Browsing by Author "Daniel Asrat"

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    Comparison of the Efficiency of CSF and Serum PCR in the Diagnosis of Bacterial Meningitis Among Suspected Cases at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital and Yekatit 12 Hospital Medical College, Addis Ababa Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa University, 2025-02-27) Lema Ayele; Daniel Asrat; Getachew Tesfaye
    Background Early and accurate diagnosis of bacterial meningitis reduces mortality and sequelae. In resource-limited settings like Ethiopia, where laboratory diagnostics are scarce, developing a diagnostic tool based on an easy-to-collect blood sample for the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis is crucial to improving the diagnosis and prompt treatment initiation that has a great impact on patient outcomes. Objective To compare the efficiency of cerebrospinal fluid and blood PCR for the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis in patients suspected of meningitis. Methods An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital and Yekatit 12 Hospital Medical College from August 2023 to February 2024. A total of 202 patients who were suspected of having meningitis were given their consent to collect the demographic, clinical data, CSF, and blood samples. Demographic data and clinical samples (CSF and Blood) were collected by using pre-tested standardized questionnaires and aseptic techniques, respectively. Conventional laboratory analysis and bacterial isolation using aliquots of CSF were performed following the standard microbiology laboratory procedures. The leftover CSF and serum samples were stored at -20°C until transported to the Armauer Hansen Research Inistitute (AHRI) for further molecular tests. Genomic DNA from CSF and serum was extracted by the Bioer NPA-32P automated nucleic acid purification machine. A multiplex PCR technique was used to detect the presence of Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus agalactiae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The end product of the PCR amplicon was observed under the Vilber machine after staining with ethidium bromide. Data were entered into Epi Info 7, cleaned, exported to Excel, and loaded into SPSS version 26 software for analysis. Descriptive statistics were presented in tables and bar charts. The agreement between the tests to detect bacterial meningitis was calculated by using an SPSS contingency table. Result Out of 202 study participants, 54% (n = 109) were males, and 88.6% (n = 179) of them were from the pediatric population, with an average age of 1.45 ± 0.69 years. Reduced ability to breastfeed was the most common clinical presentation 74.8% (n = 151), followed by high fever 71.3% (n = 144) and a loss of consciousness 66.3% (n = 134). Of 202 CSF, 5.4% (n = 11) and 4.5% (n = 9) of the samples tested were positive for gram stain and culture, respectively. Overall, bacterial DNA was detected in 26% (n = 54) and 46% (n = 93) CSF and serum samples, respectively. The concordance between CSF and serum PCR was observed in 34 (17%) cases. E. coli was the most predominant bacteria detected in both CSF and serum PCR at 55.5% (n = 30) and 61.2% (n = 57), respectively, followed by S. pneumoniae detected in both CSF and serum PCR at 15% (n = 8) and 29% (n = 27), respectively. The overall agreement between CSF and serum PCR is 60.9% with a positive percent agreement, and negative percent agreement between the two tests is 62.9% and 60.1%, respectively. Conclusion Bacterial DNA was 20% more frequently detected in serum compared to CSF, and 42% compared to culture in suspected cases of meningitis. Furthermore, these findings are clinically very important to minimise the invasive lumbar puncture for CSF collection. Overall, serum PCR could be considered as a supplementary diagnostic tool, a less invasive diagnostic procedure for the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. However, further similar studies are important using qPCR and both blood and CSF culture.
