BACKGROUND:Military deployments to dengue-endemic regions present ongoing risks to health and mission readiness. This review synthesizes a century of evidence on the incidence, clinical features, diagnostics and prevention of dengue in military personnel, aiming to guide future health policies, research and Force Health Protection strategies. METHODS:Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines, a search of PubMed and Google Scholar (March 15-April 5, 2025) identified 32 English-language studies (1905-2024) reporting primary data on dengue in military personnel. Studies were selected based on predefined criteria and narratively synthesized. RESULTS:A review of 32 studies involving 42 272 military personnel across 41 deployment settings identified 69 224 dengue cases, with outbreaks dating back to 1904. A notable spike occurred between 2012 and 2017, likely due to increased deployments to endemic regions and better surveillance. Diagnostic methods have advanced from early clinical recognition to modern Non-structural Protein 1 (NS1) antigen and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests. Common symptoms included high fever, intense headache and myalgia. Despite efforts such as integrated vector control and Personal Protective Measures (PPMs), and new vaccines (Qdenga®, Takeda), prevention remains limited by inconsistent use of integrated vector control and PPMs, low vaccine uptake and eligibility constraints. CONCLUSION:Dengue continues to threaten operational readiness in tropical deployments. Strengthening integrated vector control, PPMs, vaccination and real-time surveillance is crucial to reduce its impact and control other co-endemic diseases like malaria, yellow fever, chikungunya and Zika. Future research should focus on evaluating integrated vaccine and vector control strategies aimed at enhancing Force Health Protection among military personnel.

Accurate identification of mosquito species is essential for effective vector control and mitigation of mosquito-borne disease outbreaks. Traditional morphological identification requires highly specialized personnel and is time-consuming, while molecular techniques can be cost-effective and dependent on comprehensive genetic information. Wing geometric morphometry has emerged as a promising alternative, leveraging detailed geometric measurements of wing shapes and vein patterns to distinguish between species and detect intraspecies variations. This paper presents a curated dataset of 18,104 mosquito wing images, collected from 10,500 mosquito specimens, annotated with extensive meta-information, designed to support research in wing geometric morphometry and the development of machine learning models, ultimately supporting efforts in vector surveillance and research.

Native to sub-Saharan Africa, Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762) has spread across the globe and is now one of the most significant vectors of arboviruses worldwide. However, data on the ranges of its populations remain sparse, and the genetic variability and ecological adaptability in West Africa are still poorly understood. In this study, we characterized the morphological and genetic diversity of Ae. aegypti across four landscape types (urban, peri-urban, rural, and sylvatic sites) in three West African countries (Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, and Ghana). The population exhibited significant variation in abdominal scaling patterns across countries and landscape types, with the sylvatic and urban populations in Burkina Faso displaying the highest proportions of white scales (> 50% white scales), while black scales predominated among those from Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana (> 80% black scales). Wing shape displayed limited differentiation between the countries, landscape types, and genetic clusters. Bayesian analysis indicated high gene flow among populations, with notable outliers observed in sylvatic sites from Burkina Faso and admixture patterns suggesting possible human-mediated dispersal. Additionally, two major mitochondrial lineages, clades A and B, were identified. Most samples were categorized under clade B, showing no evidence of clustering by country or landscape type. In contrast, clade A comprised primarily sylvatic specimens from Burkina Faso and a single urban individual from Côte d'Ivoire. These findings highlight the complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and ecological factors shaping the variations in Ae. aegypti populations in West Africa. They provide insights into the phenotypic and genetic diversity of Ae. aegypti, offering valuable implications for understanding arbovirus transmission dynamics and formulating targeted interventions against arboviral diseases.

