Estimated annual economic loss from organ condemnation, decreased carcass weight and milk yield due to bovine hydatidosis (Echinococcus granulosus, Batsch, 1786) in Ethiopia

Post-slaughter survey data collected over a period of 15 years (1985-1999) by the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (FVM), Addis Ababa University (AAU) were used as a basis for the analysis of estimation of the economic significance of bovine hydatidosis in Ethiopia. The analysis output revealed a 35.15% mean annual prevalence of bovine hydatidosis. The total estimated economic loss from organ condemnation, carcass weight and milk yield decrease amounts to 1,691,266,200 ETB (101,203,734 USD). This is equivalent to a loss of 475.40 ETB (28.45 USD) per every infected slaughtered cattle and 249.00 ETB (14.90 USD) per every infected milking cow. The results of the present study showed that hydatidosis is a highly prevalent cattle disease in Ethiopia with  considerable direct and indirect economic losses. The magnitude of loss per infected subject warrants the need to mount an integrated nation-wide hydatidosis control program involving public education, canine health care, proper handling and disposal of infected organs, stray dog population management and institution of strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) in slaughterhouses and public health legislative reinforcements. The authors recommend that hydatidosis control program should be designed and implemented in the context on ‘One Health’ initiative by integrating it with other zoonotic disease control program and in partnerships with animal and public health actors as well as other relevant stakeholders

Infection prevalence of hydatidosis (Echinococcus granulosus, Batsch, 1786) in domestic animals in Ethiopia: A synthesis report of previous surveys

Hydatidosis/echinococcosis (Echinococcus granulosus, Batsch, 1786) is considered to be a serious problem for both public health and the livestock economy in Ethiopia. The present paper reviews and summarizes available data on the disease. Abattoir survey data collected over a period of 15 years (1985-1999) were analyzed to assess the infection prevalence of hydatidosis in domestic animals in three different agroecological zones of Ethiopia. Accordingly, 8036/22,863 (35.15%) cattle, 768/6518 (11.78%) sheep, 36/1753 (4.9%) goats, 70/417 (16.79%) camels and 0/150 (0%) pigs slaughtered in 21 different abattoirs located in various parts of the country were found harbouring hydatid cysts. A statistical discernible significant difference (

Zoonotic helminth parasites of dog in Bishoftu Town, central Ethiopia: prevalence, dog owners’ knowledge and control practice

Many dog helminth parasites are endemic in many countries of the world posing public health threat. However, they were neglected and less studied in the developing countries such as Ethiopia. This cross-sectional study carried out from November 2016 to April 2017 in Bishoftu town aims at estimating the prevalence of major gastrointestinal tract (GIT) zoonotic helminth parasites of dogs and assessing dog owner’s knowledge and control practice against zoonotic dog parasites. Accordingly, the whole area of Bishoftu town was divided into 60 blocks, of which 10 were randomly selected for the study. A structured questionnaire was prepared in English, pretested and administered face to face to 140 dog-owning respondents using two local languages: Amharic and Affan Oromo. Fecal samples collected from 238 dogs after administration of ivermectin and praziquantel at recommended doses to increase sensitivity of detection and to get favorable cooperation of owners. For case detection flotation technique is used for parasite egg identification and parasite morphology for parasites observed in the feces. Pearson’s Chi-square (χ2), p-values and 95% confidence intervals calculated to measure association. Four zoonotic helminthic parasites detected with combined infection prevalence of 59.24% (95% CI: 52.84-65.35). The prevalence of each was 33.61% (95% CI: 27.86 – 39.90) Ancylostoma (A.) caninum, 29.41% (95% CI: 23.93 – 35.56) Toxocara (T.) canis, 19.75% (95% CI: 15.14 – 25.34) Dipylidium (D.) caninum, and 2.10% (95% CI: 0.87 – 4.98) Echinococcus (E.) granulosus. The prevalence of A. caninum and T. canis was significantly higher than the prevalence of D. caninum and E. granulosus. Mixed infection with two parasites recorded in 13.87% whereas concurrent infection with three parasites registered in 5.88% of the dogs. Statistically significant association (p<0.05) was observed between overall infection prevalence and the sex of dogs, where infection prevalence of A. caninum (p<0.001) and T. canis (p<0.001) were significantly higher in male than in female dogs. The questionnaire survey revealed that only 40% of the respondents were aware of the transmission of zoonotic helminthes to humans while none know the route of transmission. Of all the respondents, 58.57% reported regular deworming of their dogs, at least twice per annum, whereas 47.86% of respondents clean and dispose dogs’ excrement with household garbage and 88.57% of dog owners remove dogs’ excrement without using glove, facemasks, boots and/or coverall/gown for personal protection In relative terms high prevalence of zoonotic helminth parasites infestation was observed in owned dog population with poor awareness about route of transmission. Thus, it is advisable to create awareness of dog owners in waste management and use of Personal Protective Equipment’s (PPE). Keywords: Ancylostoma; Bishoftu; Dipylidium; Echinococcus; Ethiopia; Toxocar

