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Background: The rise of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) has become a major public health concern around the world. Most patients with pulmonary tuberculosis have low body nutrients, hypocholesterolemia, and lower values were strongly associated with mortality in these patients. Representative data on lipid profile, fasting blood glucose abnormalities and their associated factors among MDR TB patients are lacking. Objective: To determine lipid profile, fasting blood glucose abnormalities and their associated factors among multi-drug resistant TB patients during therapy with anti-MDR-TB regimen in St.peter’s Specialized Hospital Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from January to November 2020. Methods and materials: A cross-sectional study was conducted among multi-drug resistant TB patients during MDR therapy regimen in St. Peter’s Specialized Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from January to November 2020.Using the Consecutive sampling method a total of 162 blood samples was collected in SST tubes and analyzed by using the Cobas chemistry analyzer. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 23 packages. Simple descriptive statistics were used to present the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of the study participants. Other associations were performed with Pearson’s correlation coefficient. A p-value of

Gebre Teklu,1 Mikias Negash,2 Tsegay Asefaw,1 Feven Tesfay,1 Gebreslassie Gebremariam,1 Gebreyohannes Teklehaimanot,1 Mistire Wolde,2 Aster Tsegaye2 1Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia; 2Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Gebre Teklu Email gebreteklu30@gmail.comAster Tsegaye Email tsegayeaster@yahoo.comBackground: The adverse health effects of chronic gasoline exposure may be related to impairment of the hematopoietic system with bone marrow suppression, an increased risk of blood cell morphology abnormality and developing cancer.Objective: To assess the effect of gasoline exposure on hematological parameters among gas station workers in Mekelle City, Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia.Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 43 subjects (exposed group) and 77 subjects (unexposed group) with matched age and sex. Socio-demographic characteristics and duration of exposure data were collected using a structured questionnaire and an observation checklist. Sysmex XP-300 was used for hematological analysis and stained peripheral blood smear was examined for any abnormality. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 23.Results: Of exposed individuals, 28/43 (65.1%) and 49/77 (63.6%) of controls were males. The average exposure time was 5.19± 4.38 years, with an average working hour of 11.74± 1.89 hours/day. The mean RBC count (1012/L), HCT (%), HGB (g/dl) and platelets count (109/L) of the exposed group were significantly lower (4.88± 0.573, 43.29± 3.71, 15.04± 1.33 and 248.95± 58.19) compared with controls (5.35± 0.533, 44.95± 3.10, 15.59± 1.26 and 292.45± 62.17) at p< 0.05, respectively. The MCH (pg) (30.48± 2.06 vs 29.52± 1.66) and MCHC (g/dl) (34.83± 0.988 vs 34.32± 0.927) were significantly higher in the exposed group compared with controls (p< 0.05). HCT, RBC, HGB and platelet counts were significantly decreased with increased years of exposure (p< 0.05). The peripheral blood film examination revealed basophilic stippling and macrocytosis in 9.3% of the exposed group.Conclusion: Long-term exposure to gasoline at gas stations affected RBC parameters and platelet count. A significant negative correlation was noted between duration of exposure and HGB, HCT and platelet count, warranting implementation of protective measures at gas stations.Keywords: gas station, gasoline, hematological parameters, petroleum

Pregnancy-induced hypertension has remained a significant cause of prenatal morbidity and mortality of mothers. So this study aims to assess renal function test, serum total protein, and lipid profile concentrations among pregnancy-induced hypertension women in Asrade Zewudie Memorable hospital (ASZMPH), Gojjam, Ethiopia. A case-control study was done on 200 pregnant women: 100 with pregnancy-induced hypertension (case group) and 100 normotensives (control group) at Asrade Zewudie Memorable Primary hospital Gojjam, Ethiopia from January 24, 2020 to April 30, 2020. 5 ml of venous blood was collected on the SST test tube and analyzed for serum lipid profile, renal function test, and serum total protein. The analysis was done by using SPPS software (version 20.0). The level significance was set at a 95% confidence interval (P-value less than 0.05 was considered clinically significant). In the present study, there was a significant increase in the serum TC, TGs, blood urea, serum creatinine, and LDL (p 0.05). The outcome of the final multiple logistic regression model indicate that factors like BMI, habits of doing scheduled exercise, habit of drinking alcohol, habit of fruit consumption, trimester and gravidity had significant association with lipid profile tests of the study participants. In the present study, the degree of association between different risk factors selected in multiple logistic regression and lipid profile tests was more significant in case group relative with control group. According to the result of this study, early detection of altered lipid profile and renal function test in preeclamptics showed the incidence of complications can be decreased, which in turn reduces the materno-fetal morbidity and mortality. Key words: Lipid profile, serum total protein, renal function test, PIH, and Ethiopia

