A Bacteriological of Make-up Tools Used in Calabar Metropolis, Cross River State, Nigeria

Sharing of make-up tools by multiple users is a possible means of transfer of fungal infections, such as dermatophytoses. With abrasion on the skin, it is possible for HIV, Hepatitis B virus, Spirochaetes and other pathogens to be carried via contaminated make-up tools, from one person to another. Using sterilized swab sticks, surfaces of make-up tools (sponge and brush) were cleansed. Materials deposited on the swab sticks were cultured aerobically on Chocolate and Cysteine Lactose Electrolyte Deficient Agar plates overnight at 37oC. After overnight aerobic incubation, the culture plates were read macroscopically for growth. Bacterial isolates were subjected to microscopic examination using Gram’s staining technique and biochemical tests (e.g. coagulase, catalase, oxidase, and motility). Results showed that the predominant bacterial growths obtained from the make-up tools were Staphylococcus aureus (51.5%), Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (25.8%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (6.2%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (16.5%). The different genera of bacteria were harvested from make-up brushes (66.2%) and make-up sponges (85.7%). There was no bacterial growth from 33.8% and 14.3% of make-up brushes and make-up sponges respectively. There was no statistical difference in terms of bacterial growth between the two tools (brush and sponge) sampled (P>0.05). This study has shown that there is a moderate possibility for the transfer of bacterial organisms (both skin flora and pathogens) from one person to another, through make-up tools, in our local communities. It is hereby recommended that health education talks should be carried out regularly among beauticians to encourage them to use disposable make-up tools with disinfectants.

Some peculiar lesions of traumatic brain injuries encountered in our practice with brief discussion-imaging manuscript

The advent of neuroimaging like computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging has facilitated the diagnosis of traumatic brain injuries. Emphasizing certain diagnostic features of some peculiar traumatic brain injuries. The following lesions of traumatic brain injuries were pictorially depicted, namely Tension pneumocephalus, Blow out orbit, Bilateral subacute subdural haematomata, Acute-onchronic subdural haematoma, Middle cranial fossa acute epidural haematoma, Traumatic basal ganglial haematoma and Acute intra-ventricular haematoma. Mount Fuji sign is typical of tension pneumocephalus while herniation of extra-ocular muscles into the maxillary sinus is diagnostic of blowout orbit. Rabbit ear appearance is observable in bilateral subacute subdural haematomata

Total Intravenous Anaesthesia in a Developing Environment

Background: Total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) is a technique of anaesthesia which has become widely popular in the developed world with the availability of computerized infusion devices and appropriate drugs making its use easy and safe for the practitioner; and acceptable; tolerable and cost-effective for the patient. Such infusion devices and new drugs are not readily available in the developing world; although in Nigeria today; infusion devices may be obtained through medical equipment companies now established in the country; and opioids are available through the National Agency for Food; Drug; Administration and Control (NAFDAC).Aim: This paper aims to discuss TIVA giving insights into its practice in a developing economy without the use of sophisticated equipment and drugs; in order to encourage practitioners to use the technique. Method : At the 1st South-South regional anaesthesia conference in Calabar in July 2004; a symposium on TIVA in a developing economy was held as part of the conference. This review utilized literature from relevant texts and that obtained through Medline search. Results: This paper discusses TIVA highlighting aspects of its use in the developed world; and presenting its rather peculiar practice in our environment without the use of sophisticated equipment and opioid analgesics. Conclusion: TIVA is a unique technique of anaesthesia which is easy to master. It is cost-effective and safe. Hence; it is possible to use what is available in the developing environment to obtain what is necessary

Total intravenous anaesthesia in a developing environment

Background: Total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) is a technique of anaesthesia which has become widely popular in the developed world with the availability of computerized infusion devices and appropriate drugs making its use easy and safe for the practitioner; and acceptable; tolerable and cost-effective for the patient. Such infusion devices and new drugs are not readily available in the developing world; although in Nigeria today; infusion devices may be obtained through medical equipment companies now established in the country; and opioids are available through the National Agency for Food; Drug; Administration and Control (NAFDAC).Aim: This paper aims to discuss TIVA giving insights into its practice in a developing economy without the use of sophisticated equipment and drugs; in order to encourage practitioners to use the technique.Method: At the 1st South-South regional anaesthesia conference in Calabar in July 2004; a symposium on TIVA in a developing economy was held as part of the conference. This review utilized literature from relevant texts and that obtained through Medline search.Results: This paper discusses TIVA highlighting aspects of its use in the developed world; and presenting its rather peculiar practice in our environment without the use of sophisticated equipment and opioid analgesics.Conclusion: TIVA is a unique technique of anaesthesia which is easy to master. It is cost-effective and safe. Hence; it is possible to use what is available in the developing environment to obtain what is necessary