Alkaline keratinase from Bacillus sp. DRS4 efficiently biodegrades chicken feathers to synthesize improved keratin/bacterial nanocellulose-based bioplastics.

Chicken feathers represent an abundant and sustainable resource that can be harnessed for multiple value-added products. Bioplastic reinforced with bacterial nanocellulose was synthesized using enzymatically digested chicken feathers. A highly efficient keratinolytic bacterium, identified as Bacillus sp. DRS4 through biochemical characterization and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, was isolated from deposit soils of Lake Chitu in Ethiopia. Bacillus sp. DRS4 was able to completely degrade chicken feathers within 48 h. Optimization of the physicochemical parameters increased the enzyme yield from Bacillus sp. DRS4 by 30%. The enzyme showed optimal keratinolytic activity at 37 °C and pH 11, hydrolyzing white chicken feathers in 72 h and providing hydrolysates with a total protein content of 251.145 mg/mL. Further, the mechanical and thermal properties of a bioplastic made from hydrolysates and reinforced with bacterial nanocellulose were assessed. The bioplastic exhibited a remarkable tensile strength of 5.769 MPa and reached a melting temperature of 127.5 °C, suggesting that bacterial nanocellulose acts as an effective stabilizer. Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed additional peaks in BNC-reinforced plastic films, indicating a binding interaction that enhanced the bioplastic properties. Overall, Bacillus sp. DRS4 is a potential strain for alkaline keratinase production and a promising candidate for upgrading chicken feathers into high-value-added products.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis Affects Protein and Lipid Content of Circulating Exosomes in Infected Patients Depending on Tuberculosis Disease State.

Tuberculosis (TB), which is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), is still one of the deadliest infectious diseases. Understanding how the host and pathogen interact in active TB will have a significant impact on global TB control efforts. Exosomes are increasingly recognized as a means of cell-to-cell contact and exchange of soluble mediators. In the case of TB, exosomes are released from the bacillus and infected cells. In the present study, a comprehensive lipidomics and proteomics analysis of size exclusion chromatography-isolated plasma-derived exosomes from patients with TB lymphadenitis (TBL) and treated as well as untreated pulmonary TB (PTB) was performed to elucidate the possibility to utilize exosomes in diagnostics and knowledge building. According to our findings, exosome-derived lipids and proteins originate from both the host and Mtb in the plasma of active TB patients. Exosomes from all patients are mostly composed of sphingomyelins (SM), phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylinositols, free fatty acids, triacylglycerols (TAG), and cholesterylesters. Relative proportions of, e.g., SMs and TAGs, vary depending on the disease or treatment state and could be linked to Mtb pathogenesis and dormancy. We identified three proteins of Mtb origin: DNA-directed RNA polymerase subunit beta (RpoC), Diacyglycerol O-acyltransferase (Rv2285), and Formate hydrogenase (HycE), the latter of which was discovered to be differently expressed in TBL patients. Furthermore, we discovered that Mtb infection alters the host protein composition of circulating exosomes, significantly affecting a total of 37 proteins. All TB patients had low levels of apolipoproteins, as well as the antibacterial proteins cathelicidin, Scavenger Receptor Cysteine Rich Family Member (SSC5D), and Ficolin 3 (FCN3). When compared to healthy controls, the protein profiles of PTB and TBL were substantially linked, with 14 proteins being co-regulated. However, adhesion proteins (integrins, Intercellular adhesion molecule 2 (ICAM2), CD151, Proteoglycan 4 (PRG4)) were shown to be more prevalent in PTB patients, while immunoglobulins, Complement component 1r (C1R), and Glutamate receptor-interacting protein 1 (GRIP1) were found to be more abundant in TBL patients, respectively. This study could confirm findings from previous reports and uncover novel molecular profiles not previously in focus of TB research. However, we applied a minimally invasive sampling and analysis of circulating exosomes in TB patients. Based on the findings given here, future studies into host-pathogen interactions could pave the way for the development of new vaccines and therapies.

