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At least 1,693 records · Page 94Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

Use of a modified cluster sampling method to perform rapid needs assessment after Hurricane Andrew.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To rapidly obtain population-based estimates of needs in the early aftermath of Hurricane Andrew in South Florida. METHODS: We used a modified cluster-sampling method (the Expanded Programme on Immunization [EPI] method) for three surveys. We selected a systematic sample of 30 quarter-mile square clusters for each survey and, beginning from a random start, interviewed members of seven consecutive occupied households in each cluster. Two surveys were of the most affected area (1990 population, 32,672) at three and ten days after the hurricane struck; one survey was of a less affected area (1990 population, 15,576) seven days after the hurricane struck. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Results were available within 24 hours of beginning each survey. Initial findings emphasized the need for restoring utilities and sanitation and helped to focus medical relief on primary care and preventive services. The second survey of the most affected area showed improvement in the availability of food, water, electricity, and sanitation (P < or = .05). There was no evidence of disease outbreaks. CONCLUSION: For the first time, the EPI method provided population-based information to guide and evaluate relief operations after a sudden-impact natural disaster. An improvement over previous approaches, the EPI method warrants further evaluation as a needs assessment tool in acute disasters.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Mycoplasma mastitis.

Recognition of Mycoplasma-induced mastitis is on the increase. Although Mycoplasma bovis is identified as the causative agent in more than 50 per cent of the mastitis cases, seven other Mycoplasma species have also been isolated. The mycoplasmas are commonly found in the microflora of the respiratory and urogenital tracts of normal cattle, where precipitating factors can initiate their role as pathogens. Most udder infections are spread from cow to cow by physical contact and are precipitated through deficiencies in procedures in milking, equipment maintenance, sanitation, and udder infusion. Generally, the reaction in the udder is severe and persistent, and recovered animals remain shedders and potential carriers. Extensive therapy with antibiotics has not proven effective in altering the course of the disease. Control procedures in epizootics of mycoplasmal mastitis are based either on elimination of the infected animals by culling or through the co-existence on the dairy of known carrier animals segregated and milked separately from the uninfected animals. Adequate sanitation, proper udder infusion, and good milking principles are requisites to preventing mycoplasmal infections.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Diarrheal disease risk in Matlab, Bangladesh.

The objective of this research project is to assess risk for diarrheal disease in rural Bangladesh by analyzing the complex and dynamic interaction of biological, socioeconomic, cultural/behavioral and environmental factors over time and space. Risk factors of cholera and non-cholera water diarrheal disease are calculated to compare the relative importance of risk for several independent variables. Diarrheal disease data were collected for people who were hospitalized at the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research (ICDDR) hospital from January 1, 1992 to December 31, 1994. Using laboratory and hospital records, cases were assigned to one of two diarrhea disease categories (cholera or non-cholera watery diarrhea) that were used as dependent variables in the analysis stage of the research. Age-matched individuals were randomly chosen from the community to be controls. Information was collected for independent variables that were hypothesized to be related to watery diarrhea. This information was collected by administering questionnaires, obtaining secondary data from the ICDDR's demographic surveillance system records and community health worker record books and calculating variables using a geographic information system database. Sanitation and water availability and use are extremely important in the effort to reduce secondary cholera and non-cholera, watery diarrhea transmission. Water use and availability variables were more important for non-cholera watery diarrheal risk than for cholera but nevertheless they were important for both. Socioeconomic status is an important indirect cause of both of these diseases because poverty is the root cause of many of the other variables, such as lack of sanitation and clean water. Flood-control was related to both types of diarrhea but it is not understood why. Since the Bangladesh Flood Action Plan will continue to build and maintains flood-control embankments, it is important to investigate whether there is a pattern to this relationship throughout the country and to investigate why the relationship exists.

Bangladesh↗
PubMed1990

Coccidiosis and cryptosporidiosis in sheep and goats.

