Transmission Preventive Measures Research Articles

Insights, beliefs, and myths surrounding tuberculosis among pulmonary patients with delayed healthcare access in a high-burden TB state in Nigeria - a qualitative inquiry.

Nigeria grapples with a substantial burden of tuberculosis (TB), particularly in Oyo State, designated as a high-burden State for TB. Effectively addressing this persistent health challenge necessitates more than just medical interventions; it requires a profound understanding of the diverse insights, beliefs, and myths held by TB patients. This qualitative study explores the perspectives of pulmonary TB patients with delayed healthcare access in Oyo State, Nigeria, focusing on their beliefs, and conceptions. In-depth interviews were conducted with 25 TB patients and 20 healthcare providers. Thematic analysis of patients' responses revealed a complex interplay between cultural, spiritual, and biomedical insights. These challenges questioned the germ theory, associating TB with witchcraft and spiritual attacks. Beliefs in hereditary transmission, links between tobacco use and health outcomes, and uncertainties about infection nature underscored disparities influenced by socio-economic factors. Insights into transmission ideas, preventive measures, and treatment beliefs highlighted a blend of culturally influenced and scientifically supported strategies. Healthcare providers' insights emphasized the necessity for targeted health education. These findings contribute to a nuanced understanding of TB perceptions, emphasizing the importance of culturally sensitive interventions to enhance awareness and promote timely and accurate health-seeking behaviors.

A STUDY TO ASSESS PRESENTING FEATURES AND EFFECTS OF PREVENTIVE MEASURES DURING THE COVID-19 THIRD WAVE IN RURAL PART OF DISTRICT LUDHIANA, INDIA: A CASE CONTROL STUDY

Background: COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 11th March 2020. The SARS-CoV-2 virus has mutated over time, which has resulted in genetic variation among population of circulating viral strains over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Preventive measures like vaccination, social distancing, using of face mask and hand hygiene practices played a vital role in mitigating the spread of this pandemic. But were these measures effective enough to curtail this pandemic. Purpose: To assess the presenting features of COVID 19 in the third wave and to assess the effectiveness of preventive measures against COVID 19 during the third wave. Methods: This is a hospital based prospective study where participants were regularly followed up till 14 days, conducted in rural part of North of India. Results: A total of 239 participants were included in this study. The study found that 95% of these participants received first dose of COVID vaccine as compared to 49.8% who received second dose. Some of the participants (39.7%) were not obeying the norms of social distancing. 52.1% of the subjects were using masks, which has been proven to be one of the effective measures for prevention of transmission of COVID 19. 71.1% were practicing hand hygiene measures. Conclusion: Vaccination and using face mask were significantly associated with mitigating the spread of COVID-19 among rural population who visited the health care facility.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding brucellosis in a rural population: A cross-sectional study

Brucellosis is recognized as a significant global zoonotic infection that disproportionately affects low-income settings. A community cross-sectional survey was carried out in a rural setting of northwest Iran between February and May 2023. Rural individuals were interviewed according to a questionnaire with questions about demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices relating to human brucellosis. We employed descriptive statistics to study knowledge, attitudes, and practice patterns. In addition, we applied a multivariable logistic regression model to assess potential predictors of knowledge, attitudes, and practice related to brucellosis using odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Among 700 participants, 91.1% were aware of brucellosis, and 85.7% identified cows, sheep, and goats as primary transmission sources. 75.6% and 78.7% recognized transmission risks via unpasteurized and raw milk products. 60.5% understood the benefits of boiling milk and using gloves. Attitudinally, 64.3% perceived higher risk for livestock owners and supported practices like milk pasteurization (70.5%), protective gear (84.4%), handwashing (92.2%), and animal vaccination (71.0%). 90% expressed a need for more information. In practice, 44.8% exclusively consumed boiled and pasteurized milk, 37.8% consumed fresh cheese, and 92.2% solely consumed thoroughly cooked animal meat. Logistic regression revealed that higher education and no prior history of the disease correlated with good knowledge and attitudes, while older participants displayed inappropriate practices compared to their younger counterparts. This study highlights the reasonably high awareness of brucellosis, particularly regarding transmission sources and preventive measures. However, the gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and practices still exist, with education level emerging as a significant factor. To improve prevention practices, tailored interventions addressing age-related disparities are necessary.

