Publications by authors named "Fetene Mihretu"
Article Synopsis
- Persistent trachoma is a significant public health issue, especially in Ethiopia, where it is defined as having a TF prevalence of ≥5% in children after multiple impact surveys.
- A 2019 study investigated the epidemiology of Chlamydia trachomatis infection, the cause of trachoma, across seven districts with persistent cases, revealing TF prevalence between 11.8% and 36.1%.
- Findings indicated a strong correlation between infection and households lacking latrines, suggesting that intensified intervention strategies over the next 3-5 years are essential to meet the global trachoma elimination goal by 2030.
Article Synopsis
- Trachomatous scarring progresses independently of active Chlamydia trachomatis infections, suggesting other factors contribute to scarring beyond ongoing transmission.
- A study in Amhara, Ethiopia assessed 729 adults for scarring severity using a photographic scale, revealing severe scarring (S4) was most prevalent among older individuals (32.6% in ages 60+) compared to younger adults (6.2% in ages 15-19).
- Key risk factors for increased scarring severity included being female, older age, and higher district-level prevalence of trachomatous follicular inflammation, indicating a need for continued surveillance even after achieving trachoma elimination targets.
Background: High compliance is crucial for the success of a mass drug administration program to achieve lymphatic filariasis elimination. However, the presence of persistently noncompliant individuals might delay the elimination target. Besides, although context-based research is essential to designing effective strategies, only a few studies have focused on identifying factors that play a role in noncompliance with mass drug administration in Africa.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF