Prevalence and factors associated with metabolic syndrome in an urban population of adults living with HIV in Nairobi, Kenya

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome affects 20-25% of the adult population globally. It predisposes to cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes. Studies in other countries suggest a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome among HIV-infected patients but no studies have been reported in Kenya. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with metabolic syndrome in adult HIV-infected patients in an urban population in Nairobi, Kenya. Methods: in a cross-sectional study design, conducted at Riruta Health Centre in 2016, 360 adults infected with HIV were recruited. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demography. Blood was collected by finger prick for fasting glucose and venous sampling for lipid profile. Results: Using the harmonized Joint Scientific Statement criteria, metabolic syndrome was present in 19.2%. The prevalence was higher among females than males (20.7% vs. 16.0%). Obesity (AOR = 5.37, P < 0.001), lack of formal education (AOR = 5.20, P = 0.002) and family history of hypertension (AOR = 2.06, P = 0.029) were associated with increased odds of metabolic syndrome while physical activity (AOR = 0.28, P = 0.001) was associated with decreased odds. Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome is prevalent in this study population. Obesity, lack of formal education, family history of hypertension, and physical inactivity are associated with metabolic syndrome. Screening for risk factors, promotion of healthy lifestyle, and nutrition counselling should be offered routinely in HIV care and treatment clinics

Prevalence and spatial distribution of trematode cercariae in vector snails within different agro-ecological zones in Western Kenya, 2016

Introduction: freshwater vector snails' distribution, infection with cercariae, preferred habitat and possible trematodiases transmission foci is not well known in Western Kenya. We sought to determine the distribution and prevalence of infection of snails per agro-ecological zone and environmental factors in vector snail habitats. Methods: we conducted a cross-sectional survey from March, 2016 - May, 2016, harvested and identified snails using shell morphology, determined their infection with trematode cercariae using microscopy, used descriptive statistics to estimate the prevalence of infection and relationship between snail abundance and environmental factors. Results: we sampled a total of 1,678 vector snails from 47 sampling sites of which 42% were Lymnaeid, 23% Biomphalaria, 10% Bulinus, 22% Oncomelaniae and 2% Melanoides. Lower Midland I Ago-Ecological Zones had 44% of the snails and streams from springs had 41% of the snails. Overall, 26.5% (445/1678) (95% CI: 24.4 - 28.6) of the snails shed cercariae. Cercariae were found in 11 (23%) of the sites and in all zones. F. gigantica cercariae were shed by L. natalensis, B. pfeifferi, B. sudanica. Lakeshore had both F. gigantica and S. mansoni cercariae shed by B. sudanica. About 72% (1,202/1,678) of snails were found in water with a pH 6.5 - 7.5. Grass habitat had 54% (912/1,678) of the snails. Conclusion: lymnaeid snails were present in all the zones, while streams from springs and near neutral habitats had most of the snails. Infection with trematode cercariae was noted in all the zones. Trematodiases control should be focused on all zones especially in freshwater streams and lakeshores

Prevalence and spatial distribution of Trematode cercariae in Vector Snails within different Agro-Ecological Zones in Western Kenya, 2016.

IntroductionFreshwater vector snails' distribution, infection with cercariae, preferred habitat and possible trematodiases transmission foci is not well known in Western Kenya. We sought to determine the distribution and prevalence of infection of snails per agro-ecological zone and environmental factors in vector snail habitats.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey from March, 2016 - May, 2016, harvested and identified snails using shell morphology, determined their infection with trematode cercariae using microscopy, used descriptive statistics to estimate the prevalence of infection and relationship between snail abundance and environmental factors.ResultsWe sampled a total of 1,678 vector snails from 47 sampling sites of which 42% were Lymnaeid, 23% Biomphalaria, 10% Bulinus, 22% Oncomelaniae and 2% Melanoides. Lower Midland I Ago-Ecological Zones had 44% of the snails and streams from springs had 41% of the snails. Overall, 26.5% (445/1678) (95% CI: 24.4 - 28.6) of the snails shed cercariae. Cercariae were found in 11 (23%) of the sites and in all zones. F. gigantica cercariae were shed by L. natalensis, B. pfeifferi, B. sudanica. Lakeshore had both F. gigantica and S. mansoni cercariae shed by B. sudanica. About 72% (1,202/1,678) of snails were found in water with a pH 6.5 - 7.5. Grass habitat had 54% (912/1,678) of the snails.ConclusionLymnaeid snails were present in all the zones, while streams from springs and near neutral habitats had most of the snails. Infection with trematode cercariae was noted in all the zones. Trematodiases control should be focused on all zones especially in freshwater streams and lakeshores

Epidemiological characteristics and factors associated with Visceral Leishmaniasis in Marsabit County, Northern Kenya

Introduction: Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is endemic in 14 of the 47 counties in Kenya. An upsurge of VL cases started in March 2017, the number of cases continued rising and by June 2017, 104 cases and 3 deaths had been reported. We conducted an investigation to describe the magnitude and pattern of the outbreak and to assess factors associated with VL infection among the cases. Methods: We conducted a secondary data analysis of VL data from 1st January 2014 to 11th July 2017 obtained from Marsabit county referral hospital and Laisamis Mission Hospitals, with a VL case being defined as any entry with a clinical or laboratory diagnosis of VL. We also conducted a frequency matched case-control study among 76 case-patients and 152 controls. A confirmed case was a person with positive rK39 serology for VL from 1st April 2017 through 11th July 2017; whereas a control was a person within a defined age-category as a case, without signs/symptoms of VL since 1st January 2017, and negative on serology. We calculated attack rates (AR) and case fatality rates (CFR) over the study period. In the case control study, we conducted unconditional logistic regression with adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: A total of 383 records were reviewed, out of which 308(80%) were rK39 positive. Of the 308 confirmed cases. 256 (83%) were males. The overall AR was 169/1000 while AR among children <5 was 149 cases/100000. Overall CFR was 4.2% (13/308). History of travel to VL endemic areas (AOR =3.23, 95% CI 1.63-6.40), being a male (AOR=2.49, 95% CI 1.29-4.81), presence of termites mounds around homesteads (AOR=2.29, 95% CI 1.17-4.47), and residing in rural sub-counties (AOR=2.99, 95% CI 1.26-7.13) were factors independently associated with the VL infection. Conclusion: The burden of Visceral Leishmaniasis is high affecting males and children < 5 years of age. We recommended health education, increase community awareness on Leishmaniasis, indoor residual spraying and intensifying the use of insecticide impregnated bed nets targeting children < 5 years