RESUMEN
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of some air pollutants and meteorological parameters on the survivability of airborne fungi. Fungi were collected by using a slit impactor sampler calibrated to draw 20 L/min, for 3 min. Nitrogen dioxide (NO(2)), sulfur dioxide (SO(2)), particulate matter (PM), relative humidity (RH %), temperature (T °C) and wind speed (WS) were also measured. Air samples were taken during the period from March 2006 to February 2007. Fungal concentrations ranged between 45 and 451 CFU/m(3) with an annual mean concentration of 216 CFU/m(3). The lowest fungal concentration was found in the summer, however the highest one was found in the autumn. NO(2,) SO(2) and PM averaged 83.66 µg/m(3), 67.01 µg/m(3), and 237.69 µg/m(3), respectively. T °C was positively and negatively correlated with Aspergillus (P = 0.000) and Penicillium (P = 0.007), respectively. RH% was positively correlated with total fungi (P = 0.001), Aspergillus (P = 0.002) and Cladosporium (P = 0.047). Multiple regression analysis showed that T °C and RH% were the most predicted variants. Non-significant correlations were found between fungal concentrations and air pollutants. Meteorological parameters were the critical factors affecting fungal survivability.
Asunto(s)
Microbiología del Aire , Monitoreo del Ambiente/estadística & datos numéricos , Hongos/aislamiento & purificación , Dióxido de Nitrógeno/análisis , Material Particulado/análisis , Dióxido de Azufre/análisis , Egipto , Monitoreo del Ambiente/métodos , Humedad , Análisis de Regresión , Estaciones del Año , Temperatura , VientoRESUMEN
Airborne bacterial and fungal composition in an industrial town of Helwan, Egypt, was studied using a slit impactor sampler during the period from March 2006 to February 2007. Airborne bacterial concentrations were usually higher than fungi. Bacteria and fungi had similar diurnal variation patterns. Airborne microorganisms reached their concentration peaks in the evening and gradually decreased during the night time. The hourly concentration peaks of the bacteria and fungi appeared at 20:00h. A significant difference (P < or =0.05) was found between the hourly mean concentrations of airborne fungi in winter compared to other seasons. Fungi concentrations were significantly higher (P< or =0.05) on working weekdays than weekends. Aspergillus, Penicillium, Alternaria and Cladosporium were the most predominant airborne fungal genera. Aspergillus showed double peak patterns whereas Penicillium, Alternaria and Cladosporium showed one peak pattern. The diurnal variations of the bacteria and fungi could be divided into four periods: 1) the morning maximum concentration (6:00h-10:00h), 2) midday to afternoon pattern (10:00h-16:00h), 3) the evening concentration peak (18:00h-20:00h) and 4) the gradual decrease of night time concentration (22:00h-24:00h). Geographical location, human activity, growth cycle of organisms and meteorological factors were the main criteria controlling the temporal variations of the air microorganisms in the Wadi Hof area.
Asunto(s)
Microbiología del Aire , Contaminantes Atmosféricos/aislamiento & purificación , Atmósfera/química , Bacterias/aislamiento & purificación , Hongos/aislamiento & purificación , Material Particulado/análisis , Egipto , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Geografía , PeriodicidadRESUMEN
A temporary renovation activity releases considerably high concentrations of particulate matter, viable and non-viable, into air. These pollutants are a potential contributor to unacceptable indoor air quality (IAQ). Particulate matter and its constituents lead, sulfate, nitrate, chloride, ammonium and fungi as well as fungal spores in air were evaluated in a building during renovation action. Suspended dust was recorded at a mean value of 6.1 mg m(-3) which exceeded the Egyptian limit values for indoor air (0.15 mg m(-3)) and occupational environments (5 mg m(-3)). The highest particle frequency (23%) of aerodynamic diameter (dae) was 1.7 microm. Particulate sulfate (SO(4)(2-)), nitrate (NO(3)(-)), chloride (Cl(-)), ammonium (NH(4)(+)) and lead components of suspended dust averaged 2960, 28, 1350, 100 and 13.3 microg m(-3), respectively. Viable fungi associated with suspended dust and that in air averaged 1.11 x 10(6) colony forming unit per gram (cfu g(-1)) and 92 colony forming unit per plate per hour (cfu p(-1) h(-1)), respectively. Cladosporium(33%), Aspergillus(25.6%), Alternaria(11.2%) and Penicillium(6.6%) were the most frequent fungal genera in air, whereas Aspergillus(56.8%), Penicillium(10.3%) and Eurotium(10.3%) were the most common fungal genera associated with suspended dust. The detection of Aureobasidium, Epicoccum, Exophiala, Paecilomyces, Scopulariopsis, Ulocladium and Trichoderma is an indication of moisture-damaged building materials. Alternaria, Aureobasidium, Cladosporium, Scopulariopsis and Nigrospora have dae > 5 microm whereas Aspergillus, Penicillium and Verticillium have dae < 5 microm which are suited to penetrate deeply into lungs. Particulate matter from the working area infiltrates the occupied zones if precautionary measures are inadequate. This may cause deterioration of IAQ, discomfort and acute health problems. Renovation should be carefully designed and managed, in order to minimize degradation of the indoor and outdoor air quality.
