The bacteriological safety and antimicrobial susceptibility of bacteria isolated from street-vended white lupin (Lupinus albus) in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Whereas street vended foods are readily available sources of meals for many people across the world, the microbial safety of such food is always uncertain. In developing countries the major sources of food-borne illnesses are street vended foods. The aim of this study was thus to assess the prevalence and antibiogram of bacteria from white lupin in Bahir Dar Town.METHODS: A total of 40 samples were processed for detection of indicator bacteria and pathogens from December, 2011 to February, 2012 using standard bacteriological techniques. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method.RESULTS: The total coliform counts were 954.2±385 and 756.2±447.3 at the surface and the core of white lupin, respectively. On the other hand, the fecal coliform counts were 880.9±396.6 and 662.1±461.9 at surface and the core, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in total colifoms and fecal coliform counts between the surface and core of white lupin (p <0.05). Escherichia coli 29 (72.5%), Salmonella spp. 23 (57.5%) and Shigella spp. 8 (20%) were the pathogens isolated. Most bacterial isolates were resistant to tetracycline, cotriamoxazole and erythromycin whereas many of them were sensitive to chloramphenicol, nalidixic acid, gentamicin and ciprofloxacin. The overall multiple antimicrobial resistances rate was 75%.CONCLUSION: This study revealed contamination of white lupin and a potential health to consumers, and the bacteria isolated showed high rates of multiple drug resistance. Surveillance of antimicrobial resistance should be done on food borne pathogens. In addition, further studies should be conducted on the bacteriological quality of waters used for soaking white lupin.Key Words: Coliforms, antimicrobial resistance, pathogens, white lupi

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

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

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

Immunological and hematological reference values for apparently healthy HIV-negative adults in Bahir Dar Town, Ethiopia

Background: Immunological and hematological reference values differ among different human beings with respect to sex, ethnicity, nutrition, altitude and health conditions. These could not be exceptional in the Ethiopian heterogeneous population. However, there are no nationally established reference values.Objective: The aim of the study was to determine reference values of immunological and hematological parameters for apparently healthy HIV-negative adults in Bahir Dar Town.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to June, 2010 in Bahir Dar Town. Adults of both sexes above 18 years of age were recruited from the voluntary HIV counselling and testing centre in Felege Hiwot referral hospital. CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were enumerated using FACS count (Becton Dickinson) and hematological analyses were performed using Cell-DYN 1800 (Abbott Lab. USA).Results: A total of 405 adults consisting of 238 (58.7%) males and 167 (41.3%) females with the median age of 24(range 18 to 60) years were recruited. The median, mean (± SD) and 95% percentile ranges of immunological and hematological values were determined. The mean (±SD) values were: CD4+ T cells, 799 ± 218 (females) and 676 ± 235.6 (males); CD8+ T cells, 582 ±247 (females) and 659.5 ± 343 (males); CD4/CD8, 1.53±0.59 (females) and 1.19 ± 0.49 ( males); erythrocyte counts (1012/liter), 4.9±0.4 (female) and (5.4±0.5 male); hemoglobin (g/dl), 14.7±2 (females) and 16.5±1.8 (males); haematocrit (%), 44±4 (females) and 49±4.5 (males); platelets (109/litre), 277 ± 20 (both sex); absolute leukocyte (WBC) counts 6.6±3.6 x109/liter (both sexes); lymphocyte, 2.15±.59 x109/liter (both sexes); granulocytes (neutrophils), 3.7±1.6 x109/liter (both sexes).Conclusions: Absolute CD4+ T cell counts were lower than the reference value, which Ethiopia has adopted for HIV/AIDS therapy. Females had higher CD4+ T cell counts than males. Thus, considering these differences may be important in the process of using the national ART laboratory guideline for HIV/AIDS therapy. Establishing local reference values could have paramount importance for quality of health care in the clinical management of patients

Bacteriological and physico-chemical quality of drinking water sources in a rural community of Ethiopia

