Antimicrobial resistance of bacterial isolates from urinary tract infections at Felge Hiwot Referral Hospital, Ethiopia

Urinary tract infections are common health problems and vary according to geography and regions. A retrospective analysis was conducted to determine the antimicrobial resistance of bacterial isolates from urine at Felege HiwotReferral Hospital from September 2003 to June 2008. From 529 urine specimens, bacterial isolates were found in 160 [(30.2%) (95% CI: 26.3-34.1%)]. Of these, 116 (72.5%) of the isolates were gram negatives. Single and multiple drug resistance to the commonly used antibiotics were high among bacterial isolates in the area. Thus, rational use of drugsshould be practiced

Bacteriology and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Otitis Media at Dessie Regional Health Research Laboratory, Ethiopia

Background: Otitis media is a major health problem of children in low income countries.Objectives: This study was done to determine the bacterial isolates and antimicrobial susceptibility of otitis media from children and adults.Methods: A retrospective record was analyzed on culture results of discharging ears at Dessie Regional Health Research Laboratory in the period 2003-2010. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed using disc diffusion technique as per the standard Kirby-Bauer method.Results: Out of 897 discharging ear samples, 469 were from children and 428 from adults. Of these, 823 (91.7%) had aerobic bacteria isolated. The most frequent isolates were Proteus spp. 223 (26.5%), S. aureus 203 (24.6%), Pseudomonas spp. 148 (18%) and E. coli 146 (17.7%). Proteus spp. were the most common isolates in children compared to adults (p=0.001). Norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin and gentamicin revealed high level of sensitivity whereas high resistance rates were observed for amoxycillin, tetracycline and erythromycin (p=0.001). Antibiograms of isolates showed that 598 (72.6%) of isolates were resistant to two and more antimicrobials.Conclusion: Otitis media linked with high levels of multiple antibiotic  resistant bacteria is a major health concern in all age groups of the study population. There is a need for culture and susceptibility test facilities for appropriate antimicrobial therapy of otitis media and antimicrobial resistant infections. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2011;25(2):161-167

The Sanitary Conditions of Food Service Establishments and Food Safety Knowledge and Practices of Food Handlers in Bahir Dar Town

Background: Lack of basic infrastructure, poor knowledge of hygiene and practices in food service establishments can contribute to outbreaks of foodborne illnesses. The aims of this study were to investigate the food safety knowledge and practices of food handlers and to assess the sanitary conditions of food service establishments in Bahir Dar town.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Bahir Dar in May 2011 and data were collected using questionnaire and observation checklist on employees’ knowledge of food hygiene and their practices as well on sanitary conditions of the food service establishments.Results: The median age of the food handlers was 22 years and among the 455 subjects 99 (21.8%) have had food hygiene training. Sixty six percent of the establishments had flush toilets whereas 5.9% of the establishment had no toilet. Only 149 (33.6%) of the establishments had a proper solid waste collection receptacle and there was statistically significant association between the sanitary conditions and license status of the establishments (p=0.01). Most of all, knowledge gap in food hygiene and handling practice was observed. In addition, there was statistically significant difference between trained (professional) handlers and non-trained handlers with regard to food hygiene practices (p<0.05). While more than 50% of the handlers prepare meals ahead of the peak selling time, more than 50% of the left over was poorly managed.Conclusion: This study revealed poor sanitary conditions and poor food hygiene practices of handlers. Educational programs targeted at improving the attitude of food handlers and licensing and regular inspections have been recommended

Prevalence of Salmonella typhi and intestinal parasites among food handlers in Bahir Dar Town, Northwest Ethiopia.

