Validation of Blood Glucose and Lipid-Lowering Effect of Solvent Fractions of the Crinum Abyssinicum Shoot Tips in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice.

Background: Diabetes mellitus prevalence has reached epidemic levels despite the existence of contemporary treatments. People thus started looking at the possible therapeutic value of natural therapies. Crushed shoot tips of Crinum abyssinicum (Amaryllidaceae) are mixed with water in Ethiopia to treat diabetes, yet this practice is not well supported by science. Objective: In this experiment, mice models were used to verify the blood sugar and lipid-lowering benefits of solvent fractions of C. abyssinicum shoot tips. Materials and Methods: In a single-dose treated Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic model, mice were randomly grouped into eleven categories which include diabetic negative control, diabetic positive control, and 9 diabetic treatment groups. In repeated daily doses treated STZ-induced model, Mice were divided into 6 groups which included normal and diabetic negative control (TW80), diabetic positive control (5 mg/kg glibenclamide), and three diabetic treatment groups 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg). Finally, blood glucose, lipid level, and body weight were examined. Results: In the single-dose treated diabetic model, there was a significant blood glucose reduction at 200 and 400 mg/kg doses of aqueous fraction and glibenclamide starting from the sixth-hour post-administration unlike ethyl acetate and chloroform fraction compared to baseline and negative control. In repeated daily dose-treated diabetic mice, all three doses (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of aqueous fraction) resulted in a substantial reduction (P < .001) in blood glucose compared to baseline and negative control on the seventh day and 14th day. Besides the AQF shows improvement in lipid levels and body weight parameters. Conclusion: The results of the study demonstrated that C. abyssinicum shoot tip fractions have the greatest potential to lower blood sugar and lipid levels, supporting conventional claims for the treatment of diabetes.

Systematic review of sporozoite infection rate of Anopheles mosquitoes in Ethiopia, 2001-2021.

BACKGROUND: Adult mosquitoes of the genus Anopheles are important vectors of Plasmodium parasites, causative agents of malaria. The aim of this review was to synthesize the overall and species-specific proportion of Anopheles species infected with sporozoites and their geographical distribution in the last 2 decades (2001-2021). METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted using databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus, African Journals OnLine) and manual Google search between January 1 and February 15, 2022. Original articles describing work conducted in Ethiopia, published in English and reporting infection status, were included in the review. All the required data were extracted using a standardized data extraction form, imported to SPSS-24, and analyzed accordingly. The quality of each original study was assessed using a quality assessment tool adapted from the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist. This study was registered on PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews; registration no. CRD42022299078). RESULTS: A search for published articles produced a total of 3086 articles, of which 34 met the inclusion criteria. Data on mosquito surveillance revealed that a total of 129,410 anophelines comprising 25 species were captured, of which 48,365 comprising 21 species were tested for sporozoites. Anopheles arabiensis was the dominant species followed by An. pharoensis and An. coustani complex. The overall proportion infected with sporozoites over 21 years was 0.87%. Individual proportions included Anopheles arabiensis (1.09), An. pharoensis (0.79), An. coustani complex (0.13), An. funestus (2.71), An. demeilloni (0.31), An. stephensi (0.70), and An. cinereus (0.73). Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites accounted 79.2% of Plasmodium species. Mixed infection of Plasmodium vivax and P. falciparum was only reported from one An. arabiensis sample. CONCLUSIONS: Anopheles arebiensis was the dominant malaria vector over the years, with the highest sporozoite infection proportion of 2.85% and an average of 0.90% over the years. Other species contributing to malaria transmission in the area were An. pharoensis, An. coustani complex, An. funestus, An. stephensi, and An. coustani. The emergence of new vector species, in particular An. stephensi, is particularly concerning and should be investigated further.

Recent Advances in Messenger Ribonucleic Acid (mRNA) Vaccines and Their Delivery Systems: A Review.

Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) was found as the intermediary that transfers genetic information from DNA to ribosomes for protein synthesis in 1961. The emergency use authorization of the two covid-19 mRNA vaccines, BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273, is a significant achievement in the history of vaccine development. Because they are generated in a cell-free environment using the in vitro transcription (IVT) process, mRNA vaccines are risk-free. Moreover, chemical modifications to the mRNA molecule, such as cap structures and changed nucleosides, have proved critical in overcoming immunogenicity concerns, achieving sustained stability, and achieving effective, accurate protein production in vivo. Several vaccine delivery strategies (including protamine, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), polymers, nanoemulsions, and cell-based administration) were also optimized to load and transport RNA into the cytosol. LNPs, which are composed of a cationic or a pH-dependent ionizable lipid layer, a polyethylene glycol (PEG) component, phospholipids, and cholesterol, are the most advanced systems for delivering mRNA vaccines. Moreover, modifications of the four components that make up the LNPs showed to increase vaccine effectiveness and reduce side effects. Furthermore, the introduction of biodegradable lipids improved LNP biocompatibility. Furthermore, mRNA-based therapies are expected to be effective treatments for a variety of refractory conditions, including infectious diseases, metabolic genetic diseases, cancer, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Therefore, the present review aims to provide the scientific community with up-to-date information on mRNA vaccines and their delivery systems.

A 10-Year Trend Analysis of Intestinal Parasitic Infections at Grarigy Health Center, Northwest Ethiopia: Implication for Epidemic Preparedness.

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPI) are one of the most significant health issues around the world. Their burden is significant in Ethiopia with an estimated five million cases reported annually. This study aimed to evaluate the 10-year trend of IPIs at the Grarigy Health Center in northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A retrospective analysis was done at Grarigy Health Center to determine the 10-year (2011-2020) trend of IPIs by reviewing stool examination reports from a laboratory logbook. The data was collected by laboratory personnel using data extraction sheets. Then, entered into EpiData, cleaned and analyzed using SPSS-20 software. The chi-square test was used to test for significant differences between variables. Results: A total of 9541 stool samples were examined over a 10-year period, of which, 5599 (58.7%) were from male participants and 3942 (41.3%) were from female participants. Participants in the study had an average age of 26.11 years. Infection with intestinal parasites was seen in 58.8% of people (n = 5612) (CI: 57.8-59.8). A significant fluctuating pattern of IPIs was observed from 2011 to 2020 (P < 0.05). The highest peak of IPIs was recorded in 2020 (61.9%; 767 cases) and the lowest peak was observed in 2011 (49%; 99 cases). A total of 10 different genera of intestinal parasites were reported, of which, A. lumbricoides was the predominant (23.5%) followed by E. histolytica/dispar (16.6%). The highest cases of all intestinal parasites were reported between the ages of 5 and 14 years except H. nana (highest case reported in < 5 years). Conclusion: Prevalence of IPIs is substantial at the Grarigy Health Centre. A fluctuating trend was noticed in the past 10 years. A surveillance system should be in place to bring the burden of IPI down to a level where it has no public health effect.

Medicinal Plants Used for the Management of Hepatitis Over the Past 15 Years in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review.

Background: Treatment of human and animal ailments using botanical sources has obtained significant attention in Ethiopia. The compounds available in plants comprise a plentiful source of bioactive ingredients able to treat many complications. The review aimed to present an updated list of plants used for managing hepatitis over the past 15 years in Ethiopia. Methods: Systematic, comprehensive search was undertaken from electronic databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Scopus) between September 01 and October 15, 2022, using standard search terms. Original researches carried out in Ethiopia, written and published in English between January 01/2007 and December 31/2021, and reported hepatitis as a disease treated by medicinal plants were included in the review. Plants beyond the list of Ethiopian and Eritrean floral were excluded. Data were extracted from texts and tables of original papers on a Microsoft Excel. Quality was assessed by applying the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist. Results: A total of 317 papers were obtained from the database search. After removing duplicates and screening, 15 articles fit the inclusion criteria and selected for final review. Of the 24 plants identified, 35.7% were herbs. Leaf and root (35.7% each) were the predominant plant parts used for remedy preparation. Combined use of leaf and root comprised 10.7%. The families Apocynaceae, Asteraceae, Euphorbiaceae, Cucurbitaceae, and Fabaceae comprise the highest number of plant species. About 89.3% of remedies were administered orally. Conclusion: The majority of plants belong to herbs and the frequently used plant parts are leaf and roots. Evidence generated from the present review indicated that lots of plants have been used to manage hepatitis. Moreover, the findings could serve as preliminary information to formulate new drugs acting against hepatitis. Therefore, it is desirable for scholars to recognize, document, and keep plants and the associated knowledge appropriately.

