Chlamydia trachomatis infections among Yemeni schools pupils in relation to environmental conditions

This study is aimed at establishing the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infections among school pupils in Sana'a, Republic of Yemen, and to explore the association of infection with environmental and social factors. A total of 787 school children, 529 boys and 258 girls, were randomly selected for enrollment in this study. Four hundred and twenty-nine were from 4 schools in Sana'a city, and 358 from 3 rural schools around Sana'a, Republic of Yemen. Questionnaire forms were filled in for each child to investigate environmental and social factors. Sera were tested for anti Chlamydia trachomatis IgG antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay CTM-IgG'. An overall rate of infection of 45.9% was determined. The rate of infection among rural pupils [73.2%] was higher [P<0.0001] than that among urbanones [23.1%]. The rate of infection was found significantly [P<0.001] inversely correlated with age of the pupils. Environmental factors which were found to influence the infection rate were; rural residence, unplastered walls, mud floor, lack of stand pipe water, lack of latrine and presence of animals within dwelling with odds ratio of 9.1, 6.3, 6.1, 5.2, 3.7, 3.5 and 1.7. Also, the male sex and illiteracy of the parents has been found to be risk factors for infection. Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection was found to be high. The prevalence correlates inversely with age. Rural residence, environmental conditions and social factors were risk factors for infections. Yemen could be identified as a trachoma endemic area, which should be targeted by the control programs

Clinical and lipid profile for children of parents with early onset coronary artery disease

The present study aimed at evaluation of preventable risk factors [obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, style of life] of children with family history of early onset Coronary Artery Disease [CAD]. The study included 60 children, whose one of their parents has early onset CAD [36 male and 24 female], their ages range from 6 to 12 years. Full history taken including style of life and mode of diet, clinical examination including calculation of Body Mass Index [BMI] and systemic blood pressure. Children proved to have chronic renal, hepatic disorders or nutritional deficiencies are excluded. Venous blood sample was taken, after overnight fasting, for determination of serum level of cholesterol, triglycerides, High Density Lipid [HDL], Low Density Lipid [LDL] and Very Low Density Lipid [VLDL]. Ten healthy children, don't have family history of CAD, were included as a control group. The mean BMI of study versus control group was [26.2 +/- 4.49 versus 23.7 +/- 2.4]; the difference was not statistically significant [P value < 0.5]. The weight grading, according to WHO classification for healthy weight, 27 out of 60 [45%] have healthy weight, 15/60 [25%] have over weight, 12/60 [20%] have class I obesity and 6/60 [10%] have class II obesity. The mean systolic blood pressure of study group was higher than control [107.2 mmHg. +/- 11.6 versus 104 mmHg. +/- 9.8], but the difference was not statistically significant [P value < 0.05]. The mean diastolic pressure was [65.5 mmHg. +/- 5.3 versus 64.4 mmHg. +/- 5.05] and the difference was not statistically significant [P value < 0. 1]. The mean serum cholesterol level of study group versus control was [3.86 mmol/L. +/- 0.38 versus 3.80 mmol/L. +/- 0.44], triglycerides was [1.15mmol/L. +/- 0.41 versus 1.09 mmol/L. +/- 0.37], LDL was [2.31 mmol/L. _ 0.30 versus 2.18mmol/L. +/- 0.16] and VLDL was [0.49mmol/L. +/- 0.12 versus o.48mmol/L. +/- 0.07], the difference was not statistically significant [P value < 0.1, <0.1, <0.5, < 0.5 respectively]. HDL was [1.31mmol/L. +/- 0.18 versus 1.36mmol/L. +/- 0.24]; the difference was not statistically significant [P value < 0.1]. The correlation coefficient between the children and their parents for blood pressure and serum cholesterol level was weak positive [r = 0.21 and 0.27 respectively] Atherosclerosis is a progressive process over decades, may begin in childhood. Obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and sedentary life are known risk factors of CAD; some of these factors are preventable. Therefore, screening of BMI, blood pressure and lipid profile of children's belong to families with a history of early onset CAD, have to be done in childhood and adulthood, for early detection of these risk factors, looking for preventing or retarding CAD