Rapid Test Kit Research Articles

Performance analysis of polymerase chain reaction in relation to rapid diagnostic test (RDT) kit (SD bio line malaria ag p.f (05fk50)) for malaria diagnosis

Malaria control and its elimination heavenly depend on successful and reliable diagnosis using recommended diagnostic techniques. These available techniques often have certain peculiarities and mode applications, thus making them have different levels of performance and accuracy. Therefore the aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of PCR in relation to Rapid Diagnostic Test Kit (SD Bio line Malaria Ag P.f (05fk50)) in malaria diagnosis. A total of 200 blood samples were collected from the consented study subjects using the vein puncture technique and analysed using PCR and RDTs. Plasmodium falcifarum’s DNA was extracted using Quick-DNA™ Miniprep Plus Kit with catalog number D4069. 18SrRNA gene of Plasmodium falciparum from chromosome 13 was amplified using the two primers. For the RDTs technique, the SD Bio line Malaria Ag P.f (05fk50) test kit was used. Malaria prevalence of 106(53.0%) and 132(66.0%) were recorded using PCR and RDTs respectively. The PCR demonstrates an overall accuracy of 0.53 with sensitivity and specificity values of 56.06 and 52.94% respectively. The negative and positive predictive values were 69.81 and 38.30% respectively. PCR demonstrated a good level of performance and is therefore recommended as an effective diagnostic tool for malaria, especially in patients where the parasite density/parasitaemia level is very low.

Comparative laboratory diagnosis of malaria: Microscopy versus rapid diagnostic test kits in a tertiary institution of North-Central Nigeria

Comparative laboratory diagnosis of malaria: Microscopy versus rapid diagnostic test kits in a tertiary institution of North-Central Nigeria

Prevalence of HIV Sero-conversion and associated risk factors among antenatal clinic attendees in Enugu state university of science and technology teaching hospital, Enugu Nigeria

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women of reproductive age and it is a major contributor to maternal, infant and child morbidity and mortality. Globally, in 2015, an estimated, 78 million people had become infected with HIV while 35 million people had died from Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)-related illness since the start of the epidemic. In Nigeria, a national HIV prevalence rate of 3.4% was reported in 2012 with 1.3% in Enugu State. HIV retesting is a WHO recommendation that was adopted by Nigerian her national guideline. The essence of antenatal HIV retesting includes the identification of pregnant women who were first tested during their window periods and subsequently sero-converted, and those who acquired new HIV infection after their initial screening test given the fact that a single HIV testing may not be enough to diagnose HIV with findings of high rates of incident HIV infection during pregnancy and at the post-partum periods. It has been shown that the rate of MTCT was higher from sero-converting women compared with women with already established HIV infection. Hence, this study which gave a clue to the rate of HIV sero-conversion among our antenatal women which may possibly popularize the concept of retesting especially among these women. Aim: To determine the prevalence of HIV sero-conversion and the associated risk factors among previously sero-negative antenatal clinic attendees in Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital, (ESUTTH). Methods: This was a prospective, cohort study involving 415 sero-negative HIV women recruited from antenatal clinic in ESUTH from January to April, 2019 and followed up for 12 weeks. Information on their socio-demographic characteristics, pregnancy history, sexual lifestyle, and clinical profile were obtained using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. HIV tests were done at booking and repeated after 12 weeks using the Rapid Diagnostic Test kits by the parallel algorithm format. Data was analyzed with the IBM SPSS version 23.0. Measures of associations were determined with the Chi-Square test and binary logistic regression. P-value < 0.05 was assessed as statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the participants was 29.44±4.91SD years with a range of 16-43 years. Majority of them were married (397; 95.7%) and had post-secondary education (321; 77.3%). The incidence of HIV sero-conversion was 1.0%. Less than 35 years of age, being single, tobacco use, multiple sexual partners in pregnancy and knowledge of partners’ HIV status were significantly associated with HIV sero-conversion (p < 0.05). However, none of these factors was a significant predictor following logistic regression. Conclusion: The rate of HIV sero-conversion in pregnancy is of public health importance in Enugu and obligatory repeat testing, especially among women with these identified associated risk factors is therefore advised to forestall the menace of HIV to the child and the society at large.

