing public health concern. Worldwide, an estimated 200 million adults suffer from osteoporosis. Vertebral and non-vertebral fractures are the most clinically relevant osteoporotic fracture because they are expensive to treat and have severe consequences for middle aged and elderly population.(1 ,2) The purpose of our study was to assess calcaneal ultrasound score as a screening test for osteoporosis. Material and Methods: Fifty patients above the age of 40 years who attended a health checkup camp conducted by our institute in a suburban population base of Chennai,Tamilnadu was subjected for noninvasive QUS of calcaneum bone as a screening test for osteoporosis. They were divided into different age groups ,co-morbid conditions noted and BMD scores from QUS was assessed. Statistical method were used with SPSS Version .It was a cross sectional descriptive study. Results: A total of 50 patients underwent QUS of calcaneum bone in our study , all of them above the age of 40 years. 33(66%) of them were females and 17(34%) were males. Eight patients( 16% ) had T score < -2.5 out of which 1 was male. 26 patients(52%) had T scores in the osteopenic range (-1>Tscore>-2.5).16 patients(32%) had T scores in the normal range. 40 % of patients had associated osteoarthritis and four patients had diabetes. 2 patients who underwent screening had past history of nontraumatic fractures. Conclusion: QUS of calcaneum is a good screening tool for assessing bone density in our country since its cost effective and can be used in various screening camps. The machine is portable and can be used with minimal training making it easier for the primary caregiver. It has reasonably good sensitivity and fair specicity when using Tscore of -2.5 as the cut off point. However DEXAis the gold standard for treatment and followup of patients with osteoporosis.

Download Full-text

Clinical Characteristics in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Differences between Genders

The Scientific World JOURNAL ◽

10.1155/2019/8103812 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2019 ◽

pp. 1-6 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

M. Intriago ◽

G. Maldonado ◽

J. Cárdenas ◽

C. Ríos

Keyword(s):

Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Clinical Characteristics ◽

Clinical Manifestations ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Control Group ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Aggressive Disease ◽

Loss Of Appetite ◽

The City

Objective. To compare the clinical characteristics of a group of men and women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and determine the differences between genders. Materials and Methods. A descriptive and comparative cross-sectional study was developed with a group of 50 men and a control group of 50 women with RA, from a rheumatology center in the city of Guayaquil, Ecuador. Data collected included clinical manifestations, comorbidities, treatment, and disease activity. Clinical and activity differences between sexes were analyzed. Results. Women were more devoted to housework (66%), while men consumed more tobacco (34%) and alcohol (38%). Fatigue (60%), loss of appetite (54%), and weight loss (44%) were more common in women. No differences were found in comorbidities or treatment. Women had higher values of DAS-28 (3.4 vs 2.5), HAQ-DI (1.1 vs 0.4), ESR (33.0 vs 23.2), painful joints (8 vs 3), swollen joints (6 vs 2), and overall physician assessment (3 vs 2). Conclusion. The results are similar to other publications that establish that women have a more aggressive disease with greater activity of the disease and disability.

Download Full-text

Clinical Characteristics of Noncritical Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Lessons from Bangladesh

Bangladesh Journal of Microbiology ◽

10.3329/bjm.v37i2.51209 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 37 (2) ◽

pp. 42-46

Author(s):

Md Shahed Morshed ◽

Abdullah Al Mosabbir ◽

Prodipta Chowdhury ◽

Sheikh M Ashadullah ◽

Mohammad Sorowar Hossain

Keyword(s):

South Asian ◽

Clinical Characteristics ◽

Clinical Manifestations ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Clinical Spectrum ◽

Severe Illness ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Co Morbidity ◽

