Cattle Production and Lumpy Skin Disease of Smallholder Farmers in Svay Rieng Province

The cattle production in Romeas Haek district,Svay Rieng province,was developed remarkably,since there were some households raising cattle in large number,more than 20 heads.The grazing method of cattle was tethering and free grassing in the commune grass,since the natural grass and rice straw were the main source of cattle feed,however some of them supplemented their cattle with crop-byproducts,planting grass or concentrated feed.For the majority,BCS(Body Condition Scoring)of the cattle in those areas was 3 accounting for 52%-73.33%,but it was found the thin cattle has low BCS of 2 accounting for 11.11%to 40.00%and also fat cattle has BCS of 4 up to 27.78%.However,the average BCS varied with village which ranged from 2.68 to 3.17,but is not different in term of commune and sex of cattle.Besides facing with shortage of feed,the experience with diseases was also another concern,since 85.71%to 95.83%of the households faced this problem last year.Among the clinical signs found,lumpy skin was 100%,i.e.no one escaped from this problem,thus making them aware of vaccinating their cattle against some diseases such as FMD(Foot and Mouth Disease),HS(Hemorrhagic Septicemia)and LSD(Lumpy Skin Disease),but mostly vaccination was used against FMD.Because the LSD has occurred in these areas since 2020,then the seroprevalence was found in high positive up to 72.62%by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay(ELISA)test.This positive rate was also varying by villages,ranging from 53.3%to 94.44%.But there was no association between positive cattle with commune,BCS,sex and age of cattle.In conclusion,the cattle production in Romeas Haek district,Svay Rieng province had developed markedly,however the shortage of feed and disease occurrence are the main challenges for farmer cattle producers,especially LSD outbreak last year.However,most of the farmers have been aware of the benefit of vaccination and had vaccinated their cattle against those main disease,such as FMD,HS and LSD.

Seroprevalence of SARS-COV-2 Exposure among “High-Risk” Populations (Healthcare Workers, People Who Attend Markets, and School Children) in Zanzibar

In Zanzibar, from the start of the pandemic in March 2020 to the time of sampling in December 2020, SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence data was limited. We conducted a seroprevalence study to evaluate the magnitude of SARS-CoV-2 exposure among healthcare workers, school children, and people who attended general markets in Zanzibar. The objectives of the study were to analyse the total antibodies from selected higher-risk population groups in order to determine magnitude in SARS CoV-2 exposure. Blood samples were collected from eligible and consented participants (adults and children), and their serum was analyzed for total antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 using ELISA. A questionnaire was used to collect participants’ demographic and clinical data. The overall SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence across all age groups was 33%, and a higher seroprevalence was observed in the 40 - 49 years’ age group relative to other ages as well as in those who attended markets. A runny nose (18.8% of participants) was the most frequently reported SARS-CoV-2 infection-related symptom. Multivariable analysis showed significantly higher odds of infection in people living in urban districts. The findings provide insight into SARS-CoV-2 infection among school children, health workers, and people who attended markets in Zanzibar in the early stages of the pandemic. Exposure in these groups might have been influenced by infection and prevention strategies taken by the government, as well as shopping behavior, school overcrowding, and population density in urban settings. The study had methodological limitations, including cross-sectional design. Further, well-designed, longitudinal studies are recommended to understand exposure and transmission at a population level.

Antibody seropositivity and endemicity of chikungunya and Zika viruses in Nigeria

Mosquito-borne infections are of global health concern because of their rapid spread and upsurge,which creates a risk for coinfections.chikungunya virus(CHIKV),an arbovirus disease transmitted by Aedes aegypti or A.albopictus,and malaria,a parasitic disease transmitted by Anopheles gambiae,are prevalent in Nigeria and neighbouring countries,but their burden and possible coinfections are poorly understood.In this study,we investigated the antibody seropositivity and endemicity of chikungunya and Zika viruses(ZIKV)in three regions of Nigeria.A cross-sectional serosurvey was conducted on 871 participants.Samples were collected from outpatients by simple random sampling.Analyses of the samples were performed using recomLine Tropical Fever for the presence of antibody serological marker IgG immunoblot with CHIKV VLP(virus like particle),ZIKV NS1 and ZIKV Equad according to manufacturers’instructions and malaria RDT for malaria parasite.There was a significantly higher antibody seropositivity against CHIKV in the central region than in the northern and southern regions(69.5%,291/419),while ZIKV-seropositivity(22.4%,34/152)and CHIKV-ZIKV co-circulating antibody seropositivity(17.8%,27/152)were notably higher in the southern region than in the central and northern regions.This investigation revealed an unexpectedly high antibody seropositivity and concealed endemicity of CHIKV and ZIKV in three Nigerian regions.The seropositivity of detectable antibodies differed among the three geographical locations.

SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Seroprevalence in Children and Workers from Belgian French-Speaking Primary Schools

Purpose: During the COVID-19 pandemic, closing schools was discussed to limit the virus transmission, despite a lack of evidence on the role of young children in the virus spread. We undertook a study among Belgian primary schools to assess the SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence and its relationship with local incidence, school size, and socioeconomic status (SES). Methods: Schools were purposively selected using three criteria: an area with either a low or a high COVID-19 incidence, either a small or a large size, and either a low or a high SES. 932 (/2488, 38%) children and 242 (/444, 55%) staff signed informed consent. COVID-19 antibodies were tested using rapid finger prick tests. Results: Children participation was positively correlated with staff (r = +0.33;95% CI [−0.34;0.78]), and strongly with SES (r = +0.81;95% CI [0.40;0.95]). Seroprevalence was 21% in children (191/922) and 25% in staff (61/240). Seroprevalence did not correlate with local cumulative incidence (children: r = +0.06;95% CI [−0.59;0.67];staff: r = +0.26;95% CI [−0.40;0.74]). In staff, seroprevalence was higher in schools with higher SES (r = +0.37;95% CI [−0.29;0.79]), but not in children (r = −0.10;95% CI [−0.66;0.53]). Conclusion:The lower seroprevalence in children suggests they are lower transmitters than adults, but poor socioeconomic levels were less representative.

Occurrence of Salmonella Enteric Serovar Typhi Antibodies among Blood Donors in Ghana

Background: Donated blood contaminated with S. Typhi can cause post-transfusion sepsis. This study aimed to determine the correlation between some risk factors of typhoid fever and seroprevalence of antibodies against S. Typhi among blood donors. Methodology: Following informed consent, socio-demographic and information on risk factors of typhoid infection was obtained using pre-structured questionnaires from 400 apparently healthy blood donors at the Tema General Hospital. Blood was also collected for serology and cultured for identification of pathogens by standard bacteriological method. Results: Blood culture did not reveal any S. Typhi isolate out of the tested 400 (348 males and 52 females) samples from apparently healthy blood donors. However, IgM and IgG antibody seroprevalence of 9.3% and 3.5% were detected. Age group of 17 - 24 years was the highest risk group, persons with a history of typhoid infection, and sources of drinking water were major risk factors for typhoid infection. It was also observed that prevalence of IgM was highest among new donors (62.2%), but lower in donors with a history of 1 to 3 blood donations (32.4%) and least among regular donors (>3 donations (5.4%)). In addition, typhoid prevention awareness and typhoid knowledge (knowledge about typhoid transmission) among the donors were poor (4.3% and 5.9% respectively). Conclusions: This study has shown an overall seroprevalence of 9% and 3.5% for IgM and IgG antibodies respectively among blood donors in the Tema area in Ghana. We advocate for the mandatory screening of donor units intended for transfusion for S. Typhi. Furthermore, there is an urgent need for the health education of all persons in Ghana on preventive measures and the spread of S. Typhi.

