Magnitude and genotype of hepatitis delta virus among chronic hepatitis B carriers with a spectrum of liver diseases in Ethiopia.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Chronic hepatitis D infection contributes substantially to the progression of chronic liver disease, especially in most low and middle-income countries, where hepatitis B virus-related chronic liver disease is endemic. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the magnitude and genotype of hepatitis delta virus (HDV) among patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB)-related liver diseases in Ethiopia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 323 known HBsAg positive individuals comprising 220 patients with CHB-related liver diseases [121 advanced liver diseases (hepatocellular carcinoma /HCC/ and non-HCC) and 99 chronic hepatitis (CH)], and 103 symptomless blood donors (BD) were enrolled. An ELISA kit was employed to determine HDV infection, and quantitative real-time PCR was used to detect HDV RNA. In addition, a non-coding genomic RNA region was sequenced for genotyping and phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS: Irrespective of the stage of liver disease, the overall magnitude of HDV was 7.7% (25/323). The frequency of anti-HDV increases with the severity of liver disease, 1.9%, 4%, 10%, and 21.3% among BD, CH, non-HCC, and HCC patients, respectively. HDV RNA has been detected in 1.54 %(5/323) cases with a mean viral load of 4,010,360 IU/ml. All isolates were found to be HDV genotype 1. CONCLUSIONS: The magnitude of HDV infection increased with the severity of liver disease, indicating HDV infection is more common among patients with CHB-related liver diseases in Ethiopia.

Molecular diversity of hepatitis B virus among pregnant women in Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Despite the availability of effective vaccines and treatments for hepatitis B virus (HBV), it continues to be a major public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa including Ethiopia. Routine screening for HBV in pregnant women is widely recommended, but there is lack of screening for HBV during pregnancy in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess viral load, and genetic diversity among pregnant women in the Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) testing was performed on 1846 pregnant women, 85 of who tested positive were included in this study. HBV DNA was isolated from 85 positive sera, and the partial surface/polymerase gene was amplified and sequenced. HBV genotypes, sub-genotypes, serotypes and mutations in surface genes and polymerase were studied. RESULTS: Out of 85 pregnant women`s HBsAg positive sera, 59(69.4%) had detectable viral DNA. The median viral load was 3.4 log IU/ml ranging from 2.6 to7.6 and 46 samples were successfully sequenced and genotyped. Genotypes A and D were identified in 39 (84.8%) and 7 (15.2%); respectively. All genotype A isolates were further classified into sub-genotype A1 and serotype adw2 (84.8%) whereas genotype D isolates were further classified into three sub genotypes; 2 (4.3%) D2, 1(2.2%) D4, and 4 (8.7%) D10 with serotypes ayw2 (10.9%), and ayw3 (4.3%). There were 19 (41.3%) surface gene mutations in the major hydrophilic region (MHR). Six (13.1%) of them were discovered in MHR`s `a'-determinant region. Six polymerase gene mutations (13%) were identified. CONCLUSION: Genotype A was the predominant genotype in the Amhara National Regional State. The surface and polymerase gene mutations identified in this study may lead to immune therapy failure, diagnostics escape and drug resistance. Thus, the data generated in this study will contribute to the planning of HBV diagnosis, vaccination and treatment, and most importantly to the prevention of vertical transmission of HBV in Ethiopia. Therefore, further molecular studies on HBV are warranted and continuous surveillance is important for patient management and for the prevention and control of HBV infection in the country.

Prevalence of HIV and Its Co-Infection with Hepatitis B/C Virus Among Chronic Liver Disease Patients in Ethiopia.