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    Effect of Essential Oils on Aspergillusspore Germination, Growth and Mycotoxin Production: A Potential Source of Botanical Food Preservative
    (Addis Ababa University, 2012-06) Negero Gemeda; Yimtubezinash W/Amanuel; Daniel Asrat
    Background: Contamination of food commodities with spoilage fungi presents a problem of global concern, since the growth and metabolism of these organisms can cause serious food-borne intoxications and a rapid spoilage of food products. Aspergillus species, a kind of opportunistic fungi linked to food spoilage are the leading cause of infection, mycotoxicosis and economic loss. Mycotoxins they produce are responsible for cancers and many diseases affecting the gastrointestinal, urogenital, vascular, kidney, and nervous systems. Many efforts have been exerted in attempting to control Aspergillus infection by using synthetic chemicals, however, its application has led to a number of environmental and health problems because they are themselves carcinogenic, teratogenic, and highly toxic with long degradation periods. As a result there should be continuous search for safe preservatives from natural products. For this purpose essential oils could be a possible source of new novel antimicrobial as they are rich in chemical constituents that have antifungal activity and seldom accumulate in the environment. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess effect of essential oils on Aspergillus spore germination, growth and mycotoxin production of isolates from food commodities. Method: In vitro antifungal assay and antiaflatoxigenic assay of essential oils that are obtained by hydrodistillation was carried out using poisoned food techniques, spore germination assay, agar dilution assay, aflatoxin arresting assay and mycelial weight inhibition assay on Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus niger. In vivo animal model was also conducted to see the safety limit of essential oil. Result: A. flavus, A. fumigatus and A. niger were isolated from a total of 36 food commodities. Cymbopogon martinii, Foeniculum vulgare, Lippia adoensis Hochst. var. koseret, Rosmarinus officinalis, Ruta chalepensis and Trachyspermum ammi essential oils were tested against seven isolates of aflatoxigenic Aspergillus species. T. ammi oil showed highest antifungal activity followed by Lippia adoensis Hochst. var. koseret. A hundredpercent mycelial inhibition was recorded at 1µl/ml against A. niger and A. flavus; and 0.5µl/ml against A. fumigatus by T. ammi essential oils. Moreover, complete inhibition of spore germination of toxicogenic strains of A. flavus, A. fumigatus and A. niger was achieved with this essential oils at a concentration of 0.5µl/ml, 1 µl/ml and 1µl/ml, respectively. T. ammi oil also showed significant antiaflatoxigenic potency by totally inhibiting aflatoxin production from A. niger and A. flavus at 0.5 and 0.75µl/ml, respectively. C. martini, F. vulgare, L. adoensis Hochst. var. koseret and T. ammi essential oils as antifungal were found superior over chemical synthetic preservative. Moreover, a concentration of 5336.297µl/kg body weight was recorded for LC on mice indicating the low mammalian toxicity and strengthening traditional use of this plant as safe food preservative. Conclusion: The present study revealed that essential oils from T. ammi can be a potential source of safe natural food preservative for food commodities. For large scale utilization further studies are recommended to explore its activity on other toxigenic fungal species, mechanism of action and chronic toxicity of the oil.
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    Fecal Carriage of Extended-Spectrum Beta-lactamase and Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae Among Hospitalized Patients at Debre Berhan Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, North Shoa, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia.
    (Addis Ababa University, 2021-06) Shenkute Demissew; Yimtubezinash Woldeamanuel ; Daniel Asrat
    Background: The control of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become challenging, particularly in immunosuppressed individuals such as HIV-infected patients. Although a global health concern, the data regarding the prevalence and antibiotic resistance pattern of MRSA colonization among HIV- infected and HIV-negative groups is scarce in Ethiopia. Objective:The main objective of this study was to investigatethe prevalence of nasal carriage and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of MRSA among adult HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected individuals at Adama Hospital Medical College, Adama, Ethiopia. Methods: The study was hospital-based case-control and involved 140 HIV-infected individuals and an equal number of sex- and age group- matched apparently healthy HIV-negative individualsfrom December, 2020 to March, 2021. Data related to demographic, household and clinical features was collected using a structured questionnaire and nasal swab samples were collected by sterile cotton swab. S. aureusisolates were confirmed by colony characteristics and biochemical tests while MRSA was detected using Cefoxitin (30μg) discs by Modified KirbyBauer disk diffusion method. The data wereanalyzed using SPSS Version-25 and the values were considered to be significant if p<0.05 was obtained. Results: The prevalence of nasal carriage of S. aureus and MRSA strains were 34/140(24.3%) and 15/140(10.7%) respectively among the HIV-infected individuals, and the corresponding values within the control group were 19/140(13.6%) and 5/140(3.6%). In both study groups, the MRSA isolates were resistant to penicillin. The proportion of MRSA isolates that were multi-drug resistant were 7/15(46.7%) and 1/5(20%) in HIV-infected patients and HIV-uninfected groups. Conclusion: This study showed a high prevalence of S. aureus and MRSA nasal carriage rates in HIV-infected patients than in HIV-uninfected groups. Special attention should thus be given to the control of MRSA in people living with HIV/AIDS. In addition, regular surveillance and monitoring should be conducted to effectively control this ‗super bug‘ infections in high-risk groups like HIV-infected patients. -PE.