Maternal and newborn effects of gestational diabetes mellitus: A prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a high glucose level detected during pregnancy and usually it disappears after 42 days of post partum. The aim of this research was to assess the maternal and newborn effects of GDM in resource limited settings. METHODS: A prospective cohort was implemented in the five referral hospitals of Amhara region. Data were collected using both primary data collection tool and reviewing the patients' charts. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the effects of GDM on the pregnancy outcomes, fractional regression was used to estimate the proportion of weight gain in the first 3 months, Poisson regression was used to identify the effects of GDM on the episodes of childhood infectious diseases, independent sample t-test was used to estimate the effects of GDM on the newborn serum zinc and vitamin D levels. RESULTS: A total of 3459 women were included with a response rate of 85.56%. Cesarean section rate among GDM mother was 40.3% and among GDM free mothers was 7.1%. In the first 3 months, the weight gains of infant born from GDM mothers were 53% higher than infant born from GDM free mothers. GDM increases the risk of infectious disease episodes by 4 folds. GDM decreases the neonatal serum zinc and vitamin D levels. CONCLUSION: GDM increases the maternal complications of pregnancy; GDM significantly depletes the newborn micronutrient levels and increase the episodes of infectious diseases during the infancy periods.

Tuberculosis Lymphadenitis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Co-infections among Lymphadenitis Patients in Northwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are among the major health problems in Ethiopia. This study assessed the proportion of tuberculosis lymphadenitis (TBLN), HIV infection and their co-infection among TBLN presumptive individuals at the selected hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: Institution based cross sectional study was carried out. Data on demographic and clinical variables were collected with standardized questionnaire. Microbiological culture was done on specimen obtained by fine needle aspirates. The HIV status was determined by rapid anti-HIV antibody test. Data was entered and scrutinized using SPSS version 20 statistical packages. A stepwise logistic regression model was used. The result was considered as statistically significant at P<0. 05. RESULTS: A total of 381 lymphadenitis patients were included in the study. The overall prevalence of TBLN and HIV were at 250(65.6%) and 9(2.4%), respectively and their co-infection was at 6(2.4%). Based on the cytological examination, 301(79.0%) of them were diagnosed as TBLN. The age group, (P=0.01) and residency, (P=0.01) were found significantly associated with TBLN. Similarly, unsafe sex was also statistically significant for HIV infection (P=0.007). CONCLUSION: Tuberculosis lymphadenitis is the leading cause of TB and lymphadenitis in the region. However, TBLN-HIV coinfection was promisingly low. High rate of discrepancy was noticed between cytological and culture results. Hence, the TBLN diagnostic criteria shall pursue revision.

Exosomes in serum­free cultures of THP­1 macrophages infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

It has been shown from the isolation and characterization of exosomes from cell culture media supplemented with fetal bovine serum that both their quality and purity are affected. The high abundance of serum proteins, including bovine cell derived exosomes, is also a potential source of contaminants, which may result in appreciable yields of impure exosomes, thereby leading to artifacts. Isolation and characterization of exosomes from cells maintained under serum­free conditions should therefore ensure the high quality necessary for medical applications. To meet this end, the present study aimed to characterize exosomes released from THP­1 macrophages cultured in serum­free, ultra­centrifuged medium upon infection with the human pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Macrophages differentiated from the human cell line THP­1 were infected at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 5. Macrophages were cultivated in CellGenix® GMP DC serum­free ultra­centrifuged medium for 4, 24 and 48 h at 37˚C in a humidified atmosphere with 5% CO2. Total exosome isolation reagent was used to extract the exosomes from the cell culture supernatants of naïve and Mtb­infected THP­1 macrophages. The size and purity of the exosomes isolated were subsequently assessed by various methods, including nanoparticle tracking analysis, flow cytometry, MACSPlex exosome analysis, and western blotting. The serum­free, ultra­centrifuged medium was found to support the proliferation of the THP­1 cells successfully. The nanoparticle tracking analysis data revealed that the majority of the isolated particles were within the size range of exosomes (i.e., 30­150 nM). The MACSPlex exosome analysis confirmed the expression of the exosomal markers, CD9, CD63 and CD81. Furthermore, western blot analysis of the isolated exosomes indicated the presence of CD9, CD63, CD81 and lysosomal associated membrane protein­1 (LAMP­1), and also confirmed the absence of Mtb proteins. Taken together, these data provide evidence that serum­free, ultra­centrifuged CellGenix® GMP DC medium is suitable for application in exosome research, and may significantly advance such studies. Therefore, the use of serum­free medium for exosome isolation purposes could offer considerable advantages, and constitute a significant improvement in the growing field of extracellular vesicle research. The use of more sensitive methods represents an advance that will enable researchers to rule out the presence of Mtb pathogenic proteins in exosomes isolated from infected serum­free cell cultures.