Applications of time series analysis in epidemiology: Literature review and our experience during COVID-19 pandemic

Time series analysis is a valuable tool in epidemiology that complements the classical epidemiological models in two different ways:Prediction and forecast.Prediction is related to explaining past and current data based on various internal and external influences that may or may not have a causative role.Forecasting is an exploration of the possible future values based on the predictive ability of the model and hypothesized future values of the external and/or internal influences.The time series analysis approach has the advantage of being easier to use(in the cases of more straightforward and linear models such as Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average).Still,it is limited in forecasting time,unlike the classical models such as Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Removed.Its applicability in forecasting comes from its better accuracy for short-term prediction.In its basic form,it does not assume much theoretical knowledge of the mechanisms of spreading and mutating pathogens or the reaction of people and regulatory structures(governments,companies,etc.).Instead,it estimates from the data directly.Its predictive ability allows testing hypotheses for different factors that positively or negatively contribute to the pandemic spread;be it school closures,emerging variants,etc.It can be used in mortality or hospital risk estimation from new cases,seroprevalence studies,assessing properties of emerging variants,and estimating excess mortality and its relationship with a pandemic.

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Infection in Patients at Pasteur Institute of Dakar in Senegal from 2016 to 2020: Prevalence and Seroprotection Level

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is highly endemic in Senegal. Vaccination of all children against HBV was introduced in 1999 and included in Expanded Programme on Immunisation in 2005. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and immune status against HBV in patients received at Pasteur Institut in Dakar, Senegal. Methods: Between January 2016 and December 2020, patients aged between 1 and 96 years received laboratory were included in the study. Serum samples were analysed for HBV serology (HBs antigen: HBsAg, HBs antibody: HBsAb and HBc antibody: HBcAb) using ARCHITECT? analyser. Patients with anti-HBs antibody levels (HBsAb ≥ 10 IU/l) were considered seroprotected against HBV. Results: A total of 5629 patients were analysed with a mean age of 39 years and extremes from 1 to 96 years. The most represented age group was 31 - 45 years with 38.4%. HBsAg was present in 520 patients (9.2%) and was signed by sex and age group. Anti-HBc antibodies were found in 52.7% of patients and 1603 (28.48%) had isolated anti-HBs antibodies reflecting proportion of people vaccinated at the time of the study. However, 2143 patients (41.9%) had no seroprotection (HBsAb 10 IU/L) and 640 (12.6%) had strong seroprotection defined as HBsAb > 1000 IU/L. Conclusion: Our results show a significant presence of virus in Senegalese population and low vaccination coverage, especially in adults. Evaluation of HBsAb levels and provision of HBV booster shots should be considered for children in Senegal.

Study of the Prevalence of Hepatitis B and Associated Risk Factors in Cotonou (Benin) and Dakar (Senegal)

Background: In 2019, the WHO estimated that over 296 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and over 820,000 deaths attributable to hepatitis B. Most people living with HBV are unaware of their immune status and live in endemic areas. This is the case of Benin and Senegal, which have little data on the disease. Objective: This study aimed to provide epidemiological furthers on hepatitis B in Dakar and Cotonou according to WHO recommendations about “obtaining data for action”. Materials and Methods: Our study took place at the Medical Biology Laboratory of the Idrissa Pouye General Hospital (LBM-HOGIP) in Dakar, Senegal. Participants were selected at the LBM-HOGIP of Dakar or at the LBMs of the health centres of the Archdiocese of Cotonou respectively from November to December 2019 and February to March 2020. All participants were tested for hepatitis B virus antigen (HBsAg) using a microparticle chemiluminescence immunoassay assay. Other risk factors including blood transfusion, haemodialysis, tattooing, cultural or clan scarification, piercing, injecting drug use, unprotected sex and surgical procedures were also investigated. Informed consent was obtained from each participant. The study was approved by the ethics committees in Senegal and Benin. For the biological tests, Excel and IBM SPSS Statistics software were used for the analysis of the results. Results: A total of 470 participants were recruited including 234 in Cotonou and 236 in Dakar. The median age in Cotonou was 29 years with extremes of 10 and 65 years, and 38 years in Dakar with extremes of 6 and 93 years. The prevalence of HBsAg was 12.39% in Cotonou and 19.91% in Dakar. The most affected age groups were 20 - 29 in Dakar and 30 - 39 in Cotonou. Except for piercing, none of the other risk factors considered in our study were found to be associated with HBV transmission in our populations. Conclusion: Our study is hospital-based and revealed high prevalence of HBsAg. These prevalences were higher in men.

