A study was conducted among 98 University of Baghdad employees and 30 randomly selected individuals to assess their knowledge of cholera. Most participants correctly identified that cholera is transmitted through contaminated water and food and causes watery diarrhea. While over half of the study group identified bacteria as the causative agent, answers varied more among the control group. The results indicate relatively good understanding of cholera transmission and symptoms but lack of complete knowledge about the bacterial cause.
Clinical Epidemiological Study of Secondary Syphilis - Current Scenarioiosrjce
IOSR Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences is one of the speciality Journal in Dental Science and Medical Science published by International Organization of Scientific Research (IOSR). The Journal publishes papers of the highest scientific merit and widest possible scope work in all areas related to medical and dental science. The Journal welcome review articles, leading medical and clinical research articles, technical notes, case reports and others.
Articulo que intenta demostrar en un modelo linear mixto de efectos al azar, que las variables edad, sexo y estado nutricional de un paciente coinfectado VIH/TB influyen en la recuperación del CD4
Clinical Epidemiological Study of Secondary Syphilis - Current Scenarioiosrjce
IOSR Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences is one of the speciality Journal in Dental Science and Medical Science published by International Organization of Scientific Research (IOSR). The Journal publishes papers of the highest scientific merit and widest possible scope work in all areas related to medical and dental science. The Journal welcome review articles, leading medical and clinical research articles, technical notes, case reports and others.
Articulo que intenta demostrar en un modelo linear mixto de efectos al azar, que las variables edad, sexo y estado nutricional de un paciente coinfectado VIH/TB influyen en la recuperación del CD4
Assessment of Zooplankton Diversity in Kosavampatti Lake at Namakkal District...BRNSS Publication Hub
Kosavampatti Lake is a historical lake situated in Namakkal district. A lake usually helps in recharging groundwater, and the trees in and around the lake serve as a nesting place for birds. Zooplankton is the vital constituents of water flora which aids as the main component of the aquatic food chain. It sustains appropriate equilibrium between biotic and abiotic components of the water ecosystem. The present study aimed to deal with zooplankton diversity in Kosavampatti Lake. The investigation was carried out for 1 year, i.e., October 2017–September 2018. During the study period, the zooplankton population of Kosavampatti Lake water is characterized by five various classes, namely Protozoa, Cladocera, Copepoda, Ostracods, and Rotifera, with 19 different species which were noted and documented in Kosavampatti Lake. The main classes of Rotifera are the highest groups among zooplankton and the density of zooplankton community was higher in summer and lesser in monsoon. The results of various kinds of diversity indices strongly indicate that Kosavampatti Lake is absolutely polluted in nature.
Shigellosis and Socio-Demography of hospitalized Patients in Kano, North-West...inventionjournals
Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalent of Shigellosis in relation to socio-demographic characteristics of hospitalized patients in Kano metropolis. Study design: The study is a descriptive cross-sectional study. Place and duration of study: One milliliter of venous blood was collected from each patient with some or all clinical features of Shigellosis that sign a consent form and transfer into EDTA bottles. If daily is unavoidable blood samples were stored at 4 0C. Samples were analyzed at the both laboratories of the authors. This work was carried out between May, 2012 and March, 2014. Methodology: The blood specimens were cultured in thioglycollate broth and sub-cultured onto deoxycholate citrate agar (DCA), Salmonella-Shigella agar (SSA) and brilliant Green agar (BGA) followed by confirmation of presumptive colonies using different biochemical tests and analytical profile index 20E. Serologic identification of Shigella was performed by slide agglutination test using polyvalent O and H Shigella antisera. Results: Although, the relationship between different age groups was not significantly associated (P < 0.05), patients under age bracket of 21-30 years were found to be more susceptible to Shigella infections with 13 representing 2.6% followed in that order by 11-20 years (6), , ≤10 -years (4) 31-40 years (3) and >40 years (2) age groups, representing 1.2%, 0.8%, 0.6% and 0.4% respectively. The frequency of shigellosis was highest in other patients (without occupation), patients with informal level of education, using tap water as sources of drinking water, with more than one of all clinical manifestations of Salmonella infections and patients on treatment. However, there was a significant difference between the rate of Salmonella infections and sociodemographic characteristics of patients studied (p<0.05).> 0.05) in males than the females’ patients. However, Shigella flexneri was the most common among patients followed by Shigella dysenteriae, Shigella boydii and Shigella sonnei in decreasing order. The frequency of shigellosis was highest in other patients (without occupation), patients with informal level of education, using tap water as sources of drinking water, with more than one of all clinical manifestations of Salmonella infections and patients on treatment.
