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Objectives: Drug resistance in tuberculosis (TB) is a very important public health threat that should not be ignored. Understanding the gender, age, and characteristics of individuals affected by TB (without HIV, diabetes, or hepatitis B complications), particularly in terms of drug resistance or susceptibility, is crucial for effective prevention and management strategies, as most studies focus on TB/HIV co-infection. Methods: A cross-sectional case study of age and gender was carried out in 140 individuals grouped into drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB), drug-susceptible tuberculosis (DS-TB), and apparently healthy controls (AHCs). Data collection was through medical records and a structured questionnaire. Statistical analyses compared age, gender, and selected risk factors across the groups. Results: The mean age of the DR-TB group was 32 years (SD ≈ 2). A total of 80.0% were ≤40 years of age and four times more likely to have DR-TB; 55% were male, with 1.22 times more likelihood of DR-TB in males. The mean age of the DS-TB group was 34 years (SD ≈ 12); 66.7% were ≤40 years old. The odds ratio of DS-TB in males was 2.16. Only 10% of DR-TB enrolees had BCG scars compared with 65% AHCs. A high percentage of the DR-TB group reported handling raw meat (75%) and drinking unpasteurised milk (70%) compared with the DS-TB group. Conclusions: The observed gender disparities and age-related factors, particularly among the DR-TB group, highlight the importance of considering age and gender factors in DR-TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Our findings also highlight the need to bridge gaps in awareness as well as for the prevention of zoonotic TB and issues around effective BCG vaccination and coverage.

Cryptosporidiosis is a neglected tropical zoonotic disease, commonly associated with a diarrhoea, caused by a protozoan parasite of the genus Cryptosporidium. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in faeces, milk, and water sources, and its associated risk factors in sedentary Fulani herds. Seven hundred and fifty faecal samples (240, 180, 240 and 90 from cattle, sheep, goats and dogs, respectively), and 120 samples each, of milk and water were collected for this study. Faecal samples were concentrated by formol ether concentration technique, then stained using Modified Ziehl Neelsen staining method, to detect Cryptosporidium oocysts. Cryptosporidium oocysts in milk and water samples were also concentrated and stained with same stain. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in (cattle, dog, sheep and goat faeces were 18.3 %, 15.6 %, 13.9 % and 4.2 %, respectively.), Significantly higher prevalence was observed in calves ≤ 1 year (P = 0.002), female cattle (P = 0.007) and animals with poor body condition (P < 0.001) than in the other groups. Goats with poor body condition scores had significantly higher prevalence (P = 0.008) than other groups while dogs ≤ 6 months of age also had significantly higher prevalence (P = 0.03) than older dogs. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in bulk cow milk was 11.7 % while a prevalence of 13.3 % was observed in the water bodies sampled. Hence the findings of this study are of great public health significance, therefore, inhabitants of these LGAs should be informed and educated on the need for improvement of sanitary measures during the course of milking these animals, and the need for adequate pasteurization, of milk before consumption.

Müllerian duct anomalies and uterine leiomyomas represent distinctive facets of female reproductive health. While uterine leiomyomas are prevalent reproductive pathologies, the coexistence of Müllerian anomalies and leiomyomas is relatively uncommon. This case study examines the complex medical and surgical management of a woman who initially presented with chronic abdominal pain and swelling. Following evaluation, the patient received a diagnosis of an uncommon co-occurrence of congenital uterus didelphys and leiomyomas. Notably, during the surgical procedure, a rectovesical peritoneal band was identified. This case study seeks to broaden the scientific understanding of these subsets of women, offering insights into the complexities arising from a common diagnosis overlaying a rare condition.

Hepatic pregnancy, an exceedingly rare subtype of abdominal ectopic pregnancy, remains clinically challenging due to its infrequency, diverse presentations, and diagnostic difficulties. We report the clinical course, diagnostic journey and treatment of a woman with a primary hepatic pregnancy.The patient presented with acute pain in the right hypochondrium and vomiting. Imaging revealed a peripheral hypodense gestational sac within the right hepatic lobe containing a fetus with heart pulsations, as well as peritoneal fluid and pelvic collection. Following administration of mifepristone, the patient underwent a laparotomy, and expelled a developed fetus. Hepatic resection utilizing the Pringle maneuver was performed, and methotrexate was administered postoperatively. The patient had a stable recovery and vital signs and was discharged two days after surgery.This case highlights the diagnostic and management challenges of hepatic pregnancy, and emphasizes the need for heightened clinical suspicion and thorough evaluation. By sharing the experience, we aim to contribute insights to guide the diagnosis and management of similar cases.

