Title: Quinine enhances photo-inactivation of pathogens

Abstract:

Biography:

Dr. Leon G. Leanse is currently appointed as a research fellow at Harvard Medical School working within the Wellman Center for Photomedicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. He is a molecular microbiologist by training, with an MSc from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and a PhD in molecular microbiology from Imperial College London. Dr. Leanse’s research is current is currently focused on synergistic light-antimicrobial interactions for the elimination of multidrug resistant localized infections.

Title: Outbreak of Measles in Tunisian adults in 2019

Abstract:

Introduction- Measles is an acute viral illness. It is one of the most transmissible viral infections. From 1 January through 30 April 2019, the Tunisian Health Ministry responded to a large measles outbreak in the country. A total of 3 141 suspected cases, of which 909 (28.9%) were laboratory confirmed and 1 236 (39.4 %) epidemiologically linked cases including 30 deaths (case fatality ratio=1.0 %), have been reported in all of the 24 governorates.

Objective- The objective of our study is to report the cases of measles that were hospitalized in our department.

Methods and materials- We conducted a retrospective study (March-June 2019) in the department of infectious diseases at La Rabta University hospital in Tunis.  All the adults (aged>15) with a suspected case of measles were hospitalized. The diagnosis was confirmed by positivity for IgM antibodies against measles virus and/or reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction in blood in the laboratory of  virology of Charles Nicolle university hospital.

 Results- We report here 21 adult patients, with sex ratio of 1.1 (11/10). The mean age was 38 (29-58) years. The vaccination rate against measles was very low. Only 10% of the patients were vaccinated against this virus. The clinical features included fever, fatigue, cough, coryza, conjunctivitis and maculopapular rash. The diagnosis was confirmed in all the patients by positivity of IgM antibodies against measles (17 cases) and PCR (4 cases). All the patients were isolated, and the treatment was symptomatic. Pulmonary complication was reported in 9 cases (42.8%). One patient was hospitalized in the intensive care unit for respiratory failure. No case of death was reported.

Conclusion- Early diagnosis with subsequent isolation and registration of patients are important measures to prevent local outbreaks of the disease as well as immunization. The vaccine coverage in the general population should be as high as 95% to provide herd protection.

Biography:

Hejer Harrabi is Born in 20 June 1980, Kairouan,Tunisia; Single Medical Studies: University of Medicine Sfax, Tunisia; François Rabelais University of Tours, France; El Manar University Tunis, Tunisia Diploma: Doctor in medicine in 2009, specialist in infectious diseases in 2010, University diploma (U.D) “Vaccinology”, U.D of Washington University “ Clinical Management of HIV”, UD “Reanimation in infectious diseases”, U.D “Antibiotherapy”, U.D “Geriatric medicine”, U.D. “Medical pedagogy” Career: Referring doctor in infectious diseases and clinical researcher in the infectious diseases department, CHRU Tours, France (2009-2011); Public health doctor specialized in infectious diseases, CHU Ibn ElJazzar (2012-2014); University hospital assistant in the infectious diseases department, CHU La Rabta, El Manar University, Tunis (2014 - to now).

Title: Feline morbillivirus and domestic cat hepadnavirus in cats from Northern Italy

Abstract:

