Search

Eyob Hirpa Tola Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu, Oromia, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Eyob Hirpa Tola, Email eyobhirpatola@gmail.com; eyob.hirpa@aau.edu.etAbstract: Listeriosis is an important foodborne zoonotic disease affecting humans and animals in Ethiopia. This review aims to synthesize the epidemiology, prevalence, distribution, and antimicrobial resistance of Listeria species in the country. The literature reveals a widespread occurrence of Listeria infection in humans, animals, and food products, with an average prevalence of 21.6% for Listeria species and 6.9% for L. monocytogenes. Three sequence types (STs) of L. monocytogenes (2, 145, and 18) and twelve STs of L. innocua (1489, 1619, 603, 537, 1010, 3186, 492, 3007, 1087, 474, 1008, and 637) were reported from milk and dairy products. Contamination rates ranged from 4.1% to 42.9% across livestock, dairy, slaughterhouses, and processing facilities, indicating faults in production practices. Sporadic human listeriosis outbreaks have occurred since 1967, causing meningitis, perinatal infections, and deaths, with recent studies showing L. monocytogenes isolation in up to 10.4% of febrile patients, confirming foodborne transmission. Non-pathogenic Listeria species were also common on farms and in facilities. Ovine listeriosis poses a threat to Ethiopia’s sheep and goat industries, with over 40% seroprevalence in some herds. Comprehensive control measures across the food chain are needed to curb contamination and protect public health. Isolates from various foods show antibiotic resistance to first-line agents but susceptibility to others like gentamicin and cephalosporins. In conclusion, this review synthesizes evidence on Listeria distribution in Ethiopia’s food system and disease burden, highlighting the need for improved food safety policies and awareness.Keywords: animals, listeriosis, foodborne, pregnancy, zoonotic

