Detection of DNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of tuberculosis contacts does not associate with blood RNA signatures for incipient tuberculosis.

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Detection of complex DNA in CD34-positive peripheral blood mononuclear cells of asymptomatic tuberculosis contacts: an observational study.

Background: Haematopoietic stem cells expressing the CD34 surface marker have been posited as a niche for complex bacilli during latent tuberculosis infection. Our aim was to determine whether complex DNA is detectable in CD34-positive peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from asymptomatic adults living in a setting with a high tuberculosis burden.

Methods: We did a cross-sectional study in Ethiopia between Nov 22, 2017, and Jan 10, 2019.

Epidemiology of Bovine Tuberculosis and Its Zoonotic Implication in Addis Ababa Milkshed, Central Ethiopia.

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) continues to be one of the most widely distributed chronic infectious diseases of zoonotic importance, which causes a significant economic loss in animal production. A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of bTB and its associated risk factors and type the isolated in central Ethiopia. A total of 65 dairy farms and 654 cattle were tested for bTB using a single intradermal comparative cervical tuberculin (SICCT) test.

Cellular and Cytokine Responses in the Granulomas of Asymptomatic Cattle Naturally Infected with Mycobacterium bovis in Ethiopia.

Cell (CD3 T cell and CD68 macrophages), cytokine (interferon gamma-positive [IFN-γ] and tumor necrosis factor alpha-positive [TNF-α]), and effector molecule (inducible nitric oxide synthase-positive [iNOS]) responses were evaluated in the lymph nodes and tissues of cattle naturally infected with Detailed postmortem and immunohistochemical examinations of lesions were performed on 16 cows that were positive by the single intradermal cervical comparative tuberculin (SICCT) test and that were identified from dairy farms located around the city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The severity of the gross lesion was significantly higher ( = 0.003) in culture-positive cows ( = 12) than in culture-negative cows ( = 4).

Anatomic and Cellular Niches for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Latent Tuberculosis Infection.

Latent tuberculosis has been recognized for over a century, but discovery of new niches, where Mycobacterium tuberculosis resides, continues. We evaluated literature on M.tuberculosis locations during latency, highlighting that mesenchymal and hematopoietic stem cells harbor organisms in sensitized asymptomatic individuals.

High-dose vitamin D3 in the treatment of severe acute malnutrition: a multicenter double-blind randomized controlled trial.

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is common in children with severe acute malnutrition, in whom it is associated with severe wasting. Ready-to-use therapeutic food (the standard treatment) contains modest amounts of vitamin D that do not reliably correct deficiency.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether high-dose oral vitamin D3 enhances weight gain and development in children with uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition.

IgA and IgG against Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv2031 discriminate between pulmonary tuberculosis patients, Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected and non-infected individuals.

As part of a major project to investigate protective and diagnostic immune markers against tuberculosis (TB), we measured antibody isotype responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) antigens (LAM, Rv2031, and HBHA) in cohorts of 149 pulmonary tuberculosis patients (PTBP), 148 household contacts (HHCs), and 68 community controls (CCs) in an endemic setting. ELISA was used to measure levels of IgA, IgG, and IgM from sera of cohorts at baseline, and at 6 and 12 months from entry. The results show that there were significant differences in IgA, IgG, and IgM responses to the different antigens and in the three cohorts.

IFN-γ against the 38-kDa antigen of Mycobacterium tuberculosis discriminates pulmonary tuberculosis from infection and infection from exposure: evidence from a study of human population in a high endemic setting.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) 38-kDa antigen is an immunogenic lipoprotein that induces strong T-cell responses in experimental animals. However, there is limited information on the role of this antigen in human population. In this article, we present the dynamics of pro-inflammatory (IFN-γ and TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) against the 38 kDa in cohorts of pulmonary TB (PTB) patients, household contacts (HHCs), and community controls (CCs) in a high endemic setting.

Prevalence of tuberculosis, HIV, and TB-HIV co-infection among pulmonary tuberculosis suspects in a predominantly pastoralist area, northeast Ethiopia.

Background: TB-HIV co-infection is one of the biggest public health challenges in sub-Saharan Africa. Although there is a wealth of information on TB-HIV co-infection among settled populations in Africa and elsewhere, to our knowledge, there are no published reports on TB-HIV co-infection from pastoral communities. In this study, we report the prevalence of TB, HIV and TB-HIV co-infection among pulmonary TB suspects in the Afar Regional State of Ethiopia.

IFN-γ and IgA against non-methylated heparin-binding hemagglutinin as markers of protective immunity and latent tuberculosis: Results of a longitudinal study from an endemic setting.

Background: Heparin-binding hemagglutinin (HBHA) is a surface protein involved in epithelial attachment and extrapulmonary dissemination of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. HBHA is attracting increasing attention for its vaccine and diagnostic potential. In a longitudinal study, we investigated non-methylated, recombinant HBHA-specific cytokine and antibody profiles in cohorts of TB patients, their contacts and community controls in an endemic setting.

Lipoarabinomannan-specific TNF-α and IFN-γ as markers of protective immunity against tuberculosis: a cohort study in an endemic setting.