Background: The efficient use of antiretroviral drugs has significantly reduced AIDS-related morbidities and mortalities; however, mortality due to non-AIDS-related end-stage liver diseases is escalating in those living with HIV. Objective: The study was designed to determine the prevalence of HIV and its co-infection with HBV and HCV among chronic liver disease (CLD) patients in Ethiopia. Methods: Three hundred and forty-five CLD patients were included in this study in two groups: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (n=128) and non-HCC (n=217) patients. The non-HCC group comprised patients with advanced liver disease (n=98) and chronic hepatitis (n=119). Enzyme immunoassays were used to determine HBV and HCV infection markers. In addition, a serial rapid HIV testing algorithm was employed to screen HIV infection. Results: Regardless of the stage of liver disease, the overall frequency of HIV was 4.3% (15/345), with a 2% (7/345) and 0.3% (1/345) of HIV/HBV and HIV/HCV co-infection rate. Of all HIV-infected patients (n=15), 46.7% (7/15) and 6.7% (1/15) were co-infected with HBV (HBsAg+HBcAb+) and HCV (anti-HCV+ HCV-RNA+), respectively, and 86.7% (13/15) exhibited a marker of HBV exposure (total HBcAb+). Overall, the frequency of HIV and its co-infection with HBV was more noticeable among HCC than non-HCC patients [8.6% (11/128) vs 1.8 (4/217), p=0.005 and 3.9% (5/128) vs 0.9% (2/217), p=0.1]. The rate of HIV mono-infection was 3.9% (5/128) vs 0.9% (2/217) among HCC and non-HCC patients. Conclusion: The frequency of HIV and its co-infections with HBV/HCV exhibited an increasing pattern with the severity of the liver disease. Thus, screening all HIV-positive patients for HBV and HCV infection and all CLD patients for HIV infection and taking necessary preventive measures would be an essential strategy to prevent the progression of CLD and death related to liver disease in people living with HIV.

Molecular epidemiology of hepatitis B virus among HIV co-infected and mono-infected cohorts in Northwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a particular concern in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected individuals. In Ethiopia, detailed clinical and virological descriptions of HBV prevailing during HIV co-infection and symptomatic liver disease patients are lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate HBV virological characteristics from Ethiopian HBV/HIV co-infected and HBV mono-infected individuals. METHODS: A total of 4105 sera from HIV positive individuals, liver disease patients, and blood donors were screened serologically for HBV. The overlapping polymerase/surface genome region of HBV from 180 infected individuals was extracted, amplified, and sequenced for genotypic analysis. RESULTS: The HBsAg seroprevalence was detected 43% in liver disease patients, 8.4% in blood donors, and 6.7% in HIV/HBV co-infected individuals. The occult HBV prevalence was 3.7% in HIV/HBV co-infected individuals and 2.8% in blood donors with an overall prevalence rate of 3.4%. A phylogenetic analysis showed three HBV genotypes; A (61.1%), D (38.3%) and E (0.6%). Genotype A belongs to subtypes A1 (99.1%) and A9 (0.9%), but genotype D showed heterogeneous subtypes; D2 (63.8%) followed by D4 (21.7%), D1 (8.7%), D3 (4.3%), and D10 (1.4%). CONCLUSIONS: The HIV/HBV co-infected individuals and blood donors showed lower HBsAg seroprevalence compared to liver diseases patients. Occult HBV prevalence showed no difference between HIV/HBV co-infected and blood donor groups. This study demonstrated predominance distribution of HBV subtypes A1 and D2 in northwest Ethiopia. The observed virological characteristics could contribute for evidence-based management of viral hepatitis in Ethiopia where antiretroviral therapy guidelines do not cater for viral hepatitis screening during HIV co-infection.

Ocular bacterial infections and antibiotic resistance patterns in patients attending Gondar Teaching Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVES: Empirical selections of antimicrobial therapy based on clinical observations are common clinical practices in Ethiopia. This study identified common external ocular infections and determined antibiotic susceptibility testing in northwest Ethiopia. RESULTS: Among 210 patients studied, conjunctivitis 32.9%(69), blepharitis 26.7%(56), dacryocystitis 14.8%(51), blepharoconjunctivitis 11.9%(25), and trauma 10.0%(21) were the most common external ocular infections. Pathogenic bacteria were isolated among 62.4%(131) cases. The distributions of bacteria detected in conjunctivitis, dacryocystitis, and blepharitis patients were 32.8%(43), 23.7%(31), and 16.0%(21), respectively. The most prevalent isolates were coagulase negative Staphylococci; 27.5%(36), S. aureus; 26.7%(35), Pseudomonas species; 10.7%(14), and E. coli; 7.6%(10). Tetracycline, amoxicillin, chloramphenicol, ampicillin, and nalidic acid showed resistance to bacterial isolates with a respective prevalence of 35.9%(47), 32.1%(42), 26.2%(34), 25.2%(33), and 23.7%(31). Multi-drug resistance patterns to the commonly prescribed antibiotics tested was 20.6%(27), 18.3%(24), 17.6%(23), 5.3%(7), and 4.6%(6) to two, three, four, five, and six antibiotics, respectively. Overall, the multi-drug resistance prevalence rate was 66.4%(87). This study confirmed diverse types of external ocular manifestations associated with bacterial infections with wide ranges of antibiotic resistant phenotypes. Thus, combining clinical information, bacteriological analysis, and antimicrobial susceptibility tests are useful for making an evidence-based selection of antibiotics therapy.

