Understanding forgotten exposures towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3: a cross-sectional study on herbal medicine use during pregnancy or delivery in Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: In most of the sub-Sahara African countries, use of herbal medications is widely practiced during pregnancy or delivery for various reasons despite uncertainties on their pharmacological profiles. Use of unregistered herbal medicines has the potential of causing adverse health effects to the mother and the newborn, thus deterring achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 3, which aims to "ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages". One of the targets is on reduction of morbidity and mortality among mothers and newborns. This study investigated use of herbal medicines and predictors of usage during pregnancy or delivery as a forgotten exposure towards understanding some of the challenges in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3. METHODS: This cross-sectional quantitative study gathered information from women who delivered a live-born baby in the preceding two years. Using a two-stage-sampling technique, women attending reproductive, maternal and child health clinics in Tabora were selected and interviewed. Proportions were compared using chi-square test and Poisson regression analysis was performed to determine independent correlates of herbal medicine use. RESULTS: Of 340 recruited women, 208 [61.2 %; 95 % confidence interval: 55.4, 66.3 %] used herbal medicines during pregnancy or delivery. Major reasons for use included accelerating labour, 81 (38.9 %) and reducing labour pains, 58 (27.9 %). Women who made less than four antenatal visits had a 24 % higher adjusted prevalence ratio of using herbal medicines as compared to those who had at least four visits [adjusted prevalence ratio:1.24; 95 % confidence interval: 1.02, 1.50, p = 0.03]. Furthermore, the adjusted prevalence ratio of using herbal medicines was 35 % higher among women who were not discouraged by health care providers against their use as compared to those who were discouraged (adjusted prevalence ratio: 1.35; 95 % confidence interval: 1.13, 1.60, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Use of herbal medicines during pregnancy or delivery among women in Tanzania is common. Independent predictors of herbal medicine use were number of antenatal visits and stance of maternity health care providers on their use. Comprehensive investigations on the magnitude, patterns and predictors of use of herbal medicines during pregnancy or delivery are warranted.

Traditional African remedies induce hemolysis in a glucose-6-phopshate dehydrogenase deficient zebrafish model.

Traditional remedies are widely used throughout Africa in routine care for infants. However, such remedies could have detrimental effects. Acute bilirubin encephalopathy (ABE) and kernicterus spectrum disorder (KSD) are common newborn health conditions in the developing world, contributing to substantial neonatal mortality and morbidity. They frequently occur in children with glucose-6-phopshate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. Using our established zebrafish model of G6PD deficiency, we tested the effects of three traditional compounds used in the care of the newborn umbilical cord: eucalyptus oil, methylated spirits, and Yoruba herbal tea. We found that eucalyptus oil induced a 13.4% increase in a hemolytic phenotype versus control, while methylated spirits showed a 39.7% increase in affected phenotype. Yoruba herbal tea exposure showed no effect. While methylated spirits are already a known pro-oxidant, these data indicate that eucalyptus oil may also be a hemolytic trigger in those with G6PD deficiency. Discovering which agents may contribute to the pathophysiology of G6PD deficiency is critical to eliminate ABE and KSD, especially in countries with a high prevalence of G6PD deficiency. The next step in elucidating the role of these agents is to determine the clinical correlation between the use of these agents and ABE/KSD.

Epidemiology of Microbial Keratitis in Uganda: A Cohort Study.

Purpose: To describe the epidemiology of Microbial Keratitis (MK) in Uganda.Methods: We prospectively recruited patients presenting with MK at two main eye units in Southern Uganda between December 2016 and March 2018. We collected information on clinical history and presentation, microbiology and 3-month outcomes. Poor vision was defined as vision < 6/60).Results: 313 individuals were enrolled. Median age was 47 years (range 18-96) and 174 (56%) were male. Median presentation time was 17 days from onset (IQR 8-32). Trauma was reported by 29% and use of Traditional Eye Medicine by 60%. Majority presented with severe infections (median infiltrate size 5.2 mm); 47% were blind in the affected eye (vision < 3/60). Microbiology was available from 270 cases: 62% were fungal, 7% mixed (bacterial and fungal), 7% bacterial and 24% no organism detected. At 3 months, 30% of the participants were blind in the affected eye, while 9% had lost their eye from the infection. Delayed presentation (overall p = .007) and prior use of Traditional Eye Medicine (aOR 1.58 [95% CI 1.04-2.42], p = .033) were responsible for poor presentation. Predictors of poor vision at 3 months were: baseline vision (aOR 2.98 [95%CI 2.12-4.19], p < .0001), infiltrate size (aOR 1.19 [95%CI 1.03-1.36], p < .020) and perforation at presentation (aOR 9.93 [95% CI 3.70-26.6], p < .0001).Conclusion: The most important outcome predictor was the state of the eye at presentation, facilitated by prior use of Traditional Eye Medicine and delayed presentation. In order to improve outcomes, we need effective early interventions.

Ethnomedicinal survey and mutagenic studies of plants used in Accra metropolis, Ghana.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Majority of people living in Ghana and many other developing countries rely on traditional medicinal plants for their primary healthcare. These plants are used either alone or in combination to manage a wide range of ailments. However, most of these plants have not been investigated for their mutagenic effects. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study, therefore aimed at evaluating the mutagenic activity of the most frequently used medicinal plants amongst Ghanaians living within the Accra metropolis, Ghana. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Validated questionnaires were administered to 53 herbalists and herbal medicines dealers in the Makola, Madina and Nima communities. Plants that were identified as being frequently used were investigated for their mutagenicity using the Ames test. RESULTS: A total of 110 medicinal plants belonging to 53 families were identified as most frequently used plants in the study sites. These are used to treat various ailments including gastric ulcer, fever, malaria, male impotence, diabetes, typhoid, high blood pressure and candidiasis. Thirteen samples (52%) showed moderate to high mutagenicity in the TA 100 bacterial strain before and after metabolism with rat liver enzyme. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that over half of the frequently used medicinal plants showed moderate to high mutagenicity before and after metabolism at the concentration of a 100 µg/mL. This may have implications for the safety of those who use them to manage diseases. These findings will suggest the need for an in-depth study of the mutagenic potentials of plants commonly used by indigenous people and more especially for those exhibiting high mutagenicity in this study.

The dental complications of canine tooth bud removal in 2-12 years old children in Northwest Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE: Canine tooth bud removal is a process of gouging out an infant's canine tooth buds, using unsterile tools such as Sharpe blade, garlic, or knitting needle, without anesthesia. The aim of the study was to reveal dental complications of canine tooth bud removal among children who visited the dental clinic of the University of Gondar hospital. This study was an institution-based cross-sectional conducted from January 2015 to September 2016 at the University of Gondar hospital on 2-12 years children. The tooth was assessed for whether it had previously oral mutilated or not. In addition to this, the oral cavity was evaluated for the presence of missed, malformed or normal canine. RESULTS: A group of 355 children aged 2-12 years was examined clinically. The mean age of the children was 7.32 ± 3.12 (SD). The prevalence of canine tooth bud removal was 86.8% which was high in 6-9 years old (54.87%) and first position children (40.26%). The most common dental complications were; malformed enamel (hypoplastic) canine (48.5%) and missed/unerupted canine (38.6%).

A closer look at the spectrum of drug-induced liver injury in sub-Saharan Africa.