Feline morbillivirus (FeMV) and domestic cat hepadnavirus (DCH) are emerging viruses in cats that were first described in Hong Kong in 2012 and in Australia in 2018, respectively. The epidemiological association of FeMV with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and of DCH with feline chronic hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma in cats have been suggested.  The aims of this study were to investigate the presence and the genetic diversity of FeMV and DCH as well as the relationship between FeMV infection and CKD and DCH and hepatic disease in cats from Northern Italy. Urine and renal samples (no. 108), as well as 30 blood samples (no. 27) were collected from cats admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Milan between 2014 and 2019. Urine and kidney samples were tested for FeMV infection whereas blood samples were investigated for DCH infection. FeMV was detected in three samples (2.8%) from cats without evidence of CKD. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the three Italian FeMV strains clustered with the FeMV strains retrieved from public databases and formed a distinct sub-cluster of FeMV. DCH was detected in one blood sample (3.7%) from a cat with liver disorder, reflected by a high transaminase activity. The DCH strain clustered with DCH sequences retrieved from public databases. The presence of distinct genotypes of FeMV found in this study confirms the genetic diversity of FeMV strains that has been previously reported. The absence of a clear relationship between the presence of FeMV infection and CKD in the cats from Northern Italy is in accordance with recent reports that do not support the hypothesis that FeMV infection is associated with the development of CKD. Despite the presence of DCH in a cat with liver disorder, further investigations are needed to confirm the relationship of DCH with hepatic disease in cats.

Biography:

Stefania Lauzi is a Veterinarian, University Researcher of the Veterinary Medicine Department, University of Milan, Italy. Specialist in Animal health, breeding and production, in the field of Public Health and Infectious diseases of animals, her scientific and research activity focused on the epidemiology and molecular diagnostics of zoonoses and bacterial and viral veterinary infectious diseases such as bovine tuberculosis, bovine viral diarrhea virus, vector-borne pathogens, feline coronavirus, feline morbillivirus and colibacillosis. To date her studies and activities are also focused on the influence of the microbiome on animal diseases. She is author and co-author of several publications on national and international scientific peer-reviewed journals. She is also teacher of university courses on emerging zoonoses and infectious diseases in animals for Veterinary Medicine degree students and for post-graduate students at the University of Milan, Italy.

Title: Challenges faced by Healthcare providers in providing services to key population at risks of HIV in Ethiopia

Abstract:

As One Of The Main Goals Of The Partnership Framework (PF) Between The Government Of Ethiopia (GoE) And The U.S. Government (USG), Ethiopia Has Set A National Target Of Reducing New HIV Infections By 50% By The End Of 2014 (National Target). Funded By The USG, The PF Provides A Five-Year Joint Strategic Plan (2010-2014) For Cooperation To Support Ethiopia’s National HIV/AIDS Response (PEPFAR, 2010). Ethiopia Has An Estimated Adult Prevalence Of 1.5% And About A Million People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) (ECSA & IFC, 2012), Among Countries Most Affected By The Epidemic. The International Labor Organization (ILO) Projection For 2015 Indicates That As Much As 8.5% Of The Ethiopian Labor Force Loss Will Be Due To HIV/AIDS Deaths (World Learning, 2012). On The Other Hand, Since The PF Took Effect, USG Funding To The Program Has Been In Constant Decline. Moreover, The PF Does Not Fully Take Into Account Context And Development Barriers Due To The Prevailing Social, Political, Economic And Development Policies In The Country. Participation Of The Private Sector, Independent Civil Societies And Media In The Development Process Has Been Severely Curtailed. Contextual Factors Have Been Seriously Challenging The Prevention Of Mother-To-Child Transmissions (PMTCT) Efforts. Furthermore, The Country Lacks A Comprehensive Strategy To Fully Address The Issue Of Most-At-Risk Population (MARP) As Drivers Of The HIV Epidemic; And The HIV/AIDS Response Excludes Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM), A “Significant Unacknowledged” But Fast Growing Transmission Route Of HIV (Tadele, 2008). Drawing from Literature Review and Practicum Experience in Ethiopia, This Paper Examines the Feasibility of Ethiopia’s National Target. The Main Problem In The HIV/AIDS Discourse In Ethiopia Appears To Be Behavioral Change, But Not Lack Of Knowledge. In Addition, Contrary To The Widespread Public Belief That Homosexuality Is Not Ethiopian, There Exists A Flourishing Underground Male-Sex Trade In Addis Ababa.