Association of Host Interferon-γ Gene Polymorphism with Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Pregnant Women of Bangladesh

Human toxoplasmosis is caused by the intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Although T. gondii infection is generally asymptomatic for most of the immunocompetent adults, severe complications may occur particularly in pregnant women and immunocompromised individual. Host cell immunity plays a critical role in parasite differentiation and persistence in the host. Therefore, genetic polymorphism in the host immune genes, for instance interferon-γ gene could be linked with possibility of T. gondii infection. The objective of the study was to verify the link between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IFN-γ gene of pregnant women and T. gondii infection through correlating with anthropometric and sociodemographic parameters. In this study, ninety-two (N = 92) pregnant women (16 - 40 years) and healthy controls (N = 95) with similar age ranges were included. Among them, 25% (n = 23) pregnant women were seropositive for T. gondii IgG antibodies by Rapid Test Assay. Allelic and genotypic frequencies of IFN-γ +874T/A (rs2430561) SNPs were evaluated by using ARMS-PCR. The distribution of the A and T alleles in the specific position of the IFN-γ gene in the T. gondii-infected pregnant women and the control groups did not differ significantly, according to the data. However, we found a higher frequency (13.04%) of A/A genotype in T. gondii infected pregnant women as compared to non-infected individuals (8.70%), demonstrating that T. gondii infection susceptibility may be increased by homozygosity for the A allele. Further studies are to be needed to find out the link between host gene polymorphism and T. gondii infection in Bangladesh.

Seroprevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis Infection in Women of Procreate Age in the Mayo-Boneye Department in Chad

Introduction: Chlamydia trachomatis infections constitute a major public health problem, particularly in women. The objective of this study is to identify Chlamydia trachomatis to improve the health of women in the Department of Mayo-Boneye. Methodology: This is a prospective observational study that took place from October to December 2021, including 168 patients with their sociodemographic characteristics. The venous blood of the patients was collected in dry tubes and centrifuged to obtain the serum. The Chlamydia IgG Rapid Test Cassette was used for the detection of antibodies to Chlamydia infection. The Epi Info 7TM software was used to perform the statistical analyses. Results: A total of 168 patients were included in this study. The average age was 26.36 ± 9.21 years, the median was 25.5 years with the extremes of 14 years and 70 years. Among these patients, 46.43% were illiterate, 5.95% and 20.83% were primary and secondary school students, respectively, and 26.79% university students. For marital status, 66.67% were single, 16.67% married, 10.71% divorced and 5.95% widowed. Regarding the profession, 26.79% were traders, 8.93% were employees and 64.29% unemployed. In this study, the 168 patients had performed Chlamydia trachomatis serology among whom 02 (1.19%) were excluded for invalid results and 10.71% presented positive cases. The city of Bongor was the most infected with 61% of cases. Among these patients, 54.22% were linked to risk factors for Chlamydia trachomatis. The most infected age group was between 25 and 35 with a seroprevalence of 5.36% of cases. Conclusion: In this study, Chlamydia trachomatis was positive for 10.71% of diagnosed cases. The most affected age groups are young, sexually active women. The State should emphasize the screening of women, the awareness of students and academics.

Seroprevalence, Importance of Rapid Testing and Factors Associated with HBsAg Carriage in Pregnancy in Three Referral Maternity Hospitals in Mono (Benin), in 2020

Introduction Difficulties in accessing the screening test for viral hepatitis B in maternity wards could be a factor in underestimating the prevalence of anti-HBV antibodies. The rapid diagnostic orientation test (RDOT) could improve seroprevalence and obstetrical prognosis. The aim of this study was to use the rapid diagnostic orientation test (RDOT) to determine the seroprevalence of HBs antigen carriage in pregnant women while highlighting the associated factors. Methods This was a cross-sectional and descriptive study that took place from October to December 2020 (three months) in three (03) reference maternities in western Benin (Mono). Consenting pregnant women received in prenatal consultation had been screened by RDOT. Positive cases were confirmed by ELISA test. The follow-up of these cases made it possible to establish the obstetrical prognosis. Results Of 201 women studied, 11 (5.5%) were positive for RDOT HBV and confirmed by the ELISA test. The factors associated with HBsAg carriage during pregnancy were multiple sexual partnerships (p = 0.01), female circumcision (p = 0.0001), and ignorance of prior HBV serological status (p = 0.0001). No influence of hepatitis B on pregnancy was noted. Conclusion The seroprevalence of hepatitis B in pregnancy was intermediate in the reference maternities of western Benin. The associated factors were multiple sexual partnerships, female circumcision and unawareness of prior HBV status. Free RDOT in maternity wards would improve early detection and management of viral hepatitis B in pregnancy.