Asunto(s)
Contaminación del Aire Interior/análisis , Materiales de Construcción , Arquitectura y Construcción de Instituciones de Salud , Polvo , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Hongos/aislamiento & purificación , Humanos , AguaRESUMEN
Studies done between 1997 and 2003 are reviewed to give an overall picture of antimalarial drug resistance in the Eastern Mediterranean Region of the World Health Organization (WHO). The situation in 8 countries where resistance has been reported is detailed. It has been difficult to abandon chloroquine as first-line treatment even though resistance to it is widespread. Resistance to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine has also been detected. The spread of resistance could be slowed down by the adoption of effective national policies and control programmes. Coordination between counties and with other WHO regions, as opposed to working in isolation, could further reduce the spread of resistance.
Asunto(s)
Antimaláricos , Resistencia a Medicamentos , Malaria Falciparum/epidemiología , Afganistán/epidemiología , Animales , Cloroquina , Djibouti/epidemiología , Monitoreo de Drogas/métodos , Resistencia a Medicamentos/genética , Enfermedades Endémicas/prevención & control , Enfermedades Endémicas/estadística & datos numéricos , Marcadores Genéticos/genética , Política de Salud , Humanos , Irán/epidemiología , Malaria Falciparum/tratamiento farmacológico , Malaria Falciparum/parasitología , Región Mediterránea/epidemiología , Pakistán/epidemiología , Pruebas de Sensibilidad Parasitaria , Selección de Paciente , Plasmodium falciparum , Polimorfismo Genético/genética , Prevalencia , Práctica de Salud Pública , Arabia Saudita/epidemiología , Somalia/epidemiología , Sudán/epidemiología , Yemen/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
Studies done between 1997 and 2003 are reviewed to give an overall picture of antimalarial drug resistance in the Eastern Mediterranean Region of the World Health Organization [WHO]. The situation in 8 countries where resistance has been reported is detailed. It has been difficult to abandon chloroquine as first-line treatment even though resistance to it is widespread. Resistance to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine has also been detected. The spread of resistance could be slowed down by the adoption of effective national policies and control programmes. Coordination between counties and with other WHO regions, as opposed to working in isolation, could further reduce the spread of resistance
Asunto(s)
Cloroquina , Monitoreo de Drogas , Enfermedades Endémicas , Marcadores Genéticos , Política de Salud , Malaria Falciparum , Pruebas de Sensibilidad Parasitaria , Plasmodium falciparum , Polimorfismo Genético , Prevalencia , AntimaláricosRESUMEN
A protocol for assessment of the therapeutic efficacy of chloroquine against Plasmodium falciparum malaria was evaluated in Sudan. An in vivo test was implemented in five sentinel posts in areas of unstable malaria during the transmission season. A standard dose of oral chloroquine was administered to a random sample of patients with uncomplicated falciparum malaria attending primary health care units and they were followed-up for clinical and parasitological response for 14 days. Designations of "early treatment failure", "late treatment failure" and "adequate response" were based on clinical and parasitological criteria. Data analysis for prevalence of resistance was done for each individual sentinel post, using two-stage Lot QualityAssurance Sampling. At 95% confidence level and 80% power, the prevalence of chloroquine resistance was found to be 25% in all five posts. It is concluded that the protocol was simple and easily applicable at the peripheral level and could be the basis for sentinel post's for continuous monitoring of malaria drug resistance in the whole country.