Common bacterial causes of external ocular infections, associated risk factors and antibiotic resistance among patients at ophthalmology unit of Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Ocular infections are a serious public health problem in Ethiopia with increased incidence of morbidity and blindness. Empirical therapy with topical ophthalmic broad spectrum antibiotic formulations is also a prevailing practice. The aim of this study was to determine the bacterial causes of external ocular infections (EOIs), antimicrobial resistance and its associated risk factors among patients at Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: A hospital based cross - sectional study was conducted from 1 February to 30 April 2019. Patients with EOIs were consecutively included from 1 February to 30 April, 2019. Data were collected using structured questionnaire by face-to-face interview and complemented with patient card review. Conjunctival, eyelid margin and lacrimal sac swabs were collected aseptically. Bacterial species were identified using standard bacteriological techniques. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Binary logistic regression analysis was calculated to identify the factors associated with EOIs. P.value (p) < < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 360 patients took part in the study and majority of them were males (64.7%). The median age of study participants was 59.5 years. Overall, 208(57.8%) (95%CI = 52.6- - 62.8%) of patients had culture confirmed bacterial EOIs. The proportion of culture confirmed EOIs was 60.4% among conjunctivitis cases and 55.8% among blepharitis. Ocular trauma (P < < 0.001), ocular disease (P < < 0.001) and having eye allergy (P = 0.027) were significantly associated with EOIs. The most frequent isolates were S. aureus (37%), K. pneumoniae (13.5%), Proteus(7.2%) spp., S. pneumoniae (4.3%), Citrobacter spp. (3.4%) and P. aeruginosa (2.9%). Gram positive isolates were resistant to penicillin in 87% and ampicillin in 86.2%. Gram negative isolates were resistant to ampicillin (87.5%). P.aeruginosa isolates (85.3%) were resistant to piperacillin and 50% were resistant to tobramycin. Overall, 45.2% of the isolates were multi-drug resistant. The percentage of multi-drug resistance was 80% among Enterobacter isolates and 64.3% among K. pneumoniae. CONCLUSIONS: Bacterial external ocular infections linked with multi-drug resistance and resistance to penicillin, ampicillin, tetracycline and piperacillin are high. Therefore, empirical treatment of eye infections in the study area needs to be monitored by regular antimicrobial-susceptibility testing of isolates.

Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and Factors Associated With It Among Adults of West Gojjam: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, indicating great clinical attention. However, much less attention has been given to metabolic syndrome in the study area. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its associated factors in the adult population of West Gojjam zone, Ethiopia. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in West Gojjam from September 15 to October 20, 2018. A total of 627 participants were randomly selected. The data were collected using the WHO STEP-wise approach for non-communicable diseases by contextualizing the instrument based on the study questions. The collected data were entered into and analyzed in SPSS version 20. Binary logistic regression was used to identify predictors of the dependent variable. The odds ratio was used to measure the strength of association between variables. For all statistical significance tests, the cut-off value set was p < 0.05 with CI of 95%. RESULTS: In the studied region, high prevalence of metabolic syndrome at 17.3% is documented. In the final model, age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.02, CI: 1.01-1. 05), occupation (AOR = 2.97, CI: 1.25-7.04), a moderate or high level of physical activity (AOR = 0.28, CI: 0.14-0.56 and AOR = 0.42, CI: 0.18-0.97) and type of oil used for cooking (AOR = 2.62, CI: 1.87-7.86) are significantly associated with metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in this study is high, and it is determined by age, occupation, physical activity and type of oil used for cooking. Designing an intervention which focuses on promoting a healthy lifestyle like physical activity and using oils which are liquid at room temperature to prevent the risk of major non-communicable diseases is needed.