Analysis of HBV basal core promoter/precore gene variability in patients with HBV drug resistance and HIV co-infection in Northwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: We recently reported complex hepatitis B virus (HBV) drug resistant and concomitant vaccine escape hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) variants during human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection and antiretroviral therapy (ART) exposure in Ethiopia. As a continuation of this report using the HBV positive sera from the same study participants, the current study further analyzed the HBV basal core promoter (BCP)/precore (PC) genes variability in patients with HBV drug resistance (at tyrosine-methionine-aspartate-aspartate (YMDD) reverse transcriptase (RT) motifs) and HIV co-infection in comparison with HBV mono-infected counterparts with no HBV drug resistant gene variants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 143 participants of HBV-HIV co-infected (n = 48), HBV mono-infected blood donors (n = 43) and chronic liver disease (CLD) patients (n = 52) were included in the study. The BCP/PC genome regions responsible for HBeAg expression from the EcoRI site (nucleotides 1653-1959) were sequenced and analyzed for the BCP/PC mutant variants. RESULTS: Among the major mutant variants detected, double BCP mutations (A1762T/G1764A) (25.9%), Kozak sequences mutations (nt1809-1812) (51.7%) and the classical PC mutations such as A1814C/C1816T (15.4%), G1896A (25.2%) and G1862T (44.8%) were predominant mutant variants. The prevalence of the double BCP mutations was significantly lower in HIV co-infected patients (8.3%) compared with HBV mono-infected blood donors (32.6%) and CLD patients (36.5%). However, the Kozak sequences BCP mutations and the majority of PC mutations showed no significant differences among the study groups. Moreover, except for the overall BCP/PC mutant variants, co-prevalence rates of each major BCP/PC mutations and YMDDRT motif associated lamivudine (3TC)/entecavir (ETV) resistance mutations showed no significant differences when compared with the rates of BCP/PC mutations without YMDD RT motif drug resistance gene mutations. Unlike HIV co-infected group, no similar comparison made among HBV mono-infected blood donors and CLD patients since none of them developed the YMDD RT motif associated 3TC/ETV resistance mutations. However, HBV mono-infected blood donors and CLD patients who had no any drug resistance gene variants developed comparable G1862T (60.6% vs. 65.1%) and G1896A (24.2% vs. 11.6%) PC gene mutations. CONCLUSION: No correlation observed between the BCP/PC genome variability and the YMDD RT motif associated HBV drug resistance gene variants during HIV co-infection. Nevertheless, irrespective of HIV co-infection status, the higher records of the BCP/PC gene variability in this study setting indicate a high risk of potential HBeAg negative chronic HBV infection in Northwest Ethiopia.