IntroductionCancers are a major cause of childhood mortality worldwide especially in LMICs where underdiagnoses and lack of quality cancer data hampers effective cancer control efforts. This study aimed to document and describe the patterns and characteristics of childhood cancers in the North East geopolitical zone of Nigeria.MethodsThis was a retrospective cross-sectional study that collected cancer data from 4 out of the 6 states in the North East of Nigeria. The data included all malignancies diagnosed in children aged 0-19 years between 2019 and 2022. The age-specific incidence rates were also calculated for the individual 5-year age groups (0–4 years, 5–9 years, 10–14 years, and 15–19 years). The crude incidence rates (CIR) were calculated as the weighted averages of the respective ASRs in each age range within 0-14 years and 0-19 years respectively. The cancers were grouped according to the International Incidence of Childhood Cancers, volume 3 (IICC3).ResultsCancers in people

IntroductionSub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is plagued by myriads of diseases, mostly infectious; but cancer disease burden is rising among non-communicable diseases. Nigeria has a high burden of cancer, however its remote underserved culturally-conserved populations have been understudied, a gap this study sought to fill.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional multi-institutional descriptive study of histologically diagnosed cancers over a four-year period (January 2019-December 2022) archived in the Departments of Pathology and Cancer Registries of six tertiary hospitals in the northeast of Nigeria. Data obtained included age at diagnosis, gender, tumor site and available cancer care infrastructure. Population data of the study region and its demographics was obtained from the National Population Commission and used to calculate incident rates for the population studied.ResultsA total of 4,681 incident cancer cases from 2,770 females and 1,911 males were identified. The median age at diagnosis for females was 45 years (range 1–95yrs), and 56 years (range 1–99yrs) for males. Observed age-specific incidence rates (ASR) increased steadily for both genders reaching peaks in the age group 80 years and above with the highest ASR seen among males (321/100,000 persons) compared to females (215.5/100,000 persons). Breast, cervical, prostatic, colorectal and skin cancers were the five most common incident cancers. In females, breast, cervical, skin, ovarian and colorectal cancers were the top five malignancies; while prostate, haematolymphoid, skin, colorectal and urinary bladder cancers predominated in men.ConclusionRemote SSA communities are witnessing rising cancer disease burden. Proactive control programs inclusive of advocacy, vaccination, screening, and improved diagnostics are needed.

Introduction: Cancers are amajor cause of childhood mortality worldwide especially in LMICs where underdiagnoses and lack of quality cancer data hampers effective cancer control efforts. This study aimed to document and describe the patterns and characteristics of childhood cancers in the North East geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study that collected cancer data from 4 out of the 6 states in the North East of Nigeria. The data included all malignancies diagnosed in children aged 0-19 years between 2019 and 2022. The age-specific incidence rates were also calculated for the individual 5-year age groups (0-4 years, 5-9 years, 10-14 years, and 15-19 years). The crude incidence rates (CIR) were calculated as the weighted averages of the respective ASRs in each age range within 0-14 years and 0-19 years respectively. The cancers were grouped according to the International Incidence of Childhood Cancers, volume 3 (IICC3). Results: Cancers in people <20 years accounted for 7.3% of all cancers diagnosed over the same period. The crude incidence rates (CIR) for cancers in children and adolescents were 20.9 per million children aged 0-19 years and 18.8 per million children aged 0-14 years respectively, while the agestandardized rates (ASR) were 1.80 and 1.63 per million person-years respectively. There was a variation in the most commonly diagnosed cancers across all age groups. However, lymphomas were the most commonly diagnosed cancers overall, while CNS tumors were overwhelmingly rare. Conclusion: Despite data limitations, this study provides useful insights into patterns of cancers in the region and will hopefully provide a basis for the strengthening of pediatric oncology care, childhood cancer control programs and population-based cancer registries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Ileoileal knotting is one of the rarest causes of intestinal obstruction. The pathology involves knotting of the ileum around itself, leading to mechanical intestinal obstruction that can rapidly evolve to gangrene. Case presentation Here we will discuss the case of an 18-year-old Oromo girl who presented with sudden onset of severe abdominal pain and signs of generalized peritonitis.Ultrasound examination showed massive peritoneal and cul-de-sac fluid. Explorative laparotomy was done, with a tentative diagnosis of ruptured ovarian cyst. Intraoperative finding was a gangrenous ileoileal knot. The gangrenous segment was resected and ileotransverse anastomosis done. Postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged improved on the sixth postoperative day. Conclusion We present this case to highlight the diagnostic difficulty that one can face in females of child-bearing age and to create awareness of this rare cause of intestinal obstruction, as morbidity and mortality are very high because of rapid progression to gangrene.

