MSc (Chemistry) / Department of Chemistry / Identification of unique leads represents a significant challenge in drug discovery. This challenge is widely visible in neglected diseases such as tuberculosis, which is an infectious disease caused by bacillus Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The urgent need in search of new biological entities to fight back TB and drug resistant TB is a drive behind this project. Several specific synthetic protocols have been developed using 1,3,5-triazines due to the important biological properties which they display. The chemistry and an extensive spectrum of biological activities of s-triazines have been examined since several decades and this heterocyclic core has received emerging consensus. Hence, the aim of this project was to synthesize novel anti-TB drugs total with the usage of 1,3,5-triazine as a linker between known anti-TB drugs together with different types of amines. A total of 20 compounds were synthesized, 3 compounds were mono-substituted with an average yield of 75 %, 6 compounds were di-substituted with an average yield of 63 % and 11 compounds were tri-substituted with an average yield of 93 %. Out of 10 compounds which were analysed for biological activity 8 of which showed biological activity against M.smegmatis. Furthermore compound 26 which was hybridized with an amine and a known anti-TB drug inhibited better biological activity. In conclusion the influence of cyanuric chloride in combination with pyrrolidine and anti-TB drugs deserves further study. The newly synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, melting point, GC-MS, biological testing, 1H and 13C NMR. / NRF

In May 2010, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) that called for high-level meetings to address the global burden of NCDs. This paper highlights the growing global burden of NCDs (cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and diabetes), provides a brief historical background on the adoption of the UN NCDs resolution and argues that the resolution provides a remarkable new opportunity for improved international collaboration to address NCDs. Additionally, the paper argues that while the existing World Health Organisation programme on NCDs be continued and expanded, the UN can provide the expanded political leadership that is necessary for multi-sectoral collaboration and can serve as a respected forum for dealing with the issue across numerous key UN agencies.

Non-communicable diseases are on the increase worldwide, causing more than 36 million deaths each year. Evidence of the link between the role of nutrition and reducing non-communicable diseases is predominant in the literature. The factors influencing intervention strategies/policies and activities, however, need attention. AIM: The study aims to examine the factors that influence nutrition interventions within the United Arab Emirates’ healthcare system. METHOD: This research adapts an interdisciplinary approach where a triangulation mixed methodology is applied. Both qualitative and quantitative methods are used, through the analysis of ten interviews with policy makers, four case studies and 161 questionnaires. Furthermore, the research framework, which emerged from the literature search and qualitative analysis, is tested and validated by rigorous quantitative analysis using SPSS. The statistical analysis, using factor analysis, MANCOVA and ranking analysis aims to provide solid support for the resulting factors. MAIN FINDING: The study identifies five factors that influence nutrition interventions in a healthcare system, and could enhance the effectiveness of nutrition interventions. The factors are 1) quality and processes, 2) training and use of technology, 3) senior management involvement and responsibility, 4) patient diversity, and 5) multidisciplinary teams. CONCLUSION: This study contributes to the emerging literature on management in nutrition interventions and the theory and importance of preventative measures in relation to nutrition. This study provides a roadmap for policy makers to adopt in order to enhance the role of nutrition interventions in healthcare settings. / Culture Department of the Emirates’ Embassy and Ministry of Higher Education (UAE)

Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Technology in Nursing, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2015 / Brief background: The Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) is one of the most powerful and cost-effective public health programmes to improve child survival. In South Africa the programme remained fragmented because of the system of apartheid until 1995 when the national EPI was formed through the unification of all immunisation services in the country. Since then there have been significant advances in immunisation service delivery in South Africa. Amongst the revisions that were made in 2009 was the change of the EPI schedule. Aim of the study The aim of the study was to investigate the factors that influence the uptake of the revised EPI for children between the ages of 6 to 12 years at Umlazi Township, KwaZulu-Natal in order to improve immunisation coverage. Methodology A descriptive quantitative design was used to conduct the study. A total of ten primary health care clinics were included in the study. Data was collected from child caregivers and health care workers using self-directed questionnaires. Results: It was worth noting that although the results of the study revealed that the EPI coverage for children between the ages 6 to 12 years remained low in Umlazi Township, however, the programme was well-implemented. Several factors that influenced the uptake of the immunisations were identified and these factors could be used to strengthen the EPI programme in Umlazi. Factors that had a negative influence on the uptake of immunisations were also identified and these factors could be used to develop strategies address the challenges.

