scholarly journals Assessment of Bacterial Profile of Ocular Infections among Subjects Undergoing Ivermectin Therapy in Onchocerciasis Endemic Area in Nigeria

Author(s):  
Okeke-Nwolisa, Benedictta Chinweoke ◽  
Enweani, Ifeoma Bessie ◽  
Oshim, Ifeanyi Onyema ◽  
Urama, Evelyn Ukamaka ◽  
Olise, Augustina Nkechi ◽  
...  

Bacteria are the major contributor of ocular infections worldwide. This can damage the structures of the eye with possible blindness and visual impairments, if left untreated. This study was undertaken   to determine bacterial agents of conjunctivitis among individuals from onchocerciasis endemic area in Anambra State, Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional study involving ninety-two (92) randomly recruited  test  subjects  undergoing ivermectin therapy aged between 11-80 years with signs and symptoms of  onchocerciasis infection and bacterial conjunctivitis at Isu-Anaocha community in  Anambra state between October and November, 2016. Ninety-two (92) apparently healthy subjects without signs and symptoms of onchocerciasis and bacterial conjunctivitis with normal vision, within the age of 11-80 years from the same community were used as control subjects, making a total of 184 participants. Visual acuity test was conducted on the participants using Snellen’s alphabet chart and illiterate E   chart.  Phenotypic   and antibiotic susceptibility tests of these isolates were   carried out according to  Kirby - Bauer disc diffusion method guidelines. In the test group, 22 out of 92 conjunctival samples yielded bacterial growth, giving percentage prevalence of 23.9%, with age group 41-50 years having the highest frequency 7(31.8%) among individuals co-infected with onchocerciasis infection whereas 72 out of 92 conjunctival samples in the control group yielded bacterial growth giving percentage prevalence of 78.3%, with age group 41-50 years having the highest frequency 35(37.2%) among individuals that had  no signs and symptoms of onchocerciasis infection. The predominant bacteria isolated was Staphylococcus   aureus 8(36%) in the test group and 20 (28%) in the control group, giving a total of 28 (30%). Other bacterial isolates were Streptococcus pneumoniae 17 (18%), Staph. epidermidis 15 (16%), Escherichia coli 13(14%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 12(13%) and Salmonella spp. 9(9%). Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed that Gentamicin and fluoroquinolones are most active against Gram positive bacteria in conjunctivitis while Augmentin was found to be the most active against Gram negative organisms, therefore, recommended as first line drug. Visual acuity (VA) test done on the test group showed that 52 (57%) persons had   normal vision, 20 (22%) had mild visual impairment, 15 (16%) had moderate visual impairment, 5(5%) had severe visual impairment but none was blind. All forms of visual impairment are not wholly attributable to bacterial conjunctivitis as some could be due to ageing and uncorrected refractive errors.

Author(s):  
Shetty Jeevan

Objective: This study was undertaken to establish a cutoff significant titer for Widal test using healthy volunteers as control group. Utilizing the baseline titer obtained from the control group, a diagnosis of typhoid fever was made in the test group comprising outpatients and inpatients. Methods: Blood samples were collected from healthy volunteers and patients attending G.S Medical College and Hospital, Pilkhuwa, over a period of 6 months from September 2016 to March 2017. Antibodies to Salmonella typhi (TO, TH) and Paratyphi A (AH) and Paratyphi B (BH) are determined by this tube agglutination test. A total of 124 healthy controls and 303 patients having clinical suspicion of typhoid fever were subjected to Widal test. Results: In healthy control group, titer TO ≥20 was observed in 43 (34.7%), TO ≥40 in 48 (38.7%), TO≥80 in 25 (20.2%), and titer TO ≥160, TO ≥320 was observed in none of the control group. Titer TH ≥40 in 58 (46.8%), AH ≥40 in 7 (5.6%), and BH ≥40 in 13 (10.5%) were observed in the control group. Among the test group, 96 (31.7%) sera were positive out of 303 clinically suspected enteric fever by the Widal test. Among different age group studied, 34 (46.6%) patients belonged to the age group of 11-20 years which formed the highest followed by the age group of 21-30 years (33.3%). Conclusion: Based on the study, a cutoff titer of ≥160 for anti-O and anti-H antibodies and titer of ≥80 for anti-AH and anti-BH antibodies be considered as significant titer in diagnosis of enteric fever in this region. The baseline titer helps in early recognition and treatment of this serious health problem.


