A Review of Epidemiology of Viral Hemorrhagic Fever | Chapter 10 | Disease and Health Research - New Insights Vol. 1

 

The pathophysiology, aetiology, diagnosis, treatment, symptoms, and indicators of virus hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) are all covered in this review article. Acute zoonotic diseases known as viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) initially appear to be related to platelet malfunction or destruction. The term "Viral Hemorrhagic Fever" (VHF) describes a severe feverish sickness characterized by aberrant vascular control, vascular damage, and hemorrhagic symptoms. Multiple viruses belonging to distinct families are the cause of this illness. The viruses that cause VHF are categorized into seven distinct families according to the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses' most recent classification: Hantaviridae, Nairoviridae, Filoviridae, Phenuiviridae, Paramyxoviridae, Arenavidae, and Flaviviridae are the families involved. The concept of virus hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) originated in the 1930s when Soviet researchers were studying hantaviral hemorrhagic fever (HF) with renal dysfunction. Dengue fever/Dengue haemorrhagic fever and Kyasanur forest sickness are the two most common viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHF) in India, that are transmitted by arthropod vectors. There is currently no effective cure for VHFs. Some people have responded well to ribavirin treatment for Lassa fever or HFRS. The diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia (CCHF) in India is greatly hampered by the co-occurring symptoms of hemorrhagic fevers such as dengue, Kyasanur forest sickness, Hantavirus hemorrhagic fever, and other illnesses such as leptospirosis, meningococcal infections, and malaria. The pathophysiologic features of VHF include microvascular instability, increased vascular permeability, and poor hemostasis, albeit the underlying processes differ depending on the virus. Additional randomized controlled studies are needed to find out more about the best way to treat viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs). We want to investigate viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) further.

 

Author (s) Details

 

Mr. Yash Srivastav (Assistant Professor)
Azad Institute of Pharmacy & Research, Lucknow, U.P, India.

 

Mohd. Faijan Mansoori
Azad Institute of Pharmacy & Research, Lucknow, U.P, India.

 

Vipin Kumar Pandey
School of Pharmacy, Sangam University, Bhilwara, Rajasthan, India.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/dhrni/v1/1511

Perceptions of Risk Factors and Complications of Obesity in Female Medical Students of South India: A Cross-Sectional Study | Chapter 9 | Disease and Health Research - New Insights Vol. 1

 

Aim: The present study aimed to find out the extent of the problem of obesity and to assess the subjects’ awareness of risk factors and complications of obesity.

Introduction: The World Health Organisation has described obesity as one of the most neglected public health issues. Initially, obesity was only a problem in high-income countries; however, at present, it is rising in middle and low-income countries as well, rapidly in India. Globally, non-communicable diseases are increasingly recognized as a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The countries of the Southeast Asia region are facing a double burden, with a heavy load of infectious diseases and an increasing burden due to non-communicable diseases. The growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases, especially in emerging nations like India, poses a challenge to the already overburdened healthcare system. Non-communicable diseases include a variety of illnesses, with obesity being a more frequent cause.

Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was carried out in November 2012. The study was conducted among all 1st and 2nd year female MBBS students of Katuri Medical College, Guntur (Andhra Pradesh). Height and weight were measured using the standard procedures suggested by Jelliffe. Body Mass Index was computed using the formula [weight in (kg) / height (m2)].

Results: Using the BMI cut-off points, the findings revealed that 23.30 % of study subjects were overweight and 12.50 % of study subjects were obese. When the girls were asked about factors contributing to obesity, an overwhelming majority (85.80%) of the subjects attributed diet to obesity. As far as psychosocial problems are concerned, nearly 59.66 of the subjects mentioned low self-esteem as a complication related to obesity. Obesity is known to increase the risk of various diseases and awareness of them is the first step towards taking steps to prevent this. While a high level of awareness is present among medical students regarding major complications of obesity but for other complications, they should also get health education.

Conclusion: The higher prevalence of overweight and obesity in this young age range necessitates immediate attention to prevention and control. Obesity has been linked to an increased risk of a variety of ailments, and becoming aware of this is the first step toward taking preventative measures. While medical students exhibit a high level of awareness regarding major complications of obesity, they should also receive health education regarding other complications. This study is significant for the scientific community due to its focus on perceptions of obesity among female medical students in South India. It provides crucial insights into the prevalence of overweight and obesity, as well as awareness of associated risks among future healthcare professionals.