Lipoarabinomannan (LAM) is a virulent factor used for entry and survival of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) in macrophages. Although the role of LAM for the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) has been extensively investigated, its cytokine response during natural Mtb infection in humans is largely unknown. In this study, LAM-specific IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-10 levels following whole blood assay were measured in untreated pulmonary TB patients, their contacts and community controls at baseline.

Prevalence and correlates of anemia among HIV infected patients on highly active anti-retroviral therapy at Zewditu Memorial Hospital, Ethiopia.

Background: Ethiopia is one of the most seriously HIV affected countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Anemia is a known predictor of disease progression and death among HIV infected patients. In this study, we investigated the magnitude and correlates of anemia among HIV infected patients receiving HAART at a referral hospital in Ethiopia.

Pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines against Rv2031 are elevated during latent tuberculosis: a study in cohorts of tuberculosis patients, household contacts and community controls in an endemic setting.

Tuberculosis (TB) is among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. The causative agent, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), has evolved virulent factors for entry, survival, multiplication and immune evasion. Rv2031 (also called alpha crystallin, hspX, 16-kDa antigen), one of the most immunogenic latency antigens, is believed to play a key role in long-term viability of Mtb.

Prevalence of smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis among outpatients presenting with cough of any duration in Shashogo Woreda, Southern Ethiopia.

Background: Excluding patients with cough less than two weeks from screening for TB which is the current practice of TB control program in Ethiopia may result in delayed diagnosis thereby increasing transmission risk to others. The current study aimed to determine the prevalence of smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis among patients presenting with cough to four health centers in Shashogo woreda, Southern Ethiopia.

Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in four health centers in Shashogo Woreda, between November 2011 and March 2012.

QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube test conversions and reversions among tuberculosis patients and their household contacts in Addis Ababa: a one year follow-up study.

Background: QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube® (QFT-GIT) test is used for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis (TB) infection. Besides, QFT-GIT test could allow tracking changes in immune response among TB patients and their contacts. In high TB burden settings, reports on QFT-GIT conversions and reversions among TB patients and their contacts are limited.

Prevalence of malaria among acute febrile patients clinically suspected of having malaria in the Zeway Health Center, Ethiopia.

Malaria diagnosis is a common challenge in developing countries with limited diagnostic services. Common febrile illnesses were assessed in 280 malaria-suspected patients, and each case was subjected to clinical and laboratory examinations for malaria, relapsing fever, typhoid fever, typhus, and brucellosis. Data were entered and analyzed using Epi Info version 3.

Childhood tuberculosis and its treatment outcomes in Addis Ababa: a 5-years retrospective study.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health problem leading to high morbidity and mortality both in adults and children. Reports on childhood TB and its treatment outcome are limited. In this retrospective study, we analyzed the epidemiology and treatment outcomes of TB among children in Addis Ababa.

Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy and associated factors among HIV infected children in Ethiopia: unannounced home-based pill count versus caregivers' report.

Background: The introduction of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) has brought a remarkable reduction in HIV-related mortality and morbidity both in adults and children living with HIV/AIDS. Adherence to ART is the key to the successful treatment of patients as well as containment of drug resistance. Studies based on caregivers' report have shown that adherence to ART among children is generally good.

Efficacy of Praziquantel against Schistosoma haematobium in Dulshatalo village, western Ethiopia.

Background: Praziquantel (PZQ) is the drug of choice for treatment of all human schistosomes. It is used in population based targeted or mass deworming strategies in several countries. The effect of PZQ on S.

Assessment of antibacterial drug exposure patterns of patient encounters seen by different categories of prescribers at health institutions in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.

Background: Understanding of existing antibacterial drug prescribing patterns is a pre-requisite for further investigation of potential determinants of irrational prescribing, if any, thereby looking for solutions would be easier.

Objective: This study was conducted to assess antibacterial prescription patterns of different health professionals working at general outpatient clinics of different health institutions.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 1558 prescriptions of patient encounters, were collected from four clusters of prescribers randomly selected from 11 public and 15 private health institutions in Bahir Dar town and its environs, North West Ethiopia.

Strain diversity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Afar pastoral region of Ethiopia.

Data on genotypic diversity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) is important to understand its epidemiology, human adaptation, clinical phenotypes, and drug resistance. This study aimed to characterize MTBC clinical isolates circulating in a predominantly pastoralist area in Ethiopia, a country where tuberculosis is the second leading cause of mortality. Culture of sputum samples collected from a total of 325 pulmonary TB suspects was done to isolate MTBC.

Diagnostic and treatment delay among Tuberculosis patients in Afar Region, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

Background: TB is a major public health problem globally and Ethiopia is 8th among the 22 high burden countries. Early detection and effective treatment are pre-requisites for a successful TB control programme. In this regard, early health seeking action from patients' side and prompt diagnosis as well as initiation of treatment from the health system's side are essential steps.

Malnutrition and intestinal parasitic infections in school children of Gondar, North West Ethiopia.

Background: In developing countries, malnutrition is a considerable health problem with prevalence ranges of 4-46%, with 1-10% severely malnourished.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of malnutrition and intestinal parasitoses and identify risk factors of malnutrition in schoolchildren.

Subjects And Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 322 schoolchildren, of age 6 to 14 years, attending private and government primary schools, in Gonder town, North West Ethiopia.