International journal of tropical disease & health最新文献

{"title":"Home Management Practices among Caregivers on Malaria Treatment in Primary Healthcare Centre Amansea, Anambra State, Nigeria","authors":"P. U. Umeanaeto, C. M. Adione, S. C. Afulukwe, J. U. Anumba, J. C. Akulue, I. S. Okwelogu, K. C. Irikannu","doi":"10.9734/ijtdh/2023/v44i171469","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ijtdh/2023/v44i171469","url":null,"abstract":"Malaria is a major cause of fever in children. When a child has fever, parents or caregivers commonly treat them as if they were affected by malaria, with available medicines at home, with or without proper information or guideline. This study was carried out to explore the effectiveness of the various home management practices on malaria treatment among caregivers in Primary Health Care Center Amansea, Awka North L.G.A, Anambra State between May and August 2021. Mothers and caregivers (N=200) visiting the facility and their children (N=200) were involved. Blood specimens were collected through venipuncture and analyzed by microscopy while data on management practices were collected using pretested, structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 25.0. Mothers and caregivers had good knowledge of the correct cause (70.0%), symptoms (63.0%) and preventive measures (53.5%) of malaria. Sources of medical treatment ranged from doctors (43.0%) to herbalist (13.5%) and 80% of them seek medical treatment within 24 hours of onset of fever. Caregivers preference of home treatment of malaria to hospital is greatly influenced by a lot of reasons with high cost of hospital bills (53.5%) being the highest reason among many. Prevalence of malaria among the mothers and caregivers was 36(18.0%) which was dependent on their age (X2=44.629, df=3, P=0.000) and educational status but not with occupation. However, malaria prevalence among the children was 50(25%) even though it was not significant in relation to age and sex of the children (P>0.05). The effectiveness of home management of malaria depends on the early diagnosis, prompt and appropriate use of health facilities for treatment of malaria symptom especially fever. Therefore, health programmes and special campaigns to enlighten mothers and caregivers on more of the dangers of delayed treatment for their children could help to improve their treatment seeking pattern.","PeriodicalId":90555,"journal":{"name":"International journal of tropical disease & health","volume":"31 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135153364","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":"Contribution to the Occurrence of the Blackfly (Diptera:Similiidae) in the Palestinian Territories, West Bank","authors":"Shadi Adawi, Elias Handal, Mohamed Salah Romdhane, Leila Hmida","doi":"10.9734/ijtdh/2023/v44i171470","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ijtdh/2023/v44i171470","url":null,"abstract":"Aims: The primary objective of the study was to gather evidence regarding the presence of black fly fauna in the Palestinian environment. The research extensively examined breeding sites and habitats, as well as studied the physiochemical parameters of the water in these breeding sites. Furthermore, the study assessed the potential impacts of these insects on both humans and animals
 Study Design: A cross- sectional study.
 Place and Duration of Study: From January 2023 to August 2023, a cross-sectional survey was conducted in the West Bank-Salfit district to collect larvae and adult blackflies within the Wadi Qana protected area.
 Methodology: In January 2023, a field survey was conducted in the Wadi Qana protected area (32.12582, 34.8952) in the Salfit district to study the freshwater fauna. A total of 220 larvae individual of the Blackfly were collected from the running water in the valley. Forceps used to collect specimens and preserved in 70% ethanol, while adults of this group were examined under a dissecting microscope. The specimens were identified using various identification keys [4,9,12].
 Results: During the study period, a total of 220 larvae were collected from breeding sites in the freshwater habitats of Wadi Qana. Two subgenera of blackflies were identified in the study area: Simulium (Wilhelmia) Enderlein and Simulium (Odgamia) Enderlein. The results indicate that blackflies breed in fast-flowing freshwater habitats covered by annual aquatic plants, with dissolved oxygen levels at 10.1 mg/L, pH average 8.2 and average temperature 21.6°C.
 No significant health effects were recorded or documented in the study area, except for the nuisance caused to humans and animals by the biting of blackflies.
 In conclusion, this study marks the first record and presence of the blackfly in the Palestinian environment. Further much more research is needed to explore their fauna, biology, ecology, habitats, distribution, and medical significance.
