Typhoid Fever in Ethiopia

This review focuses on the reports of salmonellosis by investigators in different parts of Ethiopia; in particular focusing on the levels of typhoid fever. Many of the reports are published in local journals that are not available online. There have been seven studies which diagnosed typhoid fever by laboratory culture and there is no coordinated epidemiological surveillance. All conducted research and reports from different health institutions in Ethiopia indicate that typhoid fever was still a common problem up to the most recent study in 2000 and that the extensive use of first-line drugs has led to the development of multiple drug resistance. In the sites covered by this review; the total number of published cases of typhoid fever dropped over time reflecting the decline in research capacity in the country. Data on the proportion of patients infected by different serovars of Salmonella suggest that the non-Typhi serovars of Salmonella are increasing. The published evidence suggests that typhoid fever is a current public health problem in Ethiopia although population based surveys; based on good microbiological diagnosis; are urgently needed. Only then can the true burden of enteric fever be estimated and the benefit of public health control measures; such as health education; safe water provision; improved food hygienic practices and eventually vaccination; be properly assessed

The prevalence of HBV; HCV and Malaria Parasites among Blood Donors in Amhara and Tigray Regional States

Background: Blood serves as a vehicle for transmission of blood-borne pathogens including hepatitis viruses and hemoparasities. In northern parts of Ethiopia; screening of blood for blood-borne pathogens do not fulfill the standard protocols and screening for malaria parasites is not practiced. Determination of the prevalence of HBV; HCV and malaria parasites in a population in general; and blood-donors in particular will certainly help in reviewing the screening procedures and making health policy decisions. Objective: To determine the prevalence of HBV; HCV and malaria parasites among healthy adult blood-donors in Gondar; Bahirdar; Dessie and Mekele blood banks. Method: Blood samples were collected using cross sectional survey from blood-donors in Northern part of Ethiopia. The socio-demographic characteristics of blood-donors were assessed using structured questionnaire. The collected blood samples were screened for HBV; HCV and malaria parasites. Results: The overall prevalence of HBV; HCV and malaria parasites were 6.2; 1.7 and 1respectively. Conclusion: Screening blood donors for both HBV and HCV is indispensable for safe blood transfusion. Blood screening for malaria infection need to be included in daily donor selection programs in areas where malaria is endemic. In general; formulation of safe blood transfusion policy and implementation of standard screening protocols should be practiced