Biography:

Dr. Nebiyu Lera Alaro obtained his PhD in public health from Central University of Nicaragua (in academic partnership with Texila American University). He is an International Public Health Specialist with more than 10 years of experience in humanitarian affairs associated with Maternal, New born and Child Health (MNCH), Research, Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Health System Strengthening, Quality Assurance and Capacity Building, with teaching/mentoring experience for public health students, staff and volunteers. He worked for Doctors with Africa – CUAMM Lake state, South Sudan as Technical Project Manager where he was responsible for providing leadership and overall guidance in project planning, implementation and monitoring/evaluation including direct technical support; (training and mentoring) to staff, towards achieving effective participatory and sustainable implementation, of primary and secondary health care system at all levels. He presently works Health Support Organaization – THESO as Country Program Director, South Sudan. Dr. Nebiyu has been involved in many public health field works and operational researches. He has research publications on various medical and public health issues to his credit. He is known for commitment to excellence that is evident through all aspects of his work. He is innovative, demonstrates respect for others, passionate about his work and has a strong sense of accountability. His contributions have helped dramatically improve the reproductive health, child health, Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), surveillance, prevention and treatment of Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), health promotion, nutrition therapy program (as funded by USAID, HPF, WFP, UNICEF, Japan Plat fourm and Italian Cooperation funds) including evaluation system in South Sudan. The improvements reported in the external quality scores under his leadership have been simply dramatic. Importantly, Nebiyu is dedicated to mentoring students, interns, staff and volunteers.

Title: Immunity, resistance, microbiome and alternatives (vaccines) to tackle diseases and prevent health

Abstract:

Bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi that are resistant to drug cause 700,000 death each year. By 2050 superbugs inured to treatments could cause up to 10 million deaths annually and costs the global economy US$100 trillion. AMR (antimicrobial) resistance is regarded nowadays as a major threat to global public health. The issue is receiving high-level political attention (G7 and G20 in 2017 for first time).Pandemics, drug resistance and neglected diseases framing health as a “global security issue”. as recent example of coronavirus and previously Ebola. The list was drawn up in a bid to guide and promote research and development (R&D) of new antibiotics, as part of WHO’s efforts for AMR but need to be extended. Tuberculosis (MDR/ XDR) and latent tuberculosis represent a major issue to tackle attracts global attention as witnessed by recent WHO and inter-ministerial meetings several times and figured on economic agenda given the fact of health importancy for sustanaible economic growth in this interdependent and aging world Problem of resistance get worsened due declining number of new antibiotics and limited number of new classes. Multifaceted strategy to promote and prioritize highly potential alternatives to tackle AMR like vaccines development is required. Vaccines like diphtheria and tetanus did not prompt resistance. In 1980 the smallpox vaccine had eradicated the naturally circulating virus worldwide without generating resistance. Recent development of LATV for pertussis shows positive off target effect where not only antibody but innate and cellular imunity plays role. Additionally, introduction of live vaccines like measles and BCG has been associated with much larger reduction of morality than can be explained by the prevention of the targeted infections Thoughtful and innovative vaccines development taking into account host microbiota “superorganism” and immune crosstalk - Immune system training linked with several inflammatory/autoimmune diseases open large avenue for future development. Accurate diagnostic and surveillance with better understanding of genetic and immunologic background of host specific response and pathogen evolution drives successful country adapted vaccine research. BUT, importantly, vaccines, as highly potent tool and valuable alternative from long term perspective being clearly recognized as a major tool for public health already. Collection of microbiome data as Oncobiome project or Metagenome (gut, nasal, reproductive organs, skin) and deeper understanding of interaction withing immune and neuroendocrine system along with adapted intervention considering personal, immune status and geographical differncies need to be considered and helpful for diagnostic, prevention and earlier intervention. There is a strong call for vaccine in infectious diseases area and neglected diseases (dengue, malaria - vector born diseases and climate) but also NCDs. Vaccins might bring strong valuable approach given protection of microbiome influenced by many factors -(nutrition, delivery, use of antibiotics) for non communicable diseses like in immunooncology, aging, obesity, diabetes etc. Especially in very young age (under 3 years old) where example of stunning and microbiome (nutrition) in afribiota study might be looked at. Futher strong support to promote them as highly potential tool and suppport for accelerated clinical development based on data (surveillance) need joint endorsement including regulatory and economic stakeholders along with necessary partnership at Global level.