Clade homogeneity and low rate of delta virus despite hyperendemicity of hepatitis B virus in Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Although hepatitis B virus (HBV) is hyperendemic and heterogeneous in its genetic diversity in Ethiopia, little is known about hepatitis D virus (HDV) circulating genotypes and molecular diversity. METHODS: A total of 321 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positives (125 HIV co-infected, 102 liver disease patients and 94 blood donors) were screened for anti-HDV antibody. The anti-HDV positive sera were subjected to Real time PCR for HDV-RNA confirmation. The non coding genome region (spanning from 467 to 834 nucleotides) commonly used for HDV genotyping as well as complete HDV genome were sequenced for genotyping and molecular analysis. RESULTS: The anti-HDV antibody was found to be 3.2% (3) in blood donors, 8.0% (10) in HIV co-infected individuals and 12.7% (13) in liver disease patients. None of the HIV co-infected patients who revealed HBV lamivudine (3TC) resistance at tyrosine-methionine/isoleucine-aspartate-aspartate (YM(I)DD) reverse transcriptase (RT) motif with concomitant vaccine escape gene mutants was positive for anti-HDV antibody. The HDV viremia rate was 33.3%, 30.0% and 23.1% in respect to the above study groups. All the six isolates sequenced were phylogenetically classified as HDV genotype 1 (HDV-1) and grouped into two monophyletic clusters. Amino acid (aa) residues analysis of clathrin heavy chain (CHC) domain and the isoprenylation signal site (Py) at 19 carboxyl (C)-terminal amino acids (aa 196-214) and the HDV RNA binding domain (aa 79-107) were highly conserved and showed a very little nucleotide variations. All the sequenced isolates showed serine at amino acid position 202. The RNA editing targets of the anti-genomic HDV RNA (nt1012) and its corresponding genomic RNA (nt 580) showed nucleotides A and C, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The low seroprevalence and viraemic rates of HDV in particular during HIV-confection might be highly affected by HBV drug resistance selected HBsAg mutant variants in this setting, although HDV-1 sequences analysis revealed clade homogeneity and highly conserved structural and functional domains. Thus, the potential role of HBV drug resistance associated polymerase mutations and concomitant HBsAg protein variability on HDV viral assembly, secretion and infectivity needs further investigation.

HIV therapy with unknown HBV status is responsible for higher rate of HBV genome variability in Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: In Ethiopia, HBV and HIV are co-circulating. Since patients are not routinely tested for HBV, the use of antiretroviral drugs could contribute to unintended HBV drug resistance and surface gene variability during HIV coinfection. METHODS: A total of 161 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive sera from 58 HIV-coinfected and 103 drug-naive HBV-monoinfected individuals were characterized for HBV drug resistance and immune escape HBsAg variants. HBV polymerase/surface gene fragment of 716 bp was analysed by direct sequencing. RESULTS: In 34 out of 161 study subjects (21.1%) HBV drug resistance mutations (DRMs) were detected with a frequency of 3.1% rtL80F/I, 0.6% rtA181V, 1.2% rtT184S, 6.2% rtV173L, 10.6% rtL180M, 10.6% rtM204V/I and 8.1% rtI233V. The prevalence of the major DRMs in HBV-HIV-coinfected individuals was significantly higher than monoinfected individuals (41.4% versus 10.7%). Lamivudine selected DRMs, that is, rtL180M (29.3%) and rtM204V/I (29.3%) and rtV173L (15.5%) were more prevalent in HBV-HIV-coinfected individuals but absent in HBV-monoinfected individuals. Despite the finding that rtL180M and rtM204V/I were higher among ART-experienced individuals, the overall prevalence of DRMs (48.0% versus 36.4%) showed no significance difference among antiretroviral therapy (ART) status. The study also revealed higher frequency and heterogeneity of putative and known immune escape HBsAg mutations both in the major hydrophilic region (MHR; 68.3%) and outside the MHR (82.5%) of the surface gene. In particular, the 'a' determinant surface gene mutations (sT125S, sA128V, sQ129H/R, sT131I, sC137S, sT143M, sD144D/E, sG145R, sT148P) and the majority of clustered/multiple as well as drug selected immune escape HBsAg mutations were more prevalent in HBV-HIV-coinfected individuals. CONCLUSIONS: HIV therapy without HBV co-management in Ethiopia fosters emergence and circulation of HBV variants of public health importance. It is highly recommended to include HBV testing and co-management as part of routine HIV care programmes for a better ART selection.

