Introduction:Modifiable Areal Unit Problems are a major source of spatial uncertainty, but their impact on infectious diseases and epidemic detection is unknown. Methods:CMS claims (2016-2019) which included infectious disease codes learned through Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine Clinical Terms (SNOMED CT) were extracted and analysed at two different units of geography; states and 'home to work commute extent' mega regions. Analysis was per member per month. Rolling average above the series median within geography and agent of infection was used to assess peak detection. Spatial random forest was used to assess region segmentation by agent of infection. Results:Mega-regions produced better peak discovery for most, but not all agents of infection. Variable importance and Gini measures from spatial random forest show agent-location discrimination between states and regions. Conclusion:Researchers should defend their geographic unit of report used in peer review studies on an agent by-agent basis.
This study was conducted to determine the secondary metabolites and antibacterial potential of the leaf extracts Newbouldia laevis on some uropathogen strains and also to carry out phytochemical screening of the sample. The antibacterial activity of N. laevis leaves extracted with methanol, hot and cold water were evaluated against medically important bacteria strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Enterococcus faecalis. The results showed a remarkable inhibition of the bacteria growth against the tested organisms with Staphylococcus saprophyticus had highest activity (20 mm). In general, all the tested organisms showed a significant activity with the extracts. The conventional antibiotics used against these organisms showed that all the isolates were resistant to augmentin, ceftazidime, cefuroxime, and cloxacillin. The phytochemical analysis of the plants was carried out. The microbial activity of the Newbouldia laevis was due to the presence of various secondary metabolites. The GC-MS analysis showed that the most abundant phytochemical in the extract is linoleoyl chloride (76.3%). Hence, these plants can be used to discover bioactive natural products that may serve as leads in the development of new pharmaceuticals research activities.
In fourteen months the number of infected people with SARS-COV-2 has reached more than 159 millions and from those more than 3 million have resulted in death. There is now a consensus that the airborne saliva droplets, that are produced while speaking, coughingor sneezing by infected people is one of the most likely routes of transmission of the corona virus disease (COVID-19). The expelled droplets can measure between 0.4 and 450 μm in diameter. Once the droplets are in the air, they are subject to the gravitational, and air frictional forces that dictate their motion. Through exhaustive aerodynamic studies it has been shown that the aerosol droplets (less than 5 μm) can remain in the environment for very long periods of time and be transported by air currents. Larger droplets take shorter times and land within a circle of 1.5 to 2 m radius. Of key importance is the droplet size distribution and many efforts have been done to characterize this. By modeling the production of the number of saliva droplets with log-log Gaussian distributions, the virial load of the expelled droplets is estimated as a function of droplet size. Assuming a constant virus density, we estimate the amount of virus delivered into the environment. The use of face masks reduce drastically the amount of droplets emitted to the air by an infected person and to be inhaled by a healthy one. We emphasize the great importance of using adequate face protection to minimize COVID-19, transmission and to reduce the death toll due to this disease.
Background: Children’s blood stream infections mainly due to resistant pathogens found to be a higher risk of hospital mortality in low and middle income countries. This study intended to assess the bacterial profile and drug resistance of isolates of blood stream infection among under- 5 children in Southern Ethiopia. Methods: Retrospectively lab recorded data’s were retrieved to assess the bacterial isolates and rates antibiotic resistance at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Results: Of 323 bloods culture performed 116 (35.9%) were positive for potential bacterial BSI. Positivity of blood culture decrease with age, hence neonates blood stream infection stream infection were higher than other age groups (OR, 3; 95% CI 1.5–5.1; p=0.001). The major gram positive isolate CoNS and S. aureus have shown highest level of resistance to penicillin 61.3% and tetracycline 78.8% whereas less level of resistance was reported to Meropenem 6.4%, Ceftriaxone 13% and doxycycline 13%. Although most of gram negatives isolates were resistant for tested antibiotics, K. pneumoniae has shown leaser resistance to cefotaxime and chloramphenicol. Conclusion: A high level of blood stream infection accompanied by high drug resistant isolates was reported. The great burden in neonate than other children was reported. As a result to reduce the burden the hospital administrators need to facilities effective infection prevention and control programmes, effective hygiene practices and well-functioning environment along with educating patient about proper hygiene practices.
After a year of hard battling with the novel coronavirus SARS Cov-2, the COVID-19 pandemic continues had a catastrophic effect on society and health worldwide. This pandemic has changed labor and economic relations in almost every country in the world, and the investment that has been made in the development of new treatment protocols and the creation of vaccines has been enormous. Important laboratories, hospitals and research centers around the world have been fighting against SARS-Cov-2, and within these researches computer vision has played a prominent role. The main aim of this work is to carry out a reflection on the enhancement of the microscopic images of the novel coronavirus SARS-Cov-2 from the results obtained and published. We will analyze the effectiveness of the algorithms proposed to highlight the S-spikes, and we will detail why deep learning, despite the popularity achieved, in this case was not beneficial.
