Assessment of patients'knowledge, attitude and practice of cross-infection control in the dental clinic during COVID-19 pandemic

Background:The emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a highly contagious disease that causes viral respiratory illness, has changed the lifestyle of humans worldwide. Dental practitioners and patients are at high risk of infection during their routine practice due to their exposure to saliva, blood, and droplet production.Aim:To gain insight into the patient's viewpoint regarding the practice, altitude, and knowledge of COVID-19 and its transmission and cross-infection in dental clinics.Methods:This was cross­sectional analytic survey in dentistry during the COVID-19 pandemic. Aself-administered close-ended questionnaire consisting of 32 variables was distributed among the study participants. The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. The level of significance was p ≤ 0.05. Results:The age of the participants varied from 20 - 58 years, with a mean age of 34.6 ±5. The majority (89.3%) felt COVID-19 was a highly contagious disease, while 50.0% of the respondents believed that the most common route of COVID-19 transmission in dentistry is through aerosols. The majority, 78.6%, recorded good knowledge of infection control following the COVID-19 outbreak. The number of married patients who had good knowledge of cross-infection control was 118, which was statistically significant.Conclusion:From the study, it is evident that the patients possess a good range of knowledge in both preventive and cross-infection protocols to follow during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the same cannot be said about the practice

Attitudes of health workers towards management of hepatitis B Infection in general hospitals in Kwara State, Nigeria

Hepatitis B is one of the most dangerous diseases in the world and it has become a serious threat to public health. Health workers are mostly at risk of contracting the disease as they remain the first point of call to the victims. This study examined the attitudes of health workers towards management of HBV infection and the difference in attitudes of health workers based on area of specialization. An ex-post facto research design sampling 412 health workers across different areas of specialization which include doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists and laboratory technicians. Majority of the health workers had negative attitudes towards HBV patients. However, doctors (mean score=3.72) and nurses (mean score=3.54) had mild negative attitudes towards HBV patients, while laboratory scientists (mean score=3.02) and laboratory technicians (mean score=3.04) had the poorest attitudes towards HBV patients. There is need to improve the attitudes of the different cadres of health workers in the state, in order to improve the quality of life of HBV patients and reduce stigma which may impact negatively on patients' mental health.

Monkeypox and chickenpox co-infection in a person living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Introduction: The 2022 mpox global outbreak underscores the need for an improved understanding of mpox epidemiology, co-morbidities, and clinical management/outcome. We report a case of a30-year-old Nigerian antiretroviral treatment-experienced person living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) who had PCR-confirmed mpox and chickenpox co-infection. Case presentation: The patient presented with a generalized itchy rash of three weeks and antecedent low-grade fever. He had no recent travel, animal exposure, or same-sex relationship. Examination revealed generalized pustular and nodular eruptions without peripheral lymphadenopathy. Results: CD4 count was 78 cells/mm3, wound swab microscopy revealed Gram-positive cocci in clusters and Gram-negative bacilli while culture yielded Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Despite supportive care and definitive antimicrobial therapy, his clinical condition deteriorated with sepsis-related multi-organ dysfunction and ultimately death. Conclusions: Mpox and chickenpox co-infection may occur, with potentially fatal complications in the setting of advanced HIV disease. Increased surveillance for co-viral infections in PLHIV with febrile exanthema and aggressive management to improve outcome are recommended.

