70 research outputs found
Isolation of enterotoxigenic, hemolytic, and antibiotic-resistant Aeromonas hydrophila strains from infected fish in Bangladesh
Strains of Aeromonas hydrophila isolated from skin infections of common freshwater fish in Bangladesh were tested for enterotoxin production, hemolysin production, and any correlation between these two activities. We also tested the resistance patterns of A. hydrophila to different drugs, especially in relation to ampicillin. The A. hydrophila strains produced an enterotoxin that was related to their beta-hemolytic activities. Production of beta-hemolysin may thus be an indicator of enterotoxicity. As 50% of the strains of A. hydrophila were found to be susceptible to 12.5 µg of ampicillin per ml, media containing this antibiotic may not be suitable for their isolation
Policy priorities for strengthening smokeless tobacco control in Bangladesh:A mixed-methods analysis
Introduction
Smokeless tobacco (ST) remains poorly regulated in Bangladesh.
This study describes the prevalence and trends of ST use in Bangladesh,
presents ST-related disease burden, identifies relevant policy gaps, and
highlights key implications for future policy and practice for effective ST
control in Bangladesh.
Methods
We analyzed secondary data from the two rounds (2009 and 2017)
of The Global Adult Tobacco Survey, estimated ST-related disease burden,
and conducted a review to assess differences in combustible tobacco and ST
policies. In addition, we gathered views in a workshop with key stakeholders
in the country on gaps in existing tobacco control policies for ST control in
Bangladesh and identified policy priorities using an online survey.
Results
Smokeless tobacco use, constituting more than half of all tobacco
use in Bangladesh, declined from 27.2% (25.9 million) in 2009 to 20.6%
(22 million) in 2017. However, in 2017, at least 16947 lives and 403460
Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) were lost across Bangladesh due to
ST use compared to 12511 deaths and 324020 DALYs lost in 2010. Policy
priorities identified for ST control have included: introducing specific
taxes and increasing the present ad valorem tax level, increasing the health
development surcharge, designing and implementing a tax tracking and
tracing system, standardizing ST packaging, integrating ST cessation within
existing health systems, comprehensive media campaigns, and licensing of
ST manufactures.
Conclusions
Our analysis shows that compared to combustible tobacco, there
remain gaps in implementing and compliance with ST control policies in
Bangladesh. Thus, contrary to the decline in ST use and the usual time lag
between tobacco exposure and the development of cancers, the ST-related
disease burden is still on the rise in Bangladesh. Strengthening ST control
at this stage can accelerate this decline and reduce ST related morbidity and
mortality
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