Kassala State Research Articles

A recent chikungunya outbreak associated with the occurrence of Aedes vectors (Diptera: Culicidae) in Kassala state, eastern Sudan in 2018.

Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) are primary vectors of human arboviral diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika viruses. Aedes aegypti is well distributed in Sudan, except in Northern and Khartoum states, while Ae. albopictus has not been previously reported. Recently, Eastern Sudan witnessed an unprecedented large outbreak of chikungunya fever between 31 May 2018 and 30 March 2019. The outbreak was composed of four waves; one of them was in Kassala state. Aedes survey in localities of Kassala state (rather than Kassala city) is carried out to assess the possible expansion of the disease in the state. The results showed the presence of immature stages of Aedes spp. in four localities from ten localities. From the four localities that recorded Aedes spp., two localities (Rural Kassala and West Kassala) were reported with chikungunya cases. From this investigation, Ae. albopictus was reported for the first time in Sudan. Also, this investigation showed the importance of conducting entomological surveys with epidemiological surveys during outbreaks of arboviral diseases.

Assessment of the Learning styles of MBBS Students at the University of Kassala, Kassala State, Sudan, 2022

Introduction : Since the 1970s, Learning styles of health science students have been researched. It’s important to know the Learning styles of medical students these will be rewarding for both the instructor and the student. Objectives: This study aims to determine the learning styles of the medical students at the University of Kassala . Methodology: Cross sectional descriptive study conducted between 21/3/22 to 23/8/22 at the University of Kassala. After collecting the completed questionnaires, the data was analyzed using R language software Version R i386 4.0.2 . Results: Out of 251 study sample, 228 responded with Questionnaire response rate of 90.8%. Wrong filled questionnaires were excluded resulting in 206 usable survey. 66.50485 % of our participants were females, 33.49515 % were males. The average age of the participants in years was 21.71359 +/- 1.933755. Reflectors (61.16505%) were the most prevalent learning style among medical students at the University of Kassala. Differences was noted in learning styles among the different sexes (p-value= 0.0371). No difference between the educational levels concerning the learning style (p-value = 0.09029). The living area does not affect the learning style (P-value = 0.3143). Conclusion and recommendations: Most of our students are reflectors, thus they prefer to watch rather than practice, they might be good at subjects that are more of watching type more than subjects that need practice. The results reveal the need to endorse self-directed learning. Further research is need to identify the most reliable teaching modality and instructional strategies. Keywords: Learning styles, Klob’s Inventory, Medical students DOI: 10.7176/JEP/13-30-01 Publication date: October 31 st 2022

Metagenomic detection of eumycetoma causative agents from households of patients residing in two Sudanese endemic villages in White Nile State.

Eumycetoma is a chronic debilitating fungal disease endemic to tropical and subtropical regions, with Sudan featuring the highest eumycetoma incidence. Among the 50 species of fungi most commonly associated with eumycetoma Madurella mycetomatis (M. mycetomatis) is often referenced as the most common pathogen. However, there is an enormous knowledge gap related to this neglected disease and its pathogenesis, epidemiological features, and host-specific factors that could contribute to either the host susceptibility and resistance. In this study, we were able to utilize a metagenomic approach and samples collected from clinical black grains (BG) and familiar household environments aimed to assay both the habitat of eumycetoma-associated fungi and its possible connection with eumycetoma patients living in two different eumycetoma endemic villages within the White Nile State of Sudan. DNA sequencing targeting the fungal ITS2 domain was performed on soil, animal dung, housing walls and roofs, and Acacia-species thorn samples and compared with culture-dependent methods of fungal isolation. Additionally, we compared the soil samples obtained in the endemic zone with that from non-endemic zones, including Wagga village in Kassala State and Port Sudan suburb in Port Sudan State. Overall, a total of 392 Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) were detected by ITS2 metagenomics Eumycetoma causative organisms accounted for 10% of total ASVs which included 11 genera: Exserohilum (2%), Aspergillus (1.7%), Curvularia (1%), Alternaria (0.9%), Madurella (0.5%), Fusarium (0.4%), Cladosporium (0.2%) Exophiala (0.15%), and, in a lesser extent, Microascus (0.05%) Bipolaris and Acremonium (0.01%) for each. Only five genera were identified by culture method, which included Fusarium (29%), Aspergillus (28%), Alternaria (2.5%), Bipolaris (1.6%), and Chaetomium (0.8%). M. mycetomatis was detected within all the studied patients' houses, accounting for 0.7% of total sequences. It was the first common eumycetoma-associated agent detected in soil samples and the third common in the dung and wall samples. In contrast, it was not detected in the roof or thorn samples nor in the soils from non-endemic regions. Exserohilum rostratum, Aspergillus spp and Cladosporium spp were detected in all samples. M. mycetomatis and other eumycetoma-associated fungal identified in the patients' black grains (BG) samples by metagenomics were identified in the environmental samples. Only Acremonium alternatum and Falciformispora senegalensis, responsible for eumycetoma in two patients were not detected, suggesting the infections in these patients happened outside these endemic areas. The soil, animal dung, and houses built from the same soil and dung are the main risk factors for M. mycetomatis infection in these endemic villages. Furthermore, the poor hygienic and environmental conditions, walking barefooted, and the presence of animals within the houses increase the risk of M. mycetomatis and other fungi causing eumycetoma.

