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Some studies have reported the association between maternal serum lipid profile abnormalities and pre-eclampsia. However, many studies have reported controversial results. Hence, this systematic review and meta-analysis was planned to generate summarized evidence on the association between maternal serum lipid profiles and pre-eclampsia in African women. Four electronic databases such as; PubMed, Hinari, Google Scholar, and African Journals Online were searched for studies published in English. Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale were used for data extraction and quality assessment of the included studies. The meta- regression analysis was performed by Stata 14 software. The standardized mean difference (SMD) values of lipid profiles were computed to assess their association with pre-eclampsia at 95% CI. In this review a total of 15 observational studies were included. The mean values of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein- cholesterol (LDL-c) and very low density lipoprotein- cholesterol (VLDL-c) were significantly higher in pre-eclamptic women as compared with normotensive pregnant women (TG = 229.61±88.27 and 147.00 ± 40.47, TC = 221.46 ± 45.90 and 189.67 ± 39.18, LDL = 133.92 ± 38.77 and 112.41 ± 36.08, VLDL = 41.44 ± 19.68 and 26.64 ± 7.87), respectively. The serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) level was lower, but it is not statistically significant (HDL-c = 51.02 ± 16.01 and 61.80 ± 25.63) in pre-eclamptic women as compared with controls. The pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) of TG, TC, LDL-C and VLDL-C were significantly increased in pre-eclamptic women as compared with normotensive pregnant women with the SMD of (TG = 1.65 (1.10, 2.21), TC = 0.84 (0.40, 1.29), LDL-C = 0.95 (0.46, 1.45) and VLDL-C = 1.27 (0.72, 1.81)) at 95% CI, respectively, but the pooled SMD of HDL-cholesterol was decreased in pre-eclamptic women as compared with normotensive pregnant women (SMD = -0.91 (95% CI: -1.43, -0.39). In this review, the maternal serum levels of TG, TC, LDL-c and VLDL-c were significantly associated with the risk of preeclampsia. However, HDL- cholesterol was not significantly associated but it was lower in pre-eclamptic women. Further, large scale prospective studies should verify these outcomes and it is recommended that lipid profiles should be included as a routine diagnostic test for pre-eclamptic women.

Despite many years of intervention measures, schistosomiasis (SCH) remains a public health problem in Ethiopia. Health education and promotion enable community involvement and active participation in SCH control and prevention. Therefore, it is considered as one of the key strategies to prevent and control SCH in Ethiopia. However, comprehensive data on the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of vulnerable populations towards the disease are lacking. Therefore, we reviewed the existing KAP studies in Ethiopia. Studies conducted in Ethiopia and published between 2006 and 2023 were searched and reviewed from January to April 2024. Electronic literature searches were made in PubMed, Hinari, African Journal Online and Google Scholar using the keywords \"Schistosomiasis, Schistosoma, Schistosoma mansoni, Schistosoma haematobium, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Perception, Belief, Ethiopia\" by combining them with Boolean operators (AND, OR). The review was conducted according to the Arksey and O'Malley Framework for scoping reviews, and studies were selected based on the PRISMA guidelines. Thematic analysis was applied to summarize, synthesize and report results. Ten studies that recruited 4,763 participants were included in the present review. Knowledge gaps on the source of Schistosoma infection, transmission, morbidity, treatment, and prevention in Ethiopia were identified. Studies have found large differences in attitudes toward SCH in terms of the population at risk, the severity of the disease, and beliefs in the availability and success of its treatment and prevention. Furthermore, in most studies included in this review, the majority of participants had negative attitudes towards SCH. The majority of participants also engaged in risky water-related practices, which facilitated the ongoing transmission of SCH. KAP levels among community members, school-aged children, and mothers/caregivers of preschool-aged children showed no significant differences. The results of this systematic review showed that the KAP level is inadequate despite health education platforms that have been established and implemented for many years. Therefore, we recommend strengthening the implementation of health education and continuous monitoring of SCH prevention and control activities.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298332.].