Hepatitis viruses in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The existing seroepidemiological data on viral hepatitis in Ethiopia showed a wide variation in prevalence pattern and the clinical and public health burden have been underestimated. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to provide a clear and comprehensive estimation of viral hepatitis epidemiology and the potential clinical burdens in Ethiopia. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was carried out from five decades (1968-2015) published studies from biomedical databases; PubMed, Google scholar, Medline and Web of Science. RESULTS: The overall pooled prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) was 7.4% (95%CI: 6.5-8.4). The pooled prevalence among subgroups showed 5.2% (95%CI: 3.7-7.4) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected individuals, 8.0% (95%CI: 5.9-10.7) in community based studies, 8.4% (95%CI: 5.4-12.7) in blood donors, 11.0% (95%CI: 7.5-15.9) in immigrants and 6.9% (95%CI: 5.6-8.5) in other groups. Among study parameters considered during meta-regression analysis, only study years were associated with a decreasing HBV prevalence rate over time. The overall pooled prevalence of anti-hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV) was 3.1% (95%CI: 2.2-4.4). Unlike HBV, the anti-HCV prevalence in HIV infected individuals was higher (5.5%, 95%CI: 3.8-7.8%, p = 0.01) than the prevalence observed in the other subgroup of study population. Although relatively few data were available, hepatitis virus A (HAV), D (HDV) and E (HEV) were also circulated in Ethiopia. CONCLUSIONS: This review indicates that all types of viral hepatitis origins are endemic in Ethiopia. Adapting a recommended diagnostic and treatment algorithm of viral hepatitis in the routine healthcare systems and implementing prevention and control policies in the general population needs an urgent attention.

Seroprevalence of syphilis and human immunodeficiency virus infections among pregnant women who attend the University of Gondar teaching hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: a cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Syphilis and HIV infections in pregnancy result in a number of adverse outcomes including neonatal death and vertical transmission. Ethiopia is a country where these infections are highly prevalent. However, data on co-morbidities of syphilis and HIV among pregnant women in Gondar are scarce. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of these infections and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at the University of Gondar teaching hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted from February to June 2011. Structured interviews were used to collect socio-demographic and obstetric data. Sera against syphilis were screened by rapid plasma reagin test; and confirmed by Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay. HIV infection was detected by rapid HIV test kits following the national algorithms for HIV testing. Data were summarized by descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. RESULTS: Of 385 pregnant women, reactive syphilis was noted in 11/385 (2.9%) and seroprevalence of HIV was 43/385 (11.2%). The prevalence of syphilis and HIV co-infection was 2/385(0.5%). High rate of syphilis was observed among the women with above 30 years of age (OR 3.69, 95% CI 0.83 - 16.82). Women with a history of miscarriage and stillbirth were more likely to be infected by syphilis (OR 2.22, 95% CI 0.54-9.60) and (OR 3.24, 95% CI 0.00-17.54), respectively. CONCLUSION: Our data indicated that syphilis and HIV infections are still important public health concerns among pregnant women in the Gondar area. Hence, we recommend strenuous screening of all pregnant women for these infections during antenatal care. Further, strengthening health education on the mode of transmission and prevention of HIV and syphilis is essential for effective control of these infections.

Bacteriological profile and drug susceptibility patterns in dacryocystitis patients attending Gondar University Teaching Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Bacterial pathogens isolated from dacryocystitis patients are diverse and complex in terms of their distribution, prevalence, and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern. The clinical importance of microbial causes of dacryocystitis and pattern of drug resistance has not been reported in northwest Ethiopia. Moreover, the management of dacryocystitis is based on only clinical observation Therefore, this study attempted to identify and define clinical and microbiological characteristics of microbial agents of dacryocystitis and its antibiotic susceptibility patterns. METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted from January 2011-January 2012 among dacryocystitis patients attending ophthalmology outpatient department of Gondar University teaching Hospital. Sociodemographic and clinical data collection, microbiological analysis and antibiotic susceptibility test patterns were done following standard procedures. RESULTS: From the total of 51 dacryocystitis cases, bacterial origins were isolated among 31(60.8%) cases. The dominant isolates were Coagulase negative Staphylococci (CNS) 9(29.0%), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) 6(19.4%), and Pseudomonas species 3(9.7%). S. pneumoniae, Entrobacter species, K. pnemoniae and H. influenzae were each accounted 6.5% isolation rate. Among the commonly prescribed antimicrobials tested for susceptibility pattern; amoxicillin 38.7%, ciprofloxacin 25.8%, chloramphinicol 25.8%, co-trimoxazole 25.8%, and ampicillin 19.4% were resistant to the overall bacterial isolates identified. Only Citrobacter species were sensitive to all antibiotics tested but the rest bacterial isolates were resistant for at least to one, two, three, four and more antibiotics tested. Overall, 9(29.0%) of the bacterial isolates were resistant to only one antibiotics and resistance to two, three and four antibiotics each accounted 5(16.1%) rate. CONCLUSIONS: Though the information derived from this study was very meaningful, further studies encompassing viral, fungal, parasitic and anaerobic bacterial origin are important to better define the spectrum and relative incidence of pathogens causing dacryocystitis. Microbiological analysis and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern is mandatory for the selection of a specific antimicrobial therapy and to the control of further resistance development of bacterial strains.