Impact of discontinuation of contact precautions on surveillance- and whole genome sequencing-defined methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus healthcare-associated infections.

Prior studies evaluating the impact of discontinuation of contact precautions (DcCP) on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) outcomes have characterized all healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) rather than those likely preventable by contact precautions. We aimed to analyze the impact of DcCP on the rate of MRSA HAI including transmission events identified through whole genome sequencing (WGS) surveillance. Quasi experimental interrupted time series. Acute care medical center. Inpatients. The effect of DcCP (use of gowns and gloves) for encounters among patients with MRSA carriage was evaluated using time series analysis of MRSA HAI rates from January 2019 through December 2022, compared to WGS-defined attributable transmission events before and after DcCP in December 2020. The MRSA HAI rate was 4.22/10,000 patient days before and 2.98/10,000 patient days after DcCP (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.71 [95% confidence interval 0.56-0.89]) with a significant immediate decrease (P = .001). There were 7 WGS-defined attributable transmission events before and 11 events after DcCP (incident rate ratio 0.90 [95% confidence interval 0.30-2.55]). DcCP did not result in an increase in MRSA HAI or, in WGS-defined attributable transmission events. Comprehensive analyses of the effect of transmission prevention measures should include outcomes specifically measuring transmission-associated HAI.

An Epidemiological Investigation of Acute Diarrheal Disease Outbreak at Urban Area in Borsad Taluka of Anand District

Introduction: Acute Diarrheal Disease (ADD) is affecting millions of people around the world especially in second world nations now a days. Major pathogenic organisms that cause diarrhea, are transmitted through feco-oral route. We investigated an outbreak of Acute Diarrheal Disease at urban area of Borsad taluka, Anand District of Gujarat state with Objectives: 1. To confirm the existence of an outbreak, 2. To know the magnitude and distribution of the outbreak with reference to time, place and person, 3. To identify the source of infection, mode of transmission and implement control and preventive measures. Method: A Cross Sectional Epidemiological study was carried out to investigate the outbreak of acute diarrheal disease cases in urban area of Borsad taluka. We obtained required information from Chief District Health Office, Anand &, Community Health Centre, borsad, conducted house to house survey and also inspected the sanitation and water supply of the affected area. Results: There were 72 cases of acute diarrheal disease. The overall Attack Rate was 0.43%. Majority of the affected population used non-chlorinated water for drinking. Conclusion: The underlying cause for the outbreak of acute diarrheal disease can be co-related by consumption of contaminated water and food. Keywords: Acute Diarrheal Disease, Borsad, Chlorination, Epidemic Investigation.

Predisposing Factors in Preventing The Transmission of Drug-Resistant TBC: A Qualitative Study in Jember

Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (DR TB) is a form of tuberculosis caused by Mtb bacteria resistant to anti-tuberculosis drugs (OAT). The prevalence of DR TB in Jember has significantly increased over the years, and many still refuse treatment. These individuals actively spread the bacteria to people at home or in the workplace. This research aims to identify predisposing factors in preventing the transmission of DR TB based on knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs. It is a qualitative case study involving primary subjects, DR TB patients, additional information from patient support organizations, and health department officials in Kab. Jember. The criteria for research subjects are residing in Kab. Jember, undergoing treatment, and willing to participate. The subject selection technique uses purposive sampling, resulting in 10 individuals. Data collection techniques involve in-depth interviews and observations. Data presentation follows the guidelines of Milles and Huberman, employing Thematic Content Analysis (TCA) for analysis. Data validity checks use credibility and dependability tests with source and technique triangulation. The research results indicate varying knowledge among subjects regarding DR TB prevention, with most obtaining information from healthcare professionals and patient support. In terms of attitude perspectives, all subjects show a positive response, expressing willingness to prevent DR TB transmission. Belief perspectives reveal diverse actions in DR TB transmission prevention. Most trust advice from healthcare professionals and patient support, while a minority still believe in herbal treatments and the culture of "tirah" to support TB treatment. In conclusion, knowledge, attitude, and belief perspectives are positive, but there is room for improvement in the behavior of implementing DR TB transmission prevention measures.

Clinical-radiological features and diagnostic modalities for mediastinal melioidosis.

