Dust Exposure Associations with Lung Function among Ethiopian Steel Workers

Background: Booming industrial development in Ethiopia, including a growing steel industry, may result in increased prevalence of pulmonary conditions. In this study, we evaluated steel workers’ exposure to dust as well as its potential impact on lung function. Methods: Cross-sectional study of 75 steel workers in Ethiopia, interviewed from April to June 2015. We obtained information on respiratory symptoms and personal protective equipment use via interview and conducted spirometry testing to assess lung function. Dust samples were collected from different factory sections. Correlation analyses were used to assess associations between variables. Results: Maximum dust levels were recorded in the induction furnace, where both galvanized and non-galvanized metals are melted. Steel factory workers with higher levels of particulate matter exposure had increased rate of respiratory symptoms (r = 0.96). Forced vital capacity values showed a strong negative correlation with numbers of years at work (r = –0.86, p = 0.03) and responders age (–0.85, p = 0.49) and weak negative correlation with level of particular matter (PM) (r = –0.02, p = 0.07). Similarly, forced expiratory volume in 1 second was strongly negatively correlated with the number of years of exposure (r = –0.82, p = 0.05) and workers age (r = –0.85, p = 0.08) and weakly negatively correlated with PM level (r = 0.25, p = 0.67). Conclusions: Occupational exposure continues to be a major problem among steel factory workers in Ethiopia and is associated with lung function abnormalities. Ensuring the availability of proper personal protective equipment, regular factory inspections, and training may help mitigate the impact of occupational exposures among these workers

Elimination of Guinea Worm Disease in Ethiopia; current status of the diseases, eradication strategies and challenges to the endgame

Background: Dracunculiasis, also named Guinea Worm Disease (GWD), is one of the diseases listed under Neglected Tropical Diseases caused by a parasitic nematode known as Dracunculus medinensis. Given, its feasibility for eradication, the Guinea Worm Eradication Program (GWEP) was launched in 1980 with the aim of eradicating the disease. This paper reviews the current status of the global Guinea worm eradication in Ethiopia and intervention strategies. Methods: Published papers related to infectious diseases elimination, particularly of GWD were extracted from PubMed, WHO, CDC, and Google Scholar. Of these, the CDC website, WHO online atlas (GW data store) and recent data from EDEP were extensively used. Results: In Ethiopia, the Ethiopian EDEP which was established in 1993 has made remarkable move towards interruption of disease transmission and now the endgame is fast approaching. The EDEP with support mainly from partners has reduced GWD by more than 99% from 1994 to 2015. In 2016, 3 human cases, 14 dogs and 2 baboon infections were reported. Refugee influx from the Republic of South Sudan, increased animal infections with unknown role in transmission of Dracunculiasis, the presence of hard to reach communities and lack of safe water sources in remote non-village areas remain among important challenges at this final stage of GWD eradication in Ethiopia. Conclusion: Eradication strategies encompassing community education for behavioral change including raising awareness towards cash reward for reporting Guniea Worm Disease (GWD) and animal infection, case containment, surveillance systems, provision of safe water supply, and ABATE chemical application are discussed

Pre-harvest host-resistance to Aspergillus infection and aflatoxin B1 contaminations in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) genotypes

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important oil crop in the tropical and sub-tropical countries. Pod and seed coat crack-inducing factors favour Aspergillus species infections and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination of groundnut. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a toxic secondary metabolite of Aspergillus species, remains a global concern due to its human and animal health, and economic impacts. Thus, the study was conducted at Babile in 2018 with the objective to identify groundnut genotypes resistant to pre-harvest fungal infections, aflatoxin contaminations and associated effects in crop physiology. Seventeen advanced groundnut breeding lines including one commercial cultivar (Werer-961), were evaluated using randomized complete block design and completely randomized design under field and with four replications for laboratory experiments, respectively. Aflatoxin B1 analysis was carried out using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kits. Appropriate statistical procedures, including regression, were employed for data analyses. Highly significant (p<0.01) variation existed among the genotypes for A. flavus and A. niger infections, and the AFB1 contamination ranged from 13.98 (G14) to 1990.86 ppb (G12). The more A. flavus infection, the more reduction in harvest yield and seedling vigour. Fortunately, 53 % of the test materials were found to be resistant to AFB1 production, and frighteningly, none of the AFB1 contaminated genotypes were within the acceptable limit of the lenient standard (10 ppb). All in all, the groundnut genotype (G4) was identified as a good source of pre-harvest resistance to A. flavus infection, AFB1 contamination and seedling vigour so that its inclusion in breeding programs is worthwhile utmost, specifically, in the test environment as pathogen-crop-environment interaction is natural. Since the experiment was employed at one location and for only one year, it is suggested to repeat the experiment across multiple locations and over seasons for reliable recommendation

Subcutaneous mycoses: Endemic but neglected among the Neglected Tropical Diseases in Ethiopia.