Composition and Clinical Significance of Exosomes in Tuberculosis: A Systematic Literature Review.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major health issue worldwide. In order to contain TB infections, improved vaccines as well as accurate and reliable diagnostic tools are desirable. Exosomes are employed for the diagnosis of various diseases. At present, research on exosomes in TB is still at the preliminary stage. Recent studies have described isolation and characterization of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) derived exosomes in vivo and in vitro. Mtb-derived exosomes (Mtbexo) may be critical for TB pathogenesis by delivering mycobacterial-derived components to the recipient cells. Proteomic and transcriptomic analysis of Mtbexo have revealed a variety of proteins and miRNA, which are utilized by the TB bacteria for pathogenesis. Exosomes has been isolated in body fluids, are amenable for fast detection, and could contribute as diagnostic or prognostic biomarker to disease control. Extraction of exosomes from biological fluids is essential for the exosome research and requires careful standardization for TB. In this review, we summarized the different studies on Mtbexo molecules, including protein and miRNA and the method used to detect exosomes in biological fluids and cell culture supernatants. Thus, the detection of Mtbexo molecules in biological fluids may have a potential to expedite the diagnosis of TB infection. Moreover, the analysis of Mtbexo may generate new aspects in vaccine development.

Nutritional status of tuberculosis patients, a comparative cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Each year, more than 13.7 million people became an active case of tuberculosis and more than 1.5 million cases of TB patient will die. The association between TB and malnutrition is bi-directional, TB leads the patient to malnutrition, and malnutrition increases the risk of developing active TB by 6 to 10 times. Improving the nutrition of individual greatly reduces tuberculosis. The aims of this study were to assess the nutritional status and determinants of underweight among TB patients. METHODS: A comparative cross-sectional study design was implemented. The sample size was calculated using 95% CI, 90% power, the prevalence of malnutrition in TB patients 50%, TB patients to TB free resident ratio of 3, the design effect of 2 and a 5% non-response rate. Systematic random sampling was used to select TB patients and simple random sampling technique was used to select TB free residents. The data were collected from July 2015-May 2018. The data were collected by interviewing the patient, measuring anthropometric indicators and collecting the stool and blood samples. The data were entered into the computer using Epi-info software and analyzed using SPSS software. Descriptive statistics were used to find the proportion of malnutrition. Binary logistic regression was used to identify the determinants of malnutrition. RESULTS: A total of 5045 study participants (1681 TB patients and 3364 TB free residents) were included giving for the response rate of 93.1%. The prevalence of underweight among TB patients was 57.17% (95% CI: 54.80, - 59.54%) and 88.52% of TB patients were anemic. The prevalence of malnutrition (underweight) among TB free residents was 23.37% (95% CI: 21.93-24.80). The nutritional status of TB patients was determined by site of infection AOR: 0.68 [0.49-0.94], sex of the patient AOR: 0.39 [0.25-0.56], residence AOR: 3.84 [2.74-5.54], intestinal parasite infection AOR: 7 [5.2-9.95], problematic alcohol use AOR: 1.52 [1.17-2.13]. CONCLUSION: High proportions of TB patients were malnourished. TB patients were highly susceptible to malnutrition and even a very distal reason for malnutrition in the community became a proximal cause for TB patients.

Molecular epidemiology of M. tuberculosis in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The molecular epidemiology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis, Mtb) is poorly documented in Ethiopia. The data that exists has not yet been collected in an overview metadata form. Thus, this review summarizes available literature on the genomic diversity, geospatial distribution and transmission patterns of Mtb lineages (L) and sublineages in Ethiopia. Spoligotyping and Mycobacterial Interspersed Repetitive Units-Variable Number Tandem Repeats (MIRU-VNTR) based articles were identified from MEDLINE via PubMed and Scopus. The last date of article search was done on 12th February 2019. Articles were selected following the PRISMA flow diagram. The proportion of (sub)lineages was summarized at national level and further disaggregated by region. Clustering and recent transmission index (RTI) were determined using metan command and random effect meta-analysis model. The meta-analysis was computed using Stata 14 (Stata Corp. College Station, TX, USA). Among 4371 clinical isolates, 99.5% were Mtb and 0.5% were M. bovis. Proportionally, L4, L3, L1 and L7 made up 62.3%, 21.7%, 7.9% and 3.4% of the total isolates, respectively. Among sublineages, L4.2. ETH/SIT149, L4.10/SIT53, L3. ETH1/SIT25 and L4.6/SIT37 were the leading clustered isolates accounting for 14.4%, 9.7%, 7.2% and 5.5%, respectively. Based on MIRU-VNTR, the rate of clustering was 41% and the secondary case rate from a single source case was estimated at 29%. Clustering and recent transmission index was higher in eastern and southwestern Ethiopia compared with the northwestern part of the country. High level of genetic diversity with a high rate of clustering was noted which collectively mirrored the phenomena of micro-epidemics and super-spreading. The largest set of clustered strains deserves special attention and further characterization using whole genome sequencing (WGS) to better understand the evolution, genomic diversity and transmission dynamics of Mtb.