Melioidosis is a potentially life-threatening infection caused by the Gram-negative bacillus Burkholderia pseudomallei. Mediastinal melioidosis has a range of clinical presentations, making it difficult to diagnose: we therefore reviewed the evidence on the clinical characteristics, radiological features and invasive diagnostic modalities or interventions. An electronic search was conducted on three databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, Google Scholar) from November to December 2022. The initial search yielded 120 results, of which 34 studies met the inclusion criteria, but only 31 full-texts were retrievable. Among these, 4 were cohort studies, 26 case reports or series and 1 a conference abstract. The four main themes covered were mediastinal melioidosis as a diagnostic dilemma, unexpected complications, invasive interventions or an accompanying thoracic feature. Radiological manifestations included matting, necrosis and abscess-like collection. Severe presentations of mediastinal melioidosis included superior vena cava obstruction, sinus tract formation and pericardial tamponade. Transbronchial needle aspiration was the most common invasive diagnostic modality. Further research is needed to understand the relationship between the thoracic features of melioidosis on patient prognosis, its relationship to melioidosis transmission and potential preventive measures.

Intrafamilial transmission risk factors and preventive measures followed by household contacts of hepatitis C patients

Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the most challenging public health problem in Egypt where the prevalence is the highest in the world. Intrafamilial transmission of hepatitis C occurring between patients infected with HCV and their household members sharing the same house and living conditions. Preventive measures of hepatitis C are considered the first line of defense against HCV infection. Aim assess the intrafamilial transmission risk factors and preventive measures followed by household contacts of hepatitis C patients. Design A descriptive cross sectional research design was utilized. Setting The study was conducted at outpatient clinics of Liver Institute at Kafer-Elsheikh Governorate. Sample A simple random sample of 365 household contacts of hepatitis C patients was recruited for the current study. Tool Data was collected through one tool: A structured Interviewing Questionnaire for household contacts of hepatitis C patients which included three parts; part I-(a) Demographic data, (b) Medical history of household contacts, Part II (a) Household contacts knowledge about HCV (b) Hepatitis C risk factors, Part III: Preventive measures followed by household contact of hepatitis C patient: This part is self-reported practices. Results The study revealed that;56.7% of household contacts were males, 72.1% of them were living in rural areas, 75.60% were married, with a mean age ±SD 36.73±9.18 years old.44.1% obtained secondary education, 30.7% were employees, among this group hypertension and diabetes were the main chronic illness. 49.90% had moderate level of general knowledge about HCV infection, 71.50% had low level of knowledge about hepatitis C risk factors and 90.00% had a low level of preventive measures (self-reported practices) regarding HCV. There was no correlation between household contacts knowledge about HCV risk factors and their preventive measures(r=0.031 and P=0.549). Conclusion Almost half of household contacts mentioned that they knew intrafamilial risk factors while about half of this group have a misconception about intrafamilial risk factors, while majority of them stated that they knew sharing scissors and clippers as the main intrafamilial risk factors and less than one-fourth of them knew direct contact with infected blood and sharing of special equitoothbrushesth brushes. Household contacts applied some preventive measures such as; Cover the wound with a piece of cloth or gauze, disinfect the site with alcohol or antiseptic solution and frequent and proper hand washing. Recommendations Routine health assessment of household contacts knowledge regarding intrafamilial risk factors and preventive measures therefore health education sessions should be conducted to raise their awareness regarding HCV infection and further research should be conducted on larger samples of contacts.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices toward Hepatitis B Infection among Healthcare Students—A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study in Jordan

The World Health Organization has estimated that around 66 thousand HBV infection cases are caused by needlestick injuries annually. Healthcare students should be aware of HBV transmission routes and preventive measures. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward HBV among Jordanian healthcare students and its associated factors. A cross-national study was conducted from March to August 2022. The questionnaire was composed of four sections: participants' sociodemographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices about HBV, and 2322 participants were enrolled. The collected responses were analyzed with SPSS software (version 25 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA)) using descriptive statistics, unpaired t-tests, chi-square tests, and multivariate regression analyses. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The results showed that 67.9% were females, 26.4% were medical students, and 35.9% were in their 3rd year. Overall, 40% of the participants held high levels of knowledge and attitudes. Further, 63.9% of participants had good practices toward HBV. Gender, year of study, encountering HBV patients, college, and having extra HBV courses were associated with high levels of KAP. This study demonstrated insufficient knowledge and attitudes toward HBV; however, the practice level toward HBV among healthcare students was promising. Therefore, public health efforts should modify the knowledge and attitude gaps to reinforce awareness and minimize the risk of infection.

