-
Potentials of nutritional therapy, phytopharmaceuticals and phytomedicine in the prevention and control of Ebola virus in Africa
Kenneth Yongabi Anchang,
Mary Garba,
Florence Titu Manjong,
Tiagueu Yvette T
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 1-1, February 2015
Pages:
1-6
Received:
17 December 2014
Accepted:
18 December 2014
Published:
14 February 2015
Abstract: With more than 15000 people infected with Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) leading to more than 7000 deaths in Liberia, Serra Leone, Guinea, Nigeria and Senegal, Ebola Virus Disease remains one of the most dreaded scourges and concerns in contemporary international health (CIH). We note in this essay, that current intervention strategies for the containment of emerging infectious diseases such as Ebola may remain inadequate unless an integrated health intervention (IHI) strategy is adopted. Focus on vaccine development is, undoubtedly, critical but unlikely soon. Synthetic antiviral therapy (AVT) or antifiloviral therapy (AFT) such as using Zmapp, Favipiravir and Brincindofovir amongst others may remain therapeutically inadequate to contain not only Ebola but future scourges. For one fact, as already observed, Zmapp, TKM-Ebola and Favipiravir are hopeful but clouded with toxicity concerns and like any antibiotic of single molecular base likely to be resisted by the bug over time. In this article, our position is that, the medical approach to confront Ebola should be a multidisciplinary approach with equality. This will mean providing a medical care that protects health care workers, searching for an effective vaccine and antiviral therapy that is cost effective, weaving cultural, environmental and community based approaches to preventing the spread as well as fostering and incorporating nutritional therapy, traditional medicine as an integrative package for infectious diseases control. We attempted to highlight that african nutriceticals and phytomedicine could be useful in the control of infectious diseases such as Ebola through the use of medicinal plants such as Garcinia kola extracts and the exploitation of mushroom extracts such as Ganoderma lucidum containing selenium, Iron, zinc, 7-8% crude protein, 26-28% carbohydrates and a range of bioactive protein that can boost the immune system of patients with Ebola virus hemorrhagic fevers. Evidence in grey literature demonstrates profound antiviral activities from extracts of Garcinia kola on a range viruses including Ebola virus. Kolaviron, a class of flavonoids from garcinia kola, have been found with profound antiviral activity while compounds from cordycep mycelium such as beta glucans also reported in Ganoderma lucidum and some mushroom species have profound immune boosting potentials against many viral infections. A computerized data base for these compounds for drug development could be generated for use by pharmaceutical companies. It is concluded that, nutritional therapy, phytopharmaceuticals from medicinal plants, could be used not only as drug leads but could clinically complement current management of Ebola virus diseases in African hospitals.
Abstract: With more than 15000 people infected with Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) leading to more than 7000 deaths in Liberia, Serra Leone, Guinea, Nigeria and Senegal, Ebola Virus Disease remains one of the most dreaded scourges and concerns in contemporary international health (CIH). We note in this essay, that current intervention strategies for the contain...
Show More
-
Considering a Public Health Model for Control and Prevention of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 1-1, February 2015
Pages:
7-13
Received:
22 December 2014
Accepted:
25 December 2014
Published:
15 February 2015
Abstract: Despite increasing global efforts to contain infectious diseases such as Ebola, HIV, and new strains of Hepatitis Virus, the spread and burden still constitute more than 25% of the global disease picture. In this report, insights on an innovative cost saving evolutionary learning laboratory model (ELS Lab) consisting of a systems approach to the control of infectious diseases are discussed. There have been many science-based analyses from demographic, epidemiologic, disease intervention, and economic control measures in Sub-Saharan Africa to curb infectious diseases, yet the continued spread of new and old infectious diseases poses a serious challenge to public health in SSA. There is persistent typhoid endermicity with emergence of new antibiotic resistant strains of salmonella typhi as well as non typhoidal salmonellosis. There is increasing resistant strains of Entameoba histolytica to metronidazle, poor response of patients to artemisinin based antimalarials and sporadic cholera is spreading. Although disease elimination programs such as against trypanosomiasis (chagas disease), onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis, leprosy, trachoma, and measles are succeeding such as drancontiasis elimination process is very successful in northern Nigeria and Cameroon, ebola virus disease, dengue, leishmaniasis, african trypanosomiasis, malaria, diarrheal diseases, helminthes infections, and tuberculosis are re-emerging due to inadequate interventions and control strategies couple with breakdown of health delivery systems. In most countries in SSA, the prevalence of HIV/AIDS is not less than 4% of the total population. The challenges caused by both new and old opportunistic infections in HIV/AIDS couple with increasing resistance to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) calls for serious new intervention strategy. Endemic poverty and increasing changes in climatic pattern in the current control efforts especially with ebola virus are potentially playing a role in the persistence of these infections. We note that application of technologies must be culture driven, cost-effective with intensified research is essential if these and other scourges are to be controlled or eliminated in the 21st century. The process of ELS Lab involves all relevant stakeholders from rural and peri- urban setting, from end users of new medical technology innovations and indigenous management strategies to the developers of the technologies and policy awareness on the integration of safe and productive farm practices with less vulnerability to infections. We propose further capacity building and research into this model.