Biography:

French Medical professional specialized in infectious diseases, internal medicine covering various therapeutic axes, certified in Immunology and Pediatric, MBA vaccinology and years of active clinical practice. Certified in Health and diplomacy (Geneve) Lived multi-country medical “field “experience in Southeast Asia (India in particular), West/Central/East Europe. Speaking French, English, Russian, Italian, Czech, Slovak with notion of Mandarin. Over 15 years of experience in senior position in various industry companies in research and development for European and USA for vaste and complexe international programs and therapeutic areas for adults and children including infectious and tropical diseases, vaccins, metabolic and CVS, neurodegenerative diseases,inflammation, onco/oncoimmunology and orphan indications.

Title: Administration error of benzathine penicillin G in a Saudi male

Abstract:

Biography:

Ethar Imam is a senior clinical pharmacist and works with security forces hospital – Makkah SFHM Saudi Arabia. She holds Master degree in Clinical Pharmacy, and PhD, Khartoum University-Sudan. She is a senior clinical pharmacist infectious disease specialist, she has Antimicrobial Stewardship Certification (SIDP), and she is Institutional Review Board (IRB) member, Pharmacy and Therapeutic committee member and preceptor of Antimicrobial Stewardship, and lecturer. She has Teaching certificate for pharmacist, American society of hospital pharmacist (ASHP). Author of antimicrobial stewardship book at SFHM, Leader of training and education of antimicrobials for all health care providers at the hospital, She works in collaboration with Institute of Endemic Diseases, Sudan(WHO).

Title: Is "Megaloblastic Anemia", "Infectious"? What is tropical Sprue?

Abstract:

A 30 years old woman with resistant megaloblastic anemia, was referred to us for further diagnosis and investigation. According to peripheral blood smear, megaloblastic anemia had been diagnosed definitely with hypersegmented neutrophils and blood biochemistry revealed the severe serum Vitamin B12 deficiency and RBC, MCV was 115. The patient was pale and felt fatigue permanently and exact medical history showed that the patient's diet was desirable and she consumed all kinds of proteins and vitamins with sufficient meat, egg and vegetables intake .

It was the first sign of thinking about it is unusual case. In physical examination, we found muscle, bone tenderness and patient mentioned about her bone pain specially during night. Serum vitamin D level was very low and insufficient. We found osteoporosis based on bone densitometry and this  was second sign convinced us that this case is bizarre, "a 30 years old woman with osteoporosis ."

We returned to medical history again and found the gastrointestinal manifestation, that at first seemed irrelevant with megaloblastic anemia or osteoporosis, but it was a clue to consider GI tract as anatomical localization. The patient had diarrhea within 10 years with remission and relapse.

Along with intermittent abdominal cramp, we rapidly requested D-Gsylose test and it revealed malabsorption definitely. The patient had weight loss about 10kg during 5 years and after weight loss, she was 50 kg. thyroid, renal and hepatic tests was normal. We found steatodiarrehea in stool exam, so malabsorption was clear for us. We ruled out chronic pancreatitis and celiac disease with normal serum level of lipase, amylase, anti gliadin antibody and anti endomysial antibody. In addition, we found vitamin K deficiency with multiple bruises on her skin and body. Hence, we convinced to study intestine due to invasive procedures, so that, we ordered enteroscopy with biopsy. Biopsy reports consists of presence of inflammatory cells with lymphocyte predominance. With diagnosis of intestinal inflammation, with severe malabsorption and rule out of other diseases or conditions, our diagnosis was tropical sprue, that is probably infectious and with adequate antibiotic therapy, all GI manifestations was removed and patient felt completely well. With vitamin replacement therapy, the blood smear was revealed normal pattern. So, after treatment with antibiotics and biopsy report, we convinced that the diagnosis was tropical sprue .