Introduction: Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) has become the most frequent cause of acute liver failure in high-income countries. However, little is known about the determinants of DILI in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where the prescription of antimicrobials and the use of potentially hepatotoxic traditional medicine are common. Areas covered: Based on an extensive literature search, we summarize current data available on the epidemiology and risk factors of DILI in SSA. We discuss the most likely causes of DILI in the region, including antimicrobial therapies and traditional medicine. We also highlight research gaps as well as barriers to diagnosis and management of the condition, and explore ways to address these important challenges. Expert opinion: DILI is underestimated in SSA and several factors challenge its early diagnosis, including lack of information on the causes of DILI in the region, sub-optimal knowledge about the condition among clinicians, and structural difficulties faced by health care systems. In order to better prevent the occurrence of DILI and its complications, it is crucial to enhance awareness among health care providers and patients, adapt drug prescription habits and regulations, and improve current knowledge on the main risk factors for DILI, including host genetic and environmental determinants.

Exploring the effects of peri-partum ingestion of traditional medicine on maternal and foetal outcomes: a prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: In Africa, 80% of women ingest traditional medicine (TM) during pregnancy. Although widely used in Cameroon, no study in has either demonstrated its safety or effectiveness. Hence, we sought to determine the effects of TM ingestions during the peri-partum period on maternal and foetal outcomes. A cohort study was conducted from January to April 2016 in two referral maternity departments of Cameroon. We consecutively enrolled all consenting parturients with gestational age above 28 weeks. We divided them into two groups; exposed and unexposed. The exposure studied was ingestion of TM within 72 h prior to delivery. Variables studied were socio-demographic characteristics, type and frequency of TM ingested and details of labour. RESULTS: We enrolled a total of 603 parturients of whom 147 in the exposed group and 456 in the non-exposed group. The most frequently used TM were honey and Triumfetta pentandra A. Ingestion of TM in the peri-paritum period was associated with intra-partum vaginal bleeding, dystocic labour, tachysystole and uterine atony. No adverse neonatal outcome was observed. Overall, these findings could help guide the direction of future research into the safety and potential benefits of peri-partum TM use, as well as serving as a preliminary reference for counselling.

Tetanus after application of traditional topical treatment to a severe burn.

A 2-year-old child was accompanied by his parents to the pediatric emergency room for refusal to eat, trismus and generalized contractures four days after the application of a traditional topical treatment (Cassava leaves) on lesions of a severe thermal burn. A temperature of 38̊C, a heart rate of 114 beats/min, and a blood pressure of 90/60 mm Hg were recorded. The tetanus vaccination was not up to date. The diagnosis of tetanus was immediately suggested. Antitetanus serum (immunoglobulin), an antibiotic (amoxicillin and clavulanic acid), and a myorelaxant (benzodiazepine) were administered. Local treatments were also performed. The child died within 24 hours.

Agony resulting from cultural practices of canine bud extraction among children under five years in selected slums of Makindye: a cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Canine Bud Extraction (CBE) is a process of removing or gouging children's healthy canine tooth buds embedded underneath the gum using traditional unsterilized tools. The practice of CBE commonly known as false teeth removal continues to be an adopted cultural intervention of choice, in the prevention of morbidity and mortality from common childhood illnesses. However, it is a practice against the rights of the children with serious consequences. While CBE is associated with the perceived myth of curative gains, the agony emanating from the cultural practice exposes children to ill-health conditions such as dehydration, malnutrition, blood-borne diseases like HIV/AIDs, septicemia, fever and death. This research sought to understand the factors underpinning the practice of CBE among urban slum dwellers. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted from five randomly selected slums in Makindye division; 298 household heads or guardians with children below 5 years, who had ever suffered from false teeth were interviewed. The variables measured included guardians' socio-demographic profiles, determinants of CBE, common childhood illnesses assumed to be treated with CBE and the reported side-effects associated with the practice. RESULTS: Of the 298 respondents with children who had ever suffered from "false teeth" interviewed, 56.7% had two or more children below 5 years and 31.9% were from the central region. The proportion of households practicing CBE was 90.3%; 69.8% of the caretakers mentioned that it was done by traditional healers and for 12.1% by trained health workers (dentists). Number of children (OR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.1-7.2) and the belief that CBE is bad (OR = 0.1, 95% CI: < 0.001, p < 0.001) had a statistically significant association with CBE. Additionally, number of children (χ2 = 4.9, p = 0.027) and 2 sets of beliefs (CBE treats diarrhea (χ2 = 12.8, p = 0.0017) and CBE treats fever (χ2 = 15.1, p = 0.0005) were independent predictors of CBE practice. A total of 55.7% respondents knew that there were side effects to CBE and 31% mentioned death as one of them. CONCLUSION: The high proportion of households practicing CBE from this study ought to awaken the perception that the practice is ancient. CBE in this community as the study suggests was strongly driven by myths. The strong belief that CBE is bad provides an opportunity for concerted effort by primary health care providers, policy makers and the community to demystify the myths associated with false teeth and the gains of CBE.