The protozoan diseases, coccidiosis and cryptosporidiosis, are important enteric diseases of sheep and goats, resulting in diarrhea, inefficient weight gains, and occasionally death. Coccidiosis is a widespread, serious economic disease affecting animals who are preweaned, recently weaned, or in unsanitary, stressful, or crowded conditions, as well as after entering feedlots. The Eimeria species in sheep and goats are relatively host specific. Control is accomplished through sanitation and by incorporating one of the modern coccidiostats, such as lasalocid or decoquinate, in feed or salt to ensure an intake of approximately 1 mg of drug per kg of body weight per day for at least 30 consecutive days. Prevention and control of coccidiosis results in significantly greater weight gains and production, whereas disease with or without treatment is likely to result in inefficient production and economic loss to the producer. Cryptosporidiosis, caused by Cryptosporidium parvum, is primarily a disease of lambs and kids less than 30 days of age and is usually a milder disease than coccidiosis. Infective oocysts are passed in feces and are transmitted by oral ingestion. Oocysts readily infect a variety of animals, including humans. Cryptosporidiosis is a prevalent disease in neonatal ruminants and in humans. Effective treatments are not available, but because the disease is usually mild and self-limited, supportive care, primarily hydration, is important. Control is strict sanitation and quarantine of sick animals. Disinfection of contaminated housing with ammonia or formalin will kill the oocysts. The cyst-forming coccidia diseases, toxoplasmosis and sarcocystosis, utilize two hosts in their life cycles: sheep or goats and carnivores. Abortions and reproductive failures are major manifestations of disease. Control is through elimination of carnivore feces from the premises through management.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Salmonellosis in calves.

Despite the efforts of both physicians and veterinarians, the number of cases of salmonellosis per year has held steady or risen. The ability of the organism to live in many different animal species and under inhospitable environmental conditions is likely responsible for Salmonella's prevalence today. Diverse clinical signs occur in salmonellosis; they range from unthriftiness to explosive, necrotizing diarrheas with high mortality. Secondary complications of pneumonia, bone and joint infections, and meningoencephalitis can result from calfhood infections. Treatment of enteric salmonellosis is chiefly aimed at maintaining fluid, acid-base, and electrolyte balance. Bacteremic or septicemic calves also require systemic antibiotics. The control measures for salmonellosis are based on sanitation and management. Individual calf hutches or pens provide adequate isolation if sufficient spacing and good sanitation are maintained. The Salmonella vaccines presently available provide limited protection; however, live vaccines made from auxotrophic strains of Salmonella appear to be more efficacious.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Women's management of the household health environment: responding to childhood diarrhea in the Northern Areas, Pakistan.

This paper examines mothers' management of water, sanitation, hygiene, and childhood diarrhea in a mountain community in the Northern Areas, Pakistan. It draws upon qualitative data obtained from 65 in-depth interviews and other ethnographic field methods. The analysis shows that respondents were familiar with diarrhea control interventions carried out in the study site, and associated childhood diarrhea with oral-fecal transmission routes such as poor water quality, unhygienic behaviors, contaminated food, and inadequate sanitation practices. Findings also demonstrate the continuance of long-established cultural patterns of perception and behavior with regard to childhood diarrhea and the influence of socio-economic constraints to instituting new management practices.

Diarrhea↗
PubMed1995

Development of bacterial biofilms in dairy processing lines.

Adherence of bacteria to various milk contact sites was examined by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. New gaskets, endcaps, vacuum breaker plugs and pipeline inserts were installed in different areas in lines carrying either raw or pasteurized milk, and a routine schedule of cleaning-in-place and sanitizing was followed. Removed cleaned and sanitized gaskets were processed for scanning or transmission electron microscopy. Adherent bacteria were observed on the sides of gaskets removed from both pasteurized and raw milk lines. Some areas of Buna-n gaskets were colonized with a confluent layer of bacterial cells surrounded by an extensive amorphous matrix, while other areas of Buna-n gaskets showed a diffuse adherence over large areas of the surface. Most of the bacteria attached to polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE or Teflon) gaskets were found in crevices created by insertion of the gasket into the pipeline. Examination of stainless steel endcaps, pipeline inserts, and PTFE vacuum breaker plugs did not reveal the presence of adherent bacteria. The results of this study indicate that biofilms developed on the sides of gaskets in spite of cleaning-in-place procedures. These biofilms may be a source of post-pasteurization contamination.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Comparison of a waterless hand-hygiene preparation and soap-and-water hand washing to reduce coliforms on hands in animal exhibit settings.