Systematic Review of Safety of RTS,S with AS01 and AS02 Adjuvant Systems Using Data from Randomized Controlled Trials in Infants, Children, and Adults.

Background: Emergence of antimalarial drugs and insecticides resistance alarms scientists to develop a safe and effective malaria vaccine. A pre-erythrocytic malaria vaccine called RTS,S has made great strides. Aim: The review was aimed to assess the safety of the candidate malaria vaccine RTS,S with AS01 and AS02 adjuvants using data from Phase I-III randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs). Methods: This systematic review was conducted based on PRISMA 2020. Regardless of time of publication year, all articles related with safety of RTS,S, RCTs published in the English language were included in the study. The last search of databases, and registry was conducted on 30 May, 2022. Pubmed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, Wiley Online Library, and Clinical trials.gov were thoroughly searched for accessible RCTs on the safety of RTS,S malaria vaccine. The studies were screened in three steps: duplicate removal, title and abstract screening, and full-text review. The included studies' bias risk was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool for RCTs. This systematic review is registered at Prospero (registration number: CRD42021285888). The qualitative descriptive findings from the included published studies were reported stratified by clinical trial phases. Findings: A total of thirty-five eligible safety studies were identified. Injection site pain and swelling, febrile convulsion, fever, headache, meningitis, fatigue, gastroenteritis, myalgia, pneumonia, reactogenicity, and anemia were the most commonly reported adverse events. Despite few clinical trials reported serious adverse events, none of them were related to vaccination. Conclusion: Most of the adverse events observed from RTS,S/AS01 and RTS,S/AS02 malaria vaccines were reported in the control group and shared by other vaccines. Hence, the authors concluded that both RTS,S/AS01 and RTS,S/AS02 malaria vaccines are safe.

Assessment of prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasite infections among school children at Amber Primary School, Northwest Ethiopia.

Objective: This study is aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitic infections among school children at Amber Primary School, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Amber Primary School from December 2019 to January 2020. Semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data and clinical characteristics. Direct wet mount technique was applied for detection and identification of intestinal parasites. Result: A total of 384 participants were included in this study of which 50.3% were males and 65.4% were in the age group 9-12 years. The prevalence of at least one intestinal parasite was 26.8% (n = 103), of which 13.6% (n = 14) were mixed infections. Hymenolepis nana was the most prevalent intestinal parasite (5.2%) followed by Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (4.9%) and hookworm (4.7%). Male children (adjusted odds ratio = 0.624; 95% confidence interval: 0.392-0.993) and those whose mother completed elementary school (adjusted odds ratio = 2.171; 95% confidence interval: 1.012-4.658) were significantly associated with intestinal parasite infections (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Intestinal parasitic infections remained an important health problem among school children in the study area. Appropriate intervention measures should be taken to reduce the burden and related morbidities.

