Epidemiological, clinical and hematological profiles of visceral leishmaniasis among patients visiting Tefera Hailu Memorial Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia: a 4 year retrospective study

Abstract Visceral leishmaniasis is a major, life-threatening parasitic disease that still remains a serious public health problem in Ethiopia. Understanding the epidemiological, clinical, and hematological profiles of visceral leishmaniasis patients is important for implementing evidence-based control strategies. It is also important for early treatment and to decrease the mortality rate from the disease. Therefore, this study was aimed at assessing the epidemiological, clinical, and hematological profiles of visceral leishmaniasis among patients visiting Tefera Hailu Memorial Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia. A retrospective study was conducted at Tefera Hailu Memorial Hospital from September 2017 to August 2021. Data were collected from the medical records of suspected patients who were tested by the rK39 rapid diagnostic by strictly following standard operating procedures. The data was summarized using Microsoft Excel and analyzed using SPSS 26 version software. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the epidemiological, clinical, and hematological profiles of visceral leishmaniasis patients. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The overall positivity rate for visceral leishmaniasis was 23.4% (132/564). The result of this study indicated a fluctuating yet declining trend in VL over the past 4 years. From a total of 132 VL confirmed cases, the numbers of cases were highest among males (78.0%), those 15–29 years of age (37.1%), and urban residents (89.4%). Furthermore, Abergele (11.0%), Sehala (6.0%), and Ziquala (5.0%) districts had the highest number of VL cases. The major clinical presentations of patients were fever (96.2%), splenomegaly (94.7%), and general weakness (80.3%). With regard to hematological profiles, the most common findings were anemia (86.4%), thrombocytopenia (81.8%), leucopenia (78.8%), neutropenia (74.2%), and pancytopenia (71.2%). In the study area, the VL positivity rate was high. Our findings also concluded that VL causes significant alterations in clinical and hematological parameters. Therefore, the zone health office and other concerned stakeholders should strengthen evidence-based control programs for VL

Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Associated Risk Factors among Food Handlers of Food and Drinking Establishments in Woldia Town, North-East Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background. Food handlers should be screened periodically for intestinal parasitic infections, and they should be treated to reduce intestinal parasite transmission to consumers through contaminated foods and drinks. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal parasitic infection among food handlers in Woldia town, North-East Ethiopia. Method. A community-basedcross-sectional study was conducted among food handlers in Woldia town, North-East Ethiopia. A structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic characteristics and intestinal parasite-associated risk factors. Microscopic examination of a stool sample was performed using wet-mount and formol-ether concentration techniques. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 statistical software packages. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate the association between intestinal parasitic infections and associated risk factors. In all comparisons, P value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Result. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among food handlers in Woldia town was 14.3%. Six different intestinal parasites were detected. The majority of the parasites identified were helminthic infections 37/52 (71%). Ascaris lumbricoides was the most dominant parasite (7.7%), followed by E. histolytica/dispar (2.7%) and G. lamblia (1.4%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that intestinal parasitic infection had a statistically significant association with food handlers’ habits of hand washing without soap after latrine use (P<0.01), swimming habit (P=0.03), and using a common knife (P<0.01). Conclusion. This study revealed a relatively high prevalence of intestinal parasites among food handlers in Woldia town. Strict and standard hygienic and sanitary practices should be implemented by food handlers. Moreover, food handlers should be screened for intestinal parasitic infection, and health education should be given periodically

Burden and seasonal distribution of malaria in Ziquala district, Northeast Ethiopia: a 5-year multi-centre retrospective study

Objective This study was aimed to determine the 5-year trend of malaria positivity rate in Ziquala district, Northeast Ethiopia.Methods Review of blood film reports from health institutions’ laboratory record books using predesigned checklists was done as part of an institution-based retrospective study to assess the 5-year (2016/2017–2020/2021) trend of malaria. To display data and analyse patterns in the trend of malaria over the course of years, months and seasons, descriptive statistics were used. The results of the data analysis were displayed in tables and figures using SPSS V.26.0. P values under 0.05 were considered as statistically significant for all comparisons.Results A total of 46 365 blood films from malaria suspected individuals were diagnosed using microscopy over the last 5 years. Of the diagnosed individuals, 14 429 (31.1%) were confirmed positive for Plasmodium infection. Plasmodium falciparum (59.7%) and Plasmodium vivax (37.0%) were the dominant species. The positivity rate of mixed infection (P. falciparum and P. vivax) was 3.3%. The maximum (3598; 29.6%) and minimum (2085; 29.1%) number of cases were reported in 2019/2020 and 2020/2021, respectively. Of the total cases, 9206 (63.8%) were in males. Moreover, the highest malaria positivity rate was observed in the age group of 15–45 (4040; 28.0%). Among the six health facilities, Ziquala district hospital had the highest malaria positivity rate (35.8%), followed by Tsitsika health centre (27.3%) and Mishra health centre (14.2%).Conclusion With P. falciparum being the most common species, malaria remains a severe public health threat in the district. Therefore, the district health office and other concerned bodies should strengthen and implement evidence-based malaria prevention and control measures

Association of S. mansoni intensity of infection with hematological and biochemical profiles of patients and healthy controls.