 Conclusion: blackfly was recorded for the first time in the Palestinian environment, more study research are needed to discussed the fauna, biology, ecology, habitats, distribution and the medically important.","PeriodicalId":90555,"journal":{"name":"International journal of tropical disease & health","volume":"27 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135153527","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":"Assessment of Use of Medical Forensic Evidence in Investigation and Prosecution Process of Defilement Perpetrators, A Case Study of Ruiru Sub-County, Kenya","authors":"Rose Waruguru Muchemi, John Kariuki, Zakayo Thaimuta, Peterson Kariuki","doi":"10.9734/ijtdh/2023/v44i161467","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ijtdh/2023/v44i161467","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Defilement has been recognized as one of the crimes in which such a ceiling in evidential presentation is critical. According to WHO statistics, More than 95 million children are abused annually, Where Africa is the most affected continent. Defilement incidences are alarming globally, regionally, and locally. There are new cases of defilement reported every week with 83 % emanating from a well-known perpetrator to the survivor.
 Objective: The study aimed to assess the use of medical forensic evidence in the investigation and prosecution process of defilement perpetrators, A case study of Ruiru Sub-County, Kenya.
 Method: Research was conducted using an analytical cross-sectional approach. Sixty-six participants in the study were chosen using a stratified random sampling technique. The techniques used to collect the data were both qualitative and quantitative. The strength of the relationship between the dependent and independent variables was assessed using the Pearson correlation. The threshold for statistical significance was set at 0.05.
 Results: There was a significant correlation between Compliant with set standards against investigation and the prosecution of defilement incidences(p=.005). There was a significant Correlation between the Availability of forensic tools against investigation and the prosecution of defilement incidents(p=.000). Concerning the correlation between knowledge of the guardians against investigation and prosecution of defilement Incidents there was no significant association(p=.630).
 Conclusion: From this research, compliance with set standards and procedures for evidence admissibility of defilement evidence was adequate. Study respondents had good knowledge of the use of medical forensic evidence during the investigation and prosecution of defilement incidences. The study concluded that most of the facilities and officers are not equipped with materials for the collection of evidence.","PeriodicalId":90555,"journal":{"name":"International journal of tropical disease & health","volume":"1 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135435256","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":"Assessment of Compliance with National Guidelines on Diagnosis and Treatment of Malaria among Health Workers in Anambra State, Nigeria","authors":"Dim Basil Izuchukwu, Nwafia Abuchi Emmanuel, Christian Chibuzo Ibeh, Chikwendu Joy Ifeyinwa, Chibuzo Faustina Okoye, Kingsley Chimsorom Chilaka, Ekeocha Emeka Joseph, Chijioke Amara Ezenyeaku","doi":"10.9734/ijtdh/2023/v44i161466","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ijtdh/2023/v44i161466","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Malaria case management remains a crucial component of malaria control strategies. Despite the introduction of national malaria treatment guidelines and scale-up of malaria control interventions in Nigeria, shreds of evidence have shown some deviations from the guidelines in malaria case management. This study assessed compliance with national guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of malaria among health workers in Anambra State.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This comparative, cross-sectional hospital-based study was carried out among 360 healthcare workers selected from six Local Government Areas using a multistage sampling technique. A pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on their socio-demographics and other vital information.&#x0D; Results: The findings of this study revealed that Ninety-eight respondents (54.4%) from public health facilities had adequate knowledge of malaria case management compared to 67 respondents (37.2%) from private health facilities (p=0.001). The overall level of compliance with the national guidelines shows that only 22.2% of the health workers interviewed strictly complied with the national guidelines. It was significantly higher among public healthcare workers (31.7%) compared to 12.8% of private health workers (p<0.001). Training on malaria case management, access to national guidelines, availability of malaria diagnostic tools, and sex of the health workers were associated with compliance with national guidelines in both public and private health facilities (p<0.001).