CNFRD: A Few-Shot Rumor Detection Framework via Capsule Network for COVID-19

In recent years, COVID-19 has become the hottest topic. Various issues, such as epidemic transmission routes and preventive measures, have “occupied” several online social media platforms. Many rumors about COVID-19 have also arisen, causing public anxiety and seriously affecting normal social order. Identifying a rumor at its very inception is crucial to reducing the potential harm of its evolution to society as a whole. However, epidemic rumors provide limited signal features in the early stage. In order to identify rumors with data sparsity, we propose a few-shot learning rumor detection model based on capsule networks (CNFRD), utilizing the metric learning framework and the capsule network to detect the rumors posted during unexpected epidemic events. Specifically, we constructively use the capsule network neural layer to summarize the historical rumor data and obtain the generalized class representation based on the historical rumor data samples. Besides, we calculate the distance between the epidemic rumor sample and the historical rumor class-wise representation according to the metric module. Finally, epidemic rumors are discriminated against according to the nearest neighbor principle. The experimental results prove that the proposed method can achieve higher accuracy with fewer epidemic rumor samples. This approach provided 88.92% accuracy on the Chinese rumor dataset and 87.07% accuracy on the English rumor dataset, which improved by 7% to 23% over existing approaches. Therefore, the CNFRD model can identify epidemic rumors in COVID-19 as early as possible and effectively improve the performance of rumor detection.

Socio-Psychological Determinants of Seasonal Flu Control, in the Context of Covid-19, in the Democratic Republic of Congo among Nurses

Background: Little is known about the socio-psychological determinants of influenza control among health workers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Our study aimed to describe the level of knowledge, perceptions, attitudes and practices of nurses on seasonal influenza and vaccination. Methods: This descriptive qualitative study conducted in two major cities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kinshasa and Lubumbashi, was based on the health beliefs model. Data were collected using the focus group technique and analyzed using thematic and phenomenological approaches. Results: Our study revealed that nurses had limited knowledge about seasonal influenza. The majority confused the seasonal flu with Covid-19 because of the similarities in their symptoms, modes of transmission and specific preventive measures. In addition, the flu was perceived as mild, rarely or not at all serious, not posing a threat to health. Most of them had an unfavourable attitude to the vaccination and resorted to self-medication when they felt sick. Conclusion: This study allowed us to understand the knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes towards influenza vaccination and the practices of nurses in two large cities in the DRC. However, it is crucial to train nurses on seasonal flu and to make them aware of the vulnerable people s’ mortality risk.

Expounding the role of tick in Africa swine fever virus transmission and seeking effective prevention measures: A review.

African swine fever (ASF), a highly contagious, deadly infectious disease, has caused huge economic losses to animal husbandry with a 100% mortality rate of the most acute and acute infection, which is listed as a legally reported animal disease by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). African swine fever virus (ASFV) is the causative agent of ASF, which is the only member of the Asfarviridae family. Ornithodoros soft ticks play an important role in ASFV transmission by active biological or mechanical transmission or by passive transport or ingestion, particularly in Africa, Europe, and the United States. First, this review summarized recent reports on (1) tick species capable of transmitting ASFV, (2) the importance of ticks in the transmission and epidemiological cycle of ASFV, and (3) the ASFV strains of tick transmission, to provide a detailed description of tick-borne ASFV. Second, the dynamics of tick infection with ASFV and the tick-induced immune suppression were further elaborated to explain how ticks spread ASFV. Third, the development of the anti-tick vaccine was summarized, and the prospect of the anti-tick vaccine was recapitulated. Then, the marked attenuated vaccine, ASFV-G-ΔI177L, was compared with those of the anti-tick vaccine to represent potential therapeutic or strategies to combat ASF.