A study on awareness and knowledge of surgical site infection among dental patients in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

Background: Risk of surgical site infection (SSI) can be reduced or eliminated if its awareness and knowledge is optimal among patients. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the level of awareness and knowledge of SSI among dental patients in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital. Materials and methods: This was a cross-sectional study design conducted in hospital setting on adult Nigerian population visiting a tertiary hospital between December, 2022 and February, 2023. The data was collected with a pretested 36-item, structured, close-ended, self-administered and interviewer -administered questionnaires. The data collected were socio demographic characteristics, past admission, days of hospitalization, reason for admission and history of SSI. Other collected data were awareness and knowledge of SSI. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were analyzed. The data was entered and analyzed using the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS), version 26 (IBM, Armonk, NY, United States of America). Acritical probability level (p-value) of <0.05 was used as the cut-off level for statistical significance. Results: A total of 102 dental patients were interviewed in this study. The age range and the mean age were 20 -76 years and 45.3± 5.1 years respectively. There was slight (55.9%) preponderance of female gender. Only 24(23.5%) respondents had heard of SSI and this was mainly through medical personnel. The majority (76.5%) of the respondents had never seen anyone diagnosed of SSI. Few (6.9%) respondents claimed they were enlightened about SSI prior to surgery. Overall, half (50%) of the respondent had poor knowledge while only 13(12.7%) had good knowledge. Marital status, level of education and previous admission were significantly associated with poor knowledge (p<0.05). Conclusions: The awareness and knowledge of surgical site infection among patients in this study were relatively poor. Therefore, awareness campaign among Nigerian population can help improved the level of knowledge for better wound care and quality care.

Les risques de contamination infectieuse des praticiens dans les cabinets dentaires de Conakry: origine, conséquence et prévention / The risks of infectious contamination of practitioners in dental practices in Conakry: origin, consequence and prevention

INTRODUCTION: La pratique de la dentisterie implique un risque d'exposition à des microorganismes responsables de nombreuses maladies telles que l'Hépatite, la COVID-19, le VIH-SIDA. OBJECTIFS: Contribuer à l'étude des risques de contamination infectieuse des praticiens. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale de type descriptive d'une durée de quatre mois allant de juin à septembre 2022. RÉSULTATS: Parmi les 100 praticiens interrogés, les chirurgiens-dentistes ont été les plus représentés avec un taux de 63%. Moins de la moitié des praticiens soit 46% avaient une expérience professionnelle compris entre 5 et 10 ans. Parmi nos enquêtés, 62% connaissaient les techniques de prévention d'hygiène. 76% ont été vaccinés contre la COVID-19 et 49% ont été vaccinés contre l'Hépatite B et 65% ont affirmé avoir été piqués ou coupés par un objet souillé. CONCLUSION: Il ressort de cette étude la nécessité de sensibiliser les praticiens sur les mesures de prévention contre les infections au cabinet dentaire.

INTRODUCTION: The practice of dentistry involves a risk of exposure to microorganisms responsible for many diseases such as Hepatitis, COVID-19, HIV-AIDS. OBJECTIVE: Contribute to the study of the risks of infectious contamination of practitioners. METHODOLOGY: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study lasting four months from June to September 2022. RESULTS: Among the 100 practitioners questioned, dental surgeons were the most represented with a rate of 63%. Less than half of the practitioners, or 46%, had professional experience of between 5 and 10 years. Among our respondents, 62% knew the hygiene prevention techniques. 76% had been vaccinated against COVID-19 and 49% had been vaccinated against Hepatitis B and 65% said they had been bitten or cut by a soiled object. CONCLUSION: This study shows the need to educate practitioners on preventive measures against infections in the dental office.

Wind-driven roof turbines' effectiveness in enhancing household ventilation: a potential tool to reduce tuberculosis infection

Background: South Africa's overburdened healthcare systems have led to criticism of its unsustainable tuberculosis management interventions. In 2011, the National Department of Health implemented an outpatient, decentralised care model, but this increased costs and jeopardised the long-term viability of prevention measures. Home confinement is now recognised as a viable intervention option, when combined with safety precautions such as ventilation and medical support. However, little is known about the risk of infection in this context. Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of wind-driven roof turbines in enhancing ventilation and their potential to lower the risk of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in a residential setting. Methods: Eight houses were selected and divided equally into intervention (wind turbines installed) and control groups, using a pairwise comparison method. The CO2 decay method was used as a proxy to determine ventilation in the houses. The wind-driven roof turbines' potential to lower the risk of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection was stochastically evaluated using the Wells-Riley mathematical model. Results: During two seasons, installation of a roof turbine resulted in twofold ventilation rates compared to the control houses. Consequently, the WellsRiley model predicted a twofold reduction in the probability of infection in the intervention compared to the control households. Conclusion: Low-cost, low-maintenance wind-driven roof turbines are effective in increasing ventilation in houses, and should be considered as an additional layer of protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other infections in residential settings.

