Poor Hygienic Conditions Research Articles

Effectiveness of Vachadi Ointment in the management of Pama Kushta (Scabies): A Novel Research Protocol Using Science of Ayurveda

Background: Scabies is a common cause of itching is produced by infestation with the mite Sarcoptesscabiei var hominis. Poor hygienic condition and overcrowding, permitting close body contact favour thetransmission of the disease. Scabies is more prevalent in overcrowded communities with low socioeconomicconditions. The point prevalence in the general population of rural India is about 13%,In Maharashtra81% of inmates of an orphanage in rural area,[6] 72% of cases are seen in the age group of School goingchildren’s. Pama Kushtha characterized by many small Pitikas, Srava, Kandu, Toda and Daha that may beconsidered as scabies in contemporary science. Aim: The present study is aimed at evaluating the effect ofVachadi Ointment in the management of Pama Kushta. Material & Methods: The present study is designedas a Non-randomized controlled clinical study, in which minimum of 30 patients will be enrolled. VachadiOintment will be administered external application 2-3 times in a day. Assessment will be recorded on 3rd,5th, 7th and 14th days. Results: Changes will be observed in subjective parameters such as Kandu (Itching),Toda (Pain), Daha (Burning) and objective parameters such as Pitika (Eruption) and Srava (Discharge).Conclusion: Suitable conclusion will be drawn post completion of the trial.

Utilization of slaughterhouse by-products: a current scenario in Dhaka city

Slaughter-houses are the places from where people get the meat for consumption, but the time is to utilize the by-products to increase the GDP’s rate from livestock. A field survey was conducted regarding usage of the by-products of slaughterhouses and/or meat selling centers in Dhaka city of Bangladesh. Data were collected from total 60 slaughterhouses and/or meat selling centers randomly from different part of Dhaka city consisting 20 large animal (cattle, buffalo), 20 small animal (goat, sheep) and 20 poultry bird (chicken, duck) slaughterhouses and/or meat selling centers. Following slaughtering process huge amount of different by-products are also produced that have good economic and nutritive value. The results revealed that edible by-products such as head trimmings, brain, tongue, heart, stomach, lungs, liver, pancreas, spleen, kidney and tail were used by 100% as human food. Inedible by-products had diversified uses but to some extent they were also rejected. However, no one of the inedible by-products was fully rejected. Among the inedible by-products the hides had a great industrial value. Poultry by-products like blood, intestines and feather wastes were generally found to utilize as fish feed. Most slaughterhouses were found to maintain moderate to poor hygienic conditions where very few maintained good condition. Almost two-third (61.67%) slaughterhouses were used water container as water supply followed by hose pipe (33.33%) and tape water (5%) for cleaning purpose. It can be concluded that by-products are valuable materials but due to lack of management and industrial mind slaughterhouses of the Dhaka city cannot utilize those materials. Therefore, proper usages of by-products can run a new prospective business in Bangladesh.
 Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2020, 6(4): 809-816

L’influenza “spagnola” e la Prima guerra mondiale: il caso italiano

The “Spanish” influenza pandemic appeared in three waves between 1918 and 1920, reaching its peak of lethality in autumn '18, when the Great War was entering its final stages. The conflict - characterised by general impoverishment, large movements of people and poor hygienic conditions - facilitated the rapid spread of the disease across the globe. However, the war mainly conditioned the management of the health emergency, which was subordinated to the needs of war. To ensure the functioning of the production industry, mild quarantine measures were applied. Medical and health intervention was concentrated on the army, to the detriment of civilians. States, through censorship and the involvement of patriotic public opinion, concealed the seriousness of the emergency from the population. In the post-war period, the “Spanish flu” dropped out of political debate and public memory: only in correspondence of the Covid-19 health emergency, the 1918-20 pandemic was rediscovered.

