Health services utilization and cost in Ismailia, Egypt

A pilot study has been undertaken to assess the utilization patterns of health services and to estimate the expenditure on health care in the Governorate of Ismailia, Egypt. A stratified random sample of 89 households (576 individuals), along with 5 pharmacies, 4 primary health care units (PHCUs) and 10 traditional health workers (THWs) has been selected and studied using personal interviews. PHCUs are facilities affiliated with the Governorate Health Directorate and provide free public primary health care services. They include rural health units, rural hospitals and urban health centres. THWs are individuals with informal training and experience in medical care, and officially unrecognized, but provide some primary health care services to the people. They include traditional midwives (TMs) and traditional healers (THs). The estimated average annual per capita expenditure on health care was L.E. 9.2 (Egyptian L.E. approximately or equal to US$ 1.25). The per capita cost of medication (L.E. 3.5) was double the cost of physicians' fees (L.E. 1.77). An annual rate of hospital admission of 24.3 per 1000 population at an average cost of L.E. 10.5 per case admitted was incurred by the sample. There is evidence that the PHCUs have not been utilized efficiently and there was some degree of dissatisfaction with their services. The households relied more on private physicians as their first contact for seeking help for health problems. The majority utilized TMs for care of delivery despite the shortcomings in their training and supervision. Eighty per cent of the mothers in the sample have had no ante-natal care during pregnancy despite the availability of such care in the PHCUs. Possible reasons for these underutilization patterns of the PHCUs have been discussed, and major approaches for increasing the efficiency and utilization of the health services have been proposed. THWs should be officially recognized by health authorities, should be properly trained and supervised, and their services should be fully integrated with the community health care programmes. Also, programmes for proper administration, organization and supervision of the PHCUs and programmes. Also, programmes for proper administration, organization and supervision of the PHCUs and programmes for developing health manpower responsive to community health needs should be planned and implemented. Finally, a flexible system to compensate fairly physicians and staff of the PHCUs and to allow reasonable chance for physicians for private practice must be established.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Environmental impact of some chemical pollutants on Lake Manzala

Environmental pollution problems in Lake Manzala and its main drains evaluated by measuring the levels of some chemical pollutants in terms of organochlorine insecticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, petroleum hydrocarbons and some trace metals in fish and sediment samples. Lindane, HCB, DDT and its metabolites were detected in all fish samples. The highest concentration of DDTs was 101.45 ng/g wet weight. PCBs as Aroclor 1254 were found in the range between 3.58 and 43.38 ng/g wet weight. Results of this study demonstrated that fish samples collected from Lake Manzala are contaminated with low levels of chlorinated hydrocarbons, the percentage of FAO/WHO acceptable daily intake (ADI) is below 1% and that public is not at risk from fish consumption, even if totally dependent upon fish as a protein source. Petroleum hydrocarbons and some trace metals (TMs) were detected in Clarius angullaris (catfish), Tilapia (bolta) and A. angilla (eelfish) species. The total hydrocarbons concentration ranged between 15.6 and 146.7 mug/g wet weight. Residue levels of TMs are relatively low except Zn and Cu were found at highest values of 97 and 28.8 mug/g wet weight, respectively. According to the present study the major environmental impacts on Lake Manzala are due to direct discharge of untreated wastewater, discharge of irrigation water from drainage canals and land reclamation. These problems have contributed to a significant deterioration of water quality and disappearance of several important species of fish.     

Emergence of peste des petits ruminants virus lineage IV in Ismailia Province,Egypt

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is an acute, highly contagious fatal disease of small ruminants characterized by high fever, ocular and nasal discharge, pneumonia, erosive stomatitis and severe enteritis that ultimately results in high mortalities. Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) is widely distributed and endemic in several African, middle eastern and south Asian countries and it poses a threat to European countries. Egyptian veterinary medical authorities stated that Egypt is free from PPRV and the only measures for disease control are test and slaughter of infected population to maintain the free status. The aim of our investigation was to detect PPRV in Ismailia province as an indicator of the infection status in Egypt and perform molecular characterization of the emerging virus to gain insight into the origin of circulating virus. A total of 40 representative clinical samples, from a single goat case and goat flock in 2010 and sheep flock in 2012, were tested for PPRV by RT-PCR. About 21 (52.5%) samples were positive. The phylogenetic analysis of the detected viruses revealed circulation of PPRV lineage IV. The circulating viruses are closely related to Sudanese and Saudia Arabian strains with nucleotide identity ranged from 99.2% to 99.6%, respectively. Also, it is closely related to Moroccan 2008 viruses with identities ranged from 97.6% to 98%. Epidemiological investigation at the national level is recommended for monitoring PPRV spread and implementing an appropriate control program.     

