International Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases and Healthcare Conference November 18-19, 2019 Cape Town, South Africa

Biography:

Kelly Araujo Silva is an independent Senior Laboratory Specialist with huge experience in several areas in the laboratory including implementation of quality management systems and projects. She currently works as a Mentor, Auditor and Consultant for a range of international organizations in the USA, Africa and Latin America.

Abstract:

Many countries are currently implementing the WHO Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) surveillance program which relies upon microbiology laboratories producing accurate patient test results. This in turn, is dependent upon providing testing staff with appropriate training and competency. In many middle or low-income nations, minimal training occurs, documentation is inadequate and competency assessments are often not conducted. Adequate training furthers the knowledge of the organization and develops staff competency which is especially important in situations with insufficient qualified laboratory professionals. Harmonized and comprehensive training programs based on job descriptions are essential and in keeping with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP). Additionally, training and competency are essential components of the Quality Management System and meet the international requirements for ISO 15189 accreditation. Training needs to be test and process specific, thorough, documented and measured to determine if competency has been achieved. Laboratory management is required to establish competency criteria, assess the competence of personnel to perform assigned managerial or technical tasks, provide feedback to persons assessed, schedule retraining based on the assessment outcome and maintain records. Methods to determine competency include one or more of direct observation, monitoring and recording of examination results, review of work records, testing blinded samples, verification of prior PT results, demonstration of problem solving skills and review of accumulative Internal Quality Control (IQC) and External Quality Assurance (EQA) results. This needs to occur for every test and process in the laboratory. Documentation may include using an Excel spreadsheet, suitable software or a Word document. This is also an opportunity to promote standardization in-country throughout the network using the same training templates, policies and SOPs. Indeed, training and competency are the foundation of any laboratory upon which all else is built and vital for improving the laboratory’s role in preventive care.

Biography:

Steve Geo Feris has completed his MBChB from Stellenbosch University in Cape Town and is currently doing a Master’s degree in Medical Sciences at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Durban. He works as a Community Service Medical Officer at Dr Malzio Mpehle Memorial Hospital, a rural district hospital in Eastern Cape. He has a special interest in emergency medicine and presented at the 6^th International Conference hosted by the Emergency Medicine Society of South Africa in 2017.

Abstract:

Recruiting skilled and passionate staff in rural hospitals is a global challenge. Reducing child mortality is one of the millennium development goals and in South Africa the highest mortality rates are seen in rural settings. South Africa makes use of inhospitable, travel and housing allowances as positive incentives to attract staff to rural areas. A compulsory year of community service also provides a constant supply of doctors to rural hospitals. This study explores whether academic recognition and career pathing would attract more junior doctors to rural hospitals. Semi-structured telephonic interviews were conducted with junior doctors (n=26). Participants were invited via email and social media. Most junior doctors (n=18) would opt to work in a rural hospital if they received academic support and if time was accredited towards a Diploma in Child Health. Consultant lead outreach, satellite campus status and invitation to academic activities were also considered as attractive incentive. None would choose to be permanently employed in a rural hospital, with 20 participants describing rural health as a stepping stone to specialization. In this study, academic recognition and career pathing has shown to be powerful incentives to attract junior doctors to rural hospitals. Decentralized post-graduate medical education may be a solution to rural staff shortages in the short term. Retention of permanent staff remains a topic for further research.

Biography:

Aminu Mohammed has completed his PhD in Biochemistry from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa at Biomedical Research Lab. His research interest focuses on screening and isolation of potent phytochemicals with antidiabetic or antitrypanosomal potentials from vast wealth of plants located in African region using modern spectroscopic techniques. His interest is also in elucidating the possible mode of actions of extracts or compounds from the plants using various in vitro and in vivo models.

Abstract:

Ellagic acid has been found to possess trypano suppressive effects and ameliorated some of the organ pathological complications but it is unknown whether the effects were mediated through an antioxidant related mechanism. This work therefore, investigated the effects of ellagic acid on lipid peroxidation and antioxidants profile of Trypanosoma congolense infected rats. Malondialdehyde levels were significantly decreased (p˂0.05) across all organs in the ellagic acid treated groups. There was a significant increase (p˂0.05) in glutathione levels in group treated with 200 mg/kg BW ellagic acid across all organs. However, treatment with ellagic acid did not significantly (p˃0.05) change superoxide dismutase level in the liver of rats but an increase was observed in the kidney, spleen and heart of the treated groups. The 100 mg/kg BW of ellagic acid increased catalase levels (p˂0.05) in all organs except the kidney. We therefore concluded that ellagic acid boosted endogenous antioxidant reserves and reduced lipid peroxidation.