Thesis (MScMedSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Despite the decreased rate of HBV horizontal transmission in South Africa (SA) due to the HB vaccine, the risk of perinatal transmission remains of concern, especially in HIV/HBV co-infected women. Loss of HBV immune control, resulting in higher HBV replication and thus increasing the risk of transmission is described in HIV/HBV co-infected women. Chronic hepatitis is a well-recognized risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The presence of specific HBV mutations has been reported in chronic and HCC patients and is used in algorithms for the prediction of HCC in CHB patients in Asia. While these mutations are extensively described in male patients, little is known regarding the antenatal and paediatric populations. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of HBV infection in HIV-exposed infants and to investigate the presence of HCC-related mutations in pregnant women and HIV-exposed children in SA. Residual samples of infants born to HIV-infected mothers were collected from the P1041 study previously conducted in SA. HBV markers (HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HBc) were tested on the Architect (Abbott). HBsAg positive samples were tested for HBV DNA to determine HBV viral loads. HBV strains were characterised by sequencing of the HBsAg gene and genotypes were determined by phylogenetic analysis using HepSEQ (www.hepseq.org.uk). For the HCC-related mutations investigation, samples and data were collected from three HBV-related studies: the NHLS Paediatric Study, an Antenatal Study and the current study. Pre-S, basal core promoter (BCP) and pre-core data was collected from all samples. Multiple alignments were formed and the nucleotide sequences of these extracts were translated into protein sequences. These protein sequences were compared manually to the HBV reference genes to identify HCC-related mutations. Of 850 HIV-exposed infants tested, three infants were positive for both HBsAg and HBV DNA. Two samples show evidence of past, but cleared HBV infection. Sequence analysis showed that the infants were infected with a subgenotype A1. At follow up, only one infant and mother were able to be traced and contacted. The infant was HIV-infected and had been on an ART regimen, including lamivudine for two years. HBV testing showed that the infant was HBsAg positive and had an undetectable viral load. Core sequence analysis showed clustering between mother and infant sequences. Transmission of mutant HBV previously associated with HCC prompted the question of what the prevalence of mutations in the antenatal and paediatric population is. In this investigation of HCC-related mutations study, a higher prevalence of combined pre-S, BCP and pre-core mutations was found in HIV-infected as compared to HIV-uninfected women. This study shows that vertical transmission is occurring in HIV-exposed infants in SA despite HB vaccination. Data described in this study suggests the importance of HB vaccination closer to the time of birth in SA. Moreover, data on the higher prevalence of HCC-related mutations in HIV-infected pregnant women provide a background for further longitudinal studies to confirm these findings and their implications in SA. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: As gevolg van die beskikbaarheid van die Hepatitis B virus (HBV) entstof , het horisontale transmissie van die virus drasties in Suid-Afrika (SA) verminder. Ten spyte hiervan, is daar steeds ‘n hoë risiko van perinatale transmissie van swanger vroue na hulle babas, dit word veral gesien met MIV/HBV positiewe vroue. Dit is wyd beskryf dat vroue wat mede-besmet is met MIV/HBV gewoonlik beheer verloor oor hulle immuunstelsel, wat lei tot ‘n hoër mate van HBV replikasie en dus ‘n hoër risiko van virus oordrag. Kroniese hepatitis is wel bekend as ‘n hoë risiko faktor vir HCC. Die teenwoordigheid van spesifieke HBV mutasies in kroniese en HCC pasiënte word alreeds in Asië gebruik in sekere algoritmes en formules om infeksie aan te dui en te voorspel. Hierdie mutasies is omvattend beskryf in manlike pasiënte, maar baie min is bekend in voorgeboorte en pediatriese gevalle. In hierdie studie het ons die teenwoordigheid van HCC-verwante mutasies in swanger vroue en MIV-blootgestelde kinders in Suid-Afrika ondersoek. Monsters is verkry van babas gebore van MIV-positiewe moeders van die P1041 studie wat voorheen in SA gedoen is. Die HBV merkers (HbsAg, teen-HBs en teen-HBc) was op die Architect (Abbott) getoets. HBsAg positiewe monsters was getoets vir HBV DNA om die virale lading te bepaal. Die verskeidenheid HBV stamme was gekarakteriseer deur die virus se nukleïensuur volgordes te bepaal. Die verskillende genotipes is bepaal deur filogenetiese analises te doen met behulp van die HepSEQ (www.hepseq.org.uk) program. Vir die HCC-verwante mutasie studie is monsters en data vergelyk met 3 HBV-verwante studies: die NHLS pediatriese studie, ‘n voorgeboorte studie en hierdie spesifieke studie. Voor-S, basale kern promoter en voor-kern data was van alle monsters bekom. ‘n Veelvoudige belyning was gedoen met die nukleïensuur volgordes van die verskeie DNA ekstrakte, wat daarna vertaal is in proteïen volgordes. Hierdie proteïenvolgordes translasie was by hand vergelyk met verwysings gene om die relatiewe HCC mutasies te probeer identifiseer. Van die 850 blootgestelde MIV babas wat getoets is, het 3 positief getoets vir beide HbsAg en HBV DNA. Twee monsters het bewys van verlede , maar vrygestelde HBV infeksie. Data analise bewys dat die babas met subtipe A1 besmet was. Ons kon slegs een moeder en baba paar opvolg en kontak vir verdere toetse. Die baba was MIV-positief en was op antiretrovirale behandeling , insluitend lamivudine, vir ten minste 2 jaar. HBV toetse het gewys dat die baba HbsAg positief is en ‘n onopspoorbare virale lading gehad het. Kern nukleïensuur volgorde analise het groepering getoon tussen die ma en baba se virus monsters . Die transmissie van die mutante HBV wat geassosieer is met HCC het gelei tot die vraag wat die voorkomssyfer is van hierdie spesifieke mutasies in die voorgeboorte en pediatriese populasies in SA. In hierdie studie het ons ‘n hoër gekombineerde voorkomssyfer gevind van die voor-S, basale kern promoter en voor-kern mutasies in MIV-positiewe vroue, in vergelyking met MIV-negatiewe vroue. Hierdie studie bewys dus dat vertikale transmissie van HBV in blootgestelde MIV babas steeds plaasvind, ten spyte van HBV inenting. Die data wat in hierdie studie beskryf was dui daarop dat die belangrikheid van HBV inenting nader aan die tyd van die geboorte in SA gegee moet word.As gevolg van die hoë voorkomssyfer van HCC-verwante mutasies in swanger vroue, is daar verdere longitudinale studies nodig om hierdie bevindinge en hul implikasies in SA te bevestig.

Thesis (MScMedSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Important steps towards the global control of Tuberculosis include the improvement of diagnosis, the development of effective vaccines and the identification of correlates of protection/protective immunity to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This study has of three objectives: 1. To validate the findings of a previous study that showed increased levels of IL-1β and decreased levels of IL-17 in children who are exposed to tuberculosis but remain uninfected compared to those who are exposed/infected and unexposed/uninfected. 2. To define the protective immunological phenotype in children with negative IGRA’s and TST following exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. 3. To evaluate a number of cytokines in both serum and saliva samples of identified tuberculosis cases and controls for their diagnostic potential and to evaluate saliva as a possible new diagnostic sample type. The study designs were as follows: Objectives1, and 2: Children with documented tuberculosis exposure and with Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection as assessed through interferon gamma release assays, children with exposure but no infection and a control group with no exposure nor infection were investigated. These participants were selected according to their exposure and infection phenotypes from a larger TB household contact study that was conducted in communities in Cape Town. Whole blood was stimulated in QuantiFeron tubes overnight and ten cytokines were measured in antigen stimulated and unstimulated supernatants by Luminex multiplex Immunoassay. Differential production of cytokines in the three groups was evaluated. Objective 3. Saliva and serum samples were collected from thirty eight adults with suspected tuberculosis who were recruited from a community health centre in Cape Town, after which the levels of thirty three host markers were evaluated in the samples using the Luminex platform. The main findings of the studies included: 1. Increased levels of IL-1β and decreased levels of IL-17 in children who are tuberculosis exposed but remain uninfected compared to those who are exposed/infected and unexposed/uninfected could not be confirmed. 