The burden of healthcare-associated infection in Moroccan hospitals: systematic review and meta-analysis

Healthcare-associated infections (HAI), also referred to as nosocomial infections, is defined as an infection acquired in a hospital setting. This infection is considered a HAI if it was not present or incubating at the time of admission. This includes infections acquired in the hospital but appearing after discharge, and also occupational infections among staff of the facility. HAI are a major patient safety measure to be considered in hospitals.

Audit of emergency obstetric referrals at a Tertiary Center in Kano

Introduction: Maternal and perinatal deaths could be prevented if functional referral systems are in place to allow pregnant women to get appropriate services when complications occur. Methodology: The study was a 1-year retrospective study of obstetric referrals in Aminu Kano Teaching hospital, from 1st January to 31st December 2019. Records of all emergency obstetrics patients referred to the hospital for 1 year were reviewed. A structured proforma was used to extract information such as sociodemographic characteristics of the patients, indications for referral, and pre-referral treatment. The care given at the receiving hospital was extracted from the patients' folders. An Audit standard was developed and the findings were compared with the standards in order to determine how the referral system in the study area perform in relation to the standard. Results: There were total of 180 referrals, the mean age of the women was 28.5 ± 6.3 years. Majority (52%) of the patients were referred from Secondary Centres and only 10% were transported with an ambulance. The most common diagnosis at the time of referral was severe preeclampsia. More than half of the patients (63%) had to wait for 30 to 60 minutes before they see a doctor. All the patients were offered high quality care and majority (70%) were delivered via caesarean section. Conclusion: There were lapses in the management of patients before referral; failure to identify high risk conditions, delay in referral, and lack of treatment during transit to the referral centre.

Hepatitis B chronic infection among pregnant women attending the antenatal care in Bor State Referral Hospital, South Sudan

Introduction: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major public health problem affecting 400 million people worldwide, and is a common cause of chronic liver failure (cirrhosis) and hepatocellular carcinoma. Sixty-eight percent of infected people are from the African and Pacific regions. Vertical transmission from mother to newborn baby is one of the mechanisms by which chronic hepatitis virus infection spreads, besides infections from contaminated needles and syringes and sexual contact. Hepatitis B chronic infection is endemic in many poor countries, especially in Africa. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted between July and August 2021. Pregnant women attending the antenatal care (ANC) in Bor State referral hospital, South Sudan, were interviewed to collect information on their socio-demographic characteristics and risk factors for hepatitis B infection. The objective was to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B chronic infection through blood testing. Prevalence ratios for certain risk factors were calculated. Results: Two hundred pregnant women were enrolled. The Prevalence Rate for chronic infection with hepatitis B virus, diagnosed using the rapid immune-chromatographic assay for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), was 8.5%. (95% CI; 4.7% - 12.3%). None of the suspected risk factors studied were found to be significantly associated with testing positive for HBV, except for a history of previous jaundice. Conclusion: The prevalence of HBV chronic infection among pregnant women in Bor, Jonglei State, is high hence there is a need for established public health interventions that can lead to a reduction of HBV vertical transmission. Treatment of pregnant women with HBV chronic infection using anti-viral medications during pregnancy might curb the vertical transmission rates.