 

Author(s) Details

 

Pravin N Yerpude
Department of Community Medicine, Chhindwara Institute of Medical Sciences, Chhindwara (M.P.)-480001, India

 

Keerti S Jogdand
Department of Community Medicine, Chhindwara Institute of Medical Sciences, Chhindwara (M.P.)-480001, India.

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/dhrni/v1/1378

Flow Cytometry Indicators in Mycosis Fungoides/Sezary Syndrome: Unveiling Silent Disease | Chapter 4 | Disease and Health Research - New Insights Vol. 1

 

Mycosis Fungoides (MF) is the most common type of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, accounting for 50% of all cutaneous lymphomas. Sezary Syndrome (SS) and MF are closely related T-cell neoplasms that are considered separately based on clinical features and cell of origin. Despite their differences, both conditions can be challenging to diagnose, particularly in the absence of clinical symptoms. Flow cytometry plays a crucial role in the diagnosis of MF and SS, with a characteristic immunophenotypic expression that includes the lack of CD7 as a common feature in all stages of the disease. This diagnostic tool is invaluable in identifying the specific markers that differentiate these lymphomas from other T-cell disorders. In clinical practice, it is not uncommon to encounter patients who are asymptomatic yet exhibit a flow cytometric profile indicative of MF/SS. Such cases are rarely documented in the literature, highlighting the need for increased awareness and detailed analysis of these silent presentations. Persistent lymphocytosis, for example, can be an initial finding that warrants further investigation through flow cytometry. The immunophenotypic profile of MF/SS typically includes bright positivity for markers such as smCD3, CD4, CD2, TCRαβ, and CD5, with dim positivity for CD8. Conversely, markers such as CD7, TCRγδ, CD25, and CD26 are usually negative. The CD4+/CD8+ ratio is often altered, reflecting the underlying pathophysiology of these lymphomas. Despite the absence of clinical symptoms, such as those required by the International Society of Cutaneous Lymphomas (ISCL) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) for staging MF and SS, the presence of a typical immunophenotypic pattern on flow cytometry is significant. It underscores the importance of utilizing advanced diagnostic techniques to uncover and manage silent diseases effectively. By understanding the flow cytometry indicators and their implications in the context of MF/SS, clinicians can better identify and treat patients who might otherwise remain undiagnosed until the disease progresses to more advanced stages. This knowledge is critical for early intervention and improved patient outcomes in cutaneous T-cell lymphomas.

 

Author(s) Details

Dr. (Ms). C. C. Kariyawasan (MBBS, Diploma in Pathology, MD in Haematology)

Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital, Thalapathpitiya Nugegoda, Sri Lanka.

 

B. L. T. Balasuriya (B.Sc in Medical Laboratory Sciences (Special), M.Phil. (Haematology-reading)
Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital, Thalapathpitiya Nugegoda, Sri Lanka.

 

S. A. C. D. Ranatunga (B.Sc in Medical Laboratory Sciences (Special), M.Sc in Molecular Pathology)

Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital, Thalapathpitiya Nugegoda, Sri Lanka.

 

Please see the book here :- : https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/dhrni/v1/983

Prevalence of Hypertension Disorders among Adolescent Students in Ghana | Chapter 1| Disease and Health Research - New Insights Vol. 1

 

Aims: The main purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence of hypertension, associated risk factors, and its effect on physical activity in young people aged 14-19 years.

Study Design: This is a Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Sample: Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology between June 2009 and July 2023.

Methodology: A multistage sampling method was used to select 909 youth from three secondary schools (three towns in the Ashanti region of Ghana). The follow-up study was conducted on 142 people with high blood pressure. Anthropometric and blood pressure were measured with approved devices. Measurement of physical activity and dietary intake via survey. Blood pressure was measured using a validated automatic sphygmomanometer, with participants seated comfortably and resting for at least five minutes before measurement. Three readings were taken at one-minute intervals, and the average of the last two was recorded to reduce the impact of stress or short-term changes. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were the main parameters recorded. Additionally, the study evaluated cardiovascular parameters (heart rate, echocardiography, ECG) and renal parameters (serum creatinine, GFR, urinalysis, BUN).

Results: Research shows that the prevalence of high blood pressure is 9.1% and the incidence of prehypertension is 24.8%. The prevalence of high blood pressure is significant by school choice. A majority of men have higher blood pressure than women, with 10.6% having high blood pressure, 46.6% having prehypertension, and 42.6% having high blood pressure. Data shows that 81.6% of participating parents are self-employed. The results show that there is little work, 72.73% of hypertensive patients are not working, while 40.32% and 59.97% of inactive and hypertensive patients are still sedentary. The results showed that MCV was negatively correlated with systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure (r=-0.230, r=-0.183), while MCHC was negatively correlated with systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.171). showed., r = 0.256). RDW-SD was found to be negatively associated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure. There was a negative correlation between P-LCR and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (r=-.185, r=-.167).