2. Immune responses other than IFN-γ are different in children with different exposure and infection phenotypes. Higher IL-23 and IL-33 levels in children with tuberculosis exposure without subsequent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection compared to children with no exposure were shown. 3. In both the tuberculosis cases and controls, the levels of most markers were above the minimum detectable limit in both serum and saliva, but marker levels were not consistently higher in one sample type. The levels of fractalkine , IL-17, IL-6, IL-9, MIP-1β, CRP, VEGF and IL-5 in saliva, and those of IL-6, IL-2, SAP and SAA in serum, were significantly higher in tuberculosis patients, in comparison to the levels obtained in those without active tuberculosis (p<0.05). The area under the ROC curve was ≥ 0.70 for most of these markers, thereby confirming their diagnostic potential for TB disease. The work presented in this thesis has identified markers that may grant an improved understanding on the mechanisms that are associated with protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis in children. The preliminary results presented show that the identification of host markers in saliva is possible and the utility of saliva for the development of rapid immune-based tests for active tuberculosis is promising. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Noemenswaardige vooruitgang in die globale beheer van Tuberkulose is onderworpe aan verbeterde diagnose, die ontwikkeling van doeltreffende vaksienes en die identifikasie van aanwysers van immuniteit teen Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Die doel van hierdie studie is: 1. Om die bevindinge van ‘n vorige studie te bevestig, waar verhoogde vlakke van IL-1β en verlaagde vlakke van IL-17 waargeneem is in kinders wat aan tuberkulose blootgestel is, maar nie geïnfekteer is nie. Hierdie bevindinge was in vergelyking met geïnfekteerde en nie-blootgestelde kinders. 2. Om ‘n beskermende immunologiese fenotipe te definieer in kinders met negatiewe IGRA’s en TST, na blootstelling aan Mycobacterium tuberculosis. 3. Om sekere sitokines, in beide serum en speeksel monsters van tuberkulose gevalle en kontroles, te evalueer as potensiële diagnosemiddels, asook die moontlikheid dat speeksel kan dien as ‘n nuwe diagnostiese monstertipe. Die studieraamwerk was as volg: Doel 1 &2:Die volgende groepe was onder meer ondersoek – Kinders blootgestel aan tuberkulose en wat gevolglik geïnfekteer is, soos vasgestel deur interferon gamma vrystellingstoetse; kinders wat wel blootgestel is maar nie geïnfekteer is nie en ‘n kontrolegroep wat geen blootstelling aan Mycobacterium tuberculosis gehad het nie. Hierdie individue is geselekteer volgens hul blootstellingsprofiel en infeksiefenotipes, uit ‘n groter blootstellingstudie op Kaapse huishoudings. Heelbloed is oornag gestimuleer en tien sitokiene is gemeet in antigeen-gestimuleerde en ongestimuleerde supernatante, deur middel van Luminex multipleks Immunotoetse. Differensiële produksie van sitokienes in hierdie groepe is gevolglik geëvalueer Doel 3: Speeksel en serummonsters van 38 volwassenes met vermeende tuberkulose, is versamel en die vlakke van drie en dertig gasheermerkers is gemeet deur middel van die Luminex platvorm. Die hoof bevindinge van hierdie studie sluit in: 1.Vehoogde vlakke van IL-1β en verlaagde vlakke van IL-17 kon nie bevestig word in die verskeie kindergroepe (Sien doel 1) nie. 2. Die immuunrespons, uitsluitend die IFN- γ respons, is veskillend in kinders met uiteenlopende blootstelling en infeksiefenotipes. Hoër vlakke van IL-23 en IL-33 is gevind in kinders wat blootgestel is aan tuberkulose, maar nie geïnfekteer is nie, in teenstelling met nie-blootgestelde kinders.. 3. In beide die pasiënte en kontroles was die meeste sitokienvlakke hoër as die minimum meetbare limiet in beide speeksel en serummonsters, hoewel merkervlakke nie konstant hoër was in enige van die twee monstertipes nie. Die vlakke van fractalkine, IL-17, IL-6, IL-9, MIP-1β, CRP, VEGF en IL-5 in speeksel en IL-6, IL-2, SAP en SAA in serum, was merkbaar hoër in tuberkulosepasiënte, in vergelyking met vasgestelde vlakke in individue sonder aktiewe tuberkulose. (p<0.05). Die oppervlak onder die ROC kurwe was ≥ 0.70 vir die meerderheid van die merkers. Dit is ‘n sterk aanduiding dat hierdie merkers potensiaal het as diagnostiese merkers vir tuberkulose. Hierdie navorsing het merkers geïdentifiseer wat die begrip van die megansime waarmee beskerming teen Mycobacterium tuberculosis gebied word in kinders, verbreed. Hierdie voorlopige resultate dui aan dat die identifikasie van gasheermerkers in speeksel moontlik is en dat speeksel moontlik kan dien as ‘n proefkonyn vir die ontwikkeling van immuungebaseerde sneltoetse vir die diagnose van aktiewe tuberkulose. / The EDCTP through the African European Tuberculosis Consortium (AE-TBC, grant number IP_2009_32040) / Trials of Excellence in Southern Africa (TESA, project code CG_cb_07_41700)