Madridge Journal of AIDS (ISSN: 2638-1958); We are now in the 21st century where HIV is a treatable chronic condition through the use of antiretroviral therapies (ARTs).
Methods: Two groups were selected by non-probability random sampling technique including case group of 154 patients with
suspected dengue (fever>2days and <10days) and control group of 146 patients with febrile illness other than dengue. Clinical,hematological and serologic markers of cases and control groups were analyzed. The frequency distribution was used to compare categorical serologic markers and paired sample T test was applied for hematologic variables before and after treatment of dengue using SPSS version 21.
Assessment of Zooplankton Diversity in Kosavampatti Lake at Namakkal District...BRNSS Publication Hub
Kosavampatti Lake is a historical lake situated in Namakkal district. A lake usually helps in recharging groundwater, and the trees in and around the lake serve as a nesting place for birds. Zooplankton is the vital constituents of water flora which aids as the main component of the aquatic food chain. It sustains appropriate equilibrium between biotic and abiotic components of the water ecosystem. The present study aimed to deal with zooplankton diversity in Kosavampatti Lake. The investigation was carried out for 1 year, i.e., October 2017–September 2018. During the study period, the zooplankton population of Kosavampatti Lake water is characterized by five various classes, namely Protozoa, Cladocera, Copepoda, Ostracods, and Rotifera, with 19 different species which were noted and documented in Kosavampatti Lake. The main classes of Rotifera are the highest groups among zooplankton and the density of zooplankton community was higher in summer and lesser in monsoon. The results of various kinds of diversity indices strongly indicate that Kosavampatti Lake is absolutely polluted in nature.
Shigellosis and Socio-Demography of hospitalized Patients in Kano, North-West...inventionjournals
Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalent of Shigellosis in relation to socio-demographic characteristics of hospitalized patients in Kano metropolis. Study design: The study is a descriptive cross-sectional study. Place and duration of study: One milliliter of venous blood was collected from each patient with some or all clinical features of Shigellosis that sign a consent form and transfer into EDTA bottles. If daily is unavoidable blood samples were stored at 4 0C. Samples were analyzed at the both laboratories of the authors. This work was carried out between May, 2012 and March, 2014. Methodology: The blood specimens were cultured in thioglycollate broth and sub-cultured onto deoxycholate citrate agar (DCA), Salmonella-Shigella agar (SSA) and brilliant Green agar (BGA) followed by confirmation of presumptive colonies using different biochemical tests and analytical profile index 20E. Serologic identification of Shigella was performed by slide agglutination test using polyvalent O and H Shigella antisera. Results: Although, the relationship between different age groups was not significantly associated (P < 0.05), patients under age bracket of 21-30 years were found to be more susceptible to Shigella infections with 13 representing 2.6% followed in that order by 11-20 years (6), , ≤10 -years (4) 31-40 years (3) and >40 years (2) age groups, representing 1.2%, 0.8%, 0.6% and 0.4% respectively. The frequency of shigellosis was highest in other patients (without occupation), patients with informal level of education, using tap water as sources of drinking water, with more than one of all clinical manifestations of Salmonella infections and patients on treatment. However, there was a significant difference between the rate of Salmonella infections and sociodemographic characteristics of patients studied (p<0.05).> 0.05) in males than the females’ patients. However, Shigella flexneri was the most common among patients followed by Shigella dysenteriae, Shigella boydii and Shigella sonnei in decreasing order. The frequency of shigellosis was highest in other patients (without occupation), patients with informal level of education, using tap water as sources of drinking water, with more than one of all clinical manifestations of Salmonella infections and patients on treatment.
Madridge Journal of AIDS (ISSN: 2638-1958); We are now in the 21st century where HIV is a treatable chronic condition through the use of antiretroviral therapies (ARTs).
Methods: Two groups were selected by non-probability random sampling technique including case group of 154 patients with
suspected dengue (fever>2days and <10days) and control group of 146 patients with febrile illness other than dengue. Clinical,hematological and serologic markers of cases and control groups were analyzed. The frequency distribution was used to compare categorical serologic markers and paired sample T test was applied for hematologic variables before and after treatment of dengue using SPSS version 21.
