Journal of Ideas in Health
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Worker falls with impalement by a steel bar that results in a penetrating scrotal injury: a case report
Get PDFBackground: Scrotal injuries constitute the great bulk of genito-urinary traumas. Penetrating scrotal injuries are infrequent when compared to blunts. Moreover, impalement injuries by hard metals are rarer, especially when no permanent harm is left.
Case presentation: A 38-year-old male construction site worker was brought to the accident and emergency (A&E) department after falling from a 3 meters-high building. On arrival, his look was horrific, as a large steel bar was penetrating his right chest causing pneumothorax. A second bar penetrated his scrotum from bottom to up. The patient was frightened by the accident. Vitals were normal, with no signs of major blood loss. The chest trauma was dealt with by the relevant team, while the scrotal injury necessitated emergency surgery. Operatively, the steel bar was found to travel miraculously across the scrotal contents sparing vital structures. Subsequently, the bar was removed leaving no permanent damage. The patient was discharged home uneventfully.
Conclusion: A steel bar might cause an eerily external genital injury that passes throughout the scrotum without notable content damage
Epidemiological survey on the identification of Leishmania spp in rodents and lizards from selected areas across the Rift Valley ecosystem, Tanzania: a pilot study
Get PDFBackground: Rodents and lizards are reservoirs of various infectious pathogens including Leishmania. This study aims to understand species composition of rodents and lizards in relation to leishmaniasis.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between April and May 2022. Sherman live traps were used to collect small mammals, whereas pitfall traps and hand catching were used to collect lizards. Small mammals and lizards were taxonomically identified. Spleen samples were collected separately from each specimen. Spleen impregnated smears were made on microscopic slides, fixed, and stained with 10% Giemsa stain before the cytological assay. Ecological indices were computed using paleontological statistical software.
Results: A total of 303 small mammals were collected, including six rodent genera/species: Mastomys natalensis 198(65.3%); Arvicanthis spp. 73(24.1%); Rattus rattus 9 (3%); Grammomys spp. 3 (1%); Tatera spp. 2 (0.7%); Lemniscomys spp. 1 (0.3%); and one shrew, Crocidura spp. (17, 5.6%). Species diversity was significantly higher in fallow land (p=0.003) and kraal (p<0.0001) than in farmland. Mastomys natalensis demonstrates spatial omnipresence and dominates farmlands. Nine lizards were collected, including Hemidactylus mabouia 7 (77.8%) and Trachylepis striata 2 (22.2%). A total of 21 (6.9%) rodents and 5 (55.5%) lizards demonstrated the presence of Leishmania spp. amastigote-like forms, notably M. natalensis 17(5.6%), Arvicanthis spp. 4(1.3%), Hemidactylus mabouia 4(44.4%) and Trachylepis striata 1(11.1%).
Conclusion: The presence of Leishmania in rodents and lizards indicates a potential reservoir role. Therefore, further research on molecular characterization of Leishmania spp. is warranted
Prevalence and molecular characterization of Bartonella species from rodents and their associated ectoparasites in Kilwa District, Lindi region, Tanzania
Get PDFBackground: Bartonella are facultative Intracellular gram-negative bacteria from the Bartonellaceae family. Several rodents associated with Bartonella species have been known to be transmitted by ectoparasites to animals and humans however, limited information is available about their epidemiology, host, vector, and species specificity, particularly in southern Tanzania. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and molecular characterization of Bartonella species in rodents and their associated ectoparasites in Kilwa district, Southern part of Tanzania.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to capture rodents using Sherman and Wire cage traps. Captured rodents were anesthetized using diethyl ether and dissected to extract spleen tissue. Ectoparasites were identified by examining their morphological features with a stereo microscope aided by ectoparasites identification keys. A total of 138 rodent spleen tissue and 93 pools of ectoparasites were subjected to conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing targeting the gltA gene of Bartonella species.
