Public Health

Permanent URI for this collection

https://testir.kiu.ac.ug/handle/20.500.12306/1310

Browse

Now showing 1 - 15 of 15

Antibacterial Activity of Lactobacillus spp and Lactococcus spp Isolated from Various Parts of Pebbly Fish, Alestes baremoze
(Fakruddin, Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST),, 2016) Kato, Charles D; Kahuma, Carol E; Namulawa, Victoria T.; Kasozi, Nasser; Kahuma, Carol E
The study sought to identify microbial communities and potential probiotics in one of the popular fish species, Alestes baremoze. A total of 15 samples were collected from Lake Albert and swabs of the skin, gills and gut were made, and cultured on general purpose and selective media. The bacteria isolated were confirmed using morphological and biochemical tests while probiotic screening was done using the agar spot method. The prevalent potential pathogenic bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus (100%) and Escherichia coli (67.7%). The highest total microbial load was generally recorded for samples from the skin. Staphylococcus spp had the highest total microbial load recorded from all the samples (skin, 8.50±22.1x102 cfu/g and gills, 8.00±24.3x102 cfu/g). When the effect of potential probiotic genera (Lactobacillus spp and Lactococcus spp) isolated from skin, gills and gut was investigated, Lactobacillus spp showed the highest overall activity against all test pathogens. The highest activity for Lactobacillus spp was demonstrated against E. coli (15.4±0.19 mm) and S. aureus (14.0±0.17 mm). The highest activity for Lactococcus spp was demonstrated against S. aureus (8.7±0.12 mm) and E. coli (7.2±0.1 mm). Furthermore, no probiotic activity was recorded against Streptococcus spp and Pseudomonas spp. No significant (p> 0.05) differences in antimicrobial activity were noted using Lactic acid bacteria isolated from the different fish body parts. Based on the positive results from this study, Lactobacillus spp. should be further characterised and studied in challenge experiments in fish to explore its probiotic effects.
Anticonvulsant and toxicity effects of ethanolic extract of Thevetia Peruviana (Pers.) leaves
(Kampala International University, 2016) Ninsiima Herbert Izo; Kirimuhuzya Claude; Okello Samuel
Epilepsy is a neurologic condition due to disordered firing of brain neurons characterised by seizures. Most currently available antiepileptic drugs are synthetic and do not offer a complete cure yet with devastating side effects. Studies have shown that extracts from certain plants can produce anticonvulsant effects and may, therefore be useful against epileptic seizures. To investigate anticonvulsant effect of ethanolic extract of the leaves of Thevetia peruviana on chemically induced seizures in Wister rats. Leaves of T. peruviana were pulverised and extracted with ethanol. Graded doses of the ethanolic extract were used to test for the anticonvulsant effect of the extract using pentylenetetrazole model of seizures in rats. Acute toxicity testing and phytochemical analysis were done using Lorke’s method. Graded doses of T. peruviana leaf extract significantly delayed onset of seizures. They protected animals from death due to pentylenetetrazole-induced tonic seizures. There was no death up to 3000mg/kg. The extract was found to be rich in essential oils, flavonoids, alkaloid, phenols, proteins and resins. The ethanolic extract of the leaves of T. peruviana contains compounds with anticonvulsant effects since it protected the animals from death and delayed the onset of seizures produced by pentylenetetrazole and that is relatively safe.
Contamination of microbial pathogens and their antimicrobial pattern in operating theatres of peri-urban eastern Uganda: a cross-sectional study
(BMC Infectious Diseases, 2018) Matinyi, Sandra; Muwanguzi, Enoch; Akia, Deborah; Byaruhanga, Valentine; Masereka, Edson; Ekeu, Isaac; Atuheire, Collins
Background: Microbial contamination of hospital environment, especially in operating theatres (OT) and other specialized units has greatly contributed to continuous and multiple exposure to nosocomial infections by patients and the public. We purposed to assess microbial contamination of operating theatres and antibacterial sensitivity pattern of bacteria isolated from theatres of Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, Eastern Uganda. Methods: We employed a laboratory based cross-sectional study design. Swabbing of different surfaces and settle plate establishment in 4 various operating theatres was carried out. A total of 109 samples were collected, 31 air samples and 78 swabs from four operating theatres. Samples were collected in the mornings after disinfection prior to start of daily operations. Antibacterial sensitivity testing of isolated bacterial pathogens was performed by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method following standard operating procedure. Colony counts for the settle plates were carried out using a colony counter. Results: All the four theatres had their mean