Involvement of Helicobacter Pylori in the Genesis of Precancerous Stomach Les...semualkaira
Helicobacter Pylori is a bacterium involved in the genesis of precancerous lesions of the stomach. This infection is universally
prevalent but is higher in developing countries. A retrospective
study spread over 3 years (2018-2019-2020) was conducted at the
pathological anatomy laboratory of the Chadli Bendjedid Hospital
in El Tarf, northeast Algeria. All patients were submitted to a fiberscope, and the diagnosis was established by histological examination. The results show that of the 134 patients examined, 100%
were diagnosed with chronic gastritis. The prevalence of H. pylori
infection was 61.94%; 63.86% of women were affected, and the
most susceptible age group was 50-59 years; 36.14% of men were
affected, mainly in the age group 30-39 years. Locally, the fundic antrum area appeared to be the most affected (81.93%) with
moderate chronic atrophic gastritis (78.57%) and silent activity
(94.28%), which favors the development of cancer cells.
Involvement of Helicobacter Pylori in the Genesis of Precancerous Stomach Les...semualkaira
Helicobacter Pylori is a bacterium involved in the genesis of precancerous lesions of the stomach. This infection is universally
prevalent but is higher in developing countries. A retrospective
study spread over 3 years (2018-2019-2020) was conducted at the
pathological anatomy laboratory of the Chadli Bendjedid Hospital
in El Tarf, northeast Algeria. All patients were submitted to a fiberscope, and the diagnosis was established by histological examination. The results show that of the 134 patients examined, 100%
were diagnosed with chronic gastritis. The prevalence of H. pylori
infection was 61.94%; 63.86% of women were affected, and the
most susceptible age group was 50-59 years; 36.14% of men were
affected, mainly in the age group 30-39 years. Locally, the fundic antrum area appeared to be the most affected (81.93%) with
moderate chronic atrophic gastritis (78.57%) and silent activity
(94.28%), which favors the development of cancer cells.
Involvement of Helicobacter Pylori in the Genesis of Precancerous Stomach Les...semualkaira
Helicobacter Pylori is a bacterium involved in the genesis of precancerous lesions of the stomach. This infection is universally
prevalent but is higher in developing countries. A retrospective
study spread over 3 years (2018-2019-2020) was conducted at the
pathological anatomy laboratory of the Chadli Bendjedid Hospital
in El Tarf, northeast Algeria. All patients were submitted to a fiberscope, and the diagnosis was established by histological examination. The results show that of the 134 patients examined, 100%
were diagnosed with chronic gastritis. The prevalence of H. pylori
infection was 61.94%; 63.86% of women were affected, and the
most susceptible age group was 50-59 years; 36.14% of men were
affected, mainly in the age group 30-39 years. Locally, the fundic antrum area appeared to be the most affected (81.93%) with
moderate chronic atrophic gastritis (78.57%) and silent activity
(94.28%), which favors the development of cancer cells.
A study on clinical presentation and various risk factors associated with pht...IjcmsdrJournal
Background: Tuberculosis is one of the most ancient infectious diseases caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The population most affected is the young and economically productive one. The social factors include poor quality of life, poor housing, overcrowding, population explosion, under nutrition, lack of education, and last but not the least lack of awareness of cause of illness.
Aims and Objectives:
1. To study the clinical presentation of tuberculosis in patients.
2. To study various risk factors of tuberculosis.
Material and Methods: This study was conducted at selected designated microscopic centre (DMCs) Kanpur Nagar district has a population of 45.73lakh ( Census 2011).All the patients who were registered in the selected DMCs in the last one month of the year 2016 ( between April and May) were taken into consideration for the present study. Data was collected on predesigned and pretested questionnaire using direct personal interview method of patients at DMCs on the DOTS days of the week i.e Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Informed consent of the study subjects was taken before interview. A total of 105 registered patients were interviewed personally and also the treatment card of patients was obtained from their respective DMCs.
Results: Out of 105 cases of tuberculosis which reported at DMCs maximum no. of patients belongs to age group between 21-40 yrs of age group (58%). Majority of cases were married (65.7%) cases. (62%) cases were Hindu by religion and (58%) belongs to other backward caste. In the study we found majority of patient was illiterate (34.3%). Most common clinical presentation was cough, fever and cough with expectoration, anorexia was reported in (61.9 %) of cases (77%) were cigarette/bidi smokers, 60% were tobacco chewer. Diabetes was reported in (12.4%) cases and (3.8%) cases were HIV positive.