Objective: To assess the impact of intestinal parasite/malaria co-infection on haemoglobin in patients of Melong and Denzo health facilities, Littoral region, Cameroon. Materials and methods: This study took place from November 2019-March 2020. Blood samples were collected from patients after informed consent by finger pricking. Stool samples were examined using normal saline and the Kato-Katz technique for the presence and intensity of IPs. Thick blood films were prepared, Giemsa-stained and examined under x100 to detect the presence of parasites and estimate GMPD. Hb values were determined using a haemoglobinometer. Data was analysed using SPSS version 23 and the significance level was set at P<0.05. Results: The overall prevalence of IP was 28.3% (113/400). Entamoeba histolytica was the most prevalent IP 22.0% (88/400) while Taenia spp 0.3% (1/400) and Trichuris trichiura 0.3% (1/400) recorded the lowest prevalences. E. histolytica was significantly more in Melong (27.7%, 76/274) than in Denzo (9.5%, 12/126), (P=0.001). Ascaris lumbricoides was significantly more in Denzo (10.3%, 13/126) than in Melong (0.3%, 1/274), P=0.001. Trichomonas hominis was the only parasite which was significantly different (p=0.009) between age groups. The overall prevalence of malaria was 66.5% (266/400). The prevalence of malaria was higher in Denzo (79.3%, 100/126) than in Melong (60.5, 166/274), P=0.001. Children ≤ 5 years recorded the highest (75.4%, 83/110) prevalence of malaria, and the difference between age groups was significant, p=0.016. The overall prevalence of co-infection and anaemia were 16.3% (65/400) and 58.8% (235/400), respectively. Higher prevalence (20.6%, 37/180) of intestinal parasites/ malaria was seen in anaemic patients than in non-anemic (12.7%, 28/220), p=0.035. Conclusion: Malaria was a strong predictor of anemia and the malaria intensity was highly correlated with anemia in patients from Melong and Denzo localities. Interventions targeting groups at risk will help reduce morbidity and mortality caused by these diseases in Melong and Denzo localities.
Introduction: The consumption of lettuce provides several benefits, such as high source of dietary fiber, minerals and vitamins. However, despite these benefits, it can be a vehicle for the transmission of parasitic diseases, taking into account that its consumption is done in a raw way. Thus, this study aimed to assess the parasitological quality of lettuce that is sold in the markets of Maxixe city in Inhambane Province, the southern of Mozambique. Materials and Methods: In June and July 2018, 50 samples of lettuce were purchased in three markets from Maxixe city. The samples were placed in plastic bags, correctly identified and transported to the Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology at the Faculty of Health Sciences of Pedagogical University of Mozambique, where the parasites' eggs and larvae were investigated, using the method of Hoffmann and Pons-Janer. The statistical analysis of data was performed by using SPSS program, version 24. Results and Discussion: From 50 samples of lettuce analyzed, 35 of them were positive that corresponds to 70% of the contaminated samples, with the remaining 15 (30%) being negative, with significant differences (X2, P=0.002). The highest contamination rate was found in the Tsuhula market, with 100% of the contaminated samples, followed by Dumbanengue market with 64.7% and finally the Xicadjuanine market with 43.75% of contaminated samples. The parasites found in the lettuce samples were Ascaris lumbricoides, Entamoeba histolytica cysts, Strongyloid stereoralis larvae and Hepatic Fasciola Conclusion: Expressive contamination rates of lettuce sold in the three markets were obtained, with the need to adopt proper hygiene practices before its consumption, in addition to the need to strengthen the health surveillance system.
