Healthcare workers' adherence to infection prevention and control guidelines for respiratory infectious diseases: A rapid qualitative evidence synthesis

COVID-19 spreads easily between people who are in close contact, or through coughs and sneezes. As the number of cases continues to increase, healthcare workers (HCWs) are notably at risk as a result of frequency of contact with suspected cases or infected people. Use of infection prevention and control (IPC) strategies by HCWs is therefore important. We summarise the evidence from a rapid Cochrane qualitative evidence synthesis by Houghton et al. on barriers and facilitators to HCWs' adherence to IPC guidelines for respiratory infectious diseases

Bacteriocidal activity of handwash products and soaps sold in Port Harcourt, Nigeria ­ An in vitro study

BACKGROUND: Hand hygiene is still noted as one of the most important factors essential for control of infectious diseases particularly in hospital settings and soap and water is still of essence, especially when hands are visibly soiled. The use of medicated handwash products is becoming more widespread. These products sometimes claim a better efficacy than plain soap and water. This study set out to determine trends in antibacterial activity of medicated and non-medicated locally sold soap products and bacteriocidal activity of these products against commonly encountered clinical pathogens (Staphylcoccus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli).METHODS: Antibacterial activity of 4 handwash and 3 bodywash products was determined using the Agar-well diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bacteriocidal concentration tests.RESULTS: At 100% product concentration, both non-medicated handwash products (Pears and Cussons) gave zones of inhibition ranging from 8 ­ 17 mm and 9 ­ 12 mm respectively, while the medicated products resulted in zones of inhibition ranging from 23 ­ 30 mm and 17 ­ 29 mm. Liquid bodywash products were less inhibitory with 'no inhibition' observed in 66.7% (18/27) of cases than 11.1% (4/36) of cases of the handwash. All handwash products had bacteriocidal activity against all three test strains, while for the bodywash products, no bacteriocidal activity was observed in 4 cases.CONCLUSION: This study highlights the important role soaps particular the medicated versions play in hand hygiene. Further studies involving human volunteers and time-kill assays would be necessary to provide a more complete story of the effectiveness of these products in infection control

Civil unrest in Syria: need for an early warning system for outbreaks

The ongoing unrest in Syria has resulted in displacement of people who are currently living in compromised situation with possibly limited access to health care and other public health services. In order to avoid any excess death in the current situation, it is important to establish an early warning system for disease outbreaks that can potentially detect any event early and trigger appropriate response

DNA Immunization as an efficient strategy for vaccination

The field of vaccinology provides excellent promises to control different infectious and non-infectious diseases. Genetic immunization as a new tool in this area by using naked DNA has been shown to induce humoral as well as cellular immune responses with high efficiency. This demonstrates the enormous potential of this strategy for vaccination purposes. DNA vaccines have been widely used to develop vaccines against various pathogens as well as cancer, autoimmune diseases and allergy. However, despite their successful application in many pre-clinical disease models, their potency in human clinical trials has been insufficient to provide protective immunity. Several strategies have been applied to increase the potency of DNA vaccine. Among these strategies, the linkage of antigens to Heat Shock Proteins [HSPs] and the utilization of different delivery systems have been demonstrated as efficient approaches for increasing the potency of DNA vaccines. The uptake of DNA plasmids by cells upon injection is inefficient. Two basic delivery approaches including physical delivery to achieve higher levels of antigen production and formulation with microparticles to target Antigen-Presenting Cells [APCs] are effective in animal models. Alternatively, different regimens called prime-boost vaccination are also effective. In this regimen, naked DNA is utilized to prime the immune system and either recombinant viral vector or purified recombinant protein with proper adjuvant is used for boosting. In this review, we discuss recent advances in upgrading the efficiency of DNA vaccination in animal models

Enteral versus parenteral feeding: the avoidance of systemic infection in the critically Ill

The critically ill patient very often presents with systemic evidence of infection including tachypnea, tachycardia and hypo-hyperthermia; this may lead to sepsis syndrome and subsequent multisystem organ failure. In order to manage this clinical condition, nutritional supportive therapy is very often required. The choice between enteral and parenteral nutrition is not always straightforward. Early enteral nutrition seems to exert beneficial effects, although parenteral nutrition is often easier to administer, and thus is the treatment of choice. There are only few prospective, randomized, controlled trials comparing the two methods of intervention therapy. Parenteral nutrition seems to be associated with mechanical, metabolic and septic complications, while enteral nutrition, which is associated with similar complications, prevents gastrointestinal mucosal atrophy, attenuates the injury stress response, maintains immunocompetence, and preserves normal gut flora. This literature review focuses on the role played by these two methods of nutritional support therapy in the development of systemic infections. This review will also analyze possible mechanisms of action and future therapeutic strategies

Poliomyelitis, measles and neonatal tetanus: a hospital based epidemiological study