Outbreaks of enteric disease associated with exposure to live animals on exhibit have occurred with increasing frequency in recent years. Possibly the most important pathogen causing such outbreaks is Escherichia coli O157:H7, because of the serious illness it can cause. Hand hygiene is consistently protective against disease among persons exposed to animals implicated in these outbreaks. Livestock barns have limited hand-washing facilities, therefore a waterless hand-sanitizing gel would be a potentially preventive measure readily available to visitors and animal exhibitors. This study compared the reduction of bacterial counts on hands of animal exhibitors when soap and water was used or when an ethanol-based hand gel was used after animal handling. Participants were youth and adults involved with showing livestock. The sanitation methods were similar in reducing the total bacteria and coliform counts on the hands of the participants (Wilcoxon rank sum test P values 0.12 and 0.69 respectively).

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Effectiveness of HVAC duct cleaning procedures in improving indoor air quality.

Indoor air quality has become one of the most serious environmental concerns as an average person spends about 22 hr indoors on a daily basis. The study reported in this article, was conducted to determine the effectiveness of three commercial HVAC (Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning) duct cleaning processes in reducing the level of airborne particulate matter and viable bioaerosols. The three HVAC sanitation processes were: (1) Contact method (use of conventional vacuum cleaning of interior duct surfaces); (2) Air sweep method (use of compressed air to dislodging dirt and debris); (3) Rotary brush method (insertion of a rotary brush into the ductwork to agitate and dislodge the debris). Effectiveness of these sanitation processes was evaluated in terms of airborne particulate and viable bioaerosol concentrations in residential homes. Eight identical homes were selected in the same neighborhood. Two homes were cleaned using each procedure and two were used as controls. It was found that both particle count readings and bioaerosol concentrations were higher when cleaning was being performed than before or after cleaning, which suggests that dirt, debris and other pollutants may become airborne as a result of disturbances caused by the cleaning processes. Particle count readings at 0.3 micron size were found to have increased due to cigarette smoking. Particle counts at 1.0 micron size were reduced due to HVAC duct cleaning. Post-level bioaerosol concentrations, taken two days after cleaning, were found to be lower than the pre-level concentrations suggesting that the cleaning procedures were effective to some extent. Homes cleaned with the Air Sweep procedure showed the highest degree of reduction in bioaerosol concentration among the three procedures investigated.

Aerosols↗
PubMed2002

Nosocomial Legionella pneumophila serogroup 5 outbreak associated with persistent colonization of a hospital water system.

An outbreak of infections caused by Legionella pneumophila serogroup 5 was detected in a university hospital, and nosocomial reservoirs of the legionella epidemic were examined. Clinical isolates from two patients who had been affected by the L. pneumophila serogroup 5 outbreak, and from another patient with a legionella infection caused by the same serogroup 3 years later, were compared to L. pneumophila serogroup 5 isolates from the hospital water supply by two molecular methods, amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis and random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis (RAPD). Genotyping confirmed the epidemiological linkage of the first two patients, and linked their infections with the hospital water supply. The third clinical strain, which was also linked to the hospital water, was very similar to the epidemic strain. Even though the water distribution system was sanitized (superheat and flush sanitation), the epidemic strain was shown to be persisting in the hospital water outlets several years after its initial discovery.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Joint saving operation procedures in idiopathic femur head necrosis].

At first, this report deals with the characteristics of the idiopathic necrosis of the femoral head and the possibilities of operative treatment specially in the sense of saving the hip-joint. Beside old techniques of sanitation of the focus, nowadays the femoral osteotomy, mainly in the sense of a flexion-osteotomy is well to the fore. Hereby, the necrotic area can be turned out of the main loaded part of the hip-joint. We recommend a combination of femoral osteotomy with a ventral capsulotomy and tenotomy. Furthermore, there should be a sanitation of the focus, above all by drilling. Then we report about our experience with this operative treatment. 37 cases out of 52 were controlled clinically and roentgenologically. The subjective results were very good to fair in about 85%, the functional improvement of the hip-joint was mostly good. On the other hand, there was a difference between clinical and roentgenological results, we found an improvement of the necrotic destruction of the femoral head only in 28%. We mainly noticed poor subjective and objective results in cases of too extended necrotic areas, of too advanced stage of necrosis and of secondary coxarthrosis. In those cases we refer to the differential indication of the total hip-arthroplasty.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

The effect of a comprehensive handwashing program on absenteeism in elementary schools.

