Showing papers by "University of Health and Allied Sciences published in 2011"
TL;DR: In this paper, an in vitro evaluation of the anti-microbial activity of medicated soaps was conducted using ditch-plate and hand washing techniques, and the most common antimicrobial active ingredients were triclosan, trichloroxylenol and trich chlorocarbanilide.
Abstract: An in vitro evaluation of the anti-microbial activity of medicated soaps was conducted using ditch-plate and hand washing techniques. Strains of reference microbes namely Candida albicans (ATCC90028), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC25923), Pseudomonas aureginosa (ATCC27853) and Escherichia coli (ATCC25922) were tested at three different soaps' concentrations (1.0, 4.0 and 8.0 mg/ml). A total of 16 medicated soaps were assayed for their antimicrobial efficacy. Of these, 13 were medicated and 3 non-medicated soaps, which served as control. Ciprofloxacin and ketaconazole were employed as positive controls. Label disclosure for the soaps' ingredients and other relevant information were absorbed. The most common antimicrobial active ingredients were triclosan, trichloroxylenol and trichlorocarbanilide. ANOVA for means of zones of inhibition revealed variability of antimicrobial activity among the medicated soaps. Positive correlation (r=0.318; P<0.01) between zones of inhibition and soaps' concentrations was evidenced. Hand washing frequencies positively correlated with microbial counts. Roberts(®) soap exhibited the largest zone of inhibition (34 mm) on S. aureus. Candida albicans was the least susceptible microbe. Regency(®) and Dalan(®) exhibited the least zone of inhibition on the tested bacteria. Protex(®), Roberts(®), Family(®) and Protector(®) were equally effective (P<0.01) against S. aureus. In conclusion, majority of the assayed medicated soaps have satisfactory antibacterial activity; though lack antifungal effect with exception of Linda(®) liquid soap. The hand washing technique has proved to be inappropriate for evaluation of soaps' antimicrobial efficacy due to presence of the skin microflora.
27 citations
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that HSV-2 is highly prevalent in rural communities in Tanzania and strongly associated with HIV-1 infection and prevention through promotion of behavioural change might be the most important strategy to mitigate HSV/HIV-1 transmission.
Abstract: Objectives : To estimate the seroprevalence of Herpes Simplex Type 2 (HSV-2) and its association with Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) infections in rural Kilimanjaro Tanzania. Methods : A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Oria village from March to June 2005 involving all individuals aged 15-44 years with permanent address in the village. Following an informed written consent, participants gave blood for HIV-1 testing and further interviewed regarding their risk behaviours. All HIV cases and randomly selected controls were tested for HSV-2 antibodies. Results : The weighted HSV-2 seroprevalence estimate in the whole population was 33.2%. The HSV-2 seroprevalence was 87.5% and 29.5% among HIV-1 seropositive cases and seronegative controls respectively (Odds ratio (OR) 2.9; 95% Confidence interval: 1.9-4.3). After adjusting for sexual risk behaviors, the association between HSV-2 and HIV-1 infections remained strong (adjusted OR 14.1; CI: 5.0-28.3). Multiple sexual partners, transactional sex and unprotected casual sex were independently associated with HIV-1 infection. Conclusions : These results demonstrate that HSV-2 is highly prevalent in rural communities in Tanzania and strongly associated with HIV-1 infection. Sexual risk behaviours may play a major role in the transmission of both HSV-2 and HIV-1 infection. Due to lack of HSV-2 suppressive antiretroviral therapy in this and similar communities, prevention through promotion of behavioural change might be the most important strategy to mitigate HSV-2 and HIV-1 transmission. Keywords : HSV-2, HIV-1, sexual risk behaviors, rural Tanzania
9 citations
01 Jan 2011
TL;DR: An article published by Danso, Anthony Kwame; Ashigbi, Evans Kwaku Yayra and Tudzi, Eric Paul in 2011 as mentioned in this paper was the first publication of this article.
Abstract: An article published by Danso, Anthony Kwame; Ashigbi, Evans Kwaku Yayra and Tudzi, Eric Paul in 2011.
1 citations