ABSTRACT
To estimate the frequency of Category 1 and 2 Tuberculosis in area of research. Cross sectional study. This study was a conducted in District Kotli Azad Kashmir from January 2009 to December 2009. This study was conducted with a population of 750,000. Data was collected from all the eight national TB centres in the District Kotli. It included every patient registered there with the diagnosis of tuberculosis including pulmonary and extra pulmonary tuberculosis and sputum smear positive and negative patients. They were classified as category 1 and category 2 according to the standard definitions. Results were given in tabulated form. From a total of 752 patients, 579 [76.99%] were pulmonary and 173 [23%] were extra pulmonary. In pulmonary TB cases, 259 [44.78%] were sputum smear positive [235 [90.73%] of them were category 1 and 24 [9.24%] were category 2]. In 320 [55.26%] sputum smear negative patients, 300 [93.75%] were category 1 and 20 [6.25%] were category 2. All of the extra pulmonary TB cases were category 1 [100%]. As a whole 708 [94.15%] were category 1 and 44 [5.85%] were category 2. In our study frequency of category 2 patients was found to be relatively low. It indicates that the problem of drug resistant tuberculosis is probably low in the area. It also shows the effectiveness of local TB control programme
ABSTRACT
Tuberculosis is highly prevalent in Pakistan. It is a contagious disease and causes a lot of morbidity and mortality. Its treatment is costly especially for poor countries like Pakistan. But fortunately it is a preventable disease. Objective of this study was to analyse various epidemiological features of tuberculosis in District Kotli, a remote area of Northern Pakistan. This cross sectional study was conducted in District Kotli, Azad Kashmir from January to December 2009. Data was collected from eight national TB centres of District Kotli. It included all the diagnosed cases of tuberculosis, registered there during the study period. Various epidemiological aspects of these patients were analysed. Total number patients registered during the study period were 752. Of these 579 [76.99%] were pulmonary and 173 [23%] were extra-pulmonary tuberculosis [EPT]. Total prevalence of tuberculosis was found to be 100.27 per 100,000. Prevalence of pulmonary TB was 77.2 while that of EPT was 23.07 per 100,000. There were 405 males [53.85%] and 347 females [46.14%]. Most patients were 61-75 years of age [220, 29.25%]. Overall 417 [55.44%] were 46-75 years. Housewives were affected most frequently [324, 43.08%]. Labourers were also commonly involved [40.82%]. All cause mortality was 29 [3.85%]. Mortality due to tuberculosis was 11 [1.04%]. Among pulmonary tuberculosis, 259 [44.78%] were sputum smear positive and 320 [55.26%] were sputum smear negative. In EPT, most frequent was pleural effusion [74, 42%] and least frequent was skin involvement [3, 1.73%]. Prevalence of tuberculosis in Kotli was lower than the overall prevalence in Pakistan. Male to female ratio was lower than that generally observed in Southeast Asia. It was more common in middle to old age population. Frequency was higher in housewives and labourers. Very significant proportion of pulmonary TB was sputum smear positive. Among EPT, pleural effusion was the most common mode of presentation
ABSTRACT
Thrombocytopenia is an important cause of mucocutanaeous bleeding in adult and paediatric patients. Immune thrombocytopenia is one of the common causes of thrombocytopenia. Its clinical presentations vary from patient to patient, not studied in our area previously. The present study was planned to see the frequency of clinical presentations of Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura [ITP] in our patients. This prospective study was conducted on 125 patients with ITP, diagnosed by exclusion of secondary causes of thrombocytopenia. Bone marrow examination was performed on all the patients. Bruising, epistaxis and gum bleeding were the commonest clinical presentations in adults and children. Bleeding was more severe in acute cases. Increased menstrual bleeding was seen in female patients. Bruising, epistaxis and gum bleeding are the commonest clinical presentations of ITP. Our results are not much different from those of the other studies conducted in Pakistan.