The World Health Organization African region has the greatest infectious disease burden in the world. However, many African countries have limited capacity to rapidly detect, report, and respond to public health events. The Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP) in South Africa, and global Climate Amplified Diseases and Epidemics (CLIMADE) consortium are investing in building the capacity of African scientists in pathogen genomics and bioinformatics. A two-week long (11–21 April 2023) intensive training in wet-laboratory genomic data production, bioinformatics, and phylogenetic analyses of viral and bacterial pathogens was held in Cape Town, South Africa. Training was provided to 36 fellows with diverse backgrounds from 16 countries, 14 of which were low- and middle-income African countries. In this report, we, the fellows, share our collective experiences and describe how the learnt skills have been integrated into the operations of our home institutions to advance genomic surveillance capabilities. We identified the in-person and hands-on learning format of the training, taught by genomics experts and field application specialists, as the most impactful elements of this training event. Adaptation and miniaturisation of protocols to detect other pathogens is a great enhancement over the traditional method of using a single protocol for a pathogen. We note the duration of the training as the largest limiting factor, particularly for the computationally intensive bioinformatics sessions. We recommend this programme continue to build pathogen genomics capacity in Africa.

IntroductionThe alarming rate of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) globally is a threat to treatment success among positive tuberculosis (TB) cases. Studies aimed at determining the prevalence, trend of DR-TB and socio-demographic and clinical risk factors contributing to DR-TB in the four regions of Ghana are currently unknown. This study sought to determine the prevalence and trend of DR-TB, identify socio-demographic and clinical risk factors that influence DR-TB, and analyse the relationship between underweight and adverse drug reactions and treatment outcomes among DR-TB patients in four regions of Ghana.MethodIt was a retrospective review conducted over 5 years, from January 2018 to the end of December 2022. The data were retrieved from the DR-TB registers and folders at the Directly Observed Treatment (DOT) centres in the four regions. Analysis of the data was conducted using STATA version 17.ResultsThe prevalence of DR-TB in Ashanti was 10.1%, Eastern 5.3%, 27.8% in Central, and 2.7% in the Upper West region for the year 2022. The overall prevalence rate of DR-TB for the period 2018-2022 was 13.8%. The socio-demographic and clinical risk factors that influence DR-TB in the four regions are: age, marital status (aOR 3.58, P-value< 0.00, 95% CI 2.86-4.48), Senior High School (SHS) level of education (aOR 2.09, P-value = 0.01, 95% CI 1.21-3.63), alcohol intake (aOR 0.49, P-value <0.00, 95% CI 0.38-0.63), previously treated (aOR 22.03, P-value<0.00, CI 16.58-29.26), major adverse drug reaction (aOR 125.50, P-value<0.00, 95% CI 58.05-271.34), and minor adverse drug reaction (aOR 23.59, P-value<0.00, 95% CI 18.32-30.39); treatment outcome, cure (aOR 0.52, P-value<0.00, 95% CI 0.41-0.66), completed (aOR 9.67, P-value<0.00, 95% CI 6.56-14.28), relapsed (aOR 2.62, P-value = 0.01, 95% CI 1.33-5.18), Lost-to-Follow-up (LTFU) (aOR 0.45, P-value<0.00, 95% CI 0.29-0.70), and failure (aOR 35.24, P-value<0.00, 95% CI 7.76-159.99). Also, there was an association between underweight and adverse drug reaction (RRR 5.74, P-value<0.00, 95% CI 4.86-6.79) and treatment outcome (RRR 0.79, P-value<0.00, 95% CI 0.74-0.86).ConclusionThe study shows that the prevalence of DR-TB in Ghana is low, probably not because the cases have reduced but due to inadequate GeneXpert machines to detect the cases. Age, marital status, education, alcohol intake, previously treated TB cases, adverse drug reactions, underweight, and treatment outcome are factors influencing the development of DR-TB. Therefore, interventions aimed at improving the nutritional status of DR-TB cases and minimising adverse drug reactions will improve treatment outcomes.