Biography:

Fahad Alsufayan has experience in the field of pediatrics. Currently, he is the Division Head of Pediatric Department, Consultant Neonatology and Pediatrics at National Guard Health Affairs, Dammam, Saudi Arabia. He was the Section Head in Research Office and Physician In-Charge at Al-Immam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal Hospital. He was a Chief of Fellows in Neonatology Section at University of Manitoba, Canada. He was also an Associate Consultant in Al-Immam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal Hospital.

Abstract:

It is a pneumonia that develops in mechanically ventilated patients later than or at 48 hours after patient has been placed on mechanical ventilation. It is the second most common hospital acquired infection among Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Units. Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) rate vary by birth weight category as well as by institution. Risk factors for VAP include, low birth weight; duration of mechanical ventilation, opiate treatment for sedation, frequent suctioning and reintubation. Both Gram positive and Gram negative organisms that originate from endogenous and exogenous are responsible. Diagnosis of neonatal VAP is challenging because of procedures such as tracheal aspirate and Gram stain have low sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value. Neonatal VAP prevention recommendations include early removal of the endotracheal tube, adequate nutrition and implementation of VAP bundle.

Biography:

Sam X Cheng has completed his MD from Tongji Medical University, China, PhD from Karolinska Institute, Sweden and Postdoctoral studies from Yale University School of Medicine. He is an Assistant Professor of University of Florida, School of Medicine and has published more than 60 papers in reputed journals. His current research focuses on developing novel therapies for childhood diarrheal illnesses

Abstract:

Treatment of acute secretory diarrheal illnesses remains a global challenge. Enterotoxins produce secretion through direct epithelial action and indirectly by activating Enteric Nervous System (ENS). The extracellular Calcium-Sensing Receptor (CaSR) is a unique G protein-coupled receptor that is activated by extracellular calcium, calcimimetics and other nutrients. Using a microperfused colonic crypt technique, we show that R568, a calcimimetic that activates CaSR, can act on intestinal epithelium and reverse cholera toxin-induced fluid secretion. Using the Ussing chamber technique in conjunction with a tissue-specific knockout approach, we show that the effects of cholera toxin and CaSR agonists on electrolyte secretion by the intestine can also be attributed to opposing actions of the toxin and CaSR on the activity of the ENS. Our results suggest that targeting intestinal CaSR might represent a previously undescribed new approach for treating secretory diarrheal diseases and other conditions with ENS over-activation.

Biography:

Doshendran Naidoo has completed his Fellowship of the College of Pediatricians of South Africa and served as a Pediatric and Neonatal Consultant in State Practice for a year before becoming a full-time Private Pediatric and Neonatal Consultant in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. He is in private practice since 2010 and is the Owner and Visionary behind the Victoria Mother and Child Centre of Excellence being developed in Pietermaritzburg as the largest stand-alone private mother and child hospital in South Africa.

Abstract:

South African under-5 mortality rate is still driven by poor neonatal outcomes (neonatal mortality rate 12.4 per 1000 live births, neonatal sepsis 8.5-10% prevalence), malnutrition (males <5 years 13.6%, females <5 years 9.6%), HIV disease (12000 new cases per year 0-14 years), Tuberculosis (TB notification rate 664/100000-1044/100 000 under 15 years), gastro-enteritis (prevalence 8.5%; <5 years) and pneumonia (prevalence: 21% seeking medical attention <5 years). Case fatality rates have declined over the last 7 years for both gastro- enteritis and ARI and Mother-To-Child transmission of HIV is declining. The number of HIV positive children on HAART <5 years old is increasing and the burden of HIV disease and HIV orphans overall is declining (210000 HIV orphans). There is a trend with declining mortality from traditional causes to those of rarer congenital anomalies and malignancies, together with a re-emergence of vaccine-preventable diseases. Measles and Diptheria are increasing in under 5 years old probably due to inadequate vaccine uptake (66-75% for measles/DPT). Tuberculosis and its contribution to U5MR in HIV infected and an uninfected individual has not declined in over 10 years. Neonatal sepsis is the second highest contributor to neonatal mortality but our neonatal mortality rate has not declined in over two decades. This may be related to poor antenatal care and/or lack of antibiotic stewardship in neonatal care. As South Africa gets a grip on the U5MR, epidemiological and neonatal outcomes are still poor and TB remains a significant contributor to adverse under 5 outcomes. As we tackle U5MR, our focus needs to be on health promotion, surveillance, stewardship and contact tracing, as we slowly move away from the traditional emerging economy health burdens for children under 5 years old.

