Journal of Ideas in Health
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Seroprevalence and risk factors for brucellosis in cattle and rodents in Kilosa district, Morogoro, Tanzania
Get PDFBackground: Brucellosis is a global zoonosis caused by gram-negative bacteria that affects a diverse array of hosts including humans, domestic animals as well as wild animals such as cattle (B. abortus), goats, and sheep (B. melitensis), pigs (B. suis), and rodents (B. neotomae), and results in financial setbacks in the livestock industry. This study aimed to identify risk factors and estimate the seroprevalence of brucellosis in cattle and rodents in Kilosa district, Tanzania.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2023 to March 2023, cattle were randomly selected and rodents were trapped using Sherman, wire cages, and havahart traps. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein and heart of the cattle and rodents, respectively. Sera were harvested from the collected blood and stored at – 20 ºC. All the sera were screened for brucella antibodies using the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and confirmed by competitive Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (c-ELISA). The risk factors were captured using a structured questionnaire and analyzed by computing the Chi-square test and generalized linear model.
Results: The seroprevalence of brucellosis was found to be 5.31% in cattle (95% CI: 0.0286-0.089) and 0.72% in rodents (95% CI: 0.0002-0.0397). A significant association was observed between grazing style and brucellosis seropositivity in cattle, with cattle that grazed together with sheep and goats having significantly higher odds of seropositivity (OR=6.5; 95% CI: 1.74-42.17, **p < 0.01).
Conclusion: The detection of Brucella antibodies in both species indicates ongoing transmission and potential risk to public health. Our findings suggest that rodents may serve as reservoirs of brucellosis, contributing to its persistence and spread. Further research is essential to characterize the specific brucella species circulating among cattle and rodents and to understand the dynamics of interspecies transmission
Prevalence of burnout among medical students at Al-Nahrain University, Iraq: a cross-sectional study
Get PDFBackground: Medical students suffer from high levels of academic exhaustion, negative positions, and insufficient feelings about the academy. This study aims to estimate the rate of burnout among medical students and the related factors.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from 1st March to 30th April 2023 at the medical college, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq. A self-administered standard Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey Questionnaire was recruited to assess the burnout level depending on emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and professional efficacy questions. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were used to find out the association between variables.
Results: Out of 515 medical students surveyed, 59.2% were females, and 31.7% lived in dormitories. Most were in their fourth year (32.6%), and 82.3% were non-smokers. About 12.6% had chronic illnesses, and 15.5% took regular medication. Stressful life events affected 65.2%, while 68.2% passed the last course. Over half (56.1%) slept less than eight hours daily, and only 21.7% exercised regularly. Among the sample involved in the study, 221 (42.9%) were suffering from a high burnout level. There was significant high burnout among females, who intake regular medication, were exposed to stress, failed in the last course, and those without regular exercise at P-values equal 0.01, 0.03, 0.002, < 0.001, and < 0.001 respectively.
Conclusion: In conclusion, female gender, exposure to stress, the use of regular medications, academic failure, and aerobic lack are more likely related to high levels of burnout
Biofilm formation and virulence factors in streptococcus pyogenes isolated from pharyngitis patients: implications for diagnosis and treatment
Get PDFBackground: Streptococcus, including Streptococcus pyogenes, causes infections from mild to severe. Understanding biofilm formation and virulence is crucial due to high mortality. This study aims to assess the biofilm production capabilities of different Streptococcus species isolated from patients with suspected pharyngitis. Specifically, it examines the correlation between biofilm formation and the bacterial virulence of Streptococcus pyogenes.
Methods: A total of 100 throat swabs were collected and cultured on selective media, specifically 5% defibrinated sheep blood agar and azide blood agar. Identification of isolates was achieved using the Vitek2 System and confirmed through 16S rRNA gene amplification and sequencing, utilizing specific primers. The nucleotide sequences were compared to reference databases to ensure accurate identification. Biofilm production was evaluated using the Congo Red Agar method and the Microtiter Plate Test, categorizing isolates based on their production capacity.