Handwashing is one of the most important factors in controlling the spread of micro-organisms and in preventing the development of infections. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a comprehensive handwashing program on absenteeism in elementary grades. Two hundred ninety students from 5 independent schools were enrolled in the study. Each test classroom had a control classroom, and only the test classroom received the intervention (education program and hand sanitizer). Absenteeism data were collected for 3 months. The number of absences was 50.6% lower in the test group (P <.001). The data strongly suggest that a hand hygiene program that combines education and use of a hand sanitizer in the classroom can lower absenteeism and be cost-effective.

Absenteeism↗
PubMed2001

A case report of false negative Legionella test results in a chlorinated public hot water distribution system due to the lack of sodium thiosulfate in sampling bottles.

We examined samples from the showers and the central water distribution system of a public building with an indoor swimming pool. The pool was used for school and recreational activities and as a sports therapy facility for patients with coronary heart disease. The building's hot water system was contaminated with Legionella pneumophila. Due to the building's intricate piping system, several attempts to completely eliminate legionellae by thermal and chemical disinfection had failed, so an external sanitation company was charged with the installation of a continuous chlorination device in order to keep Legionella concentrations low. The laboratory which was contracted by the sanitation company to monitor bacteria levels after installation of the chlorination device used sampling bottles without sodium thiosulfate and repeatedly reported an absence of Legionella. However, up to 69,000 colony forming particles (CFP) of Legionella pneumophila (Lp) per litre and up to 171 CFP/ml of heterotrophic bacteria could be detected when parallel samples were collected in bottles containing sodium thiosulfate at standard concentrations. Laboratories, epidemiologists, public health officials and technical staff who may be in charge of delivering, preparing or using sterile sampling devices for the collection of environmental samples to be tested for legionellae should be aware that cultures can return false negative results if the sampling containers used to collect chlorinated drinking water or chlorinated pool water samples do not contain a neutralizing agent to instantly inactivate residual halogen biocides. False negative results may lead to a false sense of security regarding the safety of water systems or the success of disinfection measures, and may thus endanger public health or even hinder the epidemiological clarification of outbreaks.

Chelating Agents↗
PubMed2004

Factors associated with Hb concentration in children aged 6-59 months in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil.

In 1997, the prevalence of anaemia was 40.9 % among children aged 6-59 months in the State of Pernambuco, north-east Brazil. Using the same sample of children, we have investigated possible reasons for this high prevalence. A representative sample was selected through a three-stage process: proportional systematic random sampling of municipalities in the State, systematic random sampling of census sectors within these municipalities, and finally, simple random sampling of households with children aged 6-59 months to obtain the sample of 650 children. Data collection included demographic, environmental, socio-economic and maternal variables, and nutritional status and dietary intakes of the children. Multiple linear regression analysis was based on a hierarchical model of factors associated with Hb concentration. The mean Hb concentration of children aged 6-23 months was 10 g/l lower than that of older children. In the regression analysis, child age explained 8.3 % of the variance in Hb concentration. The intake of bioavailable Fe explained a further 3.3, serum retinol 2.7, diarrhoea 2.4, water treatment 1.7, sanitation 1.3 and low birth-weight 0.5 %. The final model explained 23.4 % of the variance in Hb concentration. We conclude that child age, bioavailable-Fe intake, serum retinol concentration, diarrhoea, water treatment, sanitation and low birth-weight are independently associated with Hb concentration. In north-east Brazil, anaemia prevention programmes among children should focus on those aged <2 years and should consider feasible strategies to improve intakes of bioavailable Fe and vitamin A, and reduce infection. Supplemental Fe should be given to low birth-weight infants.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1994

Epidemiology of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in Saudi Arabia.