QJM ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 113 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A S Alonazi ◽  
S M Kamal ◽  
G G Alanazi ◽  
K A Abassam ◽  
B G A Albassam ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The identification of semen stain is one of the most common human stains that can provide crucial information for crime scene reconstruction and forensic investigation. In sexual assault cases semen identification helps to prove victim’s allegations it also provides a material for DNA analysis that generate the genetic profile of the alleged suspect. The rapid Stain Identification of Human Semen (RSIDTM-Semen) bioassay is designed to detect specifically the presence of human semenogelin. Test development is completed within 10 minutes and can detect as little as 2.5 nL of human semen and it does not cross-react with other human or nonhuman tissues. The detection protocol can be completely integrated into the procedures for DNA extraction and analysis. Aim To assess the efficacy of RSIDTM – Semen strip test for the detection of human semen under some different variables (different fabrics, different time intervals and mixed with vaginal secretions) in order to be used in the routine forensic work of sexual assault cases and for further personal identification. Methodology: Semen samples were collected from four male participants. Vaginal specimens were collected from four female participants on cotton, linen or nylon-tipped swabs (2 swabs from each female). Each semen sample was divided into two portions; one used for semen only test group and the other mixed with vaginal secretions for the mixed test group. One of the fabrics tipped vaginal swab was mixed with semen for the mixed test group and the other used as a positive control group to test the sensitivity and specificity of the RSIDTM – Semen strip. The semen samples were deposited over different fabrics at the same time. All the samples were left to dry for 15 minutes at room temperature then extracted and analyzed according to the protocol designed for The Rapid Stain Identification Test (RSIDTM – Semen). The collected samples were studied as two test groups and one control group. Each of the previous groups, was categorized into 4 subgroups (a, b, c and d) according to the time interval of semen extraction (zero (on the spot), 2, 4, 6 and 10 days respectively). Results Semen could be identified in 100% of tested samples of the semen only group as well as of the combined semen and vagina group over cotton and linen fabrics at all the different tested time intervals. However, semen extracted from nylon fabric was identified in tested samples of the semen only group and of the combined semen and vagina group only at zero time only and couldn’t be identified at the rest of tested time intervals. Conclusion the current study evidenced that the new RSIDTM-semen kit is a reliable method for semen identification over different types of fabrics even in the presence of vaginal secretions. It also resists environmental factors up to 10 days. Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is A chronic inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). IBD comprises Crohn’s disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC). Patients with CD and UC may present with variety of clinical presentations according to the activity of the disease. The treatment of IBD varies according to degree of activity. The demographics and clinical patterns of IBD have not been adequately studies in Saudi Arabia. Thus, the current study investigated the clinical presentation, course and outcome of IBD in a hospital in the Central region, Saudi Arabia. Methodology This prospective study included 92 patients from December 1, 2017, to August 31, 2018. The study constituted clinical history, screening through surveys that consisted of open ended and closed ended questions, and physical and laboratory assessment. Result There was no significant gender difference presents by male to female (M: F) 20:21 in UC and 23:28 in CD. The study showed that the most affected age group was the 4th decade in age group 31 to 40 years old represent that 56%. The most common presenting symptoms in active ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease were diarrhea, abdominal pain , weight loss, headache and fever. The study patients presented in different stages according to Montreal classification with the highest prevalence in Montreal stage two by 16.30% in UC and 22.82% in CD. Among patients with diarrhea, the vast majority due to infectious cause followed by UC the CD. Arthralgia’s, arthritis and ophthalmic manifestations were the most frequent extra-intestinal manifestations. Conclusion As progression of IBD in Saudi Arabia the health organization should research more in IBD and the cause of increase it’s incidence


