Abernathyscarborough1464

Background Despite blood transfusion being a lifesaving option, it may be associated with blood borne infections including human cytomegalovirus(HCMV). The World Health Organization recommends screening of blood products for HCMV before transfusion to pregnant women, neonates and immunocompromised patients. However, this is not routinely practised in many resource limited countries. Objective This study aimed at determining seroprevalence of specific HCMV IgM antibodies among volunteered blood donors at the Lake Victoria zone blood transfusion centre. Methods A total of 228 sera from volunteered blood donors were analyzed using HCMV IgM µ capture enzyme linked immunosorbent assay as per manufacturer's instructions. Data were analyzed by STATA version 13. Results The median age of the study participants was 19 interquartile range (IQR) 18-23 years. The seroprevalence of specific HCMV IgM antibodies was found to be 23/228 (10.1%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 6-14. None of the factors was found to be associated with HCMV IgM seropositivity among blood donors. Conclusion One out 10 blood donors in the Lake Victoria zone blood transfusion centre is acutely infected with HCMV. There is a need to consider screening of HCMV before blood transfusion particularly in resource limited countries where HCMV is endemic. © 2019 Tebuka et al.Background Herpes zoster can be associated with severe neurological complications. Case presentation In this article, we describe the case of a 54-year-old man with herpes zoster affecting his right upper chest and neck region complicated by phrenic nerve palsy and respiratory compromise. The diagnosis of herpes zoster was made based on the classic appearance of the rash and associated neuropathic-type pain. SB216763 mouse The diagnosis of phrenic nerve palsy was made by chest x-ray and ultrasound. Conclusion Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of phrenic nerve palsy occurring in patients who have herpes zoster affecting the region of C3,4,5 dermatomes. Although symptoms of unilateral diaphragmatic paresis are usually mild, in patients with obesity or comorbid lung disease, new onset phrenic nerve palsy can lead to significant respiratory compromise. © 2019 Apiyo et al.Background Tuberculosis (TB) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are global public health problems. TB and HIV diagnostic services linkage is imperative for the fight against the two diseases. Objective To assess the diagnostic service linkage and testing of TB-HIV diagnostic services and identify predictors in Public hospitals of Northern Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in five hospitals of Northern Ethiopia. Study subjects' socio-demographic, household and clinical variables were assessed. Data was analyzed using SPSS. Logistic regressions were used to determine the predictors of uptake of TB and HIV testing among HIV and TB patients, respectively. Result The level of HIV testing among TB patients was 94.4% and of TB screening among HIV patients was 90.5%. Factors that independently predict HIV testing among TB patients were Residence AOR=0.187(95% CI 0.05-0.76), being 9 grade and above AOR=13.17 (95%CI 2.67-65.03) and drinking alcohol AOR=0.03(95% CI 0.002-0.475). Likewise, being grade 9 and above AOR=6.92 (95% CI 1.75-27.4) and having chronic cough AOR=0.23 (95% CI 0.06-0.92) were predictor variables for having TB screening among HIV patients. Conclusion The levels of TB-HIV linkages and testing are high. Moreover, educational status is a strong predictor of TB screening among HIV patients and HIV testing among TB cases. The regional health bureau has to continue supporting its TB and HIV case teams in every health facility. © 2019 Mitiku et al.Introduction Late initiation of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) is associated with low immunologic response, increase morbidity, mortality and hospitalization. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with late ART initiation among adult HIV patients in NorthWest Ethiopia. Methods Retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 412 HIV patients who started ART between January/2009 and December/2014. Simple random sampling technique was used to select patient records. Data were collected by using pretested and structured extraction tool. Binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with late ART initiation. Result A total of 410 participants were included for analysis after excluding 2 participants with incomplete data. The prevalence of late ART initiation was 67.3%. Age between 35-44 years(AOR=3.85; 95%CI1.68-8.82), duration between testing and enrollment to care less then 1year (AOR=2.19;95%CI1.30-3.69), secondary education (AOR=2.59; 95%CI 1.36-4.94), teritary education(AOR=3.28; 95%CI 1.25-8.64), being unmarried(AOR=1.88; 95%CI 1.13-3.03), bedridden and ambulatory patients (AOR=4.68 95%CI1.49-14.68), other medication use before ART initiation(AOR=2.18; 95%CI 1.07-4.44), starting ART between 2009-2010 (AOR=5.94; 95%CI 2.74-12.87) and 2011-2012(AOR=2.80; 95%CI 1.31-5.96) were significantly associated with late ART initation at p-value less then 0.05. Conclusion The prevalence of late ART initiation was high. Strengthening the mechanisms of early HIV testing and linkage to care are recommended to initiate treatment earlier. © 2019 Anlay et al.Background The epidemiologic transition and double disease burden from chronic infections and Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) worldwide requires re-engineering of healthcare delivery systems. Healthcare workers (HCWs) need to adapt to new integrated disease management approaches and change from current disease-specific management. Objectives The study aimed to determine HCWs knowledge, capacity and skills for management of NCDs among HIV patients and their attitudes towards integrated HIV/NCDs disease management approaches for future clinical practice. Methods Descriptive cross-sectional survey among HCWs attending to HIV patients at selected government facilities. Results One hundred out of 105 responses were analysed. Only 6% could fully define NCDs. Awareness levels of NCDs were high Diabetes and hypertension 98%; cancer 96%; cardiovascular diseases 86%. However, 11.8% and 58% classified HIV and malaria respectively as NCDs. Most respondents (88%) believe that integrating HIV/NCDs care would be good use of resources while 62% disagreed with current separate facility management of HIV patients with NCDs.