Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

M Abebe

Publications and source records attributed to M Abebe.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

Female genital tuberculosis in Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVES: To study the occurrence of female genital tuberculosis (FGTB) in Ethiopia and to compare the different methods available for its diagnosis. METHODS: Biopsy or curettage samples from 25 clinically suspected cases of FGTB were investigated with histopathology, smear microscopy, TB culture and PCR for mycobacteria. HIV status was determined by ELISA. CD4:CD8 ratio was evaluated by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Among the 25 clinically suspected patients investigated, only one was AFB smear positive, three were culture positive, seven were histology positive and 12 were positive by PCR (a total of 16 positives). Samples taken from the fallopian tube were more frequently positive than those from the endometrium. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that FGTB is a significant clinical problem in Ethiopia. A combination of PCR with the other available methods was found to be the best alternative to achieve sufficient sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of FGTB in this setting.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Female genital tuberculosis in Ethiopia.

UNLABELLED: To study the occurrence of female genital tuberculosis (FGTB) in Ethiopia and to compare the different methods available for its diagnosis. METHODS: Biopsy or curettage samples from twenty-five clinically suspected cases of FGTB were investigated with histopathology, smear microscopy, TB culture and PCR for mycobacteria. HIV status was determined by ELISA. CD4:CD8 ratio was evaluated by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Among the 25 clinically suspected patients investigated, only one was AFB smear positive, three were culture positive, seven were histology positive and 12 were positive by PCR (a total of 16 positives). Samples taken from the fallopian tube were more frequently positive than those from the endometrium. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that FGTB is a significant clinical problem in Ethiopia. A combination of PCR with the other available methods was found to be the best alternative to achieve sufficient sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of FGTB in this setting.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Activity of an alcohol-based hand gel against human adeno-, rhino-, and rotaviruses using the fingerpad method.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the activity against three non-enveloped viruses (an adeno-, a rhino- and a rotavirus) of a gel containing 60% ethanol, using experimentally contaminated thumb- and fingerpads of 12 panelists, as per standard procedure E-1838-96 of the American Society of Testing and Materials. DESIGN: Each digit received 10 microL of the test virus suspension. The inoculum from the thumbs was eluted immediately with 990 microL of Earle's balanced salt solution (EBSS) to assess the amount of virus on each digit (0-minute control). The inoculum on the fingers was allowed to dry (20-25 minutes), and virus was eluted from two fingerpads to determine the loss in virus infectivity upon drying (baseline titer). Then the dried inoculum on randomly selected fingers was exposed to 1 mL of the test product or standard hard water (200-ppm calcium carbonate) for 20 seconds. The virus remaining was eluted with 1 mL of EBSS, titrated to determine the amounts eliminated, and compared to the baseline titer. RESULTS: Each digit received at least 10(4) plaque-forming units of virus in 10 microL. The amounts of adeno-, rhino-, and rotaviruses surviving the drying were 30%, 75%, and 42%, respectively. The product reduced the infectivity titers of the three viruses by 3 to >4 log10 when compared to a reduction of < or =1 log10 for the hard-water rinse. CONCLUSION: The level of virus reduction by gel was statistically significantly higher than that seen with the water control. Evidence for such activity against non-enveloped viruses supports further investigation of the benefits of this product.

Adenoviridae↗
PubMed1996

Novel anticoagulant from salivary glands of Simulium vittatum (Diptera: Simuliidae) inhibits activity of coagulation factor V.

Anticoagulant activity was detected in fractions of a reversed phase-high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) of salivary gland lysate from Simulium vittatum Zetterstedt. Using a plasma recalcification time assay, these fractions did not inhibit factor Xa or thrombin. HPLC-purified fractions showing the anticoagulant property were pooled and examined using the activated partial thromboplastin time test conducted on normal plasma and plasmas deficient in factors V, VIII, IX, XI, and XII. The anticoagulant prolonged the clotting time of all the plasmas, except plasma deficient in factor V. The detection of antifactor V activity, together with other anticoagulants reported from Simulium spp. indicates a feeding strategy that targets enzymes in the terminal portion of the coagulation cascade.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Anticoagulant activity in salivary gland extracts of black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae).

