Njeru, A. | Search bioRxiv

bioRxiv2019

Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and Candida albicans; hospital based study

BackgroundChlamydia and candidiasis have only mild or no symptoms at all. When symptoms develop, they are often mistaken for something else like urinary tract infections or yeast infections. These infections affect both men and woman of all backgrounds and economic levels.\n\nObjectiveThe prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis (C.trachomatis) and Candida albicans (C.albicans) infections among attendees of Kilifi Medical Centre in Kilifi county, Kenya was studied.\n\nMethodologyUrethral and vaginal swabs samples were aseptically collected from 305 subjects, examined for Candida albicans and Chlamydia trachomatis using standard microbiological methods. The swabs were analyzed using direct wet smears, Gram-stained smear and culture techniques.\n\nResultsOf the 305 participants, 181 (59.34%) females and 124 (40.66%) males were tested with the overall prevalence of 53.44 % for both Chlamydia trachomatis and Candida albicans with females having a higher infection rate (35.14 %) for chlamydia and candidasis than men (17.71). Amongst the different age groups investigated, candida and chlamydia distribution was highest in participants aged 28-32 years (21.97 %).The infection rate of C.trachomatis (14.43 %) among the male participants was higher than the infection rate revealed among the female participants of 1.97 % while the infection rate of C.albicans was higher among the female participants (33.77 %) compared to the 3.28 % recorded in male participants with no co-infections revealed.\n\nConclusionThe results of this study demonstrated a significant difference between male and female chlamydia and candida infections with women being severely affected than men. The study recommended routine screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) which is essential in preventing infections transmissions, assessment of the role of socio-demographic and behavioral risks on Chlamydia trachomatis and Candida albicans, proper treatment of all candida and chlamydia by use of correct/effective medicines, contact tracing and treatment of sexual partners and health education.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2019

Status of Soil-transmitted helminthiasis among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Kilifi county hospital, Kenya

Soil-transmitted helminthes (STH) refers to parasites whose life cycle depends on a period of development outside the human host typically in a moist or warm soil. The most important geohelminths are; roundworms (Ascaris lumbricoides), whipworms (Trichuris trichiura) and hookworms (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale). The study aimed at investigating the current epidemiological status of soil-transmitted helminth infections among pregnant women in Kilifi County hospital (KCH) following the intervention of preventive chemotherapy.\n\nData collection and analysis involved evaluation of transmission trends of geohelminths from the previous surveys/ hospital records, use of direct fecal smears and Kato-Katz smears in estimation of prevalence and infection intensity and the use of structured questionnaires for the assessment of the predisposing factors associated with STH infections. Logistic regression analysis was employed to determine the risk factors associated with STH infections.\n\nA total of 191 stool samples were collected and analyzed. Three species of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) were identified with the overall prevalence of any STH infection being 16.75%. Trichuris trichiura was predominant (8.38 %), followed by A. lumbricoides (7.85%) then hookworms (6.29 %). About 10.99% of the participants had a single worm infection, 5.76 % had double co-infections and none of the participants had triple infection.\n\nPreventive chemotherapy appears to give maximal returns in terms of reducing significantly the number of geohelminths reported since 2001. The study recommended the routine stool analysis in the antenatal profile, provision of alternative sources of iron to the pregnant women in order to reduce the tendency for soil consumption and the associated risk of STH infections, provision of safe water for domestic use, improved sanitation and proper personal hygiene (WASH).

epidemiology↗