Results: The overall prevalence of Bartonella species in rodents was 3.62% with a statistically significant difference in prevalence among species (χ² = 12.951, df = 5, p < 0.01) compared to 3.23% in ectoparasites with no significant differences across species (p > 0.05). Bartonella infections were 3.37% in M. natalensis, 3.27% in R. rattus and 50.0% in G. dolichurus. The Laelaps species and Xenopsylla cheopis were found infected by 6.67% and 2.70%, respectively, while Rhipicephalus appendiculatus was not infected by Bartonella species. Sequence analysis of rodents and ectoparasites showed that the obtained sequences in the current study were genetically closely related to Bartonella mastoids from Turkey, Bartonella species from Kenya, and uncultured Bartonella species from South Africa (99.50–99.75% identity).
Conclusion: The detection of Bartonella species in rodents and their associated ectoparasites implies the reservoir role of rodents and vectors in transmitting Bartonella species to humans and animals. The results suggest that further epidemiological studies need to be done to determine whether the identified Bartonella species could be responsible for animal and human cases of febrile illness in an area
Assessing the effectiveness of spinal compared to general anesthesia in scheduled minimally invasive lumbar spine surgeries in a tertiary care hospital in Gujarat, India
Get PDFBackground: Minimally invasive spine surgery (MIS) is increasingly preferred over traditional open surgery due to its advantages. Anesthesia choice plays a key role in surgical outcomes. This study compares spinal anesthesia (SA) and general anesthesia (GA) in patients undergoing scheduled MIS for lumbar spine conditions.
Methods: This prospective randomized study was conducted in Parul Sevashram Hospital, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat, between May 2024 and October 2024. The study included 34 ASA-1 and ASA-2 patients scheduled for one—or two-level MIS, divided into two groups: Group G (GA) and Group S (SA). Preoperative evaluation included demographics, lab tests, and imaging. Intraoperative monitoring covered heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and oxygen saturation. Postoperative assessments included blood loss, satisfaction scores, and complications.
Results: Spinal anesthesia (SA) showed better hemodynamic stability, reduced blood loss (67.5±19.8 ml in Group S vs 73.2±14.9 ml in Group G), and higher satisfaction scores. Surgery duration was shorter in the SA group (89.9±8.2 min in Group S vs 94±7.2 min in Group G), with fewer complications. PACU stay was significantly lower in Group S (134±17.2 min) compared to Group G (175±20.4 min). Postoperative analgesic requirement (Inj Butorphanol) was also less in Group S (5 mg vs 14 mg IV).
Conclusion: Spinal anesthesia is a safe and effective alternative to general anesthesia for MIS, offering better patient outcomes and satisfaction. This study supports the broader use of spinal anesthesia in suitable candidates to improve perioperative care
Serological similarity of Leptospira serovars in livestock and livestock keepers in Ngorongoro conservation area, Tanzania
Get PDFBackground: Leptospirosis is a bacterial zoonotic disease affecting mammals including wildlife, livestock, and humans, with higher prevalence recorded in pastoral communities where close contact between animals and humans increases the risk of transmission. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of Leptospira serovars among livestock and livestock keepers in four selected villages of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), during the wet season.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to April 2022 in four villages within NCA. The convenience sampling technique was recruited to collect blood samples from 141 livestock (96 cattle, 25 sheep, and 20 goats) and 154 livestock keepers. Sera were analyzed using the Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) to diagnose individuals infected by Leptospira serovars. Data were analyzed using SPSS v26 with descriptive and inferential statistics including Chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, and logistic regression.
Results: The overall seroprevalence was 10.64% in livestock and 5.19% in livestock keepers. Cattle had the highest positivity (11.46%) among animals. Hebdomadis was the most frequently detected serovar in livestock, while Grippotyphosa predominated in humans. Oloirobi village recorded the highest human seroprevalence (3.25%) with a statistically significant difference compared to Endulen (p=0.007). Analysis of logistic regression showed no significant associations between seropositivity and sex or age of livestock keepers.
