Effects of mixed hardwoods dust on respiratory function and blood immunoglobulin levels in wood workers.

Background: Occupational exposure to wood dust, generated by various individual wood species, both softwood and hardwood, has been extensively documented as a causative factor for reduced lung function, frequent respiratory symptoms, and increased immunological responses in wood workers. This study explores the impact of wood dust from mixed tropical hardwood species on lung function, respiratory symptoms, and Immunoglobulin (Ig) E and G levels. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among wood workers at the Accra Timber Market and a control group from the University of Ghana. Particulate matter (PM) was sampled using a Minivol Sampler set to a flow rate of 5 l/min. Respiratory symptoms were assessed using questions adapted from the British Medical Research Council (MRC) questionnaire (1960). Lung volumes and airflow rates were measured using a spirometer. Total serum IgE and IgG levels were quantified using ELISA. Results: No significant differences were observed between the wood workers and the controls for demographic variables. Wood workers exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms, particularly rhinitis, with many reporting the absence of symptoms during holidays. Lung function parameters (VC, FEV1, FEV1%, PEFR, and FEF25-75%) were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in wood workers. A significant negative correlation was noted between lung function parameters and years of exposure to wood dust. Wood workers showed significantly elevated levels (p < 0.05) of IgG and IgE. Conclusion: The study findings suggest that exposure to mixed tropical hardwood dust induces elevated blood IgE and IgG levels, along with non-allergic respiratory function abnormalities.

Socioeconomic Risk Factors for Plasmodium falciparum Infection in Primary School Children in Three Districts of the Volta Region Of Ghana.

BACKGROUND: Socioeconomic factors influence the prevalence of malaria infection in endemic areas. This study evaluated the socioeconomic risk factors for Plasmodium falciparum infection in primary school children in the Volta region of Ghana. METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved selected primary school children from the region; questionnaires were administered, and blood samples were collected for malaria detection using a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and microscopy. RESULTS: A total of 550 primary school children were enrolled in this study. The predominant occupation of the parents was trading (mothers, 334, 60.73%; fathers, 254, 46.18%) and farming (mothers, 156, 28.36%; fathers, 170, 30.91%). Three hundred and five (305; 55.45%) children tested positive for malaria with RDT and microscopy. Male sex (AOR=1.53), rural area (Afegame school) (AOR=4.01) and parental farming occupation (AOR=6.39), were independently associated with P. falciparum infection. CONCLUSIONS: Plasmodium falciparum infection was significantly found in children in rural areas of Ghana with low socioeconomic status in this study.

Prevalence of Polyparasitic Infection Among Primary School Children in the Volta Region of Ghana.

BACKGROUND: Polyparasitic infection is a possibility in areas where parasites are endemic, especially among children. This study looked at the prevalence of polyparasitic infections among children in the Volta Region of Ghana. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study, among 550 primary school children (aged 6-14 years) in 3 districts in the Volta Region. Questionnaires were administered, and blood, stool, and urine samples were collected. Blood samples were screened for Plasmodium falciparum with rapid diagnostic test and microscopy, together with hemoglobin estimation. Stool and urine samples were microscopically examined using wet mount and sedimentation methods to detect intestinal parasites and Schistosoma haematobium, respectively. Pearson χ2 test was used to evaluate the association between parasitic infections and socioeconomic variables, and multivariate logistic regression to evaluate paired associations among parasites. RESULTS: The most prominent infection among the children was P. falciparum (present in 383 children [69.6%]), followed by S. haematobium (57 [10.36%]). There was low prevalence of intestinal protozoa (present in 11 children [2%]), Ascaris lumbricoides (7 [1.27%]), and hookworm (5 [0.91%]). A total of 62 children had polyparasitic infection, with P. falciparum and S. haematobium having significant paired association (both present in 46 children [74.19%]; adjusted odds ratio, 2.45; P = .007). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of polyparasitic infection was low in this study, and significant coinfection was seen with P. falciparum and S. haematobium.