Antibiotic prescription patterns in paediatric wards of Rivers State university teaching hospital, southern Nigeria: a point prevalence survey

Antimicrobial resistance remains a threat to patient safety and healthcare outcomes and largely arises from inappropriate antimicrobial prescriptions. This study aimed to determine the pattern of antibiotic prescriptions in the Paediatrics department of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt.Method:A point prevalence survey was conducted in the Paediatric wards and Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) on 13 November 2021. Records of all children admitted before or at 8:00a.m. on the day of the survey were descriptively analysed using the protocol and web-based management system of the Global Point Prevalence Survey of Antimicrobial Consumption and Resistance, University of Antwerp.Results: The antibiotic prevalence in this study was 77.4%. The most common indication(s) for antibiotic use in SCBU was infection prophylaxis (81.3%) and in paediatric wards: Pneumonia, Ear Nose Throat and Soft tissue infections accounted for (23.1%) each. Third-generation cephalosporins and aminoglycosides were predominantly used in all wards and were empirical-based prescriptions. Regarding antibiotic quality indicators of prescriptions: In SCBU: 19 (90.5%) had indication(s) for antibiotics documented, 10 (46.7%) were guideline compliant, and 1 (4.8%) had documented review/stop date. In the paediatric medical and surgical wards, 17(85.0%) vs. 4(100%) had indication(s) for antibiotics documented, 6(30.0%) vs. 0(0%) were guideline compliant, and 1(5.0%) vs. 4(100.0%) had a review/ stop date.Conclusion:High prevalence of antibiotic use, suboptimal antibiotic quality indicators and absence of laboratory evidence for antibiotic prescriptions were observed in the paediatric units. There is a need to reorientate prescribers and institute strategic measures to improve antimicrobial stewardship

COVID-19 infection prevention preparedness, practices and case management in the primary health care units in Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 as pandemic declared by WHO on March 11, 2020 and first case detected in Ethiopia on March 13/2020. The COVID-19 caused a global crisis, including millions of lives lost, public health systems in shock and economic and social disruption. Strategies depend on how an existing health system is organized. Even though public health emergency operation centers of the Ethiopia switched to emergency response, there is no national evidence about infection prevention and control. Therefore, this project aimed to assess the level of infection prevention and control and management of COVID- 19 in Ethiopia, 2021. METHODS: The cross-sectional study conducted at four regions and one city (Amhara, Oromia, SNNPR, Sidama Region, and Dire Dawa). Being with zonal health departments and woredas health offices, primary health care units were selected. The data were collected electronically through Kobocollect software from November 08-28/2021. Descriptive analysis like frequency and percentage was conducted by SPSS software version 25 and the results were presented by tables, figures and narration. RESULTS: Data were collected from 16 hospitals, 92 health centers, and 344 health posts. All hospitals have designated COVID-19 focal person. There were significant number of woredas and PHCUs who didn't have IPC guidelines and protocols. About 11 woredas had no any type of diagnostic tests for COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed that there were significant gaps on Infection prevention and control practice, shortage of personal protective equipment, isolation and specimen transportation problem, lack of call centers. We recommend concerned bodies to fill the identified gaps.

Association of acute COVID-19 with 24 hours-pulse wave velocity in cameroonian workers

Introduction. COVID-19appears to have a vascular tropism responsible for diffuse vasculitis-like cell damage. The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of Sars-Cov-2 infection on arterial stiffness.Material and methods. This was a cross-sectional analytical case-controlstudy with 1:1 matching (1 case to 1 control) over a six-month period from January 1, 2021 to June 30, 2021 at the medical-social centerof the autonomous port of Douala. We measured the pulse wave velocity (PWV) in two groups of patients (group 1: COVID-19and group 2: non-COVID-19) using a MOBIL-O-GRAPH 24h PWA MonitorTM. A p-value < 0.05 was considered significant.Result. A total of 122 patients (61 COVID-19and 61 non-covid) were included in this study, among which 68 (55.7%) male. The mean age was 41±11 years. PWV as well as POV adjusted for age and mean BP were similar in both groups. The mean 24-hour, diurnal and nocturnal PWV were slightly higher in COVID-19patients than in controls by 0.1 m/s (p=0.67), 0.2m/s (p=0.37) and 0.2m/s (p=0.25) respectively. COVID-19infection was not significantly associated with PWV (p=0.082).Conclusion. PWV were slightly higher in COVID-19patients and increased arterial stiffness was not significantly associated with COVID-19status in the acute phase of infection.