2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pravin M Bhat

Allergic conjunctivitis is a common ophthalmic problem predominantly affecting the outdoor workers. The eyes are exposed to different environmental factors. The eye and eyelids are very common sites for allergic reactions. About 50% of conjunctivitis seen by primary physicians is allergic in nature. Vataj Abhishyanda is a clinical entity which can be correlated with allergic conjunctivitis. Triphala Ghrita Aschyotan helps to relieve the symptoms of Vataj Abhishyand w.r.t allergic conjunctivitis. Triphala Ghrita is a Vyadhi Pratyanik Dravya and helpful in topical eye allergies. Aim: To study the role and efficacy of Triphala Ghrita Aschyotan in Vataj Abhishyanda w.r. t. allergic conjunctivitis. Materials and Method: A total 60 patients of the age group 15-60 years presenting with signs and symptoms of Vataj Abhishyanda w.r.t allergic conjunctivitis were selected randomly from OPD of the department of Shalakyatantra, Government Ayurved College, Nanded (M.S.) within inclusion criteria and were treated in two groups. The 30 patients of trial group were treated with Triphala Ghrita Aschyotana and patients of control group in similar number were subjected to Ketotifen Fumarate eye drop. Results: The trial drug Triphala Ghrita is equally effective as compared to Ketotifen eye drop. Trial drug provided more relief in symptoms like Sangharsha (Itching of eyes), which is the parameter of efficacy. Conclusion:Triphala Ghrita Aschyotan is an effective, safe and potent treatment of Vataj Abhishyanda w.r.t allergic conjunctivitis. 


Author(s):  
Sushma Goad ◽  
Anita Verma ◽  
Subhash Chandra

Background: To Study Serum Uric Acid level elevation in Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy. Methods: 50 Patients diagnosed as having Pre-eclampsia with age between 18-37 years and 50 controls with similar age group. Results: The mean serum uric acid level in control group was 3.41 ± 0.62 and in patient 7.01 ± 0.58 which was statistically significant (p =0.001). Conclusion: Serum uric acid levels were significantly higher in preeclampsia could be a useful indicator of fetal complication in preeclampsia patients. Keywords: serum uric acid, preeclampsia, laboratory.


Author(s):  
VARSHA PALLED ◽  
DR. JITENDRA RAO ◽  
DR. RAGHUWAR DAYAL SINGH ◽  
DR. SHUCHI TRIPATHI ◽  
DR. KALPANA SINGH ◽  
...  

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) improves the healing of the implant surgical site with clinical and biochemical parameters.Thirty patients with an edentulous space spanning a single tooth were selected. The patients were randomly allocated to two groups - the control group and the test group. The test group received laser energy at a power of 2J/cm 2 with a total of 4-6J energy over each implant. Clinical parameters (Implant Stability Quotient, probing index, modified sulcus bleeding index)and osteoprotegerin (OPG) were assessed at baseline and follow-up intervals (2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months).The test group showed significantly higher implant stability quotient compared to thecontrol group at 2 weeks(57.93±3.95 and 35.67±3.08; p<0.01) and 3months(58.86±3.75 and 67.06±3.78; p<0.01). A significant rise in OPG levels of the test group(686.30±125.36pg/ml at baseline and 784.25±108.30pg/ml at 3months;p<0.01) was seen contrary to significant decline in the control group (839.50±249.08pg/ml at baseline,415.30±78.39pg/ml at 3months;p<0.01). Within the limitations of the study, the study suggests that the healing of peri-implant hard and soft tissues may be enhanced with the use of LLLT as an explicit modality during the post-operative period.