The Role of Bone Marrow Aspiration in Diagnosis of Hypersplenism and other Diseases in Kassala Area Eastern Sudan, October 2016-October 2017

Introduction: Bone marrow aspiration (BMA) is an important tool in diagnosis of many haematological and non-haematological diseases. BMA usually done together with complete blood cell count (CBC) and peripheral blood picture. BMA needed for diagnosis of hypersplinsm. BMA alone is sufficient for diagnosis of megaloblastic anaemia, microcytic anaemia, acute leukaemia, chronic myeloid leukaemia, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). The objective of this study was to determine the indication of bone Aspiration (BMA) in Kassala state eastern Sudan. Identify the important of BMA in diagnosis of hyperslenism and other diseases in the area. Methodology: All cases for BMA referred from different hospitals and health centres in Kassala state. Seventy-one cases of bone marrow aspiration conducted at the Department of Pathology Faculty of Medicine, Kassala University from October 2016 to October 2017. Blood cell count and peripheral blood picture done for all patients subjected for bone marrow aspiration. Clinical information, physical examination, BMA results and other investigations recorded in specially designed form. Data entered on SPSS version 15 and statistically analyse. Results: In 71 of patients underwent BMA, 46 (64.8%) of them with splenomegaly. Twenty (44%) of patients with splenomegaly was due to bilharzia, 18 (39%) due to malaria, two due to malignancy (4%), two (4%) due Visceral Leishmaniosis and two unrevealed causes. Out of the cases with splenomegaly 34 (73.9%) showed features of hypersplenism. Non-splenomegaly cases, 8(32%), 3(12%), 2(8%), iron deficiency, haemolytic, aplastic, and megaloblastic anaemia respectively. 4 cases diagnosed as Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia (ITP). Two cases diagnosed as acute leukaemia. Conclusion: Bone marrow aspiration was very important tool for diagnosis of hypersplenism, endemic diseases in the area and other haematological disorders.

West Nile Virus Seroprevalence and Cross-Neutralization in Sera from Eastern and Central Sudan