Molecular detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection in three geo-political zones of Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

Introduction: sequel to the emergence of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its subsequent spread to all continents of the world, humans have continued to experience severe devastation to their health and economies. To control the spread of this virus, it is important to detect the infection in recently infected and asymptomatic individuals who are capable of infecting others. This study was designed to detect ongoing SARS-CoV-2 Infection among asymptomatic individuals in open markets across three geopolitical zones in Nigeria. Methods: nasal and oropharyngeal swab samples were collected from 2,158 study participants between December 20th, 2020 and March 20th, 2021 from large open markets across three geo-political zones (Southwest, Northwest and Southeast) of Nigeria. Virus RNA was extracted from these swab samples and real time RT-PCR was carried out for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 specific genes. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: a total of 163 (7.6%) of the 2,158 participants enrolled for the study tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR. The rate of infection was significantly higher in the North-western states of the country when compared to the western and Eastern regions (P=0.000). Similarly, the rate of infection was higher among buyers than sellers (P=0.000) and among males when compared with females, though the difference was not significant (p=0.31). Conclusion: this study shows that there is a continuous spread of SARS-CoV-2, especially among active, asymptomatic individuals across many states in the country. There is therefore need to continuously educate citizens on the need to adhere to both the non-pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical preventive measures to protect themselves and ultimately curb the spread of the virus.

Prévalence de l'infection par l'hépatite virale B et facteurs associés chez les enfants des sujets ivoiriens porteurs de l'AGHBS / Prevalence of hepatitis B infection and factors associated in children of Ivorian HBsAg carrier

Objectifs : Déterminer la prévalence de l'infection par le virus de l'hépatite B (VHB) chez les enfants (sujets contact) des sujets porteurs chroniques de l'Ag HBs (sujets index) et rechercher les facteurs associés à cette infection chez ces enfants.Patients et méthodes: il s'est agi d'étude rétrospective transversale portant sur les patients positifs pour l'Ag HBs (sujets index), dont la famille (sujets contact: conjoints et enfants) a été soumise à un dépistage systématique de l'infection par le VHB. Résultats: L'âge médian de nos 44 sujets était de 43,1 ± 7,49 ans. Le nombre moyen d'enfants par sujet index était de 2,3 ± 1,1. L'âge médian des 92 enfants était de 9,3 ± 4,55 (de 1 à 15 ans) et 43 (44,8%) étaient vaccinés contre le VHB. La fréquence de l'infection par le VHB était de 24%. Les facteurs indépendants associés à l'infection par le VHB chez les enfants étaient l'ADN du VHB pour les sujets index> 2000 UI/ml (OR = 11,5; p = 0,001), l'existence du VHB chez les deux parents (OR = 7,9; p = 0,03) et l'absence de vaccination contre le VHB chez les enfants (OR = 30,9; p = 0,003). Conclusion: La couverture vaccinale des enfants des sujets index était insuffisante. Outre la transmission verticale, le risque de transmission intrafamiliale était élevé en présence d'au moins un des trois facteurs associés

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in children (contact subjects) of chronic HBsAg (index subjects) and to investigate the factors associated with this infection in these children. Patients and methods: this was a retrospective cross-sectional study of HBsAg positive patients (index subjects), whose families (contact subjects: spouses and children) were routinely screened for HBV infection. Results: The median age of our 44 subjects was 43.1 ± 7.49 years. The average number of children per index subject was 2.3 ± 1.1. The median age of the 92 children was 9.3± 4.55 (1 to 15 years) and 43 (44.8%) were vaccinated against HBV. The prevalence of HBV infection was 24%. The independent factors associated with HBV infection in children were HBV DNA for index subjects> 2000 IU/ml (OR = 11.5; p = 0.001), the existence of HBV in both parents (OR = 7.9; p = 0.03) and no HBV vaccination in children (OR = 30.9; p = 0.003). Conclusion: Immunization coverage of children of index subjects was insufficient. In addition to vertical transmission, the risk of intrafamilial transmission was high in the presence of at least one of the three associated factors.