The main aim of this study was to investigate how effective School Management Teams were in the management of healthy school environments in the Gert Sibande District. This was a qualitative study which employed two data collection strategies: face to face interviews and photographs. A literature review on this study revealed vital aspects, that a healthy school environment: can directly improve children’s health and effective learning; the school is strategically positioned to reach large numbers of the population to teach them to understand the importance of investing in health. Literature indicated collaboration and synergy as essential aspects, and policies as cornerstones that underpin the health promotion initiatives. Selection of sites was purposefully done as three of the four schools in this study were part of the Eco Schools programme. The study revealed that there was disconnect between the SMTs and committees that were involved in health promotion: in coordinating plans; and monitoring and evaluating the implementation of programmes. This therefore, means that there was no support for the committees from the SMT. It was also found that there were committees that: did not have plans; did not sit for meetings and the reluctance of the SMT to address these challenges compounded the situation and contributed to some committees being dysfunctional. The failure of the SMT to guide and provide leadership in their engagement with community members who provided assistance in terms of basic needs to learners indicated a need for the development of a cadre of leaders that are capable of working beyond the borders of schools. In all the committees that were interviewed, the Environmental Committee came up to be more effective and organized than others in three schools. The health committee was lacking in the area of training especially in the prevention of communicable diseases. The study provided recommendations to assist the SMT in their endeavors to promote healthy environments in their schools. / MEd, Education Management, North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2012

<p>Profesionalna infektivna oboljenja nastaju kao posledica izloženosti mikroorganizama u radnoj sredini. Cilj ovog istraživanja je utvrđivanje vrsta profesionalnih &scaron;tetnosti koje dovode do profesionalnih infektivnih oboljenja i njihove incidencije u privrednim delatnostima Autonomne Pokrajine Vojvodine, kao i predloga adekvatnih mera za njihovu prevenciju. Profesionalna infektivna oboljenja su činila 13,4% od ukupno 464 slučaja utvrđenih profesionalnih oboljenja u Autonomnoj Pokrajini Vojvodini u toku dvadesetogodi&scaron;njeg perioda od 1992. do 2011. godine. Od ukupno utvrđenih 62 slučaja profesionalnih infektivnih oboljenja dve trećine su činili profesionalni virusni hepatitisi, 31% profesionalne antropozoonoze i 3% profesionolana tuberkuloza. Dve trećine obolelih od profesionalnih infektivnih bolesti bile su osobe ženskog pola &scaron;to je statistički značajno vi&scaron;e u poređenju sa osobama mu&scaron;kog pola, dok su zaposleni mu&scaron;kog pola činili 57%, a ženskog 43% ukupno zaposlenih na teritoriji Vojvodine. Najče&scaron;ća profesionalna infektivna oboljenja bila su virusni hepatits B 52%, kju groznica 18%, virusni hepatitis C 15%, lajmska bolest 6%, leptospiroza 5%. Utvrđeno je da je do&scaron;lo do statistički značajnog sniženja incidencije profesionalnog virusnog hepatitisa B u<br />periodu nakon dono&scaron;enja odluke o obaveznoj imunizaciji 2002. godine, sa 6,27 na 1,35 na 100.000 zaposlenih, dok nije bilo statistički značajne razlike kada je u pitanju incidencija virusnog hepatitisa C. Profesionalna infektivna oboljenja su u vi&scaron;e od dve trećine slučajeva registrovana kod zdravstvenih radnika (69%) sa prosečnom incidencijom od 5,18 na 100.000 zaposlenih, znatno niža bila je incidencija u proizvodnji prehrambenih proizvoda (1,36) i poljoprivredi sa lovom, ribolovom i &scaron;umarstvom (1,11). Ne&scaron;to vi&scaron;e od trećine radnika bilo je privremeno nesposobno za rad u toku utvrđivanja profesionalnog oboljenja, jer je lečenje bilo u toku. Kod ovih radnika značajno je naknadno oceniti radnu sposobnost i utvrditi eventualne posledice oboljenja. Pored primene specifičnih mera imunizacije ukoliko postoje, kao i ličnih mera za&scaron;tita koje sprečavaju kontakt sa uzročnicima, značajno je sprovođenje edukacije radnika o rizicima i preventivnih lekarskih pregleda radi rane identifikacije obolelih radnika.