scholarly journals Epidemiology and Associated Risk Factors of Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Plateau State, Nigeria

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. VRT.S15422 ◽  
Author(s):  
Surajudeen A. Junaid ◽  
Samuel E. Agina ◽  
Khadijah A. Abubakar

A cross-sectional study in Nigeria was undertaken to determine the epidemiology, seroprevalence, and associated risk factors, of hepatitis E virus (HEV). A total of 462 subjects were used for the study, categorized into four groups: apparently healthy persons, pregnant women, HIV positive subjects, and animal handlers. Information was obtained from subjects using interviewer-administered questionnaire. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for HEV antibodies (IgG and IgM) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Results obtained were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.0 statistical software. The overall seroprevalence of IgG and IgM was 42.7 and 0.9%, respectively. Animal handlers had the highest seroprevalence (66.7%). The associated risk factors for IgM seroprevalence were rural dwelling ( P = 0.039, odds ratio (OR) 3.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.7–15.4), blood transfusion ( P < 0.001, OR 9.6, 95% CI 2.6–35.6), attending to animals ( P = 0.032, OR 4.9, 95% CI 0.9–26.6), and waste disposal ( P < 0.001). Factors associated with IgG were age ( P = 0.044), location ( P < 0.001), marital status ( P < 0.001), formal education ( P < 0.001), farming as occupation ( P < 0.001), rural dwelling ( P = 0.001), waste disposal ( P < 0.001), alcohol consumption ( P = 0.001, OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.4–4.0), open defecation ( P < 0.001, OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.4–5.7), attending to animals ( P < 0.001, OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.6–3.4), consuming unwashed fruits/vegetables ( P < 0.001, OR 4.2, 95% CI 0.3–54.1), and stream/river as a source of drinking water ( P < 0.001, OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.6–7.8). Preventive public health measures should be reinforced among all communities, particularly domestic animal handlers and pregnant women. Potable water should be provided for all communities. Data suggest that HEV remains an under-recognized and significant public health problem, warranting further attention and research.

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adeola Fowotade ◽  
Akande Oluseyi ◽  
Adebimpe T. Gbaja ◽  
Victoria O. Ogunleye ◽  
Ayomide Ajayi ◽  
...  

 Background: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is one of the causative agent of acute viral hepatitis in humans. HEV is an important public health disease in many parts of the world because it is transmitted faeco-orally.  Majority of the documented studies on hepatitis E virus in Nigeria have focused on pregnant women and animal handlers with limited data among food handlers. Thus the current study aimed at investigating the prevalence of HEV infection among food handlers operating within the premises of a tertiary care facility.Methods: One hundred and seventy seven (177) food handlers were screened using commercial Enzyme-Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay (ELISA) to detect IgM antibodies to Hepatitis E. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to assess risk factors for HEV infection.Results: HEV IgM antibodies were detected in 16 (9.0%) of the participants. Age-specific HEV IgM seroprevalence appeared to decrease with age, however there were no significant differences in HEV IgM seropositivity regarding age (P=0.251), gender (P = 0.231), marital status (P=0.735) and religion (P = 0.906). Significant risk factors for HEV IgM seropositivity included source of water for drinking (P=0.03) and the use of soap for hand washing (P=0.02).Conclusion: Our findings suggest that HEV remains a public health problem, as the virus circulates at low but considerable levels especially among food handlers; thus posing a threat to potential contacts. Proper hand washing practices as well as provision of portable water are important factors for the control of Hepatitis E.


2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Sivasangeetha ◽  
S. Geethalakshmi ◽  
G. Thatchinamoorthy ◽  
P Gouthami ◽  
S. Mini Jacob