Comparative laboratory diagnosis of malaria: Microscopy versus rapid diagnostic test kits in a tertiary institution of North-Central Nigeria

Laboratory diagnosis of malaria is a vital key for its effective management. Diagnosis of malaria includes rapid, sensitive, and specific test methods. This study was aimed to assess the diagnostic performance of PfHRP2 rapid malaria test with reference to light microscopy for the diagnosis of malaria at the Bingham University Teaching Hospital (BhUTH) Jos –Plateau State, Nigeria. A total of 150 febrile patients attending BHUTH who were sent to the Hospital Laboratory from the General out patients Department (GOPD) for malaria parasite test (MPT)request had their blood sample collected and tested for malaria parasites (MP) using Field Stain A and B stain microscopy and PfHRP2 rapid malaria test between September and November 2021.Results shows that the sensitivity and specificity of PfHRP2 rapid malaria were 9.23% and 90.0% respectively, with corresponding positive and negative predictive values (PPV) as 90.0%and (NPV) as13. 2%. PfHRP2 rapid malaria test showed good sensitivity and specificity that is in agreement with that of the reference light microscopy. The rapid diagnostic test (RDT) results compared well with the light microscopy (Gold standard) for Laboratory diagnosis for malaria. Sustained use of RDT as an alternative to light microscopy is recommended especially in malaria endemic areas and the rural communities where electricity is out of reach.

Evaluation of the diagnostic performance of PanbioTM Abbott SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen test for the detection of COVID-19 from suspects attending ALERT center.

The emergence and rapid spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a potentially lethal disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), is causing public health issues around the world. In resource-constrained nations, rapid Abbott SARS-CoV-2 antigen test kits are critical for addressing diagnostic gaps in health institutions and community screening. However, there is no evidence or proof of diagnostic performance in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of PanbioTM Abbott SARS-CoV-2antigen rapid test kit to the gold standard, RT-PCR, in COVID-19 patients with clinical symptoms suggestive of COVID-19. A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2021 and April 2022, on 120 suspected patients recruited from outpatient, emergency, and intensive care units in one of the tertiary hospitals in Ethiopia. Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from suspected cases and were tested using the Abbott SARS-CoV-2 kit, a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and compared to the reference standard RT-PCR. The sensitivity and specificity of the RDT were 74.2% and 100%, respectively. A total of 62 samples (51.6%) were RT-PCR positive. Of these, 46 were Ag-RDT positive. Sensitivity among symptomatic patients was 79.4% (95% CI 68.3-90). The Abbot RDT and RT-PCR had a Kappa value of agreement of 0.735 (p < 0.001). These values were acceptable when compared to the WHO's suggested thresholds. The finding from this study support the use of the Abbot RDT as a diagnostic tool in COVID-19 suspects, mainly in those with higher viral loads.

Fuzzy-Based PROMETHEE Method for Performance Ranking of SARS-CoV-2 IgM Antibody Tests.

Antibody tests, widely used as a complementary approach to reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction testing in identifying COVID-19 cases, are used to measure antibodies developed for COVID-19. This study aimed to evaluate the different parameters of the FDA-authorized SARS-CoV-2 IgM antibody tests and to rank them according to their performance levels. In the study, we involved 27 antibody tests, and the analyzes were performed using the fuzzy preference ranking organization method for the enrichment evaluation model, a multi-criteria decision-making model. While criteria such as analytical sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were evaluated in the study, the ranking was reported by determining the importance levels of the criteria. According to our evaluation, Innovita 2019-nCoV Ab Test (colloidal gold) was at the top of the ranking. While Cellex qSARS-CoV-2 IgG/IgM Rapid Test and Assure COVID-19 IgG/IgM Rapid Tester ranked second and third on the list, the InBios-SCoV 2 Detect Ig M ELISA Rapid Test Kit was determined as the least preferable. The fuzzy preference ranking organization method for enrichment evaluation, which has been applied to many fields, can help decision-makers choose the appropriate antibody test for managing COVID-19 in controlling the global pandemic.