Microbial Quality of Traditionally Dried Fish Products from Selected Parts of Ethiopia

Dried fish is a rich source of protein, lipid and minerals that can serve as a promising source of nutrients to alleviate malnutrition in low-income countries. Nowadays, fish drying is becoming an increasing practice to extend the shelf life of excess catch in areas where other preservation mechanisms such as cold storage are scarce. However, since the drying is often performed in a rural setting with poor hygienic conditions, the microbial quality of such products is uncertain. This study was conducted to evaluate the microbial quality of traditionally dried fish products from sites around the lakes of Tana, Ziway and Chamo, where fish drying is commonly practiced in Ethiopia. Eighteen composite samples were analyzed to determine the microbial load and water activity. High microbial load was recorded in most of the dried fish samples as indicated by total viable count (10⁵ to 10⁷ cfu/g); lactic acid bacteria (90¹ to 10⁸ cfu/g); total coliforms (<10 to 10⁴ cfu/g), and yeast and molds (10³ to 10⁵ cfu/g). The water activity value of all the dried fish samples was below 0.80, indicating the adequacy of the drying since the growth of pathogenic bacteria is not expected at a water activity below 0.86. However, a lack of hygiene during processing and handling was generally noticed. Hygienic processing and process standardization are required to improve the microbial quality of the dried fish.

Staphylococcal pneumonia as a complication of cellulitis

Introduction: Cellulitis is less common local infection caused by staphylococci but may be accompanied by severe symptoms. Aim: The authors present a case of a 25-year-old woman with cellulitis in the lower jaw area, who had a complication in the form of purulent pneumonia with numerous abscesses and pleurisy. Case study: The patient, 25-year-old woman, was admitted to Clinic of Dermatology in Olsztyn due to painful swelling of her cheek, jaw and chin on the right side. The physical examination revealed crackles in the lung base and the chest X-ray image showed numerous circular shadows in the lung fields. In addition, there was fluid in the left pleural cavity. Intensive antibiotic therapy was used in the treatment for 14 days and improvement in the skin lesion was achieved. Cough and radiological changes also subsided. Results and discussion: Pneumonia usually develops as a result of the aspiration of the microorganism from the upper respiratory tract or through the bloodstream. Staphylococcal methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are a particular problem. Poor hygiene conditions, close contact, contaminated material and damaged skin are some of the risk factors for the spread of MRSA infection in the population of non-hospitalized patients. In this patient, such a predisposing factor was alcohol and an attempt to remove a purulent lesion on her own in unsanitary conditions. Conclusions: It should be remembered that skin infections may lead to complications in the form of staphylococcal pneumonia.

Pandemija kovid-19 i penitencijarni sistem - prva iskustva

The C-19 pandemic, as a 'mirror of truth', showed the true face of modern societies, characterized by a general race for profit, lack of empathy, discrimination against numerous social groups, and even manifestations of racism. In the first months, before the vaccines (never faster created) were put on the market, the public authorities of most countries opted for strict measures that included locking and fundamental changes in the lifestyle of the entire population. Considering that the functioning of many institutions has been disrupted, the penitentiary system has been facing new challenges as well. Overcrowded institutions with a large number of persons in a health risk, with poor hygienic conditions and insufficient number of employees in health services were already a suitable environment for the spread of infectious diseases. These conditions have been neglected for decades. Now that a dangerous, easily transmitted disease has become a danger not only to prisoners, but also to prison staff, their families, and public health in general. It has become clear that something urgent needs to be done. Maintaining physical distance was usually not possible due to overcrowding, and palliative measures of organizational (expansion of the semi-freedom system) and architectural character (rearrangement of the institution's space) did not yield results. After a lot of controversy and resistance, most countries decided to opt for decarceration - the early release of a large number of members of endangered categories of prisoners, including perpetrators of minor, non-violent crimes. However, it turned out that - without real preparation before release and without proper acceptance by probation services (especially in the case of socially vulnerable categories of persons, homeless and immigrants) - this measure did reduce the infection rate in penitentiaries, but further jeopardized public health. The pandemic has therefore showed that the penal system must undergo a fundamental transformation in which incarceration will be exceptional, an extreme measure to be replaced by a number of alternatives. Perhaps the citizens, after many traumatic experiences with several weeks of lockdown during which they were in fact deprived of their freedom of movement, will support more this change instead of the habit of succumbing to new waves of penal populism and retributivism.

Yaws in Pygmy and Bantu children inhabiting the rural zones of Central Africa.