SPORADIC OUTBREAK CASES OF DIPHTHERIA: A THREE YEARS’ STUDY IN A TERTIARY CAR...Earthjournal Publisher
SPORADIC OUTBREAK CASES OF DIPHTHERIA: A THREE YEARS’ STUDY IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE OF NORTHEAST INDIA.
Daiji Gogoi Mohan, Mayuri Gogoi,Naba Kumar Hazarika
IRO INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICAL AND APPLIED SCIENCES 2018, 1(1):1-5.
International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science Invention (IJPSI)inventionjournals
is an international journal intended for professionals and researchers in all fields of Pahrmaceutical Science. IJPSI publishes research articles and reviews within the whole field Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, new teaching methods, assessment, validation and the impact of new technologies and it will continue to provide information on the latest trends and developments in this ever-expanding subject. The publications of papers are selected through double peer reviewed to ensure originality, relevance, and readability. The articles published in our journal can be accessed online
Travel-related infectious diseases on the rise
International travel has an important role in the transmission of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases across geographical areas.
Since 1980, the world has been threatened by different waves of emerging disease epidemics.
In the twenty-first century, these diseases have become an increasing global concern because of their health and economic impacts in both developed and resource-constrained countries.
It is difficult to stop the occurrence of new pathogens in the future due to the interconnection among humans, animals, and the environment.
As many as 43%–79% of travelers to low- and middle-income countries become ill with a travel-related health problem.
Although most of these illnesses are mild, some travelers become sick enough to seek care from a health care provider.
Patients Knowledge and Attitude towards Tuberculosis in a Rural Setting in Al...inventionjournals
Introduction: Tuberculosis is a major cause of illness worldwide. The burden is rising globally due to poverty, increasing population and HIV/AIDS. In developing countries, poor knowledge and perception of tuberculosis is prevalent, which causes delay in diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis..India has the highest number of TB cases in the world. Material and Methods: The present study was conducted in Rural Health Training Centre, Jawan, of Jawahar Lal Nehru Medical College,AMU, Aligarh .A semi structured questionnaire was used to collect data from January- March,2015. A total of 80 subjects ,more than 15 years age group,residents of Jawan,were selected who either had completed tuberculosis treatment or are still on treatment.An informed consent was taken,before starting the questionnaire. Results: shows that out of 80 subjects under study,50% were in age –group 35 to 55 years and 75 % were males. Radio/T.V. was the maximum source of information on tuberculosis (60%), followed by health workers or community workers(50%) .Few subjects got information about T.B. from family members and friends/neighbours. 87.5% of the subjects were aware of the evening rise of temperature inT.B., followed by blood in sputum(80%) and cough more than 3 weeks(42.5%).Regarding causes of T.B.,76.25% of the subjects said that T.B. was due to smoking, followed by alcohol consumption(42.5%). 85% of the subjects knew that T.B. was a communicable disease.70% of the subjects knew that the mode of transmission of T.B. was during coughing.50% of the subjects believed that tuberculosis could be transmitted by sharing of common materials with T.B. patients.70% of the subjects reported that BCG immunization prevented tuberculosis. More than half(55%) of the participants reported that the transmission of T.B. could be prevented by avoiding personal contact with the T.B. patient. Conclusion: The study showed that the knowledge of people relating to T.B. is insufficient in most of the aspects.TB awareness programs should focus on reduction of TB associated stigmas.We need to train our health workers and also educate our masses especially those living in rural areas
Need To Protect Childbearing Age Girls against Rubellapaperpublications3
Abstract: Rubella, though a mild skin infection but show disastrous effects during pregnancy and causes damage to fetus. The disease is vaccine- preventable diseases can manifest with severe Teratogenic effects in fetus known as congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) due to primary maternal infection such as heart disorders, blindness, deafness or other life threatening organ disorders. During pregnancy, explore to disease can lead to disastrous results such as bad obstetric history (BOH), repeated pregnancy loss (RPL) or may cause deformities in fetuses whereas it also responsible for infertility and maternal mortality. In the study124 teenage girls and 176 women of different background were selected, out of them 3.23% girls and 11.36 % women were found susceptible and were at risk to have Rubella infection. In the study it was detected that immunity against Rubella was decreasing with increasing age, i.e. the vaccination in childbearing age should be included in schedule.