Results: The results revealed a high bacterial growth rate of 89.0%, with Streptococcus pyogenes being the most prevalent isolate (28.6%), followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus viridans. Significant variations in biofilm production were observed, with Streptococcus pyogenes exhibiting a strong correlation with significant biofilm formation, suggesting its potential enhanced virulence and increased resistance to treatments.
Conclusion: The findings highlight the critical role of biofilm formation in the virulence of Streptococcus pyogenes and underscore the need for integrating biochemical, molecular, and phenotypic methods for accurate bacterial identification and understanding of their pathogenic mechanisms. The use of molecular methods such as 16S rRNA sequencing provides a robust framework for the identification and characterization of these pathogens, contributing essential insights into the clinical implications of bacterial biofilm formation and informing improved management strategies against Streptococcus-related infections
knowledge, attitude, and practice on brucellosis among livestock keepers in Kilosa district, Tanzania
Get PDFBackground: Brucellosis is a contagious bacterial zoonotic disease that is primarily caused by Brucella species. The current study aims to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice towards brucellosis among livestock keepers in Kilosa District-Tanzania.
Methods: The cross-sectional study design was employed from February to March 2023 in Kilosa district, Tanzania. A semi-structured questionnaire was employed to evaluate participants\u27 knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to brucellosis. Collected data were analyzed by using (Microsoft) MS Excel, and the chi-squared test.
Results: A total of 150 randomly selected livestock keepers participated in the study, with the majority being male. Participants’ ages ranged from 20 to 70 years. While 138 out of 150 (92%) had heard about brucellosis, only 18 (12%) demonstrated good knowledge of its transmission between livestock and from livestock to humans. Most respondents (80%) were aware of the disease\u27s clinical signs, identifying abortion in animals and headaches in humans as primary symptoms. Regarding attitudes and practices, 52 (34.7%) strongly agreed that brucellosis is a serious disease in livestock, but only 20 (13%) considered it a significant health threat to humans. Alarmingly, 138 (92%) reported consuming unboiled raw or soured milk. A statistically significant difference was observed in knowledge levels based on sex and education, with a p-value (**p < 0.01) for each variable. These findings highlight gaps in knowledge and risky practices that may contribute to the spread of brucellosis among livestock and humans.
Conclusion: This study has shown that there is little understanding and poor attitudes and practices towards brucellosis among livestock keepers in the Kilosa district. This can be addressed by providing community awareness campaigns about zoonotic diseases including brucellosis
The impact of water vapor thermal therapy of the prostate (rezūm) on sexual functions: a narrative review
Get PDFBackground: Senile prostate enlargement is an age-related condition. Many sexually active patients fear formal prostate surgeries owing to their negative impact on sexual performance. Minimally invasive procedures, including prostate water vapor thermal therapy (Rezūm®), were devised to make ends meet. This study aims to present a comprehensive narrative synthesis about the impact of prostate water vapor therapy on sexual functions.
Methods: A narrative literature review was performed in May 2023, using MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Ovid-Embase, Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar; for the MeSH term “rezum AND sexual functions”. Selected reports were published articles from 2018 to date (the last 5 years). Only open-access journals in English were analyzed. Efforts were made to focus on the 2 main domains of sexual functions; erection and ejaculation.
Results: As per the concise MeSH term “rezum AND sexual functions”, a score of 207 hits appeared on the initial search. After eliminating duplicate and irrelevant papers, only 7 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were subjected to analysis. The analyzed articles were critically appraised to point out the studies` strengths and limitations. The gathered data were found to be consistent with one another as no outliers were detected.
Conclusion: Water vapor thermal therapy of the prostate showed satisfying preservation of erectile function with minimal ejaculatory dysfunction
Community knowledge, attitudes, and practices about toxoplasmosis in Unguja Island, Tanzania
Get PDFBackground: Toxoplasmosis is among the globally neglected zoonotic diseases caused by Toxoplasma gondii. Humans get infected after ingesting or coming into contact with oocysts from the feces of infected cats. Illiteracy about the infection is one of the significant risk factors for its transmission. The study aimed to determine the community knowledge, attitudes, and practices that influence toxoplasmosis transmission in Unguja Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania.
