Efficacy of immunoassay chromatography test for hepatitis-C antibodies detection

To assess the efficacy of commercially available tests device method for anti HCV detection. Total 2000 blood samples for detection of anti HCV were screened initially by immunochromatographic method. Those found positive on initial screening were re-tested by ELISA method at the Biochemistry Laboratory of the Pakistan Medical Research Council, Fatima Jinnah Medical College, Lahore. Out of a total of 2, 000 blood samples, 177 were found to be initially reactive/positive for anti-HCV with immunochromatographic method. When these reactive/positive samples were retested for confirmation with ELISA, 47 blood samples were found to have tested false positive for anti-HCV by immunochromatographic device method. Immunochromatographic device method test is rapid and simple, which can be used in setting with limited facility when rapid testing is required. However it should not be used as sole criteria for diagnosis but should serve the purpose of initial screening only. Further research is required to establish the reliability of such devices for their specificity and sensitivity

Knowledge, attitude and practices for dengue fever prevention

The purpose of this study was to assess knowledge regarding dengue fever prevention among general population and whether preventive measures are being practiced in the community in response to various campaigns on media by the government. A cross-sectional descriptive study. Population residing near Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Lahore. Oct 2006-Dec 2006. Two hundred six respondents, both male and female, were interviewed. Respondents were selected by non-probability convenient sampling. Almost 69.9% of respondents were aware and had knowledge about dengue fever. A strong correlation of knowledge was observed with gender, education, employment, marital status and socioeconomic status [p<0.05]. The main source of information [59.3%] was television [Health Ministry's advertisement]. Regarding knowledge of symptoms, 28.6% recognized high grade fever for three to five days as symptom, 12.9% recognized skin rashes, 8.3% severe headache, 7.6% muscular and joints pain, 5.3% recognized nausea and vomiting as symptoms of dengue. 53.2% of respondents were satisfied with government efforts in providing information about recent dengue fever epidemic. The most frequently used preventive measures were mosquito coil and mats [38.1%], mosquito spray 14.8% mosquito repellents 7.8% and closing of the windows and doors 34.7% in the evening time and 36.7% used long sleeved shirts and trousers to save themselves from mosquito bite. Health education through media increased public awareness about the dengue fever and effectively motivated them to implement the preventive measures. This change in attitude has helped control the disease in the community