The prevalence of symptomatic and asymptomatic malaria and its associated factors in Debre Elias district communities, Northwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Malaria is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. According to the World Health Organization 2021 malaria report, it is considered to be endemic in 85 countries and territories. Malaria elimination programmes have also faced many challenges, such as widespread asymptomatic carriers in endemic regions, and they should be considered in malaria-control programmes in endemic areas for successful transmission interruption. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of symptomatic and asymptomatic malaria infections, and associated factors in Debre Elias district communities, Northwest Ethiopia from May to Jun 2018. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among selected kebeles in Debre Elias district, Amhara region, North-western Ethiopia. Multi-stage sampling technique was carried out to select representative households. A total of 440 randomly selected households were included, of which one individual per household was sampled for laboratory examination. Malaria prevalence was determined by light microscopy of stained blood films and using CareStart™ Malaria HRP2/pLDH (Pf/Pv) Combo rapid diagnostic test (RDT). A structured questionnaire was employed to collect socio-demographic data and associated risk factors. Data entry and analysis were carried out using Epi data 3.1 and SPSS version 23 software, respectively. The association between dependent and independent variables was explored by using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Statistically significant association was declared at P-value of < 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 440 (333 asymptomatic and 107 symptomatic) individuals were included in this study. The overall prevalence of malaria was 5% with the majority (59.1%) of infections caused by Plasmodium falciparum. Among asymptomatic participants, 4.8% (n = 16, 95% CI = 2.6-7.3) and 4.2% (n = 14, 95% CI = 2.1-6.5) were diagnosed and confirmed by RDT and light microscopy respectively. Similarly, the prevalence of malaria among 107 symptomatic individuals was 7.5% (n = 8, 95% CI = 2.8-12.6) by either RDT or light microscopy. Utilization of insecticide-treated net (ITN), availability of ITN, house with eave, previous history of malaria infection, and family history of malaria infection were significantly associated with malaria infection (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In this study, the prevalence of asymptomatic and symptomatic malaria was moderate. Screening of both symptomatic and asymptomatic malaria in the community is very important to scale up intervention programmes.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasite Infections and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women in Northwest Ethiopia.

Background: Intestinal parasite infections are among the most common infections worldwide. They pose a high burden in pregnant women in developing countries causing maternal anemia, low birth weight, and prenatal mortality. This study is aimed at assessing intestinal parasite infection prevalence, species diversity, and associated factors among pregnant women. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women in Debre Elias district from March 2021 to July 2021. Three hundred sixty-three study participants meeting the inclusion criteria were enrolled for the study, and all submitted the required amount and quality of stool specimen. Immediately after collection, macroscopic (gross) and microscopic (saline wet mount) examination of stool sample was performed to detect and identify intestinal parasites. The generated data were checked for completeness, coded, entered, and analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, 2011) software. Binary logistic regression was applied to show significant association between dependent and independent variables. Statistically significant association was declared at a P value of < 0.05. Result: Of the study participants screened for intestinal parasite, 43.5% (158/363) were infected with at least one intestinal parasite. From the total positives, 40.5% (147/363) were mono and 3.0% (11/363) were double infections. Five intestinal parasite species were recorded, of which hookworm was the predominant, (65.2%, 103/158) followed by E. histolytica/dispar (12.7%, 20/158) and G. lamblia (11.4%, 18/158). Ascaris lumbricoides and Taenia species comprised the least percentage (1.9%, 3/158 each). Source of drinking water and occupation were identified as significant factors associated with intestinal parasite infection. Farmer pregnant women were 6.41 times (AOR = 6.41, 95% CI: 1.05-39.16; P = 0.034) more likely to be infected by intestinal parasites than their counterparts. Pregnant women who drank tape water were 0.52 times less (AOR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.30-0.88; P = 0.017) likely to be infected by intestinal parasites. Conclusion: Intestinal parasite infections remained a serious health burden to pregnant women in the study area with the dominance of a hematophagous worm (hookworm). Community-based intestinal parasite screening and treatment are essential to alleviate the burden caused by intestinal parasite infections.

Medicinal Plants Utilized for the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Parasitosis in Ethiopia.