Objectives: In regions with co-existing flaviviruses, the diagnosis of previous West Nile virus (WNV) infections is challenging due to cross-reacting antibodies. The aim of the study was to determine the frequency of previous WNV infections in sera from three Sudanese states by excluding potentially dengue virus (DENV) and ZIKV cross-reacting sera and to determine the percentage of WNV cross-neutralizing sera from individuals with previous DENV infection. Methods: Serum samples from Kassala, North Kordofan, and Red Sea state were screened for antibodies against DENV by ELISA. Sera without DENV antibodies (N = 106) and a matched set of sera with DENV antibodies (N = 108) was selected. In all blood samples the frequency of WNV-neutralizing antibodies and the antibody titers were measured with microplate neutralization assays. DENV and Zika virus (ZIKV) microplate neutralization assays were performed with all WNV neutralizing sera of the DENV negative group. Results: A fraction of 30.2% of the DENV antibody negative sera neutralized WNV. The seroprevalence increased with age from 9.5% to 41.7%. Men and women were equally affected. The percentage of DENV positive sera that neutralized WNV was 83.3%. DENV positive sera had higher WNV neutralization titers than DENV negative sera. Conclusions: A significant fraction of the DENV antibody negative sera from three regions in Sudan showed serologic evidence of previous WNV infection. In comparison, the large majority of DENV antibody positive sera had WNV neutralizing antibodies. Studies are needed to identify clinical cases of WNV infection and to determine whether individuals with cross-neutralizing antibodies are protected from WNV disease.

Blood transfusion malaria among blood donors in the Central Blood Bank in Kassala State, Sudan

Background and aims:
 Although blood transfusion is generally believed to save human lives, blood can be a vehicle for the transmission of some infectious and parasitic diseases including malaria. So, this study aims to determine the prevalence of blood transfusion malaria among blood donors in the Central Blood Bank in Kassala State, according to age and blood groups.
 Materials and methods:
 A cross-sectional study was carried out in the central blood bank in Kassala State among blood donors; this study involved one hundred blood samples, collected from donors aged from 18 to 41 years. 
 Results:
 The results showed that 1 (1%) of the donors was infected with the malaria parasite. The results also showed that the species of the malaria parasite was Plasmodium falciparum; the other Plasmodium species were not found. The results revealed that most donors were blood group O, while AB was the least common blood group; the blood group that harbored the malaria parasite was blood group O, and the other blood groups tested negative. The results also showed the highest number of blood donors was found in the age group of 24-29, and the positive donor was found in the same age group. 
 Conclusions:
 Both the blood films and immune chromatography test showed one positive result for the donor and the percentage of blood transfusion malaria was 1%.

Using Local Radio in Spreading Healthy Awareness of Covid 19 Pandemic

The study aims to identify the use of local radio in spreading health and to, awareness to limit the spread of the corona virus in Kassala state, and to identify the most effective media in spreading the health message among Citizens, the researcher used the descriptive analytical method, and the Sample of the study is an intentional sample. Kassala state radio employees and some medical personnel who participated in the development of programs concerned with providing health instructions to limit spread corona virus, and the number of its members is (30) Individuals. the (SPSS) program and the study reached a number of results the most important of which are: the results of the study showed that the major role in limiting the spread of the corona virus in Kassala state, the results of the study revealed that the warning and guidance methods used by Kassala radio in its programs are among the most Effective health methods to limit the spread of the corona virus in the state. the results of the study revealed that Kassala state radio did not seek the assistance of experts in field. the health field especially epidemiology to develop plans and strategies for the implementation of radio programs especially health.

Field Response of Tephritid Fruit Flies (Diptera) to Fruit Juice of Some Botanicals and Implications for Bio-Rationale Pest Management in Sudan

Fruit flies belonging to the order Tephritidae are the most notorious pests that attack various fruit and vegetable species, causing severe economic losses. Guava orchards at Elfaki Hashim; North of Khartoum, (Khartoum State) and Elsawagi Elgenobia (Kassala State) in the middle and east of Sudan respectively were selected to assess the response of some Tephritids to water extracts (WE) of mango, guava, apple, cucumber, and ready-made juice of mango (Crystal®; Crystal Industrial Co. Ltd, Araak Group; crystal@araak.com) against Torula yeast (a standard fruit fly attractant) and water (control) baited in locally made traps. The trial was performed as Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated 3 times for 5 consecutive weeks at each site. Highly significant differences were recorded between attractants and the interaction between attractants and times (weeks) on trapping different species of fruit flies. Five species of fruit flies; Ceratitis capitata, Bactrocera dorsalis, Zeugodacus cucurbitae, Ceratitis cosyra, and Ceratitis quinaria, were found to respond positively to all tested materials at both sites. The greatest number of C. capitata flies was caught by traps equipped with ready-made Crystal® mango juice at the Elfaki Hashim site. The mean number of B. dorsalis attracted to the WEs of mango and guava at Elsawagi Elgenobia site was statistically identical to that of the same species lured to Torula yeast, 83.7, 70.3, and 111.5 flies /trap/week, respectively. Attractants extracted from botanicals are cost-free and easily prepared by farmers for mass trapping of fruit flies. More studies regarding active ingredients, doses, and the number of traps utilized per area should be considered.