Brucellosis is one of the highly contagious zoonotic bacterial diseases, with a significant impact on the livestock industry. It is caused by Gram-negative bacteria from the Genus Brucella, and distributed worldwide including Ethiopia. However, there was a scarcity of epidemiological data on its occurrence in pastoral areas. A cross-sectional investigation was conducted from September 2018 to June 2019, to estimate the seroprevalence of brucellosis and to characterized main Brucella isolates infecting small ruminants in two randomly selected pastoral districts of the South Omo Zone, Ethiopia. A pre-tested questionnaire was used and collected data were subjected to statistical analyses (multivariate logistic regression). For the serological test, blood samples were drawn from a total of 124 small ruminants with a history of abortion. Subsequently, 30 vaginal swabs were sampled from seropositive animals for Brucella isolation. All collected sera were first screened serologically using the modified Rose Bengal Plate Test (mRBPT) and Brucellaseropositivity was further confirmed by the Complement Fixation Test (CFT). The seroprevalence of brucellosis among small ruminants with a history of abortion was 21% (26/124; 95% CI: 0.14 - 0.28). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the main risk factors related to Brucella spp. infections were history of abortion (OR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.18 - 0.43) and parity numbers (OR: 0.20, 95% CI: 0.059 - 0.72). Brucella spp. were also isolated from 5 (16.7%) of the 30 vaginal swabs cultured on Brucella Selective Agar. The isolates were identified as B. melitensis based on biochemical and bacteriological culture results. In conclusion, the present study showed that brucellosis is highly prevalent in small ruminants in the studied area. Therefore, regular testing of breeding animals is necessary to reduce brucellosis and its economic impact in the region.
This paper shows the impact of COVID-19 on the global stock indices through the use of comparative analysis. Stock indices are presented by regions (Africa, Americas, Europe, Asia, and Oceania) and national stock indices are compared based on historical data. A 2:4 month ratio is used as a “window” for observing the changes in the movement of the price of indices from November – December 2019 and January – May 2020 respectively. COVID-19 infection count, recovery rate, and death rate are identified in each country from the first case recorded up to May 20, 2020. Based on analysis it appeared that there is no sufficient evidence to conclude that the changes in the value of indices is affected by the COVID-19 infection count (p-value = 0.9129). In Africa, only INDZI (Zimbabwe) showed a positive change of price in percentage points (1.39%) for January to May 2020 with 51 confirmed COVID-19 cases. In Asia, only SZSE (China) showed a positive mean change of price in percentage points (0.07%) in the same period with 82,971 confirmed cases. Similarly, in Europe, only OMXC20 (Denmark) showed the same with (0.09%) with 11,182 confirmed cases. In the Americas, NYSE Arca (US), Nasdaq100 (US), and MERVAL (Argentina) showed a positive mean change in price in percentage points (0.31%, 0.20%, and 0.89%) with 1,620,902 and 9,918 confirmed cases respectively. On the other hand, in Oceania, both NZX 50 (New Zealand) and S&P/ASX20 (Australia) showed a negative mean change in prices (-0.03 & -0.15) respectively. In general Asian and European indices suffered a 0.28% decrease in the mean change in daily prices as compared during November to December 2019. African indices on average stood to be the least affected with 0.11% mean change in daily prices as compared to -0.02% from November to December 2019.
Background and aim: The emergence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria has become a menace to global public health and socio-economic development. Colistin is used as the last resort antibiotic in refractory infections. However, resistant isolates are reported frequently. The aim of this study was to find mcr genes in healthy people poultry farms in Sanandaj, west of Iran. Methods and materials: In this study, faecal samples were collected from two groups of humans and poultry. Colistin-containing screening media as well as colistin-EDTA-containing medium to screen plasmid-mediated colistin resistance. PCR for prevalent mcr genes was performed. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done for MCR-harboring isolates. Results: In this study, no colistin-resistant bacteria were isolated from poultry samples (0%) while two human E. coli isolates showed resistance to colistin (0.59%). Of which, one isolate was inhibited by EDTA and harboured the MCR-1 variant. The MIC for colistin was 16 mg/L. Conclusion: The results indicated the low prevalence of this gene in healthy individuals and the poultry industry. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of MCR in healthy individuals from Iran.
We studied the COVID-19 pandemic evolution in selected African countries. For each country considered, we modeled simultaneously the data of the active, recovered and death cases. In this study, we used a year of data since the first cases were reported. We estimated the time-dependent basic reproduction numbers, R0, and the fractions of infected but unaffected populations, to offer insights into containment and vaccine strategies in African countries. We found that R0≤4 at the start of the pandemic but has since fallen to R0∼1. The unaffected fractions of the populations studied vary between 1−10% of the recovered cases.
Making it to the next host goes to the heart of virus fitness. There are in this regard two broadly opposing virus life history strategies. Acute viruses tend to be replicative and swiftly transmit to the next host. Instead, a persistent virus may be shed in minor quantities, if at all, keeping virus replication costs and host damage to a minimum.
In this letter we investigate if SARS-CoV-2 RNA is involved in the increased ageing of alveolar cells. Our in silico study is explorative. With the results we are able to outline experiments with AEC2 repair of bleomycin damaged alveolar cells. If AEC2 repair capability is diminished by spike RNA then perhaps this result provides a first step on a route to treat immortal lung cancer cells.
