Estimate the Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection among Diabetes & Non-Diabetes Mellitus Patients and Its Correlation with Malignant Gastritis Patients Attending in Lower Shabelle Region (Somalia)

Background: Several conducted studies have reported a higher and more frequent Helicobacter pylori infection rate in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of this study was to estimation the prevalence of H. pylori and its association between H. pylori infection and T2DM. Materials and Methods: A sectional-cross study was conducted based on 200 patients studded with socioeconomic characteristics through a questionnaire & H. pylori was diagnosed by serum anti-H. pylori immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgA. Furthermore, patients were investigated for fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), serum cholesterol, and other biochemistry parameters. Results: The findings showed The prevalence of Hp positive infection was significantly higher in the total sample was 134 with (67%). While 66 out of 200 patients with (33%) was H. pylori negative infection. of H. pylori. Further, the mean values were statistically significant for diabetes with H. pylori infection for IgG > 300 titer and IgA > 250 titer, regarding, HbA1C (7.52 ± 0.41) (P Conclusions: The current study revealed that H. pylori prevalence infections were significantly higher in diabetic patients studied compared to non-diabetic patients. Furthermore, T2DM patients infected with H. pylori positive reported a higher prevalence rate of symptoms than H. pylori negative.

Ankylosing spondylitis coexisting with Clonorchis sinensis infection: A case report

BACKGROUND Ankylosing spondylitis(AS)is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease.The prevailing theory links AS onset to infections in susceptible individuals.Furthermore,infections may impair the immune responses.Numerous studies have investigated links between AS and various infections-bacterial,viral,fungal,and other microorganism infections.However,limited attention has been given to the association between AS and Clonorchis sinensis(C.sinensis)infection.CASE SUMMARY A 27-year-old male with a 10-yr history of AS presented to our hospital with inflammatory lower back pain as the primary manifestation.Ten years ago,the patient had achieved a stable condition after treatment with biological agents.However,he experienced a recurrence of lumbosacral pain with an unexplained cause 10 d before hospital admission.A lumbosacral magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)scan revealed bone marrow edema in the left sacroiliac joint,and laboratory indicators were elevated.Moreover,the presence of C.sinensis eggs was detected in the stool.The patient was prescribed praziquantel,resulting in the disap-pearance of C.sinensis eggs in subsequent routine stool tests and relief from lumbosacral pain.A follow-up MRI scan performed after 4 months revealed a reduction in bone marrow edema around the left sacroiliac joint.CONCLUSION C.sinensis infections could potentially trigger the exacerbation of AS.Clinicians should pay attention to investigating the presence of infections.INTRODUCTION Ankylosing spondylitis(AS)is a chronic inflammatory and rheumatic disease resulting from an imbalance between innate and acquired immune responses[1].While it can affect any part of the spine,its primary symptoms are persistent back pain and stiffness in the lower back and pelvis.The prevalence of AS per 10000 individuals is 23.8 in Europe,31.9 in North America,16.7 in Asia,10.2 in Latin America,and 7.4 in Africa[2].Infections commonly occur in the first 3 months and may act as potential triggers for the first symptoms of AS,often manifesting as gastrointestinal,urinary tract,and respiratory infections of microbiological origin[3,4].Clonorchis sinensis(C.sinensis)infection is a severe parasitic disease affecting millions globally,especially prevalent in China,South Korea,the Far East of Russia,and Vietnam,with an estimated 15 million cases[5].Transmission occurs through the consumption of undercooked freshwater fish containing metacercariae.Adult C.sinensis parasites then establish themselves within the human hepatobiliary system[6].C.sinensis infection triggers the activation of sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 2,leading to the injury and fibrosis of the hepatobiliary[7].Recent research in a rat model found that C.sinensis infection increases the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma by stimulating hepatic progenitor cell proliferation[8].Complications of C.sinensis infection include cholestasis,cholangitis,biliary system fibrosis,and in severe cases,the development of cholangiocarcinoma[9].Consequently,the primary preventive measure is to abstain from consuming raw or undercooked freshwater fish.Praziquantel is the recommended and effective treatment for this infection[10].While there is existing literature on the coexistence of AS and parasitic infections,there is limited research specifically addressing the simultaneous presence of AS and C.sinensis infection.This case report details a rare scenario of AS coexisting with C.sinensis infection,underscoring the potential impact of C.sinensis infection on AS disease activity.