Background The impact of the arbovirus vector Aedes aegypti is of major concern for global public health as the viruses that it transmits affect millions of people each year worldwide. Originating in Africa, Ae. aegypti has now spread throughout much of the world. While the genetic makeup of Ae. aegypti in the New World has been extensively studied, there is limited knowledge on its genetic diversity in Africa, particularly at a microgeographical level. Methods We investigated mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I of four Ae. aegypti populations from Benin and employed wing morphometric analyses as a cost-effective and reliable tool to explore population structure. Our sampling encompassed various areas of Benin, from the southern to the northern borders of the country, and included urban, semi-urban, and sylvatic sites. Results We observed a notable level of genetic diversity (haplotype diversity of 0.8333) and nucleotide diversity (0.00421986), and identified seven distinct haplotypes. Sylvatic and semi-urban sites exhibited a greater number of haplotypes compared to urban sites. Utilizing 18 wing landmarks, we calculated the centroid size, which revealed significant variation among the three landscape types. However, principal component analysis, employed to assess wing shape variation, did not demonstrate significant differences between populations based on landscape type. Conclusions Our findings indicate substantial genetic and morphological diversity among Ae. aegypti populations in Benin, and provide insight into important biological characteristics of these populations with respect to their potential to transmit viruses. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study undertaken in Africa to integrate genetics with morphology to analyse the population structure of the major arbovirus vector Ae. aegypti . Graphical Abstract

Background Mosquito-specific viruses (MSVs) comprise a variety of different virus families, some of which are known to interfere with infections of medically important arboviruses. Viruses belonging to the family Mesoniviridae or taxon Negevirus harbor several insect-specific viruses, including MSVs, which are known for their wide geographical distribution and extensive host ranges. Although these viruses are regularly identified in mosquitoes all over the world, their presence in mosquitoes in Germany had not yet been reported. Methods A mix of three MSVs (Yichang virus [ Mesoniviridae ] and two negeviruses [Daeseongdong virus and Dezidougou virus]) in a sample that contained a pool of Coquillettidia richiardii mosquitoes collected in Germany was used to investigate the interaction of these viruses with different arboviruses in Culex -derived cells. In addition, small RNA sequencing and analysis of different mosquito-derived cells infected with this MSV mix were performed. Results A strain of Yichang virus ( Mesoniviridae ) and two negeviruses (Daeseongdong virus and Dezidougou virus) were identified in the Cq. richiardii mosquitoes sampled in Germany, expanding current knowledge of their circulation in central Europe. Infection of mosquito-derived cells with these three viruses revealed that they are targeted by the small interfering RNA (siRNA) pathway. In Culex -derived cells, co-infection by these three viruses had varying effects on the representative arboviruses from different virus families ( Togaviridae : Semliki forest virus [SFV]; Bunyavirales : Bunyamwera orthobunyavirus [BUNV]; or Flaviviridae : Usutu virus [USUV]). Specifically, persistent MSV co-infection inhibited BUNV infection, as well as USUV infection (but the latter only at specific time points). However, the impact on SFV infection was only noticeable at low multiplicity of infection (MOI 0.1) and at specific time points in combination with the infection status. Conclusions Taken together, these results are important findings that will lead to a better understanding of the complex interactions of MSVs, mosquitoes and arboviruses. Graphical Abstract

It is evident that all the countries surrounding Ghana have experienced epidemics of key arboviruses of medical importance, such as the recent dengue fever epidemic in Burkina Faso. Therefore, Ghana is considered a ripe zone for epidemics of arboviruses, mainly dengue. Surprisingly, Ghana never experienced the propounded deadly dengue epidemic. Indeed, it is mysterious because the mosquito vectors capable of transmitting the dengue virus, such as Aedes aegypti, were identified in Ghana through entomological investigations. Additionally, cases may be missed, as the diagnostic and surveillance capacities of the country are weak. Therefore, we review the arbovirus situation and outline probable reasons for the epidemic mystery in the country. Most of the recorded cases of arbovirus infections were usually investigated via serology by detecting IgM and IgG immunoglobulins in clinical samples, which is indicative of prior exposure but not an active case. This led to the identification of yellow fever virus and dengue virus as the main circulating arboviruses among the Ghanaian population. However, major yellow fever epidemics were reported for over a decade. It is important to note that the reviewed arboviruses were not frequently detected in the vectors. The data highlight the necessity of strengthening the diagnostics and the need for continuous arbovirus and vector surveillance to provide an early warning system for future arbovirus epidemics.

Mosquito-borne viruses (MBVs), also known as moboviruses, are associated mainly with mosquitoes and are able to infect humans and other vertebrates [...].