Bacteriology of community acquired pneumonia in adult patients at Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Community acquired pneumonia (CAP) is reported as a common cause of lower respiratory tract infection worldwide. Bacterial pathogens and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) associated with this infection varied between geographical regions. Knowledge of the pathogens in a given area and their up-to-date AMR profile is essential for optimal management of patients. This study was aimed at assessing the type of bacterial isolates and their AMR among CAP adult patients at the Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital (FHRH), Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted during 1 April to 30 July 2018. Demographic related data were collected from the study participants using a structured questionnaire. Sputum samples were collected and processed to identify pathogens using the conventional culture and biochemical tests as per the standard procedures. The Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method was implemented for the AMR testing. Descriptive and multivariable analysis was conducted using SPSS version 23. Results: Among 414 presumptively diagnosed study participants for CAP, bacterial pathogens were identified from 167 (40.3%) participants. Among these, multidrug resistance (MDR) accounted for 127(76%) of the isolates. The predominant isolates were Streptococcus pneumoniae at 60(35.9%) and Klebsella pneumoniae at 30(18%). Overcrowded living conditions [AOR 1.579 (95%CI: 1.015-2.456)] and alcohol use [AOR 4.043 (95% CI, 2.537-6.443)] were found statistically associated with culture positive sputum. Conclusions: The study showed high prevalence of mono- and multi-drug resistant isolates in the study area. Therefore, regular surveillance of the type of isolates and their AMR patterns should be considered. Interventions for reducing community acquired pneumonia should be integrated with lifestyle factors related to household and alcohol use.

Human papillomavirus in Ethiopia.

Over 99% of cervical cancer cases are associated with genital infection by certain types of human papillomaviruses (HPVs). To outline optimal vaccination strategies and HPV based cervical cancer screening, synthesized data on the genotype distribution of HPV is fundamental that is otherwise missed in Ethiopia. The aim of this study is to compile the findings on HPV genotyping in Ethiopia. Published articles were systematically searched using comprehensive search strings from PubMed/Medline and SCOPUS. Further, Google Scholar and the Google databases were also searched manually for grey literature. The included studies in the review employed 859 women (age range 15-85 years) with different kinds of cervical abnormalities. A total of 534 HPV sequences were reported; the proportion of high risk HPVs was varied 80.4-100%. The top five identified genotypes were HPV 16 (45.3%; 95% CI 41.1-49.6%), HPV 52 (9.4%; 95% CI 7.2-12.1%), HPV 18 (8.2%; 95% CI 6.2-10.9%), HPV 58 (6.9%; 95% CI 5.1-9.4%) and HPV 45 (5.2%; 95% CI 3.7-7.5%). The combined prevalence of HPV 16/18 was at 53.6% (95% CI 49.3-57.8%). In this review, HPV 16 in particular, but also HPV 52 and 18, warrant exceptional consideration in vaccination and HPV based screening programs in Ethiopia. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first of its kind to establish the genotype distribution of HPV from different kinds of cervical lesions in Ethiopia although it was synthesized out of few studies. Hence, additional nationwide data are needed to strengthen our finding.