Brhane Tesfanchal,1 Gebremedhin Gebremichail,2 Getachew Belay,1 Gebreslassie Gebremariam,3 Gebreyohannes Teklehaimanot,4 Hagos Haileslasie,2 Getachew Kahsu,1 Aderajew Gebrewahd,5 Fitsum Mardu,6 Gebre Adhanom,5 Brhane Berhe,6 Hirut Teame,7 Aster Tsegaye,8 Mistire Wolde9 1Unit of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Adigrat University, Adigrat, Ethiopia; 2Unit of Hematology and Immuno-Hematology, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Adigrat University, Adigrat, Ethiopia; 3Unit of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia; 4Unit of Hematology and Immuno-Hematology, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia; 5Unit of Medical Microbiology, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Adigrat University, Adigrat, Ethiopia; 6Unit of Medical Parasitology and Entomology, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Science, Adigrat University, Adigrat, Ethiopia; 7Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Adigrat University, Adigrat, Ethiopia; 8Unit of Hematology and Immuno-Hematology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; 9Unit of Clinical Chemistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Brhane Tesfanchal Tel +251-949604754Email birhanetesfanchal@gmail.comBackground: Visceral leishmaniasis causes alterations of lipid metabolism and it is associated with hypocholesterolemia and severe hypertriglyceridemia. Hepatic dysfunction and life-threatening hepatitis are associated with visceral leishmaniasis. Kidney damage is frequently associated with increased morbidity and mortality in visceral leishmaniasis patients.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the alterations of clinical chemistry parameters among visceral leishmaniasis patients attending Kahsay Abera and Mearg hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia. A total of 100 visceral leishmaniasis patients and 100 healthy controls without visceral leishmaniasis were selected by using convenient sampling techniques. Data were entered and analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 23.Results: Results were showed that the mean value of serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, and triglyceride was significantly higher in visceral leishmaniasis patients than in apparently healthy controls, but the mean value of serum urea and total cholesterol was significantly lower in visceral leishmaniasis patients than healthy controls.Conclusion: The finding of this study concluded that visceral leishmaniasis causes significant alterations of clinical chemistry tests like liver and lipid profile tests compared to healthy controls.Keywords: kidney function test, lipid profile test, liver function test, visceral leishmaniasis

Background Prior to clinical trials of new tuberculosis (TB) drugs or therapeutic vaccines, it is necessary to develop monitoring tools to predict treatment outcomes in TB patients. Methods Micronutrients concentration level was determined from a total of 262 study participants with five clinical groups: 57 TB patients coinfected with HIV (HIV+TB+), 87 active TB Patients (TB cases), 71 HIV infected without active and latent TB infection (HIV+TST-), 22 latent TB infection (TST+) and 25 healthy controls (TST-). Vitamin A concentration was measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), whereas iron and vitamin B12 concentrations were measured using Cobas® 6000 analyzer. Result The serum concentration levels of iron, vitamin A and vitamin B12 had a significant difference between active TB and latent (LTBI) or healthy controls. Six months after treatment, the serum concentration levels of vitamin A, vitamin B12 and iron in tuberculosis became indistinguishable from the levels of LTBIs and healthy control individuals. The concentration levels of iron and vitamin B12 in HIV+TB+patients at the end of TB treatment were normalized to the levels observed in healthy controls (TST-) regardless of HAART treatment. However, the concentration level of vitamin A in HIV+TB+patients HAART untreated at the end of TB treatment was not normalized to the levels observed in healthy controls (TST-) or HAART untreated HIV+TST-. Conclusion Detecting serum concentration levels of vitamin B12 and vitamin A might be used as a biomarker of the diagnostic method of active TB regardless of HIV-infected individuals. Moreover, detecting serum concentration of vitamin B12 might also be used for TB treatment responses monitoring biomarker in TB-HIV-co-infected individuals regardless of HAART (in)eligibility and therapy.