2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 22
Author(s):  
Nazli Zainuddin ◽  
Nurul Azira Mohd Shah ◽  
Rosdan Salim

Introduction: The role of virgin coconut oil in the treatment of allergic rhinitis is controversial. Thus, the aim of the present study is to determine the effects of virgin coconut oil ingestion, in addition to standard medications, on allergic rhinitis. We also studied the side effects of consumption of virgin coconut oil. Methods: Fifty two subjects were equally divided into test and control groups. All subjects received a daily dose of 10mg of loratadine for 28 days. The test group was given 10ml of virgin coconut oil three times a day in addition to loratadine. The symptoms of allergic rhinitis were scored at the beginning and end of the study. Results:, the symptom score were divided into nasal and non-nasal symptom scores. Sneezing score showed a significant difference, however the score was more in control group than test group, indicating that improvement in symptom was more in control group. The rest of the nasal symptom and non-nasal symptom score showed no significant difference between test and control groups. Approximately 58% of the test subjects developed side effects from consumption of virgin coconut oil, mainly gastrointestinal side effects. Conclusion: In the present study, ingestion of virgin coconut oil does not improve the overall and individual symptoms of allergic rhinitis, furthermore it has side effects.


Author(s):  
M.T. SABITOV ◽  
A.R. FARKHUTDINOVA ◽  
M.G. MALIKOVA ◽  
N.G. FENCHENKO ◽  
N.I. KHAIRULLINA ◽  
...  

Изучена целесообразность использования в рационах телят черно-пестрой породы комплексной минерально-витаминной кормовой добавки (КМВКД). Установлено пониженное содержание в кормах таких элементов, как кальций, фосфор, магний, сера, марганец, медь, цинк и кобальт. Соотношение питательных и минеральных веществ, степень их доступности для усвоения организмом не обеспечивают их потребность. Использование КМВКД способствовало улучшению всех гематологических показателей. Все испытываемые рецепты, имеющие в своем составе разные варианты макро-, микроэлементов и витаминов положительно влияют на обменные про- цессы в организме животных. У молодняка опытной группы, получавшей подкормку по рецепту 1, количество эритроцитов в сравнении с животными контрольной группы увеличилось на 6,6, гемоглобина на 6,93 соответственно, по рецепту 2 11,05 и 11,39 по рецепту 3 16,75 и 15,27, то есть соотношение макро- и микроэлементов, имеющихся в составе КМВКД и взаимодействие между собой меди, железа и кобальта сыграли особую роль на концентрацию форменных элементов. У молодняка, получавшего подкормку по рецепту 1 количество общего белка в сравнении с животными контрольной группы увеличилось на 1,99, кальция на 16,02, каротина на 10,92 соответственно, по рецепту 2 4,91, 25,96 и 19,12 по рецепту 3 на 3,58, 27,07 и 20,21. Значительное повышение содержания белка, кальция, фосфора и каротина по сравнению с животными контрольной группы объясняется тем, что недостаток их в рационах восполнялся за счет используемой подкормки, в результате их содержание увеличилось в сыворотке, но не выходило за пределы нормативных данных и соответствовало физиологическим нормам.Practicability of using a complex mineral and vitamin feed additive (CMVFA) in the ration of black-and-white calf breed was studied. Decreased content of such elements as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sulfur, manganese, copper, zinc, and cobalt was registered. The correlation of nutritive and mineral substances, and the level of their availability for digestion did not provide for their need. CMVFA use facilitated the increase of all hematologic parameters. Tested recipes which had different content of sapropel and zeolite, as well as various types of macronutrients, microelements, and vitamins, positively influenced the digestive processes in animal bodies. Young stock from the test group that was receiving food additives according to recipe No. 1 showed 6.6 increase in the quantity of red blood cells compared to control group animals, and 6.93 increase in hemoglobin quantity the ones who were fed according to recipe No. 2 demonstrated the increase by 11.05 and 11.39 recipe No. 3 showed 16.75 and 15.27 increase, which means that the ratio of macronutrients and microelements present in CMVFA and the mutual interaction of copper, iron, and cobalt played a special role in the concentration of formed elements due to the fact that they are integral elements of blood. Total protein of young stock that was receiving food additives according to recipe No. 1 was 1.99 higher than in test group animals calcium 16.02 higher carotene 10.92 as for recipe No. 2 the values were increased by 4.91, 25.96, and 19.12 recipe No. 3 3.58, 27.07, and 20.21. Substantial increase in the content of protein, calcium, phosphorus, and carotene compared to control group animals can be explained by the fact that their insufficiency in animal feed was replenished due to the use of feed additives, and as a result their content increased in the serum but did not go beyond the norm and corresponded to physiological norms.