colony counts exceeding the acceptable limit of 5 cfu/dm2/h. Gynaecology theatre had up to 261 cfu/dm2/h and Ophthalmology operating theatre had approximately 43 cfu/ dm2/h. A total of 14 different organisms were isolated with Pseudomonas spp. [23.9%]; Bacillus spp. [17.5%] and Aspergillus spp. [15.8%] being the most common contaminants respectively. Other isolates included Enterococcus spp., Rhizopus spp. and Coagulate Negative Staphylococcus isolates especially from settle plates. Most bacterial isolates showed considerable resistance to antibacterial agents. Pseudomonas spp. was resistant to chloramphenicol (53.6%) and cotrimoxazole (57.1%). Most of the bacterial pathogens were sensitive to imipenem [83.3%]. Conclusions: There is moderate contamination of operating theatres of Mbale Regional Referral Hospital. Common organisms were Pseudomonas, Bacillus, and Aspergillus spps. Resistance was observed against chloramphenicol and cotrimoxazole. More caution is necessary to carefully disinfect the operating theatres at Regional referral settings and similar tertiary health care centres with more emphasis on obstetrics and gynecology theatres. Diagnosis and care of patients at such clinical settings should consider the possibility of antibiotic resistance.
Epidemiology of Coccidian Parasites in HIV Patients of Northern Uganda
(SCIENCEDOMAIN international, 2015-04) Echoru, Isaac; Herman, Lule; Micheni, Lisa; Ajagun-Ogunleye, Mulkah O.; Kalange, Muhamudu; Kasozi, Keneth Iceland
Aim: The epidemiology of coccidian parasites in HIV patients of sub-sahara Africa is poorly understood. This study aimed at determining the epidemiology of coccidian parasites and their associated risk factors. This was a cross sectional study carried out in Arua district in West Nile region of Northern Uganda for a period of five months. Materials and Methods: Participants in the study included HIV positive patients presenting with diarrhea. A total of 111 patients were included and classified into children, middle aged and adults. A structured questionnaire was administered, stool samples were obtained using sterile stool containers and laboratory analysis carried out using modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique (ZN). Ethical clearance was acquired and the consent of the patients was sought. Results and Discussion: Prevalence of Coccidian parasites among HIV patients was found to be 5.4% and Cryptosporidium parvum showed more prevalence than Isospora belli and Cyclospora cayatenensis i.e. (3.6%), (1.8%) and (0.0%) respectively. Most Cryptosporidium parvum infections occurred in children (13.6%) compared to adults (3.3%); with a significant relationship of (p = 0.02). The infection was higher in females (7.1%) than males (2.4%) (p = 0.19). The major risk factors associated with the disease were mainly consumption of contaminated and un-boiled water from taps and boreholes. HIV patients who took co-trimoxazole and drunk boiled water were shown to have a low prevalence of coccidian parasites of 1.9% and 2.6% respectively (p<0.05). This is because cotrimoxazole is a prophylactic drug for opportunistic infections and proper boiling of drinking water kills coccidian parasites. Conclusion and Recommendations: The study highlighted the importance and need to screen for coccidian parasites and emphasis on regular taking of prophylactic treatment as a way of controlling opportunistic infections in HIV patients. Future prevalence studies of Coccidia amongst healthy, HIV sero-negative children and adults of similar age groups in similar settings are recommended to ratify the relationship.
Exploring the development of a household cholera-focused healthliteracy scale in James Town, Accra
(Elsevier, 2019) Tutu, Raymond A.; Gupta, Sangeeta; Elavarthic, Sathyanarayana; Busingye, Janice D.
Foodborne diseases are significant reasons for in-patient and out-patient morbidity in Ghana.Of the foodborne illnesses reported in the country, cholera incidence and outbreaks have resulted in food-related mortality since the disease was first reported in the 1970s. Cholera is now endemic in the country.This study attempts to develop and pilot a tool to measure household health literacy among the urbanpoor in James Town, a cholera endemic neighborhood.Methods: A survey questionnaire was developed based on four of the World Health Organization’s (WHO)recommendations on issues for measurement of health literacy in low- and middle-income countries.The instrument was administered to 401 households in the community. We undertook reliability andvalidity analyses. T-test, Kruskal Wallis test, and Mann–Whitney test were used to examine the associ-ation between the health literacy scores of the scale and subscales and the demographic characteristicsof households.Results: The reliability analyses showed that the instrument was internally consistent (Cronbachalpha = 0.762). All the subscales were reliable except the beliefs about health and healthcare subscale.Based on content and construct validity analyses, 13 items