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    Investigation of Electric Injera Mitad with Copper Wire Embeddings for Performance Improvement
    (Addis Ababa University, 0202-11) Daniel Asrat; Abdulkadir Aman (PhD)
    Ethiopians make injera, a staple food, on a clay baking pan, mitad, with either biomass or electricity as the energy source. The existing electric mitads in the country are highly inefficient, demand high power, and consume significant energy. The clay plate of the appliance is produced and assembled traditionally and its poor thermal performance created overloading of the electric power distribution network and introduced high energy consumption to the consumer and the nation. Efforts to enhance the thermal properties of the clay plate are yet to address the practicability of casting and producing improved clay plates at the level of local producers. This study examines the effect of copper wire embeddings in the clay plate of electric injera mitad to improve its performance. The study investigated the development of a CuWE clay plate of electric mitad, determined its effect on performance, and compared this performance with other similar studies. The traditional methods of clay plate production were identified and the Controlled Cooking Tests were conducted. The investigation revealed that, for a triple baking test, 30 injera per baking test, the CuWE clay plate electric mitad's heat-up time, the maximum-to-minimum heat-up temperature difference, and energy consumption were reduced by 3 min, from 64.3 °C to 36.9 °C, and 110 Wh, respectively. Energy efficiency was improved by 10.8% as compared to the base case electric mitad; the cyclic baking time per injera was decreased by 0.6 minutes; the overall baking period, including heat-up time; the specific energy consumption; and the total energy consumption were reduced by 21 minutes, 0.09 kWh/kg of injera, 1.0 kWh, or 15.4%, respectively. It was revealed in the study that embedding copper wire in the clay plate of electric injera mitad improved baking surface temperature uniformity and injera quality; reduced energy consumption and time to bake. Local manufacturers can produce CuWE electric mitads without the aid of any special equipment or production techniques to reduce the huge impact of electric injera mitads on the power and energy demand of the country.
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    Molecular Epidemiology and Genotypic Characterization of Rotavirus Among Children Under Five Years Age with Acute Diarrheal Illness in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa University, 2025-08-04) Gemechis Dejene; Daniel Asrat; Amha Mekasha
    Abstract Introduction: In Children Under Five Years, Diarrhea Is the Second Most Common Cause of Mortality Worldwide. Various Enteric Pathogens Are Responsible for Diarrhea, Including Viruses, Bacteria, And Parasites. Among The Viral Etiologies, Rotavirus Is the Leading Cause of Diarrheal Illness in Children. The Rotavirus-Associated Diarrheal Illness Is Highest in Sub Saharan Africa, South Asia, And Southeast Asian Countries. Rotavirus A Is Categorized in to Several G And P Genotypes Based on Vp7 and Vp4, respectively. The Most Common Genotypes Associated with Human Infection Globally Are G1p [8], G2p [4], G3p [8], G4p [8], G9p [8] And G12p [8]. Objectives: To Determine Molecular Epidemiology and Identify Circulating Genotypes of Rotavirus Among Children Under Five Years with Acute Diarrheal Illness in Selected Health Facilities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: A Cross-Sectional Study Design Was Conducted in Selected Health Facilities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, From September 2023 to January 2025. A Total Of 200 Children with Acute Diarrheal Illness Were Recruited Using a Convenience Sampling Technique. After Obtaining Consent, Caregivers Were Interviewed with a Structured, Pre-Validated Questionnaire for Sociodemographic Status, and 5 Ml of Stool Specimens Were Collected from the Study Participants. The Stools Were Tested for Rotavirus Using the Taqman Array Card -Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction, Including Genotype Identification. Data Was Entered into Epidata Version 4.7 And Analyzed Using Spss Version 25 Software. The Results Were Presented Using Tables and Interpreted Using Chi-Square and Odds Ratio. Results: Of The 200 Stool Specimens Collected from the Children, Rotavirus Was Detected In 45 (22.5%) Samples. Thirteen G-P Genotype Combinations Have Been Identified, G1p [4], G2p [4], G3p [8], G8p [4], G9[P4], G9p [8], G2p [6], G12p [8], G10p [8], G4p [8], G1p [8], G8p [8], And G8p [6] Are the Circulating Genotypes Among the Population. Out Of These, Three New Genotypes, G8p [4], G10p [8], And G4p [8] Were Detected for The First Time in Ethiopia. Factors Associated with Rotavirus Diarrhea Were Analyzed. Generally, Only Two Factors (Vomiting and Vaccination Status) Were Statistically Significantly Associated with Rotavirus Positivity; While Other Child Related Associated Factors Were Not Significantly Correlated with Rotavirus Infection. Conclusion: This Study Provides an Important Insight into the Updated Prevalence, Circulating Genotypes and the Emergence of New Genotypes of Rotavirus Among the Population. These Findings Underline That Despite the Presence of the Rotarix Vaccine in the Country, Rotavirus Remains a Significant Etiologic Agent for Acute Gastroenteritis. Therefore, Continuous Rotavirus Surveillance and Implementation of Prevention and Control Strategies Are Crucial to Reduce the Burden of Rotavirus-Related Diarrheal Illness.