Introduction: Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is plagued by myriads of diseases, mostly infectious; but cancer disease burden is rising among non-communicable diseases. Nigeria has a high burden of cancer, however its remote underserved culturally-conserved populations have been understudied, a gap this study sought to fill. Methods: This was a cross-sectional multi-institutional descriptive study of histologically diagnosed cancers over a four-year period (January 2019-December 2022) archived in the Departments of Pathology and Cancer Registries of six tertiary hospitals in the northeast of Nigeria. Data obtained included age at diagnosis, gender, tumor site and available cancer care infrastructure. Population data of the study region and its demographics was obtained from the National Population Commission and used to calculate incident rates for the population studied. Results: A total of 4,681 incident cancer cases from 2,770 females and 1,911 males were identified. The median age at diagnosis for females was 45 years (range 1-95yrs), and 56 years (range 1-99yrs) for males. Observed age-specific incidence rates (ASR) increased steadily for both genders reaching peaks in the age group 80 years and above with the highest ASR seen among males (321/100,000 persons) compared to females (215.5/100,000 persons). Breast, cervical, prostatic, colorectal and skin cancers were the five most common incident cancers. In females, breast, cervical, skin, ovarian and colorectal cancers were the top five malignancies; while prostate, haematolymphoid, skin, colorectal and urinary bladder cancers predominated in men. Conclusion: Remote SSA communities are witnessing rising cancer disease burden. Proactive control programs inclusive of advocacy, vaccination, screening, and improved diagnostics are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to identify and examine the prevalence of Aspergillus species in three types of feed collected from specialized dairy farms and local markets in Chiro town, Dire Dawa, and Harar cities in eastern Ethiopia. A total of 180 dairy feed samples were collected and sown, initially on YES agar and then subcultured to AFPA to identify Aspergillus species based on colony color, conidia, vesicle, and phialide features. Additionally, the aflatoxigenic potential of the colonies was tested using CAM-based UV fluorescence. The study revealed that the prevalence of Aspergillus species was 80.6% in dairy feeds with a mean count of 3.04 log10cfu/g. Among the identified species, A. flavus was found to be highly prevalent (80%) in the feed with a mean of 2.73 log10cfu/g (7.45 × 103 cfu/g). Meanwhile, A. parasiticus and A. niger were observed in 73.3% (mean 2.43 log10cfu/g) and 58.3% (mean 1.68 log10cfu/g) of feeds, respectively. Furthermore, the prevalence rates of all Aspergillus species in feeds were not significant (p > 0.05) among the study sites and feed sources. However, the mean count of total Aspergillus (3.47 ± 1.34 log10cfu/g), A. flavus (3.20 ± 1.27 log10cfu/g), and A. parasiticus (2.82 ± 1.41 log10cfu/g) was significantly higher in feeds from Dire Dawa city. Additionally, both the prevalence rates and mean counts of total Aspergillus (37.9% and 3.65 ± 1.16 log10cfu/g), A. flavus (38.2% and 3.26 ± 1.12 log10cfu/g), A. parasiticus (38.6% and 2.98 ± 1.34 log10cfu/g), and A. niger (37.1% and 2.11 ± 1.57 log10cfu/g) in total mixed ration were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in other feed types. Out of the screened Aspergillus colonies, 81.42% were found to be aflatoxigenic, with 58.32% belonging to A. flavus and 41.68% to A. parasiticus. Therefore, widespread contamination of Aspergillus species in dairy feeds across the study sites raises food safety and public health concerns, which highlights the urgent need for stringent measures in feed quality control to curb its prevalence and the risk of aflatoxin exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Introduction Solitary fibrous tumors are tumors of mesenchymal origin that occur in the extremities and occasionally in pleura, meninges, and so on, but are extremely rare in the adrenal gland. Their biological behavior is variable but mostly benign. Case presentation A 13-year-old Oromo girl presented with a progressively increasing right upper abdominal mass of 3 years’ duration. She had dull dragging pain and an occasional low-grade fever. On examination she had 20 × 20 cm mass with well-defined medial and inferior border. Both ultrasound and computed tomography scan showed a highly vascularized mass arising from her right adrenal gland but she had neither the constitutional symptoms of a functional adrenal tumor nor an abnormal biochemical test. Surgical resection showed a vascularized mass with attachments to the right lobe of the liver with a weight of 1900 g. It was found to be a giant solitary fibrous tumor of her right adrenal gland with infrequent mitosis. She stayed for 5 days after surgery and was discharged. She showed remarkable recovery at follow-up at 3 months. Conclusion Although very rare, solitary fibrous tumor of the adrenal gland should be considered in differential diagnosis of adrenal masses.