were used for further examination of healthliteracy. We found that majority of households know about the information, education, and communi-cation materials and 52% of households indicated that these materials remind them about the dangers ofcholera. About 39% of the households decide together as a unit on steps to avoid getting cholera duringan outbreak. Overall health literacy scores and the subscales were significantly associated with sex, age,marital status, and educational level of household head. Specifically, females, being married, increasingage and higher household income had a significant association with higher health literacy scores.Conclusion: Household units in James Town impacts individual health literacy through: family discus-sions; access to information, education, and communication materials on cholera; and intentional effortsmade to get information on cholera risk factors.
Hepatitis B and C seroprevalence among health care workers in a tertiary hospital in Rwanda
(The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 2015-01) Kamanywa, Patrick
Background: Hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) are significant global public health challenges with health care workers (HCWs) at especially high risk of exposure in resource-poor settings.We aimed to measure HBV and HCV prevalence, identify exposure risks and evaluate hepatitis-related knowledge amongst Rwandan tertiary hospital HCWs. Methods: A cross sectional study involving tertiary hospital employees was conducted from October to December 2013. A pre-coded questionnaire was used to collect data on HCWs’ socio-demographics, risk factors and knowledge of blood-borne infection prevention. Blood samples were drawn and screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV antibodies. Results: Among 378 consenting HCWs, the prevalence of HBsAg positivitywas 2.9% (11/378; 95% CI 1.9 to 4.6%) and anti-HCV positivity 1.3% (5/378; 95% CI 0.7 to 2.7%). Occupational exposure to blood was reported in 57.1% (216/378). Of the 17 participants (4.5%; 17/378) who reported having received the HBV vaccine, only 3 participants (0.8%) had received the three-dose vaccination course. Only 42 HCWs (42/378; 11.1%) were aware that a HBV vaccinewas available. Most HCW (95.2%; 360/378) reported having been tested for HIV in the last 6 months. Conclusions: Despite their high workplace exposure risk, HBV and HCV sero-prevalence rates among HCWs were low. The low HBV vaccination coverage and poor knowledge of preventative measures among HCWs suggest low levels of viral hepatitis awareness despite this high exposure.
Isolation and identification of potential probiotic bacteria on surfaces of Oreochromis niloticus and Clarias gariepinus from around Kampala, Uganda
(AJMR, 2016) Kato Charles Drago; Kabarozi, Ruth; Majalija, Samue; Tamale, Andrew; Sengooba, Asuman; Lubowa Musisi, Nathan
Increased fish mortality due to infections has forced most farmers to resort the use of chemotherapeutic agents especially antibiotics. The continued use of these drugs in aquaculture is becoming limited as pathogens develop resistance and infer unpredicted long term public health effects. More research efforts are building to identify alternative disease prevention methods, among which the use of probiotics has been proposed. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify potential probiotics on surfaces of tilapia and catfish in areas around Kampala. Tilapia and catfish samples were aseptically collected from selected cages, ponds, tanks and hatcheries around Kampala, including Lake Victoria. The skin of fish was swabbed and then cultured on both general purpose and selective media. Probiotic screening was done using the agar spot method. Results revealed complete growth across all samples. The total microbial load was highest in fish from lakes (1000±9.6×105 cfu) and cages (1001±5.0×105 cfu). In all cases tilapia fish was significantly (p<0.0001) more contaminated than catfish. Out of the three strains of probiotics isolated, onlyLactobacillus spp and Lactococcus spp showed antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria. The activity of Lactobacillus spp was significantly high (p< 0.0001) with Streptococcus spp (16.5±0.2mm). Lactobacillus spp inhibited growth of only Proteus spp (5±0.2 mm). Our study shows that Lactobacillus spp and Lactococcus spp isolated from tilapia and catfish possess probiotic activity against a number of pathogenic bacteria. Our findings have significant implications for subsequent probiotic formulation and testing in aquaculture.
Isolation and polymerase chain reaction identification of bacteria from the 2014–2015 flood of Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
(Asian Biomedicine, 2015) Bamaiyia, Pwaveno Huladeino; Izreena, Mohd Sani Nani; Khatijah, Mohamada; Eizzatia, Badrul Hisham Nur; Siti-Bainuma, Che Rostman; Farhanaa, Mat Kamir Norsyamimi
