The Epidemiology of Trachoma in the Lower Shire Valley of Southern Malawi and Implications for the “SAFE” Strategy
Journal Title: International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health - Year 2014, Vol 4, Issue 5
Abstract
Aims: To determine the prevalence of trachoma and associated risk factors in the Lower Shire Valley of Southern Malawi. Study Design: Population based cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Lower Shire Valley of southern Malawi between July and October 2012. Methodology: Children aged 1-9 years (total 2957) were assessed for clinical signs of active trachoma follicular (TF) and adults aged 15 and above (total 2247) were assessed for signs of trachoma trichiasis (TT), which is potentially blinding trachoma. A questionnaire survey was conducted to explore the potential risk factors. Results: A total of 2957 children aged 1-9 years who were assessed for clinical signs of TF and 2247 adults aged 15 and above were assessed for signs of TT.The prevalence of TF among children aged 1-9 years was found to be 18.5% (95% CI 16.4-20.8) in Nsanje and 7.8% (95% CI 6.6-9.2) in Mwanza districts respectively. The prevalence of TT in adults aged 15 and above was 0.5% (95% CI: 0.1-0.9) in Nsanje district and 0.2% (95% CI: 0.1-0.4) in Mwanza district, respectively. In regards to risk factors, only the presence of a dirty face was associated with trachoma follicular (TF) in Nsanje and Mwanza districts (P< 0.001). Conclusion: In this study, prevalence of active trachoma infections was 18.5% in Nsanje and 7.8% in Mwanza district. Dirty face was associated with trachoma follicular in both districts. According to WHO, Nsanje therefore needs a SAFE (Surgery, Antibiotics, Face Washing and Environmental) control strategy.
Authors and Affiliations
Khumbo Kalua, Isaac Singini, Mavuto Mukaka, Laura Senyonjo
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP342778
- DOI 10.9734/IJTDH/2014/7437
- Views 61
- Downloads 0
Hepatitis B Virus Infection among Chronic Renal Failure Predialysis Patients in Hodiedah, Yemen: Retrospective Study
Background: Hepatitis viruses cause problems at almost all the stages of chronic renal failure (CRF). Most of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infected patients live in developing countries with infections rate varying from count...
Ascaris lumbricoides Beyond Intestinal Obstruction
Ascaris lumbricoides infestation remains the most common cause of eosinophilia. In addition, in cases of severe eosinophilia due to helminthinfestation, eosinophilic infiltration of several tissues may occur, and most li...
Variation of CD4+ T-Lymphocyte Counts and Transaminases in HIV and HIV/HBV Co-infected Patients on Therapy at Nylon Hospital Douala, Cameroon
Objective: This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of Hepatitis B and associated risk factors such as CD4+ counts variation and liver enzymes among HIV co– infected patients and those with HIV mono-infections...
The Impact of Malaria and Gastrointestinal Helminthiasis Co-infection on Anaemia and Severe Malaria among Children in Bugesera District, Rwanda
Aims: Determine the impact of malaria and gastrointestinal helminthiasis co-infection on anaemia and severe malaria among children aged 1 – 15 years. Study Design: A cross sectional study was carried out. Place and Dur...
Post-surgical Infection and Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns of Bacteria Isolated from Admitted Patients with Signs of Infection at Jimma University Specialized Hospital, Jimma, Ethiopia
Introduction: Nosocomial infection (hospital acquired infections) poses a significant burden and threat for public health. Treatment of such infections is becoming difficult due to resistance of antibiotics to the bacter...