Objective: The case of antibiotic resistance has become a major global concern and Extended Spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing organisms have so far remained the biggest culprit. The consequences of urinary tract infection (UTI) and antibiotic resistance among pregnant women cannot be underestimated. We investigated UTI and ESBL production among urinary pathogens isolated from pregnant women. Method: We obtained non-repeat, clean catch midstream urine samples from 1345 pregnant women suspected of having UTI for bacterial identification at the Ho Teaching Hospital Laboratory between June 2013 and March 2015. The isolates were taken through relevant biochemical testing for identification and then subjected to antimicrobial agents for susceptibility testing using the disc diffusion method. We tested for ESBL production by the combined disc method and ESBL positive (+ESBL) phenotype isolates were genotyped for Bla(TEM), Bla(SHV), and Bla(CTX-M) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Data were analyzed using SPSS v24 and p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Of the 1345 urine samples tested, 230 (17.1%, 95% CI: 15.1%-19.1%) yielded significant bacteriuria. The most common bacterium isolated was Staphylococcus aureus (29.6%) followed closely by Escherichia coli (28.7%) both of which were highest during the second trimester of gestation. We isolated 152 gram-negative isolates with 41.4% (63/230) being + ESBL. Of the 63 + ESBL, 45 (71.4%) possessed bla(TEM), 42 (66.7%) had bla(CTX-M) and 2 (3.2%) possessed bla(SHV) genes; 38 possessed multiple ESBL genes comprising 2 with both SHV and TEM genes and 36 with both CTX-M and TEM genes. Conclusion: High prevalence of UTI and persistent transmission of ESBLs among pregnant women in the Ho Municipality is worrying and a course for public health concern. We recommend urine culture during pregnancy as a routine laboratory investigation to avoid birth-related complications.

Dear Editor,Dengue virus （DENV,family Flaviviridae,genus Flavivirus）serotypes 1 to 4 （DENV-1,-2,-3,and-4） are responsible for more than 100 million infections per year worldwide.Symptoms of DENV infection can be diverse,reaching from an acute febrile illness to the more severe,sometimes fatal dengue haemorrhagic fever/dengue shock syndrome.After the primary infection,lifelong immunity against a specific serotype is built.However,secondary infections by heterologous serotypes increase the risk of severe disease.First epidemics in Africa date back to the 19th century,and since the 1960s laboratory-confirmed cases and outbreaks have been reported in many countries in sub-Saharan Africa[1].

Mosquito-associated viruses (MAVs), including mosquito-specific viruses (MSVs) and mosquito-borne (arbo)viruses (MBVs), are an increasing public, veterinary, and global health concern, and West Africa is projected to be the next front for arboviral diseases. As in-depth knowledge of the ecologies of both western African MAVs and related mosquitoes is still limited, we review available and comprehensive data on their diversity, abundance, and distribution. Data on MAVs’ occurrence and related mosquitoes were extracted from peer-reviewed publications. Data on MSVs, and mosquito and vertebrate host ranges are sparse. However, more data are available on MBVs (i.e., dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, Zika, and Rift Valley fever viruses), detected in wild and domestic animals, and humans, with infections more concentrated in urban areas and areas affected by strong anthropogenic changes. Aedes aegypti, Culex quinquefasciatus, and Aedes albopictus are incriminated as key arbovirus vectors. These findings outline MAV, related mosquitoes, key knowledge gaps, and future research areas. Additionally, these data highlight the need to increase our understanding of MAVs and their impact on host mosquito ecology, to improve our knowledge of arbovirus transmission, and to develop specific strategies and capacities for arboviral disease surveillance, diagnostic, prevention, control, and outbreak responses in West Africa.