Does the practice of blood film microscopy for detection and quantification of malaria parasites in northwest Ethiopia fit the standard?

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of malaria in clinical laboratories mainly depends on blood smear microscopy and this technique remains the most widely used in Ethiopia. Despite the importance of blood smear microscopy for patient's diagnosis and treatment, little effort has been made to precisely determine and identify sources of error in malaria smear microscopic diagnosis and quantification of parasitaemia. The main objective of the present study was to assess the laboratory practices of health care laboratories carrying out blood films microscopy. METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted in northwestern Ethiopia involving 29 health care institutes. A structured and pretested questionnaire were used to collect relevant information on the physical conditions, laboratory logistics and laboratory practices carrying out blood smear microscopy. RESULTS: There was inadequacy of laboratory reagents, guidelines and materials. Most of the health institutes have been practicing re-utilization of microscope slides for malaria microscopy. The technical procedure (preparing of reagents, making of blood films and staining of the slides) were found to be below the standard in 50% of the health institutes. Refresher training and quality assessment has been done only in two and six of the health institutes in the past five years, respectively. CONCLUSION: In most of the health care laboratories studied, availability of laboratory logistics and technical practices for malaria microscopy were found to be below the standard set by World Health Organization. Improving logistics access for malaria microscopy at all level of health care is important to increase accuracy of diagnosis and quantification of malaria parasites. Moreover, continued training and regular supervision of the staff and implementation of quality control program in the area is also crucial.

Treatment outcome of tuberculosis patients at enfraz health center, northwest ethiopia: a five-year retrospective study.

Objectives. The aim of this study was to assess treatment outcome and associated risk factors among TB patients registered for anti-TB treatment at Enfraz health center, northwest Ethiopia. Methods. A five-year retrospective data (2007-2011) of tuberculosis patients (n = 417) registered for anti-TB treatment at Enfraz health center, northwest Ethiopia, were reviewed. Tuberculosis outcomes were following the WHO guidelines. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results. Among 417 study participants, 95 (22.8%), 141 (33.8%), and 181 (43.4%) were smear-positive, smear-negative, and extrapulmonary tuberculosis patients, respectively. Of the 417 study participants, 206 (49.4%) were tested for HIV. The TB-HIV coinfection was 24/206 (11.7%). Seventeen study participants (4.2%) were transferred to other health facilities. Among the 400 study participants, 379 (94.8%) had successful treatment outcome (302 treatment completed and 77 cured). The overall death, default, and failure rates were 3.4%, 0.5%, and 1.2%, respectively. There was no significant association between sex, age, residence, type of TB, HIV status, and successful TB treatment outcome. Conclusion. Treatment outcome of patients who attended their anti-TB treatment at Enfraz health center was successful. Therefore, this treatment success rate should be maintained and strengthened to achieve the millennium development goal.

Helminths and malaria co-infections are associated with elevated serum IgE.

