Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development

B. Meel ¹

Affiliations
1 Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth 5117, ZA

Abstract

Background: South Africa is described as an African rainbow nation, not only in the color of its population, but also in the mixture of HIV infection. Three varieties of HIV infection have been distinguished: HIV-1, HIV-2, and a combination of the two. This is a matter of concern.

Objective: To highlight the problem of HIV-1 and HIV-2 (combined) infection in the Mthatha region of South Africa.

Case History: The first four cases of HIV-1/2 mixed infection were reported within a period of one year (2009). These cases were reported at Sinawe Center when people were examined after being sexually assaulted. HIV screening tests were carried out for HIV infection. Four patients were found to be positive for both HIV1 and 2. Surprisingly, one was a child of eight years old. Multiple sexual partners who were involved at some or other time with West Africans who harbored type 2 HIV could be the cause of this mixed infection. This kind of promiscuous behavior with multiple partners is called “Zonke-bonke syndrome”. The history, mode of transmission of HIV infection, and the consequences of mixed HIV infections are discussed in this case report.

Conclusion: HIV-1 and HIV-2 (mixed) infection occurs in the Mthatha region of South Africa. It is a matter of serious concern.

Keywords

HIV Type 1 and 2, Promiscuous Behavior, Multiple Partners.

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B. Meel ¹

Affiliations
1 Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth 5117, ZA

Abstract

Objective: To study the prevalence of loss of hearing among the retired mineworkers of the Transkei region of South Africa.

Method: Between May 1997 and May 2011, 2 027 ex-mineworkers were examined at the Benefit Examination Clinic, which is located in the Chest Section of Umtata General Hospital (UGH), the teaching hospital of the University of Transkei Medical School in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa.

Results: Hearing loss was indicated by 219 (54%) of the respondents, of whom 72 (33%) were between 40 and 59 years of age. Of the 182 (45%) of workers who had worked for between 10 to 19 years in the mines, 40 (22%) indicated experiencing a loss of hearing. A strong association between hearing loss and years spent mining was detected.

Conclusion: Many (54%) of the ex-mine workers from the Transkei were found to be afflicted with hearing loss. Such a health problem demands much attention from occupational hygienists and the compensation authorities.

Keywords

Noise, Hearing Loss, Mineworkers, Occupational Health, Compensation.

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B. Meel ¹

Affiliations
1 Professor, MBBS, MD, MPhil HIV/AIDS Management. Research Associate, Faculty of Health Sciences, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth 6031, ZA

Abstract

Introduction: South Africa is an African rainbow nation, not only in its color of population, but also in the mixture of HIV infection. There is all three combinations are of HIV infection such as HIV-1, HIV-2, and both of them. This is matter of concern. Objective: To highlight the problem of HIV-1 and HIV-2 (combined) infection in Mthatha region of South Africa. Case History: First time four cases of HIV-1/2, mixed infection were reported within period of 1-year (2009). They were reported at Sinawe Center for examination for their sexually assaulted. The HIV screening tests were carried out for HIV infection. There were four patients were found positive for both HIV1 & 2. Surprisingly, one was a child of 8-years of age. Multiple sexual partners some or other time crossed with West African who were harboring the type 2 HIV could be the cause of this mixed infection. This kind of promiscuous behavior with multiple partners is called as “Zonke-bonke syndrome”. The history, mode of transmission of HIV infection, and the consequences of mixed HIV infections is discussed in this case reports. Conclusion: There is prevalence of HIV-1 & HIV-2 (mixed) infection in Mthatha region of South Africa. It is a serious matter of concern.

Keywords

HIV type 1 & 2, Promiscuous behavior, and multiple partners

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