scholarly journals High Prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum Infection in Asymptomatic Individuals from the Democratic Republic of the Congo

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dieudonné Makaba Mvumbi ◽  
Thierry Lengu Bobanga ◽  
Pierrette Melin ◽  
Patrick De Mol ◽  
Jean-Marie Ntumba Kayembe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Democratic Republic Of Congo ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Blood Collection ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Asymptomatic Malaria ◽  
Asymptomatic Carriers ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Asymptomatic Individuals

Malaria remains a major public health problem in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with 14 million cases reported by the WHO Malaria Report in 2014. Asymptomatic malaria cases are known to be prevalent in endemic areas and are generally untreated, resulting in a significant source of gametocytes that may serve as reservoir of disease transmission. Considering that microscopy certainly underestimates the prevalence of Plasmodium infections within asymptomatic carriers and that PCR assays are currently recognized as the most sensitive methods for Plasmodium identification, this study was conducted to weigh the asymptomatic carriage in DRC by a molecular method. Six provinces were randomly selected for blood collection in which 80 to 100 individuals were included in the study. Five hundred and eighty blood samples were collected and molecular diagnosis was performed. Globally, almost half of the samples collected from asymptomatic individuals (280/580; 48.2%) had Plasmodium infections and the most species identified was P. falciparum alone in combination with P. malariae. The high prevalence reported here should interpellate the bodies involved in malaria control in DR Congo to take into account asymptomatic carriers in actions taken and consider asymptomatic malaria as a major hurdle for malaria elimination.

scholarly journals Cysticercosis in the Democratic Republic Of Congo

2012 ◽  
Vol 79 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Dorny ◽  
C. Kabwe ◽  
K. Kirezi ◽  
K. Lukanu ◽  
P. Lutumba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Democratic Republic Of Congo ◽  
Taenia Solium ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Republic Of Congo ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Joint Study ◽  
Patients With Epilepsy ◽  
Infectious Etiology

Cysticercosis, caused by Taenia solium eggs, is a zoonotic disease whose consequences can be severe especially in the cerebral localisation (neuorcysticercosis). Indeed, neurocysticercosis is the first cause of epilepsy amongst the infectious etiology group. Following the increase of epilepsy cases in Kinshasa and Bas-Congo, it was important to assess the fraction attributable to neurocysticercosis especially as data on cysticercosis in Democratic Republic Of Congo (DRC) dating from 1970.A joint study between veterinary and human doctors was conducted in the provinces of Bas-Congo and Kinshasa between 2008 and 2010. Blood samples were collected from the general population, patients with epilepsy and pigs. These samples were analysed using ELISA antigen in the laboratory of the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp. Patients positive to ELISA antigen took the CT scan exam for the confirmation of neurocysticercosis. In the province of Kinshasa, of 530 epileptic patients, 6.3% were identified as neurocysticercosis cases. Out of a total of 498 pigs, 38.9% were positive for cysticercosis. In the province of Bas- Congo, of 943 inhabitants from Malanga village, 21.6% were positive with predominance in males (26.4% versus 17.5%). A total of 145 pigs from 5 villages were examined and 41.2% found positive.We can conclude that cysticercosis in the DRC has been neglected for a long time and cysticercosis could be a real major public health problem. Prospective studies addressing the consequences of cysticercosis in communities are needed in order to prevent epilepsy due to neurocysticercosis.

The Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency in Iran: A Literature Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. 1015-1027
Author(s):  
Mohammad Bagherniya ◽  
Zahra Khorasanchi ◽  
Mina S. Bidokhti ◽  
Gordon A. Ferns ◽  
Mitra Rezaei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Medical Condition ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Vitamin D Levels ◽  
High Prevalence

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is a common medical condition worldwide. In Iran, it has been reported that between 30-90% of people have vitamin D deficiency. However, its distribution in different parts of the country and among different age and regional groups is unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to review the recent literature on vitamin D deficiency in Iran. Methods: The literature review was performed using Web of Science, PubMed-Medline, Scopus and Scientific Information Database (SID) with a cut-off date of November 2016 to identify articles on vitamin D status in Iran published in the last 10 years. Studies in English and Persian that reported vitamin D levels in male and female subjects of all age groups and in healthy populations were included. Results: From 325 studies that were initially retrieved, 82 articles met the inclusion criteria. A high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was reported, and in some regions, this was reported as >90% and was found in all age groups and in all regions of Iran. Conclusion: This review highlights the very high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Iran. It will be important to recognize the importance of vitamin D deficiency as a major public health problem in Iran.

scholarly journals A high prevalence of potential HIV elite controllers identified over 30 years in Democratic Republic of Congo

EBioMedicine ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 65 ◽  
pp. 103258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael G. Berg ◽  
Ana Olivo ◽  
Barbara J. Harris ◽  
Mary A. Rodgers ◽  
Linda James ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Democratic Republic Of Congo ◽  
Elite Controllers ◽  
Republic Of Congo ◽  
High Prevalence

Relationship between levels of salivary cortisol with depression and suicidal ideation

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S2) ◽  
pp. 1631-1631 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. De Usabel Guzmán ◽  
M.J. Mota Rodríguez ◽  
A. Pampin Alfonso ◽  
J.B. Brenlla Gonzalez ◽  
M.J. Núñez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Salivary Cortisol ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Santiago De Compostela ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Cortisol Levels ◽  
The Relationship

IntroductionSuicide is a major public health problem in most of the countries because it has a high prevalence in young people. It has been studied that high levels of cortisol are associated with depression and increase of the suicidal risk.ObjectiveTo analyze the relationship between cortisol levels in a population of university students and the questionnaire results for the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).MethodThe sample was composed by 106 students of the Nursing School of Santiago de Compostela University. The 88.7% of the sample are women with a mean age of 21.50 + /−2.52, the 99% are unmarried. The protocol consisted in 3 sections: demographic variables, BDI questionnaire with spanish scale and determination of salivary cortisol levels. Statistical analysis was done with SPSS 15.ResultsThe are higher levels of salivary cortisol in students with a greater or equal score to 13 on the BDI with statistically significances differences (p = .000). Students with suicidal ideation (item 9 of the BDI) have highest rates of cortisol, with statistically significant differences (p = 0.001).ConclusionsThis study supports other researchs about the association between biological neuroendocrine markers and affective disorders. Explaining suicidal behavior could help us to prevent it by using early intervention strategies for vulnerable populations. They could also identify markers to establish the risk of suicide.

scholarly journals Prevalence of anemia among pregnant women in rural Koppal: a study from teaching hospital, Koppal, India

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (9) ◽  
pp. 3792 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seema B. N.
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Peripheral Blood Smear ◽  
Poverty Line ◽  
World Health ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Severe Anemia ◽  
Mild Anemia ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Prevalence Of Anemia

Background: Anemia is the nutritional deficiency disorder and 56% of all women living in developing countries are anaemic according to World Health Organization. India has the highest prevalence of anaemia and 20% of total maternal deaths are due to anemia. To determine the prevalence of anemia and factors influencing its causation among pregnant women.           Methods: This is the study of 1769 pregnant women which was conducted in a rural population of Koppal district, Karnataka, India, from June 2016 to November 2016 i.e. a period of 6 months. This longitudinal prospective observational study was conducted in the district hospital of Koppal. Anemia was classified as per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) criteria. The diagnosis of anemia was undertaken by peripheral blood smear examination and standard hemoglobin estimation by shale’s method.Results: The average age of pregnant women was 23.5 years, ranging between 18 and 40 years. Most of the women belonged to below poverty line (BPL) families (84.6%) and Hindu religion (98%). Regarding education, 28.9% were illiterates. The mean haemoglobin level was found to be 8.95. Prevalence of anemia was 96.5% among the pregnant females in this region of rural Koppal. Out of these 22.47% had mild anemia, 56.30% had moderate anemia, 14.98% had severe anemia and 2.73% very severe anemia according to ICMR classification of anemia.Conclusions: High prevalence of anemia among pregnant women indicates anemia to be a major public health problem in the rural community and indicates strict implementation of National Nutrition Anemia prophylaxis programme. Factors such as socioeconomic status, education, birth interval, and gravida contribute to this high prevalence.

