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Biomedical subjects

J H Steele

Publications and source records attributed to J H Steele.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1987

Age and sex differences in new and recurrent cases of guinea worm disease in Nigeria.

In this population-based cross-sectional survey of the prevalence and incidence of guinea worm disease in Idere, a rural agricultural community of Oyo state in Nigeria, epidemiological data were collected by household interview of all 501 households (6527 persons, 3594 females and 2933 males). 86% of the households had at least one case. The prevalence was 32.4% in the overall population, but varied markedly by age and sex. About 10% of prevalent cases were first-time infections or new cases. Males over 19 years of age had a higher prevalence rate than adult females; however, females had a higher prevalence rate at younger ages. The prevalence in females peaked (47%) at 35 to 44 years; for males the proportion was highest (57%) at ages 45 to 54 years.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

The human health implication of the use of antimicrobial agents in animal feeds.

Antimicrobials given in subtherapeutic levels in feed are credited with having contributed to lower cost of meat, milk and eggs. The practice often is associated with the acquisition of resistant enteric flora by the involved animals, and this may in turn contribute to the human reservoir of antimicrobial resistant coliforms and salmonellae. Associated farm workers may transiently acquire resistant flora and on rare occasions develop salmonellosis. Although irrefutable evidence of growth promotant properties of antibiotics in animal feed was provided 30 to 40 years ago, additional studies on mechanisms of the effect are presently needed. It may be possible to identify factors effective in promoting growth without deleterious effects on flora. A national surveillance programme of antimicrobial utilisation (both subtherapeutic and therapeutic) among food producing animals should be established. Molecular epidemiologic research efforts will need to be undertaken to establish whether genetic information of animal origin importantly contributes to the human environmental pool of antimicrobial resistance. In the meantime, it does not appear that the use of drugs as feed additives, while allowing their unrestricted use for therapy in both animals and persons, would favorably influence the problems of antimicrobial resistance of salmonellosis in human populations.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1986

Impact of guinea worm disease on children in Nigeria.

School attendance records of all primary schools in a guinea worm-endemic village in southwestern Nigeria were examined to determine the cause of missed school days and school drop-outs. At the time of the survey, 1,495 pupils (768 boys and 727 girls were registered in the 4 primary schools in the village, of which 21% of the pupils were infected with guinea worm disease (GWD). Female pupils had a higher infection rate than their male counterparts. Guinea worm-infected pupils missed up to 25% of school year days compared to a non-guinea worm-infected absence of 2.5%. At the height of guinea worm season in the study area, guinea worm-related absences contributed virtually all of the absenteeism recorded in the schools. Implications of the findings within the context of educational attainment of the pupils are discussed.

Absenteeism↗
PubMed1985

The zoonoses.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

The public health significance of trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) in Nigeria.

Although trypanosomiasis is no longer a major public health problem in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it nevertheless remains a significant economic bane to farmers whose livestock suffer high morbidity and mortality and a significant loss of weight. This disease probably leaves many Nigerians, without adequate protein intake either from lost beef or from the inability of the cattle to produce milk. Ford (1970) stated that trypanosomiasis may be what is holding back the development of large areas of Africa--a statement which has credence especially when viewed in terms of the thousands of square miles of Nigeria which remain under the infestation of tsetse--land which could be employed in food production. It is therefore important that the history, epidemiology and control methods for this disease be reviewed from time to time in an attempt to ensure that the surveillance mechanisms in place are functional.

Animals↗
PubMed1980

Prevention of murine rotavirus infection with chicken egg yolk immunoglobulins.

Passive protection of infant mice against murine rotavirus was achieved with use of immunoglobulins from the eggs of chickens. Immunoglobulins were obtained by vaccinating hens with simian rotavirus, collecting the eggs after a high level of immunoglobulins was reached in the hen's serum, and isolating the water-soluble fraction from these eggs. The water-soluble fraction was then given twice daily to three-day-old mice to protect them from infection with murine rotavirus. The protection was found to decrease the infection rate from 90% to 15% with use of a standard dose of virus.

Animals↗
PubMed1980

Rotavirus antibody in chickens as measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent blocking assay.

The antibody titer of 202 chickens to SA-11 rotavirus was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent blocking assay. The chickens were from 15 separate flocks on six farms. The titer was detectable (1:18 or greater dilution) in 43% of the chickens. The wide variation in infection rate between flocks on individual farms (0% to 90%) indicated there is probably not significant transmission of the virus between flocks on the farm. Significant differences in numbers of serotest-positive birds were found between separate farms, possibly reflecting different management practices.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

The uses of experimental ecosystems.

The experiments conducted so far with large experimental ecosystems have probably taught us more about the general ecological interactions in such systems than about subtle long-term effects of pollutants. This knowledge is not only valuable in its own right but may be more useful in an indirect rather than a direct way, in understanding the robustness of these systems and so evaluating the general effects of stresses.

Animals↗