BACKGROUND: Both helminth and malaria infections result in a highly polarized immune response characterized by IgE production. This study aimed to investigate the total serum IgE profile in vivo as a measure of Th2 immune response in malaria patients with and without helminth co-infection. METHODS: A cross sectional observational study composed of microscopically confirmed malaria positive (N=197) and malaria negative (N=216) apparently healthy controls with and without helminth infection was conducted at Wondo Genet Health Center, Southern Ethiopia. A pre-designed structured format was utilized to collect socio-demographic and clinical data of the subjects. Detection and quantification of helminths, malaria parasites and determination of serum IgE levels were carried out following standard procedures. RESULTS: Irrespective of helminth infection, individuals infected by malaria showed significantly high levels of serum IgE compared with malaria free apparently healthy controls (with and without helminth infections). Moreover, malaria patients co-infected with intestinal helminths showed high level of serum IgE compared with those malaria patients without intestinal helminths (2198 IU/ml versus 1668 IU/ml). A strong statistically significant association was observed between malaria parasite density and elevated serum IgE levels (2047 IU/ml versus 1778 IU/ml; P=0.001) with high and low parasitaemia (parasite density >50,000 parasite/µl of blood), respectively. Likewise, helminth egg loads were significantly associated with elevated serum IgE levels (P=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The elevated serum IgE response in malaria patients irrespective of helminth infection and its correlation with malaria parasite density and helminth egg intensity support that malaria infection is also a strong driver of IgE production as compared to helminths.

Isolation and characterization of multiple drug resistance bacterial pathogens from waste water in hospital and non-hospital environments, Northwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: The importance of bacterial isolates from waste water environment as a reservoir of antibiotic resistance and a potential source of novel resistance genes to clinical pathogens is underestimated. This study is aimed at to isolate and characterize public health important bacteria from waste water in hospital and non- hospital environments and evaluate the distribution of multiple drug resistance bacteria in the study area. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Gondar from January-June 2012. The hospital waste water was taken from different sections of the Gondar University Teaching Hospital. Non- hospital environment samples were taken at different sites of the university campuses, Gondar College of Teachers education, and soft drink factory in Gondar. Samples were aseptically collected, transported and processed with in two hours following standard procedure. Identified organisms were assessed for different antibiotics following Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. All data was registered and entered in to SPSS version 16 computer program. P-values less than 0.05 were taken as statistically significant. RESULT: A total of 60 waste water samples were processed for the presence of drug resistance pathogens. Among the total samples 113 bacterial isolates were recovered and of these 65 (57.5%) were from hospital environment and 48 (42.5%) were from non-hospital environment. The most frequently identified bacterium was Klebsiella spp. 30 (26.6%) followed by Pseudomonas spp. 19(16.8%), E. coli (11.5%) and Citrobacter spp (11.5%), and Staphylococcus aureus (8.2%). The over all prevalence of multiple drug resistance (MDR) in this study was 79/113 (69.9%). MDR in hospital environment was found to be 53/68 (81.5%) while in non hospital environment was found to be 26/48 (54.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Multiple drug resistance to the commonly used antibiotics is high in the study area. The contamination of waste water by antibiotics or other pollutants lead to the rise of resistance due to selection pressure. The presence of antibiotic resistance organisms in this waste water should not be overlooked. Since this organisms may be vital to the safety and well-being of patients who are hospitalized and individual susceptible to infection. Therefore, proper waste water treatment plant should be established and improved sanitary measure should be practice.

Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Toxoplasma gondii in Pregnant Women Attending in Northwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasmosis is a major public health problem among immuno-compromised individuals. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant women with and out HIV infections. METHODS: This cross sectional study was conducted among consecutive 385 pregnant women attended Antenatal Clinic from May 2010 to October 2011 at the Gondar University Teaching Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. Venous blood was collected from each pregnant woman for testing HIV-1/2 and anti- Toxoplasma antibodies using rapid test kits. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20 statistical package. RESULTS: The overall magnitude of T. gondii and HIV was 88.6% (341/385) and 11.2% (43/385), respectively. The seroprevalence of T. gondii was not different among HIV infected and non-infected pregnant women (88.4%, 38/ 43 vs 88.6%, 303/342). Keeping cats in house showed statistically significant association with seropositivity of toxoplasmosis (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Irrespective of HIV infection, high rate of T. gondii was detected among pregnant women. These high prevalences indicate the need for an intensified public health awareness to reduce both infections.

Changing Trends in Prevalence and Antibiotics Resistance of Uropathogens in Patients Attending the Gondar University Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.