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramla Hussein Ahmed ◽  
Asha Abdirahman Yussuf ◽  
Asma Abdikarin Ali ◽  
Sowdo Nuur Iyow ◽  
Maryan Abdulahi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Anemia in pregnancy is a serious global public health problem in most developing countries and a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Somalia which already had very high maternal mortality ratio of 829 per 100,000 live births, pregnant women in internally displaced camps (IDPs) remain at most exposed. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence, severity and associated risk factors of anemia among pregnant women in internally displaced camps in Mogadishu, Somalia. Methods A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 383 households in the most IDP settled districts in Mogadishu. Every pregnant mother in these sampled households who was voluntarily consented was targeted. A sample of blood was also taken by pricking the fingertip and inserted into hemoglobin meter. Those with Hb < 11 g/dl from hemoglobin meter had been taken another sample of 3 cc blood and put into EDTA tube for CBC analysis to identify the type of anemia. Data on risk factors were collected using structured pretested questionnaire via an interview. Collected data was coded and entered in SPSS- Version 22 for analysis. Descriptive analysis, bivariate chi-square and multivariate logistic regression were done. Results The overall prevalence of anemia among study participants was 44.4% (95%CI: 39.5-49.3%), where severe and moderate anemia were 11.8 and 47.0% respectively. In addition all anaemic cases were microcytic hypochromic anemia. Young maternal age, low Family income, fewer/zero parity, being at third or second trimesters, lack of ANC attendance during pregnancy, lack of iron supplementation during pregnancy, taking tea immediately after meal during pregnancy, lower/zero frequency of daily meat and vegetables consumption during pregnancy were associated risk factors of anemia. Conclusion The anemia prevalence from this study was severe public health problem. Several factors were found to be associated with anemia during pregnancy. Measures has to be taken to curb the problem by including them mass iron supplementation and health education towards identified risk factors.


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederick D. Sagamiko ◽  
Ruth L. Mfune ◽  
Bernard M. Hang’ombe ◽  
Esron D. Karimuribo ◽  
Alfred M. Mwanza ◽  
...  

Background: Brucellosis is a bacterial zoonotic disease of public health and economic importance. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Mbeya region between November 2015 and January 2016 to investigate the seroprevalence of human brucellosis and identify associated risk factors among individuals in risky occupations. Methods: A total of 425 humans from six occupational categories were serially tested for Brucella antibodies using the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and competitive Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (c-ELISA), for screening and confirmation, respectively. A questionnaire survey was also administered to participants to collect epidemiological data. Results: The overall seroprevalence among the occupationally exposed individuals was 1.41% (95% CI: 00.64-3.12). Seroprevalence was higher among butcher men 5.6% (95% CI: 1.68-5.26), herds men 1.35% (95% CI: 0.18-9.02); and abattoir workers 1.1% (95% CI: 0.26-4.22) although there was no statistical significance. (P value = .18). Seroprevalence was also higher among men (1.8%) compared to females (0%) (P value = .19). and also, among those aged < 11 years (2.5%). Individuals who consumed raw milk had a higher seroprevalence (1.56%) compared to those who drunk boiled milk while seropositivity was 0.88% among those who assisted animals during parturition (P value = .49). Butcher men were at higher risk of exposure compared to other occupational categories. Our findings show the presence of brucellosis in occupationally exposed individuals in Mbeya region.Conclusion: There is need to sensitize the concerned professions in order to reduce the risk of acquiring Brucella infections from animals and animal products This also calls for public health awareness about the disease, and implementation of measures to prevent further spread of brucellosis within and outside the study area.


2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (09) ◽  
pp. 1188-1194 ◽  
Author(s):  
Serife Akalin ◽  
Selda Sayin Kutlu ◽  
Selmin D Caylak ◽  
Ozgur Onal ◽  
Selcuk Kaya ◽  
...  

Introduction: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a serious public health problem in sheep-raising regions of Turkey. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of echinococcosis in rural regions of Denizli in Turkey. Methodology: This study was undertaken in four townships in Denizli County between May 2009 and July 2009. Family members were interviewed to assess possible risk factors for infection and tested for anti-E. granulosus antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Of the 1,133 individuals included in the study, 78 (6.9%) were found to be anti-EG seropositive. Multivariate analysis showed that the 30–39 year age group (odds ratio [OR]: 3.29; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.30 ± 8.33; p = 0.01), the ≥ 60 year group (OR: 4.08; 95% CI: 1.57 ± 10.61; p = 0.004), and the group that reported sometimes or never getting veterinary care for their animals (OR: 1.75; 95% CI: 1.05 ± 2.93; p = 0.032) had higher rates of seropositivity. Multivariate analysis showed that education was not significantly associated with seropositivity. Furthermore, no significant correlation with location, occupation, dog ownership or contact with dogs, or with cattle and/or sheep/goat ownership was found. Regular veterinary care and education had significant effects on lowering the prevalence of CE. Conclusions: Our results suggest that preventive measures, such as regular veterinary care for animals and educative and supportive activities oriented to the people working in farming and animal husbandry should be taken to decrease the prevalence of human CE in Turkey.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Shahrzad Soltani ◽  
Ali Dalir Ghaffari ◽  
Mehdi Sagha Kahvaz ◽  
Mohamad Sabaghan ◽  
Marzieh Pashmforosh ◽  
...  