Abstract: Despite increasing global efforts to contain infectious diseases such as Ebola, HIV, and new strains of Hepatitis Virus, the spread and burden still constitute more than 25% of the global disease picture. In this report, insights on an innovative cost saving evolutionary learning laboratory model (ELS Lab) consisting of a systems approach to the co...
Show More
-
A Nursing Care Plan for Ebola Patient at Intensive Care Units
Mary Bi Suh Atanga,
Ndipowa James Attangeur,
Kenneth Yongabi Anchang
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 1-1, February 2015
Pages:
14-20
Received:
22 December 2014
Accepted:
25 December 2014
Published:
15 February 2015
Abstract: The state of the art in the nursing care of Ebola hemorrhagic fever in an intensive care was conceived in preparation for nursing especially as Cameroon is found close to West Africa where the dead toll had risen too high in the past several weeks. The objective of this discussion is to outline the steps used from pathophysiology and manifestations of diseases in planning and implementing nursing care for better outcome without contamination of others (nurses themselves inclusive). The search for data was from available literature and nursing techniques. The findings have demonstrated the clear pathophysiology, manifestations, differences between the Marburg haemorrhagic fever and the Ebola, transmission, general management, different levels of care, patients’ problems, needs and requirement, nursing care, prevention and strict instructions to be observed. It has provided the basic nursing care plan that could be used in combination with other higher procedures and international norms and standards. The plan can be used by any nurse or delegated persons to ensure safety even when death may be eminent.
Abstract: The state of the art in the nursing care of Ebola hemorrhagic fever in an intensive care was conceived in preparation for nursing especially as Cameroon is found close to West Africa where the dead toll had risen too high in the past several weeks. The objective of this discussion is to outline the steps used from pathophysiology and manifestations...
Show More
-
Strategic Nursing Care in Ebola Viral Outbreak and Care for Infected Patients
Ndipowa a James Attangeur Chimfutumb,
Mary Bih Suh Atanga,
Elvis Fon Tata,
Kenneth Yongabi Anchang
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 1-1, February 2015
Pages:
21-23
Received:
24 December 2014
Accepted:
28 December 2014
Published:
15 February 2015
Abstract: In Cameroon, we have not yet experienced any outbreak of Ebola Virus disease. But Cameroon’s closest neighbor, Nigeria, has that experience. Cameroon is strategically located in Africa with a geography and behavioral pattern that is similar with all the Ebola infected countries. In this paper, a proposed strategic nursing care protocol such as: Surveillance and notification plan, hospital and human resource re-enforcement plan, how strategic nursing care with respect to community mobilization of resources should be planned, in anticipation of any Ebola outbreak in the country is provided in the form of a proposal to be adopted in case of a sudden outbreak.
Abstract: In Cameroon, we have not yet experienced any outbreak of Ebola Virus disease. But Cameroon’s closest neighbor, Nigeria, has that experience. Cameroon is strategically located in Africa with a geography and behavioral pattern that is similar with all the Ebola infected countries. In this paper, a proposed strategic nursing care protocol such as: Sur...