BackgroundDengue Fever (DF) is a viral disease primarily transmitted by Aedes (Ae.) aegypti mosquitoes. Outbreaks in Eastern Ethiopia were reported during 2014-2016. In May 2017, we investigated the first suspected DF outbreak from Kabridahar Town, Somali region (Eastern Ethiopia) to describe its magnitude, assess risk factors, and implement control measures.MethodsSuspected DF cases were defined as acute febrile illness plus ≥2 symptoms (headache, fever, retro-orbital pain, myalgia, arthralgia, rash, or hemorrhage) in Kabridahar District residents. All reported cases were identified through medical record review and active searches. Severe dengue was defined as DF with severe organ impairment, severe hemorrhage, or severe plasma leakage. We conducted a neighborhood-matched case-control study using a subset of suspected cases and conveniently-selected asymptomatic community controls and interviewed participants to collect demographic and risk factor data. We tested sera by RT-PCR to detect dengue virus (DENV) and identify serotypes. Entomologists conducted mosquito surveys at community households to identify species and estimate larval density using the house index (HI), container index (CI) and Breteau index (BI), with BI≥20 indicating high density.ResultsWe identified 101 total cases from May 12-31, 2017, including five with severe dengue (one death). The attack rate (AR) was 17/10,000. Of 21 tested samples, 15 (72%) were DENV serotype 2 (DENV 2). In the case-control study with 50 cases and 100 controls, a lack of formal education (AOR [Adjusted Odds Ratio] = 4.2, 95% CI [Confidence Interval] 1.6-11.2) and open water containers near the home (AOR = 3.0, 95% CI 1.2-7.5) were risk factors, while long-lasting insecticide treated-net (LLITN) usage (AOR = 0.21, 95% CI 0.05-0.79) was protective. HI and BI were 66/136 (49%) and 147 per 100 homes (147%) respectively, with 151/167 (90%) adult mosquitoes identified as Ae. aegypti.ConclusionThe epidemiologic, entomologic, and laboratory investigation confirmed a DF outbreak. Mosquito indices were far above safe thresholds, indicating inadequate vector control. We recommended improved vector surveillance and control programs, including best practices in preserving water and disposal of open containers to reduce Aedes mosquito density.