&#x0D; Conclusion: The findings of this study revealed a close similarity between the two health facilities in the level of awareness of the national malaria treatment guidelines, but a remarkable difference in compliance to appropriate case management of malaria between public and private health facilities. Interventions to improve private sector engagement in the implementation of the guidelines, training, and supply of recommended anti-malarial medicines should be intensified.","PeriodicalId":90555,"journal":{"name":"International journal of tropical disease & health","volume":"18 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136192499","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":"Risk and Protective Factors Associated with Hypertensive Disorders in Ghana: The Case of the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital of the Upper East Region","authors":"Osman Sadat Apusiga, Ishaque Mahama, Abukari Alhassan","doi":"10.9734/ijtdh/2023/v44i141454","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ijtdh/2023/v44i141454","url":null,"abstract":"Aim: The goal of this study was to identify some risk and protective factors associated with hypertensive disorders among pregnant women in the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital of Ghana's Upper East Region.&#x0D; Study Design: This study is a one case-control study design.&#x0D; Place of Study: The study was conducted in the Antenatal clinic and Maternity ward of the Upper East Regional hospital in Bolgatanga.&#x0D; Methodology: The study population consisted of pregnant women who were attending their antenatal care at the Bolgatanga regional hospital whose gestational ages were more than 20 weeks.&#x0D; Hundred (100) study participants were selected using the purposive sampling technique (a non-probability sampling technique). Data for the study was gathered from the history of the 100 pregnant women who were visiting the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital for antenatal care. The analysis was conducted using the logistic regression model of STATA 14.&#x0D; Results: The study disclosed that white blood cells (WBC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), placenta weight (PW), gestational weight (GW), body mass index (BMI) were statistically significant. BMI was discovered to have a positive association with hypertensive disorders (OR= 2.208, P= .025), whereas PW (OR=0.994, P= .085), GW (OR=0.815, P=.079), WBC (OR=0.719, P=.01), and LDL (OR=0.645, P= .027) were discovered to have negative associations with hypertensive disorders (odds ratios less than one). &#x0D; Conclusion: The study identified BMI as a risk factor and PW, GW, WBC, and LDL as protective factors. On the basis of the analysis it was recommended that health professionals should raise the awareness of women on the risks of hypertensive disorders even before they become pregnant, especially maintaining healthy weight.","PeriodicalId":90555,"journal":{"name":"International journal of tropical disease & health","volume":"316 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-08-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136272001","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":"Prevalence of Treponema pallidium amongst Students of Delta State University, South-South Nigeria","authors":"Enwa Felix Oghenemaro, Okolugbo Bernard Chinedu, Egberi Akpevwe","doi":"10.9734/ijtdh/2023/v44i101432","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ijtdh/2023/v44i101432","url":null,"abstract":"Objective: Infection due to Treponema pallidum (syphilis) is a major challenge and continues to be a public health problem around the world. It is a bacterial infection transmitted commonly through sexual contact, blood and also through mother-to-child (vertical). A cross-sectional study to investigate the prevalence of syphilis among students of Delta State University, Abraka was carried out between September 2022 and January 2023.&#x0D; Method: Data and blood samples were collected randomly from 500 participants from the various faculties of the University. Blood samples were collected in EDTA bottles following aseptic techniques and subsequently screened for syphilis using the rapid test (RT) method.&#x0D; Results: Of the 500 samples screened, 143 were positive for T. pallidium giving an overall prevalence of 48.6%. Students from the faculty of science recorded the highest prevalence of 68%, this was followed by students from the faculty of Arts (33%) while students from the faculty of Basic Medical Sciences recorded the least prevalence of 15%. This difference in prevalence among the faculties was statistically insignificant (P=0.695). Overall, a higher prevalence (40.4%) was recorded for males than females (16.8%) (P=1.24). The highest prevalence of 42% was recorded among males from the faculty of science while the lowest was recorded among females from the faculty of Education. The difference in prevalence among genders in the various faculties when compared was not statistically significant (P=0.201). &#x0D; Conclusion: This study has revealed a relatively high level of infection with syphilis (T. palladium) among students of Delta State University