Background: Nonhygienic living conditions give rise to parasitic infections. Intestinal parasitosis is a serious public health problem in Ethiopia. It is more common in the poor part of the population with low-income, poor personal, and environmental sanitation and limited clean water supply. This review is aimed at providing an overview of the medicinal plants used for the treatment of gastrointestinal parasitosis in Ethiopia. Methods: International databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science) were systematically searched to access published original articles on medicinal plants used to treat gastrointestinal parasitosis without restriction on the year of publication and methodology. The validity of articles was checked before inclusion in the review by undertaking critical appraisal using tools adapted from JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist. The details of medicinal plants were extracted from the included studies using a standardized data extraction format in excel spreadsheet and analyzed using descriptive statistics to calculate frequency and percentage. Results: A search for published articles produced a total of 205 papers, of which 23 met the inclusion criteria. Of the 85 medicinal plants identified, the majority (40.2%) were shrubs, and the common plant part used was leaf (28.2%). Family Asteraceae has the highest number of plant species. The majority of the plant remedies were given orally (96.9%). Taeniasis comprises the highest percentage of intestinal parasitosis treated followed by ascariasis. Conclusion: Numerous plants have been utilized to treat gastrointestinal parasitosis. Information obtained from this review could serve as a guide to discover novel antiparasitic agents. Therefore, it is advisable for researchers to properly identify, document, conserve, and conduct safety and efficacy studies on such claimed medicinal plants.

National burden of intestinal parasitic infections and its determinants among people living with HIV/AIDS on anti-retroviral therapy in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is designed to assess the pooled prevalence and determine risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections among people living with HIV/AIDS on anti-retroviral therapy in Ethiopia. Methods: International databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus, PsycINFO, African Journals Online, and Google Scholar were systematically searched. Publication bias was determined using the funnel plot and Egger's regression tests. Heterogeneity between the studies included in this review was checked by I 2 statistic. The DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model was applied to estimate the pooled effect size. Sub-group, meta-regression, and sensitivity analysis were conducted. Overall, meta-analysis was done using Stata version 14 statistical software. Results: Twenty-seven studies with 8946 individuals were included, the estimated pooled prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among people living with HIV/AIDS on anti-retroviral therapy was 40.24% (95% confidence interval = 33.8-46.6). Based on sub-group analysis, the highest prevalence was observed in the Tigray region 45.7% (95% confidence interval = 7.9-83.5), followed by Oromia region 42.2% (95% confidence interval = 28.8-55.6). Availability of latrine (odds ratio = 26.6, 95% confidence interval = 2.8-15.8), presence of animals at home (odds ratio = 2.7, 95% confidence interval = 1.2-5.8), and source of drinking water (odds ratio = 3.2, 95% confidence interval = 1.3-7.5) were significantly associated with intestinal parasitic infections. Conclusion: These findings indicated that the prevalence of intestinal parasites among people living with HIV/AIDS was high in Ethiopia.

Hookworm re-infection rate and efficacy of single-dose albendazole among pregnant women in Debre Elias District, Northwest Ethiopia: A single-arm trial.

Hookworm is one of the soil-transmitted nematodes causing anaemia and low birth weight in pregnant women. This study aimed to assess albendazole efficacy and re-infection rate among pregnant women. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to September 2021 in Debre Elias District. Albendazole (400mg) was administered to assess efficacy and hookworm re-infection rate. Though the cure rate of single-dose albendazole was 81.7%, with an overall egg reduction rate of 92.5%, the re-infection rate of hookworm 18-24 weeks post-treatment was substantial at 21.4%. More effective intervention measures are thus needed.

Extraintestinal Amoebiasis in Women after 6th Day of Delivery.