</p> / <p>Occupational communicable diseases are caused by exposure to microorganism&rsquo;s in working environment. The aim of this study is to determine the types of occupational hazards that lead to occupational communicable diseases and their incidence in the economic activities of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, as well as the proposal of adequate measures for their prevention. Occupational communicable diseases accounted for 13.4% of the total of 464 cases of occupational diseases identified in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina during the twenty-year period from 1992 to 2011. In the total of 62 identified cases of occupational communicable diseases, occupational viral hepatitis accounted for two-thirds, occupational anthropozoonoses for 31%, occupational tuberculosis for 3%. Two-thirds of patients with occupational communicable diseases were females, significantly more compared to male, while male accounted for 57% and female for 43% of the total employees in Vojvodina. The most frequent occupational communicable diseases were viral hepatitis B 52%, Q fever 18%, viral hepatitis C 15%, Lyme disease 6%, leptospirosis 5%. It was found that there was a statistically significant decrease in the incidence of occupational viral hepatitis B in the period after the decision on obligatory immunization in 2002, from 6.27 to 1.35 per 100,000 employees, while there were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of viral hepatitis C. In more than two-thirds of the cases occupational communicable diseases were registered in health care workers (69%) with the average incidence of 5.18 per 100,000 employees, substantially lower the incidence was in the production of food (1.36), as well as in agriculture, hunting, fishing and forestry (1.11). Just over a third of workers were temporarily unable to work during the verification of occupational disease due to the ongoing treatment. In these workers it is important to assess working ability afterwards and identify the possible consequences of the disease. In addition to the application of specific measures of immunization if any available, as well as personal protection measures that prevent contact with pathogens it is important to implement risk education of workers and preventive medical examinations for early identification of affected employees.</p>

<p>Uvod: Varičela (Varicella, Ovčije boginje) i herpes zoster (Herpes Zoster) su bolesti koje izaziva virus varicella - zoster. Varičela spada u najče&scaron;će dečje osipne groznice. Herpes zoster je bolest ljudi starijeg životnog doba. Imunizacija protiv varičele i herpes zostera je dala značajne rezultate u prevenciji ovih bolesti. Raspoloživi epidemiolo&scaron;ki pokazatelji nisu dovoljni za uvođenje adekvatnog programa imunizacije protiv ovih bolesti u na&scaron;oj zemlji. Cilj istraživanja bio je da se na teritoriji Vojvodine utvrde: seroprevalencija varicella-zoster virusnih antitela, epidemiolo&scaron;ke karakteristike obolelih od varičele u periodu 1994&minus;2014. godine i obolelih od herpes zostera u periodu 1997&minus;2005, uzrasno specifične incidencije i udeo hospitalizovanih u ukupnom broju obolelih od varičele odnosno herpes zostera u periodu 2010&minus;2014. godine. Materijal i metode: Istraživanje epidemiolo&scaron;kih karakteristika varičele i herpes zostera je sprovedeno retrospektivno, analizom podataka iz epidemiolo&scaron;kog nadzora. Seroepidemiolo&scaron;ko istraživanje je sprovedeno prospektivno (april 2015&minus;februar 2016). Prikupljeno je 3.570 rezidualnih seruma uz prethodno informisanje i pisanu saglasnost pacijenata. Uzorak je reprezentativan za populaciju Vojvodine, prema mestu stanovanja, polu i uzrastu. Imunokompromitovani i primaoci transfuzije krvi u poslednjih &scaron;est meseci su izuzeti iz istraživanja. Testiranje seruma je sprovedeno ELISA testom u Centru za virusologiju Instituta za javno zdravlje Vojvodine. Referentna evropska laboratorija prosledila je referentni panel seruma koji je testiran pre i tokom testiranja banke