Background. The WHO targets to end HIV/AIDS as a public health problem by 2030. The introduction of the ambitious “90-90-90” strategy to attain this target is expected to be achieved by the year 2020. However, there is lack of regional data, especially on the third “90.” This study sought to assess the rate and associated factors of viral suppression among people living with HIV (PLWH) on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) at the Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Clinic in a Ghanaian health facility. Method. The study design was a retrospective analysis of secondary data of 284 HIV registrants on HAART for at least 6 months at the ART Clinic from July 2016 to April 2019. Data on sociodemography including age, gender, marital status, education, and occupation as well as pharmacological (type of medication and duration on medication) and laboratory variable (current viral load results) were extracted from patients’ folders. Viral suppression and failure were determined using the WHO definitions (viral suppression as viral load <1000 copies/ml and virologic failure ≥1000 copies/ml). Regular clinic attendance (used as a proxy measure for medication adherence) was defined as consistent monthly clinic attendance for HAART medication and other clinical management within the past 12 months. Results. Out of the 284 HIV patients, 195 (69%) achieved viral suppression. Of the 195 who were virally suppressed, 77 (39.5%) had undetectable levels, with a similar proportion (39.5%) achieving viral load results ranging from 20 to 200 copies/ml. Moreover, 27 (13.8%) patients had viral load ranging from 201 to 500 copies/ml while 14 (7.2%) recorded viral load from 501 to 1000 copies/ml. No clear pattern in the viral suppression rate was associated with the age groups (p=0.1152). However, regular clinic attendance (used as proxy for medication adherence) (p<0.0001) and being on HAART for more than three (3) years (p=0.03) were associated with viral suppression. Conclusion. The rate of viral suppression among PLWH on HAART in the Ho municipality fell short of the WHO target. However, the study identified regular ART clinic attendance and treatment >3 years as factors associated with viral suppression.

Introduction: unsafe blood remains a major threat to the global spread of transfusion transmissible infections (TTIs). Blood is usually tested for four TTIs: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and Syphilis before transfusion. This study determined the trends of transfusion-transmissible infections among blood donors in the Hohoe Municipal Hospital, Ghana from 2015 to 2016. Methods: a total of 3,173 blood donor records were reviewed for the presence of anti-HIV 1/2 IgG/IgM, HBV, anti-HCV IgG/IgM, and anti-Treponema pallidum IgG/IgM/IgA, using commercial ELISA kits following standard protocols. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata version 14.0 at the level 0.05. Results: seroprevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV and Syphilis were 3.9% 5.0%, 4.2% and 5.2% respectively. Females were 30% less likely to be infected with Syphilis (OR=0.3; 95% CI: (0.15-0.69); p=0.004); donors aged 20-29 years were 60% less likely to be infected with HIV than those less than 20 years (OR=0.6; 95% CI: (0.04-0.99); p=0.049), while those aged 30-39 years were 90% more likely to be infected with Syphilis than those less than 20 years (OR=1.9; 95% CI: (1.23-3.20) p=0.005) and those aged 40-49 years were 2 times more likely to get infected with HBV than those less than 20 years (OR=2.2; 95% CI: (1.17-4.04)); p=0.013). Conclusion: males presented higher prevalence of Syphilis and all TTIs were recorded highest among young adults. It is important to continue screening donated blood with highly sensitive tests and to sensitize young adults, especially females on the importance of blood donation.

Mosquito-specific viruses (MSVs) are a subset of insect-specific viruses that are found to infect mosquitoes or mosquito derived cells. There has been an increase in discoveries of novel MSVs in recent years. This has expanded our understanding of viral diversity and evolution but has also sparked questions concerning the transmission of these viruses and interactions with their hosts and its microbiome. In fact, there is already evidence that MSVs interact with the immune system of their host. This is especially interesting, since mosquitoes can be infected with both MSVs and arthropod-borne (arbo) viruses of public health concern. In this review, we give an update on the different MSVs discovered so far and describe current data on their transmission and interaction with the mosquito immune system as well as the effect MSVs could have on an arboviruses-co-infection. Lastly, we discuss potential uses of these viruses, including vector and transmission control.

Aim: To assess the prevalence of intestinal parasite infections among patients who visit the Ho Teaching Hospital for stool examination from 2012 to 2016. Study Design: Retrospective study. Place and Duration of Study: Ho Teaching Hospital, August 2017 to January 2018. Methodology: The hospital’s laboratory records were reviewed. Patients’ data were recorded using a well-designed data collection tool. Data was analyzed with Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20.0. Results: A total of 7045 patients visited the Ho Teaching Hospital laboratory for routine stool examination within the five-year period. From the 7045 patients, 703 of them were infected with at least one of the intestinal parasites. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasite infection for the five-year period was 10.0%. Intestinal flagellates (90.0%) were the most predominant intestinal parasites, and Entamoeba histolytica recorded 5.7%. Hookworm (0.9%) was the most prevailing soil-transmitted helminth. Ascaris lumbricoides (0.1%) and Schistosoma mansoni (0.1%) were the least recorded parasites. Highest infection was among patients within age group 20 to 29 years. However, age groups below 10 years recorded low infection. This study showed that age was a risk factor for acquiring intestinal parasite infection (P≤0.001). Conclusion: Intestinal parasitic infections were recorded among patients who visited the Ho Teaching Hospital. However, most of the patients were infected with intestinal flagellates. Various stakeholders should provide advance techniques in laboratory investigation of stool samples to enhance accurate diagnosis. Sensitization of the public about the dangers of intestinal parasites should also be undertaken by the stakeholders.

