Ram Bilakshan Sah, Ratna Baral and Nilambar Jha.
Introduction: Intestinal parasitic diseases constitute a global health burden in numerous developing countries mainly due to fecal contamination of water and food, lack of adequate basic sanitation, environmental and socio-cultural factors enhancing parasitic transmissions. Objectives: To measure the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infestation and to identify risk factors associated with parasitic infestation among the school children of Biratnagar Submetropolitan. Materials and Methods: The cross?sectional study was conducted in Grade VI, VII and VIII in Government and private schools of Biratnagar. Stratified random sampling method was applied to choose the schools and the study subjects. The Chi?square test was used to measure the association of risk factors and parasitic infestation. Results: Overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infestation among the school children was 35.5 percent. Around 15.5% of the study population was found to be infested with helminthes and 20% of the study population was protozoa infected. Hookworm species was found higher (6.5%) in comparison to other worms i.e. Ascaris lumbricoides (5.5%), Trichuris trichuria (2.5%) and Hymenolepsis nana (1.0%). Regarding protozoal infestation, Giardia Lamblia was seen higher (12.5%) followed by Entamoeba histolytica (7.5%). Irregular bath, not using soap after defecation, not wearing sandals, unhygienic skin, nail and clothes cleanliness, habit of nail biting and thumb sucking were found to be significant relationship in the causation of intestinal parasitic infestation. Conclusions: The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infestation was found to be high in school children of Biratnagar. Poor personal hygiene and sanitary condition are supposed to play an important role in establishing intestinal parasitic infections.
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Bessie Nonyelum Esimai, Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu, Elizabeth Ukamaka Agunwah and Onyekachi Ogba Okpata
This work was conducted to investigate the most prevalent parasitic infection and conditions that are responsible for diarrhoeal infection in the age range 0 - 3 years. The objective was to note how lack of infrastructural and social amenities could affect the prevalence of diarrhoea in both urban and rural communities in its environs namely Abakpa - Nike, Emene, Ugwuaji - Awkunanaw, Amechi and Agbani were undertaken. The work suggested various control measures aimed at the efficacious containment of diarrhoeal infections in the target population of the 0-3 years olds. A random sampling of a population size of 600 was utilized in the study which comprised of 300 males and 300 females. 300 were chosen from Enugu and 300 from all its environs Environmental conditions of the patients dwelling areas were established by household surveys. For bacteria isolates, E.coli ranked highest with 75 cases (12.5%) followed by Salmonellae 7 (1.2%), Shigellae 4 (0.2%). For Protozoa/helminths, Malaria parasites were highest with 333 (55.5%) followed by Ascaris 73 (12.2%), A.duodenale 39 (6.5%), T. trichiura26(4.3%), E. histolytica 15 (2.5%), and G.lambil13 (2.7%).
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Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu, Amaechi Chukwudi Ofodile and Chetachi Blessing Okwuanaso
Diarrhea remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children under 5 years old worldwide. The burden is disproportionately high among children in low- and middle-income countries. Many studies have established that the diarrhea prevalence is higher in younger children, 6-11 months, and boys than girls. Some studies have revealed that children not washing hand before meals or after defecation, mothers not washing hands before feeding children or preparing food, children eating with their hands rather than with spoons, eating of cold leftovers, dirty feeding bottles and utensils, unhygienic domestic places were associated with risk of diarrhea morbidity in children. In general, the morbidity of diarrhea is lowest in exclusively breast-fed children; it is higher in partially breast-fed children, and highest in fully-weaned children. The preventive practices according to WHO include; breast feeding, improved weaning, use of plenty of water for hygiene and clean water for drinking, hand washing, use of latrines, proper disposal of the stools of young children and immunization against measles, exclusive breast feeding during the first 4- 6 months greatly reduces the risk of severe or fatal diarrhea and the risk of other serious infections are also reduced.
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Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu, Uchenna Echefu and Uche George
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium species and transmitted by female Anopheles mosquitoes. Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in children with severe malaria is common and associated with adverse hospital outcome. It has become increasingly prevalent in both developed and developing countries and it is associated with severe morbidity and mortality especially in children. The recognized factors associated with acute kidney injury among children with severe malaria are sociodemographic factors (age, sex, age of parents and level of education of parents); clinical factors and laboratory factors such hyperparasitaemia, hypoglycaemia, low level of haemoglobin and thrombocytopenia. This review showed that there is a high prevalence of acute kidney injury among children with severe malaria. Acute kidney injury among children with severe malaria is associated with low level of education of caretakers, young age of children, history of receiving NSAIDs and anaemia. The mortality rate of children with AKI is high.
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Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu, Getrude Uzoma Obeagu and Edward Odogbu Odo
Anemia remains a pervasive concern among children in malaria-endemic regions, presenting a significant health challenge compounded by the coexistence of malaria. This review aims to explore practical interventions and effective strategies for managing anemia specifically in children afflicted with malaria, with the overarching goal of improving health outcomes in this vulnerable population. The interplay between anemia and malaria is multifaceted, wherein the parasitic infection leads to hemolysis, compromised hemoglobin synthesis, and consequent anemia in affected children. Accurate diagnosis is pivotal, necessitating the utilization of rapid diagnostic tests for timely identification of both conditions amid overlapping symptoms. The management approach involves a comprehensive strategy encompassing prompt antimalarial therapy alongside targeted interventions addressing anemia. This includes the administration of iron supplements, folic acid, and vitamin B12, coupled with blood transfusions in severe cases to restore depleted stores and enhance erythropoiesis. Moreover, ensuring adequate nutrition, hydration, and community engagement are integral facets of holistic care. Promoting balanced diets rich in essential nutrients, alongside education programs emphasizing preventive measures and early recognition of symptoms, plays a crucial role in mitigating morbidity and mortality rates. In conclusion, the effective management of anemia in children with malaria demands a multifaceted approach, integrating timely diagnosis, tailored treatment, nutritional support, and community-based interventions. Collaborative efforts among healthcare professionals, policymakers, and communities are imperative to address the complexities of these concurrent health challenges, aiming for improved health outcomes and a brighter future for affected children in malaria-endemic regions.
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Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu, Frances Ugonne Ogunnaya, Getrude Uzoma Obeagu
Pediatric anemia in the context of malaria infections presents a significant health challenge, particularly in regions where malaria is endemic. This abstract delves into the crucial need for integrated approaches to effectively manage anemia among children afflicted by malaria, aiming to improve their overall health outcomes. The intricate relationship between anemia and malaria underscores the importance of holistic healthcare interventions. Malaria-induced hemolysis often exacerbates anemia, leading to elevated morbidity and mortality rates in affected children. Integrated strategies encompassing healthcare interventions and robust public health initiatives are pivotal in addressing these intertwined health concerns. Key integrated healthcare interventions include early and accurate diagnosis, prompt antimalarial treatment, and tailored anemia management, such as iron supplementation and nutritional support. Community engagement initiatives promoting preventive measures and access to healthcare facilities play a critical role in reducing malaria transmission and subsequent anemia burden. In conclusion, the implementation of integrated healthcare models that amalgamate early diagnosis, prompt treatment, nutritional support, and comprehensive public health strategies is indispensable for alleviating anemia in pediatric malaria cases. Collaboration among healthcare professionals, policymakers, and communities is imperative for the successful implementation of these approaches, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes for children affected by malaria-associated anemia.
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