Hepatitis B:Epidemiology and prevention in developing countries

Hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection is a serious global public health problem.The infection may be transmitted through sexual intercourse,parenteral contact or from an infected mother to the baby at birth and,if contracted early in life,may lead to chronic liver disease,including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.On the basis of the HBV carrier rate,the world can be divided in 3 regions of high,medium and low endemicity.The major concern is about high endemicity countries,where the most common route of infection remains vertical transmission from mother to child.Screening of all pregnant women and passive immunization with human hepatitis B immunoglobulin are not affordable for many developing countries.The infection rate can be reduced by modifying behavior,improving individual education,testing all blood donations,assuring asepsis in clinical practice and screening all pregnant women.However,availability of a safe and efficacious vaccine and adoption of appropriate immunization strategies are the most effective means to prevent HBV infection and its consequences.The unsolved problem for poorest countries,where the number of people currently infected is high,is the cost of the vaccine.A future challenge is to overcome the social and economic hurdles of maintaining and improving a prevention policy worldwide to reduce the global burden of the disease.

Hepatitis A:Epidemiology and prevention in developing countries

Hepatitis A is the most common form of acute viral hepatitis in the world.Major geographical differences in endemicity of hepatitis A are closely related to hygienic and sanitary conditions and other indicators of the level of socioeconomic development.The anti-hepatitis A virus(HAV)seroprevalence rate is presently decreasing in many parts of the world,but in less developed regions and in several developing countries,HAV infection is still very common in the first years of life and seroprev-alence rates approach 100%.In areas of intermediate endemicity,the delay in the exposure to the virus has generated a huge number of susceptible adolescents and adults and significantly increased the average age at infection.As the severity of disease increases with age,this has led to outbreaks of hepatitis A.Several factors contribute to the decline of the infection rate,including rising socioeconomic levels,increased access to clean water and the availability of a hepatitis A vaccine that was developed in the 1990s.For populations with a high proportion of susceptible adults,implementing vaccination programs may be considered.In this report,we review available epidemiological data and implementation of vaccination strategies,particularly focusing on developing countries.

Seroprevalence of Bartonella henselae and Identification of Risk Factors in China

Serum samples were tested for Bartonella henselae Ig G antibodies using indirect immunofluorescence assays.We then analyzed associated risk factors.Serum samples were considered positive when reactive at a dilution of more than 1:320.

Development of a Novel PmpD-N ELISA for Chlamydia psittaci Infection

Objective Chlamydia psittaci is an avian respiratory pathogen and zoonotic agent. The wide prevalence of C. psittaci poses a threat to the poultry industry and its employees. However, few commercial kits are available for detecting avian antibodies excluding the in-house ELISA kit. In this study, we developed a novel ELISA kit for detecting antibodies against C. psittaci based on the N-terminal fragment of polymorphic outer membrane protein D （PmpD-N） as the coating antigen. Methods The antigen concentrations, primary antibody, and cut-off value were determined and optimized. The ELISA, designated PmpD-N ELISA, was assessed for sensitivity, specificity, and concordance using sera samples from 48 experimentally infected and 168 uninfected SPF chickens. Results The sensitivity and specificity of PmpD-N ELISA were 97.9%, 100%, respectively, while the concordance was 98.1% as compared to that of MOMP-ELISA. No cross-reaction with positive sera for other avian pathogens was found. Using PmpD-N ELISA, 799/836 clinical samples were positive, including 93.0% and 98.1% positivity in layers and broilers, respectively. Conclusion These data indicate that indirect ELISA with PmpD-N as the antigen candidate is a promising approach for the surveillance of C. psittaci infection.