Combination vaccines against diarrheal diseasesMalabi M Venk.docxdrandy1
Combination vaccines against diarrheal diseases
Malabi M Venkatesan1,* and Lillian L Van de Verg2
1Bacterial Diseases Branch; Walter Reed Army Institute of Research; Silver Spring, MD USA; 2Enteric Vaccine Initiative; Vaccine Development Global Program;
PATH; Washington, DC USA
Keywords: combination, diarrhea, ETEC, Shigella, vaccines
Diarrheal diseases remain a leading cause of global
childhood mortality and morbidity. Several recent
epidemiological studies highlight the rate of diarrheal
diseases in different parts of the world and draw attention to
the impact on childhood growth and survival. Despite the
well-documented global burden of diarrheal diseases,
currently there are no combination diarrheal vaccines, only
licensed vaccines for rotavirus and cholera, and Salmonella
typhi-based vaccines for typhoid fever. The recognition of the
impact of diarrheal episodes on infant growth, as seen in
resource-poor countries, has spurred action from
governmental and non-governmental agencies to accelerate
research toward affordable and effective vaccines against
diarrheal diseases. Both travelers and children in endemic
countries will benefit from a combination diarrheal vaccine,
but it can be argued that the greater proportion of any
positive impact will be on the public health status of the
latter. The history of combination pediatric vaccines indicate
that monovalent or single disease vaccines are typically
licensed first prior to formulation in a combination vaccine,
and that the combinations themselves undergo periodic
revision in response to need for improvement in safety or
potential for wider coverage of important pediatric
pathogens. Nevertheless combination pediatric vaccines have
proven to be an effective tool in limiting or eradicating
communicable childhood diseases worldwide. The landscape
of diarrheal vaccine candidates indicates that there now
several in active development that offer options for potential
testing of combinations to combat those bacterial and viral
pathogens responsible for the heaviest disease burden—
rotavirus, ETEC, Shigella, Campylobacter, V. cholera and
Salmonella.
Introduction
Several recent large scale studies of global diarrheal disease
burden and epidemiology, renewed recognition of multiple
diarrhea episodes as a serious impediment to the health and
development of children in resource-poor countries, an
upsurge in the investment by charitable foundations and gov-
ernmental entities in combatting global infectious diseases
and the emergence of new concepts in vaccination strategies
collectively point to opportunities to develop new vaccines
against very old diseases. In this paper, we first review up-to-
date information on diarrheal disease burden as a rationale
for the pursuit of vaccine development. The history of the
development and challenges of combination pediatric vaccines
are presented as a model for combination diarrheal vaccines
for children in endemic parts of the world as well as for trav.
Combination vaccines against diarrheal diseasesMalabi M Venk.docxcargillfilberto
Combination vaccines against diarrheal diseases
Malabi M Venkatesan1,* and Lillian L Van de Verg2
1Bacterial Diseases Branch; Walter Reed Army Institute of Research; Silver Spring, MD USA; 2Enteric Vaccine Initiative; Vaccine Development Global Program;
PATH; Washington, DC USA
Keywords: combination, diarrhea, ETEC, Shigella, vaccines
Diarrheal diseases remain a leading cause of global
childhood mortality and morbidity. Several recent
epidemiological studies highlight the rate of diarrheal
diseases in different parts of the world and draw attention to
the impact on childhood growth and survival. Despite the
well-documented global burden of diarrheal diseases,
currently there are no combination diarrheal vaccines, only
licensed vaccines for rotavirus and cholera, and Salmonella
typhi-based vaccines for typhoid fever. The recognition of the
impact of diarrheal episodes on infant growth, as seen in
resource-poor countries, has spurred action from
governmental and non-governmental agencies to accelerate
research toward affordable and effective vaccines against
diarrheal diseases. Both travelers and children in endemic
countries will benefit from a combination diarrheal vaccine,
but it can be argued that the greater proportion of any
positive impact will be on the public health status of the
latter. The history of combination pediatric vaccines indicate
that monovalent or single disease vaccines are typically
licensed first prior to formulation in a combination vaccine,
and that the combinations themselves undergo periodic
revision in response to need for improvement in safety or
potential for wider coverage of important pediatric
pathogens. Nevertheless combination pediatric vaccines have
proven to be an effective tool in limiting or eradicating
communicable childhood diseases worldwide. The landscape
of diarrheal vaccine candidates indicates that there now
several in active development that offer options for potential
testing of combinations to combat those bacterial and viral
pathogens responsible for the heaviest disease burden—
rotavirus, ETEC, Shigella, Campylobacter, V. cholera and
Salmonella.