Background: Food borne diseases are a global public health problem. Food handlers play a major role for the transmission of food borne diseases.Objectives: This study was aimed at exploring the prevalence of intestinal parasites, S. typhi carrier rate and risk factors among food handlers at Bahir Dar town.Methods: A cross -sectional survey was conducted among food handlers working in different kitchens. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used for collecting data. Stool samples were investigated for intestinal parasites and S. typhi as per the standard laboratory methods.Results: Among 384 food handlers, females comprised 300 (78%). The majority 371 (96.6%) were young adults (12-40 years). The median year of service was 1 year (1 month to 24 years). All food handlers had no previous medical checkup and 54 (14%) were certified as food handlers. One hundred fifty eight (41.1%) food handlers had intestinal parasites and 6 (1.6%) were found positive for S. typhi. Of these, 25 (6.5%) were suffering from diarrhoea. Nine species of intestinal parasites, 2 protozoa (E. histolytica/dispar 12.76% and G. lamblia 7. 0%) and 7 helminthes (A.lumbricoides, 11.7%, Hookworm, 8.1%, S. stercoralis, 2.86%, S. mansoni, 1.8%, Taenia species, 1.3%, H. nana, 0.5% and T. trichiuria, 0.5%) were detected.Conclusion: Inexperienced and poor personal hygienic food handlers play a role for transmission of food borne infections. Local health authorities should implement food handler’s training on food safety, institute periodic focused medical check up for food handlers and improve human waste disposal. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2010;24(1):46-50

Utilization of Family Planning Methods and Associated Factors among Women Living with HIV Attending ART Clinics in Nekemte Public Health Facilities, East Wollega Zone, Ethiopia

This study was designed to assess the utilization of Family planning methods and associated factors among HIV-infected women in ART clinics of public health institutions Nekemte town, East Wollega zone, Ethiopia. Facility based cross sectional study design using quantitative technique of data collection method undertaken from May 1st to May 26th, 2012, on a sample of 456 women living with HIV who are on follow up care in ART clinics. Univariate analysis was done to determine frequencies of FP methods used. Factors associated with use of family planning methods were examined using logistic regression methods at p<0.05. There was ahigh level of knowledge about family planning with more than 98% of women knowledgeable of at least one method used to prevent conception. Out of 456 respondents 303(66.4%) were using different methods of family planning during the study period and condom is the dominant method used by the client (41.6%).High proportion (42.1%) of women living with HIV/AIDS expressed a desire for having more children in the future. Logistic regression result showed that educational attainment (AOR=3.199, 95% CI (1.487-6.541), marital status (AOR= 95% CI, 6.252 (4.008-9.752), and having open discussion with ones partner about family planning (AOR=95% CI, 13.846 (5.062-37.875) were statistically  associated with current family planning use at p<0.05. Generally current use of modern contraceptive other than condoms was very low in the study area. These findings highlight the need for integration of family planning and HIV care and treatment and strengthening of family planning services for HIV infected people

Seroprevalence of major blood-borne infections among blood donars at Felege Hiwot referral hospital, Northwest Ethiopia

No Abstract. The Ethiopian Journal of Health Development Vol. 21 (1) 2007: pp. 68-6

Bacteriological and Physicochemical Quality of Drinking Water and Hygiene- Sanitation Practices of the Consumers in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Lack of safe drinking water, basic sanitation, and hygienic practices are associated with high morbidity and mortality from excreta related diseases. The aims of this study were to determine the bacteriological and physico-chemical quality of drinking water and investigate the hygiene and sanitation practices of the consumers in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia. METHODS: A cross sectional prospective study was conducted in Bahir Dar City from October-December, 2009. Water samples were collected from 35 private taps and 35 household water containers for bacteriological analysis. The turbidity, pH, temperature and turbidity were measured immediately after collection. Finally, the hygiene-sanitation practices of the consumers were surveyed using interview. RESULTS: Twenty seven (77.1%) of the household water samples had high total coliforms counts. Twenty (57.1%) household water samples and 9 (25.7%) of the tap water samples had no residual free chlorine. Sixteen (45.7%) household water samples had very high risk score to thermotolerant coliforms. Eight (22.9%) tap water samples had low risk score for total coliforms whereas 21(60%) tap water had very low risk score for thermotolerant coliforms. Twelve (34.3%) of the consumers collect water without contact with their hand and 9(25.7%) wash their hands with soap after visiting toilet. CONCLUSION: Water supplies at tap and household water containers were contaminated with bacteria. Poor sanitation, low level of hygiene, uncontrolled treatment parameters are the causes for contamination. Control of physico-chemical parameters and promoting good hygiene and sanitation are recommended. KEYWORDS: Bacteriology, physicochemical, tap water, household, Bahir Da

Reproductive biology in the medicinal plant, Plumbago zeylanica L.