Vaccine-preventable diseases constitute a major health problem contributing to the morbidity and mortality in many developing countries including Egypt. WHO adopted resolutions to eradicate poliomyelitis by the year 2000, eliminate neonatal tetanus by the year 1995, and reduce measles mortality by 95% and morbidity by 90%, compared to the pre-immunization levels by 1995. Evaluation of preventive programs for these diseases necessitates availability of up to date information on their occurrence. The present study was undertaken to determine the current epidemiological features of poliomyelitis, neonatal tetanus and measles, to identify the trends of these diseases as well as to determine their outcomes and hospital loads. Data about the admitted cases of poliomyelitis, neonatal tetanus and measles were collected from the hospital register of Alexandria fever hospital for five successive years [1992-96]. Available information on age, sex, residence, diagnosis, outcome of treatment, dates of admission and discharge were collected. The total number of cases of the three diseases admitted to the hospital during the period 1992-96 were 1406, measles represented 85.4%, neonatal tetanus 13.9% and poliomyelitis 0.7%. The results revealed that in the year 1994 only one case of poliomyelitis was admitted and since then no other cases were reported. The number of measles cases increased gradually in the latter years and about 78% of them were older than five years of age. A significant increase in the age of measles occurrence was observed. A gradual decline in the number of neonatal tetanus cases was observed. These cases were more apt to occur among early neonates but still clustered in certain geographical areas. The results of the study pinpoint the long term impact of the well run program aiming at eradicating poliomyelitis in Alexandria. However, for elimination of neonatal tetanus and controlling measles morbidity, further activities are required including strengthening the surveillance activities for detection of the high risk geographical areas and the high risk factors

Respuesta social de la población frente a los problemas de salud, en dos barrios de Managua, 1995

Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal y de carácter cuanti-cualitativo de dos barrios marginales de Managua; el Barrio Hilario Sánchez y el Barrio Las Torres, que presentan condiciones socio-económicas, ambientales y problemas de salud similares y con diferentes nivel de desarrollo comunitario. Se caracteriza por encontrar la respuesta social de la población de los barrios estudiados; valorando la organización y participación de la población frente a sus problemas de salud; así como en qué medida el desarrollo comunitario facilita el proceso de solución a los principales problemas de salud de la comunidad. Se utilizaron diferentes instrumentos en la recolección de la información como: grupos focales, entrevistas a informantes claves, encuestas a Madres de familia y revisión bibliográfica. Se encontró que el desarrollo de las organizaciones comunitarias produce un impacto positivo en la salud de la población, pero hay limitantes que impiden que ese impacto sea mayor y logre un cambio de actitudes que permita la autosostenibilidad, autogestión y empoderamiento. Las principales limitantes encontradas para lograr una respuesta social más eficaz se centran en la falta de un concepto amplio de participación de parte de las Instituciones, organismos y organizaciones comunitarias, que permita el empoderamiento de la comunidad y en el abordaje individual de la intervenciones de salud que no ubican como unidad de análisis a la familia como monitor central de las transformaciones culturales, asimismo se demuestra que la salud es un elemento, punto de encuentro en el cual las organizaciones comunitarias de diferentes signos políticos han logrado establecer un concenso para la búsqueda de solución a sus problemas. Concluye que los problemas de la salud no se resuelven con un enfoque unilateral e insuficiente de disciplinas específicas, en el que no se incluyen el análisis sociológico de elementos relacionados con las condiciones de vida de la población, los factores culturales, conducta, creencia, concepciones y valores sociales que son elementos que aportan a una concepción integral de intervención que permita reconocer y potenciar el nivel de respuesta social existente en la población frente a sus problemas de salud

Studies on trivalent IBR, BVD and pi-3 inactivated vaccine

Three types of combined respiratory vaccine containing infection bovine rhinotracheitis [IBR], bovine viral diarrhea [BVD] and parainfluenza-3 [PI-3] viruses were prepared from the local isolates grown in MDBK cell line, inactivated by binary ethyleneimine [BEI] and adsorbed with different adjuvants, DEAE-dextran, alhydragel and mineral oil adjuvants were compared immunologically for the choice of the most preferable one for vaccine production. All types of the prepared vaccine were safe when tested in guinea pigs and calves. Potency test was performed by immunization of susceptible calves which were divided into three groups, each group was inoculated by one type of vaccine and the third group was kept as control. Two intramuscular infection of each vaccine were administered at interval of two weeks. The results indicated a variation in kinetics of the development of serum neutralizing [SN] against all component of the vaccine and hemagglutinating antibodies against PI-3 virus in sera of all vaccinated calves 6 months after inoculation. The protective capacity of each vaccine was studied when the vaccinated animals were challenged one month post vaccination, neither thermal reactions nor virus isolation could be detected. Under the conditions of these experiments, a significant higher degree of immunogenicity was demonstrated with DEAE dextran adjuvant vaccine