seruma. Standardizacija rezultata je sprovedena na osnovu jednačine koju je prosledio Public Health England (PHE). Izračunata je i analizirana seroprevalencija antitela u odnosu na uzrast, pol i područje stanovanja. Istraživanje incidencije hospitalizovanih slučajeva varičele i herpes zostera sprovedeno je retrospektivno prikupljanjem podataka o hospitalizacijama. Statistički značajnim smatrane su vrednosti na nivou značajnosti p &lt; 0,05 a visoko statički značajnim p &lt; 0,01. Rezultati: Seroprevalencija antitela protiv virusa varicella-zoster u testiranom uzorku populacije Vojvodine je 84%. Utvrđen je očekivano visok procenat seropozitivne dece do navr&scaron;enih devet godina života (73,3%). Osim u uzrasnim grupama &lt; 1 i 1&minus;4 godine, seroprevalencija raste sa uzrastom. Varičela se u Vojvodini održava endemo-epidemijski sa visokim incidencijama. U posmatranom periodu, najvi&scaron;a uzrasno specifična incidencija varičele se registruje u uzrastu 5&minus;9 godina (5.824,6/100.000 stanovnika) i 0&minus;4 godine (5.000,7/ 100.000 stanovnika). Od varičele su če&scaron;će obolevali mu&scaron;karaci dok su žene značajno će&scaron;će obolevale od herpes zostera (p = 0,000 &lt; 0,01). Incidencije varičele i herpes zostera se značajno razlikuju u odnosu na mesto stanovanja. Udeo hospitalizovanih u ukupnom broju obolelih od varičele bio je od 0,7 do 0,9%. Najvi&scaron;a uzrasno specifična incidencija hospitalizovanih sa varičelom registrovana je u uzrastu 0&minus;4 godine i opada sa uzrastom. Incidencija herpes zostera najvi&scaron;a je kod starijih od 60 godina života (970,2/100,000 stanovnika), dok je incidencija hospitalizovanih slučajeva herpes zostera najvi&scaron;a kod starijih od 65 godina (105,7/100.000). Udeo hospitalizovanih slučajeva herpes zostera u ukupnom broju obolelih od herpes zostera se kretao u rasponu od 2,2 do 3,6 % ( &ge;2% ). Zaključak: Rezultati ovog istraživanja ukazuju da varičela i herpes zoster značajno opterećuju zdravstveno stanje na&scaron;eg stanovni&scaron;tva zbog čega postoji osnov za uspostavljanje epidemiolo&scaron;kog nadzora i kreiranje adekvatnog programa imunizacije.</p> / <p>Introduction: Varicella (Varicella, Chicken pox) and herpes zoster (Herpes Zoster) are diseases caused by the Varicella- zoster virus. Varicella is the most common children&#39;s rash-causing fever. Herpes zoster is mainly a disease of elderly people. Immunisation against varicella and herpes zoster have led to significant results in the prevention of these diseases. Available epidemiological indicators are not sufficient for introduction of an adequate program of immunization against these diseases in our country. The aim of the research was to establish: seroprevalence of varicella-zoster virus antibodies, the epidemiological characteristics of patients with varicella in the period 1994-2014. and patients with herpes zoster in the period 1997-2005, age-specific incidence and share of hospitalized patients in the total number of patients with varicella and herpes zoster in the period 2010-2014, in Autonomous Province of Vojvodina. Material and methods: The study of epidemiological characteristics of varicella and herpes zoster was conducted retrospectively by analyzing data from epidemiological surveillance. Seroepidemiological study was conducted prospectively (April 2015- February 2016). The total of 3.570 residual sera were collected with previously taken written informed consents of patients. Immunocompromised patients and recipients of blood transfusions in the last six months were not included in the survey. The sample was representative by residence, sex and age for population of Vojvodina. Testing of sera was conducted by ELISA tests at the Center for virusology, Institute of Public Health of Vojvodina. Reference European laboratory forwarded the reference panel serum which was tested before and during the testing of serum bank. Standardization of the results was based on the equation previously sent by Public Health England (PHE). Seroprevalence of antibodies was calculated in relation to the age, sex and area of residence. Incidence of hospitalized cases of varicella and herpes zoster was determined by retrospective collection of hospitalization data. Statistically significant was considered values at a significance level of p &lt; 0,05 and highly statistically significant at p &lt; 0,01. Results: The seroprevalence of antibodies against Varicella- zoster virus in the sample of the population of Vojvodina was 84%. High percentage of seropositive