Anticoagulant activity was determined in salivary gland extracts from four species of black flies, i.e., Simulium vittatum Zetterstedt, Simulium argus Williston, Simulium metallicum Bellardi, and Simulium ochraceum Walker. Inhibition of coagulation factor Xa occurred among all four, whereas thrombin inhibition was detected in S. argus and S. vittatum only. Both bovine and human alpha-thrombins were inhibited with the highest activity occurring with S. argus salivary gland extracts. Factor Xa inhibition was highest in S. ochraceum, an anthropophilic species and vector of Onchocerca volvulus, and lowest in S. vittatum, a primiparous autogenous species that is also zoophilic. Total soluble salivary gland extract protein also varied among the four species with the highest concentration measured in S. ochraceum and the lowest in S. vittatum. A positive correlation was observed between the amount of soluble protein and percentage of inhibition of factor Xa for the four species.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Attitudes of rural people in central Ethiopia towards leprosy and a brief comparison with observations on epilepsy.

To find out public attitudes toward leprosy a door-to-door survey was carried out in 1546 sampled households in the rural farming community of Meskan and Mareko in central Ethiopia, where the prevalence of leprosy is estimated to be 1:1000. Attitudes toward leprosy were compared with attitudes to epilepsy, studied in a previously performed survey in the same community. Eighty-seven per cent of the respondents were above the age of 25, and 59.5% were females. There were slightly more Muslims (54%) than Christians. The majority of the interviewees (87%) were farmers, with an illiteracy rate of 84%. Ninety-five per cent and 83%, respectively, were not willing to employ or work with a person having the disease. Seventy-five per cent would not allow their children to associate with a playmate suffering from leprosy. Comparative analysis of attitudes in the same community showed that negative attitudes toward leprosy were stronger than those toward epilepsy, particularly with regard to matrimonial associations, sharing of accommodation, and physical contact with an affected person. The reasons for these differences appear to be the community's deeply entrenched belief that leprosy is both hereditary and contagious, expressed respectively by 48% and 53% of the respondents. In order to minimize the perpetuation of negative attitudes, there is a need to educate and impress on the population that leprosy is a treatable infectious disease which is not congenitally acquired, and that it is even curable if detected early. The study reinforces previously proposed suggestions that, in developing countries such as Ethiopia, leprosy care should be integrated into the general health services.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Plasmodium vivax and P. falciparum epidemiology in Gambella, south-west Ethiopia.

Plasmodium vivax and P. falciparum epidemiology were studied for parasitological and entomological samples collected during the period 1989 and 1990, respectively, from Gambella, South West Ethiopia. Of the total population examined (n = 1091), 147 (13.5%) were found to be positive for malaria parasites. Prevalence rates among males and females were 13.8% and 13.1%, respectively. Differences in the prevalence rates of malaria in the eleven villages were observed, the highest (33.3%) being in Ukuna 2 and the lowest (3.9%) in Ukuna 22. The dominant species of malaria found were both P. falciparum and P. vivax. 88.9% and 11.1% of the malaria cases of the general population were due to these parasites, respectively. It was also recognized that P. falciparum and P. vivax were prevalent in 81.6% and 18.4% of the Anuak population, respectively. The mosquito species responsible for malaria transmission were the indoor-resting A. gambiae s. l. and A. pharoensis. The parasite infection rates of these species were 0.76% and 0.46% and they were found to be the exclusive vectors of P. falciparum and P. vivax, respectively. The present findings are not in accord with the study results previously reported twenty years ago by Armstrong (1972) and Krafsur (1971). The most probable contributing factors for such switch of malaria transmission patterns were, the rehabilitation and resettlement programmes and agricultural activities undertaken in Gambella for the past 10 years that may have brought changes of the socio-economic situation and environmental factors.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Attitudes of rural people in central Ethiopia towards epilepsy.

In the farming community of the sub-district of Meskan and Mareko in central Ethiopia, where the prevalence of epilepsy is known to be 5.2/1000, a door-to-door survey was undertaken in 1546 sampled households to find out public attitudes to epilepsy. Nearly 64% of the respondents were in the age group of 14-50 years, and 58.6% were women. The majority (86%) were illiterate, and 94% had incomes of a subsistence level; 89% had heard or witnessed seizures. Traditional views on the association of evil spirits and superstition was prevalent. By 45% of the interviewees, the disease was believed to be contagious through physical contacts during an attack. Although there was sympathetic concern in the community for the person suffering from epilepsy, negative attitudes were strong on matrimonial associations, sharing of accommodation and physical contacts with affected persons, particularly when there were obvious signs and frequent attacks by seizures. The study demonstrates that the rural community has very poor knowledge of the causes and nature of epilepsy, and this has resulted in social deprivations and at times, rejection of the sufferers.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Organophosphate pesticide poisoning in 50 Ethiopian patients.

