African health sciences
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African health sciences · Sep 2020
Household and individual risk factors of anaemia among under-5 children in Lesotho.
Anaemia among under-5 children is a major public health issue worldwide. Some countries with a high prevalence of anaemia also have high prevalence of malaria. Even though Lesotho does not have a high prevalence of malaria, its prevalence rate of anaemia is as high. According to the 2014 Lesotho Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), the prevalence of anaemia among children under-5 was 51%. Other factors could be influencing the prevalence of anaemia in Lesotho. ⋯ Using solid fuels for cooking increases the vulnerability of children under-5 developing anaemia. Therefore, knowledge of renewable energy resources should be increased. This will help reduce levels of anaemia among under-5 children in Lesotho.
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African health sciences · Sep 2020
Editorial Historical ArticleTwenty years of African Health Sciences as infections continue to plague our continent.
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African health sciences · Sep 2020
Meta AnalysisAssociation of apoE gene polymorphisms with lipid metabolism in renal diseases.
Apolipoprotein E (apoE) plays a central role in the metabolism and homeostasis of lipids. ApoE gene encodes three major isoforms: ε2, ε3 a nd ε4 forming six phenotypes: E2E2, E2E3, E2E4, E3E3, E3E3 and E4E4. Disorders of the lipid metabolism and the homeostasis are frequently coexist in renal diseases. The association between gene polymorphisms of apoE and lipid metabolism were not consistent. This meta-analysis was performed to assess the association between gene polymorphisms of apoE and lipid metabolism in renal diseases. ⋯ ApoE gene polymorphisms are associated with the expression of TC, TG HDL, LDL, Lp(a) or apoE.
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African health sciences · Sep 2020
ReviewHemorrhagic fever in Saudi Arabia: challenge to public health, effective management and future considerations.
Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHF) refers to a group of febrile illnesses caused by different viruses that result in high mortality in animals and humans. Many risk factors like increased human-animal interactions, climate change, increased mobility of people and limited diagnostic facility have contributed to the rapid spread of VHF. ⋯ In summary, effective vector control, health education, possible use of vaccine and concerted synchronized efforts between different government organizations and private research institutions will help in planning effective outbreak-prevention and response strategies in future.
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African health sciences · Sep 2020
ReviewReview of phenotypic assays for detection of extended-spectrum β-lactamases and carbapenemases: a microbiology laboratory bench guide.
Infections caused by gram-negative antibiotic-resistant bacteria continue to increase. Despite recommendations by the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) and the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) with regards to detection of antibiotic degrading enzymes secreted by these bacteria, the true prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and carbapenemase producers remains a difficult task to resolve. Describing of previously designed phenotypic detection assays for ESBLs and carbapenemases in a single document avails a summary that allows for multiple testing which increases the sensitivity and specificity of detection. ⋯ Extended-spectrum β-lactamase and carbapenemase detection assays, once performed correctly, can precisely discriminate between bacteria producing these enzymes and those with other mechanisms of resistance to β-lactam antibiotics.