Current status of nylon teeth myth in Tanzania: a cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Nylon teeth myth is a belief of associating infant illnesses with bulges on infants' alveolus that mark the positions of underlying developing teeth and that it is necessary to treat the condition mainly by traditional healers to prevent infant death. The traditional treatment often leads to serious complications that may lead to infant death. Although the government instituted educational campaigns against the myth in 1980s to 1990s, to date, repeated unpublished reports from different parts of the country indicate continued existence of the myth. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the current status of the nylon teeth myth in Tanzania. METHODS: The study population was obtained using the WHO Oral Health pathfinder methodology. A structured questionnaire inquired about socio-demographics as well as experiences with "nylon teeth" myth and its related practices. Odds ratios relating to knowledge and experience of the nylon teeth myth were estimated. RESULTS: A total of 1359 respondents aged 17 to 80 years participated in the study. 614 (45%) have heard of nylon teeth myth, of whom 46.1% believed that nylon teeth is a reality, and 42.7% reported existence of the myth at the time of study. Being residents in regions where nylon teeth myth was known before 1990 (OR = 8.39 (6.50-10.83), p < 0.001) and/or hospital worker (OR = 2.97 (1.99-4.42), p < 0.001) were associated with having have heard of nylon teeth myth. Proportionately more residents in regions where nylon teeth myth was not known before 1990 (p < 0.001), the educated (p < 0.001) and hospital workers (p < 0.001) believed modern medicine, whereas, proportionately more residents in regions where nylon teeth was known before 1990 (p < 0.001), less educated (p < 0.001) and non-hospital workers (p < 0.001) believed traditional medicine to be the best treatment for symptoms related to nylon teeth myth respectively. CONCLUSION: The "nylon teeth" myth still exists in Tanzania; a substantial proportion strongly believe in the myth and consider traditional medicine the best treatment of the myth related conditions.

Penile transplantation as an appropriate response to botched traditional circumcisions in South Africa: an argument against.

Traditional male circumcision is a deeply entrenched cultural practice in South Africa. In recent times, there have been increasing numbers of botched circumcisions by untrained and unscrupulous practitioners, leading to genital mutilation and often, the need for penile amputation. Hailed as a world's first, a team of surgeons conducted the first successful penile transplant in Cape Town, South Africa in 2015. Despite the euphoria of this surgical victory, concerns about the use of this costly intervention in a context of severe resource constraints have been raised. In this paper, we explore some of the ethical implications of penile transplants as a clinical and public health response to the adverse consequences of traditional male circumcision. Given the current fiscal deficits in healthcare and public health sectors, how can one justify costly, high-technology interventions for conditions affecting a small section of the population? Since botched traditional male circumcisions are preventable, is a focus on penile transplantation as a form of treatment reasonable? Finally, do such interventions create undue expectations and false hope among a highly vulnerable and stigmatised group of young men? In this paper, we argue that given limited healthcare resources in South Africa and competing healthcare needs, prevention is a more appropriate response to botched traditional circumcisions than penile transplants.