Background: Neonatal sepsis is a serious blood bacterial infection in neonates at the age of equal to or less than 28 days of life, and it's still the major significant cause of death and long-term morbidity in developing countries. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and related factors with neonatal sepsis among newborns admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized University Hospital, Harar, Ethiopia. Methods: An institutional-based retrospective cross-sectional study design was conducted among 386 neonates admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit from September 2017 to August 2019. A systematic random sampling method was used. Data were analyzed using SPSS V.26. Descriptive summary statistics were done. Bivariate regression and multivariate analysis were computed. Variables with P -value <.05 were declared as having a statistically significant association. Result: The prevalence of neonatal sepsis was 53.1%. Among the total neonates who had sepsis, 67.8% had early neonatal sepsis. Among neonatal factors, preterm neonates (AOR: 8.1, 95%CI: 2.1, 31.2), birth asphyxia (AOR: 4.7, 95%CI: 1.6, 13.6); and among maternal factors, urban residence (AOR: 0.26, 95%CI: 0.1, 0.5), antenatal care attendance (AOR: 0.32, 95%CI: 0.2, 0.6), spontaneous vaginal delivery (AOR: 0.047, 95%CI: 0.01, 0.2), and maternal antibiotic use (AOR: 0.39; 95%CI: 0.2, 0.8) were found to have significant association with neonatal sepsis. Conclusion: Overall, the magnitude of neonatal sepsis was high. Provision of neonatal and obstetrics care as per standard during prenatal, intranatal, and postnatal periods is needed. Training of health professionals on infection prevention and safe delivery practice should be provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to sonographically measure and compare the pronator quadratus muscle thickness (PQMT) in apparently healthy volunteers between two occupational groups and to assess the influence of hand dominance on the PQMT. METHODS: A total of 180 apparently healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study. The volunteers were grouped into repetitive (90) and nonrepetitive (90) workgroups. They were scanned with a B-mode ultrasound machine and linear transducer. RESULTS: The mean PQMT was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the repetitive workgroup than in nonrepetitive workgroups. Similarly, a significant difference in mean PQMT was observed between dominant and nondominant hands in the repetitive workgroups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The mean PQMT among repetitive workgroup is significantly higher when compared with nonrepetitive workgroups in the study area.

Introduction. T-helper cells (Th)-1& -2 cytokines homeostasis control orpredict clinical outcome of infected persons, especially those with HIV /AIDS. This case-control study evaluated the leucocytes differentials, TNF-alpha, interleukin (IL)-2 and -10 levels among HIV infected persons with serological evidence of leishmaniasis attending University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. Material and Methods. Blood samples from 28 HIV infected persons who had Leishmania donovani rK39 and IgG positive (group 1), 30 age- & -sex matched HIV infected persons without Leishmania antibodies (group 2) and 30 apparently healthy persons without HIV and Leishmania antibodies (group 3). Full blood counts, TNF alpha, IL-2 and -10 levels were analyzed using automated hematology analyzer and ELISA, respectively. Structured questionnaires were used to collate biodata and clinical presentations of participants. Results. Ten (35.7%) participants in group 1 were on ART, 15 (50%) in group 2 were on ART, while group 3 were ART naïve. There were significantly higher values in basophil (4.4 ± 2.5%) and eosinophil counts (12.9 ± 3.8%) in HIV/leishmania coinfected persons (p ˂ 0.005). However, other white cells subpopulation was significantly lower in HIV/leishmania co-infected participants (p ˂ 0.05). There was significantly reduced CD4+ T cell counts ([119 ± 26 versus 348 ± 63 versus 605 ± 116 cells/mm3]), TNF-alpha ([36.82 ± 8.21 versus 64.67 ± 12.54 versus 254.98 ± 65.59 pg/mL]) and IL-2 levels ([142.14 ± 20.91 versus 507.6 ± 84.42 versus 486.62 ± 167.87 pg/mL]) among HIV/Leishmania co-infected participants compared to group 2 and group 3 participants, respectively. However, higher IL-10 level (80.35 ± 14.57 pg/mL) was found in HIV/Leishmania co-infected participants as opposed to the HIV mono-infected (62.2 ± 10.43 pg/mL) and apparently healthy persons (23.97 ± 4.88 pg/mL) (p ˂ 0.001). Conclusion. Eosinophil, basophil counts and serum IL-10 level were high in HIV/Leishmania coinfected persons, demonstrating parasite-induced hypersensitivity and immunosuppression.

