eng
High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University
Journal of High Institute of Public Health
2357-0601
2357-061X
2013-04-01
43
1
1
12
10.21608/jhiph.2013.19984
19984
Original Article
Prevalence of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Nasal Carriage and its Antibiogram in Healthcare Workers from South of Jordan
Hamed Alzoubi
1
Amin Aqel
2
Munir Abu-Helalah
3
Medical Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mu'tah University, Alkarak, Jordan
Medical Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mu'tah University, Alkarak, Jordan
Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Mu'tah University, Alkarak, Jordan
Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) can act as asymptomatic carriers in transmitting Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Availability of epidemiological and antibiotic susceptibility data is necessary to limit the spread of HCWs-associated MRSA infections, and to help physicians in choosing the appropriate empirical antibiotic for management of such infections. Objective: to assess nasal carriage and antibiogram of MRSA in healthcare workers from Southern Jordan. Methods: a total of 276 nasal swabs were randomly collected from the HCWs. MRSA was identified by culture, biochemical and molecular methods. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined by the disc diffusion method. Results: The HCWs-MRSA nasal carriage was 8.7%. There was significant difference for nasal carriage of MRSA by nurse occupation (p value = 0.007), education level of less than a university degree (p value = 0.039) and years of HCW experience (p value = 0.023). No significant difference by age, sex, antibiotic exposure or smoking. Antibiotic resistance to Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole and Tetracycline was detected in 37.5% and 12.5% of all MRSA isolates respectively. No resistance to the other antibiotics used in this study and no multidrug resistance was encountered in all MRSA isolates. Conclusion: MRSA nasal carriage among HCWs in this study was 8.7% with no alarming antibiotic resistance pattern. Nurses, less educated and more experienced HCWs are at increased risk of MRSA nasal carriage. Therefore, we strongly recommend screening and decolonizing positive HCWs who can act as asymptomatic carriers in MRSA transmission cycle.
https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_19984_6cd6f80991b89d1e1c7a9c9f2f8282aa.pdf
Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Healthcare workers
Antibiogram
eng
High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University
Journal of High Institute of Public Health
2357-0601
2357-061X
2013-04-01
43
1
13
21
10.21608/jhiph.2013.19985
19985
Original Article
Pilot Screening of Acrylamide Level in Some Egyptian Brands of Potato and Corn Products
Neveen Agamy
1
Department of Nutrition, Food Analysis Division, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
Background: Acrylamide is a chemical compound produced in starchy foods that have been cooked at high temperatures. Acrylamide is proven to be carcinogenic in rodents and a probable human carcinogen, with increasing evidence of positive associations with human cancers. Acrylamide is formed in potato crisps, chips, bread and crisp bread. It was first discovered by scientists in Sweden in 2002. Objective: To determine the level of acrylamide in popular Egyptian brands of potato crisps and corn products produced by domestic food industrial factories. Methods: Seven brands of potato and eight brands of corn products were collected, crashed and after preparing the extracts of each sample, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used for measuring the amount of acrylamide. Results: The amounts of acrylamide ranged 247–1677μg/kg in potato brands and <35–419μg/kg in corn products. Conclusion: As acrylamide is a dangerous toxin for human health, its level in these products, that are used extensively by people especially children, should be strictly traced and reduced.
https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_19985_2fd600cb042b26d251ebb5681b3a877d.pdf
acrylamide
potato
corn
eng
High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University
Journal of High Institute of Public Health
2357-0601
2357-061X
2013-04-01
43
1
22
35
10.21608/jhiph.2013.19986
19986
Original Article
The Effect of Training of School Physicians on their Knowledge Regarding Surveillance in Alexandria
Nessrin El-Nimr
1
Iman Wahdan
2
Epidemiology Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt
Epidemiology Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt
Background: Surveillance is important in schools. Training of school health physicians on surveillance is recommended in order to improve the disease surveillance system. The aim of the current study is to assess the effect of a training program on the knowledge of school physicians regarding surveillance. Methods: Seventy school health physicians from all Health Insurance Organization districts were included in the study. Assessment of their baseline knowledge regarding surveillance was done using a pre-designed self-administered structured questionnaire (pretest). Accordingly, an intervention program in the form of a workshop was prepared to raise their knowledge regarding surveillance. Within one week after the end of the intervention, assessment of the training program was done using the same data collection tool (post -test). Results: After the intervention, the percentage of physicians with poor and fair knowledge levels regarding surveillance decreased from 37.4% to 10.4% and from 50.7% to 40.3% respectively, while those with good knowledge level increased from 11.9% to 49.3%.The difference in the mean knowledge score before and after the intervention was statistically significant. In a multiple linear regression model, two factors significantly affected the school physicians’ knowledge score after the intervention. These factors were the total knowledge score before the intervention and the physicians' age. Conclusion: Training of school physicians on disease surveillance affectstheir level of knowledge regarding surveillancewhich is essential for planning and evaluation of communicable diseases' prevention and control.