Clinico-Epidemiological Characteristics and Survival Outcomes of COVID-19 Infection in Kassala, Eastern Sudan

Introduction: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus2 (SARS-CoV-2) represents a major health problem worldwide. Thus, early detection and appropriate management of the virus will influence the outcome of the disease. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological characteristics and survival outcomes of patients with COVID-19 infection in Kassala, Eastern Sudan. Methods: A cross-sectional hospital-study was conducted among patients visiting Kassala teaching hospital with suspicion of COVID-19 infection. A structured questionnaire was used to gather clinical and socio-demo- graphic information from COVID-19 patients. Nasopharyngeal specimens and blood samples were collected and tested to confirm the diagnosis of COVID-19 infection using RT-PCR. Results: A total of 371 patients were enrolled in the study from September 2020 to January 2021, with mean age ± SD was 42.9 ± 19.9. The prevalence of COVID-19 infection was estimated at 61.7%. The majority were males 159 (69.4%), of university-level education, 96 (49.7%), and urban residents, 175 (9.7%). The most common symptoms were fever 215 (93.9%), cough 188 (82.1%), headache 179 (78.2%), and shortness of breath 154 (67.2%). Overall all mortality was reported as 16%. Older age group with the age ≥ 70, P P = 0.020, diabetes mellitus P = 0.029 were significantly associated with high case fatality. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that older age, male gender, laboratory tests (leukocytosis, lymphopenia, low Hemoglobin and high CRP) and various comorbid conditions significantly increase the disease severity and mortality. Therefore, attention should be paid to preventive measures to reduce the considerable impacts of the disease.

Protection against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection during the second wave among individuals with pre-existing binding antibodies to SARS-CoV-2: A population-based study from Puducherry, India

During the COVID-19 pandemic,several studies have shown that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)infection is associated with a substantial reduction in the risk of subsequent reinfection with antigenically-related variants of the virus for at least 6 months[1,2].

Prevalence, Pattern and Risk Factors of Soil Transmitted Helminth Infections amongst Children in a Tertiary Institution in South East, Nigeria

Introduction: Soil-transmitted helminthic infection (STHI) is a common public health challenge of children in the most deprived communities in low income countries. In the long-term, STHI can cause developmental and growth disorders leading to future learning defect. Objective: Our aim was to determine the prevalence and pattern of soil-transmitted helminthic infection among children attending a tertiary hospital in Imo State, Nigeria. Patients and Method: The study involved a cross-sectional survey of 268 children, aged 7 months to 18 years seen in a tertiary health facility in Nigeria;from August to December 2022. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and stool samples were analyzed for intestinal helminths using the Kato-Katz method. Results: The prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthic infection (STHI) was 38.4%. Of all STHIs, Ascaris lumbricoides was the commonest geohelminth observed, 81 (62.1%). Multiple infections were noted in 25 (62.4%) of the specimen. The prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthic infection amongst subjects’ 5 - 9 years was high and least in children older than 15 years. This difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.3407). Statistically significant relationship was detected between STHI and low socioeconomic class. Conclusion: The high prevalence rate of soil-transmitted helminthic infection amongst the subjects is disturbing. This high rate justifies strengthening a structured and routine deworming amongst children in order to improve outcome.

Evolutionary Profile of Opportunistic Infections in People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus during Six Months of Dolutegravir Based Antiretroviral Treatment in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

Background: Opportunistic infections (OI), which are still a major problem in the care of People Living with HIV (PLHIV), occur in situations of immunosuppression. The AntiRetroViral Treatments (ART) used allow a spectacular reduction in the frequency of Opportunistic Infections. Objective: The objective of this study is to present the evolution of Opportunistic Infections in People Living with HIV under AntiRetroViral Treatment in Kinshasa in the era of Dolutegravir. Methods: The present study is a prospective cohort to present the evolutionary profile of OIs in PLHIV on ART for 6 months in Outpatient Treatment Centers (OTC) in Kinshasa. Sixteen OTCs had been included. The population of the present work was patients over 18 years of age at inclusion, infected with HIV-1 and initiating ART in the selected OTC. Results: On inclusion, 119 patients were included of which 56.3% were women. Malaria (45.4%), tuberculosis (29.4%) and cutaneous pruritus (23.5%) were the most common Opportunistic Infections (OIs). In the third month of ART, 37 patients came for the consultation of which 70.3% were women. Non-specific STIs (97.3%), skin pruritus (37.8%) and malaria (24.3%) were the dominant OIs among patients. At the sixth month of ART, 62 patients came for the medical consultation of which 61.3% were women. Skin pruritus (25.8%), dermatitis (22.6%) and rash (21%) were the most common OIs. Conclusion: The evolutionary profile is marked by the conservation of Opportunistic Infections such as dermatitis (pruritus and rashes) and malaria.

Investigation and Analysis of HIV Infection among Unpaid Blood Donors in Wuzhou City

Objective: To take the unpaid blood donors in Wuzhou City as the research object, analyze the characteristics and prevalence of HIV infection, further explore its epidemiological characteristics, and lay a solid foundation for the recruitment of unpaid blood donors and the safety of blood transfusion, so as to reduce the risk of HIV transmission through blood transfusion. Methods: This paper collected the anti-HIV test results of unpaid blood donors and the confirmation results of reactive samples from 2015 to 2020, and carried out statistical analysis on the relevant information of positive samples. Result: From 2015 to 2020, a total of 233,242 unpaid blood donors were tested, and the positive rate of anti-HIV initial screening was 0.057% (132/233,242), and the positive rate of anti-HIV confirmed was 0.022% (51/233,242);the comparison of positive rates in each year was P < 0.05. Among the total number of infections, 76.47% (39/51) of confirmed positive persons were infected with HIV alone, followed by combined TP infection, accounting for 15.69% (8/51);for the people between 46 and 55 years old, the infection rate was the highest, reaching 37.3%;and more men (90.2%) were infected than women. In terms of education background, junior high school and below were the majority, accounting for 58.83% of the total;in terms of marital status, the number of unmarried people was 27, accounting for 52.9%. In terms of occupation, there were two main groups: farmers and workers, accounting for 66.7% of the total number of infections, and students accounting for 15.7%. Among the confirmed positives, the proportion of first-time blood donors and whole blood donors was higher than that of those who donated blood again or donated component blood. Conclusion: The situation of HIV infection among unpaid blood donors in Wuzhou City was relatively stable from 2015 to 2020, with no significant change in the absolute number of infected people compared to the previous period (the HIV infection rate from 2010 to 2013 was 0.03%), and most of them were males, unmarried people and those with low education. Therefore, attention must be paid to the consultation and recruitment of blood donors before blood donation, as well as the HIV screening in the laboratory after blood donation, so as to ensure the safety of clinical blood use.

Investigation on the Epidemiology and Pathogenesis Characteristics of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius-Associated Veterinary Hospital Infections

A retrospective analysis of the diagnostic laboratory submissions from 2016 to 2020 was performed to assess the antibiotic resistance of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and determine locations in the hospital which might be acting as environmental source(s). Previous studies have identified a significant increase in infections with S. pseudintermedius. Samples were taken from the hospital environment by swabbing areas in the intensive care unit and anesthesia preparation room and bacterial species identified. Isolates obtained from patients were then examined regarding the ability to form biofilm, an important phenotype on hospital-related infection. In addition, veterinary hospital associated strains of S. pseudintermedius were used to determine the bactericidal effect of the used disinfectant, applying the hospital current protocol, by comparing the efficacy against S. pseudintermediius and a strain of Staphylococcus aureus from a dog. The isolates identified were resistant to commonly used antibiotics such as enrofloxacin and cephalosporins, and 45% percent of those were methicillin resistant. The environmental survey in the hospital identified S. pseudintermedius in the pre-anesthesia area, although the isolate was killed by the current used disinfection protocol. A few disease associated bacteria were evaluated for biofilm formation in comparison to a dog isolate of Staphylococcus aureus, demonstrating strong ability to form biofilms.

Can the Urine Dipstick Test Be an Alternative in the Screening of Urinary Tract Infections for Inpatients in the Context of a Low-Income Country?

Background: Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), a prevalent bacterial infection in adults, heavily relies on cytobacteriological examination of urine (CBEU) for diagnosis. However, in resource-limited countries, accessibility to CBEU remains hindered by cost and availability. This study aims to assess the utility of the Urinary Dipstick Test (UDT) in diagnosing UTIs among hospitalized patients in the context of limited resources. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to May 2019, encompassing hospitalized patients who underwent CBEU at the bacteriology unit of Sour? Sanou University Hospital. UDT and CBEU were concurrently performed, and UDT’s analytical and diagnostic performance was evaluated against CBEU, considered the gold standard. Results: A total of 274 CBEU requests were registered, involving 274 patients (159 males) with a mean age of 45.8 ± 21.3 years (ranging from 1 to 90 years). UTI was confirmed in 90 patients, yielding a frequency of 32.85%. The UTI bacteriological profile was dominated by Enterobacteriaceae (75.23%), primarily Escherichia coli (60.55%). Nitrite and Leukocytes were positive in 54 (19.8%) and 157 (53.6%) of the samples tested. Among patients with confirmed UTI, Nitrite, and Leukocytes were positive in 30 (33%) and 71 (79%) patients respectively. UDT demonstrated variable performance based on nitrite and leukocyte combination: Sensitivity (57%-82%), Specificity (7%-98%), Positive Predictive Value (PPV) (43%-57%), Negative Predictive Value (NPV) (43%-67%). UDT performed slightly better in women (NPV = 88%) and inpatients without urinary catheters (NPV = 75% and PPV = 80%). Conclusion: This study underscores UDT’s potential utility in excluding UTIs among women, younger patients, and inpatients without urinary catheters, albeit with limited confidence. The UDT emerges as a complementary tool for UTI screening, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Hepatobiliary system and intestinal injury in new coronavirus infection(COVID-19):A retrospective study

BACKGROUND An important area of effective control of the coronavirus disease 19(COVID-19)pandemic is the study of the pathogenic features of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection,including those based on assessing the state of the intestinal microbiota and permeability.AIM To study the clinical features of the new COVID-19 in patients with mild and moderate severity at the stage of hospitalization,to determine the role of hepatobiliary injury,intestinal permeability disorders,and changes in the qualitative and quantitative composition of the microbiota in the development of systemic inflammation in patients with COVID-19.METHODS The study was performed in 80 patients with COVID-19,with an average age of 45 years,19 of whom had mild disease,and 61 had moderate disease severity.The scope of the examination included traditional clinical,laboratory,biochemical,instrumental,and radiation studies,as well as original methods for studying microbiota and intestinal permeability.RESULTS The clinical course of COVID-19 was studied,and the clinical and biochemical features,manifestations of systemic inflammation,and intestinal microbiome changes in patients with mild and moderate severity were identified.Intestinal permeability characteristics against the background of COVID-19 were evaluated by measuring levels of proinflammatory cytokines,insulin,faecal calprotectin,and zonulin.CONCLUSION This study highlights the role of intestinal permeability and microbiota as the main drivers of gastroenterological manifestations and increased COVID-19 severity.

Interstitial pneumonia combined with nocardia cyriacigeorgica infection:A case report

BACKGROUND Nocardia infection is a relatively uncommon disease,with no reports among patients with interstitial pneumonia.Due to its atypical clinical symptoms and chest computed tomography(CT)findings and the frequent yielding of negative results by conventional cultures,it poses challenges for timely diagnosis and treatment.CASE SUMMARY A 63-year-old female patient presented to our hospital in July 2022 with a 3-mo history of intermittent cough and poor appetite,accompanied by a 2-wk long duration of headaches.She had a previous medical history of interstitial pneumonia and was on oral prednisone and cyclosporine.Chest CT revealed the presence of newly developed round nodules.The diagnosis of Nocardia cyriacigeorgica infection was confirmed through metagenomic next-generation sequencing(mNGS)performed on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.Targeted antiinfection therapy was initiated,resulting in symptom improvement and radiological resolution,further validating the mNGS results.CONCLUSION Nocardia cyriacigeorgica infection is a clinically rare condition that is primarily observed in immunocompromised patients.Its clinical and radiological manifestations lack specificity,but mNGS can aid in rapidly obtaining pathogenic information.Early initiation of targeted antimicrobial therapy based on mNGS results can improve patient prognosis.

Potential Risk of Transmission of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. Infections by the Musca domestica Fly and the Periplaneta americana Cockroach in the City of Cotonou (South Benin)

Background: The occurrence of bacterial infections sometimes involves synanthropic flies and cockroaches, as mechanical vectors of pathogenic microorganisms. The aim of this study was to identify the different species of flies and cockroaches that cohabit with humans in the city of Cotonou and determine the contribution of Musca domestica and Periplaneta americana in the transmission of bacteria responsible for infections in humans. Methods: Capture sessions during the day for flies and at night for cockroaches were carried out in 4 arrondissements of the city of Cotonou. The insects collected were transported to the Center of Research Entomological of Cotonou for identification, then sent to the Section Hygiene of Water and Food for microbiological analysis, enumeration and testing for human pathogenic bacteria. Results: A total of 351 flies and 26 cockroaches were collected at the sites, including two synanthropic species belonging to two families each. Musca domestica and Periplaneta americana were the most abundant species found after identification in the city of Cotonou. Thermo-tolerant coliforms and Escherichia coli were found on all specimens at varying concentrations. Salmonella spp. bacteria were identified in the fly population from the Dantokpa dump. Conclusion: Flies and cockroaches can transmit microorganisms to humans. The presence of Salmonella spp. among the specimens revealed that infections frequently caused by contaminated food or water are also transmitted to humans by flies. The presence of these germs on flies and cockroaches represents a potential risk of mechanical transmission to humans. It is, therefore, essential to continue investigations in order to assess the species of bacteria propagated, improve control strategies against these troublesome insects and adopt better hygiene conditions for better living.

Analysis of Clinical Characteristics and Risk Factors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Bloodstream Infection in 55 Cases

Objective: Pseudomonas aeruginosa bloodstream infection presents a severe challenge to hospitalized patients. To investigate the clinical characteristics, risk factors and drug resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bloodstream infection. Methods: Clinical data and laboratory results of patients with Pseudomonas aeruginosa bloodstream infection in the First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University from January 2019 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The factors associated with infection and death were analyzed by univariate analysis. Results: A total of 55 patients were enrolled in this study, The 28-day mortality rate was 14.5%. Univariate analysis showed that high procalcitonin, low albumin, ICU admission, central venous catheterization, indwelling catheter, and mechanical ventilation were associated with death. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that hypoproteinemia and central venous catheters were independent risk factors for death in patients with Pseudomonas aeruginosa bloodstream infection. Conclusions: The drug resistance of P. aeruginosa bloodstream infection is not high, but the fatality rate is high. The combination of hypoalbuminemia after the onset of the disease and the use of central vein catheters can lead to increased mortality, suggesting that clinical identification of high-risk patients as early as possible, reducing the use of catheters, preventing the occurrence of P. aeruginosa bloodstream infection and improving the prognosis.

Knowledge of Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) among Medical Students in a Tertiary Hospital in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria

Background: Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) remain a common cause of death, functional disability, emotional suffering and economic burden among hospitalized patients. Knowledge of HAIs is important in its prevention and control. This study seeks to assess the knowledge of Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) among medical students in a Tertiary Hospital in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study done in October 2019 among clinical medical students using a Multistage sampling technique. Data was collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire and analyzed using the IBM SPSS 20 (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). Ethical approval was granted by Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Ethics Committee, Jos, Plateau State. Results: A total of 219 students in the clinical arm of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences were selected. A higher proportion (97.7%) of respondents knew about Hospital Acquired Infections and 85.4% knew that Hospital Acquired infections occur in the hospital, and (86.3%) considered patients contagious with half (58.9%) considered patients as the most important source of HAIs, followed by care givers (13.2%), then doctors including medical students and interns (10.0%) and lastly nurses (8.7%). The majority of respondents (70.8%) considered Surgical Wound Infections to be the most commonly occurring HAI, followed by UTIs (69.9%), RTIs (61.2%), BSIs (37.0%) and others (0.9%). The clinical thermometer was the instrument that most commonly transmits HAIs (82.6%), then followed by stethoscope (62.1%), white coats (53.9%), and blood pressure cuff (51.1%). Most respondents knew the infectious substances, like blood (96.3%), nasal discharge (82.6%), saliva (85.3%), and faeces (79.4%) transmitted HAIs, 72.6% of the respondents said that they were aware of the recommended hand washing techniques by WHO. Conclusion: The majority of students 91.3% had good knowledge while 8.7% had poor knowledge of HAIs. Lower classes had more respondents with poor knowledge. This finding was statistically significant (p = 0.002, Chi-square 12.819). Students are encouraged to keep up the level of knowledge they have about HAIs. These students can help improve the knowledge of those whose knowledge level is low. Government and NGOs should support sponsorship for capacity-building events targeted at HAIs for healthcare workers and medical students.

Spontaneous Infection of Ascites Fluid at the National and University Hospital Hubert Koutoukou Maga in Cotonou: Prevalence and Associated Factors

Background: Spontaneous ascites fluid infection (SAFI) is an extremely serious and frequently encountered complication in cirrhotic patients. We aimed to determine the prevalence of SAFI and the factors associated with it in the largest hospital in Cotonou. Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive and analytical study conducted from January 2013 to July 2019, at the National and University Hospital Hubert Koutoukou Maga (CNHU-HKM) in Cotonou, Benin. All patients followed in the University Clinic of Hepato-Gastroenterology and diagnosed with SAFI were included. Results: Eighty-two patients were included, predominantly males (69.5%), with a mean age of 51.5 ± 14.5 years. Among them, 32 had SAFI, i.e., a prevalence of 39%. Of the 32 cases of SAFI, the culture of ascites fluid was positive in 6 cases (18.7%). The most frequent germ found in SAFI was Escherichia coli (5 patients, 83.3%). The factors associated with SAFI in this study were: abdominal pain (p = 0.004), increased bilirubinemia (p = 0.009), decreased prothrombin level 20 (p = 0.001). Conclusion: SAFI was common in cirrhotic patients in the department. Certain clinical and paraclinical factors were associated with it, as was the severity of cirrhosis. Early diagnosis and aetiological management of cirrhosis could reduce its frequency.

Analysis of clinical characteristics and risk factors between elderly patients with severe and nonsevere Omicron variant infection

BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2),has led to millions of confirmed cases and deaths worldwide.Elderly patients are at high risk of developing and dying from COVID-19 due to advanced age,decreased immune function,intense inflammatory response,and comorbidities.Shanghai has experienced a wave of infection with Omicron,a new variant of SARS-CoV-2,since March 2022.There is a pressing need to identify clinical features and risk factors for disease progression among elderly patients with Omicron infection to provide solid evidence for clinical policy-makers,public health officials,researchers,and the general public.AIM To investigate clinical characteristic differences and risk factors between elderly patients with severe and nonsevere Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant infection.METHODS A total of 328 elderly patients with COVID-19 admitted to the Ninth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from April 2022 to June 2022 were enrolled and divided into a severe group(82 patients)and a nonsevere group(246 patients)according to the diagnosis and treatment protocol of COVID-19(version 7).The clinical data and laboratory results of both groups were collected and compared.A chi-square test,t test,Mann-Whitney U test,hierarchical log-rank test,univariate and multivariate logistic regression,and hierarchical analyses were used to determine significant differences.RESULTS The severe group was older(84 vs 74 years,P<0.001),included more males(57.3%vs 43.9%,P=0.037),had a lower vaccination rate(P<0.001),and had a higher proportion of comorbidities,including chronic respiratory disease(P=0.001),cerebral infarction(P<0.001),chronic kidney disease(P=0.002),and neurodegenerative disease(P<0.001),than the nonsevere group.In addition,severe disease patients had a higher inflammatory index(P<0.001),greater need for symptomatic treatment(P<0.001),longer hospital stay(P=0.011),extended viral shedding time(P=0.014),and higher mortality than nonsevere disease patients(P<0.001).No difference was observed in the application of Paxlovid in the severe and nonsevere groups(P=0.817).Oxygen saturation,cerebral infarction,and D-dimer were predictive factors for developing severe disease in patients with COVID-19,with D-dimer having an excellent role(area under the curve:90.1%,95%CI:86.1-94.0%).In addition,D-dimer was a risk factor for developing severe COVID-19 according to multivariate stratified analysis.CONCLUSION The clinical course of severe COVID-19 is complex,with a higher need for symptomatic treatment.D-dimer is a suitable biomarker for identifying patients at risk for developing severe COVID-19.

Epidemiological and Diagnostic Profile of Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Virus from 2017 to 2021 in Parakou, Republic of Benin