Critical Patients ◽

Loss Of Appetite

The scientific literatures on clinical manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients from South Asian countries including Bangladesh are limited. Documentation of clinical spectrum from various geographic locations is vital for future scientific studies and clinical management. This study is aimed to report the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of noncritical patients with COVID-19 in Bangladesh. We conducted a cross-sectional study at three dedicated COVID-19 hospitals of Bangladesh. The severity of the COVID-19 cases was assessed based on the WHO interim guidance. Data were collected only from non-critical COVID-19 patients as critical patients required immediate management. A total of 103 real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) confirmed noncritical COVID- 19 patients were included. Most of the patients (71.8%) were male. Mild, moderate and severe illness were assessed in 74.76%, 9.71% and 15.53% of patients respectively. Nearly 52.4% patients had a co-morbidity, with hypertension being the most common (34%), followed by diabetes mellitus (21.4%) and ischemic heart disease (9.7%). Fever (78.6%), weakness (68%) and cough (44.7%) were the most common clinical manifestations. Other common symptoms included loss of appetite (37.9%), difficulty in breathing (37.9%), loss of taste or smell (35.0%), headache (32%) and body ache (32%). The median time from onset of the first symptom to attending hospitals was 7 days (interquartile range: 4 - 10). This study will help both the clinicians and epidemiologists to understand the magnitude and clinical spectrum of COVID-19 patients in South Asian perspective including Bangladesh. Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 37 Number 2 December 2020, pp 42-46

Download Full-text

Profiling of potential pulmonary fungal pathogens and the prevalence of the association between pulmonary tuberculosis and potential fungal pathogens in presumptive tuberculosis patients referred to Saint Peter’s Specialized Tuberculosis Referral Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

SAGE Open Medicine ◽

10.1177/20503121211056163 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

pp. 205031212110561

Author(s):

Adane Bitew ◽

Solomon Bati

Keyword(s):

Pulmonary Tuberculosis ◽

Fungal Infection ◽

Fungal Pathogens ◽

Addis Ababa ◽

Age Groups ◽

Clinical Manifestations ◽

Brain Heart Infusion ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Study Participants

Objective: The burden of pulmonary fungal infection is increasing and often misdiagnosed as pulmonary tuberculosis in developing countries where the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis is high. |Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the spectrum of potential pulmonary fungal pathogens and the prevalence of the association between pulmonary tuberculosis and potential fungal pathogens. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2018 and May 2019. Sputum was collected from 636 study participants. Part of the sputum was inoculated onto Brain Heart Infusion agar, and fungi were identified following standard microbiological procedures. The remaining part of the sample was used for the investigation of pulmonary tuberculosis. Results: Among 636 sputum samples, 75.9% (483) and 25.6% (163) were positive for potential fungal pathogens and pulmonary tuberculosis, respectively. The prevalence of the association between pulmonary tuberculosis and potential fungal pathogens was 20.0%. Of fungal isolates, 81.4% were yeasts. The remaining 128 (18.6%) isolates were molds. The isolation rate of fungi was higher in males (51.6%) than in females (48.4%). There was no statistically significant association between the prevalence of potential pulmonary fungal pathogens and sex ( p = 0.239). Patients in the age group of 35 to 44 and above were slightly more affected than younger age groups. The association between potential fungal pathogens and age was not statistically significant ( p = 0.50). Conclusion: High prevalence of potential pulmonary fungal pathogens and the association of tuberculosis and potential fungal pathogens recorded in this study will enforce health personnel to pay due attention to these conditions and arise the interest of researchers to conduct further work on the burden of the association between tuberculosis and potential fungal pathogens. Our study also revealed the need to employ conventional microbiology tests along with clinical and radiological evidence since clinical manifestations and radiological pictures of tuberculosis mimic that of pulmonary fungal infection.

Download Full-text

Morbidities associated with increased BMI in pregnant women.

The Professional Medical Journal ◽

10.29309/tpmj/2019.26.08.3881 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 26 (08) ◽

pp. 1345-1347

Author(s):

Sarwat Memon

Keyword(s):

Age Groups ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

University Hospital ◽

Complication Rates ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Singleton Pregnancy ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Study Results ◽

Care Facilities ◽

Study Setting

Obesity is the major threat to social and medical wellbeing in Pakistan and worldwide. Increased BMI poses certain risks to mother as well as fetus. The objective of this study is to assess the maternal and fetal morbidities in women presenting with increased BMI during pregnancy. Study Design: Descriptive cross sectional study. Setting: Isra University Hospital. Period: 1st June 2017 till Nov 2017. Materials and Methods: 100 Patients with singleton pregnancy were included in this study. Results: . Conclusion: It was concluded that there are complex and noteworthy socio- statistic imbalances related to different age groups, parity status and BMI. It was also concluded that increased no of patients are at high risks of maternal and fetal complication rates and require proper access to antenatal care. Facilities and interventions should be provided to improve both maternal and fetal health care and reduce the risks of adverse effects of increased BMI.

