Molecular epidemiology of Giardia duodenalis infection in humans in Southern Ethiopia: a triosephosphate isomerase gene-targeted analysis.

BACKGROUND: Giardia duodenalis is a species complex consisting of multiple genetically distinct assemblages. The species imposes a major public health crisis on developing countries. However, the molecular diversity, transmission dynamics and risk factors of the species in these countries are indeterminate. This study was conducted to determine the molecular epidemiology of G. duodenalis infection in asymptomatic individuals in Southern Ethiopia. METHODS: From March to June 2014, fresh stool samples were collected from 590 randomly selected individuals. Socio-demographic data were gathered using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. The genotyping was done using triosephosphate isomerase gene-based nested polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing. The genetic identity and relatedness of isolates were determined using the basic local alignment search tool and phylogenetic analysis. Risk factors associated with G. duodenalis infection were analysed using binary and multinomial logistic regression models. RESULTS: The results showed that 18.1% (92/509) of the study subjects were infected by G. duodenalis. Among the isolates, 35.9% (33/92) and 21.7% (20/92) were sub-typed into assemblages A and B, respectively, whereas 42.4% (39/92) showed mixed infections of A and B. Most of the assemblage A isolates (94%,31/33) were 100% identical to sequences registered in GenBank, of which the majority belonged to sub-assemblage AII. However, the high genetic variability and frequency of double peaks made sub-genotyping of assemblage B more problematic and only 20% (4/20) of the isolates matched 100% with the sequences. The risk factors of age (P = 0.032) and type of drinking water source (P = 0.003) both showed a significant association with the occurrence G. duodenalis infection. CONCLUSIONS: This study established the endemicity of G. duodenalis in Southern Ethiopia. Infection with assemblage A was more frequent than with assemblage B, and the rate of infection was higher in children and in municipal/tap and open spring water consumers than the other groups. Sub-typing of assemblage B and determining the origin of double peaks were challenging. The present study confirms the need for further inclusive studies to be conducted focusing on sub-types of assemblage B and the origin of heterogeneity.

Efficient attractants and simple odor-baited sticky trap for surveillance of Anopheles arabiensis Patton mosquito in Ethiopia.

INTRODUCTION: Many efforts have been made to ease the burden of malaria through vector control, among whichis the development of odor-baited traps and evaluation of efficient attractants that could replace host odor. However, most traps and evaluated attractants are expensive, which poor communities cannot afford. This study was conductedwith the aim to devise asimple and affordable odor-baited trap and to investigate effective but affordable attractants for trapping Anopheles arabiensis. METHODOLOGY: First, an odor-baited sticky trap was developed; next, an experimental study with randomized design was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of selected attractants for trapping Anopheles arabiensis using the designed trap from June to August 2014. Laboratory strain Anopheles arabiensis were obtainedfrom the Adama Malaria Research and Training Center Insectary. Wild Anopheline mosquito larvae were collected from a temporary breeding site, reared in Asendabo Vector Biology Laboratory, and tested. RESULTS: A simple odor-baited sticky trap was designed. Selected attractants were tested for attracting efficiency using the designed trap. Among the evaluated attractants, cow urine, which was kept for four days, attracted significantly more wild population and laboratory strains of the Anopheles arabiensisthan a worn sock alone and the combination of cow urine and a worn sock. CONCLUSIONS: Although further comparison studies with other standard traps are needed, the designed trap in conjunction with efficient attractant is shown to be effective for mosquito surveillance. Of the tested attractants, cow urine was anefficient attractant both for the wild population and the laboratory strain of Anohpeles arabiensis.

Are cosmetics used in developing countries safe? Use and dermal irritation of body care products in jimma town, southwestern ethiopia.

Background. Rabbit skin model was used to test skin irritation of the most commonly used cosmetic products in Jimma town, southwestern Ethiopia. The most commonly used cosmetics were Dove, Glysolid, College, Top Society, Fair and Lovely, Nivea, Lux, Magic fruit world, Solea, Body talk, Kris, Holly, Victoria, and Sweet Heart. Methods. Intact and abraded rabbit skins were tested for erythema and edema under shade and under sun exposure. Draize Primary Irritation Index (PII) was used to calculate skin irritation of each cosmetic. Cosmetic ingredients were analyzed from the labels. Results and Discussion. Only Dove cream caused no skin irritation except for an abraded skin under sun exposure for five consecutive days. It has been identified that application of cosmetics on abraded skin under sunny condition worsens the irritation. Cosmetic labels revealed that most ingredients used in all products were those restricted chemicals due to their adverse health effects. Conclusion. This study has concluded that use of cosmetics under sunshine and also on abraded skin increases skin irritation. Hence, those users who have abraded skin are advised not to apply those cosmetics on continuous basis specifically under sun exposure.