Patient compliance with tuberculosis treatment in Ghana: Factors influencing adherence to therapy in a rural service programme

Data from two questionnaires held in 1985 and 1987 among 68 and 49 PTB patients respectively; revealed that many patients visited healing churches but few admitted having consulted traditional healers; that financial expenses for transport outweighed hospital charges; that lower educational levels were not associated with poorer compliance to therapy; that health education had improved significantly in two years time. It is concluded that intervention with liaison health workers and simple health education results in improved outcome in rural service tuberculosis programme

Pulmonary Tuberculosis complicated by Broncho-Pleural Fistula

Closed Chest Drainage has been virtually the only form of surgery in Pulmonary Tuberculosis over the last 10 years; due to Broncho-Pleural Fistula complicating Pulmonary Tuberculosis. We report 8 cases of this condition treated in our hospital over the last 5 years; and an attempt is made to estimate the relative importance of surgery and other forms of treatment

Sero-Diagnosis of tuberculosis with A-60 Antigen ELISA: Failure in HIV-Infected individuals in Ghana

It is concluded that the A60 ELISA test to diagnose fails in patients infected with HIV

Monoclonal ELISA to detect active tuberculosis

Serological tests have not lived up to expectations; despite enormous efforts over the last decade. Results differ not only according to the antigen used; but also according to the population tested. We have found that the A60 antigen IgG ELISA test; reported to give good results; failed in patients co-infected with HIV

Buruli ulcer in Ashanti Region; Ghana

We describe a series of 96 cases of Mycobacterium ulcerans infection (Buruli ulcer) from a new endemic focus in the Afram valley; north of Agogo; in Ghana. 63 cases were children under 13 years old. Active treatment by excision and skin grafting necessitates long stays in hospital and repeated procedures. Scarring and contracture are frequent. Eyes and other vital organs may be destroyed. In its endemic foci Buruli ulcer is a serious health burden on rural populations. Research is urgently needed; especially in prevention and non-surgical management

Buruli ulcer in West Africa

We agree that treatment of Buruli ulcer needs research. We have also been impressed by the disappointing outcome of treatment and the devastating complications; such as joint contracture in 17 patients and invasion of the orbit in 4; with loss of an eye in 2