Organophosphate pesticide poisoning in 50 patients treated at the Tikur Anbessa Hospital over a period of 6 years is described. Most of the cases were attempted suicide (94%). The majority of the patients presented with the typical clinical features of Parasympathetic overactivity. Atropine was the mainstay of treatment. Mortality from organophosphate pesticide poisoning was 20%. There is a strong need to device a national system of control of pesticides and educate the public about the dangers of pesticides.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Neurological decompression sickness.

A middle-aged professional diver with neurological decompression sickness, seen in Tikur Anbessa Hospital, Addis Abeba, in February 1989, is reported. Early recognition and prompt treatment, and, most of all, prevention are of paramount importance to avoid permanent neurological deficits.

Decompression Sickness↗
PubMed1990

Clinical and electroencephalographic characteristics of epilepsy in rural Ethiopia: a community-based study.

A community-based epidemiological study of neurological disorders was performed in a rural area in Ethiopia. The most prevalent neurological disorder identified was epilepsy, found in 316 persons. The prevalence of epilepsy was 5.2/1000 inhabitants at risk, 5.8 for males, 4.6 for females. The highest age-specific prevalence was found for ages 10-19 years. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures were the most common seizure type and occurred in 81%. On clinical grounds, partial seizures occurred in 20% and in 29% of these secondary generalization followed. During seizures, 8.5% had been injured by burns and 5.7% by trauma. Eighty-four percent had seizures at least monthly. Seizures occurred in 4.8% of siblings. Traditional treatment with local herbs, holy water and amulets was the most common. Only 1.6% had been treated with recognized antiepileptic drugs. Mental retardation was the most common associated disorder, found in 7.9% of the persons with epilepsy. During a period of 2 years, 8 persons died of status epilepticus and 1 from severe burns as a result of falling into a domestic fire during a seizure. EEG was recorded in 73%. Epileptiform activity occurred in 18%.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Community-based study of neurological disorders in rural central Ethiopia.

Between 1986 and 1988 a door-to-door survey was conducted on a stable rural population of 60,820 in central Ethiopia. Trained lay health workers made a complete census and identified cases with symptoms and signs of neurological disorders, using specially designed questionnaires which, in a previous pilot study, were found to have a sensitivity of 91% and specificity of 85%. Neurological disorders in the rural population were epilepsy, postpoliomyelitis paralysis, mental retardation, peripheral neuropathy (mainly due to leprosy), and deaf-mutism with prevalence rates (cases/100,000 population) of 520, 240, 170, 150 and 130, respectively. The prevalence rates of the other less common neurological disorders were 62 for hemiparesis (15 of which were for cerebrovascular accidents), 20 for cerebral palsy, 16 for optic atrophy, 12 for perceptive deafness, 10 for tropical spastic paraparesis, 7 for Parkinson's disease and 5 for motor neuron disease, ataxia and chorea/athetosis. Among related non-neurological conditions, blindness, locomotor disability and deafness were predominant. The significance and role of such a neuroepidemiological study in laying the strategies for the prevention of neurological disorders and rehabilitation of patients are discussed in the context of a developing country.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Community-based study of neurological disorders in Ethiopia: development of a screening instrument.

This paper describes the development of a screening instrument for a community-based neuroepidemiological survey in a rural community in Ethiopia. A pilot study in 1984 to pre-test the questionnaires developed revealed that epilepsy, poliomyelitis, mental retardation and speech disturbances were the most common neurological disorders among the 3,000 rural inhabitants surveyed. The study suggested that a base-population of about 50,000 was required for a future major epidemiological survey to identify rare neurological disorders.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Cerebrovascular accidents in Ethiopia.

The causes, risk factors and outcome of cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) in 150 patients admitted to Tikur Anbessa Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, between 1983 and 1985 were studied. Cerebral thrombosis was the commonest cause of CVA (50.6%), followed by cerebral haemorrhage (24%) and cerebral embolism (15%). The single most important risk factor for CVA was hypertension. Mortality was highest with cerebral haemorrhage (89.4%) and lowest with cerebral embolism (13%). An important measure which could reduce the incidence of CVA is the vigorous and sustained control of hypertension.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome.

A 65-year-old male patient who presented with recurrent facial swelling and episodic Bell's Palsy is reported. The clinical picture fits with an uncommon condition known as Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome. The clinical observations, pathologic data, and nerve conduction studies of the case are presented here.

Aged↗