Show More
-
Can We Exploit and Adapt Indigenous Knowledge and Ethno -Botanicals for a Healthy Living in the Face of Emerging Diseases Like Ebola in Africa
Kenneth Anchang Yongabi,
Laura. DeLuca,
Keto Mshigeni,
Suki K. K. Mwendwa,
Alex Dudley,
Francisca Nambu Njuakom
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 1-1, February 2015
Pages:
24-28
Received:
24 December 2014
Accepted:
28 December 2014
Published:
15 February 2015
Abstract: In this essay, we attempted to catalogue and describe African indigenous knowledge, in contributing to sustainable health development in Sub Saharan Africa. In the face of poverty and threats of diseases such as ebola.We also describe how biotechnology can enhance cultural mechanism for improved health care. A snap shot of certain cultural habits that promote disease dissemination that would have to be modified is described. This report is basically a descriptive essay and partly based on a survey and collection of indigenous practices in Cameroon, and some cultures across countries in SSA. Some of the traditional knowledge relevant to disease transmission and control may form basis for experimentation, validation, development and application of appropriate medical biotechnologies for cheap, low tech disease control strategies and healthy living through a number of ethnobotanicals medicines, such as Occimum basilicum popularly called holy basil and in Kom language known as afuaih toh by many ethnicities of the Tikar in Ghana, Uganda, Gabon, parts of Kenya and Tanzania, Equitorial Guinea, Ethiopia, and Madagascar, who believe that the aromatic smell it emits dispels not only evil spirits but certain diseases such as HIV, Ebola and disease vectors. Such indigenous knowledge and science, with simple skills and familiarity, applied as an innovative approach to hygiene, medical challenges and disease control. Understand the practices, and see how to introduce interventions (incremental interventions), with existing indigenous knowledge enhanced with present science and technology, which you see can be applied to resolving present and possible outbreaks like Ebola. Generally called Macepo, tribes in Bukuru in northern Nigeria often used it to preserve dead bodies in remote villages where neither hospital nor morgue exist for days pending burial. Could scientific attention validate the use of African indigenous knowledge in Ebola prevention or future emerging diseases so that Africans can carry out safe burials within the context of their culture without risk of disease spread? We noted the believe amongst most ethnic groups regarding the use of Occimum basilicum, and leaf powder of some indigenous plants as a preservative for corpse or crops and insect repellent.This could serve as excellent platforms for mitigation and control of outbreaks such as Ebola.
Abstract: In this essay, we attempted to catalogue and describe African indigenous knowledge, in contributing to sustainable health development in Sub Saharan Africa. In the face of poverty and threats of diseases such as ebola.We also describe how biotechnology can enhance cultural mechanism for improved health care. A snap shot of certain cultural habits t...
Show More
-
Laboratory Diagnostic Tools for Checking Ebola Viral Infections in Africa
Polycarp Chia,
Elvis Fon Tatah,
Kenneth Yongabi
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 1-1, February 2015
Pages:
29-32
Received:
24 December 2014
Accepted:
28 December 2014
Published:
15 February 2015
Abstract: EBOV share many symptoms with a lot of common diseases, so only a well trained Laboratorian can properly collect samples, handle, do differential diagnosis and contain the disease. Quality assurance and control should be on-going in medical Laboratyories. BSL-4 laboratories should be built in African countries where this disease is prevalent. The government should develop a maintenance culture for the infrastructure. Maximum containment is needed when working with this virus as 90% of infected people die.
Abstract: EBOV share many symptoms with a lot of common diseases, so only a well trained Laboratorian can properly collect samples, handle, do differential diagnosis and contain the disease. Quality assurance and control should be on-going in medical Laboratyories. BSL-4 laboratories should be built in African countries where this disease is prevalent. The g...