BACKGROUND: Extraintestinal amoebiasis is more common in countries with lower socioeconomic status. Complication related to amoebiasis is common in pregnant patients with malnutrition and others. Severe cases can be associated with high fatality rates. We would like to report a patient with a presumptive diagnosis of extraintestinal amoebiasis who was on the 6th postpartum day after intrauterine fetal death (IUFD). Case Presentation. The patient was a 31 year-old female who was on 6th postpartum day after IUFD after the 9th month of amenorrhea. She presented with severe epigastric pain, hiccups, and bloody vomiting of ingested matter for 5 days. She also had right upper quadrat pain and fatigue. In addition, she had generalized body weakness and yellowish discoloration of the eyes for one week. Moreover, she had pruritus, fever, and a history of watery diarrhea 6 days ago which got subsided during the presentation. Laboratory investigation indicated leukocytosis and increased level of alkaline phosphatase and direct and total bilirubin. Trophozoite of E. histolytica was seen on stool microscope, negative for viral marker and Helicobacter pylori. Abdominal ultrasonography showed normal liver parenchyma and biliary system. She was treated onsite with 500 mg metronidazole and 500 mg ceftriaxone for five days and discharged with metronidazole 500 mg PO three times a day and cloxacillin 500 mg PO four times a day for 7 days. CONCLUSIONS: Extraintesinal amoebiasis can be resolved if it is diagnosed early and treated with metronidazole. Clinicians should not neglect amoebiasis in patients presenting with jaundice and right upper quadrant pain.

A Systematic Review on Traditional Medicinal Plants Used for the Treatment of Viral and Fungal Infections in Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Traditional medicine is still playing an important role in meeting the basic health care requirement of the peoples in different parts of Ethiopia. There is no published review that clearly indicates documented medicinal plants available in different parts of the country used for treating viral and fungal infections. Currently, viral epidemics with high mortality and morbidity like SARS COV-2 are emerging. Screening of promising drug from plant source is vital to control such viral and fungal infections. In addition, indicating the most commonly used parts of the plant and their route of administration will help for further drug formulation studies. This review aimed to present an indication of the ethnomedicinal plants used for the treatment of fungal and viral infections. METHODS: The databases (Google Scholar, pub med, hinari, and research gate) were searched for published articles on the ethnobotany of medicinal plants used to treat viral and fungal infection in Ethiopia without restriction in the methodology and year of publication. Viral infections, fungal infections, anti-fungal and anti-viral activity, ethnobotany, Ethiopia, and medicinal plants were the key search terms. Studies that did not have complete ethnobotanical data and did not address viral and fungal infection as a disease treated traditionally by the practitioners were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 249 articles were produced by database search. After amendment for exclusion criteria and duplicates, 15 articles were found appropriate for the review. The majority of the studies were qualitative and others were mixed type in nature. All of the medicinal plants traditionally used to treat viral and fungal infections in Ethiopia were not scientifically confirmed. Out of the 95 identified plants, 40.8% were herbs and from the plant parts used and 43.9% and 21.1% were leaves and roots, respectively. The majority, (48.8%), of the plant remedies were given orally. Rabies and Tinea capitis constitute the highest percentage of viral and fungal infections treated by traditional medicinal plants followed by hepatitis and Tinea corporis, respectively. CONCLUSION: Various plants have been used to treat viral and fungal infections. Information obtained from this review serves as a guide to discover novel antiviral and antifungal agents from plants. Therefore, it is advisable for field researchers to properly identify, document, conserve and conduct efficacy and safety studies on such medicinal plants in animal models.

The Prevalence, Antibiotic Resistance Pattern, and Associated Factors of Bacterial Vaginosis Among Women of the Reproductive Age Group from Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Bacterial vaginosis is an infection of the vagina, which results due to change in the normal balance of vaginal bacteria. The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude and determinants of bacterial vaginosis among women of reproductive age group from Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among women during the reproductive period at Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital from September 1, 2019 to October 2020. About 413 vaginal swab samples were collected and examined using the Nugent scoring system and culture. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 25. The odds ratio (OR) was used as a measure of the strength of association and reported with 95% confidence intervals. P-value ≤ 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify possible associated factors with bacteria causing bacterial vaginosis. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of bacteria causing bacterial vaginosis was 39.5%. The predominant bacteria were S. aureus (25.4%), G. vaginalis (22.7%), S. agalactiae (14.1%), and E. coli (13.5%). S. aureus was resistant to erythromycin (69.8%) and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (53.5%); despite this, it was susceptible to ciprofloxacillin (93%), gentamycin (93%), and cefoxitin (90.7%). On the other hand, E. coli was resistant to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (91.3%) and ceftriaxone (63.6%), but was susceptible to ciprofloxacillin (95.5%) and gentamycin (93%). CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of bacterial vaginosis was significantly associated with the pH level of the vagina (≥4.5), participant age ≤20, pregnancy, and history of HIV infection. Therefore, early identification of factors leading to bacterial overgrowth on the vagina is very important to protect maternal and child morbidity and mortality.