Setting health care priorities in Pakistan

To describe a health priority setting exercise in Pakistan and its relevance to traditional medical care and care providers. Literature search of local and regional data was performed to identify priority health problems, those with high disease burden and with cost-effective interventions. Major causes of ill-health were communicable [diarrhoca, respiratory infections, childhood immunizable diseases, malaria, tuberculosis] and pregnancy related diseases. Factors that contributed to these disorders included malnutrition, anemia, poor sanitation and water supply, low level of education, high fertility rates and proverty. For these conditions, cost-effective interventions for prevention included environmental control [provision of clean water and sanitation], education programmes, expanded programme of immunization and family planning and those for treatment included case management of diarrhoea, respiratory infections, tuberculosis and complications of pregnancy and childbirth. Priority health problems include factors outside the domain of traditional medical care. Their definition is important for directing policy reform, medical curricula and health research

Enfermedades infecciosas en los niños / Infectous diseases in children

Se hace un estudio de las enfermedades transmisibles en los niños, basados en análisis estadístico aplicado a Venezuela en particular. De igual forma se contemplan tópicos con la clasificación de dichas enfermedades, criterios diagnóstico, culminando con recomendaciones orientados a su prevención y control

Bacterial flora in malnourished children

in an attempt to find out the relation between malnutrition and bacterial flora. This work had been carried out on 40 children: 22 of them were manlnourished and 18 control. 280 samples were taken from mouth, ear, nose, skin, anal canal, anterior urethral meatus and conjunctiva of each of them. This study showed that the body flora of malnourished children differs from that of control case at certain sites of isolation with predominance of pathogenic and opportunistic pathogenic organism in malnourished children which may be the source of fulminating infections known to affect these children

Study on some protective factors in breast milk

Breast milk plays an important role in protection against infectious diseases. Epidemiological study performed on 27 breast fed babies and 23 bottle fed babies showed significant decrease in the incidence of diarrhea and dehydration in 1[st] group and marked decrease in the incidence of respiratory diseases. Otitis media and tonsillitis in the same group. In vitro studies performed on 10 mature milk and 10 colostrum samples showed that human milk is a very rich source of anti-adherent SlgA. The bacteriostatic agent lactoferrin. And has a very good anti-adherent properties. These properties are higher in colostrum than mature milk. Human milk contains macro and microphages. But-their phagocytic activity is very low compared to white blood cells

Herpes genital en Lima-Perú / Genital herpes infection in Lima-Perú

El presente trabajo demuestra claramente, el aumento de la incidencia del herpes genital en nuestro medio y el peligro de contraerlo por la ignorancia y subestima. Algunas mujeres que han llegado vírgenes a la noche de bodas, han sido infectadas por sus esposos que adquirieron el herpes, en su mayoría de prostitutas. Existe un trabajo realizado en el país donde detectan que el 100 por ciento de las prostitutas estudiadas en el Callao son seropositivas al HSV-I y II(1)

Doenças transmissíveis na escola: perpectivas de controle / Infections disease in the school

Os autores têm como objetivo avaliar a magnitude do problema das doenças infecciosas agudas, em especial as imunopreveníveis, em escolas de rede municipal de Curitiba, Paraná. Analisam também a situaçäo vacinal desses escolares e propöem medidas para a soluçäo, a curto prazo, dos problemas encontrados

Síndrome de inmuno deficiencia adquirida en el Hospital Universitario de Caracas / AIDS in the Universitary Hospital from Caracas

Se evaluaron 125 pacientes con diagnóstico de SIDA, que fueron hospitalizados en nuestro hospital, desde Abril de 1984 hasta Diciembre de 1988. De los 125 casos: 121 (96.80%), correspondieron al sexo masculino y solamente 4 (3.20%), al sexo femenino; el grupo de riesgo más importante fue el de homosexuales con un 58.40% y 24% respectivamente, la edad promedio fue de 40 años. Las infecciones oportunistas más frecuentes fueron Esofagitis por candida, (32%), Citomegalovirus diseminado, (26.40%), Histoplasmosis sistémica, (25.60%) y Pneumocistys carinii, (21.60%); se hacen comentarios con respecto a lo encontrado en otros países y por último se dan sugerencias sobre el tratamiento de estas infecciones y los problemas encaminados en nuestro hospital para el manejo de estos pacientes

Evaluación del riesgo epidémico por enfermedades infecciosas autóctonas / Evaluation of the epidemic risk due to indigenous infectious diseases

Se presenta un método matemático para la evaluación del riesgo a que se halla sometida la población ante una enfermedad transmisible de origen autóctono.Su finalidad es alertar cuando la tasa de mortalidad de la entidad alcanza un nivel tal que se requiere de la toma de medidas de control para evitar un desenlace desfavorable de su proceso morboso. Se presentan resultados de la implementacion del método para la meningitis meningocócica, en una microcomputadora