Flood waters can be devastating, especially if proactive measures are not adequately taken ahead of time to mitigate the effects of the flood. In addition to the direct impact of flood water is the transmission of waterborne, foodborne, and airborne infection
The next generation of Rwandan physicians with a primary health care mindset
(Department of Puublic Health. Kampala International University, 2015) Kyamanywa, Patrick
Globally there is a need for well-trained primary health care physicians at the district level. Physicians who focus on ambulatory care will be in greater demand in addressing the global burden of chronic disease and multi-morbidity, which are on the increase in Africa. Not surprisingly, family medicine has grown stronger on the African continent in the past decades.1,2,3 In Rwanda, education of health professionals has recently undergone several changes. Postgraduate training in medical and surgical specialties has been further developed in a constructive and inclusive way with support of American universities.
Prevalence and risk factors for cryptosporidiosis: Aglobal, emerging, neglected zoonosis
( Asian biomedicine, 2016-08) Bamaiyi, Pwaveno Huladeino; Redhuan, Nur Eliyana Mohd
Background: Cryptosporidiosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the important parasitic diarrheal agent Cryptosporidium spp. Cryptosporidiosis occurs in all classes of animals and man with a rapidly expanding host range and increased importance since the occurrence of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in man. Objectives: To review the global picture of cryptosporidiosis in man and animals with emphasis on prevalence and risk factors. Methods: Current relevant literature on cryptosporidiosis was reviewed. Results: Cryptosporidiosis is widely distributed and the risk factors vary from one region to another with hygiene and immune status as important risk factors. Conclusions: Cryptosporidium spp. associated mortality has not only been reported in immune-compromised patients, but also in immune-competent patients. Yet in many countries not much attention is paid to the control and prevention of this infection in animals and man. The neglect of this disease despite the serious threat it poses to animals, their husbandry, and humans, has led the World Health Organization to list it among globally neglected diseases. To control and prevent this infection more effort needs to be directed at controlling the risk factors of the infection in man and animals.
Prevalence and risk factors of brucellosis in man and domestic animals: A review
(International Journal of One Health. Department of Public Health, School of Allied Health Sciences Ishaka, Kampala International University, P.O. Box 20000 Kampala, Uganda, 2016-09) Bamaiyi, Pwaveno H.
Brucellosis is the most common worldwide zoonosis with 500,000 new cases every year in humans and infections in millions of animals. This infection is mainly acquired by humans through consumption of unpasteurized milk and milk products from infected animals. Exposure can also occur occupationally in those who work closely with animals through contact with aborted fetuses and reproductive secretions. Animals acquire the infection from other infected animals through direct contact and vertical transmission. This infection is prevalent in all continents of the world except Antarctica, but its impact is more felt in developing countries where it is endemic in animals and humans. In certain developed countries where the disease was eradicated, there seem to be a re-emergence of the disease as the disease appears to claim more territory. The risk factors of the disease may vary from country to country and region to region, but most risk factors are similar. Consumption of unpasteurized milk and milk products plays a very important role in the transmission of this infection from animals to humans, in addition to direct contact with infected animals and their secretions. The best way to control this ubiquitous infection is through the One Health approach which involves human health, animal health, and environmental health. This paper reviews the prevalence of brucellosis in some countries in various continents of the world and highlights the risk factors responsible for the persistence of this infection in animals and humans with a view to proffering solution to this age-old zoonosis that has defied eradication for many generations in many parts of the world.
Prevalence of diabetes and its associated risk factors in south-western Uganda
(AJDM, 2016) Dickson, K