Impact of COVID-19 on management outcome of cervicofacial infections in a maxillofacial centre

INTRODUCTION: Cervicofacial infections (CFI) are life-threatening and constitute some of the common emergencies seen by the oral and maxillofacial surgeon on a regular basis. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in reduced human activities for most of 2020 including the first worldwide lockdown. At the height of the pandemic, it was expected that the number of patients presenting with cervicofacial infections would drop as with most health conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of COVID-19 on the management and outcome of cervicofacial infections in a tertiary maxillofacial institution. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients who presented at the Maxillofacial clinic with cervicofacial infections and were subsequently admitted into the ward during the lockdown (2020) was compared with those of the previous year (2019) and the year after (2021).RESULTS: The total number of patients seen and admitted with cervicofacial infections in 2020 was 39(31.2%) which was lower than that seen the preceding year 48(38.4%) but higher than 38(30.4%) of the year after. 116 patients were treated while nine patients left hospital without treatment. All patients presented with extensive cervicofacial infections, involving more than three fascial spaces and were treated using parenteral antibiotics with surgical incision and drainage under local anesthesia. There were more deaths in 2020 (n=10) than in the preceding year (n=8) and the year after (n=7).CONCLUSION: A high percentage of CFI was admitted duringCOVID-19 period compared to the previous and following years. Involvement of multiple fascial spaces was also noted

INTRODUCTION: Les infections cervico-faciales (ICF) mettent la vie en danger et constituent certaines des urgences les plus courantes que rencontre régulièrement le chirurgien buccal et maxillo-facial. La pandémie de COVID-19 a entraîné une réduction des activités humaines pendant la majeure partie de l'année 2020, y compris le premier verrouillage mondial. Au plus fort de la pandémie, on s'attendait à ce que le nombre de patients présentant des infections cervico-faciales diminue comme pour la plupart des problèmes de santé. Le but de cette étude était de déterminer l'impact de COVID19 sur la gestion et le résultat des infections cervicofaciales dans une institution tertiaire maxillo-faciale. PATIENTS ET MÉTHODES: Une analyse rétrospective des patients qui se sont présentés à la clinique maxillo-faciale avec des infections cervico-faciales et ont ensuite été admis dans le service pendant le lockdown (2020) a été comparée à celles de l'année précédente (2019) et de l'année suivante (2021). RÉSULTATS: Le nombre total de patients vus et admis pour des infections cervico-faciales en 2020 était de 39 (31,2 %), ce qui était inférieur à celui de l'année précédente (48 (38,4 %)) mais supérieur à celui de l'année suivante (38 (30,4 %)). 116 ont été traités tandis que neuf patients ont quitté l'hôpital sans traitement. Tous les patients présentaient des infections cervico-faciales étendues, impliquant plus de trois espaces fasciaux et ont été traités à l'aide d'antibiotiques parentéraux, avec incision chirurgicale et drainage sous anesthésie locale. Il y a eu plus de décès en 2020 (n=10) que l'année précédente (n=8) et l'année suivante (n=7). CONCLUSION: Bien qu'un pourcentage élevé de FCI ait été admis pendant la période COVI-19 par rapport aux années précédentes et suivantes, l'implication de multiples espaces fasciaux a également été constatée

Vaccination coverage and safety in Cameroon: descriptive assessment of COVID-19 infection in vaccinated individuals