[Plant Traditional Treatment with Acalypha indica Inducing Haemolysis in Patients with G6PD Deficiency: A Frequent Circumstance in Mayotte?] / Phytothérapie traditionnelle par Acalypha indica induisant un accident hémolytique chez les patients porteurs d'un déficit en G6PD : une circonstance fréquente à Mayotte ?

A traditional treatment by plants with Acalypha indica L. can induce an intravascular haemolysis in patients with a glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. This information is poorly diffused in areas where the plant grows, where it is consumed for ethnomedicinal purpose and where G6PD deficiency prevalence is high; as a consequence, the probability of haemolytic accidents is presumably underestimated. It seems frequent in Mayotte according to local recent data reporting. Such accidents were previously only, and on a rare basis, reported in Sri Lanka. It seems necessary, at least in Mayotte, to inform patients, or the patients' relatives, about the potential risk in case of using traditional medicine by plants, in addition to all other circumstances able to induce haemolysis in G6PD deficiency.

Une phytothérapie traditionnelle par des remèdes contenant Acalypha indica L. est susceptible d'induire un accident hémolytique intravasculaire, potentiellement grave, chez les patients déficitaires en glucose-6-phosphate-déshydrogénase (G6PD). La toxicité potentielle de cette plante est connue, mais peu diffusée. Dans les régions où elle pousse et où coexistent un recours fréquent à la médecine traditionnelle et une prévalence élevée du déficit en G6PD, elle devrait être systématiquement recherchée. La situation semble fréquente à Mayotte, et n'avait jusqu'alors été signalée que rarement au Sri Lanka. Il semble indispensable que dans ces régions, les patients ou leurs parents soient systématiquement informés du risque potentiel en cas de recours à une médecine traditionnelle par les plantes, en plus des facteurs déclenchants habituellement recherchés.

Barriers to safe abortion access: uterine rupture as complication of unsafe abortion in a Ugandan girl.

A 15-year-old girl at 18 weeks gestation by the last menstrual period presented to a rural Ugandan healthcare facility for termination of her pregnancy as a result of rape by her uncle. Skilled healthcare workers at the facility refused to provide the abortion due to fear of legal repercussions. The patient subsequently obtained an unsafe abortion by vaginal insertion of local herbs and sharp objects. She developed profuse vaginal bleeding and haemorrhagic shock. She was found to have uterine rupture and emergent hysterectomy was performed. Young and poor women are at high risk of unplanned pregnancy and subsequent mortality during pregnancy and childbirth. Unsafe abortion is a leading and entirely preventable cause of maternal mortality worldwide. Multiple barriers restrict access to safe abortions including social and moral stigma, gender-based power imbalances, inadequate contraceptive use and sexual education, high cost and poor availability, and restrictive abortion laws.

Fluoroquinolone-Resistant Alcaligenes faecalis Related to Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media, Angola.

We found that 20 (10.6%) of 188 patients with chronic suppurative otitis media in Angola were co-colonized with fluoroquinolone-resistant Alcaligenes faecalis, commonly found in birds. A likely explanation for our findings was the use of bird feces by residents as a traditional remedy to prevent ear secretions caused by primary ear infection.

Noma as a complication of false teeth (Ebiino) extraction: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Ebiino, also known as false tooth extraction, is a traditional practice done mainly in the remote areas of African countries, including Uganda. It involves the extraction of tooth buds in babies with common childhood illnesses such as fever, cough, and diarrhea. It is thought that the tooth buds are responsible for the ailments seen in these infants. The practice is performed by traditional healers using unsterile instruments. The complications associated with this dangerous practice have been mentioned in the literature and include anemia and septicemia, among others. This case report describes a baby with noma, an orofacial gangrenous infection. CASE PRESENTATION: A 16-month-old girl from western Uganda belonging to the Banyankole ethnic group was admitted to Mbarara University Teaching Hospital with a 5-day history of a dark lesion on the left cheek. The lesion had started from the left upper gum at the site where a tooth bud had been extracted 1 week prior to admission. The child had experienced occasional cough and fever and also had erupting tooth buds. These tooth buds had been seen as the cause of the cough and fever by the traditional herbalist; hence, they were extracted. An unsterile instrument had been used for the procedure. At the hospital, a local examination showed necrotic tissue involving the left cheek and extending into the left upper gingival area of the girl's mouth. A clinical diagnosis of orofacial gangrene (noma) was then made. CONCLUSIONS: Ebiino, or false tooth extraction, is still practiced in some remote areas of Uganda. Noma has been mentioned as a possible complication of this traditional practice; however, case reports in the literature are scant. Public awareness of the dangers of this practice is therefore still required to prevent this dangerous complication.

