African health sciences
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African health sciences · Sep 2020
ReviewHemorrhagic fever in Saudi Arabia: challenge to public health, effective management and future considerations.
Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHF) refers to a group of febrile illnesses caused by different viruses that result in high mortality in animals and humans. Many risk factors like increased human-animal interactions, climate change, increased mobility of people and limited diagnostic facility have contributed to the rapid spread of VHF. ⋯ In summary, effective vector control, health education, possible use of vaccine and concerted synchronized efforts between different government organizations and private research institutions will help in planning effective outbreak-prevention and response strategies in future.
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African health sciences · Sep 2020
ReviewReview of phenotypic assays for detection of extended-spectrum β-lactamases and carbapenemases: a microbiology laboratory bench guide.
Infections caused by gram-negative antibiotic-resistant bacteria continue to increase. Despite recommendations by the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) and the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) with regards to detection of antibiotic degrading enzymes secreted by these bacteria, the true prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and carbapenemase producers remains a difficult task to resolve. Describing of previously designed phenotypic detection assays for ESBLs and carbapenemases in a single document avails a summary that allows for multiple testing which increases the sensitivity and specificity of detection. ⋯ Extended-spectrum β-lactamase and carbapenemase detection assays, once performed correctly, can precisely discriminate between bacteria producing these enzymes and those with other mechanisms of resistance to β-lactam antibiotics.
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African health sciences · Jun 2020
A systematic review of epidemiological patterns and proposed interventions to address pediatric burns in Nigeria.
Unintentional injuries from burns comprise a significant proportion of public health morbidity in Nigeria. In order to understand the type and impact of burns on youth in Low-and-Middle-Income countries, the epidemiology of burns must be adequately assessed. ⋯ Interventions such as improved supervision of children, improved emergency infrastructure and culturally sensitive first aid education and treatment can help ensure a reduction in morbidity and mortality resulting from burns. Epidemiological studies can provide an accurate depiction of the burden of burn injuries in different regions of Nigeria.
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African health sciences · Mar 2020
Meta AnalysisMagnitude of Cryptococcosis among HIV patients in sub-Saharan Africa countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Cryptococcus is encapsulated opportunistic yeast that causes life threatening meningoencephalitis of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The magnitude of Cryptococcosis among HIV patients varies from 1-10% in Western countries as opposed to almost a one third of HIV-infected individuals in sub-Saharan Africa where it is associated with high mortality. ⋯ The overall pooled magnitude of Cryptococcosisis high among HIV patients in sub-Saharan African countries. The studies showed substantial heterogeneity, and little publication bias. Most of the studies relied on LFA & LA that showed the scarcity of facilities for fungal culture. Therefore, paying attention to screening HIV patients; those with signs and symptoms of meningitis may help to reduce the loss of HIV patients.
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African health sciences · Mar 2020
ReviewA review of the safety of vaccines used in routine immunization in Africa.
Despite the significant role played by vaccines in global health, concerns over vaccine safety have increased tremendously over the years. There have been occasions where vaccines have caused rare, adverse reactions some of which have led to hospitalizations and even death. It is therefore important to establish the safety profile of routinely used vaccines in order to allay fears pertaining to their use. ⋯ Even though AEFIs (including mild and severe) were identified in the review, all the vaccines studied were generally well tolerated.