Epidemiology of hepatitis C in Croatia in the European context

We analyzed prevalence, risk factors and hepatitis C virus(HCV) genotype distribution in different population groups in Croatia in the context of HCV epidemiology in Europe, with the aim to gather all existing information on HCV infection in Croatia which will be used to advise upon preventive measures. It is estimated that 35000-45000 of the Croatian population is chronically infected with HCV. Like in other European countries, there have been changes in the HCV epidemiology in Croatia over the past few decades. In some risk groups(polytransfused and hemodialysis patients), a significant decrease in the HCV prevalence was observed after the introduction of routine HCV screening of blood/blood products in 1992. Injecting drug users(IDUs) still represent a group with the highest risk for HCV infection with prevalence ranging from 29% to 65%. Compared to the prevalence in theCroatian general population(0.9%), higher prevalence rates were found in prison populations(8.3%-44%), human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients(15%), persons with high-risk sexual behavior(4.6%) and alcohol abusers(2.4%). Low/very low prevalence was reported in children and adolescents(0.3%) as well as in blood donors(0%-0.009%). In addition, distribution of HCV genotypes has changed due to different routes of transmission. In the general population, genotypes 1 and 3 are most widely distributed(60.4%-79.8% and 12.9%-47.9%, respectively). The similar genotype distribution is found in groups with high-risk sexual behavior. Genotype 3 is predominant in Croatian IDUs(60.5%-83.9%) while in the prison population genotypes 3 and 1 are equally distributed(52.4% and 47.6%). Data on HCV prevalence and risk factors for transmission are useful for implementation of preventive measures and HCV screening.

Toxoplasmosis among pregnant women:High seroprevalence and risk factors in Kinshasa,Democratic Republic of Congo

Objective:To determine the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women,as well as the proportion of acutely infected and risk factors in the Democratic Republic of Congo.Methods:Thirty maternities in Kinshasa were randomly selected and women attending antenatal consultation were invited to participate.They were interviewed with a structured questionnaire about known risk factors(age,meat consumption,contact with soil,and presence of cat)and a venous blood sample was taken.Sera were analysed for total immunoglobulins(Ig)by VIDAS Toxo Competition using Enzyme Linked Fluorescent Assay.IgM was determined by VIDIA Toxo IgM and IgG avidity by VIDAS Toxo IgG avidity.Results:A total of 781 women were included.Median age was 28 years old(IQR:8.S).And 627women(80.3%;95%CI:77.5-83.1)were found to be positive to total Ig and 17 out of 387(4.4%;95%CI:2.3-6.4)were positive to IgM.IgC avidity was low for 2(11.8%)women,intermediate for 2(11.8%)and high for 13 women(76.4%).There was no statistically significant association between Toxoplasma gondii infection and any risk factors assessed.Conclusion:In Kinshasa,toxoplasmosis endemicity is highly prevalent.One woman out of twenty five had a recent toxoplasmosis infection and 20%were not protected against primoinfection,indicating a need for measures to prevent and control toxoplasmosis during pregnancy.

