International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health
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Chief Editor: Prof. William Ebomoyi
ISSN: 2278–1005
Frequency: Quarterly
Language: English
Open Access Peer-reviewed journal
Web site: https://www.sciencedomain.org/journal-home.php?id=19
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Item Bacteriological Profiles of Pyogenic Wound Infection among Adults with Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern at a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria(SCIENCEDOMAIN international, 2020-09) Onwuezobe, I. A.; Matthew, P. C.; Oyoyo, A.O.Aims:A wide variety of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria either singly or in combination has been implicated in pyogenic wound infection and this has been associated with treatment failures due to antibiotic resistance. This study aims at investigating the agentsof pyogenic wound infection and their antibiotic susceptibility.Study Design:A descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at the only tertiary Teaching Hospital in Uyo, Nigeria and carried out on 136 wound samples.Place and Duration of Study: University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Nigeria,between April and October, 2018.Methodology: Aspirated pus or wound swab samples were collected and inoculated on two separate agar plates containing 25% Sheep Blood and incubated aerobically and anaerobically at 37°C for 48 –72 hours. Identification of isolates was performed following standard procedures. Data obtained were analyzed using SPSS software. Results:Of the 136 collected wound samples from 76 (55.9%) males and 60 (44.1%) females patients fromages 20 to 70 years and above, 127 (93.4%) had growth of different bacterial isolates totaling 214 in number. Among these were aerobes 132 (61.6%) anaerobes 82 (38.4%). The Gram-negative aerobes had the highest prevalence 81 (37.9%), while the Gram-positive anaerobes 20 (9.4%) was the least prevalent. Staphylococcus aureus,44 (86.3%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 24 (29.6%), were the predominant Gram-positive and Gram-negative aerobes respectively. Peptococci spp. 8 (40%) andBacteriodes fragilis28 (54.9%)were the predominant Gram-positive and Gram-negative anaerobes respectively.Some rarely reported pathogens revealed include Acinetobacter iwoffi, Enterobacter cloacaeand Stenotrophomonas maltophilia1(1.2%) and they showed 100% resistance to all tested antibiotics. The majority of the Gram-positive aerobes 29 (56.9%) were Vancomycin resistant and there was also an increasing prevalence of Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus(45%).Conclusion:The bacterial agents causing pyogenic wound infection in Uyo comprised of 61.6% aerobes and 38.4% anaerobes. Some rarely reported bacteria such as Enterobacter cloacaeand A. iwofiiimplicated in the infections were resistant to all commonly used antibiotics including Imipenem, a reserved antibiotic. Staphylococcus aureuswas the commonest cause of pyogenic wound infection and up to 45% of them were Methicillin resistant.Item Level of Preparedness for COVID-19 by Primary Healthcare Workers in Rivers State, Nigeria: A Facility Cross-sectional Survey(SCIENCEDOMAIN international, 2020-09) Edet, Clement Kevin; Wegbom, Anthony Ike; Kiri, Victor AlangibiIntroduction:The primary healthcare workers (PHCWs) may be faced with a higher risk of infection of COVID-19, due to inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE) and lack of training on the disease control and prevention. This study was designated to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of PHCWs about COVID-19 in Rivers State, Nigeria.Original Research Article Methods:A facility cross-sectional survey was conducted involving the primary healthcare workers in Rivers State, Nigeria. The association between the KAP and demographic characteristics were tested with the Chi-square test, while the association existing among KAP were evaluated with Pearson correlation coefficient. Statistical significance was evaluated at P<0.05.Results:The proportion of respondents with good scores in knowledge, attitude, and COVID-19 related practices are 86.4% (10.66 ± 2.40), 85.0% (8.28 ± 1.94), and 97.3% (8.34 ± 1.39) respectively. Gender, occupation, and years of experience are associated with knowledge, whilst years of experience and marital status are associated with the attitude and level preventive practices; knowledge score also has significant positive linear associations with both attitude (=0.35,<0.05)and practices (=0.11,<0.05)scores towards COVID-19. Conclusion:Based on these findings, we suggest that public health education programs should be sustained, and staff should be expose to more training and workshop regarding COVID-19 preventive practices. Furthermore, adequate personnel preventive equipment should bedeployed at the primary healthcare facilities, as this will instill the right attitude and confidence in carrying out their duties without the fear of contracting the diseaseItem COVID-19: Parents’ Healthcare-Seeking Behaviour for their Sick Children in Nigeria - An Online Survey(SCIENCEDOMAIN international, 2020-09) Briggs, Datonye Christopher; Kattey, Kattey AmosIntroduction: The current COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected the wellbeing of children,either directly or through the effects of the response. Measures are in place to curb the spread of the virus in Nigeria, but little is known of the effect these stringent measures have on the healthcare-seeking behaviour of parents for their sick children.Aim:This survey sought to describe parents’ healthcare-seeking behaviour for their sick children during the COVID-19 lockdown in Nigeria.Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Nigerian parentswith children less than 18 years of age, via an online Google doc questionnaire administered through WhatsApp instant messaging. Using snowball sampling technique, 260 respondents from affected Nigerian states were recruited over one month. Chi-square tested differences between variables in assessing if healthcare-seeking behaviour was affected; statistical significance level was set at p-value <0.05.Results:The median age was 38 years (IQR:9); 155 (59.7%) were females, 167 (64.2%) had tertiary education, while 83 (31.9%) had low income. Half (50%) of the respondents cited that the lockdown had affected their healthcare-seeking behaviour for their sick children; this did not significantly differ by geopolitical zone of residence (χ2=3.90, p-value=0.42), and other variables. Thirty-seven 37 (14.3%) agreed their children couldn’t get routine immunizations as scheduled.Conclusion:The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown considerably affected parents’ healthcare-seeking behaviour for their sick children in Nigeria. Contextual strategies aimed at health system strengthening and improved accessibility are needed to mitigate the effect of COVID-19 on parental access and utilization of healthcare facilitiesItem Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorder Symptoms and Relationship with Work Posture among Staff of a Nigerian University(SCIENCEDOMAIN international, 2020-09) Ojule, I. N.; Dokubo, S. S.; Ephraim-Emmanuel, B.C.Background: Improper work postures have been associated with many detrimental health outcomes including musculoskeletal disorders. Emerging evidence however suggests that some of these health concerns may be lessened by reducing sedentary behaviour at work. Musculoskeletal disorders have been ranked top among the most prevalent health problems relating directly to working conditions. Aim:This study was thus aimed at determining the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorder symptoms and their relationship with work posture among staff of the University of Port Harcourt in Rivers State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross sectional design was used in conducting this study among academic and non-academic staff of the University of Port Harcourt. 256 study participants were involved in this study. They were selected using the multistage sampling technique. A self-administered semi-structured questionnaire was the study instrument. Collected data was transferred to the Microsoft Excel (2016) software for cleaning and coding. The Statistical Package for Social Science was used for analysis of the data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were computed and statistical significance was set at <0.05. Results:Majority 172 (54.3%) of the respondents had experienced musculoskeletal pain that involved the head, neck, back and other regions of their bodies. Also, a statistically significant association was found to exist between work posture and the occurrence of pelvic and perineal pain. Dynamic postures while working was found to offer a protective effect against the occurrence of thoracic and abdominal pain (O.R. = 0.88). Conclusion and Recommendations:Work-related musculoskeletal disorder symptoms were found to be prevalent in this study. The relationship between work postures and the identified symptoms among the staff was also established. It was recommended that health information on alternation between sitting and standing working postures be passed on to staff working in the study area as well as a redesigning of the work-stations of the staff to adopt ergonomic standards necessary for preventing the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disordersItem Transplacental Transmission of Filarial Infections and Its Impact on Oxidative Stress and Immune Responses during Foetal Life in Bamenda, North West Cameroon(SCIENCEDOMAIN international, 2020-09) Benardette, Lemnui; Mahamat, Oumar; Ntonifor, Helen Ngum; Ngwenyi, Annie- Dorette; Theresia, Kuo AkenjiBackground:Women commonly harbour filarial infections during their childbearing years, raising the possibility that the developing foetus may be exposed to filarial antigens in the uterus and thereby have altered immunity and susceptibility to infection during early childhood. However, there are no concrete proofs to justify the risk of infections in infants born from mothers having filarial infections during pregnancy. Aim:The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of microfilariae in umbilical cord blood and respective mothers and to evaluate the relationship between the cord blood filarial infection and the oxidative stress status and concentration of IL-2, IL-10, IL-13, INF-γ and IgG in umbilical cord blood.Methods:This was a nested case–control study of cords and mothers of normal gestational age (>250 days of gestation). A total of 316 pairs of umbilical cords and mothers were examined. The presence of microfilariae was assessed by microscopy in mothers and cords. Oxidative stress status (total oxidative stress and total oxidative defence) and nitric oxide of umbilical cord and mother’s blood were investigated by the colorimetric method. ELISA was carried out for IL-2, IL-10, IL-13, INF-γ in umbilical cord and mother’s blood. Equally, umbilical cords were subjected to ELISA for total IgG.Results:Results obtained showed that microfilariae had a prevalence of 32.9% and 29.7% in umbilical cord blood and womenat time of delivery respectively. High levels of total oxidative stress (TOS) with low total oxidative defence (TAD) was found in filarial infected (Mf +ve) umbilical cord and mother’s blood compared to controls or uninfected (Mf -ve) cords and mothers blood. IL-2 was lower in the blood of microfilariae infected cords and mothers, while INF-γ, IL-13 and IL-10 were higher as compared to microfilariae negative cords and mothers. Equally, plasma total IgG concentration was higher in microfilariae positive cords compared to the negative cords and positively correlated with IL-10.Conclusions: There is high frequency of transplacental transmission of microfilariae. Cord blood filarial infections were associated with a high TOS, a protective immune response with low IL-2 and high INF-γ, and a typical Th2 immune response that was associated with higher concentration of immune total IgG regulatory cytokine IL-10 and IL-13 in neonateItem Epidemic Curve of Covid-19 Cases after Lockdown in the Municipality of Belém, Pará State, Brazil(SCIENCEDOMAIN international, 2020-09) Vilhena, Fabiane Diniz Machado; Dias, Thamyles da Silva; Ferreira, Patricia da Silva; Leiliane, Cristina de Souza Costa; Adriely, Veloso Corrêa; Santos, Pamela Farias; Denise, Miriam de Barros da; Oliveira, Letícia Gomes deObjective: To describe the evolution of COVID-19 cases three weeks after the start of the lockdown in the municipality of Belém, State of Pará.Methodology:Descriptive-epidemiological study, quantitative approach. The reported cases of Covid-19 were collected and analyzed in the municipality of Belém, from May 28 to June 3, 2020, that is, three weeks after the decree that regulated the lockdown. Data were extracted from the websites of the state departments and the following variables were evaluated: gender, age group, city Results:It was identified that there were records of 92 confirmed cases and 19 deaths from coronavirus in the municipality. People aged 60 years or older were the ones who received the most confirmation of the disease and who also died the most. Women were predominant among confirmed cases and men among deaths.Conclusion:The present study consists of offering the academic environment reflections about the implementation of lockdown and how it reflects on the possible control of the increase of cases in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, based on the collection of epidemiological data of the disease, carried out in the municipality. For this, there was an increasing trend in the number of both confirmed cases and deaths. However, after the lockdown, it was possible to identify that the incidence remained in an isolation rate interval, without exponential growth, different from what was expected without the strategy. This contributes to the lower demand for care in health services and funeral homesItem Parallel and Concurrent Infection of Dengue Virus and Plasmodium falciparum among Patients with Febrile Illnesses Attending Bingham University Health Centre, Karu, Nigeria(SCIENCEDOMAIN international, 2020-09) Suchi, Nanret Kyeswet; Mohammed, Haruna Isa; Adegbite, Olutunde Ademola; Rinmecit, Pennap GraceAims:This study was conducted to determine the parallel and concurrent infection of dengue virus and Plasmodium falciparumamong patients with febrile illnesses attending Bingham University Health Centre, Karu, Nigeria. Study Design: The study was a cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study:Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Department of Microbiology, Nasarawa State University, Keffi and 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Yaba-Lagos, between February and July 2017.Original Research Article Methodology: Blood samples were collected from 400 patients with febrile illnesses at the University Health Centre. The resulting sera was screened for dengue virus seromarkers (IgM, IgG and NS1) using Aria Dou dengue virus RDT kits (CTK Biotech, Inc, San Diego, USA) while malaria parasitemia was detected by Giemsa stained thick and thin film microscopy. Data collected were analysed using Smith’s Statistical Package (version 2.8, California, USA) and Pvalue of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Of the 400 patients screened, 12(3.0%) were positive for dengue virus, 20(5.0%) for malaria parasite while 10(2.5%) for dengue/malaria co-infection. Infection with dengue virus and malaria parasite was found to be higher among female subjects aged ≤30 years. However, age and gender were not significantly associated with both infections in this study (P> 0.05).Conclusion:Our findings confirmed the presence of dengue virus infection in the study area which probably may have been misdiagnosed and mistreated. Hence, differential diagnosis of febrile illnesses should not only be limited to malaria and typhoid as is always the case in our health care centresItem Health and Disease among Primary School Children: A Snapshot from Rural Bangladesh(SCIENCEDOMAIN international, 2020-09) Farooq, Md. Abdullah Al; Haq, Mohammad Nazmul; Tajreen, Tania; Sajid, Md. Minhajuddin; Chowdhury, Tanvir KabirAims: There is scarcity of research on the health and disease status of primary school children in Bangladesh. This study aimed at assessing prevalence of medical diseases and surgical conditions among rural primary school children. Materials and Methods: It was a cross sectional study conducted in 2018 on2 public and 2 private primary school children in Bakila and Gogra village of Chandpur district. History of immunization, deworming, major current or previous illness, allergy, trauma, surgery and drug historywere recorded. Anthropometric measurements, milestones of development, body build and nutritional status; and other general and systemic examinations were carried out. Comparison was made between the public and private primary school students.Results:227 primary school children (99 public school students and 128 private school students), were evaluated. Median age was 7 years and male to female ratio was 1.39:1. At least one medical disease or surgical condition was present in 146 (64.3%) students. Medical disease was present in 114 (50.2%) and surgical condition was present in 40 (17.6%) children. About 96.48% children completed immunization and 76.65% children were having regular deworming. Overall, 19.38% children were underweighted and 24.23% childrenwere stunted. Bronchial asthma was the most common medical disease (11.89%), followed by rhinitis (8.37%) and food allergy (5.73%). Dental caries was the most common surgical condition, followed by tonsillitis (4.41%) and chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM), 2.64%. Conclusion: A diverse medical diseases and surgical conditions were prevalent among primary school children and most of these are preventable. These did not vary significantly between public and private schoolsItem Prevalence and Determinants of Low Birth Weight in Maseru, Lesotho(SCIENCEDOMAIN international, 2020-09) Azubuike, Benjamin Nwako; Okechukwu, Francis Nwako; Magaret-Lorritta, Chidimma NwakoAim: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of low birth weight and factors that could be associated with low birth weight in a tertiary hospital in Maseru.Study Design: Cross-sectional study.Place and Duration of Study: Queen Mamohato Memorial Hospital, Maseru, Lesotho, February to May, 2016.Methods:The mothers who participated were 402 with age range of 15 to 48 years. The study included 412 newborns. Direct measurement of variables was complemented with questionnaire-derived data. There was re-categorization of primary variables. Associations between low birth weight and maternal and newborn characteristics were assessed with multiple logistic regression with a 95% confidence level.Results:The prevalence of low birth weight was high at 25% out of the 412 newborns. Multivariate analysis suggested that multiple gestations POR=26.39 (95% CI 5.29-131.75), preterm delivery POR=11.64 (95% CI 5.88-23.04), use of unclean energy POR=6.14 (95% CI 2.72-13.85), hypertension POR=3.48 (95% CI 1.70-7.11), HIV POR=2.08 (95% CI 1.07-4.08) and a low paid job POR =2.35 (95% CI 1.08-5.10) were independently associated with low birth weight.Conclusion:Preventing low birth weight could be addressed by early detection and prompt treatment of hypertension and human immunodeficiency virus infection, and by implementing strategies to prevent premature births.Item The Hypothalamo-Pituitary-Gonadal System in Men with Ischemic Heart Disease(SCIENCEDOMAIN international, 2020-09) B.H., Annayev; Jiao, Fuyong; Zhang, Sheng; Wang, LinnaPurpose: This Researchwas to study the functional state of the hypothalamic-pituitary gland-gonadal system in males with Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD), as well as the effect of hormonal correction of the revealed disorders on factors of pathogenesis and the course of IHD.Materials and Methods:We examined 120 males with IHD of different severity of disease, aged 20-50 years and 34 healthy males of the same age with normal body weight and with uncompromised history for diseases of the endocrine system. Among those surveyed were not included alcoholou anabolizant steroids abusers