Prevalence of active tuberculosis disease among healthcare workers and support staff in healthcare settings of the Amhara region, Ethiopia.

Background: Health care workers (HCWs) are at an increased risk of acquiring tuberculosis (TB) compared to the general population, because of the frequent face to face contact or potential exposure to TB through shared air or space with infectious patient(s), regardless of economic setting and local TB incidence. Information on the burden of active TB disease among HCWs will help guide control measures, can be utilized to evaluate the effectiveness of TB infection prevention programs in the health care setting, and guide necessary actions. However, data on TB among HCW in Ethiopia is limited.

Factors Determining Treatment Success in Children with Drug-Sensitive Tuberculosis in Ethiopia: A Three-Year Retrospective Analysis.

This study in the Amhara and Oromia regions of Ethiopia assessed the outcomes of tuberculosis (TB) treatment among children younger than 15 years. Retrospective data were collected on treatment outcomes and their determinants for children with TB for the cohorts of 2012-2014 enrolled in 40 hospitals and 137 health centers. Chi-square tests, -tests, and logistic regression were used for the analysis.

Improvement in tuberculosis infection control practice via technical support in two regions of Ethiopia.

Background: Globally recommended measures for comprehensive tuberculosis (TB) infection control (IC) are inadequately practiced in most health care facilities in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to assess the extent of implementation of TB IC measures before and after introducing a comprehensive technical support package in two regions of Ethiopia.

Methods: We used a quasi-experimental design, whereby a baseline assessment of TB IC practices in 719 health care facilities was conducted between August and October 2013.

Comparison of the yield of tuberculosis among contacts of multidrug-resistant and drug-sensitive tuberculosis patients in Ethiopia using GeneXpert as a primary diagnostic test.

Objectives: This study compared the yield of tuberculosis (TB) among contacts of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) index cases with that in drug-sensitive TB (DS-TB) index cases in a program setting.

Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among contacts of sputum smear-positive new DS-TB index cases and MDR-TB index cases. After contacts were screened, GeneXpert was used for the diagnosis of TB.

Decentralization of Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) External Quality Assurance Using Blind Rechecking for Sputum Smear Microscopy in Ethiopia.

Introduction: Ethiopia achieved a rapid expansion of TB microscopic centers for acid fast bacilli (AFB). However, external quality assurance (EQA) services were, until recently, limited to few regional and sub-regional laboratories. In this paper, we describe the decentralization experience and the result of EQA using random blinded rechecking.

Hepatotoxicity and associated risk factors in HIV-infected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy at Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital, Bahirdar, Ethiopia.

Background: In Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infected patients on antiretroviral treatment (ART), hepatotoxicity is life threatening. Its outcome may lead to liver failure and death. This study was conducted to determine the rate and determinants of elevated alanine amino transferase (ALT) (referred as >40IU/L for both males and females).

Epidemiology of soil-transmitted helminths, Schistosoma mansoni, and haematocrit values among schoolchildren in Ethiopia.

Introduction: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminths, risk factors and haematocrit values among primary schoolchildren.

Methodology: Across-sectional study was conducted in 12 primary schools in March 2011. Stool samples were randomly selected from 778 children and were microscopically examined using Kato-Katz and formal-ether concentration methods.

Invitro antibacterial activity of crude preparation of myrtle (Myrtus communis) on common human pathogens.

Background: Myrtle "Addus" (Myrtus communis) has long history as a traditional medicine/or different infectious disease by many peoples of the world and in Ethiopia too.

Objective: To asses the antibacterial activity of crude myrtle on some common human pathogens.

Methods: This experimental study was conducted in Jimma University from February to April 2004.