No.

Titles / Authors /Abstracts

Full Text

No.

1

THE PREVALENCE OF BOVINE FASCIOLOSIS AND ITS ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS: THE CASE OF BAMBASI MUNICIPAL ABATTOIR

Asmamaw Aki * and  Yesuf Hojele

Assosa, Regional Veterinary Diagnostic, Surveillance, Monitoring and Study Laboratory, P.O. Box 326, Assosa, Ethiopia; asmamawaki@gmail.com, phone: +251- 902330029

Abstract:  A cross -sectional study on the prevalence of Bovine Fasciolosis and its associated risk factors in the Bambasi Municipal Abattoir  from September 2024 to February 2025. The study was based on  antemortem examinations and postmortem inspection of livers of slaughtered animals at Bambasi municipality Abattoir. In this study, 384 study animals were selected by random systematic sampling techniques for postmortem examination. The overall prevalence of Bovine Fasciolosis in the study was 63 (16.40). The prevalence of Fasciola hepatica was 40(63.49%) which was followed by Fasciola gigantica 15(23.80%) and 8(12.69%) animals were mixed infected. There was  a significant difference (P<0.02) in the prevalence of Bovine Fasciolosis within different body condition scores. The highest prevalence (52.38%) was found in animals with poor body condition scores and the lowest prevalence (6.62 %) was found in good body conditioned animals. There was  no significant difference (P>0.05) in the prevalence of bovine fasciolosis in different age groups, sex and origin of the animal. In view of the current result, fasciolosis could be considered as a major problem in and surrounding areas as the ecological factors and management conditions are suitable both for the snail intermediate host and the parasite to be maintained. Strategic treatments need to be implemented at appropriate timing with the aim of reducing worm burden from infected animals and preclude pasture contamination. Integrated control approaches involving livestock owners has to be implemented in reducing the population and activity of snail intermediate hosts to enable maximization of long-term returns from such endemic areas.

[Asmamaw Aki and  Yesuf Hojele. THE PREVALENCE OF BOVINE FASCIOLOSIS AND ITS ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS: THE CASE OF BAMBASI MUNICIPAL ABATTOIR. Life Sci J 2025;22(8):1-8]. ISSN 1097-8135 (print); ISSN 2372-613X (online). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 01. doi:10.7537/marslsj220825.01

Key words:  Bambasi town; Bovine; Fasciolosis; prevalence; Risk factors

Full Text

1

2

Pulmonary Injury from Combined Exposure to Microcystin-LR and Sodium Nitrite in Mice

Pengle Pang, Kangfeng Ge, Xiaozhen Li, Shuo Zhao, Xiaoyu Chang, Chunyang Wang, Yuhuan Liu, Ke Mei, Jia He, Yijing Xie, Fang Wang, Huizhen Zhang ^*

College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China

*Corresponding author: huizhen18@126.com

Abstract: Background: Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) and sodium nitrite (NaNO₂) are common environmental contaminants that may co-occur in drinking water. While MC-LR has been implicated in extrahepatic toxicity including pulmonary damage, the combined effects of MC-LR and NaNO₂ on lung pathology are not well characterized. Objective: To evaluate pulmonary effects of MC-LR and NaNO₂ single and combined exposures in mice and to explore associated inflammatory and fibrotic responses. Methods: Male Balb/c mice were randomly assigned to nine groups (n = 10). Exposure lasted 6 months. Lung coefficient was calculated; histopathology and collagen deposition were assessed by H&E and Masson’s trichrome staining. mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, IFN-γ) and fibrosis marker α-SMA were quantified by qPCR. Results: MC-LR single exposure significantly increased lung coefficient and collagen deposition, but did not upregulate α-SMA. NaNO₂ alone induced similar histopathological changes, with low-dose (30 mg/L) increasing α-SMA (p<0.05) while high-dose (300 mg/L) showed no fibrotic marker elevation. Notably, co-exposure exhibited complex dose-dependent patterns: although some combinations increased lung coefficient, collagen deposition and α-SMA mRNA expression demonstrated declining trends in the high-dose MC-LR + high-dose NaNO₂ (100 μg/L + 300 mg/L) group. Both pollutants reduced IL-4 and IL-10 mRNA and elevated IFN-γ expression (p < 0.05). Conclusions: MC-LR and NaNO₂ co-exposure produces complex, dose-dependent interactions, where collagen deposition and α-SMA expression may be reduced even when inflammatory signaling is intensified. These findings highlight that pollutant co-exposures can lead to non-additive effects and emphasize the need for mechanistic studies across various dose combinations to inform environmental health risk assessments.