BackgroundSubcutaneous (deep) mycoses are a chronic infectious disease of the skin and underlying structures endemic in tropical countries. The disease has serious medical and socioeconomic consequences for patients, communities and health services in endemic areas. The inclusion of mycetoma and other subcutaneous mycoses in the list of Neglected Tropical Diseases by WHO highlights the need to assess the burden of these diseases and establish control programs where necessary. In Ethiopia no strategies can be devised because of a lack of epidemiologic information. To address this evidence gap, we performed a national rapid assessment of the geographic distribution of subcutaneous mycoses.MethodologyWe conducted a rapid retrospective assessment using hospital records to identify all suspected and confirmed cases of subcutaneous mycoses in 13 referral hospitals across the country between 2015 and 2022. In each hospital the logbooks were reviewed for diagnoses of subcutaneous mycosess, as diagnosed per routine practice. Descriptive analysis was done.ResultFrom 13 hospitals we extracted 143 cases of subcutaneous mycoses, registered from July 2018 to September 2022. 118 (82.5%) patients were diagnosed as mycetoma, 21 (14.7%) as chromoblastomycosis and the remaining 4 (2.8%) as sporotrichosis. The mean age of patients was 35.8 years (SD = 14.5). 101 (70.6%) patients were male and 96 (67.1%) patients were farmers. 64 (44.8%) cases were from the Tigray regional state. 56 (65.9%) patients had information on diagnostic microscopic evaluation: for mycetoma histopathologic evaluation and fine needle aspiration cytology had a higher positivity rate while for chromoblastomycosis potassium hydroxide (KOH) staining had a better yield. The main clinical presentations were nodules, sinuses and infiltrative plaques on the skin. Radiologic findings of bone involvement was present in some.ConclusionsMycetoma and other subcutaneous mycoses are endemic in Ethiopia, with cases reported from almost all regions with the highest cases numbers reported from the northern part of the country. A routine program and systems should be developed to identify and document the burden of subcutaneous fungal infections in the country. Diagnosis and treatment guidelines should be developed

Ethiopia and its steps to mobilize resources to achieve 2020 elimination and control goals for neglected tropical diseases: Spider webs joined can tie a lion

In June 2013, at the launch of its National Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) Master Plan, the Ethiopian government pledged to achieve WHO NTD elimination and control targets by 2020. With an estimated 80 million people living in areas where one or more NTDs are endemic, this goal presented an enormous challenge for the Federal Ministry of Health. However, as of September 2015, the Federal Ministry of Health has managed to mobilize support to implement mass drug administration in 84% of the trachoma endemic districts and 100% of the endemic districts for onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis, soil-transmitted helminthes and schistosomiasis. The national program still is facing large gaps in its podoconiosis and leishmaniasis programs, and it faces significant other challenges to stay on track for 2020 targets. However, this unprecedented scale-up in support was achieved through significant government investment in NTD interventions and creative coordination between donors and implementing partners, which may provide valuable lessons for other national NTD programs trying to achieve nationwide coverage

Mycetoma and the different body site affected from cases seen in referral hospitals in Ethiopia.

A) Woody hard globular swelling of the left foot with multiple sinuses. B) Infiltrative plaques on the sole of the left foot medially with sinuses and grains. C) Multiple nodules and sinuses on the right upper back extending to the shoulder. D) Hard to rubbery infiltrative plaque on the lower chest and upper abdomen with papules, nodules and sinuses. E) & F) A patient with both buttock and genital involvement. Infiltrative mass on the right buttock with multiple sinuses and hyperpigmented infiltrative involvement of the pubic area of the external genitalia with tumorous enlargement of the labia.</p

Documented microscopic laboratory investigations done and positivity rate for subcutaneous mycoses from data registered from July 2018 to September 2022.

Documented microscopic laboratory investigations done and positivity rate for subcutaneous mycoses from data registered from July 2018 to September 2022.</p

Regional distribution of subcutaneous mycoses in Ethiopia, seen at referral hospitals from data registered from July 2018 to September 2022 (Source Ethio_GIS, 2019).

Regional distribution of subcutaneous mycoses in Ethiopia, seen at referral hospitals from data registered from July 2018 to September 2022 (Source Ethio_GIS, 2019).</p

Fig 3 -

A) Sporotrichosis; swollen ring finger with crusting, nodular lesions on dorsum of hand and wrist linearly arranged. B) Sporotrichosis; infiltrative plaque with satellite papules. C) Chromoblastomycosis; warty papules and nodules covering the lower leg and dorsum of foot. D) Chromoblastomycosis; Ulcer, hemorrhagic crust and warty papules on the lower leg.</p