Asunto(s)
Antimaláricos/uso terapéutico , Cloroquina/uso terapéutico , Malaria Falciparum/tratamiento farmacológico , Adolescente , Adulto , Análisis de Varianza , Animales , Niño , Preescolar , Resistencia a Medicamentos , Femenino , Humanos , Lactante , Malaria Falciparum/epidemiología , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Plasmodium falciparum/efectos de los fármacos , Prevalencia , Análisis de Regresión , Vigilancia de Guardia , Sudán/epidemiología , Insuficiencia del TratamientoRESUMEN
This study was done in Wad-Medani town in the central Sudan. A household survey and a hospital survey were conducted using structured questionnaires to assess household expenditure on malaria case management. A total of 360 cases of malaria were reported in the household survey. They were assessed by a questionnaire focused on household income daily expenditure and resources), with special attention to treatment and cost incurred. Also, a random sample of malaria cases hospitalized in the medical, obstetrical and paediatric wards in Wad-Medani hospitals were interviewed, comprising 75 adult patients and 75 children. Cases in the house survey were treated in health centers, private clinics, health insurance facilities or by self-medication. The mean expenditure on diagnosis and treatment of an episode of malaria was US dollars 5.12 for home-treated cases and US dollars 17.2 for a hospitalized case, representing a significant economic burden to family income. This cost varied according to type of treatment, type of health care provider and in hospitalized versus home-treated cases.
Asunto(s)
Manejo de Caso/economía , Familia , Gastos en Salud , Malaria/economía , Antimaláricos/economía , Distribución de Chi-Cuadrado , Costo de Enfermedad , Hospitalización/economía , Humanos , Estudios Longitudinales , Malaria/epidemiología , Sudán/epidemiología , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
This study was done to investigate malaria case management at the community level in Gezira, Sudan, which is an area of unstable malaria predominantly due to Plasmodium falciparum. Questionnaire surveys were conducted at four consecutive weekly intervals in October 1995. A sample of 400 households (3062 persons) including 200 rural and 200 urban households was studied. Use of antimalarials was assessed in terms of diagnosis, types of antimalarial used, self-medication and compliance. During the four weeks of observation, 25.1% of the rural population and 35.6% of the urban population received at least one course of antimalarial drugs. Diagnosis was confirmed microscopically in 81.7% of treated persons in the urban community and in only 34.3% those treated in the rural community. Chloroquine is the most frequently used antimalarial in both communities with notable overuse of injections in rural patients and in patients treated by paramedical health workers. Self-medication was commoner in rural than in the urban population (41.2% versus 23.9%). Compliance with the standard therapeutic doses was poorest with quinine and best with sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine. It is suggested that interventions to improve the use of antimalarials should include health education, training of health workers and dissemination of national treatment policies.
Asunto(s)
Manejo de Caso/organización & administración , Malaria Falciparum/prevención & control , Análisis de Varianza , Antimaláricos/uso terapéutico , Humanos , Malaria Falciparum/epidemiología , Cooperación del Paciente , Salud Rural , Autocuidado , Sudán/epidemiología , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Salud UrbanaRESUMEN
Airborne dust bioaerosols, ammonia and formaldehyde levels were determined inside two different (ventilated and unventilated) wood working shops. Airborne dust was found at mean values of 4.3 and 3.01 mg m(-3). These levels were higher than that recommended by Egyptian environmental law [1 mg m(-3) indoor maximum allowable concentration (MAC) for hard wood]. The highest frequency of aerodynamic size distribution of airborne wood dust was detected at a diametre of 4.9 microm which was recorded during a machining operation. Total viable bacteria were recorded at a mean value of 10(4) colony-forming units (cfu) m(-3), whereas Gram-negative bacteria were found at very low counts (10(1) cfu m(-3)). Fungi levels were recorded at mean values of 10(3) and 10(2) cfu m(-3) in ventilated and unventilated shops, respectively. Penicillium, Aspergillus, Cladosporium and yeast species were dominant isolates. Moreover, actinomycetes were found at a mean value of 10(3) cfu m(-3) at both workshops. Ammonia was detected in relatively low concentrations (mean values of 457 and 623 microg m(-3)), whereas formaldehyde was found in relatively moderate concentrations (mean values of 0.42 and 0.64 ppm).