Author(s):  
E.R. Mukhametova ◽  
A.D. Militskova ◽  
T.V. Baltina

There are many reasons for postural disorder development, but dysfunction of the cervical spine muscles is the most disputable reason. The purpose of the study is to reveal the influence of latent myogenic trigger zones of the cervical muscles on postural resistance. Materials and Methods. The authors used the method of computer posturography. Latent myogenic trigger zones (LMTZs) were determined by an indurated nodule or bundle in the neck muscle and by hyperesthesia in this zona. Assessment of postural resistance in subjects with LMTZs was carried out using standard posturography tests and Romberg test. Both classical and vector indicators were evaluated in a standard sample. Results. In fact, only vector indicators changed significantly in subjects with multiple LMTZs (4 or more). Thus, a decrease in the equilibrium function quality was established, as well as an increase in the average linear velocity of the pressure center and an increase in the normalized vectorogram area if compared with the indices in the control group and the group with sporadic LMTZs (from 1 to 3). The obtained results indicate a postural control decrease in individuals with multiple LMTZs. Subjects with sporadic LMTZs demonstrated a significant decrease in classical and a number of vector indicators, which shows the improvement in postural resistance in this test group. In Romberg test, all subjects with LMTZs, regardless of the zone number, showed an increasd Romberg coefficient. Conclusion. Multiple LMTZs of cervical muscles can reduce postural stability through increased afferentation from the cervical proprioreceptors. It is more obvious during in case of eye control elimination. Keywords: latent myogenic trigger points, postural control, posturography, Romberg test. Выделяют множество причин развития постуральных нарушений, среди которых дисфункция мышц шейного отдела позвоночника является наиболее спорной. Цель исследования. Выявить влияние латентных миогенных триггерных зон шейной мускулатуры на постуральную устойчивость. Материалы и методы. Использовался метод компьютерной стабилографии. Латентные миогенные триггерные зоны (лМТЗ) определялись по наличию в мышце шеи уплотненного узелка или пучка и по повышенной болевой чувствительности в этой области. Оценка постуральной устойчивости у испытуемых с лМТЗ осуществлялась с помощью стандартного стабилографического тестирования и теста Ромберга. В стандартной пробе оценивались как классические, так и векторные показатели. Результаты. Показано, что у испытуемых с множественными лМТЗ (4 и более) достоверно изменяются только векторные показатели. Так, установлено снижение качества функции равновесия, а также повышение средней линейной скорости центра давления и увеличение нормированной площади векторограммы по сравнению показателями в группе контроля и группе с единичными лМТЗ (от 1 до 3), что указывает на снижение постурального контроля у лиц с множественными лМТЗ. У испытуемых с единичными лМТЗ отмечено достоверное снижение классических показателей и ряда векторных, что свидетельствует об улучшении постуральной устойчивости в данной группе испытуемых. В пробе Ромберга все субъекты с лМТЗ независимо от количества последних показали повышение коэффициента Ромберга. Выводы. Множественные лМТЗ шейной мускулатуры могут снизить постуральную устойчивость через усиление афферентации от шейных проприорецепторов, что наиболее выражено при элиминации зрительного контроля. Ключевые слова: латентные миогенные триггерные точки, постуральный контроль, стабилография, тест Ромберга.