Stability and Comparative Dissolution Studies of Five Brands of Norfloxacin Tablets Marketed in Addis Ababa

Norfloxacin is hygroscopic and can under go polymorphic change upon exposure to high relative humidity. Currently, many different brands of norfloxacin tablets are available in local market, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The quality of these brands may vary with time under the influence of a variety of environmental factors such as temperature and humidity, and also a brand with poor quality may exist. The availability of many brands and the susceptibility of the active ingredient of norfloxacin tablets to environmental factors are the major reasons for evaluating the quality and stability of the tablets. Dissolution profile is a very important quality parameter for solid oral dosage forms. Furthermore, the purpose of stability testing is to provide evidence on how the quality of a drug substance or a drug product varies with time under the influence of a variety of environmental factors. Accordingly, the objective of the present study is to compare the dissolution profiles of five different brands of norfloxacin tablets with that of the innovator and study the stability of the five brands of norfloxacin tablets under the influence of accelerated conditions (40 0C and 75% RH). Norfloxacin 400 mg film coated tablets of six different brands, A, B, C, D, E and F (codes given to the brands) were purchased from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The tablets were assessed for physical and chemical parameters immediately after purchase. At the same time, these samples were stored in an accelerated stability cabinet maintained at 40 0C + 2 0C and 75% + 5% RH. Then, the physical and chemical stability parameters were tested at three and six months according to International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) Guidelines. The t50% and t90% (time required for releasing 50% and 90% of the drug, respectively) were used as dissolution parameters to compare dissolution profiles. The t50% results indicated that except for Product C all the products released 50% of the drug below 10.2 min (the time taken by the innovator product to release 50%). However, the values of t90% for three products (B, C, and E) were longer (42.1, 37.4 and 29.0 min, respectively) than that of the innovator product (17.6 min) showing slower dissolution rates relative to the latter. On the other hand, product D released 90% at 9.8 min showing faster rate of dissolution than the innovator product. The stability testing indicated that during the six months storage physical changes like film cracking, decrease in hardness, increase in moisture content and changes in dissolution profiles were observed. These were mainly due to moisture sorbed by the products. The highest change in drug content was 3.6% at six-month, less than 5%. Accordingly, no significant change in drug content occurred in any of the investigated norfloxacin tablet product stored under conditions of 40 0C + 2 0C and 75% + 5% RH for six months