Introduction
Several recent large scale studies of global diarrheal disease
burden and epidemiology, renewed recognition of multiple
diarrhea episodes as a serious impediment to the health and
development of children in resource-poor countries, an
upsurge in the investment by charitable foundations and gov-
ernmental entities in combatting global infectious diseases
and the emergence of new concepts in vaccination strategies
collectively point to opportunities to develop new vaccines
against very old diseases. In this paper, we first review up-to-
date information on diarrheal disease burden as a rationale
for the pursuit of vaccine development. The history of the
development and challenges of combination pediatric vaccines
are presented as a model for combination diarrheal vaccines
for children in endemic parts of the world as well as for trav.
Similar to A study of health comprehension about the cholera among a slice (20)
A study of health comprehension about the cholera among a slice
1. 286
A study of health comprehension about the cholera among a slice
of University of Baghdad employee
BY
Maysaa Kadhdom and Sinai Waleed
College of Science, University of Baghdad, Jadiriya, Baghdad, Iraq
Introduction:
Cholera is a specific infectious disease of humans caused by Vibrio cholerae serogroup
O1and O139. It is an enzymatic process causing a brief, acute onset diarrhoeal illness, with
recurrent vomiting and stools that resemble rice water. This leads to acute rapid dehydration
with fluid and electrolyte loss, ending with acidosis and hypovolaemic shock, which is usually
fatal if untreated (1–5)
. Cholera spreads mainly via drinking water supplies contaminated by
human excreta, especially from sub-clinical carriers and mild cases. Humans are the reservoir
of the disease, despite isolation of V. cholerae O1 from blue crabs (6)
and from the faeces of
some aquatic birds (7)
. Cholera differs from other enteric diseases in its clinical course (a very
short incubation period) and epidemic pattern (rapidly spreading to different countries and
disappearing rapidly when outbreaks subside)(8)
. Cholera is endemic in Asia; from 1817 to
1923 there were 6 pandemic waves which moved through Asia then through the Americas and
Africa (9-11)
. Iraq is at risk of epidemics spreading from neighbouring countries because it lies
on the routes of pilgrimage to Mecca and contains a number of holy shrines. During the
epidemic of 1820, when cholera first spread to Basra, there were a great number of deaths and
many sectors of the city were completely depopulated (12)
. The disease spread to Baghdad,
with similar consequences. After that, cholera continued to appear in several epidemic forms
during the years 1871, 1889, 1894, 1899 and 1917(13)
, after which the disease completely
disappeared from Iraq to reappear again in August 1966 as a part of the 7th pandemic
spread(9,14)
. After subsidence of the 7th pandemic in Iraq, occasional outbreaks of cholera
continued in Iraq. Recent outbreaks that occur in Iraq during August - October 2008 - As of
29 October 2008, a total of 644 laboratory-confirmed cholera cases, including eight deaths,
had been verified in Iraq(15)
.
2. 287
Materials and Method
An informational survey was conducted using a structural questionnaire form in which
data was collected regarding:
• Residency sector
• Gender
• Age
• Route of transmission
• Symptoms of the disease
• The causative agent
In this survey, 98 questionnaire forms have been enrolled among personnel's from
University of Baghdad as (study group), and 30 questionnaire forms among randomly selected
persons as (control group), both groups are scattered in both sectors of Baghdad city (Al-
Khrakh and Al-Resafa) in equal manner. The vast majority of study group having a bachelor
degree and the rest of them were holding a higher degree (MSc. or PhD.) in different science;
meanwhile most of the control group were holding high school degree and just very few have a
bachelor degree. The study was designed to interrogate both study and control group about
them knowledge and health comprehension regarding the disease and to know them suggestion
about the Ministry of Health campaign to contain the disease throw the recent outbreak that
occur in Iraq during 2008(15)
. The study was carried out through the period from April 2008 to
October 2008.