Conclusion: The research found that blood pressure distribution varied among students in different schools, with the highest levels in KASS (57% hypertensive) compared to KOSS (19%) and BONWIRE (7%) (X^2 = 32.993, df = 4, p < 0.001). Despite examining cultural and lifestyle factors, no significant determinants of hypertension were identified. Lipid analysis also showed no significant differences between blood pressure groups. These findings highlight the need for further research to explore other potential causes of high blood pressure and to develop effective prevention and management strategies.

 

 

 

 

Author(s) Details

Abena Sekyere
Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/dhrni/v1/909

Prevalence of Malaria among 1-15-Year Children and the Awareness and Acceptability of Malaria Vaccine in Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State, Nigeria | Chapter 6 | Disease and Health Research - New Insights Vol. 1

 

Background: Malaria is still a serious threat to health, especially for children living in endemic areas. Effective control of malaria requires understanding the local epidemiology and community attitudes towards vaccination and other preventive measures.

Aim: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Plasmodium infection in children between 1 and 15 years and to evaluate the knowledge and acceptability of the malaria vaccine.

Study Design: Cross-sectional.

Materials and Methods: Prevalence of malaria parasite in 250 children from 1-15 years attending Akulue Memorial Hospital, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria was detected using microscopy. Simultaneously, detailed questionnaires were sent to parents/guardians to assess their knowledge and perspectives regarding malaria vaccination.

Results: Of the 250 children examined, 92.4% tested positive for the Plasmodium parasite. The malaria prevalence was high (>85%) in the three age groups, (1-5), (6-10), and (11-15) years although they were not significantly different (p>0.05). It was not also significantly different between male and female children. This study showed that most parents/guardians were found in favor of introducing a malaria vaccine. The findings highlighted the significance of focused measures to strengthen malaria prevention tactics, such as intensive community education and advocacy efforts to raise vaccination rates.

Conclusion: The results showed that the target children had a high prevalence of malaria infection. Reducing the illness burden among children and attaining sustainable malaria control requires addressing misconceptions and promoting favorable attitudes towards malaria vaccination.

 

Author(s)Details

Elijah Sunday Okwuonu
Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.

 

Emmanuel Uzoma Anyaoha
Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.

 

Chinaza Blessing Ukwueze
Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.

 

Nenrot Sandra Gopep
Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.

Department of Public Health/Mph, Georgia Southern University, USA.

 

Uchenna Athanasius Ubaka
Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.

 

Emmanuella Chigozirim Agbedo
Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.

Chiamaka Lovelyn Nwankwo
Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.

 

Patra Chisom Ezeamii
Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.Department of Public Health/Mph, Georgia Southern University, USA.

 

Ogochukwu Ruth Abasilim

Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Public Health, USA.

 

Blessing Chinenye Amoke
Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.

 

Ikem Chris Okoye (Professor)
Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.

 

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/dhrni/v1/1171

Predicting Prognosis of Acute Pancreatitis Patient in a Tertiary Centre with Help of BISAP Scoring | Chapter 8 | Disease and Health Research - New Insights Vol. 1

 

Introduction: Acute pancreatitis is an acute inflammation of the prior normal pancreas. Gallstones are its leading cause, followed by alcohol; other etiological factors are hyperlipidemia, hereditary, hypercalcemia and post ERCP, etc. Its pathogenesis involves the activation of intrapancreatic digestive enzymes and the injury of acinar cells. Many scoring systems are available to assess the severity of acute pancreatitis, e.g., Ranson’s criteria, Glasgow score index, APACHE II and CTSI, but they have important limitations. BISAP score is a valuable tool in predicting severe Acute Pancreatitis in the early hours. BISAP score appears cheap, quick, and simple and hence, we conducted this study.

Material and Methods: This prospective observational study was carried out in 83 patients at SGT Medical College, Gurugram, India from September 2018 to March 2021. Patients with an established diagnosis of acute pancreatitis as per the revised Atlanta classification and definition by the International Census 2012 were included in the study. BISAP scores were calculated from laboratory values and radiological findings.