with severe somatic and inflammatory diseases of the genital organs (prostatitis, urethritis, orchitis). The body weight of patients fluctuated within ± 10% of the ideal. At the time of the examination, all the patients were married, 2 were divorced, and all had children.Depending on the age, the examinees were divided into 2 groups: the first -44 patients in the age of 20-35 years, the second -76 patients 36-50 years old.The patient was examined in Ashgabat city, Hospital with the Scientific-clinical Center of Cardiology (Turkmenistan).Results: In the I age group, 8 patients had post infarction cardiosclerosis, in which there was a slight decrease in sexual activity, in others -angina pectoris of different functional classes (there was no violation of sexual activity).The average content of Т in the fasting serum of males with IHD of I group was significantly lowered, were noted a statistically unreliable tendency to increase of FSH and a statistically significant increase in the LH/T ratio. The mean levels of LH, PRL and E2did not differ from the corresponding indices in healthy individuals.Conclusion: Patients with IHD have decreased testosterone secretion, especially at a young ageItem Dengue with Scrub Typhus Coinfection in Northern India(SCIENCEDOMAIN international, 2020-04) Singh, Vishal; Mishra, Satish Chandra; Agarwal, Nikesh A.; Raut, Binod B.; Singh, PulkitBackground:Amongst the many vector and water-borne diseases prevalent in tropics, dengue occupies a prominent place. Dengue epidemics are frequent and at times, during such epidemic, coinfections may occur causing diagnostic dilemmas.Case Report: A 36 years old lady, from a rural background, presented during the 2019 dengue epidemic with fever, vomiting, and non-colicky abdominal pain. The evaluation showed hepatosplenomegaly, leukocytosis, and thrombocytopenia. The investigations confirmed the diagnosis and she was treated conservatively as a case of dengue with warning signs. A longer than anticipated duration of fever and clinical deterioration prompted reassessment, which revealed the presence of an eschar over the right upper thigh. The Weil-Felix test using Proteus OX-K stain was positive at a titer of 1:320. Following treatment with oral doxycycline, she showed rapid defervescence and clinical improvement Conclusions:Coinfection with scrub typhus is rare with dengue. If left untreated, it adversely affects the outcome. The key to diagnosing such coinfections includes a high index of suspicion, repeated clinical examination, and the knowledge of local endemicityItem Malaria: Trend of Burden and Impact of Control Strategies(SCIENCEDOMAIN international, 2020-09) Emmanuel, Ikechukwu Nnamonu; Pamela, Amarachi Ndukwe-Ani; Cyril, Ali Imakwu; Clara, Ifeoma Okenyi; Felix, Joel Ugwu; Maduabuchi, Isaac Aniekwe; Solomon, Ikechukwu Odo; Samuel, Uchechukwu EzenwosuSince antiquity, malaria had plagued humans claiming millions of lives annually around the world. In addition to its health toll, billions of dollars are lost every year to the exorbitant cost of treatment, premature death, loss of opportunities, capital intensive public health and government interventions to curb the menace. This had intensified global malaria eradication efforts over the last few decades leading to the successful elimination of the disease from most developed countries drastically reducing global malaria mortality to hundreds of thousands yearly. Still, developing countries of the world especially those in tropical Africa remain the worst hit and children are the most vulnerable group generally accounting for > 50% of all malaria mortality. The world actually experienced a giant leap forward between 2000 and 2015 when global malaria mortality rate declined by a remarkable 25%and by a significant 69% in children less than five. Also, during this period a staggering 70% of malaria cases were averted due to strengthened malaria intervention. Some of this step forward was also attributed to increasing urbanization and overall economic development across the nation’s leading to improved housing and nutrition. However, years later, progress has been relatively slower and seemed to have stalled. Nonetheless, the impacts of control strategies have saved millions of lives universally. But to save more lives and eliminate malaria from highest risk countries like in tropical Africa, more efforts are required at both international and national capacity through the funding of research and malaria projects, effective surveillance and response, strengthened health system and mosquito vector control strategies, and development of new, improved antimalarial intervention tools like diagnostics, prophylactics, therapeutics and vaccines. Also, the role of human activity and lifestyle in the fight against malaria cannot be overemphasizedItem Prevalence of Waterborne Diseases in Bade, Nguru and Machina Local Government Areas of Yobe State-Nigeria(SCIENCEDOMAIN international, 2020-08) Ahmed, Abubakar Alhaji; Kafayos, YahayaWaterborne diseases are mainly caused by consuming food or water tainted with faecal matter or urine of human or animal which contains pathogens. Records have shown that YobeState is one of the states in Nigeria that have recorded mortalities due to waterborne infections. Thisstudy is aimed at identifying common waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, infectious hepatitis, giadiasis, amoebiasis, and dracunculiasis between 2017 and 2019 in three local Government Areas (L.G.As) of Yobe State. Personal interview was employed to generate information from the local people on sources of drinking water in three sampled geo –political wards (Bade, Nguru and Machine L.G.As). Results revealed that most of the dwellers in the study area drink from non –potable water sources such as faucets, hand pump, wash boreholes, wells, rivers, pools and creeks. Results also show that people from the study area do not drink potable water. A total of 1204 cholera cases were reported between 2017 and 2019 in the study areas with Machina L.G.A having the highest number of cases (446) representing 37.04% of the total cases. Mortality due to cholera outbreak in all the surveyed LG.As was 124 with Bade L.G.A having the highest number (43) constituting 34.68% of total mortalities in the study areas. A total of 11,938 persons were infected with typhoid during the study period and Nguru L.G.A recorded the highest number of infections (4,438) representing 37.18% of total infections. Gender based percentage prevalence of typhoid in the study is higher in males (52.83%) than females (47.18%). Recommendations on how to overcome the menace have been highlighted.Item Larvicidal Activity of Some Plants Extracts and Their Partitioned Fractions against Culex quinquefasciatus(SCIENCEDOMAIN international, 2020-08) Famuyiwa, Funmilayo G.; Adewoyin, Francis B.; Oladiran, Oluyemi J.; Obagbemi, Oluwatosin R.Aim:The methanol extracts of fifteen plants and their partitioned fractions were screened for larvicidal activity against the fourth instar of larvae Culex quinquefasciatus, the vector of lymphatic filariasiswith a view to identifying the active ones.Methodology:The plant parts were collected,separatelydried and milled. Each powdered material was extracted in methanol at room temperature for 3 days, with agitation. The extract was filtered and concentrated in vacuo. Each extract was tested against the fourth instar larvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus. The methanol extracts were suspended in water and successively partitioned into n-hexane and ethylacetate. Each partitioned fraction was also tested against the fourth instarlarvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus.Results:About fifty six percent (56.3%) of the tested extracts had moderate larvicidal activity after 48 hours. The fruitextract of Thevetia neriifoliaand the leaf extracts of Calotropis procera andOriginal Research Article Solanum macrocarpon were the most active. After partitioning the methanol extracts, each of the plant extracts had one or two highly active partitioned fractions after 48 hours. The n-hexane fractions of S. macrocarpon(0.78 ± 0.03 mg/mL) and Spondias mombin(0.81 ± 0.03 mg/mL) were the most active.Conclusion:The non-polar fractions of S. macrocarponand S. mombinwere the most active. Purification of these highly active fractions could lead to the isolation of potent larvicidal compounds that could be used in the control of Cx. quinquefasciatus mosquitoItem Socio-economic Determinants Influencing Cervical Cancer Screening in Buea: A Cross-Sectional Study(SCIENCEDOMAIN international, 2020-08) C., Neh Fru; Andrew, Tassang; F., Nchang Cho; T., Tassang; P., Ngum FruIntroduction: Cervical cancer remains a huge burden in scarce resource communities as Cameroon. The morbidity and mortality are huge, despite the preventable nature of this pathology.This study set to explorethe socio-economic variables which could help influence positively presentation for screening and lessen the pressure on our fragile heath system.Methodology: A one-day free screening campaign was carried out at the Buea regional hospital on the 2ndof November, 2019. The study population consisted of women aged 16 to 66 years old. After thorough explanation of the exercise to the potential participants to this study, a questionnaire was distributed to them. Assurance was given about the confidentiality of this study, and they were also informed that, they could opt out at any moment, if they so wish.Results:Some of the socio-economic variables influencing presentation for cervical cancer screening were identified and they seem to modulate individual behaviour towards cervical cancer screening. They were namely: age, level of education, residence, marital status, age at first sexual intercourse, number of sexual partners, number of pregnancies and number of deliveries.Conclusion:The key contributors influencing presentation at screening in this study were: age, level of education, residence, age at first sexual intercourse, number of sexual partners, number of pregnancies and number of deliveries. Understanding and acting on these variables could help curb down morbidity and mortality, thus alleviating the burden on our fragile heath systemItem Clinical Profile of Dengue Fever in a Tertiary Hospital of Rural South India – A Retrospective Study(SCIENCEDOMAIN international, 2020-03) Raghu, Ritvik; C., Manokaran; J., SathiyanarayananIntroduction:Dengue fever is a globally important arboviral infection transmitted by theAedesgenus of mosquito found in tropical and subtropical regions. Fluid therapy and the identification of the criticalphase are the most important aspects of management.Objectives:To study the clinical profile of patients with Dengue Fever.Methodology:The patients diagnosed with Dengue Fever would be considered for the study. Data pertaining to the clinic-socio demographic profile of dengue fever would be collected from the patient’s records and analyzed.Results:It was observed that majority of patients had myalgia as the common associated symptoms with fever and bleeding manifestations was present in 7.7% of patients. Dengue NS1 was positive in 79% of patients. Platelet transfusion was given for 20% of patients. Amongst those who received platelet transfusion 52% patients had bleeding manifestations. Antibioticswas given for 65% of patients which had no significanteffect on the duration of stay in hospital and platelet values.Original Research Article Conclusion:Dengue fever despite its aggressive nature can be effectively managed by maintaining hydration and hemodynamic stability. Platelet transfusion and antibiotic therapy has failed toshow any significant improvement in disease outcomes and should be reserved for Severe Dengue Haemorrhagic ShockItem Global Disease Outbreaks and Effects on Maternal, Newborn & Child Health in Global South, a Systematic Review(SCIENCEDOMAIN international, 2020-08) O., Orjingene; N. L., Akondeng; A., Kone-Coulibaly; T., Ogojah; M., GanamaBackground/Aim: The world has witnessed several disease outbreaks both in the past and in recent times. Apart from loss of lives as a result of such outbreaks, there are also disruptions in health care provision and utilization due to certain measures aimed at curtailing the spread of such outbreaks. This study aimed to seek evidence from existing literature on the effects of disease outbreaks on maternal, newborn and child health care in Global South.Methods: A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) was used and 14 literatures met the inclusion criteria Results: HIV/AIDS pandemic affected the Maternal Newborn and Child Health since increased cases of anaemia, hospital admissions, still births in HIV positive pregnant and cases of foetal anaemia reported in infants born from HIV positive pregnant women were reported. No COVID-19 pandemic related-effects on MNCH observed since no maternal deaths and transmission from infected pregnant women to their newborns reported. Indirect effects of pandemics on MNHC include reduced service delivery and demand/utilization as well as inaccessibility due to diverse reasons.Discussion: The Government should put in place palliative measures for low-income citizens; engage and sensitize women, pregnant women and their children on available health care services and mitigation measures in place to access with minimal or no risk of being infected in a secure environment.Item Risk Factors for Occupational Transmission of Tuberculosis among Healthcare Workers in Zambia(SCIENCEDOMAIN international, 2020-08) Chisompola, Namaunga Kasumu; Kapambwe, Mwape Kamanga; Pipina, Vlahakis MatafwaliHealthcare workers (HCWs) play a critical role in the management and control of nosocomial transmission of tuberculosis (TB). At the same time, working in TB healthcare facilities such as hospital wards, diagnostic and treatment facilities increases the risk of acquiring TB due to occupational exposure in HCWs. The risk is further heightened in high TB prevalence populations, such as Zambia, as HCWs are exposed both occupationally and in the community. This review aims to provide a better understanding of the risk factors associated with occupational transmission of TB in HCWs in Zambia, by synthesising available data on TB in HCWs in Zambia and the surrounding region. A search of peer reviewed original research on the transmission of TB among HCWs in Zambiawas conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar. Studies were eligible for inclusion in the analysis if they described TB amongst HCWs in Zambia, risk factors for TB in HCWs, and nosocomial transmission of TB in Zambia and the surrounding region. The prevalence of TB in HCWs has been demonstrated to be higher than that of the general population. Transmission of TB in healthcare facilities is driven by several factors centred on the lack of adherence to TB infection prevention and control (IPC) practices. Nosocomial transmission of TB in HCWs is further driven by the HIV epidemic and the rise in lifestyle diseases such as diabetes mellitus. However, there is very scarce data on the association of diabetes mellitus and TB among HCWs in Zambia. Prolonged contact with TB patients on wards has been demonstrated to play a vital role in occupational transmission of TB amongst nurses in Zambia. To curb the transmission of TB in HCWs several measures will require implementation such as; administrative support, IPC training and annual TB and HIV screening for all HCWsItem Knowledge, Attitude and Utilization of School Health Services among Senior Secondary School Students in Egor Local Government Area, Benin City, Edo State(SCIENCEDOMAIN international, 2020-08) Osian, Eunice Amaechi; Ehwarieme, Timothy Aghogho; Igbinoba, OsagumwenroBackground:The knowledge of school health services among all students in various schools are essential in ensuring that students are equipped with the expected benefits and right attitude of utilizing the services. Aim:The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, attitude and utilization of school health services among senior secondary school students in Egor local government area, Edo State.Methods:Using a multistage sampling two secondary schools were selected from the thirteen public secondary schools in the Egor LGA and a sample size of 274 using Taro Yamane formula. A self-structured questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection with a Cronbach's alpha value of 0.82 which show that the instrument was reliable. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and hypotheses were tested using Pearson Correlation Coefficient at 5% significant level. Results:Findings showed thatmajority 150(57.6%) of the respondents have good knowledge of school health services, 80(30.5%) have fair knowledge while 31(11%) have poor knowledge. All the respondents have a positive attitude toward school health services with an average grand mean of 3.078±0.428.However, 113.2(43.4%) have poor utilization of the school health services, 40(15.3%) have moderate while 107.8(41.3%) have high utilization. Positive correlation (p =0.01) was found between knowledge and utilization of school health services. Significant difference was found (p= 0.002; ˂0.05) in the utilization of school health services between male and female students. Conclusion:Government should ensure adequate provision of facilities, inspection and supervision of the school health services. Sensitization/Awareness campaign of school health services should be made available to all school children in the state.Item A Novel Corona Virus (COVID-19) Pandemic, Pathogenesis, Clinical Features and Management Options, Public Health Measures(SCIENCEDOMAIN international, 2020-07) George, Mukoro DukeIntroduction: SARS-CoV-2 is an unknown corona virus causing COVID-19 disease responsible for the ongoing pandemic affecting over 190 countries, with a mortality rate of about 5%. The high mortality rate resulted from its ability to elicit cytokine storm via non-specific immune response with delay in specific immune response, notably worst in the elderly, HIV, immunocompromised and cancer diseased patients. The article therefore provides frontline health care workers, the opportunity to understand and equip themselves with management options, public health measures used in coping with COVID-19 infections and enables personnel to make quick preparation for Symptomatic COVID-19 infection in-order to reduce mortalities in health facilities. It also provides a summarised teaching material for medical and allied health students around the world.Methodology: Credible data and information were obtained from the World health organization situation report, Johns Hopkins University Corona Virus resource centre and other notable journal publications. Most information wason public domain.Results: Clinical featuresreported include pneumonia, renal dysfunction, hepatobiliary dysfunction and residual tissue damage, especially in the lungs in those that survive. The literature highlights the blood work-up picture (Leucopenia, increased cytokines IL-6, ferritin, Serum creatinine, urea, AST, GGT, ALT and Viremia) and radiological features of the disease. ELISA and RT-qPCR test are required for diagnosis using sputum, or pharyngeal swab, blood, serum, urine and faecal samples which lead to faeco oral transmission. ELISA/R PCR is also required for disease exclusions in coexisting epidemics such as MERS-CoV, SARS-COV and other viral diseases.Treatment modalities employed thus far are trials that have produce results including targeted therapy, anti-retroviral, Favipiravir, Remdesivir, antibody-serum and antimalaria drugs such as chloroquine and quinine which are found among some protocols in African setting and other developing countries. Currently, ongoing preventive measures (face mask, social distancing and hand hygiene, community testing, isolation of confirmed cases and tracking of the exposed, remain the key corner stone in the management of COVID-19 pandemic.Conclusion:COVID-19 disease still remain unclear to many scientists and its pandemic still ongoing. There are many research and clinical trials ongoing while some drugs are used off in-order to mitigate the damage caused by the virus in Human body. Cytokine storm needs immunomodulators and viral targeted therapy as discussed in-order to reduce tissue damage, and eventually morbidity and mortalities from COVID-19 infections.