Effect of holding time and temperature on bacterial counts

Water samples of different pollution levels were collected from four different sources, viz., a canal, an open dug well, a deep tube well, and a drinking water tap, stored at refrigerator (4-5 degrees C) and ambient (28-30 degrees C) temperatures, and analysed at 0, 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours in order to find the effect of holding time and temperature on bacterial counts. The samples were analysed for total coliforms and for heterotrophic plate counts (HPC). Results of the study indicate significant reduction in the coliform counts in all the water samples tested at both ambient and refrigerator temperatures. However, the rate of decline was much less in refrigerated samples compared to that in samples stored at ambient temperature. Further, the rate of decline was dependent on the source of water. After 48 hours of storage at ambient temperature, canal water samples showed the sharpest decline of 82% in coliform counts, and water samples from open dug well showed the least decline of 51%. While HPCs of the samples held at refrigerator temperature did not show significant changes with time, those samples held at ambient temperature increased upon storage. Up to 12 hours of storage, there was no significant changes in bacterial counts in any type of water at both the temperatures, which suggests that water samples can be stored at ambient temperatures for 12 hours without significantly affecting the coliform counts.     

Study on the pathogenicity of some Nocardia spp isolated from tap water of Ismailia City, Egypt.

All actinomycetes isolated from canal water, Ismailia water plant and tap water were identified into 5 genera. All Nocardia isolates were identified into 3 species. Two of which, Nocardia transvalensis and Nocardia otitidus-caviarus were recorded in tap water. These species are pathogenic for human kind and animals. The pathogenicity of these isolates was tested on Swiss Albino mice. Symptomatic changes and death of mice inoculated with Nocardia suspension were recorded. The main symptoms were erythema, enduration and inflammation together with abcesses and an increase in the size of the spleen (spleenomegally). It is concluded from these experiments that: i) All Nocardia species isolated from tap water are pathogenic, at least for mice, ii) these isolates could present health hazards to human kind and needs an urgent investigation.     

Effect of jewellery on surface bacterial counts of operating theatres

Twenty items of three jewellery types were studied. Finger rings, nose and ear piercings increased local surface bacterial counts when in situ, and especially after removal (P<0.0001). Although in the UK the National Association of Theatre Nurses' guidelines suggest that all jewellery should be removed before scrubbing, we suggest that jewellery worn on noses and ears should be left in situ and covered by masks and hats, respectively. The effect of jewellery on skin disinfection needs further study before guidelines can be made concerning finger rings.     

High performance liquid chromatography determination of DDT residues in some commercial brands of milk in Ismailia, Egypt

A high performance liquid chromatography method was employed to detect DDT-type residues in milk samples collected from Ismailia governorate. o,p-DDT and p,p-DDE were the most frequent residues detected. In none of the testet samples the total DDT residues exceeded the maximum residue limit (MRL) for DDT complex.     

Organochlorine pollutants level in fish from mariut lake, Alexandria, Egypt

The residues of 25 organochlorine pollutants, as well as 3 aroclors were analyzed by capillary GLC in two Tillipia fish species and Cyprinus carpio collected from Mariut lake, Alexandria, Egypt. The studied pollutants were DDT's isomers, hexachlorocyclohexane (HCHs) isomers, as well as cyclodiene compounds, mirex, methoxychlor, toxaphene and hexa-chlorobenzene (HCB), Aroclors 1248, 1254 and 1260, in addition to 9 individual PCBs congeners. Lipid content percentage ranged from 1.6 to 4.3% as judged by Extractable Organic Matter (EOM) values. Lindane dominated the alpha-isomer of HCHs. p,p'-DDE dominated other DDTs analogs in all fish with maximum concentration 25.0 ng/g in Cyprinus carpio. Toxaphene was detected in all fish samples with a maximum level of 29.0 ng/g in Cyprinus carpio. Aroclor 1248 dominated other aroclors in all fish samples. For PCBs 153 congener dominated other congeners. The lower chlorinated biphenyls (mono- through penta-chlorobiphenyls) congeners occurred at lower levels except PCB 200, congener not detected mostly.     

2016年新乡市食品中化学污染物监测结果分析

目的 对新乡市市售食品中有害化学物质污染进行监测,以评估食品安全现状,为采取相应控制措施提供科学依据。 方法 2016年,依据《2016年国家食品污染和有害因素风险监测工作手册》抽取市内有代表性的4个区和7个县,随机采集488份样品,对10类食品150项次指标进行检测,按GB 2762-2012《食品安全国家标准 食品中污染物限量》、GB 2760-2014《食品安全国家标准 食品添加剂使用标准》及相关规定对检测结果进行评价。 结果 共检测样品 488份,合格 460 份,总合格率 94.26%,蔬菜及其制品合格率为90.00%,水果合格率为95.00%,肉及肉制品中亚硝酸盐和铬合格率分别为89.41%和68.75%,代用茶合格率为25.00%,儿童食品合格率为91.67%,酒类合格率为90.00%。代用茶中的镉检出率最高,为75.00%,其次皮冻中铬检出率为56.25%。 结论 新乡市食品安全总体情况尚可,但仍有重金属、农药残留量、亚硝酸盐等污染物超标现象。     