Background: Sonographic measurement of the median nerve has been proposed as a useful alternative to the electrodiagnostic test in the diagnosis of the carpal tunnel syndrome because of its ability to reveal morphological changes. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of occupation, gender, and hand dominance on the median nerve cross-sectional area (MNCSA). Methodology: One hundred and eighty apparently healthy volunteers were recruited for the study. Hand dominance was ascertained in all volunteers. The device used was Voluson P8 ultrasound system with a 12-MHz transducer, using custom preset for musculoskeletal ultrasound. The Anteroposterior (D1) and transverse (D2) diameters of the median nerve were taken bilaterally at the level of the pisiform bone at the anterior surface of the wrist joint. Using these values, the MNCSA was calculated using the ellipse Formula. Results: The volunteers were divided into repetitive and nonrepetitive groups. The MNCSA was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the repetitive work group than in nonrepetitive work groups. Similarly, a significant difference in mean MNCSA was noted between male and female volunteers in both groups. Again, a significant difference in mean MNCSA was observed in dominant and nondominant hands in the repetitive work group (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in mean MNCSA in the nonrepetitive work groups (P < 0.05). Interpretation and Conclusion: A statistically significant difference in MNCSA was detected between repetitive and nonrepetitive work groups, male and female gender as well as in dominant and nondominant hands. Occupation, hand dominance, and gender, therefore, affect the cross-sectional area of the median nerve.

Enhancing nanoparticles' anti-cancer capabilities as drug carriers requires the careful adjustment of formulation parameters, including loading efficiency, drug/carrier ratio, and synthesis method. Small adjustments to these parameters can significantly influence the drug-loading efficiency of nanoparticles. Our study explored how chitosan and polyethylene glycol (PEG) coatings affect the structural properties, drug-loading efficiency, and anti-cancer efficacy of Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs). The loading efficiency of the NPs was determined using FTIR spectrometry and XRD. The quantity of chrysin incorporated into the coated NPs was examined using UV–Vis spectrometry. The effect of the NPs on cell viability and apoptosis was determined by employing the HCT 116 human colon carcinoma cell line. We showed that a two-fold increase in drug concentration did not impact the loading efficiency of Fe3O4 NPs coated with PEG. However, there was a 33 Å difference in the crystallite sizes obtained from chitosan-coated Fe3O4 NPs and drug concentrations of 1:0.5 and 1:2, resulting in decreased system stability. In conclusion, PEG coating exhibited a higher loading efficiency of Fe3O4 NPs compared to chitosan, resulting in enhanced anti-tumor effects. Furthermore, variations in the loaded amount of chrysin did not impact the crystallinity of PEG-coated NPs, emphasizing the stability and regularity of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Africa, the social displacement resulting in migrations has caused different levels of vulnerability for the refugees and governments of host countries. In South Africa, with one of the highest numbers of refugees in Africa, contention for socio-economic space and cultural differences occasionally result in violence between refugees and local people. For the elderly refugees, risk exposure and hardship have generated interest from scholars and officials. This article focuses on the narratives of coping strategies of elderly refugees in Post-Apartheid South Africa, specifically focusing on the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Using qualitative data gathered from refugee communities in the Eastern Cape Province, the study found that most elderly refugees lack access to social support, exposing them to different levels of risk and vulnerability. This context foregrounds the narratives of alienation and suffering and the coping strategies against these challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human T-lymphotrophic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is a causative agent of tropic spastic paraparesis and adult T-cell leukaemia, Evidence is accumulating that HTLV-1 may be responsible for some degree of subclinical immune suppression that may results in increased rate of HIV. Sixty (60) people living with HIV/AIDS consisting of 20 males and 40 females were recruited in this study. HIV diagnosis was confirmed using Nigerian National Serial Algorithm for HIV test. ELISA technique was used for the detection of HTLV-1 IgG and IgM antibodies, and Cyflow partec was used for CD4 count. The prevalence of HTLV-1 IgG and IgM antibodies among HIV subjects was 15% and 6.6% respectively. Male patients have a percentage prevalence of 4(6.6%) and female 5(8.3%) of IgG antibodies, IgM antibodies prevalence was 2(3.3%) for male and female each respectively. CD4 Counts of the HIV subjects was evaluated which reveals that patients with counts 0-200cells/µl tested negative to HTLV-1 IgG and IgM antibodies. Conclusion: The percentage prevalence recorded in this study shows that HTLV-1 infection is relatively high compared to the previous studies even though limited information was obtained in relation to HIV/HTLV-1 co-infection in these study area.