BackgroundHypertension is a silent killer that requires long term management to avoid complications. It is one of major public health problem in developing counties like Ethiopia. Hypertension increases the risk of morbidity and mortality and has negative consequences on the cognitive and physical fitness of productivity in adults.ObjectiveTo assess fasting blood glucose, serum electrolyte, albumin, creatinine, urea, and lipid profile among hypertensive patients and non-hypertensive participants at wolaita sodo teaching and referral hospital.MethodsA comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2019 to February 2020. On the study a total of 156 study participants (78 cases and 78 controls) were involved. Each study participant, after signing informed consent, interviewed about the socio-demographic and anthropometric characteristic features. Then 5ml of the blood sample was collected from each 78 patients with hypertension and each 78 samples from apparently healthy subjects from WSUTRH during the period. Fasting blood glucose, serum electrolyte, albumin, creatinine, urea, and lipid profile level were measured in each group. The Data were analyzed by using Epi data version 3.1 and SPSS version 21.0 software (IBM Corporation, USA) and results were summarized using means and percentages and presented by using figures and tables. P-value < 0.05 was considered to be significant at 95% confidence level. Any abnormal laboratory results of study subjects dispatched and communicated with physicians for better management.ResultsThe mean age of hypertensives and control study groups were 50 ± 10.0 and 51 ±11.3 years respectively. The body mass index of hypertensives and control study groups were 53.4% and 34.2% overweighed respectively. The mean ± SD of fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-C, TG, RFT were significantly increases while serum sodium, calcium, albumin, and HDL-Cholesterol significantly decreased in hypertensives when compared with non-hypertensives and serum potassium was no statistical significance among case and control groups.ConclusionIn present study, we observed that the hypertensive group was at risk for developing biochemical alteration in creatinine, urea, fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, electrolytes, and albumin test parameters with an increased period of time.RecommendationRegular measurements of biochemical parameters strongly needed for hypertensive patients.

Background C-reactive protein (CRP) is an important inflammatory marker associated with different disease conditions, and its concentration differs among ethnicity. This study aimed to determine the distribution and determinants of serum high-sensitive method CRP (hsCRP) that can measure the typically low concentrations, among the Ethiopian population, for which there is no data. Methods A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted in April-June 2015. A total of 5162 individuals aged 15–69 were included. Behavioral, physical, and biochemical measurements were taken using the WHO STEPS non-communicable diseases (NCDs) risk factors assessment tool. Serum hsCRP was determined using Cobas Integra 400 Plus (Roche). Factors associated with hsCRP levels were also considered. Results median hsCRP was 0.80 mg/L (Interquartile range, 0.19–2.12) (males: 0.91 mg/L, females: 0.74 mg/L). More than 18% of the study participants had hsCRP greater than 3 mg/L according to the American Heart Association and Centers for Diseases Control and Preventions cut off value. Higher BMI, living in Somali and in Dire Dawa region, and not consuming of fruit or vegetables were independent risk factors for high hsCRP levels. Conclusion Serum hsCRP levels distribution is comparable to other studies. Until now, no data have been reported in the literature about the Ethiopian population.