https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_19986_eda62eb9ceef092c1865a4aa71d1e0a5.pdf
Intervention
school health physicians
surveillance
Training
eng
High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University
Journal of High Institute of Public Health
2357-0601
2357-061X
2013-04-01
43
1
36
48
10.21608/jhiph.2013.19987
19987
Original Article
Measles and Rubella Vaccine Antibody Levels in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Following Chemotherapy
Heba Selim
1
Soraya El shazly
2
Mostafa Salama
3
Reham Abdolmonem
4
Microbiology Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
Microbiology Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
Pediatric Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
Microbiology Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
Background: Children in remission from acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have a high prevalence of immune system defects; one of them is the decrease of vaccine-induced antibody seropositivity rates. This antibody deficiency may place children with ALL at risk for the development of vaccine- preventable diseases, even after completion of chemotherapy, and they could function as a reservoir for additional spread of these diseases in the population. The aim of the present study was the assessment of the levels of vaccine- induced antibodies against measles and rubella viruses in ALL children following chemotherapy. Methods: Antibody levels against measles and rubella vaccine viruses were evaluated by ELISA technique in 96 children with ALL after completion of chemotherapy, in addition to 30 healthy children (non cancer controls of matched age and sex). Results: All healthy children were seropositive for measles and rubella antibodies.On the other hand, out of 96 children who received chemotherapy, only 19 (19.8%) were seropositive for measles antibodies, while 70 (72.9%) were seropositive for rubella antibodies. Most of measles seropositive cases (57.9%) had low levels of measles antibodies while among control group most children (56.7%) had high levels of measles antibodies. Similarly among children who received chemotherapy, most of the seropositive cases (45.7%) had low levels of rubella antibodies, while among control group, most of children (36.6%) had high levels of rubella antibodies. Seropositivity rate of measles was found to be related to the age at diagnosis and disease duration, while that of rubella was found to be related to the disease duration only. Conclusion and recommendations: Most of children who have been treated with chemotherapy for ALL had lost measles antibodies and to less extent rubella antibodies. Among seropositive cases, levels of measles and rubella antibodies are low following treatment with chemotherapy compared to levels among normal controls. Therefore, revaccination of children with ALL following completion of chemotherapeutic treatment against measles and rubella is recommended.
https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_19987_4791c9dd1fe41df742dbe5e99e7c205f.pdf
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia
measles
rubella
vaccine
eng
High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University
Journal of High Institute of Public Health
2357-0601
2357-061X
2013-04-01
43
1
49
57
10.21608/jhiph.2013.19988
19988
Original Article
Characteristics of Polycythemia in Sana'a, Yemen
Hafiz Al-Nood
1
Lutfi Al-Maktari
2
Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sana’a University, Sana’a, Yemen
Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sana’a University, Sana’a, Yemen
Background: High altitude polycythemia is one of the altitude illnesses. Sana'a region is located at high altitudewhich reaches 3600 meters above the sea level. Objectives: To determine the hematological and clinical features of polycythemic patients residingin Sana'a region and to clarify the effect of high altitude in causing polycythemia. Methods: Hematological, clinical and demographic data were obtained from 30 polycythemic patients (26 males, 4 females, aged 26 to 85 years residing Sana'a regionand referred to the National Centre of Public Health Laboratories in Sana'a city for the firsttime venesection. Results:All studied samples showed high hemoglobinlevels (mean 18.85 g/dL for both sexes), normal platelet counts (228 and 267 x10 9/L for males and females, respectively),normal white cell counts in 96.7% of the cases (means 6.01 to 5.98 x10 9/L). Their clinical features showed predominance of headache, ruddy cyanosis, dyspnea and night sweating by 86.7%, 76.7%, 70% and 60%, respectively. Hypertension, joint pain, renal disease, peptic ulcer were less commonly mentioned by 36.7%, 20%, 13.3%, and10%, respectively. Hemorrhage, pruritus, splenomegaly, heart disease andliver disease wereobserved by only 6.67% each. Conclusions: Findings suggest thatsecondary polycythemia is predominant among polycythemicpatients due to the high altitude of Sana’a region. Findings needs to be confirmed bystudyinga larger sample and extended to investigate the erythropoietin level and JAK2V617F mutation for accurate diagnosis.