Biography:

Iana Suly Santos Katz has completed her PhD in Immunology at University of Sao Paulo, Brazil in 2012. She is the Scientific Researcher at the Pasteur Institute, São Paulo, Brazil. She has experience in the area of immunology and virology and particularly she is interested in pathogenesis of the rabies.

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: Rabies is one of the most important zoonosis that affects the central nervous system of mammals, particularly in the orders Carnivores and Chiroptera. Insectivorous bats are the main reservoirs of Rabies Lyssavirus (RABLV) in various regions of the world. From that decade on, as canine rabies came under control in many municipalities and molecular and antigenic typing were incorporated in surveillance programs, the importance of nonhematophagous bats in the epidemiology of the disease began to be appreciated in these countries. In the present study we analyzed virulence and pathogenesis of RABLV associated with insectivorous bats.

Methodology: For evaluation of the pathogenesis, RABLV were inoculated by intradermical route in mice and clinical signs observed for 40 days. All parameters were compared with fixed virus (CVS-31).

Findings: We observed that the insectivorous strain showed higher replication rate, slowly cell-to-cell spread and lesser pathogenicity in mice when compared to the fixed virus. Our results indicate that the insectivorous strain showed lower virulence and pathogenicity compared with the virus fixed, as well as strains associated with other reservoirs.

Conclusion & Significance: These results can contribute to a better understanding of the RABLV pathogenesis of isolates from insectivorous bats, which is useful for plan strategies to control rabies.

Biography:

Ashok Kumar did his MBBS from LLRM Medical College, Meerut and subsequently MD from the same college in 1992. He has served in AIIMS, New Delhi as a Senior Resident from 1993-1996 in the Centre for Community Medicine. Then he was appointed as a Chief Medical Officer of Farraka Barrage Project Hospital, Farraka, West Bengal under Ministry of Water Resource, Government of India in 1996. He has then joined Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India as a Deputy Medical Superintendent and currently working as a Professor in Department of Hospital Administration and looking after administrative services of Advanced Cardiac Centre.

Abstract:

Infection control practices in the laundry services is an inevitable prerequisite for TQM, HAI prevention, healthcare worker safety, quality cure, cost-effectiveness and marketing triumph in a hospital. Clean healthcare laundry plays a vital role in affecting the psychological perception and satisfaction of healthcare staff, patient and public. Laundry in healthcare include bed sheets, gowns, doctors clothing, blankets, towels, patient apparel, etc. and this linen contamination can be a source of HAIs and pose a risk of disease transmission to the users. Therefore, incorporation of infection control measures are of utmost importance to minimize the contribution of contaminated laundry to the incidence of HAIs. Henceforth, present study was conducted with the objectives to evaluate infection control measures being practiced in laundry in one of the multispecialty tertiary care hospital of North India to provide the clean linen and minimize the infections to patients as well as to healthcare staff. In pre-wash phase, all linen collected in the different hospital areas is assumed to be contaminated; hence, standard precautions are taken to handle the linen and to minimize the microbial contamination to environment during collection and transportation. There are designated spaces in the wards to keep the soiled linen. In washing phase, there is separate entry for receiving and separate trolleys for carrying linen in the laundry. Established set patterns and pre-fixed time cycle for each step is followed in each wash process i.e. pre-wash, wash, rinse and final rinsing. Also, standards are fixed for water level/usage for each cycle, temperature (for wash cycle, rinse cycle, dryer time and ironing time), bleach usage and chemical usage for each step in the wash process. Ironing machine/bench press machines used for ironing the linen is maintained so as to adequately iron, dry and fold the linen. In post wash, while packaging and storing the linen in laundry, loading on the trucks, shifting in the linen bank and at user end, adequate care is done to prevent soiling or contamination. To conclude, infection control practices in laundry services are one of the essential requirements to minimize the hospital acquired infections and provide the better care and safety to patients as well as to healthcare providers.

Biography:

Kalpy Julien Coulibaly is a Physician Specialist in Microbiology and holds a PhD in Human and Tropical Biology. He is the Head of the Environment and Health Department of the Institut Pasteur de Côte d'Ivoire. He is specialist in diseases that can be transmitted to humans via the aquatic ecosystem.

