Microbiological Analysis of Sachet Drinking Water Marketed at Two Sites in Aliero; Kebbi State; Nigeria

Sachet drinking water; often called as 'pure water' is generally accepted safe for consumption. Ten brands of sachet water are mainly marketed at Kebbi State University of Science et Technology (KSUST) campus and Onion Market of Aliero (AOM). Seven of these are NAFDAC registered. Bacteriological analysis of 50 samples of each of the sachet drinking water samples was carried out to determine the potability of the sampled water. Standard conventional methods were employed for the detection of coliforms (viable count; presumptive coliform count by multiple tube method and confirm coliforms count) and other bacteria. Biochemical analysis as well as microscopic examination was performed for sediments and other debris and/or bacteria; protozoa and other fungal hyphae. Bacteriological analysis of the samples from both sites revealed the presence of pathogens (log 10cfu/ml) viz. Shigella spp. (3.41; 3.31); Salmonella spp. (2.10; 2.05); Staphylococcus aureus (5.04; 5.09); Streptococcus spp. (4.76; 4.80); Bacillus spp. (5.12; 5.10); E. coli (2.0; 1.93) and Yeasts (3.13; 4.00). Most of the sachet water brands fell below WHO drinking water standards and are therefore; of doubtful quality. Out of the ten brand samples tested; four samples showed the presence of contamination in the form of high number of coliforms and occurrence of intestinal pathogens.This indicates that the 'pure water' available in the University campus and Onion market are unfit for human consumption due to their inability to meet up with NAFDAC (2010) and WHO (2011) standard. Efforts need to be intensified in the monitoring of activities in this rapidly expanding industry with a view to raising standards

Free Flap Surgery at Mengo Hospital; Uganda - A Review of The First 19 Consecutive Microvascular Free Tissue Transfers

Background: Microvascular free tissue transfer is an important method for reconstructing complex surgical and traumatic defects; allowing single stage reconstruction in most instances. This study reviews the first 19 consecutive free tissue transfer (free flap) reconstructions at Mengo hospital; Department of Plastic and Reconstructive surgery. Methods: A retrospective review of the first 19 surgical reconstructions using microvascular free tissue (free flap) transfer techniques from 2005 to date was done. Results: 10 males and 8 females have had surgical reconstructions with free flaps during this period. Average age of patients was 23yrs; ranging from 7 years to 42 years. The majority of reconstructions were in the head and neck region (n=14; 74Background: Microvascular free tissue transfer is an important method for reconstructing complex surgical and traumatic defects; allowing single stage reconstruction in most instances. This study reviews the first 19 consecutive free tissue transfer (free flap) reconstructions at Mengo hospital; Department of Plastic and Reconstructive surgery. Methods: A retrospective review of the first 19 surgical reconstructions using microvascular free tissue (free flap) transfer techniques from 2005 to date was done. Results: 10 males and 8 females have had surgical reconstructions with free flaps during this period. Average age of patients was 23yrs; ranging from 7 years to 42 years. The majority of reconstructions were in the head and neck region (n=14; 74) followed by lower limb (n=3; 16) and upper limb reconstructions (n=2; 10). Indications for reconstructions using free flaps included extensive loss of scalp; extensive loss of soft tissue following open tibial fractures; bomb blast injuries to the face; Noma; Romberg's disease; ameloblastoma. Overall flap survival rate of 79. Head and neck reconstructions flap survival rate of 83.3; lower limb and upper limb free flap survival rates of 33.3and 100respectively

Lavage Drain Extension for Local Anaesthetic Instillation into Abdominal Wounds

BACKGROUND. A new device made by ThebeMedicare allows efficient local anaesthetic washout of wound areas; by utilising an attachment to an existing drain. The aim of this trial was to explore 'proof of concept' in patients undergoing abdominoplasty procedures. PATIENTS AND METHODS. Thirty-one patients who had undergone abdominoplasty procedures were selected for instillation of a local anaesthetic preparation; ropivacaine (Naropin; AstraZeneca) into the wound site on day 1 and 2 after surgery; followed by early mobilisation. Efficacy of the system; patient comfort and mobilisation were documented. RESULTS. The abdominoplasty patients experienced no discomfort from the procedure and claimed effective relief of pain for an average of 12 hours following instillation of local anaesthetic. All mobilised effectively. The device worked well; with no technical problems. CONCLUSION. The lavage drain extension has proved to be a cost-effective and efficient way of providing postoperative pain control and promoting early mobilisation in this patient group