According to the Tambovagrochemcenter data, zinc deficiency in animal rations exceeds 33%. To de-termine the efficiency of ration additives 3 groups of calves were formed, one of which was control and received regular feed, first test group received additional Zinc Sulphate, and second test group received additional Zinc Bioplex. To assess the results, we take into account the following values: chemical com-position and nutritional values of the feed, body mass value, amount of immunoglobulins in blood, bio-chemical and hematological values of blood, morphological values of fur and skin. Noticeable results were achieved in 4 months, with first and second test groups receiving accordingly 3,15% and 6,13% more body mass increase over the control group. A tendency towards higher albumin concentration in both test groups was noted, and calves of the second test group had higher amounts of hemoglobin and higher concentrations of it per erythrocyte. In samples of epidermis and hairs of the second test group the papillary layer was well developed, with the amount of hair and hair follicles exceeding 7 in the field of view, with the thickness of hairs being at least 70 μm. Inner papilla of hair contained 6 to 8 layers of hair, thickness of awn hairs reaching 80-90 μm, down hairs reaching 40 μm, with the hair cortex making up more than 80% of the hair thickness. Thus, introducing zinc salts and chelated zinc compounds to the milk-fed calves’ ration, has resulted in monetary profit increases over the control group by 255,0 and 612,0 roubles accordingly. By all researched values, the highest results were reached from adding zinc bioplex with approximately 360 mg added per animal for the entire duration of the growth process.


This study presents the results of effect of a combination of bismuth subnitrate teat canal sealant (Boviseal® -Bimeda® Animal Health, Ireland) and the antibiotic Ampicillin & Cloxacillin (Bovaclox® DC-Norbrook Laboratories Ltd-UK) when used during the dry period on occurrence of mastitis 100 days post-calving. The objectives of this study were: to determine the effect of Boviseal® teat canal sealant in combination with Bovaclox® DC in control of dairy cow mastitis 100 days after calving; to determine bacterial pathogens causing mastitis in the selected farms and to determine risk factors for occurrence of dairy mastitis in the selected farms. This controlled field trial was carried out in two Kenyan dairy farms: Chemusian Farm in Nakuru County and Gicheha Farm in Kiambu County. 156 dairy cows were used in the study. Healthy cows with no history of mastitis in their current lactation were recruited. They were randomly placed into either of the two study groups: the control and the test group. The Control group received Bovaclox® DC while the Test group received the Bovaclox® DC followed by Boviseal®. The cows were followed during the entire dry period and 100 days post-calving monitoring for mastitis occurrence. Cows in the control group were more susceptible to mastitis 100 days post-calving compared to cows in the treatment group (P<0.001, RR=4.4, OR=17.7). Of the bacterial pathogens, coagulase negative Staphylococci (CNS) were the most common pathogens isolated from mastitic milk at 34.6 % followed by Micrococcus spp. (9.0%). Other bacteria isolated were Streptococcus agalactiae (3.8%), Staphylococcus aureus (1.9%); Escherichia coli (0.6%) and various bacterial mixtures. Results of logistic regressions at P≤0.05 showed that farm, position of the quarter, type of barn floor and type of treatment were significantly associated with occurrence of mastitis. Cows in Gicheha farm whose barn floor was earthen, those cows in the control group and hindquarters were risk factors for mastitis (RR=1.5, 4.4 and 1.18 respectively). The results of this study showed that Bovaclox® DC + Boviseal® teat canal sealant combination applied during the dry period is more effective in controlling bovine mastitis 100 days post-calving compared to the use of Bovaclox® DC alone. The study thus recommends the use of Bovaclox® DC + Boviseal® dry cow combination for control of bovine mastitis.


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