Serological, virological and molecular diagnosis of an outbreak of lumpy skin disease among cattle in Butana area, Eastern Sudan.

BackgroundLumpy skin disease (LSD) is a highly infectious disease of cattle caused by a virus of the Poxviridae family, genus Capripoxvirus. The disease has great economic effects on the global cattle industry. In this study, an outbreak of LSD among cattle which occurred in Nahr Atbara and Halfa El Jadida locations in Butana area, Kassala State in November, 2020 is described.MethodsLumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) antibody and nucleic acid were detected in specimens (n = 50) using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).ResultsThe virus was isolated on the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of embryonated chicken eggs and identified by PCR. The number of animals at risk was 295 with a morbidity rate of 4.1% and a mortality rate of 2.4%.ConclusionsLSDV was diagnosed for the first time in the Butana region, Kassala State, Eastern Sudan in 2020.

Echocardiographic surveillance of rheumatic heart disease in West and North Darfur compared with Kassala State: socioeconomic or genetic differences?

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD), a preventable complication of group A beta-haemolytic streptococcal infection, is highly prevalent in Sudan. Echocardiographic (echo) screening has an established role in disease surveillance. This study aims to measure the echo prevalence of RHD using handheld echo (HHE) in West and North Darfur and Kassala states and initiate control programs. School children 10-18 years of age were selected from the three states and HHE screening was performed by trained paediatric residents supervised by cardiologists using a pre-tested protocol. Health worker training and public awareness sessions were carried out. The study was conducted between November 2020 and December 2021. In West Darfur, 1,547 children were screened, echo prevalence was found to be 17.4/1,000, and 22% had moderate to severe disease. In North Darfur, 800 children were screened and echo prevalence was 16.2/1,000, 23% had moderate to severe disease while in Kasala 2,225 children were screened and the prevalence was 3.1/1,000 and all cases were mild. One hundred and fifty-eight health workers were trained and 20,150 people benefited from health education sessions. The prevalence of RHD in Darfur is 5 times more than in Kassala. This may reflect socioeconomic and genetic differences between the two regions. RHD control in Darfur needs to be consolidated, and echo surveillance is an important tool for early detection and the institution of secondary prophylaxis.

Prediction of Acute Renal Failure in Dengue Fever Patients

Background: Dengue virus (DENV) infection is caused by an arboviral strain and is transmitted by the mosquito Aedes aegypti which is found in Sudan especially Red Sea and Kassala states in the east. The disease is known to cause renal disturbances and a thorough understanding of that will potentially help in the prediction, diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Methods: This study is a prospective observational cross sectional study conducted in the Eastern Sudan College of Medical Science and Technology and Port Sudan Teaching Hospital. 200 confirmed Dengue virus infected patients along with 200 healthy appearing adults (control) were enrolled for the study. Statistical analysis was carried out after the collection of patients’ demographic, clinical, and investigational data including serum urea and creatinine values. Ethical approval was obtained from the ministry of health, Red Sea state and informed written consent was obtained from each participant. Results: The highest incidence of DENV infection was observed in individuals of the middle age group (29%). Elevated blood urea levels were detected in 10 (5%) patients while elevated creatinine levels were seen in 17 (8.5%) patients. Although fallen within reference ranges found in the literature, mean blood urea and creatinine values differed significantly between patients and controls and between different categories of the disease. Mean blood urea concentration showed a statistically significant difference between the control (22.3 mg/dl) and the test (28.4 mg/dl) (P value < 0.001). Similarly, mean serum creatinine in the control (0.70 mg/dl) differed significantly (P value < 0.001) from test (0.94 mg/dl). Clinically, fever was present in 97.5% of patients, headache in 95.5%, joints pain in 71%, lethargy in 67%, vomiting in 49%, skin rash in 40%, abdominal pain in 24% and bleeding in 17.5%. Conclusion: We strongly conclude that renal involvement is not uncommon in Dengue fever and that blood urea and creatinine evaluation should be considered in the counseling of DENV infection patients. Patients need to be subjected to necessary laboratory investigations associated with acute kidney injury to decrease the rate of morbidity and mortality associated with the disease.