江苏地区食品中金属污染物的基线调查

高速发展的工农业带来的环境污染 ,通过生物链作用波及到食品 ,并引发一系列的食品污染事件 ,使食品卫生成为人民关注的热点。为了解江苏省食品中重金属污染现状 ,2 0 0 1年开展了江苏省食品污染物的监测工作 ,现将食品中金属污染物的监测结果报告如下。1　材料与方法　　样品来源为南京市、扬州市、扬中市、金湖县现场采样。铅、镉、砷、汞检验按国家《食品卫生标准使用手册·理化检验方法 (GB/T5 0 0 9- 1 996 )》标准进行。2　结果　　本次食品中铅、砷、汞、镉污染物的监测结果均低于国标值 ,与全国 1 0个省、市的检测结果相比较 ,铅…     

Asymptomatic bacteriuria in school children in a rural area, Egypt.

Forty hundred and fifty urine samples collected from school children in a rural area were screened for the presence of significant bacteriuria. The incidence of asymptomatic bacteriuria was found to be 7% with Predominance in females (11%) than in males (3.6%). From the total bacterial isolates E. coli were isolated in 18% of cases, Co-agulase positive staphylococci in 30%, co-agulase negative staphylococci in 15%, streptococcus pyogenes in 6%, Klebsiella species in 9% and enterococci in 21% of cases. There was no difference between the incidence of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ABU) in younger children than in older ones. We recommended a routine screening for ABU among school children for the early diagnosis and management of such cases.     

Emerging pollutants in the North Sea in comparison to Lake Ontario, Canada, data

In the present study, the concentrations and fate of contaminants such as organophosphate flame retardants and plasticizers, musk compounds such as galaxolide (HHCB), tonalide (AHTN), musk ketone and musk xylene, the bactericide triclosan, as well as the metabolites HHCB-lactone and triclosan-methyl were compared in the aqueous phase of the German Bight (North Sea). The concentrations of these compounds were around 1 to 10 ng/L in nearshore areas, and the concentrations were lower in the more pristine areas. The highest concentrations were determined for tris-(2-chloro-isopropyl) phosphate in the North Sea with concentration exceeding 10 ng/L even for the offshore samples. The samples contained 1 to 20 ng/L chlorinated organophosphates, approximately 1 ng/L nonchlorinated organophosphates, and 0.3 to 3 ng/L fragrance compounds. Some samples from Lake Ontario (Canada) were analyzed in comparison. Per capita emissions were calculated for both regions. These emissions were compared and turned out to be very similar for the Canadian and German locations. For the North Sea, some observations concerning stability, dilution, and degradation, as well as sources of the respective substances, were performed. These data indicate that the chlorinated organophosphates and some musk fragrances exhibit half lives exceeding the residence times and thus can be considered to be persistent in this ecosystem. In the German Bight, the river Elbe is the dominating source for the more hydrophilic compounds, such as chlorinated organophosphate flame retardants, which are diluted only into the North Sea. However, for the more lipophilic compounds such as the musk fragrances, different input patterns as well as distribution patterns are relevant, though the river Elbe is still a major source of pollution to the German Bight of the North Sea. The data seem to indicate either relevant inputs further west of the sampling area or mobilization from the sediments.     

Excretion products of algae and their occurrence in Solar Lake. Taba,Egypt

The present study aimed to investigate the nature of organic compounds liable to be released by blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) and organic compounds detected in the Solar Lake in Taba, Egypt. The liquid-liquid extraction method and liquid chromatography technique were applied for extraction, clean-up and separation of the organics. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used to carry out qualitative analysis. The most dominant species in the algal samples collected from Solar lake in Taba are Aphanotheca stagnina, Synechococcus aeruginosus, Oscillatoria limnetica and Microcoleus chthonoplastes. n-Alkane hydrocarbons that ranged from C12 to C25 were identified in lake water samples, most of them were derived from algal species. Several fatty acids were isolated from water samples with predominant tridecanoic acid (C13), tetradecanoic acid (C14) and hexadecanoic acid (C16). Meanwhile, the identification of fatty acids from algal suspension samples indicated the predominance of hexadecanoic acid (C16) and heptadecanoic acid (C17), with carbon number that ranged from C10 to C17. The dominant compounds were C15, C17, C17:1, C19 n-alkanes. C13, C15, C16 fatty acids, alkyl esters of propyl decanoate, esters of benzenedicarboxlate, diphenyl amine, geosmin and 2-methyl isoborneol (2-MIB) in water and in algal suspension samples were probably enough to distinguish the cyanobacterial mat community of a saline lake shore.     

Toxicity and Trace Metal Concentrations of Sediments from Lake Maryut, Alexandria, Egypt

No abstract available.