Background: Point-of-care glucometer (PoCG) devices play a significant role in self-monitoring of the blood sugar level, particularly in the follow-up of high blood sugar therapeutic response. The aim of this study was to evaluate blood glucose test results performed with four randomly selected glucometers on diabetes and control subjects versus standard wet chemistry (hexokinase) methods in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Method: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on randomly selected 200 study participants (100 participants with diabetes and 100 healthy controls). Four randomly selected PoCG devices (CareSens N, DIAVUE Prudential, On Call Extra, i-QARE DS-W) were evaluated against hexokinase method and ISO 15197:2003 and ISO 15197:2013 standards. Results: The minimum and maximum blood sugar values were recorded by CareSens N (21 mg/dl) and hexokinase method (498.8 mg/dl), respectively. The mean sugar values of all PoCG devices except On Call Extra showed significant differences compared with the reference hexokinase method. Meanwhile, all four PoCG devices had strong positive relationship (>80%) with the reference method (hexokinase). On the other hand, none of the four PoCG devices fulfilled the minimum accuracy measurement set by ISO 15197:2003 and ISO 15197:2013 standards. In addition, the linear regression analysis revealed that all four selected PoCG overestimated the glucose concentrations. Conclusions: The overall evaluation of the selected four PoCG measurements were poorly correlated with standard reference method. Therefore, before introducing PoCG devices to the market, there should be a standardized evaluation platform for validation. Further similar large-scale studies on other PoCG devices also need to be undertaken.

Background Intestinal helminths have been proposed to have a protective role against allergic sensitization and atopic diseases. However, consistent data demonstrating this are lacking in Sub-Saharan countries. We aimed to assess the association between intestinal helminths and allergic disorders among school children enrolled in mass deworming program in Sululta, Ethiopia. Methods A cross sectional study was conducted among 526 school children aged 5 to 14 years old from primary government schools in Sululta district, Ethiopia. An interviewer-led questionnaire administered to parents provided information on demographic and lifestyle variables. Questions on allergic disease symptoms were collected using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Children (ISAAC) questionnaire 6 months following deworming treatments. Atopy was defined as a positive skin prick test reaction to one or both dust mite (Dermatophagoides) and German cockroach (Blatella germanica) allergens. Fresh stool samples were collected, processed, and examined by direct wet mount, Kato-Katz technique, and formol-ether concentration technique. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to assess the association between allergic disorder and helminths infection. Results Of the total 526 school children, 58.2% were females. Overall, 24% (126/526) had allergic symptoms, 5.1% (27/526) had atopy, and 16.9% (89/526) had intestinal helminths. There was no association between helminthic infection and self-reported allergic symptoms (P = 0.317), but Ascaris lumbricoides infection was positively associated with atopy (AOR = 4.307, 95% CI 1.143–16.222, P = 0.031). Atopy was related to increased allergy symptoms (AOR = 2.787, 95% CI 1.253–6.197, P = 0.012), and family history of allergy was associated with increased childhood allergy (AOR = 2.753, 95% CI 1.565–4.841, P = 0.001). Deworming in the past 6 months showed a reduced odd of self-reported allergic symptoms (AOR = 0.581, 95% CI 0.366–0.954, P = 0.034). Conclusion While no significant association between self-reported allergy and helminths was found in this study, this may have been due to the low prevalence and intensity of helminthic infection in the sample. There was a positive association between Ascaris lumbricoides and atopy. To further examine the underlying mechanism behind this positive association, a longitudinal study is needed.

Background. Determining burden of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTb) may be associated with success of directly observed theraphy (DOT) services in high PTb areas, such as Gambella, Ethiopia. Objective. To assess burden of sputum smear positive SSP-PTb reports in Gambella Regional Hospital, in two consecutive years: mid 2013 to 2015. Methods. From March 2013 to February 2015, PTb suspected patients’ sputum Acid Fast Bacilli test results were collected from laboratory registration book of Gambella Regional Hospital, western Ethiopia. Results. Of the total 3064 results, the proportions of males and individuals whose age is between 16 and 25 years were 1823 (59.5%) and 1046 (34.1%), respectively. Majority of samples were coming from newly PTb suspected patients (2587, or 84.4%); and of them, SSP-PTb cases were 9.9%. The overall SSP-PTb cases decreased by 2.1% in March 2014 to February 2015 as compared to March 2013 to Feburary 2014. Meanwhile, AFB smear negative cases were significantly associated with being male [1.384 (1.064–1.801)] and being of age group 16–25 years [1.517 (1.007–2.287)]. Conclusion. In Gambella region, although the distribution of AFB smear results had no significant yearly variations and the overall burden of SSP cases was decreased, still a lot of work needs to be undertaken on the PTb prevention and control program.