HYALURONIC ACID-DOCETAXEL CONJUGATE LOADED NANOLIPOSOMES FOR TARGETING TUMOR CELLS

Objective: Docetaxel (DTX), a potent anticancer drug, is suffering from non-specificity and drug resistance as major limitations. In this investigation, we developed Hyaluronic acid (HA)-Docetaxel conjugate (HA-DTX) loaded nanoliposomes to target cancer cells via passive and active targeting approaches. Methods: HA-DTX was synthesized and characterized by UV-Visible spectrophotometry, FT-IR spectroscopy, 1H NMR spectroscopy, Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction and then loaded into nanoliposomes (L-NLs) by thin-film hydration method. L-NLs were characterized physicochemically and evaluated for anticancer efficacy by in vitro cytotoxicity study in glioma cells (C6 glial cells); cellular uptake and apoptotic effect were investigated by fluorescence microscopy. Results: HA-DTX was successfully synthesized; L-NLs had an average size of 123.0±16.53 nm, polydispersity index of 0.246±0.01 and zeta potential of -44.4±6.79 mV. Also, L-NLs exhibited 90.54%±4.22 of drug loading efficiency and 2.68%±0.12 of drug loading, releasing about 57.72%±1.17 at pH 5.2 and only 14.14%±1.32 at pH 7.4 after 48 h. No significant change in stability was observed after storage at 5 °C±3 °C as well as at 25 °C±2 °C/60% RH±5% RH for 6 mo. The cytotoxicity effect of L-NLs was higher by 10% then that of marketed formulation at 10 µg/ml docetaxel concentration. Fluorescence microscopic investigation showed that more cellular uptake and apoptotic effect were observed in L-NLs treated C6 glial cells than in those treated with the marketed formulation. Conclusion: HA-DTX loaded nanoliposomes enabled docetaxel to target C6 glial cells with better efficacy and might be effective to treat glioma

Infection prevalence of hydatidosis (Echinococcus granulosus, Batsch, 1786) in domestic animals in Ethiopia: A synthesis report of previous surveys

Hydatidosis/echinococcosis (Echinococcus granulosus, Batsch, 1786) is considered to be a serious problem for both public health and the livestock economy in Ethiopia. The present paper reviews and summarizes available data on the disease. Abattoir survey data collected over a period of 15 years (1985-1999) were analyzed to assess the infection prevalence of hydatidosis in domestic animals in three different agroecological zones of Ethiopia. Accordingly, 8036/22,863 (35.15%) cattle, 768/6518 (11.78%) sheep, 36/1753 (4.9%) goats, 70/417 (16.79%) camels and 0/150 (0%) pigs slaughtered in 21 different abattoirs located in various parts of the country were found harbouring hydatid cysts. A statistical discernible significant difference (p<0.001) was observed in the overall hydatidosis infection prevalence between the different species of animals, and in infection prevalence of bovine hydatidosis in the three agroecological zones where the slaughtered cattle were believed to originate from. Similarly, a statistically significant difference (p<0.01) in the prevalence of ovine hydatidosis was observed between mid-altitude and lowland agroecologies. Conversely, there was no significant difference (p>0.20) in the infection prevalence of caprine hydatidosis between mid-altitude and lowlands. The present study reconfirms that hydatid disease is widespread and highly prevalent in ruminant livestock in Ethiopia and warrants institution of a nation-wide control measures. Considerations on experiences of other countries with respect to the economic benefits that hydatid disease control programs may bring to livestock producers and combining such efforts with other zoonosis control schemes in view of the ‘one health’ initiative is worthy for animal health planners and policy decision-makers. The paper also serves as a quick reference source on hydatidosis in the country and basis for future studie

Stability and Comparative Dissolution Studies of Five Brands of Norfloxacin Tablets Marketed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

The dissolution profiles of five different brands of norfloxacin (400 mg) tablets designated as A, B, C, D, and E, marketed in Addis Ababa were compared with those of an innovator product (F). The stability of these tablets was evaluated under the influence of accelerated conditions (40 &#176;C + 2 &#176;C and 75% &#177; 5% RH). The t50% and t90% (time required for releasing 50% and 90% of the drug, respectively) were used as dissolution parameters to compare the dissolution profiles of the tablets. The t50% results indicated that except for Product C, all the others released 50% of the drug below 10.2 min (the time taken by the innovator product to release 50%). However, the t90%s for three products (B, C, and E) were longer (42.1, 37.4 and 29.0 min, respectively) than that of the innovator product (17.6 min) showing slower dissolution rates for the brand products relative to the innovator product. Product D showed a faster dissolution rate than the innovator product with 90% release at 9.8 min. The stability testing revealed that during the six months storage under the accelerated conditions, physical changes like film cracking, decrease in hardness, increase in moisture content and changes in dissolution profiles have occurred. The highest change in drug content was 3.6% at six-months. Accordingly, no significant change in drug content has occurred in any of the investigated norfloxacin tablets stored under stressed conditions for six months.Keywords: norfloxacin, film coated tablet, dissolution profile, stability, accelerated condition