Epidemiology of tuberculous lymphadenitis in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Tuberculous lymphadenitis is the most frequent form of extra-pulmonary TB (EPTB) and accounts for a considerable proportion of all EPTB cases. We conducted a systematic review of articles that described the epidemiological features of TBLN in Africa. METHODS: Any article that characterized TBLN cases with respect to demographic, exposure and clinical features were included. Article search was restricted to African countries and those published in English language irrespective of publication year. The articles were retrieved from the electronic database of PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane library and Lens.org. Random effect pooled prevalence with 95% CI was computed based on Dersimonian and Laird method. To stabilize the variance, Freeman-Tukey double arcsine root transformation was done. The data were analyzed using Stata 14. RESULTS: Of the total 833 articles retrieved, twenty-eight articles from 12 African countries fulfilled the eligibility criteria. A total of 6746 TBLN cases were identified. The majority of the cases, 4762 (70.6%) were from Ethiopia. Over 77% and 88% of identified TBLN were cervical in type and naïve to TB drugs. Among the total number of TBLN cases, 53% were female, 68% were in the age range of 15-44 years, 52% had a history of livestock exposure, 46% had a history of consuming raw milk/meat and 24% had history of BCG vaccination. The proportion of TBLN/HIV co-infection was much lower in Ethiopia (21%) than in other African countries (73%) and the overall African estimate (52%). Fever was recorded in 45%, night sweating in 55%, weight loss in 62% and cough for longer than two weeks in 32% of the TBLN cases. CONCLUSIONS: TBLN was more common in females than in males. The high prevalence of TBLN in Ethiopia did not show directional correlation with HIV. Population based prospective studies are warranted to better define the risk factors of TBLN in Africa.

Bacterial contamination and antibiogram of isolates from health care workers' fomites at Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia

Background: Health care workers' fomites are highly predisposed to bacterial contamination in the health care setting and are potential sources of hospital-acquired infections. However, there is scarcity of data on the status of bacterial contamination and antibiogram of isolates from HCWs' fomites in Ethiopia. This study determined the bacterial contamination and antibiogram of isolates from health care workers' fomites at Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital, Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to April 2017 in different wards of the hospital. From 422 health care workers' fomites, surface samples were swabbed using a simple-rinse method. Data from participants were collected by face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Bacterial colonies were counted and species were identified using standard bacteriological techniques. Drug susceptibility testing was performed using a disk diffusion technique. Chi-square test was computed to ascertain the association between variables. Regression analysis was computed to identify the independent risk factors. Results: Overall, 243 (57.6%) fomites were contaminated with aerobic bacteria. Working in medical (AOR=5.2, 95% CI=1.85-14.8) and gynecology (AOR=3.1, 95% CI=1.5-6.43) wards and intensive care units (AOR=16, 95% CI=2.1-17.9), and poor laundering of HCWs' uniforms (AOR=1.3, 95% CI=1.34-3.72), were significantly associated with bacterial contamination. Staphylococcus aureus (19.2%) was the predominant pathogen, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (6.4%). The proportion of K. pneumoniae (P<0.001) and E. coli (P=0.014) was significantly highest in mobile phones and white coats, respectively. S. aureus isolates were resistant to penicillin (82.7%) and co-trimoxazole (53.1%). K. pneumoniae isolates were 100% resistant to ampicillin. E. coli isolates were 87.5% resistant to co-trimoxazole. Overall, 204 (88.3%) of the isolates were multidrug-resistant. The overall multidrug-resistant rates among S. aureus, K. pneumoniae and E. coli isolates were 88.9%, 92.6% and 100%, respectively. Conclusions: Bacterial contamination of health care workers' fomites is a major health care problem in the study area. Multidrug-resistant isolates are alarmingly high in pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, hospital HCWs need to implement proper handling of fomites to reduce contamination and the spread of drug-resistant pathogens