Assessment of Food Security Status for Gash Area, Kassala State, Sudan

Assessment of Food Security Status for Gash Area, Kassala State, Sudan

Population genetics of Anopheles arabiensis, the primary malaria vector in the Republic of Sudan

BackgroundAnopheles arabiensis is a member of Anopheles gambiae complex and the main malaria vector in Sudan. There is insufficient population genetics data available on An. arabiensis for an understanding of vector population structure and genetics, which are important for the malaria vector control programmes in this country. The objective of this investigation is to study the population structure, gene flow and isolation by distance among An. arabiensis populations for developing control strategies.MethodsMosquitoes were collected from six sites located in three different states in Sudan, Khartoum, Kassala and Sennar, using pyrethrum spray catch of indoor resting mosquitoes. Anopheline mosquitoes were identified morphologically and based on species specific nucleotide sequences in the ribosomal DNA intergenic spacers (IGS). Seven published An. gambiae microsatellite loci primers were used to amplify the DNA of An. arabiensis samples.ResultsPCR confirmed that An. arabiensis was the main malaria vector found in the six localities. Of the seven microsatellite loci utilized, six were found to be highly polymorphic across populations, with high allelic richness and heterozygosity with the remaining one being monomorphic. Deviation from Hardy–Weinberg expectations were found in 21 out of 42 tests in the six populations due to heterozygote deficiency. Bayesian clustering analysis revealed two gene pools, grouping samples into two population clusters; one includes four and the other includes two populations. The clusters were not grouped according to the three states but were instead an admixture. The genetic distances between pairs of populations ranged from 0.06 to 0.24. Significant FST was observed between all pairwise analyses of An. arabiensis populations. The Kassala state population indicated high genetic differentiation (FST ranged from 0.17 to 0.24) from other populations, including one which is also located in the same state. High gene flow (Nm = 1.6–8.2) was detected among populations within respective clusters but limited between clusters particularly with respect to Kassala state. There was evidence of a bottleneck event in one of the populations (Al Haj Yousif site). No isolation by distance pattern was detected among populations.ConclusionsThis study revealed low levels of population differentiation with high gene flow among the An. arabiensis populations investigated in Sudan, with the exception of Kassala state.

Determinants of Household Energy Choice for Cooking in Northern Sudan: A Multinomial Logit Estimation.

Traditional biomass utilization is connected with negative environmental and human health impacts. However, its transition to cleaner cooking fuels is still low where the household’s fuels preferences play an important role in the process. To examine the factors that influence the household’s cooking fuel choice in Northern Sudan, a multinomial logit model (MNL) was used to analyze data collected from Kassala state in two selected districts, New Halfa and Nahr Atabara. The findings show that the most utilized fuels are still firewood and charcoal, which are used by 63.4% of all respondents. The results also revealed that socioeconomic factors have an impact on household fuel choice, where one additional unit of credit access may boost the possibility of choosing LPG by 22.7%. Furthermore, one additional level of education would reduce 5.4% of charcoal users while simultaneously raising 10% of current liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) users. Therefore, the study suggests initiating mobilization and training programs to raise awareness and encourage the usage of cleaner fuels. This study will provide policymakers with information on household cooking energy utilization while designing and developing policies related to energy. It will also contribute to the expanding body of literature concerning the transition to clean cooking fuels from traditional biomass.

Unequal geographic distribution of water and sanitation at the household and school level in Sudan.