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    Otoscope and Stethoscope: A Vehicle for Microbial Colonization, at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Referral Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
    (Addis Ababa University, 2012) Regea Dabsu ; Yimtubezinash Woldeamanuel ; Daniel Asrat
    Background: Nosocomial infections (NIs) remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality both in developed and developing countries. NIs is caused by the microorganisms that are commonly found around the hospitals. In the hospital environment, medical equipment's carried by HCWs such as otoscopes and stethoscopes may serve as the reservoir for microorganisms. Objectives: This study was undertaken to determine microbial colonization of otoscopes and stethoscopes used by HCWs at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Referral Hospitals, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, between November 2011 and April 2012. Materials and Methods: 130 stethoscopes and 6 otoscopes were sampled from different health personnel of five wards. Cleaning trends of stethoscopes and otoscopes by HCWs were assessed through the prepared questionnaire. Swab sample was taken by rubbing the diaphragm and bells of stethoscopes as well as handles and tips of otoscopes with sterile cotton tip applicator moistened in sterile saline. The swabbed sample was inoculated immediately on blood agar and Sabouraud dextrose agar for bacterial and fungal growthrespectively. Identification of bacteria were done using gram staining, colony morphology, biochemical tests include catalase and coagulase tests (for gram positive bacteria), oxidase test and API 20E (for gram negative bacteria). Germ tube test, LPCB staining, gram staining and thermo tolerant growth test were done for identification of fungal species. For bacterial isolates, antibiotic susceptibility test were done by disc diffusion method according to the preset criteria and the result were interpreted as susceptible, intermediate and resistance by measuring the growth inhibition zone. Results: From the total of 136 medical devices (6 otoscopes and 130 stethoscopes) sampled, 82(60.3%) were colonized with different species of bacteria (n=99) and fungi (n=12). From the total of bacterial colonization, gram positive bacteria accounted for 94(94.9%) where as gram negative bacteria accounted for 5(5.1%) and fungi accounted for 12(10.8%). Amongthe bacteria isolates, CoNS were dominated and of fungi, Candida albicans were dominated. Of the 130 stethoscopes sampled, 70(53.8%) showed bacterial colonization and 9(6.9%) were showed fungal colonization. Among different HCWs, 31(70.5%) of stethoscopes from resident medical doctors and also among the five wards, 25(71.4%) of stethoscopes from ICU were showed high rates of microbial colonization. Five (45.5%) and 74(62.2%) ofstethoscopes that cleaned and not cleaned between patients examination respectively were showed microbial colonization. And also 60 (57.1%) and 19(76.0%) of stethoscopes that cleaned with disinfectant and not cleaned with any disinfectants respectively were showed microbial colonization. S.aureus and CoNS isolates were showed low level of resistance (<60%) for Oxacillin, Erythromycin, Penicillin G, Trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole, Ampicillin, Chloramphenicol, and Ceftriaxone antibiotics. For Clindamycin and Vancomycin, S.aureus was showed 100% susceptible but CoNS were showed low level of resistance. Isolates of gram negative bacteria were showed intermediate level of resistance (60-80%) for Ampicillin, Erythromycin and Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and low level of resistance (<60%) for Chloramphenicol, Ceftriaxone, Ciprofloxacin and Nalidixic Acid, but 100%susceptible for Gentamicin. Conclusion: Otoscopes and stethoscopes might be a vehicle for both pathogenic and nonpathogenic microorganisms. Microbial colonization rate was reduced by regular cleaning of Otoscopes and stethoscopes. Clindamycin and Vancomycin antibiotics were effective against gram positive where as Gentamicin was effective against gram negative bacteria isolate from otoscopes and stethoscopes. Recommendations: Efforts should be directed towards standard cleaning strategy and continued re-evaluation of the microbial profile and their resistant patterns. In addition, health care workers should be informed that these devices might be act as a vehicle for microbial colonization.