scholarly journals Epidemiology of Chagas' heart disease

1995 ◽  
Vol 113 (2) ◽  
pp. 742-749 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dalva Marli Valério Wanderley ◽  
Fernando M.A. Corrêa
Keyword(s):  
Chagas Disease ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Control Program ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Urban Migration ◽  
Urban Centers ◽  
Premature Deaths ◽  
The Social ◽  
Chagas Heart Disease

Chagas' disease is a major public health problem in Latin America. About 16 million persons are affected and 90 million others are exposed to the risk of being infected by the parasite. The knowledge of epidemiological aspects of the disease allowed to delineate the strategies for the control of the disease related with the vectorial transmission. However, these strategies have had no priority in all endemic countries. Rural-urban migration in most endemic areas carried infected individuals to urban centers increasing the problem of Chagas' disease by blood transfusion. In Brazil the control program has reached good results in the last years and in several states the vectorial transmission was controlled. More recently, hemotherapic practices are performed using screening procedures but this practice must be improved in order to eliminate the possibility of Chagas' disease transmission by another ways (congenital, accidental, oral, etc.). An adequate health care to the infected persons must be improved in order to diminish the social costs of the severe cardiopathy which has been responsible for the adults premature deaths.

scholarly journals High Prevalence of Thyroid Dysfunction Among Pregnant Women in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo

Thyroid ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 568-575 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurence Habimana ◽  
Kabange E. Twite ◽  
Chantal Daumerie ◽  
Pierre Wallemacq ◽  
Philippe Donnen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Thyroid Dysfunction ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Democratic Republic Of Congo ◽  
Republic Of Congo ◽  
High Prevalence

scholarly journals Improvement of SCD morbimortality in children: experience in a remote area of an African country

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Benoît Mukinayi Mbiya ◽  
Didier Kalenda Kalombo ◽  
Yannick Nkesu Mukendi ◽  
Valery Daubie ◽  
John Kalenda Mpoyi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sickle Cell Disease ◽  
Sickle Cell ◽  
African Country ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Democratic Republic Of Congo ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Cell Disease ◽  
Republic Of Congo ◽  
Reference Center

Abstract Background Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a public health problem in the Democratic Republic of Congo. While reference sickle cell centers have been implemented in capital cities of African countries and have proven to be beneficial for SCD patients. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, they have never been set up in remote areas for families with low or very low sources of income. Method A cohort of 143 children with SCD aged 10 years old (IQR (interquartile range): 6–15 years) (sex ratio male/female = 1.3) were clinically followed for 12 months without any specific intervention aside from the management of acute events, and then for 12 months with a monthly medical visit, biological follow-up, and chemoprophylaxis (folic acid/penicillin), adequate fluids and malaria prevention. Results The median age of patients at the diagnosis of SCD was 2 years (IQR: 1–5). The implementation of standardized and regular follow-ups in a new sickle cell reference center in a remote city showed an increase in the annual mean hemoglobin level from 50 to 70 g/L (p = 0.001), and a decrease in the lymphocyte count and spleen size (p < 0.001). A significant decrease (p < 0.001) in the average annual number of hospitalizations and episodes of vaso-occlusive crises, blood transfusions, infections, and acute chest syndromes were also observed. Conclusions The creation of a sickle cell reference center and the regular follow-up of children with sickle cell disease are possible and applicable in the context of a remote city of an African country and represent simple and accessible measures that can reduce the morbimortality of children with sickle cell disease.

