Mathematical Model and Analysis of Transmission Dynamics of Hepatitis B Virus

Hepatitis B is a potentially life-threatening liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). In this paper, the transmission dynamics of hepatitis B is formulated with a mathematical model with considerations of different classes of individuals, namely immunized, susceptible, latent,infected and recovered class. The role of vaccination of new born babies against hepatitis B and the treatment of both latently and actively infected individuals in controlling the spread are factored into the model. The model in this study is based on the standard SEIR model. The disease-free equilibrium state of the model was established and its stability analyzed using the Routh-Hurwitz theorem. The result of the analysis of the stability of the disease-free equilibrium state shows that hepatitis B can totally be eradicated if effort is made to ensure that the sum of the rate of recovery of the latent class, the rate at which latently infected individuals become actively infected and the rate of natural death must have a lower bound.Comment: 9 pages, 1 figur

Mathematical model for bird flu disease transmission with no bird migration

In this paper a mathematical model for the transmission dynamics of bird flu among birds and humans is presented. The model assumes that there is no migration of birds in the susceptible bird population immediately the disease starts. The model formulated is analyzed using dynamical systems theory . The analysis of the steady state and its stability show that the system will be stable if there is a bound on the growth (birth) of birds in the community (αB). This means that the disease will die out after enough time if there is a bound on the growth rate of birds. We also looked at the endemic flu state and showed that the disease will persist if there is a bound on the infection transition rate from birds to birds (βB).KEY WORDS: Mathematical model, bird – flu disease, transmission, steady state, stabilit

Nurse Executive and Middle Management Leadership Competency Assessment within a Multi-Hospital System

BACKGROUND: Nursing leaders face increasing pressure to meet multiple outcomes and maintain standards of care while protecting the organization from potential financial consequences if standards or goals are not met. To meet the mounting demands, both nurse executives and middle management leaders will require the development of new skill sets not historically included in the job description. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the competencies of nursing leaders at the executive and middle management levels within Norton Healthcare. METHODS: This study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey design to measure Chief Nursing Officer and Nursing Director leadership competencies. RESULTS: The only statistically significant difference between the responses of the CNO and Director groups was regarding their ability to monitor productivity within their departments (p= 0.4). CONCLUSION: Healthcare leaders must have a myriad of leadership competencies in order to maintain quality outcomes and standards of care within highly complex healthcare organizational systems

Human Microsporidial Infections

Microsporidia are eukaryotic, spore forming obligate intracellular parasites, first recognised over 100 years ago. Microsporidia are becoming increasingly recognised as infectious pathogens causing intestinal and extra-intestinal diseases in both immuno-competent and immuno-suppressed patients. They are characterised by the production of resistant spores that vary in size depending on the species; and poses a unique organelle, the polar tubule (polar filament), which is coiled inside the spore as demonstrated by its ultra structure. Other unusual characteristics are the lack of mitochondria and the prokaryotic-like ribosomes, which indicate the primitive nature of the group. Presently there are seven genera, Enterocytozoon, Encephalitozoon, Nosema, Pleistophora, Trachi pleistophora, Brachiola, vittaforma species which have been reported from human hosts as agents of systemic, ocular, intestinal and muscular infections, are described and the diagnosis, treatment, and source of infections discussed

First detection of intestinal microsporidia in Northern Nigeria

Microsporidia are intracellular spore-forming protozoa that are increasingly being recognized as pathogens in humans. Faecal samples were taken from 2250 HIV/AIDS and 1050 HIV-negative patients from Kano and Makurdi in Northern Nigeria, and were investigated for microsporidial infections by Giemsa staining technique (Light microscopy). In Kano, Enterocytozoon bienuesi was detected in 8 (14.17%) and Encephalitozoon intestinalis in 5 (2.60%) out of 192 HIV/AIDS patients screened. A mixed infection of both 0.52% was observed. Results from Makurdi showed that Enterocytozoon bienuesi was detected in 13 (0.65%) and Encephalitozoon intestinalis in 96 (4.78%) out of 2008 HIV/AIDS patients examined. No mixed infection was observed. Microsporidial spores were not found in 1050 HIV-negative patients screened from both areas. There was a significant difference (X2, p<0.05) in infection rates between the HIV/AIDS and HIV-negative patients. This study aimed at detecting the prevalence of intestinal microsporidia to provide baseline data on the status of this disease in Nigeria. Detection of Microsporidia in Immuno-compromised patients has not been described previously in this area

