Health Sciences Investigations Journal最新文献

{"title":"Molecular detection of viral pathogens from suspected viral hemorrhagic fever patients in Ghana","authors":"J. H. Bonney, T. Asigbee, E. Kotey, Keren Attiku, F. Asiedu-Bekoe, Gifty Mawuli, E. Bonney, I. Asante, C. Z. Abana, D. Pratt, Stephen Nyarko, B. Sarkodie, W. Ampofo","doi":"10.46829/hsijournal.2020.6.1.1.31-35","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.46829/hsijournal.2020.6.1.1.31-35","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) are infectious illnesses that can cause serious morbidity and mortality to infected persons. During the 2014 Ebola virus disease outbreak in some West African countries, Ghana revamped its surveillance system across the country to prepare, effectively respond and pre-empt any public health concerns\u0000\u0000Objective: We report on suspected VHF clinical specimens submitted to the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) from health facilities across the country for diagnosis within the period under review. This was partly to provide rapid response and to alert the health system to prevent outbreaks and its spread.\u0000\u0000Methods: From January 2017 to December 2018 clinical specimens of blood from 149 cases of suspected VHFs were collected at health facilities across the country and sent to NMIMR. Patient specimens were tested for viral pathogens including Lassa fever, Yellow fever, Dengue fever, Chikungunya, Zika, Ebola and Marburg by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. A case was however tested for influenza as the patient exhibited respiratory distress symptoms as well. Demographic and clinical information collected on a structured case-based forms were analyzed for each patient.\u0000\u0000Results: Out of the 149 clinical specimens tested, three (3) were found to be positive, with two (2) being Dengue and one (1) seasonal Influenza A H1N1. Analysis of the case-based forms revealed shortcomings with regards to standard case definitions used to enroll suspected cases.\u0000\u0000Conclusion: Our results buttress the need for a routine surveillance activity for VHFs to minimize spread and possibly forestall outbreaks. Moreover, febrile illnesses can be caused by a host of pathogens hence there is a need for enhanced diagnosis to help in patient management.","PeriodicalId":285465,"journal":{"name":"Health Sciences Investigations Journal","volume":"7 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"127940138","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic","authors":"R. Appiah-Opong","doi":"10.46829/hsijournal.2020.6.1.1.3-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.46829/hsijournal.2020.6.1.1.3-4","url":null,"abstract":"COVID-19 is a disease that is caused by a pathogen known as coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Coronaviruses belong to a superfamily of viruses which infect both humans and animals. These viruses are positive-stranded RNA viruses that are enveloped and replicate in the cytoplasm. Their envelope fuses with the host cell membrane and then the nucleocapsid is delivered into the host. Spike glycoproteins mediate the virus entry into the host as a necessary stage for tropism as well as pathogenesis.","PeriodicalId":285465,"journal":{"name":"Health Sciences Investigations Journal","volume":"65 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"126629812","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Human coronaviruses in persons with acute respiratory infections in Ghana","authors":"P. Parbie, J. Mingle, M. Ntiri, M. Adjabeng, Kofi Bonney, I. Asante, E. Bonney, K. Brightson, B. Sarkodie, K. Koram, S. Ohene, Bertha Ayi, W. Ampofo","doi":"10.46829/hsijournal.2020.6.1.1.5-11","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.46829/hsijournal.2020.6.1.1.5-11","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Acute respiratory infections (ARI) remain a leading cause of morbidity, mortality, and economic loss globally. Until recently, human coronaviruses (HCoVs) have been mainly associated with mild respiratory tract infections. The 2003 outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), since 2012, illustrate the potential of coronaviruses to cause severe disease.\u0000\u0000Objective: This study investigated the presence of human coronaviruses in acute respiratory illness in Ghana.\u0000\u0000Methods: As part of routine influenza surveillance, nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal (NP/OP) swabs obtained from 200 patients (100 hospital inpatients and 100 outpatients) with Influenza-like-illness from sentinel health facilities in Ghana from January 2013 to March 2014, were screened for the presence of HCoVs at the National Influenza Center using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assays.\u0000\u0000Results: Human CoVs were detected in 7(3.5%) out of 200 cases investigated: HCo V HKU1 in 3 patient, HCo V 229E in 2 patients, HCo V OC43 in 1patient, and HCo V NL63 in 1 patient. No co-infection with HCoV types was detected. Out of 7 patients with HCoV infections, 6 were aged 5 yr. or greater.Also, HCoVs were detected more frequently in outpatients (5/100) than in hospitalized patients (2/100) with acute respiratory tract infections, though statistically insignificant (p>0.005). None of the respiratory specimens tested were positive for MERS-CoV, indicating the absence of MERS-CoV infection in Ghana between January 2013 and March 2014.\u0000\u0000Conclusion: This work provides an important reference point for coronavirus infections in humans in Ghana noting the current concern on the 2019 novel coronavirus.","PeriodicalId":285465,"journal":{"name":"Health Sciences Investigations Journal","volume":"52 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"128311532","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Coverage and use of long-lasting insecticide treated nets in Kpone-on-Sea Township, Accra, Ghana: A cross-sectional study","authors":"S. T. Dzata, N. Coleman, I. Quakyi","doi":"10.46829/hsijournal.2020.6.1.1.57-63","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.46829/hsijournal.2020.6.1.1.57-63","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Long lasting insecticide-treated mosquito nets (LLINs) are currently one of the most viable options to prevent malaria transmission in Africa. In Ghana, the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) has embarked on a universal coverage strategy to ensure that all members of the population sleep under an LLIN regardless of age or sex.