Download Full-text

Knowledge, attitude and practices of frontline health workers in relation to detection of brucellosis in rural settings of Tanzania: a cross-sectional study

One Health Outlook ◽

10.1186/s42522-021-00056-5 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Belinda Joseph Mligo ◽

Calvin Sindato ◽

Richard B. Yapi ◽

Coletha Mathew ◽

Ernatus M. Mkupasi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Workers ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Clinical Manifestations ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Diagnostic Tools ◽

Human Brucellosis ◽

Causative Organism ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Frontline Health Workers

Abstract Background Brucellosis an important zoonotic disease worldwide, which frequently presents as an undifferentiated febrile illness with otherwise varied and non-specific clinical manifestations. Despite its importance, there are few reports on its awareness among frontline health workers. This study aimed at assessing the baseline knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) related to detection and management of brucellosis among frontline health workers (FHWs) namely; healthcare workers (HWs) and community health workers (CHWs). Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2019 to January 2020 in Kilosa and Chalinze districts of Tanzania. Data on demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude and practices regarding brucellosis were collected from the study participants using a structured questionnaire. Interviews were conducted with 32 HWs and 32 CHWs who were systematically selected in study districts. Chi square/fisher Exact was used to assess the association between sociodemographic variables and those related to knowledge, attitude and practices. Results Overall, a total of 30 (93.8%) HWs and nine (28.1%) CHWs from the study districts heard about brucellosis, with (34.4%) of HWs having knowledge about the causative organism. Overall, knowledge showed almost half (46.9%) HWs and (28.1%) CHWs were aware of the symptoms, clinical signs, diagnosis and control regarding brucellosis. Knowledge difference was statistically significant with HWs’ age (p = 0.016). Almost half (46.9%) HWs and less than quarter (12.5%) CHWs had good practices regarding brucellosis control. Almost three quarters (71.9%) of HWs and (21.9%) CHWs had positive attitude regarding brucellosis control; overall attitude was statistically significant with CHWs age (p = 0.028) and education level (p = 0.024). Lack of awareness and unavailability of diagnostic tools were the main challenges faced by FHWs in the two districts. Conclusion The majority of participants were not aware of human brucellosis. Moreover, their overall knowledge was inadequate and the common practices were diagnostic tools, and adequate knowledge to manage brucellosis cases. These findings highlight the need to strengthen frontline health workers knowledge, practices and diagnostic capacities related to brucellosis.

Download Full-text

Effect ofBrucellaInfection on Reproduction Conditions of Female Breeding Cattle and Its Public Health Significance in Western Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

Veterinary Medicine International ◽

10.4061/2011/354943 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 2011 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Mekonnen Haileselassie ◽

Shewit Kalayou ◽

Moses Kyule ◽

Mekonnen Asfaha ◽

Kelay Belihu

Keyword(s):

Logistic Regression ◽

Disease Transmission ◽

Clinical Manifestations ◽

Risk Groups ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Team Work ◽

Human Brucellosis ◽

Northern Ethiopia ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Female Cattle

The most common clinical manifestations of brucellosis in livestock are associated with reproduction. This paper reports the result of a cross-sectional study conducted between October, 2007 and April, 2008 in Western Tigray, North Ethiopia, with the objectives of assessing the effect ofBrucellainfection on reproduction conditions of female breeding bovine and to explore the presence ofBrucellaseroreactors in vulnerable humans. A total of 1,354 and 246 sera were collected from female cattle and humans, respectively. The sera were screened using Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT), and positive samples were confirmed by complement fixation test (CFT). Reproductive conditions for female cattle and risk to human brucellosis seropositivity were tested by using logistic regression analysis. The result indicated that the overall prevalence in female cattle was 6.1%. The study showed 1.2% prevalence among human risk groups, all of which were herdsmen. Logistic regression identified parity status, calving interval, abortion history, and abortion period were significantly associated with seropositivity. The association was not significant with reproductive status and parity number. Proper hygienic practices and team work between veterinary and health personnel should improve the efforts to combat disease transmission.

Download Full-text