Challenges with adherence to the ‘test, treat, and track’ malaria case management guideline among prescribers in Ghana

BackgroundDespite several efforts at addressing the barriers to adherence to the WHO-supported test, treat and track (T3) malaria case management guideline in Ghana, adherence remains a challenge. This study explored the challenges of prescribers regarding adherence to the T3 guideline.MethodsThis was an explorative study using key informant interviews amongst prescribers comprising medical doctors, physician assistants, nurses and a health extension worker from 16 health facilities in six districts in Ghana. The data was analysed using Nvivo 10 and organized into thematic areas.ResultsPrescribers lauded the guideline on testing and treatment as it ensures the quality of malaria case management, but irregular supply of malaria rapid diagnostic test kits (RDT), mistrust of laboratory tests, and the reluctance of prescribers to change from presumptive treatment were key barriers to testing. Patients with malaria test negative results if not treated, revisiting the facility with severe malaria, the experience of prescribers, lack of regular training and supervision for old and new staff and the inability of prescribers to investigate non-malaria fever hindered adherence to results-based treatment.ConclusionAs malaria remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Ghana, this study provides insights on gaps in adherence to the testing and treatment of malaria. While the diagnostic capacity for malaria case management is a challenge, the lack of training resulting in the inability of some prescribers to investigate non-malaria fever hinders adherence to the malaria case management guideline. Therefore, there is a need to train new prescribers, laboratory personnel, and other staff involved in malaria diagnosis and treatment on the malaria case management guideline before they assume duty. Equipping laboratory personnel and prescribers with the knowledge to investigate non-malaria fevers could improve adherence to the guideline for improved patient care.

Improved adherence to test, treat, and track (T3) malaria strategy among Over-the-Counter Medicine Sellers (OTCMS) through interventions implemented in selected rural communities of Fanteakwa North district, Ghana

BackgroundPrompt diagnosis and treatment of malaria prevents a mild case from developing into severe disease and death. Unfortunately, parasitological testing of febrile children is greater in the public and formal private sector than in the informal private sector where many patients with malaria-like symptoms first seek treatment. This study was aimed at improving implementation of the T3 policy among OTCMS using some interventions that could be scaled-up easily at the national level.MethodsInterventions were evaluated using a two-arm, cluster randomized trial across 8 rural communities (4 clusters per arm), in two adjacent districts of Ghana. A total of 7 OTCMS in the intervention arm and 5 OTCMS in the control arm in the selected communities participated in the study. Five interventions were implemented in the intervention arm only. These were acquisition of subsidized malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT) kits, training of OTCMS, supportive visits to OTCMS, community sensitization on malaria, and introduction of malaria surveillance tool. The primary outcome was the proportion of children under 10 years with fever or suspected to have malaria visiting OTCMS and getting tested (using RDT) before treatment. Secondary outcomes included OTCMS adherence to national malaria treatment guidelines and the recommended RDT retail price. Outcomes were measured using mystery client (an adult who pretends to be a real patient) surveys supplemented by a household survey. Proportions were compared using chi-square test or Fisher exact test.ResultsFollowing deployment of interventions, mystery client survey showed that OTCMS’ adherence to malaria protocol in the intervention arm increased significantly (p < 0.05) compared to the control arm. Household surveys in the intervention arm showed that caregivers self-treating their children or visiting drug vendors significantly decreased in favour of visits to OTCMS shops for treatment (p < 0.001). End-line malaria testing rate was higher compared with the baseline rate, though not statistically significant (30.8% vs 10.5%; p = 0.1238). OTCMS in the intervention arm also adhered to the subsidized RDT retail price of GHc2.40.ConclusionInterventions targeting OTCMS in rural communities have the potential of improving adherence to the T3 malaria policy and subsequently improving management of uncomplicated malaria in Ghana.Trial registration: ISRCTN registry ISRCTN77836926. Registered on 4 November 2019.