\u0000\u0000Objective:This study assessed the NMCP’s LLINs distribution and hanging campaign in Kpone–on–Sea Township. It sought to establish the coverage of LLINs in the community and its usage by children< 5 yr. old and in pregnant women.\u0000\u0000Methods: The cross-sectional study involved 400 households with heads of the households or their representatives as respondents. Data was collected through questionnaire interviews and observational checklists. Frequency tables were used to indicate proportions and Chi Square test for associations.\u0000\u0000Results: Of the 400 households (represented by a head of the household or an adult representative), 93.30% owned any type of mosquito net and 83.75% owned LLINs and 74.92% used it. Households with children less than 5 yr.old accounted for 69.25% regarding ownership and 69.40% regarding usage. LLINs possession by pregnant women was 84.80% whiles usage was 72.30%. The study also indicated that 73.70% of respondents had good knowledge of malaria, 21.30% had very good knowledge and 5.01% had low knowledge. Furthermore, 89.50% of the respondents had knowledge of LLINs.\u0000\u0000Conclusion: The general coverage of LLINs in the community was 83.75% and usage was 74.92% 7 mosafter a free distribution and hanging campaign. This provides a useful assessment of NMCP’s LLINs campaign in this community and suggests ways for improvement.","PeriodicalId":285465,"journal":{"name":"Health Sciences Investigations Journal","volume":"46 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"133434128","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Reticulocyte count changes in paediatric patients with uncomplicated malaria treated with artemisinin combination therapy","authors":"G. Adjei, A. M. Sulley, B. Goka, M. Addae, M. Alifrangis, J. Kurtzhals","doi":"10.46829//hsijournal.2020.6.1.1.12-15","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.46829//hsijournal.2020.6.1.1.12-15","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Acute malaria is associated with reticulocyte count depression, and artemisinin derivatives have also been shown to cause reversible count changes in patients with severe malaria. However, there has been no report on the effect of artemisinin on reticulocyte count when used in combination with other antimalarials, or the effect of artemisinin-based treatment on reticulocyte count changes in patients with uncomplicated malaria.\u0000\u0000Objective:This study reports the effects of artemisinin-based antimalarial treatments on reticulocytes among paediatric patients with uncomplicated malaria.\u0000\u0000Methods: The reticulocyte counts, haemoglobin, and platelet counts of children with uncomplicated malaria treated with artesunate-amodiaquine (116), artemether-lumefantrine (90), or amodiaquine (17) were measured before treatment (day 0) and then on days 3, 7, 14, and 28.\u0000\u0000Results: The fractional changes in reticulocyte counts were higher in the artesunate-amodiaquine and artemether-lumefantrine groups during the initial stages of treatment. However, the overall fractional reticulocyte change between acute illness and pre-illness levels was higher in the amodiaquine treated group. There was a negative correlation between haemoglobin and reticulocyte counts before treatment (day0) and on all the follow up days.\u0000\u0000Conclusion: Treatment of uncomplicated malaria in children with artesunate-amodiaquine or artemether-lumefantrine was associated with less profound reticulocyte count changes compared with children treated with amodiaquine alone. These changes were most likely due to the rapid parasite clearance by the two artemisinin-based combination treatment regimens","PeriodicalId":285465,"journal":{"name":"Health Sciences Investigations Journal","volume":"47 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"131523587","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association between caloric intake and work-related stress among nurses in two district hospitals in Ghana","authors":"N. Nuhu, J. Ainuson-Quampah, Charles A. Brown","doi":"10.46829/hsijournal.2020.6.1.1.50-56","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.46829/hsijournal.2020.6.1.1.50-56","url":null,"abstract":"Background: The nursing profession is generally perceived as tedious and stressful and has been shown to be associated with inappropriate caloric intake with its attending consequences of obesity and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.\u0000\u0000Objective: This study examined caloric intake and stress levels among nurses.Methods: A cross sectional study design was used, and a total of 85 nurses were sampled from two district level hospitals. Physiological and psychological levels of stress were measured using Salivary Cortisol Enzyme Immunoassay and the Cooper’s life stress inventory questionnaire, respectively. Body mass index (BMI) using height and weight measurements and caloric intake (using food frequency questionnaire and the 24h recall of participants) were also determined. Stress levels were compared to caloric intakes using the Pearson’s correlation test. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists, Version 21. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.\u0000\u0000Results: Participants were mostly females(90.60%) with a mean age±[standard deviation (SD)]of 34.86 ± 6.27 yr.and majority of them (68.20%) were married. More than half (52.94%) of the nurses were in the World Health Organization classification of overweight, with a mean BMI (±SD)of 26.11 ± 2.96 kg/m2. Their mean caloric intake (±SD) off duty (2368.74 ± 259.67 kcal) was significantly higher (p˂ 0.001) compared to that on duty (1784.80 ± 402.84 kcal). When off duty compared to on duty, the nurses also recorded significantly higher (p< 0.001) mean physiological stress scores(±SD)(61.18 ± 7.42 vs 17.12 ± 7.15) and salivary cortisol levels(±SD)(11.79 ± 1.06 μg/μL vs 5.10 ± 1.02 μg/μL). Significant positive correlations were observed for total caloric intakes and salivary cortisol levels for the nurses, both on duty [r = 0.585; 95% confidence interval(CI),0.425-0.780;p<0.001]and off duty (r= 0.316;95% CI, 0.113-0.498;p<0.003).Conclusion:The nurses had high stress levels whiles on duty and this was associated with low caloric intakes. Excessive caloric intakes were observed during off duty periods and associated with relatively lower stress levels.","PeriodicalId":285465,"journal":{"name":"Health Sciences Investigations Journal","volume":"26 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"117028873","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}