Assessment of commitment to healthy daily habits and diets, preventive measures, and beliefs about natural products utilization during COVID-19 pandemic in certain population in Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

The purpose of this research is to assess the commitment of participants in Saudi Arabia and Egypt towards healthy daily habits, preventive measures, healthy food habits, and beliefs about natural products as an immunostimulants during COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted in Saudi Arabia (mainly Riyadh and Jeddah) and Egypt (mainly Cairo). The questionnaire instrument was created based on an extensive literature review on the COVID-19 pandemic, including its spreading and transmission methods, preventive measures, healthy lifestyle, and diets that increase human immunity against viral infections and the use of natural products and drinks. The questionnaire was created by Microsoft 365® office forms, participants were invited through emails and other social media. The questionnaire includes a demographic section (gender, nationality, residency country, city, age, marital status, educational level, employment status, chronic disease history, under anxiety or stress, have a temper or irritable person, were infected/currently infected and in contact to COVID-19 patient) and (23) questions arranged under five domains; Domain I daily habits (4), Domain II keeping preventive measures (4), Domain III healthy eating habits (9), Domain IV for participants currently or previously infected, or in contact with a patient (4) Domain V for assessment of participants' beliefs towards the use of natural products to elevate immunity during COVID-19 pandemic (2), beside 4 choice questions (stimulant drinks, natural drinks, natural products, and zinc-rich food). SPSS® was used to analyze the results using Student' t-test, ANOVA, and Tukey's HSD tests. 510 individuals with various demographic characteristics participated in the study. This study revealed that the participants belief in healthy foods, natural drinks (mainly ginger, lemon, and cinnamon), natural products (mainly honey, olive oil, and black seed), healthy habits, and preventive measures as sanitizers, social distance, and exercise. Only 13% of all participants were infected with COVID-19, although 31% of them were in contact with COVID -19 patients, about 93% were under stress, and 22% were with chronic diseases. Participants who are married, not in contact with patients and not previously infected by COVID-19 are more adhered to preventive measures while those previously or currently infected are more committed to healthy lifestyle and diet habits. Qualification level seems to make no significant difference in any domain. 78.6% of the participants beliefs in the benefits of utilizing natural products in preventing infection with corona virus or reducing the period of treatment in case of infection. About 95.7% of the infected persons had no need of hospitalization and about 50% are cured within two weeks of infection. The questionnaire revealed that Nescafe and black tea were the most used stimulant drinks among the participants, particularly the students and who were always under stress. Most of the participants agreed with the utilization of Zn-rich food, particularly Egyptians, which may help in boosting their immunity. Natural products selected in the present study can be used in combination with the existing clinical standards of care that have the potential to serve as prophylactic agents in populations that are at risk to develop COVID-19 infection.

Evaluating COVID-19 Transmission Prevention Measures in Public Rental Flats (Rusunawa)

Surabaya is an urbanized area with one of the highest numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Indonesia. With Surabaya's healthcare system on the brink of collapse, housing is crucial in extending healthcare facilities. Therefore, adequate housing is the most prioritized prerequisite for people to cope with the transmission rate of the virus. Unfortunately, public rental flats (rusunawa) are among the most vulnerable housing types due to their high density, lack of adequate facilities, and low environmental quality. This paper presents a two-stage investigation to uncover Coronavirus transmission prevention strategies in dense urban settlements, namely in rusunawa. First, the research observes transmission prevention strategies and measures employed by rusunawa residents and managers. Second, the investigation concludes with evaluating the effectiveness of the identified strategies and measures using cross-tabulation analysis. Data for this research was collected using questionnaires distributed among rusunawa residents and managers. Results indicate that effective prevention strategies differ across vulnerability groups. Thus, research findings can potentially help stakeholders and decision-makers enhance their approach to prevent Coronavirus transmission. Not only that, but research findings can also help inform and anticipate future outbreaks.

Updates on COVID-19: Virology, Etiology, Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, Transmission and Prevention

COVID-19 is a pandemic malady caused by SARS-CoV-2, a novel coronavirus. It is a global threat that has affected 223 countries and territories all over the world. According to the WHO report as of April 06, 2022 coronavirus has affected 492,189,439 people globally with 6,159,474 confirmed deaths. The pandemic of COVID-19 has badly affected Bangladesh likewise many other countries of the world. According to Worldometer report on 06 April 2022 the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 were 1,951,903 with 29,123 deaths, and 1,886,036 COVID-19 recoveries in Bangladesh. After originating from China, this notorious virus has been spread to almost all the countries of the world. Its spike protein aids in binding with the ACE2 receptors of the cell membrane resulting in cell entry, replication, and induction of inflammatory and pro-inflammatory responses leading to the pathogenic condition. The novel COVID-19 virus has structural and genetic similarity with its predecessors specially SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. This review presents the existing literature on COVID-19 and discusses different aspects of COVID-19 including virology, etiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, transmission and susceptibility and preventive measures of COVID-19. Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 25(2): 143-163, 2022 (July)

Covid-19 and SARS-CoV-2 infection in periodontology: Anarrative review.