Diabetes mellitus is a major pandemic disease globally with both high morbidity and mortality and a high health cost, especially in developing countries. Hence there is a need to establish its prevalence and risk factors. This article reports on a group of diabetic patients in Sheema district, south-western Uganda. The records of 701 adult diabetic out-patients were reviewed, as well as a cross-sectional study of 100 in-patients (both diabetic and non-diabetic) at Kitagata Hospital, Sheema District, south-western Uganda. Questionnaires were used for data collection and data analysis was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16. The differences in proportion were tested using the Chi-square test, and p value significance was set at p<0.05. The prevalence of diabetes in the hospital was 2.5%. Type 2 diabetes was the most predominant (79%), having an increased prevalence in those >30 years old; women were mostly affected (60%). There was a strong relationship between diabetes type and age (p<0.001) and gender (p=0.035). Risk factors included family history (74%, p<0.001), smoking (48%, p=0.002), hypertension (45%, p<0.001), and alcohol intake (36%, p=0.795). We conclude that diabetes is common in our hospital population, and major risk factors identified include family history, smoking, and hypertension. Everyone above the age of 35 years with a diabetic relative and/or with hypertension should be routinely screened for diabetes.
A Study to Investigate Major Community Health Challenges and Their Predisposing Factors in Bushenyi District of South Western Uganda
(Scientific Research Publishing, 2015) Echoru, Isaac; Kasozi, Keneth Iceland; Ayikobua, Emmanuel Tiyo; Emorut, Simon Peter
Poor health care systems have contributed to poor standard of living in Uganda. The aim of the study was to assess major health challenges to community health and identify major predisposing factors. This was a cross sectional study in Kyakagina Village of Bushenyi of South Western Uganda. A total of 39 households which included 102 children (<19 years) and 80 adults (>19 years) were included in the study and a semi structured questionnaire was used. It was shown that there were 39 homes and 182 members with more males than females. Age and gender were shown not to be associated (P = 0.157). The majority of participants who boiled water in the community were showed to be of both primary and secondary level of education at 48.7% and 51.3%, respectively, while a significant proportion was found to drink only filtered and sedimented water without treatment at levels of 87.2% and 82.1% who were of only secondary level of education. The adoption of modern contraceptive pills, tube ligation and injections especially amongst the secondary educated level was found to be high, i.e. 94.9%, 87.2%, 82.1%, respectively. Inferential analysis showed that there existed marked differences (P < 0.001) in the health practices between persons of different education levels. Major health challenges identified included malaria, cough and cold, diarrhea which were most prevalent amongnst children at 19.6%, 13.7%, and 10.8%, respectively. In conclusion, failure to clear bushes, boil drinking water and cover pit latrines (P = 0.213) were the major risk factors identified independent of age and education status in the various homesteads.
Update on the Roles Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection And Malnutrition on Immunity
(International Journal of Innovative and Applied Research, 2022) Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu; Godfred Yawson Scott; Felix Amekpor; Amaechi Chukwudi Ofodile
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is a major public health threat to the existence of human beings especially to the developing countries like in Africa. Human Immunodeficiency Virus attacks the CD4 T cells thereby suppressing the immunity of the human host. There is high level of malnutrition in the developing countries due to poor economic status of many individuals with attendant immunodeficiency which affects the patients with HIV drastically for survival. Patients with HIV infection should maintain good nutritional status with improved immunity for increased life span and effectiveness in their works. A lot of commitment from the society is needed to encourage the patients with HIV to reduce the morbidity and mortality rates associated to HIV infection.
Urinary Tract Infections and Associated Factors among Youth:
(INOSR Scientific Research, 2023) Mutonyi, Iryn Monica
Nationally, urinary tract infection is more common among childbearing age groups of both males and females and it poses a dangerous health risk if left untreated. The study aimed at assessing the occurrence of urinary tract infections among the youths attending Kampala International University Teaching Hospital. A descriptive cross-sectional study design quantitative in nature was used. A convenient sampling method was used to recruit 156 respondents for the study. A questionnaire was used for data collection and was analyzed using SPSS 16.0 software. 94% of the respondents stated that they were sexually active where 80% stated having one partner and 14% having two partners. 52% stated that they had been hospitalized with indwelling urethral catheters. 6% stated they were not sexually active. The researcher concluded that most of the youths had exposure to UTI in many different ways at some point in their life. We recommend health workers properly treat UTIs and give preventive measures to those at risk of getting infected.

Browse

Browsing Public Health by Title

Results Per Page

Sort Options