Yaws, an infectious dermatosis is one of 17 neglected tropical diseases still present in the world despite the efforts aiming at the eradication of the disease undertaken in 2020. It is mainly found in populations living in poor hygiene conditions with a limited access to water and health care facilities. BaAka Pygmies and Bantu people inhabiting the rural areas of the Central African Republic (CAR) are still affected by yaws on a large scale. To assess the prevalence of yaws in Central Africa, treatment accessibility, and the need for implementing future health programs. Primary school BaAka Pygmy and Bantu children from the Dzanga Sangha region (CAR) were assessed in the context of yaws prevalence in years 2019-2020. The diagnosis was based on the clinical picture of the typical skin lesions and their location. Serologic tests were not performed. Four hundred and ninety-four Pygmies and 235 Bantu children were examined, of whom 38.7% and 43.0%, respectively, presented primary yaws lesions. The mean age of Pygmy and Bantu children with lesions was 9.1 and 9.7 years old, respectively. In both ethnic groups boys predominated. The most common location of yaws lesions were lower legs, ankles, knees and feet. Yaws, like all other neglected tropical diseases, might become a cosmopolitan skin disease transferred from Africa to Europe and North America by tourists travelling to sub-Saharan destinations in Africa and migrants. The knowledge of tropical skin diseases and ability to make a differential diagnosis might become necessary for each dermatologist in the next 10-20 years.

Welfare and meat quality of lambs

Recently, in many parts of the world, greater importance has been given to lamb meat as well as to the intensive production of lamb and sheep, due to demand for this type of meat at affordable prices. In Serbia, similar to most European countries, the structure of total sheep meat production comprises about 70% lamb meat and 30% sheep meat. This study assessed resource-based measures on 11 dairy sheep farms and investigated, in a total of 30 lambs, the effects of sex, the presence of bruises and pneumonia in carcasses, and carcass and meat quality. Carcass (carcass length, thigh length, croup width, subcutaneous fat thickness, presence of bruises) and meat quality (pH, temperature, drip, thawing and cooking losses, color, and meat quality classes) traits were measured post mortem. The most common deficiencies on farms were high stocking density, poor hygienic conditions, dirty drinkers, and lack of outdoor access. Regarding sex differences, higher prevalences of carcass bruises and severe pneumonia were recorded in male lambs. Meat pH (pH45min), sensory color score, and prevalence of dark, firm and dry (DFD) meat were higher in lambs with carcass bruises. The occurrence of quality defects (DFD meat) was higher in lambs with severe pneumonia. It can be concluded that it is necessary to improve the welfare conditions on the lamb farms and pre-slaughter conditions in order to achieve better lamb meat quality.

A Case Report of an Invasive Scalp Actinomycosis

Background: Actinomycosis is a bacterial infection characterized by a chronic, suppurative and granulomatous process. The causative organism was identified in 1891 as Actinomycosis israelii. The disease is usually caused by the introduction of the bacteria through minor wound. Actinomycosis was classified by Cope into 3 different forms: cervicofacial (50%), pulmonothoracic (30%) and abdominopelvic (20%). Actinomycosis is an insidious disease but occasionally the clinical course can be more aggressive, involving underline tissue and organs. Involvement of scalp by actinomycosis is rare causing diagnostic dilemma and could be mistaken for different pathologies, such as tuberculosis or carcinoma. The most common clinical findings are local tumefaction with abscesses and sinuses draining pus that contains the granule of the causative organism. CT scan and MRI are aspecific for diagnosis, but they can help in defining the localization and the extension of the lesion. The certain diagnostic is based on cytology and/or biopsy. Case: A 24 year-old-man was admitted to our neurosurgical department with a 16-month history of multiple scalp ulcerated lesions and swelling of the head. He was complaining of headache. Physical examination revealed multiple scalp subcutaneous nodules and ulcerated lesions with swelling of the head. Our examination of the oral cavity revealed a poor oral hygiene condition with multiple caries. The CT scan revealed multiple scalp subcutaneous masses with chronic inflammatory changes of the skull. Routine laboratory test was normal. Surgical biopsy was performed and the histological result was compatible with actinomycosis. After histological confirmation, parenteral Penicillin 20 million units daily were given for 4 weeks. Clinical improvement was observed after completing a 4-week regimen of intravenous antibiotics. Conclusion: Involvement of scalp by actinomycosis could be mistaken for different pathologies, such as tuberculosis or carcinoma. This emphasizes the importance of biopsy for histological confirmation of the disease.

