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Introduction: Leprosy is a chronic mycobacterial disease of public health importance. It is one of the leading causes of permanent physical disability. The prevalence of leprosy in Ethiopia has remained stagnant over the last decades. The aim of the study was to identify new leprosy cases and trace household contacts at risk of developing leprosy by active case detection. The study area was Kokosa district, West Arsi zone, Oromia region, Ethiopia. Method: A prospective longitudinal study was conducted from June 2016-September 2018 at Kokosa district. Ethical approvals were obtained from all relevant institutions. Health extension workers screened households by house-to-house visits. Blood samples were collected and the level of anti-PGL-I IgM measured at two-time points. Results: More than 183,000 people living in Kokosa district were screened. Dermatologists and clinical nurses with special training on leprosy confirmed the new cases, and their household contacts were included in the study. Of the 91 new cases diagnosed and started treatment, 71 were recruited into our study. Sixty-two percent were males and 80.3% were multibacillary cases. A family history of leprosy was found in 29.6% of the patients with cohabitation ranging from 10 to 30 years. Eight new leprosy cases were diagnosed among the 308 household contacts and put on multi-drug therapy. The New Case Detection Rate increased from 28.3/100,000 to 48.3/100,000 between 2015/2016 and 2016/2017. Seventy one percent of leprosy patients and 81% of the household contacts' level of anti-PGL-I IgM decreased after treatment. In conclusion,the results of the study showed the importance of active case detection and household contact tracing. It enhances early case finding, and promotes early treatment, thereby interrupting transmission and preventing potential disability from leprosy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Testing for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) specific antibodies continues to be the most important measure in diagnosis and HIV intervention. Detection of anti-HIV antibodies in serum or plasma samples are common strategies. However, body fluids such as urine and saliva could serve as an alternative sample for diagnosis of HIV infection., Objective: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of Calypte HIV-1 urine EIA test kits for detection of HIV antibodies in urine sample., Methods: Urine and serum samples were collected from a total of 365 subjects (HIV suspected (n=156), VCT clients (n=129) and 80 known HIV positive individuals at Jimma Hospital VCT center, OSSA, Red Cross and Mekaneyessus Jimma cohort sites in unlinked anonymous testing method. Urine sample were tested using Calypte HIV-1 urine EIA kits parallel to the golden standard method of testing serum samples by combination of Determine and Vironostica (Rapid test followed by ELISA) test algorithm. All discordant samples (by urine serum tests) were resolved using urine western blot (Calypte HIV-1 urine Western Blot)., Result: Comparing the results obtained with a golden standard (HIV test algorithm) the sensitivity and specificity of urine EIA test kit were 99.5% (187/188) and 98.3% (174/177) respectively. Beside to this kappa's test of agreement showed perfect agreement with kappa 0.98., Conclusion: The result showed the utility of urine test as an alternative method for HIV antibody detection. Since the method of collection of urine specimen is non-invasive, it reduces occupational exposure for health professionals involved in collecting samples. Furthermore patient's stronger acceptance to give urine samples will make this test more applicable than serum or whole blood test.