We dedicate biopsy report and histological pattern and antibiotic therapy regimen in detail at oral presentation time .

Thanks and regards .

Mojtaba Mafi, MD, Study director.

Fateme Rezvani, bioinformatics, study manager.

Biography:

Dr. Mojtaba Mafi M.D., Medical Doctor/ Physician, graduated from Tehran university, School of Medicine with honor. I studied in neurosurgery ward and graduated with A score with thesis on Meningioma Brain Tumor during 6 years. With continuing my practice with special consideration on psychosomatic disorders, I completed many post graduate courses on health psychology, addiction medicine, sexual disorders therapy successfully. I passed many post graduate courses in Neuro, approved by Medical sciences university. As well, I have been passed post graduate courses on Nutrition, Gastroenterology and hepatology, Obesity treatment and diabetes approved by Tehran University of Medical sciences. I successfully passed more than 10 programs with certificates and membership in Iranian Association of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

Title: Causes and Clinical Profiles of Ascites at University of Gondar Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: Institution-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract:

Ascites is a common clinical condition encountered by physicians in day-to-day practice. It is caused by various underlying diseases. Knowing the etiologies is vital because further investigations and definitive treatment largely rely on the specific disease entity considered.

The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiology of causes of ascites and complications among patients with ascites from the medical department at the University of Gondar Hospital.

Data on sociodemography, major symptoms, and signs, risk factors, past medical illnesses, and results of important investigations were collected using pretested questionnaires among all patients with ascites in the University of Gondar Hospital in a sample size of 52. Data were collected by well-trained physicians and analyzed by using SPSS 16. Results were depicted descriptively with measures of central tendency, dispersion, and using tables and graphs.

A total of 52 patients were included in this study from November 1, 2018 to March 30, 2019. Thirty (57.7%) of them were males and the majority (77%) of the participants were fifty years old or younger. The mean age was 43.8 (±14). The majority (86.5%) of the participants were from a rural area. Thirty-eight (73%) patients take alcohol occasionally while 11(21.2%) patients take alcohol frequently or massively. Eight (15.4%) patients reported a history of multiple sexual partners. Herbal medicine use was reported by 28 patients (53.8%).Only 5 (9.6%) patients were overweight. Chronic liver disease (CLD) was the major cause of ascites in this study in 24 (46.2%) patients. The other main causes of ascites were heart failure from various causes (19.2%), tuberculosis and hepatosplenic schistosomiasis contributing to 11.5% each and chronic kidney disease (5.8%). Five (20.8%) CLD patients had spontaneous bacterial peritonitis as a complication. Five (20.8%) and 4 (16.7%) CLD patients had hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatic encephalopathy as complications, respectively. Nine (17.3%) patients had variceal bleeding; six of the patients were diagnosed to have CLD while the remaining patients were having hepatosplenic schistosomiasis.

In conclusion, liver cirrhosis is the major cause of ascites in Gondar, Ethiopia, while chronic viral hepatitis infections (hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) viruses) are the main causes of liver cirrhosis. The other major causes included heart failure, tuberculosis, and hepatosplenic schistosomiasis. It is wise to consider and give priority to these diseases whenever one is evaluating a patient with ascites.

Biography:

Oumer Abdu Muhie is an Internist and Assistant professor of medicine by profession and works in one of the teaching tertiary hospitals in Ethiopia. He holds a doctor of medicine degree and certificate of the specialty training in internal medicine. Oumer has 5 years of public practice and 1year of private practices as a medical doctor and academician. He has also been involved in clinical researches in Ethiopia. He has attended a research course concerned in clinical research and evidence based decision making at the institute of tropical medicine held at Antwerp, Belgium. Oumer grew up in one of the remote villages of Ethiopia and is concerned about controlling infectious diseases and containing antibiotic resistance.

