Prevalence, causes and outcomes of war-related civilian injuries in Ethiopia's war-torn Tigray region: a community-based descriptive study.

OBJECTIVE: War and armed conflicts are the major causes of mortality, morbidity and disability. This study was aimed at assessing the prevalence of injury, cause and its outcome among civilians during the war in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. RESULTS: A community based cross sectional study was conducted to collect data from a total of 4,381 sample households. Descriptive analysis was applied and the data are presented using frequencies, percentages, tables and statements. Of the study participants, 6.9% (95% CI: 6.2%, 7.6%) of civilians encountered any kind of war-related physical injury. About Two-third (95% CI: 59%, 73%) of the physical injuries were caused by bullet followed by heavy artillery shelling (proportion = 23%; 95% CI: 17%, 29%). Painfully, about 44% (95% CI: 37%, 50%) faced death following injuries and the other 56.2% (95% CI: 50%, 62.5%) either survived or encountered disability. Post war rehabilitation for the disabled is recommended to enable them live healthy, dignified, independent and productive citizens.

Subacute Hepatotoxicity of Extracts of Senna occidentalis Seeds in Swiss Albino Mice.

Senna occidentalis is potentially toxic to humans and animals. Its seeds are crop contaminant weeds in some localities where liver disease is prevalent. This study assessed the subacute hepatotoxicity of S. occidentalis seeds in mice model. Three groups of female Swiss Albino mice (25-28 g, aged 8-10 weeks) received distilled water (control), 400, and 1000 mg/kg extract of S. occidentalis seed, respectively. At the end of the study, body weight and liver organ weight were recorded, and tissue and blood samples were collected and analyzed. The results indicated that the extract treated groups, at both doses, showed significant (p ≤ 0.001) decrease in mean body weight gain in the fourth week of the experiment. Besides, the extract treated groups showed significant (p ≤ 0.001) elevation of liver enzyme markers: alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. Also, histopathological examinations of liver tissue showed moderate microvesicular steatosis of hepatocytes and mild inflammation in the 400 mg/kg treated group as well as marked micro- and macrovesicular steatosis, focal area necrosis, and periportal inflammation with mononuclear cell infiltration in the 1000 mg/kg treated group. Thus, these findings show that S. occidentalis seeds exhibit hepatotoxicity in mice, characterized by changes in liver tissue architecture and liver enzyme levels.

Cross-Sectional Serological Survey for Leptospira spp. in Beef and Dairy Cattle in Two Districts in Uganda.

Seroprevalence of Leptospira spp. in cattle is unknown in Uganda. The aim of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence of L. interrogans Icterohaemorrhagiae, Pomona, L. kirschneri Butembo, Grippotyphosa, L. borgpetersenii Nigeria, Hardjo, Wolfii, and Kenya and an overall seroprevalence in cattle from Kole and Mbale districts. Two hundred-seventy five bovine sera from 130 small holder farms from Kole (n = 159) and Mbale (n = 116), collected between January and July 2015, were tested for antibodies against eight Leptospira strains by Microscopic Agglutination Test. A titer of ≥100 was considered seropositive, indicating past exposure. Overall, the seroprevalence was 19.27% (95% CI 14.9-24.5%). Pomona seroprevalence was highest with 9.45% (6.4-13.7%), followed by Kenya 5.09% (2.9-8.6%), Nigeria 4.00% (2.1-7.2%), Wolfii 3.27% (1.6-6.3%), Butembo 1.86% (0.7-4.4%), Hardjo 1.45% (0.5-3.9%), and Icterohaemorragiae and Grippotyphosa with less than 1% positive. Seroprevalence did not differ between districts and gender (p ≥ 0.05). Seven animals had titers ≥400. Cross-reactions or exposure to ≥1 serovar was measured in 43% of serum samples. Seroprevalence of 19% implies exposure of cattle to leptospires.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of brucellosis in abattoir workers at Debre Zeit and Modjo export abattoir, Central Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Brucellosis is one of the major zoonoses globally with great veterinary and public health importance, particularly in developing countries where people are having frequent contact with livestock and animal products. This cross sectional study was carried out from November 2013 to May 2014 to determine the seroprevalence and assess the potential risk factors of brucellosis in abattoir workers of five export abattoirs at Debre Ziet and Modjo, Central Ethiopia. METHODS: Serology and structured questionnaire were the methods used. In this study, 156 abattoir workers participated in the questionnaire survey and among them, 149 agreed for blood sample collection. Rose Bengal Plate Test and Complement Fixation Test were conducted using sera samples at serology laboratory of the National Animal Health Diagnostic and Investigation Center. Data collection sheets were used to gather information on possible risk factors believed to influence the spread of Brucella infection in abattoir workers such as sex, age, marital status, duration on job, types of work, educational level, etc. and further information obtained include knowledge of brucellosis and other zoonotic diseases infection, symptoms of the disease, milk and meat consumption habits and work related risk factors. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used for data analysis. RESULTS: The overall seroprevalence of brucellosis in abattoir workers was found to be 4.7 and 1.3% using Rose Bengal plate test and Compliment fixation test, respectively. Based on the questionnaire survey, 66 (44.2%) and 85 (53.21%) of abattoir workers were aware of brucellosis and other zoonotic diseases, and 29 (18.6%) and 21 (13.5%) were using gloves and cover their mouth while slaughtering, respectively. CONCLUSION: Brucellosis in abattoir workers could be prevented by using protective closing and measures. Concerned body should educate occupationally exposed groups and the general public regarding e prevention and control of brucellosis and other zoonotic diseases.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of Brucellosis in small ruminants slaughtered at Debre Ziet and Modjo export abattoirs, Ethiopia.

INTRODUCTION: Brucellosis is a global zoonotic disease and major public and animal health problem in many parts of the world, particularly in places where livestock is a major source of food and income. This cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2012 and May 2013 to determine the seroprevalence and assess potential risk factors of brucellosis in small ruminants in five export abattoirs at Debre Ziet and Modjo, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. METHODOLOGY: Serology and questionnaire were the methods used. In this investigation, 853 sera samples of 485 caprines and 368 ovines brought for slaughter were selected randomly. The Rose Bengal plate test and complement fixation test were conducted using sera samples at National Animal Health Diagnostic and Investigation Center (NAHDIC) serology laboratory. Data collection sheets were used to gather information on possible risk factors believed to influence the occurrence of Brucella infection in small ruminants such as age, species, breed, body condition score, and origin of small ruminants. RESULTS: Brucellosis was found in 17 (1.99%) and 15 (1.76%) small ruminants using the Rose Bengal plate test and complement fixation test, respectively. The univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age and body condition score of the animals were risk factors to Brucella infection (p = 0.008 and p = 0.001, respectively) in small ruminants. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this survey, brucellosis is a potential problem in small ruminants in Ethiopia that should be further explored.