ESCALATION OF PROJECT COST DUE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The construction sector is known as a major contributor to the overall development and expansion of the country's economy and any delay in a project may cause a cascading effect on the country's economy. In 2020, most countries have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic that had a significant impact on construction projects resulting in project delays and project cost overruns. This paper identifies factors that influence the project cost escalation due COVID-19 pandemic and studies the escalation of main construction materials. Questionnaires were conducted online to the target respondents who were involved in the construction projects during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research area covers the Klang Valley which is centered in Kuala Lumpur and includes its adjoining cities and towns in the state of Selangor. The findings of this study reveal that the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) imposed by the government has significantly increased the project cost, such as hand sanitizer, face masks and Rapid Test Kit (RTK) provided to the workers. As a result, the contractor companies have suffered in maintaining their finances as they have to continue to pay their workers in full even when the companies are still surviving the epidemic of COVID-19. The findings of this study may assist construction parties as well as government bodies in strategically planning the finances in dealing with a similar pandemic situation in the future.

Comparison of different rapid screening tests and ELISA for HBV, HCV, and HIV among healthy blood donors and recipients at Jibla University Hospital Yemen

Blood transfusion is associated with many risks, especially exposure to blood transfusion-transmitted infections considered one of the main causes of death worldwide, including hepatitis B (HBV) and C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The threat posed by blood-borne pathogens is disproportionately high, especially in developing countries, so there is a need for continuous monitoring of blood transfusions to prevent transmitting diseases. Rapid diagnostic immunochromatographic technique (ICT) methods are the most widely used methods in developing countries, although ELISA and molecular testing are considered more accurate worldwide. Therefore, the study aimed to compare the analytical sensitivity between rapid tests and the ELISA method for detecting HBV, HCV, and HIV infection among blood donors. Four hundred (400) blood donor samples were tested using the Rapid Test Kits (INTEC, SD, ABON, and CLUN), and the ELISA method was used as a confirmatory test. Out of 400 blood samples tested for viral infection, HBV, HCV, and HIV were detected in 8, 10, and 2 samples, respectively, using the ELISA technique. This study observed that the rate of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV), in addition to determining the diagnostic accuracy rate and error rate for all rapid diagnostic kits in detecting HBV, HCV and HIV are less accurate and associated with more false negatives compared to the ELISA technique. This study showed a significant difference in sensitivity between ELISA and rapid diagnostic immunochromatographic technique (ICT) groups; therefore, rapid diagnosis is not suitable for testing the quality of infectious markers for blood donors.

SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19) EXAMINATION USES ANTIGEN SWAB FOR COMPANY’S EMPLOYEES IN SURABAYA ON JULY – AUGUST 2021

