Ceftriaxone versus ampicillin/cloxacillin as antibiotic prophylaxis in elective caesarean section

We carried out a prospective, r and omized, controlled clinical trial to evaluate the clinical efficacy of ceftriaxone and ampicillin/cloxacillin prophylaxis in decreasing the frequency of post-caesarean section infection-related morbidity. Two hundred patients randomly received either ceftriaxone [single dose] or ampicillin/cloxacillin [3 doses] intravenously at induction of anaesthesia. There was no statistical difference in incidence of endometritis [P = 0.34], wound infection [P = 0.44], or other febrile morbidity [P = 0.5]. Eleven babies had a low Apgar score [< 8] in the ceftriaxone group and 13 in the ampicillin/cloxacillin group [P = 0.82].There were 2 perinatal deaths in each group. One dose of ceftriaxone was as effective as ampicillin/ cloxacillin in preventing post-caesarean section complications and is easier to administer

Infertility in Africa

Infertility constitutes an important public health problem in Africa since high prevalence rates exist in many African countries where it is not regarded only as an individual tragedy but also a social stigma that can lead to family disruption. Demographic, epidemiological and clinical data have emphasized the high rates of both primary and secondary infertility in Africa. The WHO standardized multicentre investigation of the infertile couple has established the preponderance of infection-related causes as the important etiological factors for infertility in Africa. STD, post-partum and post-abortion infection are considered to be the main afflictions that are prevalent in the African health scene and lead to tubal blockage and infertility. Since the management of infertility due to tubal blockage requires expensive and advanced technological skills, the emphasis should be directed to prevention of infertility due to infection. Sexually Transmitted Disease control and educational programmes, together with improved obstetric delivery care and provision of FP services will go a long way to reduce the high rates of infertility in Africa