[Pengle Pang, Kangfeng Ge, Xiaozhen Li, Shuo Zhao, Xiaoyu Chang, Chunyang Wang, Yuhuan Liu, Ke Mei, Jia He, Yijing Xie, Fang Wang, Huizhen Zhang. Pulmonary Injury from Combined Exposure to Microcystin-LR and Sodium Nitrite in Mice. Life Sci J 2025;22(8):9-18]. ISSN 1097-8135 (print); ISSN 2372-613X (online). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 02. doi:10.7537/marslsj220825.02

Keywords: Microcystin-LR; sodium nitrite; co-exposure; pulmonary fibrosis; inflammation

Full Text

2

3

Prevalence, Associated Risk Factors and Drug Susceptible Pattern of Staphylococcus aureus from Bovine Milk in Assosa Town, Benishangul Gumuz Regional State

Fesseha Kelemework

Veterinary Public Health Expert at Assosa town office of Agriculture, Benishangul Gumuz Region, Assosa, Ethiopia

Email: workuhaile29@gmail.com

Abstract: Staphylococcus aureus is pathogenic bacterium contaminating milk and milk products causing food poisoning primarily due to its enterotoxins. A cross - sectional study design was conducted from November 2023 to May 2024 in Assosa administrative town, Benishangul Gumuz Region, Ethiopia, to estimate prevalence, risk factors, public health significance and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of S.aureus from cows’ milk. A cross-sectional study was employed to collect a total of 384 samples; of this 134 milk sample, 134 udder swabs, 52 hand swabs, and 64 container swabs were included. Multivariable binary Logistic regression analysis of the effect of different risk factors on the prevalence of S.aureus was performed. Isolation and identification of S. aureus were carried out following standard microbiological techniques. There was statistically a significant difference (P < 0.05) in isolation of S.aureus among isolates from different sources and factors (udder swab, parity, age, BCS, udder washing, previous udder treatment and drainage). The study has also showed relatively a higher contamination rate of S.aureus from udder swab. From the total of 384 samples examined, the overall prevalence of S. aureus was 73/384 (19.01%). The prevalence of S. aureus in cow milk, udder swab, hand swab and container swab were 10.47%, 24.63%, 23.08% and 15.62% respectively. Based on availability of antibiotic disc out of 73 identified S.aureus, 36 isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility tests for seven selected antibiotic discs available in the market. The isolates were highly susceptible to Ciprofloxacin (100%) and Gentamicin (100%) followed by Cefoxitin (94%) and Chloramphenicol (94%).  However, they were highly resistant to penicillin (100%) and Amoxicillin (92%). Lack of stringent regulation and monitoring in the dispensing and use of antimicrobials in the area might contribute to the occurrence of high antimicrobial resistance to these drugs. An attempt was made to assess the milk handling practices and consumption behavior of actors using semi structured questionnaire survey that include farmers, consumers and hotel/café owners. In general, the study has revealed the possibility of public health risk posed by S.aureus in Assosa town. Creation of public awareness about good milk handling practices, pasteurization or boiling of milk prior to consumption, rational use of drugs and periodic assessment of the antimicrobial sensitivity of drugs prior to use is recommended. [Fesseha Kelemework Prevalence, Associated Risk Factors and Drug Susceptible Pattern of Staphylococcus aureus from Bovine Milk in Assosa Town, Benishangul Gumuz Regional State.

[Fesseha Kelemework. Prevalence, Associated Risk Factors and Drug Susceptible Pattern of Staphylococcus aureus from Bovine Milk in Assosa Town, Benishangul Gumuz Regional State. Life Sci J 2025;22(8):19-34]. ISSN 1097-8135 (print); ISSN 2372-613X (online). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 03. doi:10.7537/marslsj220825.03

Key words: Antimicrobial; Assosa; Bovine milk; prevalence; Public health; S.aureus

Full Text

3

4

BOVINE MASTITIS:  PREVALENCE, RISK FACTORS AND ISOLATION OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS  IN LACTATING DAIRY COWS AT ABRAHAMO WOREDA, WESTERN ETHIOPIA