The Sudanese Government launched the National SDG-6 Plan and commences its implementation to achieve and sustain universal and equitable access to basic WASH services by 2030. It is critical to understand the geographical heterogeneity of Sudan and patterns in the inequality of access to safe drinking water and sanitation. Through such research, the disease control strategy can be optimized, and resource allocation can be prioritized. We explored spatial heterogeneity and inequality in access to improved water and sanitation across Sudan by mapping the coverage at both the state and district levels. We decomposed the inequality across Sudan into within-state, between-state, within-district, and between-state inequalities using the Theil L and Theil T indices. We calculated the Gini coefficient to assess the inequality of access to improved water and sanitation, based on the deviation of the Lorenz curve from the line of perfect equality. The study population was 105,167 students aged 8–13 at 1,776 primary schools across the country. Geographical heterogeneity was prominent in the Central Darfur, South Darfur, East Darfur, Kassala, West Kordofan, and Blue Nile States, all of which showed severe inequality in access to an improved latrine at the household level in terms of the Theil T or Theil L index. The overall inequality in the coverage of improved sanitation went beyond the warning limit of 0.4 for the Gini coefficient. The inequality in terms of the Theil L and Theil T indices, as well as the Gini coefficient, was always higher for improved sanitation than for improved water at the household level. Within-state inequality accounted for 66% or more of national inequalities in the distribution of improved sanitation and drinking water for both the Theil L and Theil T indices. This is the first study to measure geographical heterogeneity and inequalities in improved water and sanitation coverage across Sudan. The study may help to prioritize resource allocation to areas with the greatest water and sanitation needs.

The Risk Factors of Chikungunya Fever among Family Member at Kassala Locality 2019

Aedes Aegypti and Aedes Albopictus are responsible vectors for Chikungunya Virus transmission. CHIKV outbreaks are characterized by rapid spread and infection rates as high as 75%. A combination of health system efforts and healthy behavior practices by the community is essential for effective control. The study aimed to identify the risk factors of Chikungunya fever among family member at Kassala locality 2019. Methodology: - This was Descriptive cross-sectional community based study conducted in kassala State (Eastern Sudan) 2019. 386 participants were chosen. Data were collected using designed interview questionnaire. Result: - The prevalence of Chikungunya disease was very high during Kassala outbreak (90.9%). Occupation (2=7.478, p=.048), cover of water containers (2=10.647, P=.003), frequent of time covered water containers (2=10.677, P=.014), use of any insect repellents (2=4.150, P=.049, OR=2.5 (1.0-6.1), attended nutrition education about disease (2=32.98, P=.000, OR=9.6 (3.9-23.9), diagnosed of infection by doctor (2=222.9, P.000, =OR=3.4 (7.0-15.8), knowledge about chickungunya fever (2=35.1, p=.000, OR=10.4 (4.1-26.1) were found significantly associated risk factors of chikungunya infection. The study Concluded that using repellents, cover the water containers, attended nutrition education about disease, rain season and poor knowledge about the disease vector were found as major risk factors of chikungunya infection. Recommendation: - Mosquito control, use of insect repellent and mosquito nets, cover all water containers should be applied to interrupt transmission of disease. Health education should be considered to increase the awerance of the community for the prevention and control Chikungunya outbreaks.

Epidemiology and molecular characterization of re-emerged virulent strains of Peste des Petits Ruminants virus among sheep in Kassala State, Eastern Sudan