Background of the problem: Since 2020, all the countries in the world has been rocked by Covid-19 (Sars-Cov-2) pandemic. Since July 2021, Indonesia became Covid-19 epicentrum with the highest mortality 2.048 people in the world on 10th August 2021. Covid-19 supporting diagnosis checkup uses RT-PCR and Antigen rapid test, this was based on the Indonesian Health Minister instruction about the uses of antigen test for 2019 Corona Virus Disease checkup. Method: This research uses cross sectional, retrospective analytic study by seeing the data that was taken from SARS-Cov-2 antigen rapid test from some location of companies in Surabaya. The swab data is from Sentra Medika Clinic Surabaya by using nasopharyngeal and nasal antigen SARS-CoV-2 rapid test kit (immunochromatography method). Result: The main data of labor’s characteristics is 6033 people. The highest number was on July to August 2021 on the age range of 30-39 years old (39,70%), meanwhile at the age of 60-69 years old is 0,45%. In the case of Covid-19 virus infection, the highest number of positive antigen was at the age range of 30-39 years old was 64 people (41,30%), whereas 2 people (1,30%) were at the age range of 60-69 years old. At the age more than 60, the number of case is not many but the statistic analytic result shows that age influences P&lt;0,05 (P 0,043) Covid-19 Antigen swab result. From the research was found that the result of positive Antigen swab for man was 143 people (92,30%), this was higher than the woman’s, 12 people (7,70%). The statistical analysis shows that gender does not influence P&gt;0,05 (P 0,260) Covid-19 Antigen swab test result. The case spike happened on July 2021, 153 people were positive of Antigen swab test: 141 people were men (92,16%) and 12 people were women (7,84%). On August 2021, 2 men were positive (100%). Conclusion: The result of the research in July 2021 shows that the highest numbers of labor are at the age of 30-39 years old. The risk of Covid-19 infection mostly at men. Whereas Covid-19 infection risk is at the age of 60-69 years old are in small amount. Age influences the result of Covid-19 Antigen swab test. Meanwhile, gender does not influence the result of Covid-19 Antigen swab test.

A COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF THE INDEX TESTING PROGRAM FOR MANICALAND AND MATABELELAND SOUTH PROVINCES, ZIMBABWE, 2022

Background: Zimbabwe has been implementing Index contact tracing and testing (ICT) since 2019 to expedite epidemic control and accelerate the identication of people living with HIV. We identied two comparable provinces (structure, catchment, and location) yet with contrasting HIV prevalence rates to evaluate the program and develop recommendations that can enhance program performance. A process Methodology: evaluation of the ICT program was conducted in 8 randomly selected districts shared between Manicaland and Matabeleland South provinces. A logical framework model was applied to evaluate program inputs and processes, correlated with outputs and contributions toward outcomes. Microsoft Excel 2021 was used to summarize data as frequencies and proportions. W Results: e recruited 1,393 health workers over one year shared between Manicaland, 57.1% (n=795) and Matabeleland South 42.9% (n=598). An overall 80.6% (n=14,500) of the targeted Rapid test kits and 84.9% (n=24,200) of HIVST kits were supplied, resulting in intermittent shortages in both provinces. A copy of the ICT register was supplied per facility against an average of 3 entry points each. Manicaland conducted 33.5% of their targeted ICT trainings against 80% for Matabeleland. Program implementation was scored at 62.2% for Manicaland and 81.8% for Matabeleland South. Manicaland scored an HIVST reactivity rate of 7.7% (871/11,320) whilst Matabeleland South documented a reactivity rate of 6.2% (679/10,890) against a target of 10%. Both provinces scored above 60% of their target for the identication of HIV-positive individuals (Manicaland: 61.1%, Matabeleland South: 79.5%). An overall positivity yield of 62.8% (n=742/1,181) was obtained among index contacts. Index testing proved to be a resourc Conclusion: e-intensive HIV testing model yet highly effective in identifying individuals living with HIV among index contacts. The resource demand is justied by the high positivity yield which can be aided by implementation delity, critical to expediting epidemic control by mopping up clients living with HIV without the knowledge thereof.