Analysis of Five-Year Trend of Malaria at Bichena Primary Hospital, Amhara Region, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Malaria is a life-threating infectious diseases caused by protozoan parasite of the genus Plasmodium. The WHO African region bears the largest burden of malaria morbidity and mortality every year. Prevention and control activity of malaria in Ethiopia is implemented as guided by a national strategic plan to decrease malaria burden. This study is aimed at assessing the five-year trend of malaria at Bichena Primary Hospital. METHOD: A retrospective study was conducted at Bichena Primary Hospital to assess the five-year (2015-2019) trend of malaria by reviewing blood film reports from a laboratory logbook. RESULT: In a five-year period, 9182 blood films were requested for malaria diagnosis of whom 53.8% were males and 41% were in the age group 15-29. The overall prevalence of malaria was 9.28% (n = 852), P. falciparum being the dominant malaria species. The highest peaks of total malaria cases were observed in 2016 and in December, and the lowest peaks were observed in 2018 and March (mean annual case 170.4; mean monthly case 14.2), and there was a statistically significant year and monthly variation of malaria cases (P < 0.001). Malaria was reported in both sexes and all age groups; of which, males and the age group 15-29 years old consist the highest number of malaria cases (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Malaria remains an important public health problem in the study area, and a significant fluctuation was noticed in a five-year period, P. falciparum being slightly the dominant malaria species. Successive efforts are still required to reduce malaria burden to a level that has no longer public health effect.

Comparison of direct wet mount, Kato-Katz and formol ether sedimentation technique for the diagnosis of hookworm infection in Debre Elias Woreda, Northwest Ethiopia.

Hookworm infection is a neglected parasitic disease. Direct wet mount is the usual method for the diagnosis of hookworm in Ethiopia, but its sensitivity is unsatisfactory. A cross-sectional study was therefore conducted from January to February 2018 among 192 study participants in Debre Elias district. Stool samples were processed by three methods: the prevalence of hookworm was 77.6%, 68.2% and 49.0% by Kato-Katz, formol ether sedimentation technique and direct wet mount, respectively. Direct wet mount had relatively low sensitivity (61.4%) compared to formol ether sedimentation technique (85.6%) and Kato-Katz (97.4%). The latter two compared well with the gold standard method with kappa values of κ = 0.94, κ = 0.71 and κ = 0.39, respectively, and are therefore recommended over against the direct wet mount technique in detecting hookworm.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Asymptomatic Plasmodium Infection in Gondar Zuria District, Northwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Malaria is one of the major public health problems worldwide. In Ethiopia, an increase in malaria incidence may be attributed to the presence of community-wide asymptomatic Plasmodium infection. This study aims to assess asymptomatic Plasmodium infection and associated factors in Gondar Zuria district, Northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Gondar Zuria district from May to June 2019. Angacha and Hamsafeg villages were randomly selected from Tachtseda and Hamsafeg kebeles, respectively. Fifty-three (53) households were selected using systematic random sampling to recruit a total of 251 study participants. Sociodemographic data were collected using structured questionnaires. Thin and thick blood films were prepared and examined for evidence of parasites. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 23. The association between dependent (asymptomatic Plasmodium infection) and independent (sex, age group, family size and previous history of malaria) variables was explored using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression. Statistically significant association was declared at a P-value of <0.05. RESULTS: A total of 251 individuals were tested, of whom 53.4% were females and 33.5% were above the age of 30 years. The prevalence of asymptomatic Plasmodium infection was 12%. The highest prevalence of malaria was observed in females (6.4%) and among the age group 15-29 years (4.4%). The majority (70%) of study participants had <500 parasites/µL of blood. A high parasitemia level (ie ≥1000 parasites/µL of blood) was observed in the age group 15-29 years. Age group, bed net usage and previous history of malaria were significantly associated with asymptomatic Plasmodium infection (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Asymptomatic Plasmodium infection remains an important public health problem in the study area. Further studies using more sensitive diagnostic methods are required to scale up the eradication and control program of malaria.

