Assessment of the immunization status of individuals vaccinated by hepatitis B virus vaccine in Khartoum state

Hepatitis B virus [HBV] is widely distributed all over the world. Quite a large number of the population worldwide is exposed to the virus. It is estimated that 378 million are chronically infected and at risk of developing serious complications like liver cirrhosis and hepatocelluar carcinoma leading to death. Fortunately, an effective vaccine has been introduced to prevent infection with the virus. The rate of infection by HBV has been effectively reduced by universal vaccination with that vaccine. Post-vaccination concentration of vaccine induced neutralizing antibodies against HBsAg above 10 mlU is considered protective against the virus. To assess the state of immunization of Sudanese individuals previously vaccinated by HBV vaccine in Khartoum State. A total of 90 individuals previously vaccinated with HBV vaccine and 70 unvaccinated persons [control] had their blood tested anti-HBsAg. Specimens negative for anti-HBs Ag were further tested for total [IgM and IgG] anti-HBcAg and HBsAg by ELISA. Specimens positive for total anti-HBcAg were iurther tested for IgM anti-HBcAg. The majority 76 [88.4%] of the vaccinated subjects and 4.28% of the control were found to be positive for anti-HBsAg. Out of the 76 subjects with positive antibody response; 68.4% showed good antibody response [protected against the virus]. The remaining [31.6%] showed low antibody response and are therefore at risk of infection. In general 42.2% of the vaccinated subjects and all the control group revealed low or no antibody response and are at risk of infection. The results of this study showed statistically significant difference in the antibody response between those who received three vaccine doses [72.7%] and one dose [18.8%] with P value < 0.05. Two [2.22%] of the vaccinated subjects have developed HBV infection, compared to four [5.71%] of the control group. Antibody response to HBV vaccine was found 88.4% of the vaccinated subjects, however, considerable number of the vaccinated subjects revealed low or no antibody response. Individuals, who received three doses of the vaccine, had statistically significant antibody response than those who received only one dose

Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards family planning among women in the rural southern region of Jordan

Data about family planning among women in rural and remote areas of Jordan are lacking. This study explored the prevalence of use and knowledge and attitudes towards family planning among rural Jordanian women. A descriptive study was conducted with 807 ever-married women aged 15-49 years in a household survey of 29 villages in the southern region of Jordan. The most common contraceptive methods ever used were oral contraceptive pills [31.1%], intrauterine device [24.8%] and withdrawal [19.5%]. Of the women interviewed, 37% were currently using contraception. Being pregnant [11%] and breastfeeding [10%] were the most reported reasons for not using contraceptives. None of the women reported obtaining supplies or the cost of them as barriers, while opposition from husband or family members or religious reasons were reported by less than 1% of the women. About 95% of the women agreed that using family planning had positive advantages for health. The results highlight some educational needs among these women

Prognosis of very early pregnancy hormonal assay or ultrasonic examination

Single serum hCG, serum progesterone levels and ultrasonic evaluation were used to predict the pregnancy outcome in 119 women, pregnant at < 8 weeks gestation. The mean serum progesterone level was significantly [P <0.001] higher in normal pregnancy [23.3 + 6.3 ng/ml] than in abnormal gestations [9.6 + 2.2 ng/ml]. Single serum progesterone was predictive of pregnancy outcome with sensitivity of 99%, and positive predictive value of 88%. Single serum hCG was not predictive of the pregnancy outcome, while ultrasonic evaluation at < 8 weeks was poorly predictive of the pregnancy outcome. Single serum progesterone estimation at cut off level 20 ng/ml, can differentiate between normal pregnancy and abnormal gestation, and is more predictive for pregnancy outcome at < 8 weeks gestation, than the ultrasonic evaluation at the same gestational period, and so it was advisable to do this test, in pregnant women having past history of previous one or more abortion or those with previous history of ectopic pregnancy