Treatment outcomes of tuberculosis patients under directly observed treatment short-course at Debre Tabor General Hospital, northwest Ethiopia: nine-years retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Data regarding tuberculosis (TB) treatment outcomes, proportion of TB/HIV co-infection and associated factors have been released at different TB treatment facilities in Ethiopia and elsewhere in the world as part of the auditing and surveillance service. However, these data are missing for the TB clinic offering directly observed treatment short-course (DOTs) at Debre Tabor General Hospital (DTGH). METHODS: The authors analysed the records of 985 TB patients registered at the DTGH from September 2008 to December 2016. Data on patients' sex, age, type of TB, and treatment outcomes were extracted from the TB treatment registration logbook. The treatment outcome of patients was categorized according to the National TB and Leprosy Control Program guidelines: cured, treatment completed, treatment failed, died, and not evaluated (transferred out and unknown cases). RESULTS: Around half of the registered patients were males (516, 52.4%). In terms of TB types, 381 (38.7%), 241 (24.5%), and 363 (36.9%) patients had smear-negative pulmonary TB, smear-positive pulmonary TB, and extra pulmonary TB, respectively. Six hundred and seventy-two patients (90.1%) had successful treatment outcomes (cured and treatment completed), while 74 patients (9.9%) had unsuccessful treatment outcomes (death and treatment failure).TB treatment outcome was not associated with age, sex, type and history of TB, or co-infection with HIV (P > 0.05). The proportion of TB/HIV co-infection was at 24.2%, and these were found to be significantly associated with the age groups of 25-34, 35-44 and ≥65 years:(aOR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.25-0.8), (aOR: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.20-0.70), (aOR: 4.2; 95% CI: 1.30-12.9), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of patients with successful treatment outcomes was above the World Health Organization target set for Millennium Development Goal of 85% and in line with that of the global milestone target set at > 90% for 2025. Relatively higher proportions of transfer-out cases were recorded in the present study. Similarly, the proportion of TB/HIV co-infection cases was much higher than the national average of 8%.Thus, the health facility under study should develop strategies to record the final treatment outcome of transfer-out cases. In addition, strategies to reduce the burden of TB/HIV co-infection should be strengthened.

Clinical response of tuberculosis patients, a prospective cohort study.

Clinical response means a response to drug intake that can be detected and appreciated by a change in signs and symptoms. The objectives of this study were to assess time to clinical response, the incidence density for clinical response and determinants of clinical response of tuberculosis (TB) patients in the intensive phases of TB treatment. Prospective cohort study design was implemented. The target population for this study was all patients following the directly observed therapy. Baseline data has been collected during the start of the directly observed TB treatment strategy. We have been collected updated data after the seven days of the baseline data collection, then after every seven days updated data has been collected from each pulmonary and extra pulmonary TB patients. Kaplan Meier curve was used to estimate time to clinical response. Incidence density using person days was used to estimate incidence of clinical response. Cox proportional hazard model was used to identify the predictors of clinical responses. A total of 1608 TB patients were included with a response rate at 99.5%. The mean age of the respondents was 24.5 years [standard deviation (SD) 14.34 years]. The incidence density for clinical response was 1429/38529 person days. One fourth of the TB patients showed clinical response at day 14, 25% of at day 21 and 75% o at day 31. Predictors of clinical response for TB patients includes: age (AHR 1.007 [95% CI 1.003-1.011]), type of TB (AOR 2.3[95% CI 2.04-2.59]), Previous history of TB (AHR 0.18 [95% CI 0.11-0 .30]), Intestinal parasitic infection (AOR 0.22[95% CI 0.19-0.26]), hemoglobin (AOR 2.35 [95% CI 2.18-2.54]), weight gain (AOR 1.11 [95% CI 1.05-1.17]), Micronutrient supplementation (AOR 9.71 [95% CI 8.28-11.38]), male sex (AOR 0.87 [95% CI 0.79-0.97]).The clinical responses for extra-pulmonary TB patients were slower than pulmonary TB. Deworming and micronutrient supplementation should be considered as the additional TB treatment strategy for TB patients.

BURDEN AND DETERMINANT FACTORS OF ANEMIA AMONG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHILDREN IN NORTHWEST ETHIOPIA: A COMPARATIVE CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY.