Abraka and should be a concern. There is therefore a dire need for proper enlightenment on this disease and behavioural change among this vulnerable population.","PeriodicalId":90555,"journal":{"name":"International journal of tropical disease & health","volume":"12 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135641916","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 Role of Weather in the Spread of Lassa Fever in Parts of Northern Nigeria","authors":"Joyce Imara Nchom, A. Abubakar, Francis Ofurum Arimoro, B. Mohammed","doi":"10.9734/ijtdh/2021/v42i2330562","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ijtdh/2021/v42i2330562","url":null,"abstract":"This study employed multiple regression analysis to evaluate the impact of weather variables (relative humidity, rainfall amount and maximum temperature) on the reported number of Lassa fever cases and to assess the strength of relationship between same for thirteen states in northern Nigeria (Adamawa, Bauchi, Jigawa, Borno, Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, Kebbi, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara and Gombe states) over a five-year period (2016-2020). Secondary data on Lassa fever disease and weather variables were described on a weekly basis from the data base of the Nigeria Centre for disease control (NCDC) as well as weather variables from the National Aeronautics Space Administration, U.S.A. (NASA).  The study seeks to establish the role of weather in the occurrence of Lassa fever in parts of Northern Nigeria and also to evaluate the impact of these weather variables on the occurrence of the disease. The study reveals that these weather variables accounted for 70% (r2=0.70) of the cases of Lassa fever reported in Northern Nigeria. It occurred all year round but cases peaked during the dry months, from December to March where relative humidity is low and rainfall amount small. At confidence level of 0.05, there was a significant (p=0.000) strong positive correlation of r=0.83 between Lassa fever cases and weather variables. Of the three weather parameters, maximum temperature had a weak positive and insignificant (p=0.3) relationship with Lassa fever while relative humidity and rainfall had strong and moderate negative relationships of r = -0.7 and r = -0.5 respectively which were both significant at (r2=0.000).  In conclusion, there is need to cultivate sufficient preparedness strategies in order to cope with the burden to ensure general wellbeing of people resident in these affected areas using these weather parameters.","PeriodicalId":90555,"journal":{"name":"International journal of tropical disease & health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-12-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48469596","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":"Comparative Study between the Efficacy of Oral Gemifloxacin and Intravenous Cefotaxime in Treatment of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis","authors":"Hala Mohey El- deen EL- Gendy, Osama El. Sayed Negm, Amal Saeid Elbendary, S. Abd-Elsalam","doi":"10.9734/ijtdh/2021/v42i2330560","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ijtdh/2021/v42i2330560","url":null,"abstract":"Background and Aims: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is defined as a bacterial infection of the ascitic fluid (AF) that arises in individuals without an intra-abdominal source of infection that is surgically curable. SBP is a unique complication in cases with cirrhosis-linked ascites, and it can be so subtle that it is only reported by chance when paracentesis is done. SBP is handled with any of a variety of cephalosporins, such as cefotaxime or quinolones, such as Gemifloxacin. The aim was comparing the effect of oral Gemifloxacin versus intravenous cefotaxime in 60 individuals with cirrhosis who had SBP. \u0000Patients and Methods: The randomized controlled research involved 60 cirrhotic ascitic individuals suffering from SBP admitted to Tropical Medicine Department, Tanta University Hospital. Two groups of patients were investigated: group I included 30 cirrhotic ascitic patient suffering from SBP treated with IV cefotaxime 2gm|8 hours for 7 days and group II included 30 cirrhotic ascetic patient suffering from SBP and treated with oral Gemifloxacin 320 mg once daily for 7 days. \u0000Results: No substantial difference was noted among both groups regarding age, sex, or symptoms, or in laboratory tests such as hemoglobin, total leukocytic count, platelet, serum bilirubin, ALT, AST, albumin, prothrombin activity, INR, creatinine, urea, sodium, and potassium. Also, the outcome was comparable in both groups as regarding the number of treated patients (p=0.781); 20 (66.67%) cases were cured in group I and 21 (70%) cases were cured in group II and in AF analysis after treatment. By using gram stain, gram –ve organism were the predominant in group I 23 (76.7%) and group II 24 (80%) while gram +ve was detected in 7 (23.3%) and 6 (20%) in group I and II respectively. Furthermore, no substantial difference was noted among both groups regarding treatment response based on culture