Methods: The study used a cross-sectional design, which was done from February to April 2023. Semi-structured questionnaires collected data on 139 respondents\u27 demographics, practices, knowledge, and attitudes regarding toxoplasmosis. The chi-square test was used to assess the statistical association between variables at a p-value of < 0.05.
Results: Out of 139 recruited respondents, only 18.0% of respondents were aware of Toxoplasmosis. The study revealed several risk factors for Toxoplasmosis transmission, whereby 63.1% of the cat owners didn\u27t deworm their cats regularly, 70.8% didn\u27t clean the cat kennels, and 53.1% didn\u27t wash their hands after cleaning kennels and touching a cat. Furthermore, out of all respondents, about two-thirds didn\u27t drink treated water and 87.8% ate raw vegetables as salads. The study revealed both negative and positive attitudes concerning Toxoplasmosis, where 64.7% of respondents thought that cats cannot transmit pathogens to humans and 66.2% did not agree with people interacting with stray cats, respectively. There was an association of awareness of the disease\u27s existence with high education levels (P value = 0.001) and sex (females) (P = 0.002).
Conclusion: The study revealed a low awareness of the existence of the infection despite the higher interaction of cats with humans in the study area. We recommend the provision of public health education focusing on how the disease is transmitted, the relationship of the disease with cats, the management of cat feces, clinical signs of the disease, its treatment, and control
Leptospira infection of rodents captured at the slaughterhouses and their risk to public health in Unguja island, Tanzania
Get PDFBackground: Leptospira infection is an invasion of animal or human body with the pathogenic spirochete bacteria of the genus Leptospira resulting to a disease called leptospirosis. This study aimed to investigate Leptospira infection and the carrier status of rodents caught near slaughterhouses at Unguja Island, Tanzania.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from January to April 2022 at Unguja Island to determine the seroprevalence of Leptospira infection in rodents captured in and around the slaughterhouse’s compounds. A total of 302 sera samples from four slaughterhouses were tested for anti-leptospiral antibodies using microscopic agglutination test (MAT) with a panel of 5 Leptospira serovars: Pomona, Lora, Hebdomadis, Grippotyphosa and Sokoine; and were considered positive at MAT titer ≥1:20. Chi-square test and the Fisher exact test were used to assess the statistical association between variables at a p value of < 0.05.
Results: The overall seroprevalence of Leptospira infection in rodents was 10.6% (32/302). Individual rodent species had seroprevalence of 8.5% for Mus musculus, 0.0% for Mastomys natalensis, 20.8% for Rattus norvegicus, 9.3% for Rattus rattus and Cricetomys gambianus at 12.5%. However, the apparent seroprevalence in the individual slaughter facilities was 15.0% (15/100) Kinyasini, 10.4% (5/48) Mfenesini, 9.3% (5/54) Kisakasaka, and 7.0% (7/100) Muwanda.
Conclusion: With over ten percent of rodents testing positive for Leptospira infection, it is crucial to implement rodent control measures to prevent the spread of the disease to those working in or around the slaughterhouses in Unguja Island
The penetration, possibility of protection and treatment of COVID-19
Get PDFThe COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the novel SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, has had an unprecedented global impact, highlighting the urgent need to understand the virus\u27s penetration mechanisms, prevention methods, and the most effective treatment strategies. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge and emerging developments in these areas. Firstly, the review examines the intricate pathways through which SARS-CoV-2 penetrates host cells. It explores the viral entry receptors, including angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), and highlights the potential involvement of other receptors. Additionally, the review delves into the processes of viral replication, shedding light on the viral kinetics and factors influencing transmissibility. Secondly, the review presents an in-depth analysis of the various measures employed to protect individuals and communities from SARS-CoV-2 infection. It discusses the effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions, such as physical distancing, mask-wearing, and hand hygiene, in reducing transmission. Furthermore, the review explores the development and deployment of vaccines, including traditional approaches and novel vaccine platforms, examining their efficacy, safety, and the challenges posed by emerging variants. Lastly, the review provides an overview of the current treatment strategies for COVID-19. It evaluates the effectiveness of antiviral drugs, immunomodulatory therapies, and supportive care approaches in managing the disease. By gaining a deeper understanding of these aspects, we can contribute to the development of evidence-based interventions and improve global health outcomes in the face of COVID-19 and future pandemics.