Structure and specificity of an anti‐chloramphenicol single domain antibody for detection of amphenicol residues

Antibiotics in aquaculture prevent bacterial infection of fish, but their misuse is a public health risk and contributes to the unintentional creation of multiresistant pathogens. Regulatory agencies cannot do the rigorous, expensive testing required to keep up with the volume of seafood shipments. Current rapid test kits for these drugs enable the increase in testing needed for adequate monitoring of food supply chains, but they lack a high degree of accuracy. To combat this, we set out to discover and engineer single‐domain antibodies (VHHs) that bind to small molecule antibiotics, and that can be used in rapid test kits. The small size, solubility, and stability of VHHs are useful properties that can improve the reliability and shelf‐life of test kits for these adulterants. Here, we report a novel anti‐chloramphenicol VHH (Chl‐VHH) with a disassociation constant of 57 nM. This was achieved by immunizing a llama against a chloramphenicol‐keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) conjugate and screening for high affinity binders through phage display. The crystal structure of the bound‐VHH to chloramphenicol was key to identifying a mutation in the binding pocket that resulted in a 16‐fold improvement in binding affinity. In addition, the structure provides new insights into VHH‐hapten interactions that can guide future engineering of VHHs against additional targets.

Predicting the risk of HIV infection among internal migrant MSM in China: An optimal model based on three variable selection methods.

Internal migrant Men who have sex with men (IMMSM), which has the dual identity of MSM and floating population, should be more concerned among the vulnerable groups for HIV in society. Establishing appropriate prediction models to assess the risk of HIV infection among IMMSM is of great significance to against HIV infection and transmission. HIV and syphilis infection were detected using rapid test kits, and other 30 variables were collected among IMMSM through questionnaire. Taking HIV infection status as the dependent variable, three methods were used to screen predictors and three prediction models were developed respectively. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test was performed to verify the fit of the models, and the net classification improvement and integrated discrimination improvement were used to compare these models to determine the optimal model. Based on the optimal model, a prediction nomogram was developed as an instrument to assess the risk of HIV infection among IMMSM. To quantify the predictive ability of the nomogram, the C-index measurement was performed, and internal validation was performed using bootstrap method. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration plot and dynamic component analysis (DCA) were respectively performed to assess the efficacy, accuracy and clinical utility of the prediction nomogram. In this study, 12.52% IMMSMs were tested HIV-positive and 8.0% IMMSMs were tested syphilis-positive. Model A, model B, and model C fitted well, and model B was the optimal model. A nomogram was developed based on the model B. The C-index of the nomogram was 0.757 (95% CI: 0.701-0.812), and the C-index of internal verification was 0.705. The model established by stepwise selection methods incorporating 11 risk factors (age, education, marriage, monthly income, verbal violence, syphilis, score of CUSS, score of RSES, score of ULS, score of ES and score of DS) was the optimal model that achieved the best predictive power. The risk nomogram based on the optimal model had relatively good efficacy, accuracy and clinical utility in identifying internal migrant MSM at high-risk for HIV infection, which is helpful for developing targeted intervention for them.

Studi kasus : Feline panleukopenia virus pada kucing abel

A domestic cat with short hair, approximately three months old, was brought to the Tabby Pet Care clinic with complaints that the cat's owner had vomiting and diarrhea. The results of clinical examination showed a state of dehydration and swollen popliteal. Supportive examinations include hematological examinations and rapid test kits. Hematological examination results showed anemia and leukocytosis. The results of the rapid test kit examination showed a positive FPV result. Based on clinical symptoms and the results of investigations, the patient was diagnosed as positive for Feline Panleukopenia Virus. Treatment of FPV is carried out with supportive therapy. Therapy was carried out for 7 days. On the seventh day, based on the results of the hematological examination and the patient's body condition, his condition progressed and he was allowed to continue outpatient therapy.

Verification of the Accuscan gold reader and RIDA smart phone application rapid test kits in detection and quantification of aflatoxin levels in maize from selected regions in Kenya