Does Anaemia Have Major Public Health Importance in Children Aged 6–59 Months in the Duggina Fanigo District of Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia?

2017 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yohannes Samuel Tiku ◽  
Tefera Chane Mekonnen ◽  
Shimelash Bitew Workie ◽  
Endale Amare
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Adult Life ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Southern Ethiopia ◽  
Systematic Sampling ◽  
Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Blood Collection ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Public Health Importance

Background: Globally, a large number of children aged 6–59 months are affected by anaemia. In Ethiopia, like other developing countries, more than 40% of children under 5 years are affected by anaemia. Anaemia during infancy and childhood period is associated with poor health and impaired cognitive development, leading to reduced academic achievement and earning potential in their adult life. The aim of this research was to assess whether anaemia remained a major public health problem among children aged 6–59 months or not in Duggina Fanigo District of Wolaita Zone, South Ethiopia in 2016. Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to March 2016, on 404 mothers with children aged 6–59 months who were selected through the systematic sampling method. Socio-demographic and other data on associated factors was collected using a pre-tested questionnaire. Capillary blood was taken from the fingertip of each child and hemoglobin was measured using Haemo-Cue digital photometer. All the necessary safety measures were taken during blood collection. Data analysis was made using SPSS version 21. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association of independent variables with outcome variables and to control the possible confounding factors. Result: The overall prevalence of anaemia was 51.4%. Anaemia was common among young children as compared to older children. After controlling the effect of confounding and adjusting for age, gender and altitude, explanatory variables like low dietary diversity (AOR = 3.24; 95% CI [1.68–6.23]), food insecurity (AOR = 3.63; 95% CI [2.18–6.04]), stunting (AOR = 2.60; 95% CI [1.56–4.35]), underweight (AOR = 2.46; 95% CI [1.29–4.67]) and fever within 2 weeks (AOR = 2.49; 95% CI [1.29–4.81]) prior to the survey were significantly associated with anaemia. In conclusion, the overall prevalence of anaemia among children aged 6–59 months has remained a major public health importance in the study area. Integrated efforts need to be prioritized to improve the health as well as the nutritional status of children aged 6–59 months through appropriate feeding practices in infants and children.

scholarly journals Tobacco and betel nut use among school going adolescents of South Gujarat region, India: a cross sectional study

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 140
Author(s):  
Bharatkumar Balkrishna Pandya ◽  
Upendrakumar Rameshbhai Chaudhari ◽  
Avirat A. Bhatt ◽  
Nilesh Thakor
Keyword(s):  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Behavioral Changes ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Betel Nut ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Adolescence Period ◽  
Self Administered Questionnaire

Background: Adolescence period is very crucial in the life of an individual, when major physical, psychological and behavioral changes take place. Tobacco and Areca nut use among school going adolescent is becoming a major public health problem. Objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and pattern of smokeless tobacco and betel nut use among school going adolescents.Methods: The study was a cross sectional study. After taking the permission of principal of Government high schools of Vadodara and Surat city of Gujarat and consent of the parents of adolescents, 1107 adolescents were interviewed during March-April 2017. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Thus collected data was analyzed using SPSS 17 (Trial Version).Results: Age of the study students (total 1107) ranged from 10-19 years. (Mean age=14.61±2.85 years). Out of 1107 children 389 (35.1%) children had addiction. Prevalence of any type of addiction in girls and boys was 14.3% and 20.7% respectively. Tobacco prevalence was 13.4% and betel nut prevalence was 21.6%. Type of addiction and its association with gender was highly significant. All children addicted to tobacco using chewing form (gutkha) of tobacco. The mean age group of children who consume tobacco and betel nut was 16.13±1.32 years and 16.01±1.21 years respectively. Most common reasons among adolescents for starting addiction of tobacco and betel nut was to look mature (93.8%) followed by to look good (63.2%) and to refresh breathe (48.6%).Conclusions: High prevalence of tobacco and betel nut use among adolescents needs attention of parents, teachers and health officials.

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