To Study Presentation of Ocular Cysticercosis and Evaluate Its Demographic Data, Diagnosis, Treatment and Outcome in a Hill Population of Northern India

<i>Aim:</i> To study presentation of ocular cysticercosis and to evaluate its demographic data, diagnosis, treatment and outcome in hill population of Northern India. <i>Materials and methods:</i> This is a retrospective study carried out in Dehradun, Uttarakhand in a tertiary eye care hospital over 4 years from 2016-2020. The study involved 38 patients who presented with unilateral eye disease and were diagnosed to have ocular or adenexal cysticercosis. We analysed retrospectively their geographical data, clinical presentation, serology, imaging, response to treatment and clinical outcome. <i>Results:</i> Age of patients ranged from 16-54 years. Male to female ratio was 1:3.75. Total no. of eyes affected were 38. All were unilateral presentation. 30 eyes (78.94%) presented with extraocular cysticercosis and 8 eyes (21.05%) with intraocular cysticercosis. 27 of the patients (71.05%) were from lower socioeconomic status with poor hygiene and sanitation conditions. 32 (89.21%) patients gave history of association with non-vegetarian diet. Extraocular cysticercosis group had restriction of ocular motility as most prevalent presentation seen in 16 eyes (53.33%) and proptosis as the most prevalent sign seen in 17 eyes (56.66%). Cyst prevalence was most frequently detected in superior rectus muscle seen in 14 eyes (53.84%). Intraocular cysticercosis group had blurring of vision as the most prevalent presenting symptom in 8 eyes (100.0%). Panuveitis in 6 eyes (75%) and presence of subretinal cyst in 4 eyes (50%) was the most prevalent sign seen in intraocular cysticercosis group. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay test confirmed serology in 35 cases (92.10%). The USG B-scan detected presence of scolex in 36 eyes (94.73%). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed deep seated extraocular cysticercosis lesions and neurocysticercosis (NCC) undetected by computerized tomography (CT). CT was diagnostic for NCC in 5 cases (13.15%). Oral Albendazole and prednisolone were successful in management of extraocular cysticercosis. Intraocular cysticercosis was treated well with pars plana vitrectomy surgery with good visual recovery. <i>Conclusion:</i> Extraocular cysticercosis was more prevalent than intraocular cysticercosis. Early diagnosis and treatment made a difference in final outcome of the two groups. Imaging studies of orbital B-scan ultrasonography (USG B scan), CT and MRI with immune serological test of enzyme linked immunosorbet assay (ELISA) and Western blot for anticysticercus antibodies helped in confirming the diagnosis. Extraocular cysticercosis can be managed well medically with good clinical outcome. Intraocular cysticercosisis is best treated surgically. Safer and modern vitreoretinal surgical techniques promise good surgical outcome and visual recovery. Timely intervention and frequent postoperative follow up would help in keeping a watch on development of complications and maintenance of good vision.

The Role of Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, and Gender Norms on Women's Health: A Conceptual Framework

While the health impact of poor water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) conditions on children have been well documented, there has been less focus paid to its adverse impact on women's well-being and health. In this article, I highlight the health burden of water and sanitation insecurities for women by proposing a conceptual framework for understanding WASH-related diseases from a gender perspective, focused primarily on resource poor countries. The framework draws on feminist perspectives to examine how WASH insecure communities constrain women's functionings and capabilities. I identify eight different social–cultural pathways that fall into two synthetic constructs—gendered relations in the household and gendered presentation of the body—because they illustrate how social and cultural norms may burden women and put them at risk of exposure to a variety of WASH-related diseases. I use the critical interpretive synthesis methodology and draw on research from the fields of epidemiology, medicine, and social sciences to develop this conceptual framework that connects WASH-related diseases to gender norms that oppress women. The gender perspective proposed here has important implications for women living under poor water and sanitation conditions and for the WASH sector more broadly. It suggests providing women with direct financial assistance to purchase sanitary material, collecting sex-disaggregated data on sanitation access and on the health impact of gendered WASH-related tasks to improve women's health and quality of life.