 Asmamaw Aki Jano* and Mitiku Belete

Assosa, Regional Veterinary Diagnostic, Surveillance, Monitoring and Study Laboratory, P.O. Box 326, Assosa, Ethiopia; asmamawaki@gmail.com, phone: +251- 902330029

ABSTRACT: Across-sectional study was conducted from September 2024 to Febuarary, 2025, on the Bovine mastitis:  Prevalence, risk factors and Isolation of Staphylococcus aureus in Dairy cows at Abrahamo Dsistrict, western Ethiopia, with the objectives of estimating the prevalence of Staphylococcus, and its associated risk factors.  A total of 365  milk samples were collected with simple randon sampling techniques and kebeles were selected purposive as convenient. The overall prevalence of mastitis at cow level was 118/365 (32.3%).  35(22.87%) and 83(39.2%) of clinical and subclinical mastitis prevalence were identified.  Similarly, 21(13.72%) and 76(35.84%) of clinical and sub clinical Staphylococcus aureus prevalence were investigated.  40.22% and 24.30% prevalence of mastitis were seen in cross and local breeds respectively, which were significant(P<0.05).  Age, breed, parity, milking hygiene, pregnancy status, teat lesion, blind teat, and udder shape risk factors showed significant value for the prevalence of mastitis in the study area (P˂0.05) while the floor system, origins, previous mastitis history and treatment history and Stage of lactation were non-significant. The present result showed a significant association of resistance pattern with S.aureus isolates, particularly to Penicillin G(94.7%), Cefoxitin (86.84%),  and kanamycin (100%). In this study, S. aureus were found to be highly susceptible to Doxycycline (94.73%), Ciprofloxacillin (92.1%), Gentamycin (92.1%), Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (81.6%), Tetracycline (73.68%), and followed by Ampicillin (73.68%). The present study revealed higher prevalence of mastitis and occurrence of resistance S.aureus, which are dependent on multiple associated risk factors, S.aureus to various antimicrobials indicated that, there is existence of resistance for frequently isolated mastitis bacteria to commonly used antimicrobial agents in the study area. Hence, regular resistance follow-up, using antimicrobials sensitivity tests helps to select effective antibiotics and to reduce the problems of drug resistance developments towards commonly used antimicrobials. Hence, Dairy farm mastitis and Staphyloccoccus prevention and control methods will be done so as reduce the risk and increase production and productivity  of milk.

[Asmamaw Aki Jano and Mitiku Belete. BOVINE MASTITIS:  PREVALENCE, RISK FACTORS AND ISOLATION OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS  IN LACTATING DAIRY COWS AT ABRAHAMO WOREDA, WESTERN ETHIOPIA. Life Sci J 2025;22(8):35-49]. ISSN 1097-8135 (print); ISSN 2372-613X (online). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 04. doi:10.7537/marslsj220825.04

Key words:  Abrahamo; Bovine;  mastitis; Staphyloccocus; risk factors

Full Text

4

5

Knowledge of antimicrobial resistance and associated factors among healthcare workers at a tertiary hospital in Monrovia, Liberia: a facility-based cross-sectional study

¹Victor Saah Taylor, ¹Bluefin Masell Freeman, ^1,2Bode Ireti Shobayo

¹Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Technology, University of Liberia, Louisiana, Liberia; ²Division of Public Health and Medical Research, Department of Technical Services, National Public Health Institute of Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia

Corresponding author: Bode Ireti Shobayo, +231775912252, bodeishobayo@gmail.com; shobayobi@ul.edu.lr

Abstract: Background: Globally, healthcare systems are currently facing significant challenges in terms of antibiotic resistance. Healthcare workers actively participate in the process of prescribing and administering antibiotics. Our objective was to examine the level of knowledge regarding antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance among healthcare workers working in a tertiary hospital located in Monrovia, Liberia. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional survey was carried out, and study participants were selected via convenient sampling. Statistical analysis was performed via Epidemiological Information (Epi-Info) 7.2.5.0 after the data were entered into Microsoft Excel 2016. Results: Sixty-one (61) health workers ranging in age from 20--60 years were included in the study. The mean age of the study participants was 29.6 years (±5, range = 27–32), with males accounting for 19 (31.1%) of the participants and 42 (68.9%) females. The majority of participants, 38 (62.3%), reported that they never had AMR training before, and only 27 (44.3%) said that antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections. Being female (aOR: 0.45; 95% CI: 0.21–0.96) and having a high school diploma (aOR: 11.2; 95% CI: 3.94–35.1) were significantly associated with knowledge of AMR. There was no statistically significant correlation between age or discipline and the general level of awareness of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that healthcare workers’ knowledge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is generally moderate. For healthcare workers to effectively support efforts aimed at preventing antibiotic resistance, their knowledge of antibiotic usage and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) must be increased. This evidence serves as a baseline for larger studies to provide information and awareness of AMR among healthcare workers.

