Research Article
Prevalence of Intestinal Coccidiosis and Other Associated Intestinal Parasitic Infections Among Children in Koranic Schools in Dakar
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
17-22
Received:
21 April 2026
Accepted:
11 May 2026
Published:
30 May 2026
Abstract: Intestinal coccidiosis has been on the rise since the emergence of HIV infection. It is responsible for severe diarrhoea associated with malnutrition in children and poses a serious threat to their lives. The lack of effective treatments means that coccidiosis remains a public health concern in Senegal. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of intestinal coccidiosis among children attending Koranic schools in the Dakar region. We conducted a cross-sectional study between January and May 2018. Koranic schools were selected using simple random sampling, and data on sociodemographic characteristics and factors associated with prevalence were collected. Stool samples were collected and processed accordingly. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA IC 12.1. A total of 497 participants were included. The mean age was 11.56 years, with a sex ratio of 8.94. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium sp. (the only species identified) was 2.10%. The other parasitic infections found were Ascaris lumbricoides and Entamoeba coli, at 28.97% and 28.03% respectively. Giardia intestinalis (9.34%). Trichuris (5.6%). The combinations Ascaris lumbricoides + Entamoeba coli (i). Ascaris lumbricoides + Giardia intestinalis (ii). Ascaris lumbricoides + Trichuris (iii), Entamoeba coli + Giardia intestinalis (iv). Entamoeba coli + Trichuris (v), accounting for 9.09%, 2.02%, 4.04%, 1.01% and 1.01% respectively. Intestinal parasitic infections have been found to be very common among children. Consequently, health education, improvements in learning and living conditions, and deworming treatment for these vulnerable children are essential. Testing for coccidia should be carried out systematically in cases of persistent diarrhoea and in malnourished children.
Abstract: Intestinal coccidiosis has been on the rise since the emergence of HIV infection. It is responsible for severe diarrhoea associated with malnutrition in children and poses a serious threat to their lives. The lack of effective treatments means that coccidiosis remains a public health concern in Senegal. The aim of this study is to determine the pre...
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Research Article
Expert Perspectives on the Usage of Co-amoxiclav and Cefuroxime in Clinical Practice: A Cross-Sectional Survey from Indian Settings
Manjula Suresh*
,
Krishna Kumar Manjunath
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
23-29
Received:
26 May 2026
Accepted:
4 June 2026
Published:
25 June 2026
Abstract: Background: Although there are several clinical studies available regarding the management of bacterial infections, there is a dearth of studies among clinical experts on their practice. The survey aimed to assess clinical preferences and decision-making factors among clinicians regarding the use of co-amoxiclav and cefuroxime across a range of common infections and surgical indications in routine clinical practice in Indian settings. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted among clinicians across India using a 22-item structured questionnaire. The questionnaire assessed common infection types, antibiotic usage patterns, indications for co-amoxiclav and cefuroxime, preferred regimens for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), skin and soft tissue infections, and surgical prophylaxis, perceived comparative efficacy, factors influencing antibiotic choice, adverse drug reactions, and clinical outcomes using a global improvement scale. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Approximately 49% of clinicians identified streptococcal pharyngitis as the most common indication for recommending co-amoxiclav in routine practice. Nearly 60% reported co-amoxiclav as the most preferred empiric antimicrobial therapy for adult CAP in patients without comorbidities, while about 51% preferred it in patients with comorbidities. Around 76% of clinicians favored co-amoxiclav, with or without clindamycin, for the management of mild to moderate cellulitis in diabetic patients. Approximately 41% reported cefuroxime as the preferred prophylactic antibiotic for minimal access or laparoscopic surgeries, and about 37% highlighted long-duration sequential prophylaxis as its key advantage. Nearly 43% of respondents considered co-amoxiclav and cefuroxime to be equally effective for respiratory tract infections. About 66% of clinicians identified bacterial susceptibility as the most important factor influencing the choice between co-amoxiclav and cefuroxime. Conclusion: Co-amoxiclav is the preferred empiric antibiotic for streptococcal pharyngitis, CAP, and diabetic cellulitis, while cefuroxime remains the agent of choice for surgical prophylaxis in laparoscopic procedures. Bacterial susceptibility is the primary factor guiding antibiotic selection. The favorable safety profile and positive patient outcomes associated with co-amoxiclav support its continued role as a cornerstone agent in the empiric management of community-acquired infections in routine clinical practice.
Abstract: Background: Although there are several clinical studies available regarding the management of bacterial infections, there is a dearth of studies among clinical experts on their practice. The survey aimed to assess clinical preferences and decision-making factors among clinicians regarding the use of co-amoxiclav and cefuroxime across a range of com...
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