Background: Anemia is one of the most common comorbidities frequently seen in admitted patients. However, there is a scarcity of evidence regarding anemia among hospital admitted patients in Ethiopia, particularly in the Harari Region. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of anemia among hospital admitted patients in Eastern Ethiopia.Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from October 25 to December 30, 2022. Four milliliters of venous blood were collected and complete blood count was done using the DxH 800 (Beckman Coulter, Inc, Miami, FL) hematology analyzer. The data were entered in Epi-data version 4 and exported to SPSS version 26 for statistical analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted. The level of significance was declared at a p-value of < 0.05.Results: Of the 381 hospital admitted patients, 64.8% (95% CI = 60.01, 69.65) of the participants were anemic. Admitted patients who drank standard alcohol daily (AOR = 3.78, 95% CI = 1.71, 8.30), underweight (AOR = 9.39, 95% CI = 2.90, 30.46), and undernourished patients (AOR = 2.59, 95% CI = 1.15, 5.84), patients admitted with chronic kidney disease (AOR = 11.16, 95% CI = 4.06, 30.64), chronic liver disease (AOR = 3.20, 95% CI = 1.21, 8.47), deep vein thrombosis (AOR = 6.22, 95% CI = 1.98, 19.52), infectious disease (AOR = 9.71, 95% CI = 2.77, 34.02), and chronic non-communicable disease (AOR = 7.01, 95% CI = 1.90, 25.99) were all significantly associated with anemia.Conclusion: Anemia was common among hospital admitted patients and should prompt the focus on admission diagnoses that are likely to play leading roles in etiology. This information indicates a need for routine screening of anemia for all admitted patients to improve their health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood for transfusion is not routinely tested for malaria in Nigeria despite the recommendation by World Health Organization (WHO) that all donated blood should be tested for malaria where appropriate and possible and that there should be quality assured testing for transfusion- transmissible infection. A hospital based cross sectional descriptive study was carried out to screen for malaria parasites using microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests among consented blood donors at General Hospital, Hadejia, Jigawa State, Nigeria. Four hundred, 400 blood samples were collected from apparently healthy blood donors (398 Males, 2 Females) who presented with no overt signs and symptoms of malaria and routinely screened free of Hepatitis B Virus, Hepatitis C Virus, Syphilis, HIV I and II Virus. The samples were screened for malaria parasites using CareStartTm Malaria HRP2 One Step Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) and Microscopy, and blood group determined using ABO blood grouping system. Out of the 400 samples screened 107 (26.7%) were found to be positive using Microscopy with a density of +++ trophozoite in 1 (0.2%) blood donor, ++ in 2 (0.5%) blood donors, and + in 104 (26%) blood donors with an overall prevalence of 26.7%. Fourteen (3.5%) blood donors were positive by RDT with 3 false positive RDT. High positivity rate was found among blood donors with blood group O+ (48.1%), majority were farmers and from the age group 18 – 25 years with the highest prevalent rate of 46.2% and 39.3% respectively. The most preventive measures taken were the use of insecticide treated bed-nets. Most of the blood donors (49.8%) have primary level of education (western). Blood film was found to be highly sensitive than RDT with a positivity rate of 26.7% and 3.5% respectively. These were however statistically significantly different (P

Abstract Against current debates that the relationships between the host communities and the displaced elderly community are conflictual and friendly, the paper argues that the host community may either be hostile or warm to the displaced elderly refugees. Against this backdrop, this study examines the relationship between host communities and elderly refugees in post-Apartheid South Africa. A qualitative research design was used to collect data from the participants in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, selected towns and cities. Even though the study focuses on one Province of South Africa, this finding challenges the often-over-generalised perception of South Africa as ‘xenophobic’. It unpacks the hidden resilient social systems and relationships that bind local populations and refugees, especially the elderly ones. In the search for national, regional, and global answers on the best way to manage the refugee crisis, this study provides insights into community-level structures and dynamics that would benefit policymaking at the national and international levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]