Results
A total of 98 person that participate in this survey (study group), 79% of them were
female and only 21% were male, they were divided into two age groups; 81% of them were
among 20-40 year and 19% were 41-60 year; meanwhile the control group recorded 73%
female and 27% male, there were 73% of them in the first age group and 27% in second age
group as shown in table (1) In this study, the risk factors were divided into three major points:
3. 288
routes of the disease transmission, symptoms of the disease and the causative agent as shown in
table (2). According to the route of transmission they were divided into
3 routes: via water which is consider the main source of the disease transmission, through food
and through both (water and food) which considered the second likely possible rout of
transmission, only 37% of the study group criminated water meanwhile 62% of the answers
were directed towards both (water and food). As far as concern the control group answers;
33% criminated water and 54% considered that the disease transmission is through water and
food. The symptoms of the disease: they were divided into three symptoms: fever and chills;
which they are general signs for many diseases, bloody diarrhea; an important feature for
parasitic infection and watery diarrhea; a characteristic sign of cholera infection. 72% of the
study group chooses the watery diarrhea and amazingly that 90% of the control group know the
significant sign of the disease as shown in table 2. The causative agent were divided into
bacteria, virus, and parasite; 56% of the study group chooses bacteria as the cause of infection,
meanwhile 47% of the control group considered the disease causes by bacteria. Both groups
(study and control) had recorded relatively same answers regarding the virus as causative agent
(28% and 30%) respectively as shown in table 2.
Table 1: Distribution of demographic data of the study group
Demographic data Variables
Study group Control group
No. (%) No. (%)
Residency sector
Al-Kharkh 44 (45) 15 (50)
Al-Resafa 54 (55) 15 (50)
Total 98 (100) 30 (100)
Gender
Female 77 (79) 22 (73)
Male 21 (21) 8 (27)
Total 98 (100) 30 (100)
Age group
(20-40) year 79 (81) 22 (73)
(41-60) year 19 (19) 8 (27)
Total 98 (100) 30 (100)
4. 289
Table (2): The risk factors of the cholera infection
Risk factors Variables
Study group Control group
No. (%) No. (%)
Route of transmission
Water 37 (37) 10 (33)
Food 1 (1) 4 (13)
Both 60 (62) 16 (54)
Total 98 (100) 30 (100)
Symptoms of the disease
Fever and chills 14 (14) 1 (3)
Bloody diarrhea 13 (13) 2 (7)
Watery diarrhea 71 (72) 27 (90)
Total 98 (100) 30 (100)
Causative agent
Bacteria 55 (56) 14 (47)
Virus 28 (28) 9 (30)
Parasite 9 (9) 5 (16)
No answer 6 (6) 2 (7)
Total 98 (100) 30 (100)
Discussions
Cholera is an acute enteric infection caused by the ingestion of bacterium Vibrio cholerae
present in faecally contaminated water or food. Primarily linked to insufficient access to safe
water and proper sanitation(16)
. Our study reveals that 62% of the study group and 54% of the
control group answered that both water and food are responsible of the disease transmission
which may indicate them relatively good comprehension concerning the mode of transmission.
Concerning the symptoms of the disease, 72% of the study group answered that the
watery diarrhoea is the main symptom the disease which is a very good indicator on them
5. 290
knowledge about the disease symptoms; meanwhile 90% of the control group have the correct
answer which may indicate either them knowledge with disease symptoms because there is an
infection happen among them family or the they may choose the correct answer by chance. Both
high percentage among the study and control group concerning the main symptom of the disease
(watery diarrhoea) had an advantage to community in which may led to control the disease in
case it occur especially when we know that Cholera is characterized in its most severe form by a
sudden onset of acute watery diarrhoea that can lead to death by severe dehydration. The
extremely short incubation period - two hours to five days - enhances the potentially explosive
pattern of outbreaks, as the number of cases can rise very quickly. About 75% of people infected
with cholera do not develop any symptoms. However, the pathogens stay in their faeces for 7 to
14 days and are shed back into the environment, possibly infecting other individuals. Cholera is
an extremely virulent disease that affects both children and adults. Unlike other diarrhoeal
diseases, it can kill healthy adults within hours(16)
.
About the causative agent, (56% and 47%) of the study group and the control group
respectively answer that the bacteria was responsible for the infection,
(28% and 30%) respectively say that the virus was responsible for the infection. Only (9% and
16%) of study group and control group respectively say that the parasite is the causative agent.
This diversity in the answers regarding the causative agent of the infection may indicated the
lack of knowledge about the causative agent; nevertheless 56% is enough percent indicating
them knowledge since the diagnosis of the disease is not the responsibility of the patients or the
patient's relatives as well as the treatment of the infection and the diagnosis is responsibility of
the medical professionals in the health sectors.
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