children under the age of nine years of age (73,3%) was determined, as expected. The seroprevalence increases with age, except in the age groups &lt;1 and 1-4. Varicella in Vojvodina maintains endemo-epidemic mode with high incidence. In the observed period, the highest age-specific incidence of varicella is registered in the age group 5-9 years (5.824,6/100.000 inhabitants) and at the age of 0-4 years (5.000,7/100.000 inhabitants). Varicella was found significantly more often in men while herpes zoster was more often in women (p= 0,000 &lt;0,01). Incidence of varicella and herpes zoster significantly varied among the population of certain municipalities in Vojvodina. The share of hospitalized patients in the total number of patients with varicella ranged from 0,7 to 0,9%. The highest age-specific incidence of hospitalized patients with varicella was registered in the age of 0-4 years and decreases with age. The incidence of herpes zoster is highest in people over 60 years of age (970,2/100.000 inhabitants), whereas the incidence of hospitalized cases of herpes zoster was highest in patients over 65 years (105,7/100.000). Proportion of hospitalized cases in the total number of patients with herpes zoster ranged from 2,2 to 3,6% . Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that varicella and herpes zoster are significant burden of the health status of our population and there is a basis for the establishment of epidemiological surveillance and creation of an adequate program of immunization.</p>

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Technology: Emergency Medical Care, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2013. / Background In the Emergency Medical Services (EMS), paramedics play a vital role in the treatment of critically ill or injured patients, as they are often the first link or point of contact for the patient in the healthcare setting. They may therefore also play a vital role in the prevention and control of the transmission of communicable diseases, provided that proper infection control measures are in place. The objectives of the study There is presently no national policy on communicable diseases and infection control that is specifically designed for use in the South African prehospital environment. Given the paucity of research in the area, qualitative multiple case studies were conducted to develop an ambulance specific disinfection protocol and to evaluate its effectiveness in the public sector EMS in the eThekwini District of KwaZulu-Natal. Methodology The study comprised of three phases. In the first phase focus group discussions were conducted to identify the factors needed to develop a disinfection protocol. The study population consisted of both operational and management staff from the EMS under study. The first four focus groups consisted of eight to ten EMS operational staff each and the fifth focus group consisted of five EMS management staff. Thereafter, the information gathered was used in conjunction with internationally accepted guidelines to develop an ambulance specific disinfection protocol (Phase Two). The third phase entailed the implementation of the protocol at seven ambulance bases in the eThekwini health district and the evaluation of the protocol with the use of an open-ended questionnaire at two weeks and four weeks after implementation. A single ambulance crew and their immediate supervisor from each base were utilized in this phase. Conclusion and recommendations An ambulance specific disinfection protocol was developed and implemented in the EMS under study. During the development, implementation and evaluation of the protocol, many themes with regard to infection control in EMS were identified. These themes were used to better understand the present situation in EMS in relation to infection control and in the formulation of recommendations to assist in the improvement of the present situation. The researcher recommended that all EMS staff require training and education with regard to infection control and prevention. The development and implementation of a protocol and policy document for infection control specifically for EMS is required. There is a need for the deployment of more ambulances and the employment of more operational EMS staff together with the appointment of Infection Control Supervisors at all ambulance bases. Without adequate infrastructure needed to meet infection control and prevention requirements, there may be a serious risk to both staff and the patients they serve. / M