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Biomedical subjects

W Alemu

Publications and source records attributed to W Alemu.

7 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1996

Comparative detection of measles-specific IgM in oral fluid and serum from children by an antibody-capture IgM EIA.

In vaccinated populations, the diagnosis of measles often requires laboratory confirmation. Serum tested by EIAs has proven sensitive and specific for diagnosing measles. For comparison of detection of measles-specific IgM in oral fluid and serum samples by an antibody-capture EIA, 163 Ethiopian infants who presented for routine measles vaccination were studied. Paired serum and oral fluid samples were collected before and 2 weeks after vaccination; 269 paired samples were adequate for analyses. Of the 104 serum samples that were IgM-positive, 95 (91%) of the paired oral fluid samples were IgM-positive. Of the 165 serum samples that were IgM-negative, 156 (95%) of the paired oral fluid samples were IgM-negative. The Pearson partial correlation coefficient for optical density readings from postvaccination oral fluid compared with serum was 0.81. Oral fluid appears to be an acceptable alternative to serum for measuring measles-specific IgM antibodies by an antibody-capture EIA.

Antibodies, Viral↗
PubMed1996

Possible human-to-human transmission of rabies in Ethiopia.

This report describes two unusual human rabies patients, a 41 year old woman and a 5 year old boy. The only known source of exposure for both patients was to family members who died of rabies. The clinical histories of these two patients suggest the possibility of naturally occurring human-to-human transmission of rabies.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Neonatal tetanus mortality survey, north and south Omo administrative regions, Ethiopia.

Neonatal tetanus (NNT) is the second most frequent cause of infant mortality among the six vaccine preventable infections in developing countries. However, lack of reliable data has largely obscured the importance of the problem in these countries. A community based NNT mortality survey was conducted, using cluster sample method developed by WHO/EPI, in August 1989 in North and South Omo, Ethiopia. The study found 14 neonatal tetanus deaths among 2100 live births which occurred from 15 July 1988 to 15 July 1989, giving NNT mortality rate of 6.7/1000 LB (live births) and an estimated incidence rate of 8.4/1000 LB, accounting for 40% of all neonatal deaths. Male newborns were 2.5 times more commonly affected than females. Cutting of umbilical cord with unsterile instrument, home delivery attended by untrained TBAs, and lack of adequate tetanus TT immunization were found to be associated with increased incidence of NNT. Acceleration and promotion of TT immunization of all women of child bearing age and training of TBAs in proper obstetric care, coupled with continuous supportive supervision, is recommended in order to successfully execute the NNT elimination initiative undertaken by the Ministry of Health.

Ethiopia↗
PubMed1991

Outbreak of acute hepatitis E virus infection among military personnel in northern Ethiopia.

An outbreak of acute hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection occurred from October 1988 to March 1989 in military camps in northern Ethiopia. The epidemic was waterborne and entirely confined to military men, of whom 423 hospitalized, icteric patients were studied. The clinical course was mild and short, without any fulminant hepatitis or death. All sera tested for anti-HAV-IgM were negative and among 54 (13%) patients who were positive for HBsAg, 7 (2%) were positive for anti-HBc IgM. On the other hand, 28 of 30 (93%) patients had antibodies against hepatitis E virus (anti-HEV) in contrast to 1 of 29 (3%) asymptomatic controls (P less than .01). The need for an easily available, inexpensive serologic test for HEV infection, protection of water supplies from fecal contamination, adequate chlorination and/or boiling of drinking water, and health education about personal and environmental hygiene, especially in communities at high risk, is emphasized.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1991

Factors influencing non-attendance in the immunization of children in three selected regions, Ethiopia, July 1988.

A study was carried out in three selected administrative regions of Ethiopia to identify factors responsible for non-attendance in immunization coverage. Sixty clusters were selected from EPI operational localities. A house to house survey was done and ten children between the ages of 12-23 months from each cluster were included in the study. Factors such as sex and birth order of children, marital status, age, occupation, education, knowledge, attitude and practice of mothers were looked into to find out their influence on nonattendance of immunization programme. Consequently, education of mothers and sending back of mothers without their children being immunized were found to be significant factors influencing attendance for immunization (P less than 0.05). The aforementioned factors need to be addressed by relevant Ministries in order to improve immunization status of children. Unless and otherwise these factors are tackled, the goal of EPI universal coverage is not to be achieved in time.

Child, Preschool↗