Background: Accesses to safe water is a universal need however, many of the world’s population lack access to adequate and safe water. Consumption of water contaminated causes health risk to the public and the situation is serous in rural areas.Objectives: To assess the bacteriological and physico-chemical quality of drinking water sources in a rural community of Ethiopia.Methods: Water samples were collected from tap, open springs, open dug wells and protected springs for bacteriological analysis of total coliforms and thermotolerant coliforms. The turbidity, pH and temperature were measured immediately after collection.Results: Most drinking water sources were found to have coliform counts above the recommended national and international guidelines and had high sanitary risk scores. There was a statistically significant difference among water sources with respect to TC and TTC (p < 0.05) and there was a statistically significant positive correlation between coliform counts and sanitary risk scores (p < 0.01). Most water sources didn’t satisfy the turbidity values recommended by WHO.Conclusion: The water sources were heavily contaminated which suggested poor protection and sanitation practice in the water sources. Source protection strategies as well as monitoring are recommend for this community.Keywords: Coliforms; physico-chemical; rural community; water qualityAfrican Health Sciences 2013; 13(4): 1156- 116

Antibiogram of E. coli serotypes isolated from children aged under five with acute diarrhea in Bahir Dar town

Background: Diarrheal disease and its complications remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children. The prevalence and antibiogram of E. coli as causative agents of diarrhea vary from region to region, and even within countries in the same geographical area.Objectives: To determine the serotype and antimicrobial susceptibility of E. coli in children under-five years of age.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 422 children with diarrhea from December 2011 to February 2012. Identification of E. coli and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were done following standard procedures.Results: The overall isolation rate of E. coli was 48.3%. Poly 2 sero-groups, poly 3 sero-groups, poly 4 sero-groups and E. coli O157:H7 accounted for 80 (39.2%), 40 (19.6%), 25 (12.3%), and 59 (28.9%) of the isolates, respectively. Poly 2 sero- groups, constituting isolates belonging to enteropathogenic E. coli were the most commonly isolated serotypes. E. coli exhibited high levels of antimicrobial resistance to ampicillin (86.8%), tetracycline (76%) and cotrimoxazole (76%). Low levels of resistance to ciprofloxacin (6.9%) and norfloxacin (9.3%) were documented.Conclusion: High prevalence of diarrheagenic E. coli compounded by alarming antimicrobial resistances is a serious public health problem. Regular determination of antibiogram and public education are recommended.Keywords: E. coli, antimicrobial susceptibility, diarrhea, Ethiopi

Synthesis and characterization of Fe-Al-Mn nanocomposite sorbent for phosphate sorption-desorption study

In this work, we evaluated the potential application of a ternary nanosorbent for predicting phosphate desorption kinetics from soil. Accordingly, ternary mixed oxide nanosorbents with Fe:Al:Mn mole ratios of 3:3:1; 6:3:1 and 2:4:1 were prepared using simultaneous oxidation and coprecipitation methods. The adsorbents were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method, scanning electron microscope (SEM) coupled with EDX (energy dispersive X-ray) and Furrier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The results indicated that the as-synthesized ternary oxides were either amorphous or crystalline depending on the composition from which the composite was formed, with specific surface area ranging from 41.2 to 243 m2g-1. Among the three proportions considered, the one with Fe:Al:Mn in 3:3:1 mole ratio exhibited the highest surface area and was selected for P sorption-desorption studies. Phosphate removal gradually decreased with the increasing of pH from 4 to 10.5. Adsorption isotherms on the adsorbent at pH 6.5 followed the order: Freundlich > Temkin > Dubinin-Radushkevich > Langmuir. At 35 °C, the maximum adsorption capacity for the adsorbent was found to be 49.95 mg g-1. The effect of coexisting anions on phosphate sorption followed the order: SiO32- > CO32– > SO42– > NO3- and this is closely correlated with charge-to-radius ratios of the anions. The kinetic data were described better by the pseudo-second-order adsorption model. The as-obtained nanocomposite sorbent with good specific affinity towards phosphate is a promising adsorbent for soil P desorption studies.               KEY WORDS: Nanostructure, Phosphate, Desorption kinetics, Ternary oxide, Adsorption isotherm Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2018, 32(3), 421-436.DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v32i3.