'The child that tiire doesn't give you, God won't give you either.' The role of Rotheca myricoides in Somali fertility practices.

The paper introduces the Baanashada Dumarka, a Somali fertility therapy carried out by a spirit medium, known locally as 'Alaqad. Baanashada is aimed at women whose fertility issues are believed to be caused by spirits. The study also explores a component of the Baanashada, namely, the use of tiire (Rotheca myricoides), or the butterfly bush. Although Rotheca myricoides is known to possess a number of medicinal components as confirmed by studies of modern science, so far, there exist no studies on its potential (or lack of) fertility effects. Hence, the alleged fertility benefits of the butterfly bush need examining. In 2008 a British Somali woman died of herbs placed in her cervix by a traditional healer in Somaliland. This piece of information indicated not only the role of herbal medicine in fertility practices, but also the popularity of traditional reproductive medicine beyond border, class or educational background. Yet, current research into Somali women's health focuses mainly on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), examined often without the context of wider cultural practices. This paper, however, suggests that rituals, beliefs and material culture play a paramount role in women's practices. For example, as explored elsewhere, the wagar, a wooden and sacred object made of the African olive, is critical for fertility practices. The current paper illuminates further the significance of reproduction practices in Somali society and the potential continuity of traditions associated with the perpetuation of kinship. It concludes that fertility rituals are part of a wider context of interaction with sacred landscapes, objects and archaeological sites, often associated with past legends in the Horn of Africa.

Factors affecting illness in the developing world: chronic disease, mental health and traditional medicine cures.

This is a case report of a 24-year-old Ethiopian woman with a medical history of hepatosplenic schistosomiasis. She suffers from chronic liver failure and portal hypertension. She has been hospitalised for 'hysteria' in the past but did not receive follow-up, outpatient treatment or psychiatric evaluation. After discontinuing her medications and leaving her family to use holy water, a religious medicine used by many Ethiopians, she was found at a nearby monastery. She was non-communicative and difficult to arouse. The patient was rushed to nearby University of Gondar Hospital where she received treatment for hepatic encephalopathy and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Her illness is the result of neglected tropical disease, reliance on traditional medicine as opposed to biomedical services and the poor state of psychiatric care in the developing world.

Posterior uterine rupture secondary to use of herbs leading to peritonitis and maternal death in a primigravida following vaginal delivery of a live baby in western Uganda: a case report.

Uterine rupture is a potentially avoidable complication resulting in poor perinatal and maternal outcomes. This case had a number of unusual features including delivery of a healthy live baby; spontaneous posterior uterine rupture in a primigravida (and unscarred uterus); and delayed presentation with signs of peritonitis and sepsis rather than haemorrhage. A 19-year old primigravida had a vaginal delivery of a live infant at term, reporting having taken herbs to induce labour. She deteriorated and was transferred to our unit where she was found to have reduced consciousness, a distended abdomen and signs of sepsis. At laparotomy there was blood-stained ascites, signs of peritonitis and a posterior lower segment uterine rupture. A sub-total hysterectomy was performed but the patient's condition worsened resulting in maternal death 5 days post-operatively. This case highlights a number of differences in the presentation, management and outcomes of uterine rupture in resource-poor compared to resource-rich countries.