Na ceste z chudoby a sociálneho vylúčenia? Dostupnosť pitnej vody v rómskych komunitách na východnom Slovensku

Access to fresh water and sanity represent elementary human rights leading to a healthy life and high life quality. Among other features of social exclusion, poor access to basic infrastructure such as drinking water pipelines and public sewage systems may adversely affect human health and cause high risk of epidemics related to poor hygienic conditions. Not surprisingly, communities with low hygienic conditions and poor access to drinking water are often at high risk of spreading Covid-19. In Slovakia, numerous communities of Roma ethnicity have been repeatedly reported to have no or limited access to sewage and drinking water pipeline systems. The principal aim of our paper is to analyse the quality of access to various water sources in Roma communities located in NUTS2 East Slovakia consisting of Prešov and Košice Self-Governing Regions. Our ambition is to show how the level of spatial segregation of Roma communities affects the quality of access to healthy water sources. The database used in the paper allows covering regional and partly also local territorial levels of scope. Specifically, we attempt to show the conditions in the most segregated Roma communities located apart from built-up areas of municipalities with generally poor access to drinking water.

Identification Of Parasitic Infections In Food Handlers And The Imminent Risks Of Transmission To School-Aged Children

Introduction: Most diseases transmitted by food contaminated by protozoa and/or helminths are originated from food improper handling. This fact is related to poor hygiene conditions in the food handling environment or the practices of food handlers. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify parasitic diseases in food handlers, as well as the risk of transmission to school-aged children. Methods: This is a literature review accomplished through researchers in Pubmed, Academic OneFile, SciELO and Google Scholar. The review comprised 40 articles published in the period from 2009 to 2019. In order effect the review, were included in this study literature reviews and original articles, identified in the aforementioned databases and which met the inclusion criteria: having their publication in indexed journals, articles with abstracts and full texts available online, articles published in Portuguese, English or Spanish in the last ten years. Studies whose year of publication was less than 2009 were excluded. Results: Enteroparasitosis are a serious public health problem that affects the world population. This fact is mainly related to the ingestion of contaminated food, having a direct connection with those who handle it. Conclusion: Therefore, food handlers have an important role in the transmissibility of diseases and food security.

Presence of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. in lamb meat commercialized in Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the hygienic-sanitary quality of lamb meat sold in the city of Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul (RS) by counting the indicator microorganisms and detecting pathogens such as Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes. Thirty-nine lamb meat samples were collected from 10 commercial establishments in Uruguaiana. The samples were subjected to counts of aerobic mesophilic microorganisms and enterobacteria, and to the detection of Salmonella spp. and L. monocytogenes, all following standard methods. The average counts of mesophilic microorganisms and enterobacteria were 6.08 log CFU/g (minimum 4.07 and max 6.87) and 4.73 log CFU/g (minimum 0 and max 5.88), respectively. For pathogens, L. monocytogenes was isolated from five samples (12.82%), with three samples in the same location. Only two samples (5.13%) were positive for Salmonella spp. The results demonstrated unsatisfactory hygienic-sanitary conditions because high counts of pathogens such as Salmonella spp. and L. monocytogenes. The counts of enterobacteria showed poor hygiene conditions during the various stages of production. The results also indicated fecal contamination, as Salmonella spp. and L. monocytogenes are present in the intestinal tract of both humans and animals. The high count of mesophilic microorganisms obtained could be owing to contaminated raw material or unsatisfactory processing, including unsanitary conditions and the inappropriate use of binomial time/temperature during storage.

Blepharitis: A Review on Human Clinical Trials with Synthetic and Natural Remedies

Blepharitis is an eyelid disorder characterized by inflammation and pain. It affects all the ages and ethnic groups. Primary cause of blepharitis is poor hygienic condition. Topical antibiotics are the preferred first line therapeutic agents along with eyelid cleansing and warm compresses are recommended. Topical steroids, oral antibiotics and calcineurin inhibitors are also recommended in severe conditions. However, recurrence of disease, dose related side effects and safety regimen are still uncertain with these agents. Blepharitis needs a long term treatment, thus novel formulations and products with natural components may be considered more reliable to overcome such issues. In this review article we have discussed human clinical trials (HCTs) conducted with conventional synthetic drugs, novel drug delivery systems developed with synthetic drugs and drugs of natural origin and other supportive measures. As compared to synthetic drugs, formulations with natural origin were found to be safe with minimum side effects.

