ABSTRACT
Lactation failure is known as one of the most important risk factors associated with the development of persistent diarrhea [PD]. The subjects of this study included 41 infants, of 41 respondent mothers, who are suffering PD. They were 21 females and 20 males with ages ranging from 2 to 12 months [X +/- SD, 6.7 +/- 2.5 mo]. Nutritional and immunomicrobiological assessement was tried at initial diagnosis of PD, and one month after established relactation. A statistically significant improvement of all nutritional parameters, except pallor, hypotonia and length/age, was observed. Abnormal findings detected in stool examination and culture, before relactation, in the form of visible blood, pus cells, RBCs, reducing substances, acidity and pathogenic organisms disappeared significantly, one month after established relactation. A statistically significant rise of serum IgG and absolute lymphocyte count was observed after relactation. Meanwhile, IgM levels and CD[+4] / CD[+8] showed non-significant change. On other hand, IgA levels dropped significantly after relactation. It is concluded that; relactation is possible among the majority of mothers of infants suffering PD and so it is worthtrial in every episode of PD; and relactation should be included in the management strategies of PD, as it is benificial for the nutritional and immunomicrobiological outcome of these infants
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Lactation , Nutritional Status , Immunoglobulins , Chronic DiseaseABSTRACT
The results of this study showed that the incidence of vaginal colonization with Group B. Streptococci [GBS] in 100 women in labor was 14% that of rectal colonization was 17%. The incidence of vaginal colonization with GBS did not differ significantly with age, gravidity and parity, but it was significantly more in cases of preterm labor and premature rupture of membranes. The sensitivity of latex agglutination test for rapid detection of GBS was 78.5%, the specificity 97.6%. The results were available in a time that is significantly shorter than times required for standard culturing technique. The starch serum medium for rapid detection of GBS has a sensitivity of 85.7%, a specificity of 100% and all the results were, available in less than 18 hours. The enzyme immunoassay [EIA] that was compared with culture for rapid detection of moderate to high level of GBS colonization had sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values of [71.4%, 100%, 100%, 95% respectively]. The [EIA] test can be performed in less than 10 min and appears to be a reliable method for detecting moderate or greater amounts of GBS in vaginal specimens