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    Phenotypic and Molecular Characterizations of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Isolated Among Patients Admitted at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital and Yekatit 12 Hospital Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa University, 2025-11-07) Matifan Dereje; Daniel Asrat; Göte Swedberg
    Background: Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Is a Leading Cause of Hospital-Acquired Infections and Is Increasingly Resistant to Multiple Antibiotics, Which Complicates Treatment and Infection Control. Its Ability to Form Biofilms, Express Multiple Virulence Factors, And Harbor Diverse Molecular Mechanisms of Antimicrobial Resistance Contributes to Its Persistence and Pathogenicity in Healthcare Settings. Investigating Biofilm Formation, Virulence Traits, And Molecular Resistance Mechanisms of P. Aeruginosa Is Essential for Understanding Its Pathogenic Potential, Informing Effective Infection Prevention Strategies, And Guiding Clinical Management. Objectives: This Study Aimed to Determine the Phenotypic and Molecular Characterizations of P Aeruginosa Among Patients Admitted at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital and Yekatit 12 Hospital Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: A Cross-Sectional Study Was Conducted from August 2022 to September 2025. A Total Of 422 Clinical Specimens Including Blood, Urine, Burn Swabs, And Surgical Site Wound Swabs Were Collected from Hospitalized Patients at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH) And Yekatit 12 Hospital Medical College (Y12HMC). Eighty-Four Isolates Identified as Pseudomonas Species Were Stored in STGG Medium At −80°C And Later Shipped to Uppsala University, Sweden, For Molecular Characterization. Isolation And Identification of P. Aeruginosa Were Performed Using Standard Microbiological Techniques. Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing Was Conducted Against 11 Antibiotics Using the Kirby-Bauer Disk Diffusion Method According to CLSI Guidelines. Carbapenem Susceptibility Was Determined by Broth Microdilution, And Colistin Susceptibility Was Tested Using the Colistin Broth Disk Elution Method. Biofilm Formation Was Assessed Using the Microtiter Plate Assay. Whole-Genome Sequencing (Illumina Hiseq 2500) Was Performed on the 84 Isolates, And Downstream Genomic Analysis Was Conducted On 64 Isolates to Characterize Virulence Factors, Serotypes, Antibiotic Resistance Determinants, And Phylogenetic Relationships. Bivariate And Multivariable Logistic Regression Analyses Were Used to Identify Factors Associated with Multidrug Resistance (MDR). The Spearman Correlation Coefficient Was Applied to Evaluate the Relationship Between Biofilm Formation and Antimicrobial Resistance. Results: The Overall Prevalence Rate of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Among The 422 Clinical Specimens Was 19.6% (83/422). The Distribution of Isolates Across Hospitals Was 43.4% (N=36) From Y12HMC And 56.6% (N=47) From TASH. Among The Positive Isolates, The Distribution by Specimen Type Was as Follows: Urine 32.5% (27/84), Blood 22.9% (19/84), Surgical Site Wounds 27.7% (23/84), And Burn Wounds 16.9% (14/84). High Resistance Rates Were Observed for Ciprofloxacin (51.8%), Ceftazidime (50.6%), And Cefepime (48.2%), While Low Resistance Was Noted for Ceftazidime-Avibactam (4.8%) And Imipenem (16.9%). The Overall Proportion of Multidrug-Resistant (MDR) Isolates Was 56.6%. Biofilm Production Was Detected In 95.2% Of Isolates, with 27.7% Classified as Strong And 39.8% As Moderate Biofilm Producers. A Significant Positive Correlation Was Observed Between Biofilm Formation and Multidrug Resistance. Previous Exposure to Ciprofloxacin Was Identified as an Independent Factor Associated with MDR P. Aeruginosa. Among The 64 Isolates Subjected to Whole-Genome Sequencing, Eight Serotypes Were Identified. The Most Prevalent Serotypes Were O6 (50%), O11 (14.1%), O3 (10.9%), O5 (9.4%), O1 (7.8%), O2 (3.1%), O4 (3.1%), And O9 (1.6%). Serotype O6 Was Most Frequent Across All Infection Types, While O1, O3, And O11 Predominated in Specific Specimens. Serotype-Specific MDR Rates Varied: O11 Had the Highest MDR Rate (88.9%), Followed by O5 (66.7%); O6 And O2 Had Equal Distributions of MDR And Non-MDR Isolates (50% Each), Whereas O4 And O9 Were Entirely Non-MDR (100%). Amongst The 241 Virulence Genes Identified, 83.4% Were Present in Nearly Every Isolate. The Virulence Genes Identified Were Flagella-Related Genes, Biofilm Related Genes, Secretion System Components, Secreted Factors, And Toxin Related Genes. The Most Common Toxins Identified Were Exoy (96.9%), Exot (96.8%), Exos (95.3%), Toxa (93.8%) And Exou+ (6.3%). There Were Four (6.3%) Exou+ Strains and One (1.6%) Exou+Exos+ Multidrug Resistant Strain, All of Which Were O11 Serotypes. The Most Frequently Detected ESBL Gene Among MDR Isolates Was Blactx-M-15 10 (15.6%). The Most Prevalent OXA Genes Identified Was Blaoxa-396 24 (37.5%). At Least One Aminoglycoside Gene Was Identified in All MDR Isolates. The Most Frequently Identified Aminoglycoside Gene Was Aph (3')-Iib (57.6%). Two Distinct Carbapenemase Genes Identified Were Blavim-2 And Blandm-1. Significant Mexr and Ampd Mutations Were Found Among MDR Isolates With 25 (75.8%) And 29 (87.9%) Respectively. Most Of Carbapenem-Non-Susceptible Isolates Were Exhibited Mutations in Mexr and Nalc Genes. Colistin Resistant Isolates Were Contained At Least One Mutation in Pmrb Gene. Multi-Locus Sequencing Type Analysis Revealed Two Global High-Risk Clone Types (ST235 And ST277) And Two Novel Sts (ST5135 And ST5136). Conclusion: This Study Showed the Presence of Diverse Virulence and Resistance Determinants in P. Aeruginosa. The Finding of Genetically Related Isolates Shows Potential Clonal Spread Within Hospital. This Showed the Need for Strengthen Infection Prevention Strategies in Healthcare Settings to Monitor Spread of Resistant Strains
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    Prevalence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and Syphilis among VCT and PICT Clients in St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
    (Addis Ababa University, 2012-06) Haftamu Weldesenbet; Daniel Asrat; Yimtubezinash W/Amanuel
    Background: - Syphilis, HIV and HBV are the most common public health problems in Sub-Saharan countries. Ethiopia is among the countries where syphilis, HIV and HBV infections are highly prevalent. These infections are interrelated, since syphilis enhances HIV and, HBV infection is complicated by HIV co-infection. Although syphilis, HBV and HIV have the similar route of transmission, screening services for syphilis and HBV are not common in most of the voluntary counseling and testing centers (VCT). Therefore, more information is required on prevalence of HBV and syphilis in VCT centers, and the rate of co-infection of syphilis and HBV in HIV positive individuals. Objectives: To assess sero-prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and syphilis among provider initiated counseling and testing (PICT) and VCT clients. It is designed to determine the sero-prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus and syphilis among HIV positive and negative and co-infection of these infections with HIV. Hepatitis B virus infections and HIV are highly prevalent and they are among the major public health concern in developing countries including Ethiopia investigating this problem is of paramount benefit. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2011 to February 2012 in St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College. 