ABSTRACT
Background: Hepatitis C is a common problem in developing world. It can affect a large number of asymptomatic people in whom it may cause serious complications in long run. Moreover, these asymptomatic infected people pose a serious risk for the transmission of infection to healthy population. Objective of this study was to estimate the frequency of Hepatitis C in asymptomatic adult patients attending medical OPD of District Headquarters Hospital Kotli, Azad Kashmir, and to assess the risk factors associated with its transmission. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that included asymptomatic patients of both genders, aged 1580 years, attending medical OPD of District Headquarter Hospital Kotli, Azad Kashmir from January to December, 2008. They attended the OPD for problems other than Hepatitis and most of them presented with vague complaints like generalised body aches, tiredness and dyspeptic symptoms. They were randomly tested for Hepatitis C virus [HCV] antibodies by Immunochromatographic kit method. Positive samples for Hepatitis C antibodies were confirmed by third generation ELISA. Those who were confirmed were assessed for the risk factors associated with HCV transmission. Results: The study included 9, 564 patients. Out of them 4, 230 [44.22%] were males and 5, 334 [55.77%] were females. A total of 611 [6.38%] cases were positive fo HCV; 257 [6.08%] were males, and 354 [6.64%] were females. Highest frequency [36%] was found between 21 and 30 years of age, and 60.54% positive patients were 2140 years old. Blood transfusion was the most common [34.36%] risk factor followed by history of dental procedures [24.54%]. In 27.16% no risk factor could be detected. Conclusion: Frequency of Hepatitis C is quite high in our population. Rate is higher in young adults. It is needed to adopt organised preventive strategies to overcome this problem. Blood transfusion is still the most significant risk factor followed by dental and surgical procedures. Health related procedure
ABSTRACT
Hepatitis B is prevalent throughout the world including Pakistan. A large proportion of patients suffering from Hepatitis B may be asymptomatic and can transmit the disease to healthy population. Objectives of this study were to estimate the frequency of Hepatitis B in asymptomatic adult population coming to District Headquarter Hospital Kotli, Azad Kashmir and to determine the risk factors associated with its transmission. This was a cross-sectional study extending from January to December 2008. Subjects were randomly selected from those who attended the medial OPD of DHQ Hospital Kotli, Azad Kashmir for non-Hepatitis related problems. Both males and females between the ages of 15-80 years were included in the study. Blood samples taken from selected subjects were analysed for Hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg] by Immunochromatographic kit methods [ICT]. Hepatitis B positive samples were further confirmed by third generation ELIZA. The patients thus confirmed were interrogated for different risk factors associated with transmission of Hepatitis B. A total of 9,564 patients were analysed. Out of them 4230 [44.22%] were males and 5334 [55.77%] were females. Overall 141 [1.47%] patients were positive for HBSAg, 71 [1.68%] males and 70 [1.31%] females. Patients between 21-30 years of age were most commonly effected [35.46%, n=50]. Blood transfusion was the most common risk factor [24.82%, n=35] associated with Hepatitis B transmission followed by dental procedures [14.18%, n=20]. Frequency of Hepatitis B in asymptomatic people in this study was quite high. Blood transfusions and dental procedures were the most common risk factors associated with the transmission of Hepatitis B
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Hepatitis B Surface Antigens , Chromatography, Affinity , Cross-Sectional Studies , Carrier State , Risk Factors , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent AssayABSTRACT
Hepatitis B is inflammation of the liver caused by a Hepatitis B virus, having a parenteral mode of entry and infecting millions of people around the world. The present study was planned to assess the seroprevalence of Hepatitis B in women of reproductive age in Hazara in order to promote disease prevention in the perinatal period by vaccination against Hepatitis B. Women 15-45 years old belonging to Hazara Division were included in this descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted over a period of one year at the Department of Microbiology, Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad in collaboration with the Department of Pathology, Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad from 1[st] March 2006 to 28[th] February 2007. Non-probability convenience sampling was done to select 500 females from those visiting Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad as outdoor patients or accompanying person. History, examination, and serum alanine aminotransferase estimation were followed by the initial screening for Hepatitis B surface Antigen [HBsAg] using immunochromatographic device. Enzyme linked Immunosorbent assay was used to confirm the presence of HBsAg. HBsAg was detected in 3% of the women. History of multiple injections was present in 100%, blood transfusion in 22%, dental procedure in 46% and surgical procedure in 43% of the subjects. Only 1% women had been vaccinated. Seroprevalence of the Hepatitis B is not different from the figures reported by the studies previously conducted on general population in Pakistan. However it is different from those reported for the special groups
ABSTRACT
Hepatitis C Virus [HCV], the causative agent of Hepatitis C is prevalent in different countries including Pakistan. Studies have been conducted on various aspects of HCV in Pakistan. The present study was planed to see the prevalence of hepatitis C in pregnant females of Hazara Division. Five hundred pregnant females of reproductive age group from Hazara Division selected by non probability convenient sampling technique were studied from 1st March 2006 to 28th February 2007 at Ayub Teaching Hospital, and District Headquarter Hospitals Abbottabad, Haripur and Mansehra. After initial serving by immunology technique positive cases were confirmed by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbant Essay [ELISA]. Seroprevalence of HCV in pregnant females of Hazara division was 8.9%. Females aged from 25-35 constituted the largest group among positive cases. HCV was more prevalent in District Abbottabad as compared to the other districts of Hazara division. Seroprevalence of HCV in pregnant females of Hazara Division is different from the figures already reported form the other parts of Pakistan
ABSTRACT
Hepatitis B and C viruses [HBV and HCV] are hepatotropic viruses causing viral hepatitis, chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. Modes of infection are more or less similar. HBV is vaccine preventable while HCV is not. They are prevalent in different parts of the world including Pakistan. The rate of prevalence varies from region to region and among different population segments. The present study was planned to see the prevalence of HBV and HVC among health care workers in various hospitals of Abbottabad. The study was conducted at the District Headquarter Teaching Hospital Abbottabad over a period of one year on 125 health care workers of different categories and either sex. Brief history was taken from each individual and physical examination was performed. Blood samples were taken for HBV and HC serology. Positive sera were confirmed by 3rd generation ELISA. As much as 8% individuals were positive for HBV or HCV. HBV alone was seen in 3 out of 10 [30%] individuals. HCV alone was also found in 3 out of 10 [30%] individuals. HBV and HCV co-infection was seen in 4 out of 10 [40%] individuals. Dental procedures, needle prick and surgical procedures were found the common risk factors. Blood transfusion was known in 2 out of 10 [20%] individuals. Family history of hepatitis was not positive in any individual. Results of the present study differ from those of the previous studies conducted on health care workers in Pakistan