Background and Aim: Laboratories play a key role in the control and prevention of diseases through the provision of accurate, reliable and timely results. Coordinated activities to direct and control the laboratory with regard to quality is Quality Management Systems (QMS). The study assessed gaps in the QMS of some district laboratories in Ghana. Study Design: Non-interventional exploratory study. Place and Duration of Study: Volta Region of Ghana, February to March 2016. Original Research Article Agboli et al.; AJMAH, 10(1): 1-9, 2018; Article no.AJMAH.39254 2 Methodology: The Stepwise Laboratory Quality Improvement Process Towards Accreditation (SLIPTA) checklist by World Health Organization’s Regional office for Africa (WHO/AFRO) was used to assess six district laboratories in the Volta Region of Ghana. The six facilities were randomly selected to include laboratories from each of the three sectors (northern, middle, and southern) of the region. The northern sector laboratories were designated N1-HMH and N2-NDH, middle sector (M1-HMH, M2-ADH), and southern sector (S1-SDH, S2-ADH). Results: The SLIPTA scores for the facilities were all < 55% (0-142points) which is a zero star in the 0-to-5 star rating using the WHO/AFRO laboratory strengthening tool. The S1-SDH laboratory recorded a total score of 17.4% (45points), S2-ADH 11.6% (30points), M1-HMH 17.8% (46points), M2-ADH 9.7% (25points), N1-HMH 5.4% (14points), and N2-NDH 4.7% (12points). M1-HMH had the highest SLIPTA score whilst N2-NDH reported the least score. The Quality System Essentials (QSEs) measured were below 50%. “Management Reviews”, “Internal Audit”, “Corrective Action”, “Client Management and Customer Service” were not performed by any of the facilities whilst “Organization and Personnel” was highly performed. On the average SLIPTA score, the southern sector laboratories performed better whilst the northern sector laboratories exhibited the least performance in relation to QMS. Conclusion: The star level recorded by the facilities is zero (0) based on 0-to-5 star rating. This implies that the total laboratory QMS is very weak and various stakeholders are encouraged to focus on strengthening district laboratories for effective healthcare delivery. This is a detailed baseline data for measuring improvement through future interventions.

Hypertension (HPT) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and it is now emerging as a public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. This study reports on prevalence and its awareness of HPT among traders in Hohoe Municipality (HHM). This was a population-based cross-sectional study carried out in 2015 involving 328 traders (18-65 years) using a random cluster sampling technique. A pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on background characteristics, awareness and predictors of HPT. Anthropometric indices, blood pressure and random blood sugar (RBS) were measured following standard procedures. Chi-square was used to determine associations between independent variables and HPT (dependent variable). Means in quantitative variables were determined using t-test. Overall prevalence of HPT including those on treatment was 43.3%. At the time of the survey, HPT prevalence was 28.4%, Pre-hypertension (Pre-HPT) was 33.8% and normal Blood pressure (BP) was 37.8%. Out of the 28.4% of the traders who were aware they have HPT, only 13.1% could control their BP. Also, of the 28.4% traders who had high BP during the survey, 15.3% were not aware that they have hypertension. Increasing age, obesity, overweight, high WHR and marital status of traders were independently associated with HPT. Prevalence of HPT and Pre-HPT was very high among the traders’ population. Uncontrolled and undiagnosed HPT was also very high. Targeted periodic screening and creation of awareness on HPT and Pre-HPT are needed to enhance the prevention and control of HPT.