Results: In our patients with BISAP scores of 0, 1 and 2, there was no organ failure or mortality. At a score of 3, there was 1 (07.1%) organ failure and 1 (07.1%) mortality. At a score of 4, 4 (80.0%) patients had organ failure and 1(20.0%) patient died. We observed that the higher the BISAP score, the higher the percentage of severity, necrosis, organ failure, mortality and hospital stay. Our study revealed that with the cutoff value set at 3, the BISAP score has 39.6% sensitivity, 92.8% specificity, 60.3% PPV and 84.7% NPV.

Conclusion: Our study recommends that at the time of admission, if the BISAP score is low, our worry is less, if the BISAP score is high, we should counsel the patient and attendants about possible severity, necrosis, organ failure and mortality in acute pancreatitis. Patients should be meticulously managed. The present study concludes the increased accuracy of the BISAP score for risk stratification.

 

Author(s) Details

 

Dr. Kanwar Singh Goel (Professor & Head), M.S. (General Surgery)

Department of General Surgery, SGT Medical College, SGT University, Budhera, Gurugram, Haryana, India.

 

Dr. Nikhil Goel (Associate Professor and HOD)
Department of Psychiatry, Shaheed Hasan Khan Mewati Government Medical College, Nuh, India.

 

 

Dr. Sapna Singla (Assistant Professor)

Department of Pathology, Shaheed Hasan Khan Mewati Government Medical College, Nuh, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/dhrni/v1/1247

Factors Associated with Febrile Treatment-seeking Behaviour among Expectant Mothers in Ssekanyonyi, Mityana District, Uganda | Chapter 2 | Disease and Health Research - New Insights Vol. 1

 

Background: Febrile disease is very common among pregnant women in developing countries and sometimes not given relevant due diligence and perceived as a minor or common malaria situation. However, febrile disease most times is accompanied with some major disease condition which is life threatening to the pregnant women. This is a serious health problem that contributes greatly to morbidity and mortality in most developing economies including Uganda. In Mityana District of Uganda, 4 in 10 pregnancy deaths are malaria related and mothers who do not seek treatment in health facilities when they experience febrile illnesses. This is a major health challenge.

Aim: The present study was undertaken to identify factors associated with treatment-seeking behavior among pregnant women suffering from febrile illnesses suspected to be malaria in Ssekanyonyi Sub-County in Mityana District, Uganda.

Methods: A cross-sectional study in which questionnaires were administered to 198 expectant mothers to generate data on their socio-demographics and treatment seeking behaviour. SPSS software version 20.0 was used for data analysis and a Logistic Regression model was fitted to identify factors that independently influenced their treatment-seeking behavior. Relevant REC authorization and standard operating procedures of the Uganda Ministry of Health were duly followed.

Results: Out of the198 expectant mothers enrolled in the study, 42.9% were aged 15-25 years, 73.7% had achieved Secondary education, and 46.5% were married. The treatment-seeking behavior was found to be standing at only 56.6%. Among the different factors studied, health education on malaria (AOR = 3.68, P = 0.000), the attitude of midwives (AOR = 1.45, P = 0.003), patient care (AOR = 0.33, P = 0.030), and attitude of the pregnant mother (AOR = 5.38, P = 0.000) were found to be statistically significantly associated with treatment-seeking behavior among pregnant mothers with febrile illnesses. The results show that the attitude of midwives is significantly associated with treatment-seeking behavior for febrile illnesses assumed to be malaria among pregnant mothers.

Conclusion: The study concluded that health education and awareness on malaria, attitude of midwives and pregnant mothers, and how the pregnant mothers are handled are the most important factors in positively affecting treatment seeking behavior among pregnant mothers with febrile illnesses.

Recommendations: Health education on malaria, midwives' attitudes, patient treatment, and pregnant mothers' attitudes must all be addressed in order to prevent febrile infections. The Ministry of Health and other responsible stakeholders must reinforce health education programs for women of reproductive age about the dangers of febrile illnesses during pregnancy. It is also critical to assist midwives in addressing issues related to their attitudes toward pregnant mothers.

 

Author(s) Details

 

 

Nanjobe Uniah
Department of Public Health, Bugema University, Kampala, Uganda.

 

David R. Mutekanga
Department of Public Health, Bugema University, Kampala, Uganda.

 

Christopher Ddamulira
Department of Public Health, Bugema University, Kampala, Uganda.

 

Stephen S. Kizza
Department of Pathology/ Non-Communicable Diseases, Central Public Health Laboratories, Kampala, Uganda.

 

Lawlence Sserwanga
Department of Public Health, Bugema University, Kampala, Uganda.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/dhrni/v1/12289F