Insights into substance abuse knowledge and attitudes among high school students in Anbar Province, Iraq
Get PDFBackground: The high prevalence of substance use among children and adolescents has become a major global public health concern. This study aims to explore adolescents\u27 knowledge and attitudes toward substance abuse.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2nd to February 15th, 2023 in Ramadi City, Anbar Province, Iraq. Students from eight high schools participated, selected through a multistage sampling approach. The bivariate analysis included independent sample t-tests and one-way ANOVA. Furthermore, a multivariable linear regression analysis was employed to predict factors influencing knowledge and attitudes. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 16.
Results: The study included 415 students, with a mean age of 16.7 (±9.3) years, with a majority being male (52.8%). Accuracy rates for knowledge and attitude were 79.6% and 70.2%, respectively. About 79.3% of participants were familiar with terms related to drug abuse in Iraq. Regression analysis showed that higher knowledge scores were linked with male gender and a household income exceeding IQD 600,000 monthly (95% CI:1.311 to 2.923; P <0.001; and 95% CI:1.072 to 2.331; P =0.001), respectively. Attitudes toward drug abuse prevention were influenced by male participants and students with employed fathers (95% CI:1.245 to 4.302; P=0.025; and 95% CI: 2.073 to 6.737; P=0.032), respectively.
Conclusion: In conclusion, most of the students had sufficient knowledge and a constructive attitude toward drug use. Male gender, high income, and employed fathers were the main predictors
Cestodes fauna of silvery mole rats (Heliophobius Argentiocinereus Emini) in Morogoro Region, Tanzania
Get PDFBackground: Silvery mole rat (Heliophobius Argentiocinereus) is a subterranean rodent widely distributed throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. They have been reported to host several gastrointestinal parasites, however, the status of parasites from these rats in Tanzania has not been widely studied. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of cestodes parasites in silvery mole rats from the Morogoro region.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Mlali and Mji mkuu wards of the Mvomero and Morogoro urban districts in Tanzania, from March to June 2023. Silvery mole rats were collected through manual excavation of their burrows in agri-ecological areas. The captured rats were euthanized using Diethyl Ether and dissected to remove the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). GIT contents were gathered. Adult worms were collected and preserved in 70.0% ethanol. A flotation and aceto-carmine staining techniques were employed to process gastrointestinal contents and adult tapeworms respectively. Both cestode eggs and adult tapeworms were identified based on general morphological features using taxonomic keys. The prevalence of cestodes was computed, and a chi-square test was applied to assess association, a p-value≤ 0.05 was considered significant.
Results: One hundred thirty-seven silvery mole rats were collected, adult females 65% (89/137) were dominant among collected rats. One species of gastrointestinal cestode was detected with an overall prevalence of 20.44% (28/137) and identified as Hymenolepis diminuta. A total of 392 adult worms and 1450 eggs per gram (EPG) for H. diminuta were collected from the gastrointestinal tract. A significant association was shown between cestodes infection with both host age and reproductive category (p< 0.05).
Conclusion: This study has established that Hymenolepidae (H. diminuta) is prevalent in silvery mole rats of the Morogoro region, suggesting that this animal could be among the sources of hymenolepiasis disease in the community. Therefore, further studies are needed to investigate cestodes fauna in community members of the respective study area