Studies have shown an increasing use of herbs concurrently with conventional drugs by patients with diabetes mellitus, with the attendant risks of herb-drug interactions. Hence, this study investigated the possible pharmacological interactions, and toxicological consequences of aqueous extracts of Vernonia amygdalina (VA) and metformin co-administered in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Model of type 2 diabetes was induced in Wistar rats by feeding them with high fat diet and a single dose of STZ (60 mg/kg, i.p.). Animals having blood glucose levels > 200 mg/dl after 72 hours were classified as diabetic and were randomly assigned to one of eleven (11) groups (n=5 rats) to receive VA extract, metformin or combination at various doses. Blood sample was taken for biochemical and haematological tests while Haemoxylin and Eosin (HE) dye was used to assess histological changes. Results showed a non-additive decrease in blood glucose levels in the VA/metformin co-administration compared to VA and metformin alone. The reduction in blood glucose in VA 50 mg/kg, VA/MET 150 mg/kg and VA 100 mg/kg groups ware -51.20%, -53.52% and -59.68% respectively. There was significant improvement in urea and creatinine levels as well as liver enzymes at all the doses of VA and VA/metformin co-administration. There were no significant histological changes either in the extract or its combination with metformin on the kidney, liver or pancreas. Hence, VA showed a non-additive interaction with metformin to reduce blood glucose levels with no toxicological effects on major organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fuel characteristics of hydrous ethanol (HE) and gasoline blends (HE10, HE15 and HE20) were investigated as an alternative fuel for spark-ignition (SI) engines and test their performance. The densities of the blends (754.4-769.1 kg m-3) were higher than that of gasoline (739.7 kg m-3); however, their API gravity (55.88-52.3) was lower than that of gasoline (59.53). The kinematic viscosity of the blends (0.588 to 0.670 mm2 s-1) indicated that the blends were more viscous than gasoline (0.4872 mm2 s-1). Flashpoint values of the blends varied from 28.4 to 29.2°C, which were higher than that of gasoline flashpoint value (25.0°C); however, the calorific value of the blends (ranging between 45.21 and 45.08 MJ kg-1) was lower compared to that of gasoline (45.27 MJ kg-1). The Octane number of the blends varied from 92.9 to 95.8, which was higher compared to that of gasoline (90.5). At low engine speed (1500 rpm) and high load (2.5 kg), the engine torque obtained with gasoline was 10.7% higher than that obtained with the blends. However, at high engine speed (2500 rpm) and high load (3.2 kg), the torque with gasoline was only 2.7% higher than with the blends. Overall, HE15 blend showed the best results among the examined blends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gemachu Hirbaye,1 Eyob Hirpa Tola,2 Nebyou Moje,2 Teshale Sori2 1School of Veterinary Medicine, Wollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia; 2College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Eyob Hirpa Tola, Email eyob.hirpa@aau.edu.etBackground: Infectious bronchitis (IB) is an economically important disease in poultry with worldwide distribution. The occurrence of IB has been reported both in commercial and backyard poultry in Ethiopia, although comprehensive information lacks available prevalence of the disease and the circulating serotypes.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2021 to June 2022 in seven commercial farms found in East Shewa, Central Ethiopia. Serological assay using indirect ELISA, virus isolation techniques in embryonated eggs, and molecular techniques such as one-step reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting a 466 bp S1 gene were employed.Results: A total of 196 blood samples, 7 pools (35) of swab samples, and 5 pools of tracheal samples were investigated. The results of serological analysis revealed that 97.96% (192/196; 95% CI: 94.86– 99.44) of the sera samples were found to be positive for antibodies against IBV. Out of the 7 pools of swab and 5 pools of tracheal tissue samples analyzed using RT-PCR 33.3% (4/12) of them gave positive results all from swab samples. The RT-PCR-positive samples were subjected to a nested PCR yielding 295bp and 154bp indicating the circulation of Mass and 793/B (4/91) strains of IBV, respectively. The 12 pools of samples inoculated into embryonated egg showed cytopathic changes such as congestion, bleeding, and deformation only after three passages.Conclusion: Two serotypes of IBV are circulating in Ethiopian chickens, and molecular identification of the Massachusetts serotype is the first report in Ethiopia. Further epidemiological investigation is needed in order to devise effective control measures.Keywords: chickens, Central Ethiopia, IBV, nested-PCR, RT-PCR, serology

The expression of Pseudomonas fluorescens F113 genes in the presence and absence of the phytopathogenic fungus Pythium ultimum was monitored to determine the ability of the fungus to alter genetic expression in Pseudomonas. Results indicate a repression of several gene clusters in P. fluorescens F113 resulting in a reduction of ecological fitness in this strain of bacteria.

Background:. Nipple areolar complex (NAC) reconstruction often signifies completion of the breast reconstruction process for some patients and has been shown to improve both psychosocial and sexual well-being. Several techniques have been described; however, there currently exists little evidence in the literature describing outcomes or patient satisfaction. Methods:. A retrospective analysis of NAC reconstructions over the last decade was queried for patient demographics, operative technique, and postoperative outcomes. A standardized, validated survey was also utilized to evaluate overall satisfaction, with a focus on aesthetic outcome, shape, color, and projection. Results:. Eighty-three patients were identified, with 49 (59.0%) completing the survey. The modalities used for reconstruction include the C-V flap (45.7%), the modified skate flap technique (42.2%), and free nipple grafting (FNG, 12.0%). No significant differences in age, BMI, or comorbidities were found among the three types. The most utilized donor site for skate flap reconstruction was the suprapubic area (37.1%). There were also no significant differences in complication rate (C-V 10.5%, FNG 10%, skate 5.7%, P = 0.630) or revision surgery (C-V 2.6%, FNG 0%, skate 5.7%, P = 0.732). The most common complication was nipple necrosis. Adjusting for time to follow-up using multivariate analysis, there was a significant difference in overall patient satisfaction when compared across all three techniques, with the modified skate flap having the highest mean overall satisfaction scores. Conclusions:. NAC reconstruction can be completed safely and effectively with a variety of techniques. The modified skate flap technique was associated with high levels of patient satisfaction and a low complication rate.