Introduction: Viral hepatitis B is a public health problem worldwide. The objective of this study was to determine the epidemiological and diagnostic profile of chronic carriers of hepatitis B virus seen for gastroenterology consultations in Parakou, Republic of Benin. Patients and Methods: This was a cross-sectional and descriptive study with retrospective data collection. Patients seen for gastroenterology consultations from January 1, 2017 to June 30, 2021 at the Regional Teaching Hospital of Borgou/Alibori (CHUD-B/A) and having been diagnosed as chronic carriers of hepatitis B virus were included. A minimum initial assessment was required to be included. The minimum sample size was calculated with Schwartz formula. The variable of interest was the detection of HBsAg twice and at least 6 months apart. The other variables studied were sociodemographic, clinical and paraclinical data. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS 17 software. Results: A total of 2786 patients were seen for gastroenterology consultations, including 1126 (40.4%) HBsAg-positive patients. Among them, 417 patients met the inclusion criteria and were the subject of the present study. The average age of the patients was 34.8 ± 10.5 years. Two hundred and forty-seven patients (65.7%) were male, representing a sex ratio of 1.9. The discovery of positive HBsAg status was made during systematic screening in 231 patients (55.4%). Scarifications were noted in 373 patients (89.4%). Asthenia was reported in 184 patients (44.1%). Co-infections with human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis C and D viruses were 0% (0 in 92), 2.8% (4 in 146) and 14.3% (2 in 146), respectively. During the initial assessment, 274 patients (65.7%) were sero-negative for chronic HBeAg infection, 21 (5%) had clinically significant fibrosis including 16 (3.8%) at the stage of cirrhosis and 7 patients (5.4%) had hepatocellular carcinoma. Conclusion: In Parakou, chronic hepatitis B virus infection is common and affects young people with a male predominance. Asthenia is a non-specific symptom and the most reported by the patients. Around 5 out of 100 patients are seen for consultations at the stage of complication. Emphasis must be placed on early detection and subsidy for pre-therapeutic assessment.

Reinfection and Risk Factors of SARS-CoV-2 during an Omicron Wave 2022 in Shanghai

Multiple waves of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) outbreaks have affected numerous countries worldwide. The first case of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection was reported in Hong Kong in August 2020^([1]), leading to increased interest in the effectiveness of natural immunity acquired from primary infection. While data reports vary across countries, all findings indicate that prior SARS-CoV-2 infection provides substantial protection against reinfection^([2]). However, natural immunity from infection with previous non-Omicron or early Omicron sub-lineages offers lower levels of protection against Omicron reinfection, with rates below 60%^([3]) and approximately 75%[4], respectively.

A case of Rickettsia felis infection-induced encephalitis in a pregnant woman

Rickettsia felis is an exclusively cytozoic Gram-negative prokaryote with cat fleas as the major vectors.[1]As early as 1918,Rickettsia felis was detected in cat fleas in Europe and named Rickettsia ctenocephali.[2]Symptoms of fever,malaise,headache,maculopapular rash and eschar are observed in patients with Rickettsia felis infection.

Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants Used for Treating Urinary Tract Infections in N’Djamena (Chad)

Introduction: Infection disease is a real publique health problem. The rise of resistance for modern antibiotic in infections treatment imposed us order alternatives. The study objective was to contribute in the knowledge of medicinal plants uses in urinary infections treatment in N’Djamena (Chad) in view for amelioration the traditional medicine in future. Methodology: The study was conducted in the city of N’Djamena in the Republic of Chad that interviewed 60 traditherapists on using 11 plants for urinary tract infections treatment. The methodology of this study consisted of the knowledge of medicinal plants that used by traditherapists, and the plants identification was done in the laboratory of IRED at Farcha. Results: A total of 60 traditherapists was interrogated on the plants used in the treatment of urinary tract infections among the population of N’Djamena. The majority of traditherapists interrogated in this study were male with the rate of 61.67% against female with the rate of 38.33%. The age range of traditherapists was between 20 to 80 years, 25 (41.67%) from the age range between 30 - 50 years and 35 (58.33%) in age range from 50 to 70 years. For the origin of their knowledge, the study showed that 72% of traditherapists inherited the knowledge from their family, while 15% inherited from the family and from training. The ethnic groups of the traditherapists were Sara (16%), Maraba (12%) and Massa (11%). According to the results, 18.33% were illiterates, 49% attended primary school and 33.34% the secondary school. Our study found that 11 species of plants belonging to 11 families were used in the treatment of urinary tract infection and the Ziziphus spina-christi was the most represented. According to traditherapists the Ziziphus spina-christi, Cassia obovata and Euphorbia hirta were the most frequent plants used in the urinary tract infections treatment. The parts of plants used in the treatment were leaves and bark, grained leaves and entire plants with the proportion of 50%, 16.67 and 15% respectively. Conclusion: This study revealed that the medicinal plants are variously used in the treatment of infection urinary tract in the city of N’Djamena.