[Victor Saah Taylor, Bluefin Masell Freeman, Bode Ireti Shobayo. Knowledge of antimicrobial resistance and associated factors among healthcare workers at a tertiary hospital in Monrovia, Liberia: a facility-based cross-sectional study. Life Sci J 2025;22(8):50-57]. ISSN 1097-8135 (print); ISSN 2372-613X (online). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 05. doi:10.7537/marslsj220825.05

Keywords: Knowledge; Antimicrobial resistance; Healthcare workers; Liberia

Full Text

5

6

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE RELATED TO DOG BITE VICTIMS ATTENDING AT ANTI-RABIES POST EXPOSURE VACCINE TAKER IN POLY HEALTH CENTER IN GONDAR TOWN, AMHARA REGION,  NORTHWEST ETHIOPIA.

Desalegn Zemene

GONDAR, ETHIOPIA

ABSTRACT: Rabies is a neglected worst infectious disease with high case fatality rate, human deaths and economic losses. The virus affects all warm blooded animals including humans and invariably dies from the disease once clinical signs are manifested. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2023 to March 2024 in Gondar town, Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia, with the objectives to investigate their knowledge, attitudes, and practices  (KAP) of dog bite victims using questionnaire survey. Simple random sampling procedure was used for recruiting study participants. A total of 384 study participants were selected through face to face interview using pretested structured questionnaires. The quantitative KAP score were dichotomized as adequate and inadequate knowledge, desirable and undesirable attitude, and good and poor practice. Descriptive statics and mixed effect logistic regression considering individual dog bite victims as a random effect was used to see the association of predictor variables towards adequate knowledge, desirable attitude and good practice. The Majority of respondents (64.3%) were males and 49.7% were aged greater than 45 years. About (80.02%) the respondents were married and 41% of respondents were illiterate. About 82.6% of the respondents have adequate knowledge. About 100% the respondent were heard about rabies.  From a source of information for rabies 53.65%, 26.56%, 11.72% and 8.02% of the dog bite victims were heard about rabies from health practioners, mass media, conference meeting and personal efforts respectively. All (100%) of the respondents knew that the main source of transmission for rabies in humans is dog bites. About 88.02% of dog bite victims believed that rabies cannot be treated after the onset of clinical signs. About 10.42% of the respondents do not practice immediate washing the wound with water at the site of infection. Majority of the study participant (44.3%) dog bite victims were used traditional treatment as the best option for dog bites. The study revealed that the dog bite victims have good knowledge and desired attitude and high-risk behavioral practices which call for awareness creation and education towards rabies transmission and control and prevention practices.

[Desalegn Zemene. GONDAR, ETHIOPIA. Life Sci J 2025;22(8):58-81]. ISSN 1097-8135 (print); ISSN 2372-613X (online). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 06. doi:10.7537/marslsj220825.06

Key words: Dog bite victims; Ethiopia;  Gondar town; KAP; Rabies;  Risk factors

Full Text

6

7

The development of modern medical research and the increase in intractable diseases have increased the opportunities for research on the use of music for intractable diseases.With the development of human civilization and the evolution of several centuries, people have gradually realized that music can be one of the important measures to treat certain diseases. Especially between the First and Second World Wars, due to the increase in the number of wounded due to wars and the lack of doctors and medicine, music not only comforted the wounded, but also promoted the healing of wounds, which made people have a particularly groundbreaking understanding of the relationship between music and disease. The development of modern medical research and the increase in intractable diseases have increased the opportunities for research on the use of music for intractable diseases.

[Fang Liu (Zhuoyi Liu), Qi Xiao,  Huaijie Zhu. The establishment and development of music health studies. Life Sci J 2025;22(8):82-89]. ISSN 1097-8135 (print); ISSN 2372-613X (online). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 07. doi:10.7537/marslsj220825.07

Key words: Music; health; singing; music health studies; depression; medicine; Refractory diseases

Full Text

7