Background. This research was aimed at evaluating the seroprevalence of acute and chronic Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection in pregnant women and related risk factors in southwest Iran. Methods. In this cross-sectional study, eighty-eight pregnant women were included from October 2019 to December 2019. The presence of anti-T. gondii IgM and IgG antibodies was measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, a questionnaire consisting of demographic information was completed for each subject. Results. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was estimated to be 34.09% (30/88). Of these, 1 (1.13%) and 29 (32.95%) samples were found positive for IgM and IgG, respectively. Regarding the risk factors, the consumption of raw/undercooked meat ( P value = 0.007) and history of abortion ( P value = 0.017) were significantly associated with IgG seroprevalence in pregnant women. Conclusion. The results showed that the pregnant women of southwest Iran might be moderately exposed to T. gondii. Since the risk of acute T. gondii infection in this susceptible group is very important, regular screening tests to diagnose the infection are recommended before pregnancy.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederick D. Sagamiko ◽  
John B. Muma ◽  
Esron D. Karimuribo ◽  
Alfred A. Mwanza ◽  
Ruth L. Mfune ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundBrucellosis is an infectious zoonotic disease that affects humans, livestock and wildlife.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Mbeya region between November 2015 and January 2016 to investigate the seroprevalence of human brucellosis and identify associated risk factors among individuals in risky occupations in Mbeya Region. A total of 425 humans from six occupational categories were serially tested for Brucella antibodies using the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and competitive Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (c-ELISA), for screening and confirmation, respectively. A questionnaire survey was administered to participants collect epidemiological data.ResultsThe overall seroprevalence among the high risk occupational individuals was 1.41% (95% CI: 0.01-0.03). Seroprevalence among the different occupations were as follows: shepherds 1.33% (95% CI: 0.14-0.22); butcher men 5.26% (95% CI: 0.10-0.17) and abattoir workers 1.08% (95% CI: 0.39-0.49). Seroprevalence was noted to vary according to occupation type, milk consumption behaviour, age and sex. Butcher men recorded the highest seroprevalence (5.0%) while individuals who consumed unboiled milk had a higher seroprevalence (1.56%) compared to those who drunk boiled milk. High seropositivity (2.25%) was observed among the age group of 1-10 years while male individuals had a higher seroprevalence (1.41%) than females (0%). Butcher men were at higher risk of exposure compared to other professions.ConclusionOur findings show the presence of brucellosis in occupationally exposed individuals in Mbeya region. There is need to sensitize the exposed individuals in order to reduce the risk of acquiring Brucella infections from animals and animal products This also calls for public health awareness about the disease, and implementation of control measures that will prevent further spread of brucellosis within and outside the study area..Author summaryBrucellosis is a bacterial zoonosis that has evolved to establish itself as an occupational and food-borne disease Worldwide. It is responsible for huge economic losses incurred by livestock keepers and poses a public health risk to humans in most developing countries. In Tanzania, which has the 3rd highest cattle population in Africa, many studies that have been done show that brucellosis exists in livestock, especially in cattle and wildlife. However, very few studies have reported on human brucellosis. The disease has been reported to occur in humans who have direct exposure to cattle or cattle products like livestock farmers, abattoir workers, veterinarians, shepherds and farm workers in many developing countries. A few studies in Tanzania have reported seroprevalences among these high-risk occupations; however, the disease has not been fully described in Mbeya region. This study was therefore aimed at filling these information gaps and contributing to the existing body of knowledge.


2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
pp. 509-520 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Edem Antia ◽  
Adewole Augustine Adekola ◽  
Afusat Jagun Jubril ◽  
Obokparo Godspower Ohore ◽  
Benjamin Obukowho Emikpe

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