The study aimed to verify the effectiveness of two detection kits namely, Accuscan gold reader and RIDA total aflatoxin smart phone application in assessing levels of aflatoxins’ contamination in maize. Three regions of Kenya were selected namely, Kisumu, Makueni and Kilifi. Confirmatory tests were done using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The Accuscan gold reader showed mean aflatoxin levels of 14.52, 5.18, and 3.04 μg/kg and RIDA smart phone application had levels of 26.08, 26.68, and 4.05 μg/kg for Kilifi, Makueni, and Kisumu, respectively. The LC-MS/MS confirmed the presence of AFB1 and AFB2 with AFB1 of 97.5 μg/kg in Makueni and 76.2 μg/kg in Kilifi. Maize from Kilifi and Makueni was contaminated and unfit for human and animal consumption. Also, low rainfall, high temperature and high relative humidity directly increased the levels of aflatoxins, resulting in contamination. Therefore, the detection kits are recommended for use by maize farmers. Confirmatory tests should be done with maize having levels of aflatoxin above 10 μg/kg. Adequate drying and handling of maize and proper storage with good aeration should be ensured.

Utilization of 18s ribosomal RNA LAMP for detecting Plasmodium falciparum in microscopy and rapid diagnostic test negative patients.

In this study, Plasmodium falciparum was detected in patients that were declared negative for malaria microscopy and rapid diagnostic test kit (mRDT), using Plasmodium 18s rRNA loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique. The main aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of LAMP assay for detecting pre-clinical malaria, when microscopy and mRDT were less sensitive. DNA was obtained from 100 μL of whole blood using the boil and spin method. Subsequently, the Plasmodium 18s rRNA LAMP assay was performed to amplify the specific Plasmodium 18s rRNA gene. Microscopy and mRDT negative samples [697/2223 (31.2%)] were used for this study. Compared to frequencies obtained for the other demographic variables, most of the patients were < 6 years (37.7%), females (59.0%), peri-urban dwellers (39.0%) and patients that sought outpatient department services (39.3%). Overall, the prevalence of Plasmodium 18s rRNA was 17.5%. when stratified by study variables, Plasmodium 18s rRNA LAMP positivity was higher in patients over 30 years [58/122 (54.2%)], males [69/122 (56.5%)], rural dwellers [69/122 (56.5%)] and patients that sought OPD services [68/122 (55.7%)]. The risk of being infected with Plasmodium when routine tests were negative was higher in 15–30-year group (OR = 3.03, 95% CI: 1.6–5.8, p = 0.0007), patients > 30 years (OR = 15.2, 95% CI: 8.3–27.7, p<0.001), males (OR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.4–3.2, p = 0.0002) and rural dwellers (OR = 2.2, 95% CI:1.4–3.6, p = 0.0009). However, risk was lower in post-natal children (OR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.18–0.51, p<0.001). Majority (81.5%) of the infected patients presented with headache, herpes labialis, diarrhea and vomiting. We demonstrated the lack of sensitivities of microscopy and mRDT for one-time diagnosis of malaria. Therefore, it is essential to utilize a sensitive technique such as Plasmodium 18s rRNA LAMP to increase the detection rate of Plasmodium infection.

Evaluation of Knowledge, Perception and Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection among Students of Enugu State University of Science and Technology: A Multi-Disciplinary Approach

Background: The increasing prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection globally has become a huge concern. This organism is a gram-negative bacterium that infects the lining of the stomach, causing peptic ulcer disease as well as gastric cancer. Approximately 50% of the world populations are known to be infected with Helicobacter pylori.This study evaluated the knowledge, perception as well as prevalence of Helicobacter pylori among the students of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT). A total of 1,500 who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were recruited for the study. Ethical clearance and informed consent were retrieved and a well-structured questionnaire was administered to each participant. Blood samples were collected from the participants and screened for Helicobacter pylori antibody using rapid test kits (CTK Biotech, Inc., San Diego, USA). Information obtained was analysed using SPSS version 25.0. P-values &lt;0.05 were reflected as statistically significant. Out of the 1,500 students tested, 964 (64.3%) were positive for H. pylori. The prevalence was higher in females 896 (59.7%) as against 604 (40.4%) in males. The students within the age group of 20-24 years reported the highest prevalence. There was no statistical significance in the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori between the age groups (P=.370) and gender groups (P=.927). Based on evaluation of knowledge and perception of Helicobacter pylori among ESUT students, 1365 (91%) had heard of ulcer but only 577 (38.5%) had been diagnosed of ulcer previously. Majority of the student participants (65.7%) knew antacid as a medication for ulcer. About half the population (50.5%) perceived that ulcer is related to weight loss. 36.5% believed ulcer could bring about lack of concentration while 36.8% agreed that ulcer makes one highly irritable. Conclusion: The purpose of this work was to generate information with emphasis on the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori among the study population as well as their knowledge and perception. Information generated will help formulate public health interventions necessary to check these problems and offer evidence based preventive approach to the students of ESUT and the entire populace.

