Current management of acute ischemic stroke in Africa: A review of the literature

Abstract

Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability, dementia, and mortality worldwide. It is a medical emergency characterized by the interruption or reduction of the flow through brain blood vessels, leading to poor perfusion of brain tissue [1]. The three main types of stroke are ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and transient ischemic attack. Whereas the global age-standardized stroke mortality rates reduced remarkably between the years 1990 and 2016, the opposite took place in Africa, which has witnessed a rate of about 316 per 100,000 persons per annum, with a prevalence of 1460 per 100,000 persons and a mortality incidence of >80% within 3 years of the disease onset [2]. About 70% of all deaths and 87% of disabilities associated with a stroke episode between 1970 and 2010 were linked to

Leishmaniasis control in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa

“…Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) plays a vital role in the continuance of transmission levels and the dissemination of the disease, particularly in urban areas [ 8 , [22] , [23] , [24] , [25] ]. Therefore, successful control of this disease is an onerous task.…”

Leptospirosis outbreak in Tanzania: An alarming situation

“…Raising awareness of the causes and transmission mechanisms of leptospirosis and its epidemiology among healthcare workers and the general population is mandatory as an important strategy for the control and prevention of the disease [ 15 , [19] , [20] , [21] ]. This can be done effectively through mass education within the community by initiating public awareness campaigns, social media posters, and television and radio sessions addressing proper control and preventive measures [ 22 , 23 , 30 ].…”

Challenges of addressing neglected tropical diseases amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa: A case of Chagas Disease

“…In addition to the usual symptoms of CD (i.e., fever, fatigue, body ache, headache), co-infection with COVID-19 contributed to dysregulated immunothrombosis, triggering a considerable change in management as anticoagulants were now included [ 6 , 15 ]. Some studies also suggested possible cardiovascular involvement as a complication in co-infected patients, putting individuals at greater risk of prolonged hospitalisation and increased mortality [ 2 ].…”

“…CD and the COVID-19 pandemic are both multi-systemic diseases that can impact various internal organs, including the cardiovascular, central nervous [ [13] , [14] , [15] , [16] , [17] , [18] ], and digestive systems [ 4 ].…”

“…In chronic phases, parasites reside in solid organs like the heart, leading to cardiomyopathies in 30% of cases, and gastrointestinal structures such as the oesophagus and colon in 10% of cases. Patients with CD are also at higher risk of contracting COVID-19, which may lead to increased co-morbidities [ 5 , [13] , [14] , [15] , [16] , [17] , [18] ].…”