Prevalence of antibodies to Hepatitis C virus among Nigerian patients with HIV infection

Nigeria belongs to the group of countries highly endemic for viral hepatitis; unfortunately information on the prevalence of hepatitis C amongst patients with HIV in Nigeria is very scarce. This hospital-based investigation was conducted at two major hospitals in Jos, Nigeria from June 2002 through May 2003. Serum samples from 490 confirmed HIV infected patients were assayed for the presence of antibodies to HCV, using a third generation enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Twenty eight (5.7%; 95% CI 3.66-7.76%) of the patients had antibodies to HCV. The prevalence of HCV antibodies was higher among the males (7.5%; 95% CI 3.83-11.09%) than the females (4.5%; 95% CI 2.10-6.88%). Statistical analysis showed no significant difference (x2 = 1.917, df =1, p=0.05). Individuals of the age group 41-50 years had the highest prevalence of HCV antibodies (15.4%; 95% CI. 7.37-23.29%), followed by those of age group 31-40 years (7.4%; 95%, CI 3.70-11.20%). A significant difference was observed in the association between age and prevalence of HCV antibodies (x2 = 24.151, df = 4, p =0.05). Early diagnosis of HCV in people with HIV infection is advocated to reduce risk of HCV related advanced liver disease

ON THE EXISTENCE OF A STOCHASTIC MODEL OF TYPHOID FEVER

In this work a stochastic model is developed and analyzed for the dynamics of Typhoid fever. The model includes susceptible, vaccinated, infected, carrier and recovered individuals. The model used in this work is based on a deterministic model. The deterministic model is transformed into a stochastic model and solved numerically using MATLAB. It is shown that the model satisfies the conditions for existence and uniqueness of solution. The simulation result also shows that increased vaccination rate will lead to Typhoid fever reduction and possible extinction. Keywords and phrases: Stochastic model, typhoid fever, transition probability, Wiener process, vaccination

Experiences of African Students in Predominantly White Institutions: A Literature Overview

The objective of this paper is to examine research conducted on the experiences of African health sciences students in predominantly white higher education institutions/environments. The main elements of cross-cultural adaptation models were adopted to discuss the amalgamated themes under the auspices of adjustment, integration, and conditioning. The overview revealed that African students encounter unique experiences, with isolation and &quot;feeling different&quot; being commonly mentioned. Recommendations for future research are presented, including programmatic implications for higher education and student affairs professionals

Prevalence of hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency viruses, and evaluation of risk factors for transmission: Report of a population screening in Nigeria

Background. Hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV are common blood-borne infections unevenly distributed across regions in Nigeria. Few population-based prevalence studies have been done in Nigeria.Objective. To determine the prevalence of HBV, HCV and HIV and risk factors for infection with these viruses in a Nigerian population.Methods. Hepatitis B surface antigen, anti-HCV and HIV were assayed in 1 498 healthy adult participants. A structured questionnaire was used to assess risk factors for viral acquisition. Bivariate analysis was used to compare differences in sociodemographic characteristics. Significant risk factors were identified by stepwise logistic regression. A p-value &lt;0.05 was considered significant.Results. The prevalences of HBV, HCV and HIV were 8.8%, 10.0% and 12.9%, respectively, with urban/rural disparity. HBV/HCV positivity was higher among males than females. The reverse was true for HIV. Age was significantly associated with being HBV-, HCV- or HIV positive. Communal use of a toothbrush was significantly associated with HBV positivity in the final model (odds ratio 2.46, 95% confidence interval 1.45 - 4.18).Conclusions. The prevalence of HBV, HCV and HIV infection is high in Nigeria, with urban/rural disparity. HCV may be more of a public health concern than HBV in some communities. Population-based studies are required to provide vital data to inform optimal national control strategies