BACKGROUND: Anemia is an indicator of both poor nutrition and health. In low-income countries like Ethiopia, the prevalence of anemia remains high due to several determinant factors. There is a lack of regular surveillance system to determine the magnitude of anemia among school age children. The aim of this study was to determine the burden and determinant factors of anemia among school children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2014 to May 2014 among elementary school children in Northwest Ethiopia. Multi stage and simple random sampling techniques were used to select the schools and the study subjects. Standard questionnaire was employed to assess the socioeconomic status of study participants. Intestinal parasitosis infections and hemoglobin level were determined by formula ether concentration technique and automated hematology analyzer, respectively. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the burden of anemia. Stepwise logistic regression was used to identify the determinants of anemia. RESULTS: Among 2,372 elementary school children, the prevalence of anemia was 7.6% (95 % CI: 7% - 9%). The mean hemoglobin level was 11.6 g/dl ranging from 10 g/dl to 13g/dl. The magnitude of hookworm infection was 530 (22.3%). In multivariate analysis anemia was found associated with residence, source of water, availability of latrine, maternal education, family size and hookworm infection. CONCLUSION: Anemia still remains as a major public health problem among the school children in the study area. Residence, source of water, availability of latrine, maternal education, family size and hookworm infection are also the major determinant factors for the high prevalence of anemia. Therefore, health education, iron supplement and deworming should be given to school age children.

Prevalence of Bacteriuria and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns among Diabetic and Nondiabetic Patients Attending at Debre Tabor Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.

Background. Urinary tract infection is a major health problem especially in developing countries. Information about bacterial pathogens isolated from urinary tract infection in diabetic patients and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns is limited in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed at isolating bacterial pathogens and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. Methods. A hospital based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at Debre Tabor. Urine sample was inoculated onto cysteine lysine electrolyte deficient (CLED) medium. Bacterial pathogens were identified using standard bacteriological methods. The data were cleaned and entered into SPSS version 20. P value less than 0.05 is considered statistically significant. Result. A total of 384 study participants were included in the study. Of them, 21 (10.9%) were from diabetics and 9 (4.7%) of them were from nondiabetics. Large proportion of gram positive bacteria at 18 (58.1%) were isolated compared to gram negatives at 13 (41.9%). Gram positive isolates were resistant to cotrimoxazole 10 (58.8%). Conclusion. The isolation rates of bacterial pathogens were higher in diabetic than nondiabetic patients. Bacteriuria was significantly associated with sex and type of diabetes. Multidrug resistance to two or more antibiotics was observed in 56.7% of bacterial isolates. Rational use of antimicrobial agent should be thought of to prevent the emergence of multidrug resistance.

Profile of tuberculosis and its response to anti-TB drugs among tuberculosis patients treated under the TB control programme at Felege-Hiwot Referral Hospital, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) is a global concern for both developing and developed countries. Currently it becomes more complex due to increasing levels of drug resistance and HIV co-infection. Delayed diagnosis and high case load are major factors contributing to continued transmission and failure to the treatment outcome. The study was conducted to determine the profile and treatment outcomes of TB patients at Felege-Hiwot Referral Hospital. METHODS: We analyzed the records of 1761 TB patients registered for treatment in Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital from July 2010 to June 2015. Data on patients' socio-demographic characteristics, type of TB, HIV status and treatment outcome were analysed. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression models were used to present data. The odds ratio and the 95 % confidence intervals were calculated. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistical significant. RESULTS: The proportion of smear positive, smear-negative and extra-pulmonary TB were 205 (11.6 %), 548 (31.1 %) and 1008 (57.2 %), respectively. The overall treatment success rate accounts 542(80.8 %) with unsuccessful treatment of 129(19.2 %). The treatment outcome varied by the years from 68.9 to 97.4 %. Among tuberculosis patients, 459(26.1 %) of them were HIV positive. Being HIV positive (AOR = 4.29, 95 % CI, 2.20-8.37 P = 0.001), retreatment (AOR = 5.32, 95 % CI, 1.92-14.3, P = 0.001), rural residency (AOR = 18.0, 95 % CI, 9.06-37.82, P = 0.001) and the age group of 15-24 years (AOR = 2.91, 95%CI, 1.00-8.45, P = 0.04) showed statistical significant association for poor treatment outcome. CONCLUSIONS: In the studied region, the overall treatment success rate was still below the WHO target of success rate, 85 %. However, the trend of treatment success rate showed a promising increment. Patients at high risk of unsuccessful treatment outcome should be identified early and given additional follow-up, medical intervention and social support.

Erratum to: Clinical profile of tetanus patients attended at Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: a retrospective cross sectional study.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1186/s40064-016-2592-8.].