prior to treatment. \u0000Conclusions: Our research is the first to focus on Gemifloxacin use in the management of SBP rather than in the prevention of SBP. Since these agents' relative effectiveness is identical, cost should be the deciding factor. In conclusion, our findings indicate that cefotaxime or Gemifloxacin can be used as a first-line therapy.","PeriodicalId":90555,"journal":{"name":"International journal of tropical disease & health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-12-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49648655","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":"Neonatal Jaundice: Knowledge, Attitude and Practice among Pregnant Women Attending the Antenatal Clinic of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria","authors":"B. West, Josephine Enekole Aitafo, B. O. Altraide","doi":"10.9734/ijtdh/2021/v42i2330559","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ijtdh/2021/v42i2330559","url":null,"abstract":"Aim: This study was undertaken to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice towards neonatal jaundice among pregnant women. \u0000Study Design: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study. \u0000Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the antenatal clinic of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital from 1st March to 30th June 2021. \u0000Results: Majority of the pregnant women were within the age group 26-34years 92(61.7%), resided in urban areas 117(78.5%) and from South-south geo-political zone 91(61.1%). They were mostly multiparous 65(43.6%) with tertiary level of education 100(67.1%). More than half 82(55.0%) of the pregnant women had heard of neonatal jaundice. Majority 131(89.3%) did not know the causes of neonatal jaundice, did not know the area of the body jaundice appeared first 143(96.0%), did not know the complications of neonatal jaundice 106(71.1%), did not know danger signs of neonatal jaundice 141(94.6%) and none knew any preventive method. Majority of the pregnant women 132(88.6%) would visit the hospital if their babies developed jaundice and 131(87.9%) would consent to blood transfusion if the need arose. Only 25(16.8%) pregnant women had had child(ren) with neonatal jaundice, of which 20(80.0%) took child(ren) to the hospital and 12(60.0%) presented to the hospital within 24hours. Only 1(0.7%) woman had good knowledge level, 120(80.5%) had good attitude and 12(8.1%) had good practice levels towards neonatal jaundice. There was statistically significant association between knowledge level and attitude (P value=.003) and practice levels (P value=.001). \u0000Conclusion: Pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital had insufficient knowledge and poor practice but good attitude towards neonatal jaundice. Emphasis should therefore be placed on health education especially during antenatal period on neonatal jaundice and other prevailing health issues as this would improve their knowledge level and thus their attitude and practice.","PeriodicalId":90555,"journal":{"name":"International journal of tropical disease & health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-12-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47775937","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":"Onchocercal Skin Disease Profiles Following Ivermectin Treatment in the Middle Imo River Baisn, Nigeria","authors":"A. Amaechi, J. I. Iwunze, C. Nwokeji, J. Egejuru","doi":"10.9734/ijtdh/2021/v42i2330561","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ijtdh/2021/v42i2330561","url":null,"abstract":"In Nigeria infection with onchocerciasis has been under control with the introduction of ivermectin in most affected communities for a decade. To assist ‘stop mass drug administration (MDA)’ decision, a cross-sectional survey evaluated the impact of ivermectin on onchocercal Skin Diseases (manifestations) from 540 participants in 5 endemic communities. The rapid epidemiological assessment (REA) method with palpable nodules and skin depigmentation (leopard skin, LS) as diagnostic indices were used. The prevalence profiles of palpable nodules and leopard skin was 5.9% and 12.2% respectively. Prevalence of clinical features varied among the farming community (P<0.05). Similarly, age group 21-30 years had significant prevalence of clinical features than other age groups (P<0.05).  Males had significantly higher prevalence of these indices (palpable nodules 6.8(%; LS 13.3%) than females (palpable nodules 4.6%; LS 11.1%). Although, Onchocercal Skin Diseases (clinical manifestations) were observed in all age groups, it occurred most in older groups. These groups with nodules could portend as reservoir for transmission. The implications of the results were discussed in the context of the on-going prediction of possible elimination of onchocerciasis in Africa and ‘stop MDA’ decision.","PeriodicalId":90555,"journal":{"name":"International journal of tropical disease & health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-12-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42520402","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}