Iatrogenic corneal diseases or conditions

Any prescribed or self-administered therapy carries inherent risks of secondary adverse events. While the volume of treatments being administered through healthcare systems has been increasing, scientific advancements in our understanding of the mechanisms of pharmaceutical side effects and complications from procedures now allow us to reduce the risk of non-intentional damage to ocular health. This review summarizes the most common and leading causes of iatrogenic visual impairment, corneal diseases, and conditions that present in a general ophthalmologic practice, including a comprehensive analysis of their pathophysiology and recommendations for management and prophylaxis.Iatrogenic corneal diseases and conditions can arise from topical drugs, contact lens use, eye surgeries and procedures, systemic drugs, non-ophthalmological events, and cosmetic procedures. Topical and systemic drugs may disturb tear film homeostasis or result in ocular surface deposits. The use of ill-fitted contact lenses can trigger eye discomfort and poor hygiene conditions that can predispose to severe infections. Procedures to the eye may result in a variety of anatomical and functional complications that ophthalmologists should be aware of how to avoid or at least be prepared to manage if they occur. Even non-ophthalmological events such as non-invasive ventilation, radiation therapies and, immune-based conditions, or cosmetic procedures such as eyelash growth and fillers, can result in unwanted damage to the ocular surface.

Human Astrovirus and Cryptosporidium Co-infection among Children with Gastroenteritis in Diyala Governorate

Background: Gastroenteritis is the second leading cause of death in children under five years old. The highest mortality from diarrheal diseases in children lived crowded areas were poor sanitary and hygienic conditions found. Objective: To determine the co-infections between human astrovirus and Cryptosporidium spp. among children with gastroenteritis below 5 years of age in the Diyala governorate. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out for 100 patients with acute gastroenteritis who attended the Emergency Department of Pediatrics in Al-Batool Teaching Hospital for Maternity and Pediatric in Baqubah city, during the period from July 2019 to February 2020. Real time-PCR was used to detect human astrovirus while enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect Cryptosporidium spp. A specific formula sheet was used to collect demographic data such as age, gender, mother education, and type of milk feeding. Results: Out of 100 samples, 14 samples were positive for human astrovirus and 38 samples were positive for Cryptosporidium. The infection rate is more common in males (9 cases) (25cases) rather than females, and in age group less than years 11(78.58%) and 34(89.47%) respectively. Artificial feeding showed higher frequencies of infection than others in the study population. Co-infection astrovirus and Cryptosporidium found in four patients, all of whom were males aged under one-year and the difference was statistically significant with all parameters. Conclusion: A high proportion of positive cases for human astrovirus and Cryptosporidium spp. were notes in males and the age group less than one year’s co-infection showed high frequency in the study population. Keywords: Gastroenteritis, human astrovirus, Cryptosporidium, co-infection

Microbiological Analysis of Zobo Drink Preserved with Scent Leaves (Ocimum gratissimum)

Aim: To determine the microbiological quality of zobo drink preserved with scent leaves.&#x0D; Methods: The zobo drink and scent leaves were prepared and evaluated using standard microbiological techniques.&#x0D; Results: Twenty three (23) bacteria species and fourteen (14) fungi species were identified from zobo drink preserved with scent leaves samples. This reveals the major bacterial species to be Enterobacter spp, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus spp, and Micrococcus spp. and fungi species to be Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus spp and Penicillium spp. The bacterial and fungal counts decreased as the days increased with day 1 having the highest bacterial and fungal counts at 1.41x105 (cfu/ml) and 3.1x104 (cfu/ml) respectively. The control samples were generally higher than the counts recorded on the bacterial and fungal counts. Zobo + scent leaves (ZSC) recorded the highest bacterial count at 1.41x105 (cfu/ml), while the least was recorded for (ZSA) at 1.01x106 (cfu/ml). Zobo + Scent (ZSC) recorded the highest fungal counts at 3.1x104 (cfu/ml), while the least was recorded for ZSA at 1.2x105 (cfu/ml). From this study, Bacillus spp and Staphylococcus aureus were the most frequently occurring bacterial isolates with a high percentage occurrence of 8(21.6%) and 6(16.2%), while Penicillium spp was the most frequently occurring fungal isolate.&#x0D; Conclusion: The association of these microorganisms with foods such as the commercial zobo drinks may be as a result of poor hygiene or poor sanitary condition. The microbial counts showed that among the zobo drink preserved with scent leaves samples, zobo + scent leaves (ZSC) is the most predisposed product to microbial population due to the high microbial counts recorded. Therefore, the result revealed that the samples of zobo drink were directly and indirectly contaminated with high levels of pathogenic bacteria, but can be reduced by the addition of scent leaves as a preservative.