292 consecutive samples were collected using convenient sampling method from PICT and VCT clients. Data on sociodemographic characteristics and sexual behaviors were collected using a questionnaire. Blood specimen was tested for the presence Hepatitis B surface antigen using commercial test kits and syphilis serology was examined using rapid plasma reagin (RPR) and the data was analyzed using version16 SPSS (statistical package for the social science) software. Results The prevalence of HIV was 8/292 (2.7%), HBsAg was 43/292 (14.7%), and syphilis was 5/292(1.7%). HBs antigen prevalence among HIV positive clients was 2/8 (25%) while among HIV negative was 41/287 (14.3%). All HIV positive clients were negative for syphilis. Sex statistically affects HBV infection (p=0.02), but there was no significant association with syphilis. Conclusion: In this study syphilis prevalence was low. But a substantial percentage of the attendants seen in the PICT and VCT centers have HBV and HIV infections, which otherwise would remain undiagnosed without serological screening. Recommendation: Therefore, strong HBV control strategies should be designed parallel with HIV and actions should be taken to avert the extent of the problem including provision of better health education, screening services in PICT and VCT centers and provision of vaccination for HBV.
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    Study on the Prevalence of Thermophilic Campylobacter Species in Raw Meat in Addis Ababa and Debre Zeit, Ethiopia
    (2007-06) Lemma Dadi; Daniel Asrat
    A study on the prevalence of thermophilic Campylobacter species was under taken in selected abattoirs, ,butchers and supermarkets in two cities (Debre Zeit and Addis Ababa)of Ethiopia from November 2006 to April 2007.The study was conducted on raw meat (beef, chicken meat, goat meat, sheep meat and pork). A total of 540 raw meat samples consisting of 227 beef, 92 goat meat, 114 sheep meat, 60 chicken meat and 47 pork were collected and analysed during the study period. Thermophilic Campylobacter species were isolated and identified according to the techniques recommended by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO/CD 10272-1 and 10272-2, 2002). Out of 540 raw meat samples analyzed 50 (9.3%) samples were positive for thermophilic Campylobacter species. The most prevalent species recovered from the samples was Campylobacter jejuni (78.0%), followed by C. coli (18.0%) and the remaining 4.0% of the isolates were identified as C. lari. Out of the samples examined chicken meat was the most frequently contaminated food item with thermophilic Campylobacter species with an over all prevalence of 21.7%.Of the examined sample 10.5% sheep meat, 8.5% pork 7.6% goat meat, and 6.2% beef samples were also positive for thermophilic Campylobacter species. The 21.7% prevalence of thermophilic Campylobacter species in row chicken meat was statistically significant. Campylobacter jejuni was the predominant species 78.0% isolated from raw meat samples examined in the current study. Its prevalence was higher in beef with the isolation rate of 85.7% followed by 84.6% in chicken meat, 83.3% in sheep meat, 71.4% in goat meat and 25% in pork. The difference in the distribution of the C. jejuni among different raw meat types was statistically significant. Campylobacter coli was the second predominant thermophilic Campylobacter species isolated (18.0%) from raw meat analyzed. C. coli was the predominant isolate from pork accounting for (50%) of the pork isolates. Campylobacter lari the least prevalent species accounting for 4.0% of the total isolates recovered from raw meat examined. The result of the present study antimicrobial sensitivity test indicates that the overall resistance of 20.0% was developed to streptomycin. Similarly, 14.0% and 12.0% resistances were developed against gentamicin and kanamycin, respectively. Of the total isolates 10.0% were VIII resistant to tetracycline and ampicillin. Multi drug resistance to two or more drugs was detected in 20% of the isolates. The microbiological examination in the current study suggested that thermophilic Campylobacter species particularly C. jejuni was found in the raw meat analysed. The development of antimicrobial resistance was observed in a considerable number of isolates. This indicates the possible risk of food borne campylobacteriosis particularly for elderly and immunocompromised individuals in Ethiopia.