Implication of Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Defence Systems in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum Malaria Infection among Children Aged 1 to 15 Years in the Mount Cameroon Area

It is known that the pathogenicity of Plasmodium induces the breakdown of haemoglobin, which leads to the induction of oxidative stress. This study aimed to identify the possible effects of oxidative stress and antioxidant defence systems in symptomatic and asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum malaria infection in children (1 - 15 years old) in the Mount Cameroon vicinity. This cross-sectional study involved blood samples collected from 473 children and examined for malaria parasitaemia. Full blood counts were performed using an automated haemoanalyser. Serum oxidative stress status (malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and vitamin C (Vit C)) were each determined by colorimetric enzymatic assays. The prevalence of malaria parasite infection was 32.1% among the participants. Out of that, 62.5% of patients with parasitaemia were symptomatic. Anaemia prevalence increased significantly with parasite density. MDA levels were significantly higher in patients with malaria symptoms than in those without symptoms. A significant and positive correlation was detected between MDA (r = 0.831, P < 0.05), NO (r = 0.779, P < 0.05), and malaria parasite density while, a significant and negative relationship occurred between parasite density and GSH (r = ?0.763, P < 0.05) and Vit C (r = ?0.826, P < 0.05) levels, SOD (r = ?0.621, P < 0.05) and CAT (r = ?0.817, P < 0.05) activities. The SOD activity and GSH level significantly decreased (P < 0.05) with an increase in the MDA levels. These findings showed that MDA and nitric oxide levels increased both in malaria participants with or without symptoms. A similar decrease in the antioxidant defence system was observed in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Therefore, there is a need to develop public health policies that encourage routine diagnosis and treatment of malaria in seemingly healthy people (asymptomatic cases), and this will play an essential role in controlling malaria in tropical countries.

Assessing Strategies of Obstetric Fistula Management by Nurses/Midwives of Yaoundé Central Hospital and University Teaching Hospital

Every minute, a woman dies in pregnancy, and for every woman who dies 20 - 30 others will survive with morbidity, one of which is obstetrical fistula. Women who suffer from obstetric fistula experience continuous incontinence of urine and/or stool, stigma, social isolation and associated health problems. The World Health Organization estimates that there are currently more than 2 million women living with untreated obstetric fistula mostly in sub-Saharan Africa and South-East Asia, as well as in various other parts of the world. Caring for fistula patients and nursing them back to full physical and mental health can be one of the most challenging and also rewarding tasks undertaken by nurses. The surgery cannot succeed without proper pre-, peri- and post-operative care. The patients undoubtedly recover better with high-quality care—meaning the truly holistic, generous, and selfless care of a nurse who has the skills, understanding and determination to help these very vulnerable patients. Objective: This research seeks to assess the strategies of obstetric fistula management by nurses/midwives of Yaoundé central hospital and CHU by exploring the care they offer to clients pre-operatively, post-operatively, and when they are discharged from the hospital. Achieving Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 3 still remains a challenge to the developing countries although maternal mortality reduction is a priority agenda of each country. Methodology: This retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study design employed a sample of 100 nurses/midwives on active service, and who have at least managed a case of obstetric fistula. A quantitative questionnaire was used to collect data, which was analyzed using SPSS version 23. Results: The study proved a highly significant difference between management and qualification, with a p-value of 0.002. Also, it showed that there was a statistically significant difference between longevity of service and management with a p-value of 0.001. A majority of respondents were nurse assistants (52%), and up to 43% of respondents had 11 - 20 years of work experience. Up to 53% did not offer standard care with respect to their qualification, and up to 52% did not offer standard care with respect to their longevity in service. Conclusion: VVF is the most common type of obstetric fistula with a frequency of 6 to 10 cases, there is an overall poor management of obstetric fistula by nurses and midwives in YCH and CHU. There is an urgent need to train and retrain these health workers on the management strategies of obstetric fistula and to remind them of their personal commitment as care givers.

Distribution and factors associated with urogenital schistosomiasis in theTiko Health District,a semi-urban setting,South West Region,Cameroon

Background:Increased risk of schistosomiasis in peri-urban and urban towns is not uncommon.An epidemiological survey was carried out in theTiko Health District(THD),an unmapped transmission focus for urogenital schistosomiasis(UGS),to assess the distribution,intensity,and risk factors associated with the occurrence of UGS.

Polyparasitism with Schistosoma haematobium,Plasmodium and soil-transmitted helminths in school-aged children in Muyuka-Camero on following implementation ofc ontrol measures:a cross sectional study

Background:Despite the ubiquity of polyparasitism,its health impacts have been inadequately studied.The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and determinants of polyparasitism with Schistosoma haematobium,Plasmodium and soil-transmitted helminths(STH)following sustained control measures,as well as evaluate the outcomes and clinical correlates of infection in school-aged children(SAC)living in the schistosomiasis endemic focus of Muyuka-Cameroon.Methods:In a cross-sectional study,urine,blood and stool samples were each collected from SAC(4-14 years)selected at random between March and June 2015.Microhaematuria in urine was detected using reagent strip and 5.haematobium ova by filtration/microscopy methods.Plasmodium was detected using Giemsa-stained blood films and complete blood count was obtained using an auto-haematology analyser.STH in stool was detected by the Kato-Katz method.Categorical and continuous variables were compared as required,Kappa value estimated and the adjusted odds ratio(aOR)in the multivariate analysis was used to evaluate association of the risk factors with infection.

Soil-transmitted helminths and plasmodium falciparum malaria among individuals living in different agroecosystems in two rural communities in the mount Cameroon area:a cross-sectional study

Background:Soil-transmitted helminths(STHs)and Plasmodium falciparum infections remain public health problems in Cameroon.A cross-sectional study was carried out in the Mount Cameroon area to determine the prevalence and intensity of STHs and P.falciparum infections in individuals living in different agroecosystems;to assess the influence of these infections on haematological parameters;and to identify the risk factors associated with STH infections.Methods:STH and malaria parasites were detected using the Kato-Katz method and Giemsa staining of blood films,respectively.Complete blood count values were obtained using an automatic haematology analyser.Soil samples were analysed using the sucrose floatation sedimentation method.Categorical and continuous variables were compared as required and logistic regression models were used to assess the risk factors for STH infections and anaemia.Results:Of the 450 participants examined,STHs,P.falciparum and mixed co-infections were detected in 14.0,33.3 and 5.6%of participants,respectively.Significantly higher prevalences of Ascaris(18.8%)and Trichuris(7.9%)infections were observed in participants from tea plantation areas compared to those from banana and palm plantation areas,with similar trends in egg density.P.falciparum prevalence and parasite density were comparable between the different agroecosystems.The overall prevalence of anaemia was 64.2%.The prevalence of haematological manifestations such as moderate(48.0%)and severe(8.0%)anaemia,leucopenia(26.9%)and microcytosis(30.8%)was significantly higher among Plasmodium-STH co-infected participants.Soil samples from plantations showed the highest prevalences of STH eggs compared to soil samples from areas around pit toilets and public water taps.Living in a tea plantation area(OR=3.07),age(AOR=1.49)and lack of access to potable water(OR=2.25)were identified as risk factors for STH infections,while the age groups 15-25 years(OR=2.928)and 26-35 years(OR=2.832),and being female(OR=2.671)were significant risk factors for anaemia.Conclusions:STHs,malaria and anaemia are still of public health concern in plantation communities.Co-infections negatively influence haematological parameters.The tea farming agroecosystem,age and lack of access to potable water were identified as significant risk factors for STH infections.Trial registration:Not applicable.