Anopheles gambiae s.l (Diptera: Culicidae) seasonal abundance, abdominal status and parity rates in Metema-Armachiho lowland, Northwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Malaria is a life threating vector borne disease caused by different Plasmodium parasites. Metema and Armachiho are two of the top five malaria endemic areas among the districts of Amhara region in Ethiopia. Transmission pattern is seasonal and migrant laborers who visit these areas for employment in mechanized agriculture are highly affected. The aim of this study was to investigate seasonal abundance, abdominal status and parity rate of An.gambiae s.l in Metema-Armachiho lowlands, Northwest Ethiopia. METHOD: A 1 year longitudinal entomological study was conducted in Metema-Armachiho lowlands from June 2016-May 2017. Mosquitoes were collected using CDC-light traps in indoor and outdoor sites for four consecutive days in each month. A total of eight standard battery operated CDC-light traps were used to collect mosquitoes. Female mosquitoes were classed as unfed, fed or gravid under a dissecting microscope. The ovaries of all unfed An.gambiae s.l mosquitoes were examined for evidence of parity. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS-20 software. Chi-square test was applied to show significant difference between variables. P-value< 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. RESULTS: Of the total 1253 mosquitoes collected, 713 (552 female, 161 male) were culex and 540 (501 female, 39 male) were An.gambiae s.l. About 50.9% were collected in June-August 2016, 21.7% in September-November 2016, 12.0% in December 2016-February 2017 and 15.4% in March to May 2017. Of the total, 57.2 and 42.8% of the An.gambiae s.l were collected from indoor and outdoor sites respectively. Of the total females collected, 76.8% were unfed; of which 69.4% were parous. Significantly higher number of female An.gambiae s.l were collected in indoor and there was significant difference in abdominal status of An.gambiae s.l mosquitoes collected in different season (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Highest number of An.gambiae s.l was observed from June-August followed by September-November. The parity rate of An.gambiae s.l was high and there was significant difference in abdominal status of An.gambiae s.l collected in different season.

Assessment of Knowledge and Practices of Standard Precaution against Blood Borne Pathogens among Doctors and Nurses at Adult Emergency Room in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Standard precautions are infection control techniques against pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess knowledge and practice of standard precautions against blood borne pathogens among doctors and nurses in adult emergency room, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. METHODS: Institutional based cross sectional study was conducted from February to March 2018. A total of 128 study participants selected from four public hospitals were enrolled in this study. Data were collected using standardized pretested questionnaire and thencoded, entered, checked for completeness, and analyzed using SPSS version-23 statisticalsoftware. Chi-square test was used to measure the association between variables. P values <0.05 were taken as statistically significant. RESULT: The mean knowledge score of standard precaution measures was 10.3 out of 14 knowledge items. Out of 32 doctors, 93.8% (n=30) have good knowledge and out of 91 nurses, 86.8% (n=79) have good knowledge. The mean practice level of the study subjects was 8.5 out of 12 practice items. Majority (73.6%) of nurses have good practice level than doctors (21.8%). Knowledge level was significantly associated with the presence of infection control officer, infection control guideline, and washing hands before touching patients. Profession, training, and the presence of infection control guideline in emergency room were significantly associated with practice level of respondents (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Both nurses and doctors have good knowledge of standard precaution measures. However, nurses have better practice level than doctors. Orientation during employment and continuous training programs should be provided for the newly employed health workers. In addition sustainable supply systems should be available in each hospital management.