Biomphalaria snails, namely B. pfeifferi and B. sudanica, are the principal intermediate hosts for Schistosoma mansoni infection in Ethiopia. Epidemiological studies of Biomphalaria snails and their infection status with S. mansoni is vital for public health planning. This study aimed to assess the spatial and seasonal abundance of Biomphalaria snails as well as their infection status with S. mansoni around Lake Tana, northwest Ethiopia. Malacological survey was conducted from January 2021 to December 2021 in ten different collection sites in and around Lake Tana. Snail collection was performed for 20 min from each collection site seasonally (four times in a year) using a standard scoop and handpicking from aquatic vegetation. All collected snails were carefully examined based on their morphological features and all live Biomphalaria snails were subjected to cercariae shedding experiment. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the prevalence of S. mansoni infection and its relationship with snail collection sites and seasons. A total of 3886 freshwater snails were collected from ten collection sites around Lake Tana. Out of the total snails collected, 1606 (41.3%; 95% CI 39.77–42.89%) were Biomphalaria spp. The highest (374) and the lowest numbers (98) of Biomphalaria snails were collected from Shinne River and Qunzela Lakeshore, respectively. Out of the 1375 live Biomphalaria snails, 14.4% (95% CI 12.59–16.37%) snails shed cercariae, but only 4.87% (95% CI 3.79–6.15%) were cercariae of S. mansoni . The infection prevalence of S. mansoni ranged from 10.59% at the Cherechera site to 1.49% at Gumara River. Biomphalaria snail infections with S. mansoni cercariae were observed throughout the season, the highest and the lowest infection rates being in the spring and summer seasons. Significant differences in the prevalence of S. mansoni infection in Biomphalaria snails were observed across study sites and seasons ( p  < 0.05). Biomphalaria snails were the most abundant freshwater snails found in nearly all of snail collection sites throughout the year. It was revealed that nearly five percent of Biomphalaria snails were infected with S. mansoni cercariae. This study highlights the importance of appropriate snail control strategies to support the ongoing prevention and control of schistosomiasis around Lake Tana.

Schistosomiasis is one of the widely distributed neglected tropical diseases. It is a serious public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. The disease is highly prevalent and widely distributed in Ethiopia due to suitable environmental factors and human activities. The prevalence and infection intensity varied from locality to locality in the country. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and intensity of S. mansoni infection and associated risk factors among schoolchildren around Lake Tana. A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 710 schoolchildren from February to April 2021 in eight selected primary schools around Lake Tana. A questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic information and potential risk factors of S. mansoni infection. After collecting socio-demographic information, students were requested to bring about 2grams of stool specimens for parasitological examination. The collected stool samples were processed using a single Kato-Katz and Ritchie's concentration techniques. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 23 and factors with a p-value < 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. The overall prevalence of S. mansoni was 34.9% (95% CI: 31.4-38.7) among schoolchildren in the study area. The eggs per gram (EPG) of stool ranged from 24 to 1659 with arithmetic and geometric mean values of 138.1 EPG and 85.1 EPG, respectively. The majority of S. mansoni infections (61.4%) were classified as low infection intensity. Among the different determinant factors being male (AOR = 1.74; 95%CI = 1.233-2.457; P-value = 0.002), bathing habits (AOR = 1.494; 95%CI = 1.013-2.199; P-value = 0.043) and students attending at Qunzela primary school (AOR = 10.545; 95%CI = 3.264-34.067; P-value = 0.001), Alabo primary school (AOR = 3.386; 95%CI = 1.084-10.572; P-value = 0.036) were significantly associated with S. mansoni infection. This study revealed that more than one-third of schoolchildren were infected by S. mansoni in the study area. The majority of the infections were classified as low infection intensity. Being male, bathing habits and schools in which students attended were independent explanatory factors for S. mansoni infection. Therefore, integrated control strategies are needed to improve the health conditions of schoolchildren in the study area.

Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium infections have been public health problems in Ethiopia, S. mansoni being more prevalent. To reduce the burden of schistosomiasis, a national school-based prazequantel (PZQ) mass drug administration (MDA) program has been implemented since November 2015. Nevertheless, S. mansoni infection is still a major public health problem throughout the country. Reduced efficacy of PZQ is reported by a few studies in Ethiopia, but adequate data in different geographical settings is lacking. Hence, this study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of PZQ for the treatment of S. mansoni infection across different transmission settings in Amhara Regional State, northwest Ethiopia. A school-based single-arm prospective cohort study was conducted from February to June, 2023 among 130 S. mansoni-infected school-aged children (SAC). Forty-two, 37, and 51 S. mansoni-infected SAC were recruited from purposely selected schools located in low, moderate, and high transmission districts, respectively. School-aged children who were tested positive both by Kato Katz (KK) using stool samples and by the point of care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) test using urine samples at baseline were treated with a standard dose of PZQ and followed for 21 days for the occurrence of adverse events. After three weeks post-treatment, stool and urine samples were re-tested using KK and POC-CCA. Then the cure rate (CR), egg reduction rate (ERR), and treatment-associated adverse events were determined. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. Out of the total 130 study participants, 110 completed the follow-up. The CR and ERR of PZQ treatment were 88.2% (95%CI: 82.7-93.6) and 93.5% (95%CI: 85.4-98.5), respectively, by KK. The CR of PZQ based on the POC-CCA test was 70.9% (95%CI: 62.7-79.1) and 75.5% (95%CI: 67.3-83.6) depending on whether the interpretation of 'trace' results was made as positive or negative, respectively. After treatment on the 21st day, 78 and 83 participants tested negative both by KK and POC-CCA, with respective interpretations of 'trace' POC-CCA test results as positive or negative. The CR in low, moderate and high transmission settings was 91.7%, 91.2% and 82.5%, respectively (p = 0.377) when evaluated by KK. The CR among SAC with a light infection at baseline (95.7%) by KK was higher than that of moderate (81.5%) and heavy (64.3%) infections (χ2 = 12.53, p = 0.002). Twenty-six (23.6%) participants manifested at least one adverse event. Eleven (10.0%), eight (7.3%), six (5.5%), and three (2.7%) participants complained about abdominal pain, nausea, headache, and anorexia, respectively. All adverse events were mild, needing no intervention. Occurrence of adverse events was slightly higher in high endemic areas (32.5%) than moderate (23.5%) and low endemic areas (p = 0.279). A single dose of 40 mg/kg PZQ was efficacious and safe for the treatment of S. mansoni infection when it was evaluated by the KK test, but a lower efficacy was recorded when it was evaluated by the POC-CCA test. However, the POC-CCA test's specificity, clearance time of CCA from urine after treatment, and interpretation of weakly reactive (trace) test results need further research.

Cervical cancer is a malignant tumor arising from the cells of the uterine cervix. The oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the main causative agent of cervical cancer. Effective HPV screening program can lead to a significant reduction in the morbidity and mortality associated with this cancer. The aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of OncoE6™ cervical test kit for cervical precancer and cancer in Amhara Regional State, northwest Ethiopia. An institute-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Felege Hiwot Compressive Specialized Hospital which is found in Bahir Dar, Amhara Regional state. A total of 297 samples were collected. A sterile, disposable speculum was inserted, without lubricant, and two swabs were taken using the \"Tipped Polyester\" (Dacron) swab provided with the Onco E6™ kit. Swabs taken were tested for onco E6 proteins testing as per the manufacturer's protocol and pap smear for cytology test. A punch of biopsy was also taken for histopathological diagnosis. Data for all samples were collected using pre-prepared excel database for onco E6 test, pap cytology and punch histopathology. All the data were coded and entered into Epi-info and transported to SPSS version 26.0 software package for analysis. Out of 56 (18.86%) participants who tested positive on the histo-pathological diagnosis, Onco E6 was positive in 32 (57.14%), negative in 24 (42.85%). Of 241 participants who tested negative on the histo-pathological diagnosis, Onco E6 was positive in 5 (2.07%) and negative in 236 (97.9%). OncoE6™ cervical test kit had a sensitivity of 57.14% (95% CI: 43.22%-70.29%) and specificity of 98% (95% CI: 95.23%-99.32%) with positive predictive value of 86.6% (95% CI: 71.36%-95.53%), negative predictive value of 90.76% (95% CI: 86.49%-93.93%), and accuracy of 90.18% (95% CI: 86.21%-93.31%). The HPV 16/18 OncoE6™ Cervical test kit test had sub-optimum sensitivity and high specificity for detection of cervical precancer and cancer cases. The sensitivity of the kit could be increased by incorporating other more prevalent genotypes like genotype 52, 58, 31 and 35. The HPV16/18-E6 test could be used either as primary screening tool or in conjunction with other diagnostic methods.