Title: The application of Artificial Intelligence in the diagnosis and treatment of malaria in Tanzania

Abstract:

Malaria is considered as a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. This epidemic disease poses a significant concern in sub-Saharan Africa particularly in Tanzania with high records of morbidity and mortality over the years. However, due to malaria control interventions, Tanzania has witnessed a major drop in the late 2000s. The main interventions included Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets (LLINs) and improved access and availability of quality assured Artemisinin-Based Combination Therapies (ACTs). Given the science and technology-based point-of-care innovations, Artificial Intelligence (AI) using Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) algorithm for detecting malaria under the microscope will give accurate, reliable and effective diagnosis and treatment of malaria than humans. The automated microscope, Autoscope, is almost 100 percent accurate and specific at detecting malaria parasites. The Autoscope employs deep learning software to analyze and quantify malaria parasites in microscopic images in a given sample. Deep-learning software uses artificial neural networks that emulate human brain to allow computers to recognize abstract patterns using visual features.

Data was collected through interviews. Interviews were conducted with health/social workers and practitioners in Dar es Salaam region using a semi-structured interview guide. Secondary data was sourced from annual reports and publications that are released by Muhimbili University of Health and Applied Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention and Control (CCDPC), Ministry of Health World Health Organization (WHO), CARE International and other institutions dealing with Malaria.

As a policy recommendation, digitally-enabled diagnosis and point-of-care treatment for malaria should be an increasingly priority to the government of Tanzania through the Ministry of Health. Best practises should be s used in improving the diagnosis and treatment of malaria which is consistent with Sustainable Development Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages highlighting that By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases and other communicable diseases.

Biography:

Dr. Jane Mpapalika is an economist by professional and a research Fellow at the Economic and Social Research Foundation (Think-Tank Institute) in Tanzania. I pursued M.A. Economics at Leeds University Business School in Leeds, UK and PhD in Economics at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa. Dr. Mpapalika has been working at ESRF for almost two years now. I was involved in a multi-year project in collaboration with Muhimbili National Hospital and University of Dar es Salaam under the Global Challenge Research Fund (GCRF/GAHSI) as a Co-Investigator for Tanzania.

Title: Medically important Fungi and Fluconazole resistant of Candida sp isolated from hospital cockroaches

Abstract:

Hospital care associated infections (HAI) are a major public health concern worldwide associated with high rates morbidity, mortality and health care costs. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the prevalence of HAIs varies between 5.7% and 19.1% in low- and middle-income countries (1). The reduction of incidence and elimination of HAIs is impossible, with regular surveillance and effective infection control prevention (ICP) programs. Nevertheless, effective implementation of IPC measures in resource limited countries is a difficult, due to lack of resources and lack of basic facilities like access to clean running water (2).  

Cockroaches are common pests of domestic pets of households, hospitals and industrial areas. They tend to live and hide in dark cracks and crevices  of  kitchens,  toilets and food stores;  as these are ideal  environments in terms of temperature, humidity and sources of  nutrition  for them to flourish.  Moreover, as hospital kitchens and toilets are areas are often contaminated with infectious microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, these areas may act as sources for contamination of cockroaches with pathogens associated with HAIs.  Subsequently, free running cockroaches   in the hospital environments   may act as  potential  carriers, transmitters and reservoirs of infectious and drug resistant  microorganisms   associated  with HAIs (3).   