BackgroundPeste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is a severe contagious viral disease, which mainly affects small ruminants. PPR is caused by a Morbillivirus that belongs to the family Paramyxoviridae. In this study 12 suspected PPR outbreaks among sheep and goats were investigated in four localities in Kassala State, Eastern Sudan, during 2015—2017. The causative agent was confirmed by a Sandwich Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (sELISA), and a Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) targeting a partial sequence of nucleocapsid protein gene (N- gene) and a partial sequence of fusion protein gene (F- gene). Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were carried out on six N- gene based RT-PCR products selected from two outbreaks occurred on border and inner localities of Kassala State to determine the circulating lineages of PPRV strains. Identity percentages were determined between isolates in this study and previous Sudanese, and other (African and Asian) isolates which clustered along with them.ResultsOut of 30 samples, 22 (73.3%) were positive using sandwich ELISA. From 22 s ELISA positive samples, 17 (77.3%) were positive by Ngene based RT-PCR and only 7(43.8%) out of 16 positive samples by N gene based RT-PCR were positive using Fgene based RT-PCR. The sequencing and phylogenetic analysis confirmed involvement of the lineage IV of PPRV in outbreaks among small ruminants in Kassala State and high identity percentage between our isolates and previous Sudanese and other (African and Asian) isolates.ConclusionsThe present study demonstrates that genetic relationship between PPRV strains circulating in sheep in Kassala State, Eastern Sudan, and PPRV strains characterized as lineage IV in neighboring African countries such as Eretria,Ethiopia, Egypt, and other Asian countries

Sero-prevalence of Toxoplasmosis in patients attending to Kassala Hospital, Kassala State 2016

Toxoplasmosis is intracellular pathogen, caused by the protozoan parasite, belong to the phylum Apicomplexa. The present research aimed to determine the sero-prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among patients attending in Kassala hospital. Blood samples were collected in blood container by using sterile syringes (300), 5 ml of venous blood was drawn and required for the laboratory examination for Latex agglutination and ELISA techniques. high prevalence of T. gondii recorded (56.7%) for Latex Agglutination technique. Age-groups (18-40) showed higher rate of infection 62.2%. Statistical analysis verified no variation according to the gender and contact with cats (P &gt; 0.05). high prevalence calculated, for those eating undercooked meat, drinking row milk, 67.1%, 65.5% respectively. Fainaly the present study recommended to Implantation of health education program, Toxoplasmosis should be checked before donating blood and Improvement of the standard of hygienic, sanitary and disease control.

Relationship of irrigated wheat yield with temperature in hot environments of Sudan

A negative effect of increasing temperature on wheat production in the coming decades has been projected for Sudan, which is a major wheat producer in Sub-Saharan Africa. Wheat is susceptible to high temperature, so trend analysis of historical yields together with observed temperature is critical for understanding the effect of climate change. The objective of this study was to determine the association between yield of irrigated wheat in hot drylands of Sudan and temperature during the growing season (November–February). Regional-scale yield data in three major wheat-producing areas (Northern State, Gezira State, and Kassala State) in 48 crop seasons (1970/71–2017/18) were used to determine the correlation of yield with maximum (TMAX) and minimum temperatures (TMIN) at representative meteorological stations (Dongola, Wad Medani, and New Halfa, respectively). Frequencies of days with maximum temperature above 35 °C (THD) and minimum temperature above 20 °C (THN) were also used for correlation analysis. In all three areas, regression analysis detected upward trends in the growing-season temperature. The increase in temperature was particularly evident at Dongola, although no such trend has been reported previously. The yields were negatively correlated with the growing-season temperature, particularly THN in Northern State, TMAX in Gezira State, and TMIN in Kassala State. These results confirm that the recent increase in the growing-season temperature might have reduced the yield to some extent in the breadbasket of Sudan.

Screening of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) among Newly Diagnosed Tuberculosis Patients in Eastern Sudan.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading cause of death in patients infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and HIV infection is the most potent risk factor for the development of active TB disease from a latent TB infection. This study aims to determine the seroprevalence of HIV among newly diagnosed TB patients in Kassala state eastern Sudan. This was a descriptive, hospital-based, cross-sectional study of 251 active and newly diagnosed TB patients, selected by simple random sampling. Blood samples and demographic data were collected from each patient. TB was diagnosed by direct ZN smear and molecular detection by Xpert MTB/RIF. The serum samples were tested for HIV using 4th generation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The prevalence of HIV was 13.9% (35/251), the infection rate among pulmonary TB was 17%, whereas that in extrapulmonary TB was 4.8%, the prevalence was (18.2%) in the males, and (7.2%) in the females. In conclusion: TB/HIV co-infection in the Eastern part of Sudan was high compared with the global prevalence, all TB patients should therefore be assessed for HIV risk factors and advised to undergo HIV testing.