Objective. Toassess national vaccination coverage, adverse events following immunization (AEFI) and evaluate the vaccination status in COVID infected patients. Methods. Sociodemographic data on vaccination and clinical characteristics of Covid-19 cases were extracted from the national COVID-19databases of the Public Health Emergency Center and the Expanded Program on Immunization. Result. A total number of 808229 out of 27 869965 (2.9%) were fully immunized on 13 February 2022 in the Cameroon. The most requested vaccine was Janssen with 48.24% of total doses administered. Women were less vaccinated than men and with a remarkable disparity in northern regions of the country. The Adamawa region presented the best performance 11.3% of adults fully immunized. Despite vaccinal coverage still insufficient among health care worker, they were the most vaccinated among priority groups (43.4%). Only 8% COVID-19 cases were vaccinated and 0.22 % of all vaccinated still developed COVID-19. Tolerability assessment identified 1.83 non-serious AEFI and 0.1 serious AEFI per 1000 doses administered. Only 7% of vaccinated individual still developed laboratory-confirmed COVID-19. Conclusion. COVID-19vaccination coverage is still low in Cameroon compared to the target of 60%. Although data completeness is still an issue, the protection against severe forms of the disease provided by the vaccines currently used is quite satisfactory. There is however a need to intensify all strategies to make people adhere to vaccination in order to protectthem against severe form of the disease.

Latent tuberculosis infection in family members in household contact with active tuberculosis patients in Semarang City, Central Java, Indonesia

A quarter of the world's population is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb), 10% of cases develop active tuberculosis (TB), and 90% have a latent TB infection. Family members of TB patients have the highest potential for latent TB infection. This study aims to identify latent TB infection and risk factors in family members within the household contacts of active TB patients. This study used a crosssectional study design with a contact tracing method. The selected subjects were 138 people from 241 total family members of 112 active TB patients. Subjects underwent a tuberculin skin test (TST), using 2 units of tuberculin (TU) purified protein derivative (PPD) 0.1 mL (PT. Bio Farma Persero, Bandung, Indonesia). Data risk factors were collected during home visits. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test and multiple logistic regression. A total of 63.8% (88/138) of family members of active TB patients' household contacts had latent TB infection. The type of occupation of laborers/ farmers/fishers is the most dominant risk factor associated with latent TB infection (AOR: 7.04; 95% CI: 1.70­29.02), followed by unqualified bedroom density (<8 m2/2 people) (AOR: 5.33; 95% CI: 2.44­ 12.71) and contact duration ≥5 hours/day (AOR: 4.70; 95% CI:1.33­16.66). Latent TB infection in family members of active TB patients' household contacts was quite high. Occupation type, contact duration, and bedroom density were simultaneously confirmed as the main risk factors related to latent TB infection. Therefore, it is recommended to identify and prevent latent TB infection in family members in household contact with active TB patients.

A review of the role of infections in the aetiology of haemolysis in patients with sickle cell diseases: pathogenesis, management, and prevention