We thus embarked on a study to evaluate the mycological profile of cockroaches surfaces captured from the main Intensive care unit (ICU), burn unit, surgical and orthopedic wards, intern hostel kitchen and the central kitchen of a national referral teaching Hospital in Tanzania.  Normal saline washings from the external surface of cockroaches were cultured on standard mycological media to facilitate isolation and identification of medically important molds and yeasts. Susceptibility to fluconazole was tested using the CLSI M27-A3 microdilution method.  A total of 213 cockroaches were captured from various sites of the hospital between February and March 2018. All cockroaches captured were shown to carry medically importance fungi.  A total of   956 medically important   fungi were isolated, 57.5 % were Candida sp., 21.2%, Aspergillus sp., 3.6% Cladosporium sp., 2.1%   Rhizopus sp., 1.4 % Geotrichum sp.,   0.9 % Pencillum sp. , 1.7% Alternaria sp, 0.6 % Fusarium sp  ,  0.3%  Mucor sp  and   10.1% others. Aspergillus fumigatus (50.0%) was the most commonly isolated species followed by Aspergillus niger (15.8%) among the Aspergillus isolates.  Over 16.3 % of the Candida isolates not intrinsically resistant to fluconazole showed resistance to this drug.  Resistance was most frequently found in Candida pseudotropicalis   (23.8%) and Candida  glabarata (20.0%)  and least in  isolates of Candida albicans ( 6.3%).  The study concluded that the external surfaces of cockroaches from this hospital may act as reservoirs of medically important opportunistic fungi exhibiting resistance to fluconazole. Moreover that hospital enhance its fumigation and IPC practices to prevent the transmission of drug resistant opportunistic fungi found on the surfaces of hospital cockroaches .

Biography:

Doreen Anna Mloka is a medical microbiologist by profession, she is also a senior lecturer in the School of Pharmacy, University Curriculum Chair and Director of Continuing education and Professional Development, at the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) , Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. She holds a PhD in Medical Microbiology and a fellowship in medical Education. She has broad background in Microbiology and molecular biology, with specific training and expertise in PCR, drug resistance testing including for HIV .

Title: Nationwide Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Ethiopia: A Population- Based cross-sectional Study

Abstract:

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. In Ethiopia, there is a paucity of nationwide HBV sero-prevalence. The aim of this study is to assess sero-prevalence of HBV infection and identify associated risk factors in the country.

Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted from stored serum samples of the nationwide Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) step-wise survey among people aged 15-69 years in all geographical areas in the country. A mix of sampling approach (stratified, three-stage cluster sampling, simple random sampling and Kish method) was used to select the study settings and the study participants.

Findings: There were a total of 7789 study participants: 26.4% were from urban areas and 59.5 % were females. The nationwide sero-prevalence of HBsAg was 9.4% (95% CI, 8.3-10.7) with significant regional variation having its highest burden in Afar Regional State (28.8% (95% CI 21.2-37.8) and lowest in Harari Regional State 4.9% (95% CI, 2.0-11.8).

This national study revealed significantly, higher prevalence of anti-HBsAg in males compared to females [10.3% vs 8.4%; p=0.004].

Conclusion: The findings of this study showed high endemicity level of HBV infection in Ethiopia, calling for strengthened HBV infection prevention, care and treatment services.

Keywords: Hepatitis B Virus, HBsAg, HBV Seroprevalence, Population Based Study, Ethiopia.

Biography:

Atsbeha Gebreegziabxier Weldemariam is a Nanoscience by profession and He complete his MSc in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Universitat Rovira I Virgili, Spain. Currently He works in Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Ethiopia for Ten years which involved as a researcher in clinical and biomedical research and Nanomedicine research (focused on infectious diseases including HIV, TB, and HBV/HCV) and as a public health professional coordinating and participating in national HIV and HIV/TB survey and surveillance, and in evaluating national programs related to HIV, HIV/TB and HCV/HBV. He has published scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals and more than 16 training awards in USA, Europe, Japan, Africa etc. Travel experience in Europe, USA, Japan, and Africa.

Title: Assessment of Antibiotic Prescribing Patterns at Outpatient Pharmacy Using World Health Organization Prescribing Indicators

Abstract:

Biography:

Dawit Kumilachew Yimenu is A pharmacist by profession. He has a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy and a master’s degree in pharmaceutical supply chain management. He is currently working as a lecturer at department of pharmaceutics and social pharmacy, school of pharmacy, university of Gondar. Aside from his professional duty as a lecturer, Dawit is a devoted researcher currently having five researches published in international journals with other three to be soon published. Dawit has participated in many professional trainings and workshops.