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules of the human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) play an important role in modulating immune response. HLA class I molecules present antigenic peptides to CD8+ T cells and thereby play a role in the immune surveillance of cells infected with viruses. TAP1 and TAP2 are MHC-II-encoded genes necessary for the generation of a cellular immune response and polymorphism of these genes can influence the specificity of peptides preferentially presented by the MHC class I molecules and the outcome of the immune response. Several studies implicated genetic variation in TAP genes to various immune-mediated and infectious diseases. To determine the correlation between HIV-1 infection and the TAP1 and TAP2 genes polymorphisms, we performed PCR–RFLP assay of these genes in 500 HIV-1 seropositives and the matched seronegative individuals. Statistical analysis of the data disclosed no correlation between TAP1 (C/T intron 7) gene polymorphism and HIV-1/AIDS disease. However, the current results demonstrated that the heterozygous A/G [OR (95% CI) 1.39 (1.06–1.83), P = 0.0171] and homozygous G/G [OR (95% CI) 3.38(1.56–7.46), P = 0.0010] variants of TAP2 (A/G exon 11) (T665A) gene are positively associated with an increased risk of HIV-1/AIDS infection. This case–control analysis might suggest a possible role of TAP2 (A/G exon 11) (T665A) gene in the susceptibility to HIV-1 infection and disease outcome among North Indian patients.

Some studies have reported the association between maternal serum zinc (Zn) levels and pre-eclampsia. However, many studies have reported controversial results. Hence, this systematic review and meta-analysis was planned to generate summarized evidence on the association between maternal serum Zn levels and pre-eclampsia in African women. Four electronic databases such as PubMed, Hinari, Google Scholar, and African Journals Online were searched for studies published in English. Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument, and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale were used for data extraction and quality assessment of the included studies. The meta-regression analysis was performed by the Stata 14 software. The standardized mean difference (SMD) values of lipid profiles were computed to assess their association with pre-eclampsia at 95% CI. A total of 12 observational studies were included. The mean values of serum Zn level were significantly lower in pre-eclamptic women as compared with normotensive pregnant women (Zn = 59.40 ± 22.80 μg/dL and 80.24 ± 16.04 μg/dL), respectively. The pooled SMD of Zn was significantly reduced in pre-eclamptic women as compared with normotensive pregnant women with the SMD of −1.45 (95% CI −2.26, −0.65) at 95% CI. In this review, we found that the maternal Zn serum level was significantly reduced in pre-eclamptic women than normotensive pregnant women. This suggests that Zn could be involved in the etio-pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia. However, the specific functions of Zn in pre-eclampsia pathogenesis should be proved in large-scale clinical trial studies.

Hypertensive disorder of pregnancy is the second commonest causes of maternal death globally. Different public health studies were conducted on hypertensive disorder of pregnancy which presented inconsistent result. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis was commenced to summarize the findings conducted in several parts of the country and to generate the nationwide representative data on the prevalence and risk factors of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy in Ethiopia. Electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Hinari, and African Journals Online were searched for studies published in English up to March, 2020. Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale were used for data extraction and quality assessment of the included studies. The meta- regression analysis was computed at 95% CI to present the pooled prevalence and risk factors of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. Thirty four studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy and preeclampsia in Ethiopia were 6.82% (95% CI (5.90, 7.74)) and 4.74% (95% CI (3.99, 5.49)) respectively. Maternal age ≥35 years (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 2.91 (95% CI: 1.60, 5.26)), twin pregnancy (AOR: 3.04 (95% CI: 1.89, 4.87)), previous history of preeclampsia (AOR: 5.36 (95% CI: 3.37, 8.53)), family history of hypertension (AOR: 4.01 (95% CI: 2.65, 6.07)), family history of diabetes mellitus (AOR: 3.07 (95% CI: 1.66, 7.70)), body mass index ≥25 (AOR: 3.92 (95% CI: 1.82, 8.42)), alcohol consumption (AOR: 1.77 (95% CI: 1.11, 2.83)), urinary tract infection (AOR: 4.57 (95% CI: 3.47, 6.02)), lack of nutritional counseling during antenatal period (AOR: 4.87 (95% CI: 3.36, 7.06)), lack of fruits (AOR: 3.49 (95% CI: 2.29, 5.30)), and vegetables consumption (AOR: 2.94 (95% CI: 2.01, 4.31)) were the risk factors of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy in Ethiopia. The pooled prevalence of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy is relatively higher compared with the previous reports. Maternal age ≥35 years, twin pregnancy, previous history of preeclampsia, family history of hypertension, family history of diabetes mellitus, body mass index ≥25, alcohol consumption, urinary tract infection, lack of fruits and vegetables during pregnancy were risk factors of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. The governments and stakeholders should work to strengthen the antenatal care practice to include the possible risk factors of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.