Association of S. mansoni intensity of infection with hematological and biochemical profiles of patients and healthy controls.</p

Biochemical profiles of <i>S</i>. <i>mansoni</i> infected adults and healthy controls at Haik Primary Hospital, North-East Ethiopia, from February to April 2021.

Biochemical profiles of S. mansoni infected adults and healthy controls at Haik Primary Hospital, North-East Ethiopia, from February to April 2021.</p

Malaria surveillance, outbreak investigation, response and its determinant factors in Waghemra Zone, Northeast Ethiopia: unmatched case–control study

Abstract Malaria is a major global public health concern, with around half of the world's population at risk of infection. It is one of the most common epidemic-prone diseases, resulting in on-going epidemics and significant public health problems. On September 12, 2022, Waghemra Zone malaria monitoring data revealed that the district was suffering an unusually high number of malaria cases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of malaria outbreaks and investigate contracting factors in Waghemra Zone, Northeast Ethiopia. A community-based case–control study with a 1:1 ratio was employed at Waghemra Zone from September 14 to November 27, 2022. A total of 260 individuals (130 cases and 130 controls) were included in the study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Malaria cases were confirmed by either microscopy or malaria rapid diagnostic tests. The magnitude of the outbreak was described by place, person, and time. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify malaria risk factors. A total of 13,136 confirmed cases of malaria were detected in the Waghemra zone, with an overall attack rate of 26.5 per 1000 and slide positivity rate was 43.0%. The predominant species was Plasmodium falciparum accounting for 66.1%. Children under five years old (AOR = 5.1; 95% CI 2.6–23.0), the presence of artificial water-holding bodies (AOR: 2.7; 95% CI 1.340–5.420), intermittent rivers closer to the living house (AOR = 4.9; 95% CI 2.51–9.62), sleeping outside a home (AOR = 4.9; 95% CI 2.51–9.62), and a lack of knowledge about malaria transmission and prevention (AOR: 9.7; 95% CI 4.459–20.930) were factors associated with malaria contraction. The overall attack rate for malaria during this outbreak was high. Children less than five years, the presence of mosquito breeding sites, staying outdoors overnight, and a lack of knowledge on malaria transmission and prevention were predictors of malaria. Early management of local vector breeding places, as well as adequate health education on malaria transmission and prevention methods, should be provided to the community to prevent such outbreaks in the future

Hematological profiles of <i>S</i>. <i>mansoni</i> infected study participants visiting Haik Primary Hospital, North-East Ethiopia, from February to April 2021.

Hematological profiles of S. mansoni infected study participants visiting Haik Primary Hospital, North-East Ethiopia, from February to April 2021.</p

Prevalence of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae from human clinical samples in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Introduction Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae are by far the most public health and urgent clinical problems with antibiotic resistance. They cause longer hospital stays, more expensive medical care, and greater mortality rates. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to indicate the prevalence of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in Ethiopia. Methods This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Electronic databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHL, Wiley Online Library, African Journal Online, Science Direct, Embase, ResearchGate, Scopus, and the Web of Sciences were used to find relevant articles. In addition, the Joanna Briggs Institute quality appraisal tool was used to assess the quality of the included studies. Stata 14.0 was used for statistical analysis. Heterogeneity was assessed by using Cochran’s Q test and I2 statistics. In addition, publication bias was assessed using a funnel plot and Egger’s test. A random effect model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence. Sub-group and sensitivity analysis were also done. Results The overall pooled prevalence of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in Ethiopia was 5.44% (95% CI 3.97, 6.92). The prevalence was highest [6.45% (95% CI 3.88, 9.02)] in Central Ethiopia, and lowest [(1.65% (95% CI 0.66, 2.65)] in the Southern Nations and Nationalities People Region. In terms of publication year, 2017–2018 had the highest pooled prevalence [17.44 (95% CI 8.56, 26.32)] and 2015–2016 had the lowest [2.24% (95% CI 0.87, 3.60)]. Conclusion This systematic review and meta-analysis showed a high prevalence of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae. So, to alter the routine use of antibiotics, regular drug susceptibility testing, strengthening the infection prevention approach, and additional national surveillance on the profile of carbapenem resistance and their determining genes among Enterobacteriaceae clinical isolates are required. Systematic review registration PROSPERO (2022: CRD42022340181)

Factors associated with treatment outcomes of COVID-19 confirmed patients in North-Eastern Ethiopia.

Factors associated with treatment outcomes of COVID-19 confirmed patients in North-Eastern Ethiopia.</p