Implementation Evaluation of Rural HealthExtensionServices in Kersa Woreda, Jimma Zone, Oromia Regional State, south West Ethiopia ,2022

Background The Health ExtensionService (HEP) is a main component ofprimary Health care units responsible for the delivery of family health, disease prevention and control, basic hygiene, and environmental sanitation services. The HEP was, to begin with, designed as a community health program providing 16 “packages” delivered by a team of two Health Extension Workers (HEWs), deployed to serve in community health posts with a catchment area of 5,000 populations. However, the program status and level of implementation are not indicated despite its long-term implementation in Kersa woreda. Therefore, this implementation evaluation was conducted to assess the implementation status of the program in the woreda. Objective: To Evaluate the Implementation Status of the Rural Health Extension Service in Kersa Woreda, Jimma Zone SouthWest Ethiopia. Methods:Acase study design withquantitative and qualitative data collection methods was employedat Kersa woreda from June 10- July 14, 2022.The evaluation was focused on the Implementation of the program with dimensions; of availability, compliance, and household Acceptability. Resource inventory, document review; key informant interviews, and observations were conducted;Households Acceptability was assessed through exit interview; with sample size of 403.The qualitative data were analyzed manually using thematic analysis and quantitative data were analyzed by using SPSS version 26 software. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions weredone to determine the predictor of client Acceptability,Attitude,awereness&perception of Households.The findings were compared with preset criteria for the final judgment. Result: Overall, the required resources were available in 76% of the health post studied. Service providers were complying with the guideline in 81% of the time. And 69% of the household were accepted with the service provided by the health extension workers. Conclusion and Recommendations:The overall Implementation Evaluation of the service as measured using the three dimensions (availability, compliance, and Acceptability) was found to be Medium, which requires improvement. The availability of program resources, compliance of health care providers to standards, and Acceptability of the community also showed a Medium performance.Therefore, we highly recommend that efforts should be made to improve the Implementation of the service in the Kersa District of Jimma Zone

Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminthes among dogs and owners perception about zoonotic dog parasites in Hawassa Town, Ethiopia

A cross sectional study was carried out between November, 2009 and March, 2010 in Hawassa town, Ethiopia with the aims of determining the prevalence of intestinal helminthes of dogs and evaluating owner’s awareness about zoonotic dog parasites. A total of 455 dogs were sampled randomly and 58% (n=264) were positive for Strongyloides stercorslis, 49.2% (n=224), 40% (n=182), 25% (n=114), 6% (n=28) and 3.3% (n=15) were positive for Ancylostoma caninum, Dipylidium caninum, Toxocara canis, Echinococcus granulosus and Trichuris vulpis, respectively. Results from fecal examination showed that only 60 dogs were free of the above parasites (13.2%). From coprological examinations concurrent infections with one, two, three, four and five types of parasite were 19% (n=75), 33.9% (n=134), 32.2% (n=127), 13.6% (n=54) and 1.5% (n=6), respectively. There was statistically significant difference (P<0.05) in A. caninum, T. canis and S. stercoralis in the two age groups, but there was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) in D. caninum, E. granulosus and T. vulpis in the two age groups. Questionnaire survey concerning owner’s knowledge about zoonotic dog parasites showed that only 4.4% of the respondents know that dogs have zoonotic parasites, specifically, 95.6% have awareness about the zoonotic importance of rabies and only 7.3% have awareness about the availability of anthelmitics to treat dogs parasites. The high level of helminthiasis in dogs in the present study represent high rate of infection and immense public health risks. In line with this finding, it is recommended that owners who keep dogs should improve their hygienic standards. Besides, they should be able to regularly treat their dogs with the appropriate anthelementics and awareness should be created on the prevention and control methods of helminthiasis