Background. In most hospitals of developing countries, urinary tract infections are treated empirically because of lack of culture facilities. This leads to emergence of multiresistant uropathogens. Culturing and drug susceptibility testing are essential to guide therapy. Objectives. To assess changing prevalence and resistance pattern of uropathogens to commonly used antibiotics in a two-year study period. Methods. Urine specimens were collected and cultured. Uropathogens were identified by standard methods and tested for antibiotics resistance. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16 statistical sofware. P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. The commonest isolates in both the previous and present studies were E. coli, Klebsiella, CoNS, S. aureus, Proteus, and Citrobacter species. Previous isolates of Enterobacteriaceae were 100% sensitive to ciprofloxacin, whereas present isolates developed 31% to 60% resistance to it. Previous isolates were less resistant to gentamycin than the present ones. Multiresistance isolates were predominant in present study than previous ones. Conclusion. E. coli was predominant in the two study periods. Present isolates were more resistant than previous ones. Some previous isolates were 100% sensitive to ciprofloxacin, whereas present isolates were increasingly resistant. Ciprofloxacin and gentamicin have been recommended for empiric treatment of urinary tract infections.

Active tuberculosis case finding and detection of drug resistance among HIV-infected patients: A cross-sectional study in a TB endemic area, Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) patients co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) often lack the classic symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis, making the diagnosis difficult. Current practices in resource-limited settings often indicate that these co-infected patients are diagnosed when they clinically manifest disease symptoms, resulting in a delayed diagnosis and despite continued transmission. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of undiagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis cases through active case finding and including multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) among HIV-infected patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 250 HIV-infected patients, aged 18years and above were evaluated in a cross-sectional design between February 2012 and November 2012. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Sputum samples were collected from all participants for acid fast bacilli (AFB) direct smear microscopy and Mycobacteria culture. A PCR-based RD9 deletion and genus typing, as well as first-line anti-TB drug susceptibility testing, was performed for all culture-positive isolates. RESULTS: Following active TB case finding, a total of 15/250 (6%) cases were diagnosed as TB cases, of whom 9/250 (3.6%) were detected by both smear microscopy and culture and the remaining 6/250 (2.4%) only by culture. All the 15 isolates were typed through RD9 typing of which 10 were Mycobacterium tuberculosis species; 1 belonged to Mycobacterium genus and 4 isolates were non-tuberculous mycobacteria. The prevalence of undiagnosed pulmonary TB disease among the study participants was 4.4%, which implies the possibility of identifying even more undiagnosed cases through active case finding. A multivariate logistic regression showed a statistically significant association between the presence of pneumonia infection and the occurrence of TB (OR=4.81, 95% CI (1.08-21.43), p=0.04). In addition, all the isolates were sensitive to all first-line anti-TB drugs, except for streptomycin, seen in only one newly diagnosed TB patient, and MDR-TB was not detected. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of undiagnosed pulmonary TB infection among HIV-infected patients in Gondar was 4.4%. Additionally, the possibility of these undiagnosed TB cases in the community could also pose a risk for the transmission of the disease, particularly among family members. Active screening of known HIV-infected individuals, with at least one TB symptom is recommended, even in persons with opportunistic infections.

The growing challenges of antibacterial drug resistance in Ethiopia.

Infectious diseases of bacterial origin are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries such as Ethiopia. To minimise such burdens, proper use of antibiotics has played a vital role and saved countless lives. However, use of antimicrobials as therapeutic agents is compromised by the potential development of drug-resistant micro-organisms. Currently, antimicrobial drug resistance has become a public health concern both in developing and developed countries. Antimicrobial drug resistance is dramatically accelerated when antimicrobials are misused. This is critical, especially in developing countries where they are not only misused but are often underused due to financial constraints. Although large-scale studies on antimicrobial resistance in Ethiopia have not yet been conducted, the available reports indicate a trend towards increasing resistance rates among pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Shigella spp., Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus to commonly prescribed antibiotics, including ampicillin, amoxicillin, penicillin, tetracycline and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. This review summarises the existing data on antibacterial drug resistance in this country.