Abstract:

Mycobacterium ulcerans (MU), the causative agent of Buruli Ulcer (BU), skin disease, is considered to be an environmental pathogen. The pathogenic virulence of Mycobacterium ulcerans is being linked to the expression of toxin called mycolactone. Genetic analyses have shown the high diversity with Variable Number Tandem Repeats (VNTR) and Mycobacterial Interspersed Repetitive Units (MIRU) in M. ulcerans and in Mycolactone Producing Mycobacteria (MPMs). The purpose of this study is the molecular characterization of potentially pathogenic environmental mycobacteria strain, apart from the M. ulcerans, from aquatic environments in Côte d’Ivoire. A total of 473 samples were collected comprising of 251 water and 222 sediment based on sampling sites. The sediments were the most contaminated by mycobacteria with 60% as against 43.3% in water samples from the hyperendemic areas. In hypoendemic areas, water was the most contaminated with 53.57% against 43.24% in sediment. Microscopy by Ziehl-Neelsen-staining and PCR diagnostics using IS2404 and ketoreductase (KR) were performed on strains. 20% fast growing isolated mycobacteria species including Mycobacterium mucogenicum, Mycobacterium peregrinum and Mycobacterium sp. was found carrying the IS2404 gene previously found in Mycobacterium ulcerans. 9.23% of strains carry the ketoreductase genes, one of the synthesis of mycolactone enzymes. In terms of genetic analysis using the MIRU/VNTR, the MIRU1 was the most amplified sequence and LOCUS 6 less amplified; no known profile have been identified in this study. This study is the first step taken in order to understand different skin infections encountered in Côte d’Ivoire.

Biography:

Ana Rita de Toledo Piza is the CEO/Scientific Director of Limace Biotecnologia, the first Brazilian company to develop pharmaceuticals and cosmetics from natural molluscan products. She has completed her PhD in Biotechnology from the Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of São Paulo and Master in Sciences by the Coordination of Disease Control (SES/SP). She has experience in the field of macromolecule chemistry and bioprospecting active compounds from molluscs. She also works in the areas of zoology, microbiology, biochemistry, cell biology, virology and molecular phylogeny.

Abstract:

Zika virus fever is a disease caused by a virus of the genus Flavivirus, family Flaviviridae, transmitted by mosquitoes of the genus Aedes. Patients may present maculopapular rash, pruritus, low or absence of fever, headache, non-pruritic and non-purulent conjunctival hyperemia, pain and edema in the wrists and ankles. Terrestrial gastropods secrete mucus from the body surface, when they move, to protect the body against mechanical injury, desiccation or contact with harmful substances. Mollusks mucus has been studied as a source of new natural compounds with biological properties, including their antiviral capacity. Studies involving Phyllocaulis boraceiensis mucus have elucidated the presence of substances capable of inhibiting the growth of Measles, Influenza, Rubella and Herpes viruses. These molecules act in the disintegration of the viral envelope factor that confers them the antiviral activity. Following this premise, it was determined that these molecules also act to disintegrate the viral envelope of Zika virus, since all viruses have a similar type of viral envelope. The objective of this study is to optimize the process of obtaining these molecules and others potentially active fractions present in the mucus of P. boraceiensis. Antiviral action was determined “in vitro” using vero cells infected with Zika virus and analyzed by RT-PCR. Chromatographic and spectrometric processes were proceeded to obtain the molecules in order to be tested.

Biography:

Huda Abbass Alhadi has completed her primary schooling at Ibrahim Saeed and did her Secondary at Alawia Abd Alrfie Model School. Currently she is pursuing her 5^th year Medicine at University of Khartoum, Faculty of Medicine.

Abstract:

Introduction: Childhood obesity is one of the most serious health challenges of the 21^st century. The problem is global and the prevalence is increasing at an alarming rate.

Materials & Methods: A descriptive cross sectional school based study was conducted among primary schools student's males and females in Arkaweet, Khartoum, Sudan. Simple random sampling was used. The data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Height and weight of the subjects were measured and Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated, using growth charts of Center of Disease and Control (CDC).

Results: A total of 161 children between ages of 10 and 14 were involved in the study. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 34% and 4.97% respectively. Females had a higher prevalence of overweight 38.3% when compared to males 30%. Obesity also was highly prevalent in females (7.4%) than in males (2.4%) the majority of subjects studied healthy- weight (50.9%). The mean weight is 48.1, mean height is 141.2. There was significant association between educational level of father (p value=0.000), educational level of mother (p value=0.000), job of mother (p value=0.046), physical activities (p value=0.034), watching TV (p value=0.04) and playing video games (p value=0.000) for long hours per day, number of daily meals (p value=0.002), type of food, fast food (p value=0.032) and soft drinks consumption (p value=0.000) and family size (p value=0.003). There was obvious psychological impact among overweight and obese students, as they suffer a lot from their classmate bulling.

Conclusion: The results of the current study provide alarming evidence based data on the considerable prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity among primary public school students in Arkaweet, Khartoum, Sudan.