Conclusion: The presence of Leptospira antibodies in both livestock and humans indicates ongoing exposure in the NCA. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions including livestock vaccination programs, improved animal husbandry practices, and increased public health education for livestock keepers to reduce transmission risks and protect both animal and human health
Prevalence and molecular characterization of Myxobolus parasites from freshwater and saltwater fishes in Mwanza and Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
Get PDFBackground: Myxobolus species are Myxosporean parasites affecting various fish, causing diseases that weaken populations and result in substantial economic losses in aquaculture and fisheries. Despite extensive studies in Asia, Europe, and the Americas, there is limited research on Myxobolus in Africa, particularly in Tanzania, where fisheries and aquaculture are vital for fish populations, ecosystem health, and economic growth.
Methods: This study investigated the prevalence and genetic characteristics of Myxobolus parasites in 384 fish samples from Dar es Salaam (Indian Ocean) and Mwanza (Lake Victoria). Samples were examined for cysts and spores using microscopy, followed by molecular characterization through PCR amplification of the 18S rDNA gene, Sanger sequencing, phylogenetic analysis, and genetic distance evaluation.
Results: The overall prevalence of Myxobolus was 12%, with a significantly higher prevalence in Mwanza (21.88%) compared to Dar es Salaam (2.08%). Statistical analysis revealed significant associations between prevalence, fish species, and locality. Phylogenetic analysis identified two genetic lineages within a monophyletic group, clustering with Myxobolus species from Israel, Egypt, and Ghana, suggesting potential novel species. Genetic distance analysis indicated greater variation in saltwater samples compared to freshwater.
Conclusion: These findings highlight the higher prevalence of Myxobolus in freshwater and emphasize the need for targeted management strategies, continued surveillance, and research to safeguard fish populations and sustain aquaculture
Non-medical pathways to cardiovascular health: a discourse analysis of dietary and lifestyle interventions in the United States
Get PDFBackground: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. While conventional medical treatments dominate cardiovascular care, non-medical pathways, such as plant-based dietary patterns and lifestyle modifications, have gained recognition for their potential to complement traditional approaches.
Methods: A qualitative discourse analysis was conducted on peer-reviewed articles published between 2013 and 2023. A systematic search across databases identified 10 studies that met inclusion criteria, focusing on non-medical interventions for reducing CVD risk in U.S.-based populations. Data extraction and thematic synthesis highlighted key patterns related to dietary and lifestyle interventions, cost implications, physiological outcomes, and implementation barriers.
Results: Five key themes emerged from the analysis: (1) Plant-based dietary patterns, including vegetarian and vegan diets, consistently improved blood pressure and lipid profiles. (2) Lifestyle modifications, such as increased physical activity and stress management, enhanced cardiovascular health when integrated into primary care frameworks. (3) Non-medical interventions demonstrated significant improvements in physiological outcomes, including reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. (4) These interventions were cost-effective and scalable, making them viable options for diverse populations. (5) Barriers to implementation included cultural and socioeconomic factors, as well as challenges in sustaining long-term adherence.
Conclusion: Non-medical pathways, particularly plant-based dietary patterns and lifestyle modifications, play a critical role in mitigating cardiovascular disease risks. These approaches not only address key physiological risk factors but also provide cost-effective, accessible, and scalable solutions for diverse populations. Overcoming barriers to implementation through tailored interventions and community-based strategies is essential to ensure their success. Integrating these non-medical pathways into healthcare frameworks could significantly reduce the burden of CVD and promote equitable health outcomes
Predictable yet neglected: a review of Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever outbreaks and response delays in Iraq
Get PDFCrimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) poses a significant and growing public health challenge in Iraq, with outbreaks occurring predictably each year during warmer months and primarily affecting rural, livestock-rearing regions. Despite the known seasonal and geographical patterns, public health responses remain largely reactive and delayed, contributing to higher incidence and case fatalities most notably in the large outbreaks of 2022 and 2023. Factors such as disrupted veterinary services during the COVID-19 pandemic, uncontrolled animal movements, and limited healthcare infrastructure have exacerbated the spread and severity of CCHF. This review highlights the persistent gaps in proactive surveillance, intersectoral collaboration, and preventive measures in Iraq, contrasting them with more effective strategies implemented in neighboring countries. To mitigate future outbreaks, a strengthened One Health approach is urgently needed, incorporating continuous tick and animal surveillance, targeted acaricide treatment, regulation of animal slaughter, and enhanced public education. Improved national coordination and resource allocation are critical to transitioning from a reactionary stance to a sustainable, preventative framework against CCHF in Iraq.