Plumbago zeylanica L. is an important medicinal plant traditionally used for the treatment of various diseases. Phenology from seed germination via vegetative growth to reproductive development wasstudied under glasshouse and nursery conditions. Seeds rapidly germinated on a mixture of nursery soil and cattle dung in a ratio of 3:1 filled in pots or on cultivated soil under nursery conditions as aprerequisite for vegetative and flowering phenological studies. Hypogeal germination characterizes the emergence of seedlings. Subsequent vegetative and flowering phenology between glass house andnursery field populations showed significant difference (

Assessment of factors associated with voluntary counseling and testing uptake among students in Bahir Dar University: A case control study

Background: Voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) is one of the cornerstones for successful implementation of HIV prevention, care and support services among HIV negative and positive individuals.Objectives: This study was intended to assess the factors associated with the use of VCT service among students in Bahir Dar UniversityMethods: Unmatched case-control study was conducted among 158 cases (who had received VCT services) and 318 control students from March 20 to May 10, 2010. The study subjects were selected randomly among 452 students who had received VCT and 2548 controls. Data were collected using a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire.Results: The findings indicated that male [OR= 1.84 (95% CI: 1.15, 2.92)], married [AOR=2.95 (95% CI: 1.23, 7.10)] and senior students [AOR=8.64 (2.70, 24.13)] were more likely to be tested than their counterparts. Knowledge, [AOR=2.44 (95% CI: 1.39, 4.28)], attitude [AOR=2.23 (95% CI: 1.19, 4.16)] and risk perception [AOR=5.43 (95%CI: 3.38, 8.72)] showed significant association with VCT service.Conclusion: In order to promote VCT service, more emphasis should be given to the knowledge and attitudes of students towards VCT, and to help the students to internalize the risk of HIV so that they can take preventivemeasures. Furthermore, strategies should be designed to help senior students to be tested.[Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2012;26(1):16-21

Hepatotoxicity and Associated Risk Factors in Hiv-Infected Patients Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy at Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital, Bahirdar, Ethiopia

Background: In Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infected patients on antiretroviral treatment (ART), hepatotoxicity is life threatening. Its outcome may lead to liver failure and death. This study was conducted to determine the rate and determinants of elevated alanine amino transferase (ALT) (referred as >40IU/L for both males and females).Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted on HIV infected individuals who are on ART and suspected of drug resistance at Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital, Bahir Dar from July to December 2012. Venous bloods were collected from each patient and processed parallely to determine ALT, number of HIV RNAs, CD4 and CD8 T cells count, anti hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B surface antigen.Results: Out of 269 HIV infected patients receiving ART, 32% were confirmed of grades 1-4 levels of elevated ALT. The rate of severe hepatotoxicity (grade 3 and 4) was 1.84%. Patients with increased CD8 T cell counts (P=0.011; AOR=1.82; CI: 1.12 - 2.54), alcohol over use (P=0.014; AOR = 1.23; CI: 1.36- 3.29) and detectable HIV-1 RNA copies (P=0.015; AOR=2.07; CI: 1.15-3.74) independently predicts the elevation of ALT.Conclusions: In HIV infected patients on ART, extreme elevations of ALT were infrequent but minor elevations were common so that patient-linked variables such as use of alcohol intake must be taken in to account for better clinical management of ART patients. The role of active HCV co-infection on the treatment outcome of ART should be further studied.Key words: ALT, HIV, ART, Bahir Dar, Ethiopi