Show More
-
Preliminary Case Reports of Dietary Supplementation from Cameroonian Traditional Food Plants for the Therapeutic Management of HIV/AIDs Patients: Adapting Such Lessons for Clinical Management of Hemorrhagic Syndromes
Kenneth Anchang Yongabi,
Florence Titu Manjong,
Mary Chia Garba,
Daniel Martinez-Carrera
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 1-1, February 2015
Pages:
33-37
Received:
25 December 2014
Accepted:
30 December 2014
Published:
27 February 2015
Abstract: This is a preliminary case reports of the healing potential of Cameroonian traditional foods used since time immemorial and now used to enhance the immune systems of patients of HIV patients with lessons that can be applied in the clinical management of Ebola hemorrhagic fevers. Dietary supplements was made from 0.9% salt and aqueous extracts of Flammiluna spp, Termytomyes titanicus and Pleurotus ostreatus.These macrofungi have been used in African traditional medicine and traditional diets for the management of HIV /AIDS and its accompanying opportunistic infections amongst tribes in north west Cameroon. The study indicated that the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in North West region of Cameroon is increasing with girls and women having the highest rate of infection (60%) with increasing shortage of antiretroviral drugs especially in the rural areas of that region.Approximately,95% of patients encountered in this study even when receiving antiretroviral drugs still depend on Traditional medicines. More than 98% of patients in the rural areas who are seropositive but with a CD4 counts of more than 400 cells/ml sustain their lives on African nutritional supplements and traditional medicines.Phytobiotechnology Research laboratories documented 23 mushroom species belonging to 23 families used in various therapeutic preparation for the management of HIV/AIDS in rural North west region of Cameroon. From this Flammiluna, Termitomyces and pleurotus were selected as they are frequently used and available.They were extracted and used in combination in the management of HIV/AIDS patients at the Phytobiotechnology Research Clinic. From 1000 patients who consented through an ethical clearance process to follow the intervention,600 were already receiving antiretroviral drugs from the regional hospital,while on this supplements an increase of CD4 counts(Facs count method,Beckton Dickenson) by 85% was observed with a 94% decrease in Viral loads(Viral load machine,ABI Prism 7300,Biocentric method applied).For the 400 patients who were not qualify to receive ART, a 95% increase in CD4 counts and 95% decrease in Viral loads were recorded. In all study groups,an 80% increase in body weight, clearance of frequent fevers, dysentery and diarrhea symptoms ceased.Haematological analyses indicated 70% in White blood cell counts with a balance neutrophils and lymphocyte counts. Conclusions from this studies stresses the potentials of medicinal food supplementation in the effective management of HIV/AIDS with potential application to other viral diseases such as Ebola hemorrhagic fevers in Africa.
Abstract: This is a preliminary case reports of the healing potential of Cameroonian traditional foods used since time immemorial and now used to enhance the immune systems of patients of HIV patients with lessons that can be applied in the clinical management of Ebola hemorrhagic fevers. Dietary supplements was made from 0.9% salt and aqueous extracts of F...
Show More
-
Considerations for African Hospitals and Care Systems of the Future in the Face of Emerging Infectious Diseases Like Ebola
Kenneth Anchang Yongabi,
Judith Abit Nota,
Gilbert Nota Teko
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 1-1, February 2015
Pages:
38-45
Received:
28 December 2014
Accepted:
31 December 2014
Published:
28 February 2015
Abstract: In this paper, we attempt to discuss ideas for a radical shift in health care practice in Africa that underpins the complexity of the African environment. We note that despite increasing financial support in the control of infectious diseases in Africa, the endemicity and emergence of new diseases are still unabated. Taking lessons from the current Ebola outbreak, treatment and maximum containment, African medics require a re-training and reorganization professionally to abate future epidemics. We noted that innovative clinical techniques in intensive health care, diagnosis, clinical counseling, and treatment as well as prevention are critical elements to build on for effective management of Ebola. We also provide suggestions for a culture driven health care infrastructure in the predictions and management of future outbreaks of diseases such as Ebola. Future directions on hospital wastewater treatment in health care centers using small scale anaerobic digesters and the use of traditional phytodisinfectants as low cost strategies to reduce dissemination of pathogens onto the environment are discussed.
Abstract: In this paper, we attempt to discuss ideas for a radical shift in health care practice in Africa that underpins the complexity of the African environment. We note that despite increasing financial support in the control of infectious diseases in Africa, the endemicity and emergence of new diseases are still unabated. Taking lessons from the current...
Show More