The present review examined the available evidence on possible involvement of gingival tissues in SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Gingival tissue possess SARS‐CoV‐2 entry and transmission factors, among them ACE2 (angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2) and TMPRSS2 (transmembrane protease serine 2), which are the principal mediators of the virus cell invasion. Clinical observations reveal SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA in periodontal tissues and crevicular fluid, suggesting that the periodontium may act as an entry point for the virus and/or as a dissemination site. The preliminary observations prove infection potential of gingival crevicular fluid and shed epithelial cells from the periodontium. There are also findings on potential associations between periodontitis and Covid‐19 (coronavirus disease 2019). PubMed and Scopus databases were used to search for suitable keywords such as: SARS‐CoV‐2, Covid‐19, oral virus infection, gingival crevicular fluid, oral mucosa, periodontium, gingiva, ACE2, TMPRSS2, Furin, diagnosis, topical treatment, vaccine and the related words for relevant publications. Data extraction and quality valuation of articles were performed by the author. The review addressed seven major domains: periodontal structures as SARS‐CoV‐2 infection site, the periodontal changes under SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, potential associations between periodontitis and Covid‐19, periodontal oral care in Covid‐19, crevicular fluid as potential transmission factor and preventive measures. The search process in PubMed and Scopus was updated up to 31 March 2022. Finally 68 articles were retrieved for the final analysis, from the initial database searches. According to the inclusion criteria articles in English language without any date restriction were included. The included studies were mostly original articles, and published in 2020 and 2021 with the aim to describe Covid‐19 and SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in periodontology. As a conclusion it can be stated that gingival tissues may play a role in SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.

Parental Awareness about Use of Mask and Hand Hygiene Practice of Their Children during COVID-19 Pandemic

A descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Pediatrics, Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, between January and August of 2021, to assess the awareness of parents regarding wearing mask and hand washing behavior of their children to prevent COVID-19 infection. A total of 378 parents whose children were admitted in the hospital (aged 2 years to 12 years) due to several diseases other than COVID-19, participated in this study. There was a face-to-face interview for each participant. Data were collected through semi-structured questionnaire. The majority of the participants (66.4%) were male and their income was within BDT.10000-20000 per month. Among the fathers, majority belonged to the age group of >30 years. Regarding their educational background most of them (45.2%) completed education up to secondary level and most of them were service holders (33.9%). Among the mothers, the majority belonged to the age group of 20-30 years and mostly completed their education up to primary level (40.9%) and 75.6% of them were housewives. 83.3% of participants knew that COVID-19 is a contagious disease and 85.2% knew the mode of transmission. A total 72.8% of respondent believed that hand washing can prevent COVID-19, in which 40.5% follow the six steps of hand washing. Only 12% of their children wash hands for at least 20 seconds. 60.8% participants thought that face mask can prevent COVID-19, but only 45.2% participants used to wear face mask. Among them, 73% used to wear surgical face mask. About 33.6% answered that they always reused their face masks. About 59.3% participants noted that their children sometimes wear face mask and 57.1% of their children felt suffocation and discomfort while using face mask. Our study suggests that most of the parents have sufficient knowledge regarding COVID-19 including its mode of transmission and appropriate preventive measures. We also found a positive relationship of maternal education with a consolidated knowledge and awareness as well as practices of hand washing and mask wearing behavior among their children.
 CBMJ 2022 January: vol. 11 no. 01 P: 33-40

Risk assessment of exposure to COVID-19 virus: a cross-sectional study among health-care workers