https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_19988_255c6161e67b87d9bb3ffacdbd3140ce.pdf
Polycythemia
Sana'a
Yemen
eng
High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University
Journal of High Institute of Public Health
2357-0601
2357-061X
2013-04-01
43
1
58
74
10.21608/jhiph.2013.19989
19989
Original Article
Effect of Chickpea Substitute on the Quality Characteristics of Biscuits and Cake
Nabil El-Shimy
1
Faculty of Tourism & Hotel Management – Pharos University, Alexandria, Egypt
Background: Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is considered the fifth valuable legume in terms of worldwide economic stand point. It is planted in southern and western area of Asia and Mediterranean. Objective: This study was undertaken to study the effect of supplementation of wheat flour with different percentages of chickpea (5, 10, 15, 20, 30 %) on the chemical composition, physical and organoleptic properties of biscuits and cakes. Methods: Cake and biscuits were prepared using different percentage of chickpea flour. Substitute the wheat flour in their formula. Chemical composition, physical measurements as well as sensory evaluation were carried out on the tested samples. Results: The results showed that chickpea flour is a good source of protein (22.82%), crude fiber (2.90%) and ash (3.33%). Also, chickpea is rich in potassium, magnesium and iron. Supplementation of wheat flour with chickpea flours in biscuits results in increasing protein, lipid, fiber and ash. The specific volume were in the range of (38.83 – 44.13cc/gm), specific lightness were in the range of (41-25 cc/gm.) and spread factor ranged between (100-114.21%) for control samples and biscuits that contain 30 % of the chick pea flour. This biscuit which contain chickpea flour at all the supplement ratio were accepted by the panelist. The cake prepared with supplementation of wheat flour with chickpea flours at different percentage (5, 10, 15, 20, 30%) had a higher protein, lipid, crude fiber and ash content with less percentage of carbohydrates. Increasing the ratio of chickpea flours in cake has led to a slight increase in volume and specific gravity. Sensory evaluation of the cake was accepted at all the different supplementation ratios of chickpea with the higher score for the cake samples that contain chickpea flours at ratio 10 -15%. Conclusion: Generally prepared cake and biscuits samples with chickpea flour as a supplement to wheat flour in their formula lead to increasing protein, crude fiber and mineral content with improving the physical properties and organoleptic characteristics.
https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_19989_4baae029a99f7cef2e455157a84a96f3.pdf
eng
High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University
Journal of High Institute of Public Health
2357-0601
2357-061X
2013-04-01
43
1
75
82
10.21608/jhiph.2013.19990
19990
Original Article
Maternal and Fetal Leptin Level Correlation with Fetal Macrosomia
Manal Swelem
1
Yasser Elkassar
2
Abd Elmoneim Fawzy
3
Ahmed Abd Elatty
4
Akram Deghady
5
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, El-Shatby University Hospital, Alexandria, Egypt
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, El-Shatby University Hospital, Alexandria, Egypt
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, El-Shatby University Hospital, Alexandria, Egypt
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, El-Shatby University Hospital, Alexandria, Egypt
Department of clinical and chemical pathology Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
Background: Leptin seems to be a critical factor for overall fetal development. Macrosomia may place the mother and fetus or neonate at risk for adverse outcomes. Objective: to test if leptin level is implicated in macrosomia. Methods: The sample comprised25 cases delivered full term normal weight infants, and 25 cases delivered full term macrosomicinfants. Maternal serum samples and fetal cord samples were withdrawn immediately after birth of the full term infants. Results: Fetal leptin level was higher in macrosomic infants than normal weight infants. No difference in maternal leptin level between both groups was observed. Conclusion: Leptin levels related directly to quantity of body fat tissue in fetal macrosomia as there is leptinresistence causing elevated leptin evels.
https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_19990_1e77e3ee196af599f8ec556a80059d3f.pdf
leptin
Macrosomia
eng
High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University
Journal of High Institute of Public Health
2357-0601
2357-061X
2013-04-01
43
1
83
97
10.21608/jhiph.2013.19991
19991
Original Article
The Oxidative Stress and Platelet Activation in Patients Infected with Toxoplasma gondii
Hoda Hamdy
1
Mona ElSayed
2
Nadia Sadek
3
Reem Elhammamy
4
Departments of Biochemistry; Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
Departments of Parasitology; Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
Departments of Hematology; Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
Departments of Pharmacist in Ministry of Health Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
Background: Toxoplasma gondii is a highly frequent obligate intracellular protozoan parasite; it can cause serious problems to the public health especially pregnant females, however, the pathogenesis of this condition is not clear. Objective: was to evaluate the status and the inter-relationship of the oxidative stress and platelet activation in patients infected with T. gondii. Methods: Thirty patients infected with T.gondii (10 acute and 20 chronic cases) and 10 healthy subjects (control group) were included in this study. Serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total glutathione (t GSH), reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), redox potential (RP) and soluble P-selectin (sPselectin) were measured. EDITA blood samples were used for complete blood picture with special emphasis on platelet count and mean platelet volume (MPV). Results: The mean platelet volume (MPV) in patients was significantly higher than the control group, however, platelet count showed no significant difference. The serum mean values of MDA, GSSG, RP and sP-selectin in patients were significantly higher than the control subjects. On the other hand, the levels of tGSH and GSHin patients were significantly lower than in controls. MPV and platelet count showed significant positive correlations with sP-selectin concentration. Conclusion: Although toxoplasmosis is mostly asymptomatic, the findings of the present study strongly indicate that the occurrence of oxidative stress could be a potential mechanism of subclinical inflammatory pathology and tissue damage in these cases.
https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_19991_968cd2e3e86469072ad02afa5935ac9f.pdf
Toxoplasmosis
Oxidative Stress
glutathione
P-selectin
Platelet
and Malondialdehyde