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with chronic haemolysis, immuno-suppression and susceptibility to infections, which may trigger infection-associated haemolysis (IAH). SCD patients are vulnerable to anaemic effect of IAH due to vicious interaction between pre-existing 'inherited' chronic haemolysis and 'acquired' IAH. IAH in SCD manifests as febrile haemolytic crisis with clinical and laboratory features of severe anaemia or pancytopenia. Clinico-pathological perspectives of IAH in SCD are fragmented. This review presents a comprehensive but concise overview of pathogenesis, management and prevention of IAH in SCD. Methodology and results: Online literature search using search terms such as 'sickle cell disease, viral, bacterial, parasitic, fungal, infections, hyperhaemolytic crisis, haemophagocytic syndrome, severe anaemia, pancytopenia' in various combinations was done on PubMed/Medline, Google, Google-Scholar and Bing. Overall, 112 relevant publications were retrieved, which included 109 peer reviewed journal articles, 2 World Health Organization (WHO) technical reports, and 1 edited text book. A range of bacterial (Bartonella spp, Mycoplasma spp., Mycobacterium avium complex), viral (Dengue, SARS-CoV-2, Parvovirus-B19, Cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus), parasitic (Plasmodium spp., Babesia spp.), and fungal (Histoplasma spp.) infections were associated with IAH in SCD. There are two broad types of IAH in patients with SCD; infection associated extra-medullary haemolysis (IAEMH) and infection associated intra-medullary haemolysis (IAIMH). While IAEMH is associated with severe anaemia due to intravascular haemolysis caused by red cell invasion, oxidative injury, auto-antibodies, and/or pathogen-haem interaction, IAIMH is associated with haemophagocytic tri-lineage destruction of haematopoietic precursors in the bone marrow. Conclusion: Various microbial pathogens have been associated with IAH in SCD. SCD patients with fever, severe anaemia or pancytopenia should be investigated for early diagnosis and prompt treatment of IAH, which is a lifethreatening haematological emergency for which transfusion therapy alone may not suffice. Prompt and sustainable termination of IAH may require therapeutic combination of transfusion, anti-microbial chemotherapy, and immune modulation therapy. SCD patients should also receive counselling on hygiene, barrier protection against vectors, routine chemoprophylaxis for locally endemic diseases, and immunization for vaccine-preventable infections as a long-term preventive strategy against IAH.

Pratiques alimentaires et état nutritionnel des nourrissons exposés au VIH dans un centre de santé à Abidjan / Feeding practices and nutritional satus of infants exposed to HIV in a health center in Abidjan

Introduction. L'objectif de notre étude était de décrire les pratiques alimentaires des nourrissons nés de mères infectées par le VIH ainsi que leur état nutritionnel. Méthodes. Il s'agit d'une étude transversale à visée descriptive et analytique sur une période de 2 mois (01 juin au 03 Août 2016) portant sur 101 nourrissons nés de mères séropositives âgés de 6 à 24 mois au moment de l'enquête. Des informations sur les pratiques alimentaires et l'état nutritionnel des nourrissons ont été recueillies. Résultats. L'âge moyen des nourrissons était de 14,5 mois et le sex ratio de 0,71. Plus de 3/4 des nourrissons étaient eutrophiques à la naissance (77,2%). Le budget alimentaire des ménages était compris entre 2000 f/CFA et 3000 f/CFA (45,54 %). L'allaitement maternel a été réalisé chez 73,3% des nourrissons. La prévalence de l'AME était de 65,4%. L'âge à l'arrêt de l'allaitement était de 6 mois chez plus de la moitié (52,7%) des nourrissons. la majorité des nourrissons (99,0%) avait une fréquence de repas adaptée à leur âge. L'âge d'introduction d'aliments de complément était inadapté chez un tiers des nourrissons (30,6%), l'âge d'introduction au repas familial était inapproprié chez 64,9 % des nourrissons et plus de la moitié des nourrissons (53,3%) avait une fréquence de repas lactés inadaptée. le score de diversifi cation alimentaire était ≥ 4 aliments chez 18,8% des cas. Les céréales et les tubercules ont été le plus souvent consommés par les nourrissons (97 %) contrairement aux fruits et légumes riches en vitamines A (20%) et aux œufs (14%). Une émaciation a été relevée dans 9,9% des cas. Les pratiques alimentaires associés à la malnutrition étaient l'âge d'introduction d'aliments solides, semis liquides et mous inadapté p=0,001, l'âge d'introduction au repas familial inadapté p=0,015, la fréquence alimentaire minimale inadaptée p=0,001 et le minimum alimentaire acceptable insuffi sant p=0,012. La prévalence du VIH était de 5,9% Conclusion. Les nourrissons nés de mères séropositives sont vulnérables à la malnutrition. Les acteurs des services de PTME doivent insister dans leurs pratiques sur la prise en charge nutritionnelle de ces nourrissons.