Asunto(s)
Aerosoles/química , Contaminación del Aire Interior/análisis , Amoníaco/análisis , Fijadores/análisis , Formaldehído/análisis , Exposición Profesional , Madera , Polvo , Gases/análisis , Gases/química , Humanos , Compuestos Orgánicos/análisis , Ventilación , Lugar de TrabajoRESUMEN
Manual and automatic welding machines (which use leaded alloys) are considered to be important sources of the emission of lead fumes into the general air of the working environment. Three workplaces at a television factory were selected for the present study, to determine the control class of the working unit. The concentrations of conventional measurements ("A" sampling points) were lower than the administrative control level (statutory standard of lead, 150 microg m(-3)), whereas the maximum concentration of 264.1 microg m(-3) ("B" sampling point) was higher at one working unit than the administrative control level. However, the control classes varied between class III (bad) and class I (good).
Asunto(s)
Contaminación del Aire Interior/análisis , Plomo/análisis , Exposición Profesional , Soldadura , Monitoreo del Ambiente/métodos , Humanos , Lugar de TrabajoRESUMEN
Indoor and outdoor measurements of formaldehyde were conducted at seven flats located in residential areas in Greater Cairo, during spring and summer seasons 1999. The mean daytime formaldehyde concentrations in kitchens, bedrooms and living rooms were 89, 100 and 100 ppb, respectively, in the seven flats. Significant positive correlations were found between the concentrations of formaldehyde found in these three rooms. On the other hand, no significant differences were found between the mean formaldehyde concentrations in these three rooms. The maximum mean concentration of formaldehyde (147 ppb) was recorded in a new flat, while the minimum concentration (43 ppb) was observed in an old flat. The maximum hourly and daytime concentrations were 350 and 225 ppb, respectively. Air temperature, relative humidity and the age of the flat are factors affecting the emission and concentration of formaldehyde. The maximum indoor and outdoor formaldehyde concentrations were recorded during the summer season. During the spring, 38% of the samples indicated that the concentration of formaldehyde in the seven flats exceeded 0.1 ppm, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers' (ASHRAE) standard; in the summer, this figure increased to 53%.
Asunto(s)
Contaminación del Aire Interior/análisis , Desinfectantes/análisis , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Formaldehído/análisis , Egipto , Vivienda , Humanos , Humedad , Estaciones del Año , TemperaturaRESUMEN
Student assessment in community settings presents problems for medical teachers, e.g., difficulties in assessing the contribution of individual members to group work, and lack of test standardization due to varying field conditions. The Faculty of Medicine, University of Gezira, Sudan is a community-oriented, community-based medical school which has adopted a comprehensive approach to student assessment in community settings using various methods, including peer assessment, a supervisory checklist, community feedback, reports from students, short essay questions (SEQs) and multiple choice questions (MCQs). Each method focuses on a specific aspect of the objectives of the community-based programme and is weighted in the final grade according to the extent to which objectives were covered. This assessment programme contrasts with the conventional teacher-centred approach, and is continuously monitored and improved using a variety of sources of information. A total of 105 students participated in a study designed to measure the reliability and validity of this approach. The reliability of the methods was tested by computing the alpha coefficient and was found to range between 0.77 and 0.92. This was considered acceptable. The validity of the instruments was examined using confirmatory factor analysis, and their content validity was reviewed. The results show that the comprehensive approach used is fairly valid. It is suggested that the University's approach is successful in solving some of the problems of student assessment in community settings.