Hygiene practices among young adolescents aged 12-15 years in low- and middle-income countries: a population-based study.

BackgroundPoor personal hygiene increases disease risk, however, the prevalence of hygiene practices among adolescents is poorly described in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We aimed to assess the hygiene practices among young adolescents in LMICs using data from the Global School-based Student Health Surveys (GSHS).MethodsThis population-based study analysed the GSHS data for adolescents aged 12-15 years from 75 LMICs. Data were collected between 2003 and 2015 using standardised, anonymous, self-reported questionnaires. This report focuses on hygiene related behaviours such as tooth brushing, washing hands after using the toilet, washing hands before eating and washing hands with soap. The weighted prevalence and 95% confidential intervals (CIs) for the hygiene practices, and overall and regional estimates were calculated with random-effects meta-analysis.ResultsA total of 181 848 young adolescents from 75 LIMCs with available hygiene data were analysed. The overall prevalence for never washing hands were 7.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.4-10.3) for before eating, 5.9% (95% CI = 3.8-7.9) for after using the toilet, and 9.0% (95% CI = 6.2-11.8) for with soap. For tooth brushing, the overall prevalence estimates were 8.6% (95% CI = 5.5-11.7) for never brushing teeth, 80.9% (95% CI = 74.7-87.1) for 1-3 times per day, and 9.7% (95% CI = 5.8-13.6) for >3 times per day. However, the prevalence of different hygiene practices varied significantly among countries and regions (all P values <0.001). Poor hygiene status, with a prevalence >20%, was still observed in several LMICs (eg, 12 countries for never washing hands and 4 for never brushing teeth).ConclusionsThe hygiene practices of young adolescents aged 12-15 years were generally frequent, but poor status was still observed in several LMICs. These findings emphases the need for hygiene and health education targeting young adolescents in LMICs.

Ringworm in calves: risk factors, improved molecular diagnosis, and therapeutic efficacy of an Aloe vera gel extract

BackgroundDermatophytosis in calves is a major public and veterinary health concern worldwide because of its zoonotic potential and associated economic losses in cattle farms. However, this condition has lacked adequate attention; thus, to develop effective control measures, we determined ringworm prevalence, risk factors, and the direct-sample nested PCR diagnostic indices compared with the conventional methods of dermatophytes identification. Moreover, the phenolic composition of an Aloe vera gel extract (AGE) and its in vitro and in vivo antidermatophytic activity were evaluated and compared with those of antifungal drugs.ResultsOf the 760 calves examined, 55.79% (424/760) showed ringworm lesions; 84.91% (360/424) were positive for fungal elements in direct-microscopy, and 79.72% (338/424) were positive in culture. Trichophyton verrucosum was the most frequently identified dermatophyte (90.24%). The risk of dermatophytosis was higher in 4–6-month-old vs. 1-month-old calves (60% vs. 41%), and in summer and winter compared with spring and autumn seasons (66 and 54% vs. 48%). Poor hygienic conditions, intensive breeding systems, animal raising for meat production, parasitic infestation, crossbreeding, and newly purchased animals were statistically significant risk factors for dermatophytosis. One-step PCR targeting the conserved regions of the 18S and 28S genes achieved unequivocal identification of T. verrucosum and T. mentagrophytes in hair samples. Nested-PCR exhibited an excellent performance in all tested diagnostic indices and increased the species-specific detection of dermatophytes by 20% compared with culture. Terbinafine and miconazole were the most active antifungal agents for dermatophytes. Gallic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, cinnamic acid, aloe-Emodin, quercetin, and rutin were the major phenolic compounds of AGE, as assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). These compounds increased and synergized the antidermatophytic activity of AGE. The treated groups showed significantly lower clinical scores vs. the control group (P < 0.05). The calves were successfully treated with topical AGE (500 ppm), resulting in clinical and mycological cure within 14–28 days of the experiment; however, the recovery was achieved earlier in the topical miconazole 2% and AGE plus oral terbinafine groups.ConclusionsThe nested PCR assay provided a rapid diagnostic tool for dermatophytosis and complemented the conventional methods for initiating targeted treatments for ringworm in calves. The recognized antidermatophytic potential of AGE is an advantageous addition to the therapeutic outcomes of commercial drugs.