A newly developed assay for antibody to hepatitis E virus (anti-HEV) was used to study the rate of exposure to HEV infection in two Saudi areas: Riyadh (Central Province-788 people) and Gizan (Southern Province-630 people). These two regions were chosen for the study because the Riyadh area is an urban area and Gizan is considered rural, based on sewage disposal and water sanitation systems in each area. In both areas, HEV is endemic and acquisition of infection to the virus starts early in life and increases with age. In both areas, males are also at higher risk of acquiring the infection than females and this is probably because of social habits rather than genetic factors. The observation of higher anti-HEV prevalence in Gizan (14.9%) than in Riyadh (8.4%) (P < 0.0002) confirms earlier observations that the level of exposure to HEV is related to the hygienic conditions in the community and that improvement in sanitation is an effective measure in lowering the spread of infection.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Enterically transmitted hepatitis in Saudi Arabia: an epidemiological study.

Rates of exposure to two, enterically transmitted viruses, hepatitis E virus (HEV) and hepatitis A virus (HAV), were investigated among the populations of two areas of Saudi Arabia: Gizan (a rural area) and Riyadh (an urban area, with relatively good sanitation). In Riyadh, 24.7% and 1.2% of children were seropositive for HAV and HEV, respectively, by the age of 12 years. There was a sharp increase in exposure to HAV between 13 and 20 years of age (to 63.5%) and most (80.0%) of the subjects aged 50 years had apparently been exposed to HAV. Although seropositivity to HEV also increased with subject age, it only reached 18.8% (in subjects aged > 50 years). The age-specific patterns of exposure to HAV and HEV in Gizan were similar to those in Riyadh but the rates of exposure were generally higher; mean rates of exposure to HAV and HEV were 76.3% and 14.9% in Gizan and 61.3% and 8.37% in Riyadh, respectively. That rates of exposure to HEV in Gizan were almost twice those in Riyadh emphasizes the importance of sanitation as an effective measure in controlling the spread of HEV in developing countries.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Impact of face washing and environmental improvement on reduction of active trachoma in Vietnam-a public health intervention study.

PURPOSE: A public health intervention study in Vietnam was conducted between 2002 and 2005 to assess the impact of improved water and sanitation facilities and increased awareness about active trachoma in the community. METHODS: In My Thon village (MT), all four components of the SAFE strategy were implemented. In Xom Ngoai village (XN), only the S & A components of the trachoma control strategy were implemented. The villagers improved water and sanitation facilities in MT. Women's Union and school authorities assisted in increasing awareness in the community. Ophthalmologists examined the residents for trachoma. The decline in active trachoma and other water-related diseases was determined by pre- and post-intervention assessments. The impact of the differential F & E strategy on two villages was evaluated. RESULTS: The active trachoma prevalence in MT (SAFE) and XN (SA) at baseline was 13.3% and 10.2%, respectively. In two years, the masons constructed or improved 281 double-vault and three septic tank latrines, 241 bathrooms, 273 dug wells and 252 water tanks in MT. The prevalence in MT (SAFE) & XN (SA) after two years was 1.4% and 6.7%, respectively. The additional decline of active trachoma due to the differential F & E strategy among children under the age of 15 was 6.8%. The F & E strategy was responsible for 58.7% of the decline at all ages and 37.4% in children under the age of 15. Knowledge of the prevention of trachoma had improved in two years. However, the attitude towards and practice of trachoma control were not different in the two villages. CONCLUSIONS: 'F' & 'E' implementation made a significant contribution to the reduction of active trachoma. Community participation and collaborative efforts of partners are crucial. The indicators used to monitor F & E strategies are interrelated and therefore should be evaluated together.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Providing clean water, keeping water clean: an integrated approach.

Millions of people, most of whom are children in developing countries, die of basic hygiene-related diseases every year. Interventions in hygiene, sanitation and water supply have been shown to control disease burden. Universal access to improved water sources and basic sanitation remains elusive but is an important long-term goal. Studies have shown that improving the microbiological quality of household water by on-site or point-of-use treatment and safe storage in improved vessels reduces diarrhoeal and other waterborne diseases in communities and households of developing and developed countries. The extent to which improving drinking water quality at the household level reduces diarrhoeal disease probably depends on a variety of technology-related and site-specific environmental and demographic factors that require further investigation, characterisation and analyses.

Chlorine Compounds↗