Molecular epidemiology of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Kadun State

Objective: To determine the distribution of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes and subtypes among blood donors and outpatients attendees positive for antibody to HCV (anti-HCV). Justification: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) continues to be a major disease burden on the world and Man is the only known natural host of Hepatitis C virus (Chivaliez and Pawlotsky; 2007). There is no published data on the prevalence of the genotypes and subtypes of HCV in Kaduna State. Setting: Three hospitals one in each of the 3 senatorial zones in Kaduna State. Patients: Blood donors who reported for blood donation and outpatient department attendees. Method: Antibody detection by a third generation HCV ELISA (Biotech Laboratories; UK); HCV RNA and genotyping by Reverse Transcriptase polymerase chain reaction with genotype-specific primers. (Sacace Biotechnologies; UK). Results: of the 259 plasma specimens screened for Hepatitis C virus in this study; 20(7.7) were positive for anti-HCV antibodies by ELISA and 16(6.2) of the antibodies positive specimen were positive for HCV RNA. Of the 139 blood donors tested; 8 (5.8) were HCV RNA positive. Similarly; 120 were tested from the outpatient Department attendees and 8 (6.7) were HCV RNA positive. Hepatitis C virus genotype 1b was found in the entire HCV RNA positive sample. Conclusions: The findings of 6.2prevalence of HCV infection based on HCV RNA test confirmed that there is Hepatitis C virus in Kaduna State with genotype 1b as the predominant genotype found in all the three senatorial zones

Prostatic Fossa Gauze-Packing in the Prevention of Blood Clot Obstruction of the Bladder after Transvesical Prostatectomy

BACKGROUND: Clot obstruction often complicates transvesical prostatectomy. Any measure that prevents this will be a great relief to both surgeon and patient. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate that packing the prostatic fossa with roller gauze bandage after transvesical prostatectomy can prevent post-operative clot blockage of bladder drainage. METHODS: Charts of all patients who had transvesical prostatectomy at Jasman Hospital Udo by me from 1988 to 1997 were sorted into two groups ; Group A; not packed and Group B; packed. Information sought included patient's age; type of prostatectomy performed; whether the prostatic fossa was packed or not ; average duration of catheter drainage; and complications. RESULTS: There were 68 patients who had no fossa packing and 72 in Group B with fossa packing. The age range of the two groups A and B were respective 45-85year-old and 50-83 years. In both groups the highest number of patients was in the 60 t0 79 age bracket (48 in group A ; 70; and 56 in group B (78). Bladder blockage occurred in 32(47) patients without packing and none (0) in group B with packing. Average duration of bladder drainage was 14 days in each group. There was no persisting vesico-cutaneous fistula. Temporary urinary incontinence occurred in three (3) patients who had no packing and in five (7) with packing. CONCLUSION: Gauze-packing of the prostatic fossa during transvesical prostatectomy can prevent bladder obstruction from clot retention without undue complications