Asunto(s)
Competencia Clínica , Medicina Comunitaria/educación , Educación de Pregrado en Medicina/métodos , Educación Basada en Competencias , Humanos , SudánAsunto(s)
Oncocercosis/patología , Succión/métodos , Adolescente , Biopsia con Aguja , Humanos , MasculinoRESUMEN
In this study, sera from 96 Sudanese patients with Type 1 diabetes and from 86 matched controls were tested for the following organ-specific antibodies: islet cell antibodies (ICA), thyroid microsomal antibodies (TMA), antithyroglobulin antibodies (ATA), and gastric parietal cell antibodies (PCA). In diabetic patients the prevalence rates of these antibodies were: ICA = 41.7%, ATA = 2.0%, TMA = 7.3%, PCA = 6.3%. All these rates were significantly higher than in controls except for ATA which showed similar low prevalence rates in patients and controls. The pattern of prevalence of these antibodies by age, sex, and duration of diabetes was assessed and compared with reports from other populations. The general pattern of these antibodies is similar to that reported in Caucasian populations, except for a slightly greater tendency for ICA to persist with increased duration of diabetes in our sample. Furthermore, the low prevalence of TMA in our population is comparable to that reported in Black American diabetic patients but significantly lower than rates reported in certain other racial groups.
Asunto(s)
Autoanticuerpos/sangre , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 1/sangre , Células Parietales Gástricas/inmunología , Tiroglobulina/inmunología , Adolescente , Adulto , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 1/inmunología , Femenino , Antígenos HLA-DQ/sangre , Cadenas alfa de HLA-DQ , Antígenos HLA-DR/sangre , Cadenas HLA-DRB1 , Antígenos de Histocompatibilidad Clase II/sangre , Humanos , Masculino , SudánRESUMEN
This paper describes an outbreak of dracunculiasis in Mazmum, a town in central Sudan. The study included collection of clinical and epidemiological data from 319 patients treated in hospital, a review of the hospital records, a house survey covering a sample of 757 subjects, a school survey covering 1390 schoolchildren, and examination of water sources. The overall incidence of the disease was 23.4%, with most cases appearing in the agricultural season (July-October). Incidence was highest in young females but most severe disability occurred in male patients aged > or = 20 years, of whom more than 60% were unable to work for more than 4 weeks. The disease is transmitted in shallow natural pools, artificial ponds and trenches in rocky hills that hold rain water. All these sources were found to be infested with Cyclops. The outbreak is attributed to deterioration in the structure and management of the water sources, together with a massive population influx from other endemic areas. These observations underscore the importance of co-ordinating efforts to eradicate the disease from African countries.
Asunto(s)
Brotes de Enfermedades , Dracunculiasis/epidemiología , Adolescente , Adulto , Factores de Edad , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Niño , Preescolar , Dracunculiasis/transmisión , Femenino , Humanos , Incidencia , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estaciones del Año , Factores Sexuales , Sudán/epidemiología , Abastecimiento de AguaAsunto(s)
Leishmaniasis Visceral/diagnóstico , Punciones , Bazo/parasitología , Biopsia con Aguja , Ética Médica , HumanosRESUMEN
386 blood samples from residents of Gezira Province, Sudan were tested by a latex agglutination test for toxoplasmosis. 41.7% of the sample were found positive with antibody titres of greater than or equal to 1/64. Females aged 20-49 years had a significantly higher prevalence rate than males of the same age. No correlation was found between seropositivity and history of contact with domestic cats or between seropositivity and rural versus urban residence. The findings of this study and the known food habits of the study population suggest ingestion of Toxoplasma cysts in meat to be the main mode of transmission of the disease.
Asunto(s)
Anticuerpos Antiprotozoarios/sangre , Toxoplasma/inmunología , Toxoplasmosis/epidemiología , Adolescente , Adulto , Factores de Edad , Anciano , Animales , Niño , Preescolar , Femenino , Humanos , Lactante , Pruebas de Fijación de Látex , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Prevalencia , Población Rural , Factores Sexuales , Sudán/epidemiología , Población UrbanaRESUMEN
Two cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis with ocular involvement are presented. The diagnostic difficulty, the possible complications and the importance of a correct diagnosis of such cases is discussed in the light of the cases presented and of previous similar case reports.