Knowledge and Risk Factors of Hepatitis B Disease Among Women Attending Antenatal Care at Arua Regional Referral Hospital, Arua, Uganda

Background Hepatitis B is a highly infectious disease with a prevalence of 4.3% among people aged 15-64 years, with a prevalence of 5.6% in men compared to 3.1% in women in Uganda. Mother-to-child transmission accounts for nearly 50% of new cases per year, and infants who acquire hepatitis B disease before 5 years have a 90% chance of progressing to chronic hepatitis B infection. Objective The study assessed the knowledge and risk factors of hepatitis B disease among women attending antenatal care (ANC) at Arua Regional Referral Hospital (ARRH), Uganda. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out at ANC at ARRH. Convenience sampling was used, and a sample size of 384 was calculated. Each participant was evaluated using a structured questionnaire and screened for HBsAg using commercial rapid test kits. Assessment of knowledge was performed using a hepatitis B basic knowledge summary score. Data analysis was carried out using MICROSOFT EXCEL-2013 and STATA version 14 packages. Results Poor knowledge levels of hepatitis B disease stood at 17.9%, while 82.1% of the pregnant women had adequate knowledge. A prevalence of 2.05% was obtained from the participants in the study. None of the assessed risk factors was significantly associated with HBsAg positivity. Conclusions The study participants were knowledgeable to a great extent about hepatitis B disease, with 82.1% exhibiting good knowledge of hepatitis B disease. There are gaps in knowledge, especially among the low educated groups, which need to be addressed to improve knowledge levels of hepatitis B disease among these categories in the community. The results show a relatively healthy population given the low prevalence of 2.05% seen in the participants of the study. The absence of a risk factor associated with hepatitis B disease in this study does not imply that there are no risk factors in the community around ARRH. Further studies are recommended to assess more risk factors for hepatitis B disease in the community

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices on Newcastle Disease Prevention in Poultry among Small Scale Poultry Farmers in Lusaka West, Zambia

Introduction: Newcastle disease is a viral disease caused by virulent Newcastle disease virus (NDV) strains infecting avian species worldwide. Infected birds may show signs of loss of appetite, coughing, gasping, nasal discharge, watery eyes, and nervous signs such as paralysis and convulsions. The disease is spread primarily through direct contact between healthy birds and the bodily discharges of infected birds. The study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices on Newcastle disease prevention among small-scale poultry farmers in Lusaka West, Zambia. Materials and methods: A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study design, was used and the study was conducted in five areas of Lusaka West. Probability sampling method was utilized to select a sample size of 384 poultry farmers. Closed-ended structured questionnaires were used to collect data which was analyzed using descriptive analysis. Results: The study showed that the respondents had a good level of knowledge (58.8%); positive attitudes (71.1%); and positive practices (73.2%) on Newcastle disease prevention. Conclusion: The obtained results could be attributed to the levels of experience and fear of losing business profits due to bird mortalities as well as the level of experience most respondents had in poultry farming. This was observed by the significant association between knowledge and experience (p-value - 0.004). This calls for the promotion of awareness and knowledge on the importance of vaccination of birds as a means of prevention for Newcastle disease and enhancing Newcastle disease detection and control through rapid test kits &amp; others.