Recurrent headaches may be caused by cerebral toxoplasmosis

AIM: To establish seroprevalence and provide characteristics of Toxoplasma gondii(TG) infection in children with recurrent headaches. METHODS: The study was performed in 178 children aged 7-17 years admitted consecutively to the Department of Pediatric Neurology from November 2009 to July 2011. The children were surveyed with a questionnaire with the help and assistance of their parents and blood samples taken on admission were studied for the presence of specific anti-TG Ig M, Ig G antibodies and Ig G avidity using enzyme immunoassay Platelia Toxo Ig M, Ig G. RESULTS: The study showed that 19 children(8 boys, 11 girls; 8-17 years old, mean age 14.36 years) hadhigh serum anti-TG Ig G antibody levels(range: 32.2 > 240 UI/m L, mean 120.18 UI/m L; positive value for Ig G was ≥ 9 UI/m L). The avidity index(AI) ranged from 0.202 to 0.925(scale: ≥ 0.5 high AI). The results for Ig M antibodies were all negative and the obtained results ranged from 0.113 to 0.25 U/m L(mean = 0.191 IU/m L) and all values below 0.8 IU/m L were considered negative. The most frequent complaints found in the seropositive patients were headaches that affected the frontal(13 children), occipital(4) and parietal areas(5). Headaches usually had a pulsating(in 7 patients) and squeezing(6) character and rarely were piercing, dull or expanding. Interestingly, 8 children did not feel discomfort during the headaches, probably because they did not have sufficiently increased intracranial pressure yet. The headaches usually appeared 1-2 times/mo, lasted for 2-6 h, and had a mean intensity of 5.5 points in a 10 point subjective scale. The comorbidities included epilepsy(5 patients), various infections in 3 children(chronic eustachitis, chronic rhinitis, chronic purulent tonsillitis, streptococcal pharyngitis, meningitis, allergic diseases), disturbances of behavior, deficits of attention, and ocular and motor concentration disorders in 1 child. The electroencephalographic and neuroimaging studies performed in our patients had a very limited value in establishing cerebral toxoplasmosis.CONCLUSION: Ten point six seven percent of the studied children had markedly increased serum anti-TG Ig G antibodies and high AI indicated chronic infestation. It is suggested that tests for TG infection should be introduced to routine diagnostics in patients with recurrent headaches.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen in pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Honiara Solomon Islands,2015

AIM To determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg) among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Honiara, Solomon Islands. METHODS This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in seven area health centers in Honiara. From March to June 2015, identification of eligible pregnant women in each site was conducted using systematic random sampling technique. A total of 243 pregnant women who gave written informed consent were enrolled. Standardized tool was used to record demographics, obstetric history and serology results. HBsAg and hepatitis B e antigen(HBeAg) were tested using point-of-care rapid diagnostic test. All HBsAg positive samples were verified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS The mean age of participants was 26 ± 6 years. The overall hepatitis HBsAg prevalence was 13.8% with higher rate(22%) reported in women between 30-34 years of age. Majority of HBsAg positive participants were Melanesians(29 out for 33). None of the pregnant women in the 15-19 years and ≥ 40 years tested positive for HBsAg. There was no statistically significant difference in HBsAg prevalence by age, ethnicity, education and residential location. The overall HBeAg seroprevalence was 36.7%. Women between 20-24 years of age had the highest rate of 54.5%. Low level of knowledge about hepatitis B vaccination was reputed. Overall, 54.6% of participants were not aware of their hepatitis B vaccination status and only 65.2% of mothers reported their child had been vaccinated. CONCLUSION Hepatitis B is a disease of public health importance in Solomon Islands and emphasize the need for integrated preventative interventions for its control.

Laboratory characteristics of recent hepatitis A in Korea:Ongoing epidemiological shift

AIM:To evaluate seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) antibody and investigate demographic,clinical,and laboratory features of recent cases in Korea.METHODS:For the evaluation of hepatitis A seroprevalence,we analyzed the data from 3127 subjects including,healthcare workers and patients who visited Konkuk University Hospital,a secondary referral center,from January to October 2009.The sera with positive IgM were excluded from seroprevalence data for total HAV antibody.We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of 419 patients with HAV,who were diagnosed by the presence of serum IgM antibodies against HAV.All patients presented at Konkuk University Hospital between August 2005 and September 2008.RESULTS:Among 3127 sera tested,1428 (45.7%)were positive for anti-HAV antibody.The seroprevalence was very low in teenagers or those in their twenties,increased in those in their thirties,and was > 90% in older patients.In children younger than 10 years,seroprevalence was increased again.Most patients with HAV hepatitis were in their twenties and thirties.The γ-glutamyl transpeptidase increased with age and was significantly higher in patients older than 30 years.Indicators of severity,such as decreased albumin and increased bilirubin,were also more prominent in the older age group;however,the leukocyte count was higher and the frequency of leukopenia was lower in younger patients than in older adults.CONCLUSION:There has been an apparent epidemiological shift in HAV seroprevalence and a change in the peak age of HAV hepatitis.This study could provide baseline data of recent hepatitis A in Asia.