Background: Healthcare settings without access to infectious diseases experts may struggle to implement effective antibiotic stewardship programs. We previously described a successful pilot project using the Veterans Affairs (VA) telehealth system to form a Videoconference Antimicrobial Stewardship Team (VAST) that connected multidisciplinary teams from rural VA medical centers (VAMCs) with infectious diseases experts at geographically distant locations. VASTs discussed patients from the rural VAMC, with the overarching goal of supporting antibiotic stewardship. This project is currently ongoing. Here, we describe preliminary outcomes describing the cases discussed, recommendations made, and acceptance of those recommendations among 4 VASTs. Methods: Cases discussed at any of the 4 participating intervention sites were independently reviewed by study staff, noting the infectious disease diagnoses, recommendations made by infectious diseases experts and, when applicable, acceptance of those recommendations at the rural VAMC within 1 week. Discrepancies between independent reviewers were discussed and, when consensus could not be reached, discrepancies were discussed with an infectious diseases clinician. Results: The VASTs serving 4 different rural VAMCs discussed 96 cases involving 92 patients. Overall, infection of the respiratory tract was the most common syndrome discussed by VASTs (Fig. 1). The most common specific diagnoses among discussed cases were cellulitis (n = 11), acute cystitis (n = 11), wounds (n = 11), and osteomyelitis (n = 10). Of 172 recommendations, 41 (24%) related to diagnostic imaging or laboratory results and 38 (22%) were to change the antibiotic agent, dose, or duration (Fig. 2). Of the 151 recommendations that could be assessed via chart review, 122 (81%) were accepted within 1 week. Conclusions: These findings indicate successful implementation of telehealth to connect clinicians at rural VAMCs with an offsite infectious diseases expert. The cases represented an array of common infectious syndromes. The most frequent recommendations pertained to getting additional diagnostic information and to adjusting, but not stopping, antibiotic therapy. These results suggest that many of the cases discussed warrant antibiotics and that VASTs may use the results of diagnostic studies to tailor that therapy. The high rate of acceptance suggests that the VASTs are affecting patient care. Future work will describe VAST implementation at 4 additional VAMCs, and we will assess whether using telehealth to disseminate infectious diseases expertise to rural VAMCs supports changes in antibiotic use that align with principles of antimicrobial stewardship.

Anemia is a largely preventable and curable medical disease if detected intime. This study aimed to assess maternal knowledge of anemia and its prevention strategies in the public health facilities of Pawi district, Northwest, Ethiopia. A health facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 1/2020 to March 2/2020, among 410 antenatal care attendees in the public health facilities of the Pawi district. The data was collected by systematic random sampling technique and analyzed using SPSS 25.0 version. Logistic regression analyses were done to estimate the crude and adjusted odds ratio with a CI of 95% and a P -value of less than .05 considered statistically significant. Less than half, 184 ( 44.9%) [95% CI = 40.0-49.8] and almost half, 216 (52.7%) [95% CI = 47.8-57.5] of the pregnant women had good knowledge of anemia and good adherence to its prevention strategies respectively. Women who are found in the age group of 15 to 19, 20 to 24, and 25 to 29 years, rural residency, secondary, and above educational level, vaginal bleeding, third trimester of pregnancy, and medium and high minimum dietary diversification score were significantly associated with knowledge of anemia. On the other hand: women who are found in the age group of 15 to 19 years, secondary above educational level, primigravida women, having ≤2 and 3 to 4 family sizes, second and third trimester of pregnancy, high minimum dietary diversification score, and good knowledge of anemia were significantly associated with adherence to anemia prevention strategies. Maternal knowledge of anemia and adherence to its prevention strategies were low. Nutritional counseling on the consumption of iron-rich foods and awareness creation on the effects of anemia in pregnant women must be strengthened to increase the knowledge of anemia and adherence to its prevention strategies.