PurposeHealth-care workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus, which necessitates implementing transmission prevention measures in health-care delivery facilities, particularly hospitals. This study aims to assess COVID-19 risk in a health-care setting and recommend managerial strategies to cope with existing risk procedures.Design/methodology/approachThis cross-sectional study was conducted among HCWs working in a general hospital in Qazvin, northwest of the country. A total of 310 employees working at different clinical and non-clinical occupational levels participated in the study. The WHO COVID-19 risk assessment tool categorised HCWs in high- or low-risk groups exposed to COVID-19 infection.FindingsFindings revealed statistically significant relationships between workplace exposure to the COVID-19 virus and variables, including job type, performing the aerosol-generating procedure, access to personal protective equipment (PPE) and being trained on Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) guidelines (p < 0.05). HCWs older than 36 years were at 8% more risk of COVID-19 virus. Being a medical doctor or delivering health-care services as a nurse were relatively 28% and 32% times more likely to be at high risk of infection than other hospital staff categories. Having inadequate access to PPE and lack of training on IPC guidelines were also key determinants of high-risk infection.Originality/valueAs most cases at risk of COVID-19 infection belonged to frontline health-care staff in older age groups, this study recommend limiting the exposure of vulnerable staff to COVID-19 patients, increasing protective measures for HCWs and providing essential information about infection control procedures.

Using Electron Microscopy to Detect SARS-CoV-2 in Human and Animal Tissues

PurposeGlobal efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have placed renewed focus on the use of transmission electron microscopy (EM) for infectious disease diagnosis and detection. Recently, attempts to identify SARS-CoV-2 directly in human autopsy and animal necropsy tissues have inaccurately identified normal subcellular structures, including coated vesicles, multivesicular bodies, and rough endoplasmic reticulum, as coronavirus particles. Working with SARS-CoV-2 positive autopsy and necropsy tissues, the Infectious Diseases Pathology Branch at CDC sought to use EM to accurately detect coronavirus particles.Methods & MaterialsTwo sample types were used, formalin-fixed wet tissue and formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks. Wet tissue samples provide the best preservation of ultrastructure but require a time-intensive search for viral particles. FFPE tissues enable a targeted approach to finding viral particles but with deteriorated ultrastructure. Areas of formalin-fixed wet tissue showing evident disease pathology were selected for EM, while areas of interest from FFPE blocks were selected based on results from SARS-CoV-2 immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization results. All samples were post-fixed with 1% osmium tetroxide, en-bloc stained with uranyl acetate, dehydrated, and embedded in Epon-Araldite resin.ResultsA multifaceted approach for SARS-CoV-2 detection in autopsy and necropsy tissues allowed for swift and accurate determination of the localization of coronavirus and correlation of histopathological and ultrastructural features of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Coronavirus particles were found associated with degenerating cells in the alveolar space, in pneumocytes, and near collagen of the heart in fetal tissue as well as in the syncytiotrophoblast of the placenta. In animal tissues, virus was found in the bronchiolar epithelium and type 1 pneumocytes.ConclusionComprehensive studies of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and all emerging pathogens, are crucial to improving the understanding of pathogenesis and for the formulation of clinical treatments and transmission prevention measures. An important part of this process is providing robust EM evidence of SARS-CoV-2 localization within tissues to ensure that misinterpretations of subcellular structures as virus are reduced, enabling more accurate conclusions concerning COVID-19 pathology and disease.

Knowledge, Attitude and Perception Regarding COVID-19 Infection Control: A Cross-Sectional Study among Dentists in Bangalore City, India

Objectives: The dental profession is one of the occupations at the highest risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection because of the involvement of aerosol-generating procedures. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and perception of dentists regarding COVID19 infection control in Bangalore city. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among dentists in Bangalore city using an online questionnaire. The questions were related to socio-demographic data and the knowledge, attitude and perceptions of the dentists towards COVID-19 and infection control during dental practice. A sample size of 254 dentists was obtained after duration of 2 months. Descriptive statistics were performed and the data obtained were presented in the form of graphs and tables Results: The study included 254 participants (188 females and 66 males) majority of whom belonged to an age group of &lt; 30 years (78.3%). A total of 209 (83.3%) of the study participants have completed a master’s degree in dentistry. Among 254 dentists, 141 (55.5%) of them had received training regarding infection control in dentistry while only 102 (40.2 %) of them had attended any training regarding COVID-19. Majority of the dentists were aware about the symptoms, modes of transmission, diagnosis, risk identification and important measures for prevention of COVID-19 transmission. Most of the dentists perceived COVID-19 as a serious public health issue (85.4%). Conclusions: The study has shown an acceptable level of awareness and preparedness among the dentists working in Bangalore city considering the aim of the study. However, SARS-CoV-2 infection is a novel disease and is yet to be fully explored. Adequate research has to be carried out to shed light on the unexplored areas regarding COVID-19 and infection control.