Enhancing neglected tropical diseases awareness through climate change communication in rural Nigeria
Get PDFBackground: Climate change, no doubt, acts as a catalyst for the spread of infectious diseases in Nigeria’s rural communities by altering the habitats of vectors such as mosquitoes and ticks. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies to raise awareness about NTDs in the context of climate change among rural communities.
Methods: The study adopted the convergent parallel mixed research design method. It was 2025 research carried out in six states of North Central, Nigeria plus the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. A four-point Likert scale questionnaire was used as instrument in the collection of quantitative data from 365 respondents in the communities. While interview guide was used as the instrument to collect data from 21 key informants comprising of community leaders, health care givers, and policy makers. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.
Results: Participants from 18 to 56 years and above took part in the study. They constitute 168 male and 197 female. Those with secondary school education were more than those without education, and those with primary school certificates. Findings revealed that participants in the study understood adverse variation in climate connects to disease and public health problems. In addition, participants in the study unanimously agreed (with a mean score of 3.00 and above) that combating NTDs require a participatory approach, which must involve all relevant stakeholders.
Conclusion: Empirical studies on NTDs in Nigeria and other endemic regions show that regardless of government and health institutions efforts toward the mitigation of NTDs, awareness is still a challenge. Therefore, increased sensitization and public involvement are essential policy priorities to sustain progress in NTDs elimination in Nigeria’s rural communities
Patient satisfaction about the primary health care services in Anbar province, Iraq
Get PDFBackground: Patient satisfaction determines care alignment with expectations, encompassing availability, cost, and environment, crucial for service quality. This study aims to investigate key determinants influencing patient satisfaction with Primary Health Care Centers (PHCC) in Anbar province, Iraq.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried from 15th November 2022 till 16th March 2023 across six PHCC using multistage sampling technique. Semi-structured questionnaire was recruited to interview patients. Descriptive and bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify significant factors affecting patients’ satisfaction toward PHCC.
Results: A total of 300 patients were included with mean age of 35.7 (+ 4.2), ranged 15-69 years. The PHCC attained an overall satisfaction rate of 64.7%. Patients voiced discontent primarily with waiting times for consultation (67.3%) and appointment scheduling (60.7%). However, 69.3% were content with the proximity to the PHCC. Doctors\u27 conduct was praised by 82.0% of respondents, yet 56.7% noted a lack of health education programs. Management was appreciated by 70.0%, yet laboratory services were received by only 57.7%. Moreover, 75.0% reported essential drug unavailability, and 54.7% mentioned a lack of medical instruments. Factors associated with patients’ satisfaction were aged less than 40 years old (OR = 3.54, 95% CI: 2.44 to 5.21), being male (OR = 3.76, 95% CI: 2.68 to 6.15), unmarried (OR = 4.01, 95% CI: 3.06 to 8.4) and low educated OR = 2.77, 95% CI: 2.76 to 7.57).
Conclusion: Patients\u27 satisfaction with PHCC is notably linked to proximity, respectful doctor behavior, privacy during examinations, and efficient management. Dissatisfaction arises from appointment scheduling, follow-up, and the unavailability of health education, instruments, and drugs