Edosa Kifle Tola,1 Yosef Tsegaye Dabi,1,2 Gemechu Tiruneh Dano3 1Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Institute of Health Sciences, Wollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia; 2Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; 3Department of Public Health, Institute of Health Sciences, Wollega University, Nekemte, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Edosa Kifle Tola, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Institute of Health Sciences, Wollega University, P.O.Box: 395, Nekemte, Oromia, Ethiopia, Tel +251913168881, Email edosalab2@gmail.comBackground: Laboratory diagnostic service is an integral part of modern health care service. Quality of laboratory result helps for proper patient care. However, occurrences of clinical laboratory errors impair clinical decision-making process. Such errors are supposed to high in resource-poor countries like Ethiopia. Laboratory errors in any level of the process have an influence on total patient care, which might include misdiagnosis and mismanagement.Objective: To determine types and frequency of errors in diagnostic laboratories among selected hospitals in East Wollega Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia.Methods: Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at diagnostic laboratories of selected hospitals in Wollega, West Ethiopia, from November 2020 to February 2021; to assess errors in laboratory procedures. Nekemte Specialized Referral Hospital, Wollega University Referral Hospital, Arjo Hospital, and Shambu Hospital have been chosen. All the required data were collected using established check list.Results: The frequency and types of errors in the pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases were assessed in this study. Overall, 1124 (58.5%) laboratory errors were detected, of which 807 (71.8%) were pre-analytical, 85 (7.6%) analytical, 232 (20.6%) post-analytical errors.Conclusion: Based on our findings pre-analytical and post-analytical errors occurred more frequently as compared to analytical errors and most of them are preventable errors and the increased pre-analytical errors indicates contribution of other health professionals. In general our study suggests the need for provision of trainings and supervisions for the staffs involved and coordinated activities to deliver quality services that meets the customer needs.Keywords: laboratory errors, pre-analytical, analytical, post-analytical errors, total testing process

Demiso Merga Sima,1 Debela Abdeta Ifa,1 Akililu Likasa Merga,2 Eyob Hirpa Tola1 1Wollega University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nekemte, Ethiopia; 2West Wollega Zone, Haru District Livestock and Fishery Development Office, Gimbi, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Eyob Hirpa Tola Email eyobh@wollegauniversity.edu.et; eyobhirpatola@gmail.comBackground: Brucellosis is a contagious bacterial disease, which affects domestic animals, humans, and wildlife in Ethiopia and other countries.Methods: A cross-sectional study design using a simple random sampling technique was conducted in Diga, Guto, Gida, and Sibu Sire districts of East Wollega Zone, Western Oromia, from November 2019 to July 2020 to determine the prevalence of bovine brucellosis and identify associated risk factors. A lottery method was used during serum collection and risk factors identified during interview.Results: A total of 1152 serum samples were collected from cattle of 6 months age and above. Serum samples were tested by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (I-ELISA). An overall seroprevalence of brucellosis was 1.82% (21/1152). Statically significant variation (P< 0.05) in seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis was recorded among potential risk factors such as breed [P≤ 0.05; OR:8.905; CI:1.568– 50.573], parity [P≤ 0.05; OR:0.017; CI:0.042– 5.195], retained fetal membrane [P≤ 0.001; OR:0.018; CI:0.00– 2.169], and abortion history [P≤ 0.001; OR:0.030; CI:0.004– 0.212]. Conversely, seroprevalence variations in sex, district, villages, body condition score, and age were statistically insignificant (P> 0.05).Conclusion: The current study revealed bovine brucellosis is posing a threat to livestock with no strict control and prevention scheme in place. Therefore, public awareness creation about the zoonotic importance of the disease is crucial and the Government should establish legislation, support, control, and prevention of the disease recommended.Keywords: bovine brucellosis, Brucella, districts, ELISA, risk factors, seroprevalence, serum