Incidence and predictors of loss to follow-up among HIV-positive adults in northwest Ethiopia: a retrospective cohort study.

BackgroundDespite the rapid expansion of antiretroviral therapy services, 'loss to follow-up' is a significant public health concern globally. Loss to follow-up of individuals from ART has a countless negative impact on the treatment outcomes. There is, however, limited information about the incidence and predictors of loss to follow-up in our study area. Thus, this study aimed to determine the incidence rate and predictors of loss to follow-up among adult HIV patients on ART.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was undertaken using 484 HIV patients between January 30, 2008, and January 26, 2018, at Debre Markos Referral Hospital. All eligible HIV patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included in this study. Data were entered into Epi-data Version 4.2 and analyzed using STATATM Version 14.0 software. The Nelson-Aalen cumulative hazard estimator was used to estimate the hazard rate of loss to follow-up, and the log-rank test was used to compare the survival curve between different categorical variables. Both bivariable and multivariable Cox-proportional hazard regression models were fitted to identify predictors of LTFU.ResultsAmong a cohort of 484 HIV patients at Debre Markos Referral Hospital, 84 (17.36%) were loss their ART follow-up. The overall incidence rate of loss to follow-up was 3.7 (95% CI 3.0, 5.0) per 100 adult-years. The total LTFU free time of the participants was 2294.8 person-years. In multivariable Cox-regression analysis, WHO stage IV (AHR 2.8; 95% CI 1.2, 6.2), having no cell phone (AHR 1.9; 95% CI 1.1, 3.4), and rural residence (AHR 0.6; 95% CI 0.37, 0.99) were significant predictors of loss to follow-up.ConclusionThe incidence of loss to ART follow-up in this study was low. Having no cell phone and WHO clinical stage IV were causative predictors, and rural residence was the only protective factor of loss to follow-up. Therefore, available intervention modalities should be strengthened to mitigate loss to follow-up by addressing the identified risk factors

Prevalence and predictors of uterine rupture among Ethiopian women: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BackgroundUterine rupture has a significant public health importance, contributing to 13% of maternal mortality and 74%-92% of perinatal mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa, and 36% of maternal mortality in Ethiopia. The prevalence and predictors of uterine rupture were highly variable and inconclusive across studies in the country. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence and predictor of uterine rupture in Ethiopia.MethodsThis systematic review and meta-analysis followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2009 checklist. PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and African Journals Online databases were searched. The Newcastle- Ottawa quality assessment tool was used for critical appraisal. I2 statistic and Egger's tests were used to assess the heterogeneity and publication bias, respectively. The random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence and odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval.ResultsSixteen studies were included, with a total of 91,784 women in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of uterine rupture was 2% (95% CI: 1.99, 3.01). The highest prevalence was observed in the Amhara regional state (5%) and the lowest was in Tigray region (1%). Previous cesarean delivery (OR = 9.95, 95% CI: 3.09, 32.0), lack of antenatal care visit (OR = 8.40, 95% CI: 4.5, 15.7), rural residence (OR = 4.75, 95% CI: 1.17, 19.3), grand multiparity (OR = 4.49, 95% CI: 2.83, 7.11) and obstructed labor (OR = 6.75, 95%CI: 1.92, 23.8) were predictors of uterine rupture.ConclusionUterine rupture is still high in Ethiopia. Therefore, proper auditing on the appropriateness of cesarean section and proper labor monitoring, improving antenatal care visit, and birth preparedness and complication readiness plan are needed. Moreover, early referral and family planning utilization are the recommended interventions to reduce the burden of uterine rupture among Ethiopia women