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has long been a common pathogen in healthcare facilities, but now, it has emerged as a problematic pathogen in the community setting as well. Healthcare-Associated Methicillin- Resistant S. aureus (HA-MRSA) and Community-Associated Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus (CA-MRSA) strains have appeared as a significant pathogen in healthcare and community-associated settings. The CA-MRSA used to be susceptible to mostly used antibiotics, but the criteria have been changed for past decade. Although HA-MRSA most commonly found in urine but CA-MRSA responsible for causing UTI. So Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) can be used as gold standard to characterize S. aureus (nuc gene), MRSA (mecA gene), CA-MRSA (PVL gene in SCCmec types IV). On the other hand, HA-MRSA can be detected by the detection of SCCmec types I, II, or III. But detection of PVL gene may reduce cost and time to screen CA-MRSA and HA-MRSA. After identifying targeting gene, sequencing can be carried out to know amino acid changes or any mutation that may occur in PVL gene and may change the characteristics of CA-MRSA. Whole genome sequencing can play a vital role for shaping the future and identifying transmission of MRSA in outbreak or endemic settings. Another way to control infection associated with HA-MRSA and CA-MRSA is to control risk factors and important to identify the antibiotics before prescribing to the infected person. Though vancomycin has susceptibility to most of MRSA but resistant pattern has also been found. Development of vaccines against MRSA may have dramatic impacts upon morbidity and mortality caused by a number of infection associated with HA-MRSA and CA-MRSA. However, further work is required to assess their long-term roles in controlling infection associated with MRSA
This study investigated the physicochemical parameters as well as the microbial quality of certain water bodies used for irrigation purposes in Ife East and Ife Central Local Government Areas of Osun State, Nigeria. Physicochemical parameters of samples were measured following standard methods. The identity and population of autochthonous bacteria were determined using standard microbiological methods between November 2018 and March 2019. The physicochemical parameters assessed in the irrigation water samples revealed that pH values of irrigation water sampled falls between 7.06 ± 0.08–8.40 ± 0.12, mean value of Total Dissolved Solid (TDS) ranges between 104.00 ± 1.41 and 461.3 ± 1.78 ppm while temperature was around 31.83 ± 0.51°C. Turbidity of the irrigation water sampled exceeded the recommended (˂5 NTU) range. Heterotrophic plate count, Total Coliform and Feacal Coliform count were found to be relatively high (2.80 ± 0.04–7.28 ± 0.28 Log10 cfu/ml) and no significant difference (p-values˃0.05) was observed in their mean values. A total of 12-13 bacteria species were found in Ife Central and Ife East respectively. These bacteria include Aeromonas sp, Aeromonas hydrophilla Citrobacter sp, E coli; Enterococcus sp, Klebsiella sp, Proteus sp, Pseudomonas sp, Salmonella sp, Serratia sp, Shigella sp, Staphylococcus sp and Vibrio sp. This study concludes that pH and TDS were within the acceptable limits while temperature exceeded the standard in some months. The presence of pathogenic bacteria suggests that irrigation water could be a major source of transmission of waterborne diseases and consequently detrimental to human health.
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the whole world since 2020 and, despite the vaccination programme under way, it is still not under control, apparently due to the Delta variant. Objective: To compare the death rates following the vaccination campaign in 52 countries (47 European countries, the USA, India, Russia, Brazil, and Mexico). Weekly periods between August 2020 and 26 July 2021 were considered. The correlation between the number of vaccinations, LEEDELS data (Life Expectancy, Ecological, Demographic/ Social and Lifestyle Variables) and defence expenditure will be calculated to determine which variables are connected with vaccination campaigns. Methods: The number of weekly deaths and vaccinations were retrieved for the 52 countries from the WHO coronavirus dashboard. The LEEDELS data and military expenses were taken from the Atlante Geografico Agostini 2020 and CIA World Factbook 2020-2021. The weekly death ratio was calculated considering a time lag of three weeks between infection and death. The statistical evaluation of the correlation between LEEDELS data and number of vaccinations was calculated using Spearman's ρ. Results: The death rates in the European countries considered following the start of the vaccination campaign are lower than in the other countries analysed. The data for the last week (26 July) in Europe, the USA, India, Brazil, Russia, and Mexico were 3.91, 19.03, 13.02, 21.38, 31.78, and 54.49 respectively. The LEEDELS data relating to wealth were all positively correlated with the number of shots administered, while defence expenditure was negatively correlated. Conclusion: Vaccination seems to be effective in protecting against COVID-19, but it cannot be employed as the sole measure against viral infection since there is still a threat that some countries (the USA, Russia, India, Brazil, and Mexico) export the infection in the form of the Delta or other variants. The resources to provide and administer vaccines are more fundamental than defence expenditure.