ObjectivePrevious clinical studies in adults from developed countries have implicated Helicobacter pylori infections in the development of thrombocytopenia. However, studies in children, particularly those from low-income countries, are unusually scarce. We examined the association between H. pylori infection and platelet indices in young Ethiopian school children.DesignCross-sectional studySettingThis study was conducted in five elementary schools located in central Ethiopia.ParticipantsBlood and stool samples were collected from 971 children across five elementary schools in Ethiopia. H. pylori infection was diagnosed using stool antigen and serum antibody tests, and haematological parameters were measured using an automated haematological analyser. An interviewer-led questionnaire administered to mothers provided information on demographic and lifestyle variables. The independent effects of H. pylori infection on platelet indices were determined using multivariate linear and logistic regressions.Study outcomesH. pylori-infected children had a lower average platelet count and mean platelet volume than uninfected after adjusting the potential confounders (adjusted mean difference: −20.80×109/L; 95% CI −33.51 to −8.09×109, p=0.001 and adjusted mean difference: −0.236 fL; 95% CI −0.408 to −0.065, p=0.007, respectively). Additionally, H. pylori-infected children had lower red blood cell counts (adjusted mean difference: −0.118×1012/L; 95% CI −0.200 to −0.036, p=0.005) compared with non-infected.ConclusionOur study from a developing country provides further support for an association between H. pylori infections and reduced platelet indices in young Ethiopian school children, after controlling for potential confounders. Further research is needed, particularly longitudinal studies, to establish causality.

Background. Understanding whether the preceding low lipid profile leads to active tuberculosis (TB) or active TB leads to low lipid profile is crucial.Methods. Lipid profile concentrations were determined from 159 study participants composed of 93 active TB patients [44 HIV coinfected (HIV+TB+) and 49 HIV negative (HIV−TB+)], 41 tuberculin skin test (TST) positive cases [17 HIV coinfected (HIV+TST+) and 24 HIV negative (HIV−TST+)], and 25 healthy controls (HIV−TST−). Cobas Integra 400 Plus was used to determine lipid profiles concentration level.Results. The concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in HIV−TB+ patients were significantly lower compared to HIV−TST+ and to HIV−TST− individuals. Similarly, the concentrations of the TC, LDL-C, and HDL-C in HIV+TB+ were significantly lower compared to HIV−TB+ patients. After the 6 months of anti-TB treatment (ATT), the concentration levels of TC, LDL-C, and HDL-C in HIV−TB+ patients were higher compared to the baseline concentration levels, while they were not significantly different compared to that of HIV−TST+ concentration.Conclusion. The low concentration of lipid profiles in TB patients may be a consequence of the disease and significantly increased in TB patients after treatment.

Diabetes mellitus coexists at a greater frequency with hypertension, obesity, central obesity, dyslipedemia and proteinuria and that markedly increases the risk of atherosclerotic disease. A study was done for a period of four months in Sidama Zone, Southern Ethiopia to compare the prevalence of atherosclerotic risk factors between diabetic and non diabetic general population. One hundred ninety nine diabetic cases were selected from two hospitals diabetic clinics and 195 non diabetics subjects were selected from urban and rural areas. The general prevalence of hypertension in the entire study population was 18.8%, with 26.1% in diabetics and 10.2% in non diabetics. Multivariate logistic regression showed that hypertension, central obesity, overweight and obesity, and ethnicity had strong association with possibility of diabetes mellitus. The reason for possible racial difference to cardiovascular risk factors and population awareness to these factors should be studied. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2010;24(2):145-147]