Blood Cell Profiling of Malaria Patients Attending Gaya General Hospital, Kano State, Northern Nigeria

Background:Changes in blood cell profile were common findings in malaria. In the rural community of Kano State, Nigeria, information on haematological changes in human malaria was scanty in spite of their role in the pathophysiology of malaria. This cross-sectional study was undertaken to determine blood cell profiles in malaria patients attending a rural hospital in malaria-endemic region.Methods:Blood samples (3ml each) were collected in EDTA-containers from 150 randomly selected outpatients attending Gaya General Hospital, screened for malaria using RDT kit (CareStart Malaria HRP 2, Access Bio Inc., USA) based on Histidine-rich protein 2 (PfHRP-2), and blood cell profiles determined using automated Sysmex haematologic analyser. Data on socio-demographics and medical history related to the study objectives, such as taking antimalarial regimen and/or haematinic, and direct involvement in blood transfusion, were obtained by questionnaire administration supplemented with oral interview Findings:The study revealed amalaria prevalence of 67.33%, with highest in 11-20years (80.95%) and lowest (55.00%) in 1-10years age-groups; slightly higher in females (68.25%) than in males (66.67%) without significant difference (P<0.05). For blood parameters, malaria positive patients have a significantly lower mean PCV of 32.2% as compared to 38.18% obtained for malaria negative patients (P<0.05). The mean Hb was 10.76±2.27g/dL and 12.65±2.38g/dL (P<0.05), while WBC revealed 6.91×109/L and 6.56×109/L in malaria positive and negative patients, respectively. Platelet counts recorded 179.24×109/L and 230.47×109/L (P<0.05). Socio-demographic factors such as level of education, occupation and marital status did not significantly influence malaria prevalence. Interpretation:Low PCV and Hb in malaria patients indicate mild anaemia due to malaria-related haemolysis. The occurrence of thrombocytopenia may be due to other underlying pathology as further studies with larger sample size are needed to ascertain the cause of low platelet counts in malaria patients in the study area

Xerophthalmia in a traditional Quran boarding School in Sudan

To determine the prevalence of xerophthalmia at a traditional boarding school where children do not receive a diet adequate in vitamin A. A cross-sectional survey of 406 males residing in a Quranic traditional school was conducted using the World Health Organization xerophthalmia checklist. The association between the prevalence of night blindness and proportion of students staying at the school for 6 consecutive months and those eating solely at the school was investigated. The difference in age between children with night blindness and those without was investigated. Statistical significance was indicated by P<0.05. The prevalence of night blindness, conjunctival xerosis and Bitot's spots was 24%, 12.5% and 1%, respectively. None of the boys had corneal ulceration, corneal scars and corneal xerosis. No significant association was observed between the differences in mean age and development of night blindness [P=0.657]. There was a significant association between the duration of stay [cut-off of 6 months continuously] at the institute and the development of night blindness [P=0.023]. There was no statistical significance between regularly eating at the "maseed" and outside the "maseed" and the development of night blindness [P=0.75]. Children residing at a traditional school are vulnerable to developing xerophthalmia where the diet is inadequate in vitamin A. Institutional caregivers should be made aware of the importance of providing a balanced diet rich in vitamin A. Institutional caregivers should also be educated on the signs and symptoms of vitamin A deficiency for early detection of xerophthalmia

Les démences en afrique subsaharienne : aspects cliniques et étiologiques en milieu hospitalier à ouagadougou (burkina faso)

Description En Afrique subsaharienne; l'amelioration progressive des conditions de vie a pour corollaire l'emergence accrue de certaines pathologies en rapport avec l'age dont la demence. L'objectif de cette etude etait de decrire les differents aspects des demences au Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Yalgado Ouedraogo. Methode C'est une etude transversale qui a inclus pendant deux ans les sujets ages de plus de 15 ans hospitalises ou ayant consulte dans les services de Neurologie; Psychiatrie; Cardiologie et Neurochirurgie et repondant aux criteres diagnostiques de demence du DSM-IV. Resultats Soixante-douze demences ont ete diagnostiquees soit une prevalence hospitaliere de 4;55 pour mille patients et 2;21des patients hospitalises. L'age moyen etait de 62;20 ans avec un sex ratio de 2. L'installation des troubles cognitifs et comportementaux a ete insidieuse et progressive dans la plupart des cas. La demence etait severe avec un score MMS inferieur a 9 dans la majorite des cas. Les demences secondaires dites curables etaient les plus frequentes (68;05); dominees par les demences vasculaires et les causes neurochirurgicales. Seulement 18des demences etaient degeneratives avec a leur tete les demences de type Alzheimer. L'entourage familial reste fortement implique dans la demarche de soins et la prise en charge Conclusion La demence est une realite au Burkina Faso; avec une prevalence sous-estimee. Il est donc necessaire de mener des etudes en population dans le but d'envisager des mesures preventives et de prise en charge adaptees a notre contexte

Acute toxemic scnistosomiasis complicated by acute flaccid paraplegia due to schistosomal myeloradiculopathy in Sudan

A 55-year old Sudanese physician presented with one month history of diarrhea, loss of weight 10kg and low grade nocturnal fever. Following colonoscopy, he rapidly developed paraparesis and retention of urine. Magnetic resonance imaging MRI of the spinal cord showed low cord lesion suggestive of transverse myelitis. We present a detailed account of diagnostic and management challenges and a literature review of the final diagnosis of acute toxemic schistosomiasis, complicated by acute flaccid paraplegia due to schistosomal myeloradiculopathy. We are reporting this case to increase the awareness of physicians of schistosomal myeloradiculopathy, as it needs urgent specific treatment praziquantel and steroids. An early follow-up with MRI of the spinal cord 2 weeks treatment may help in preventing unnecessary neurosurgical intervention. Bilharziasis may be contracted on the banks of the river "White Nile" in urban areas. Finally, clinicians should make use of the Google computer search for diagnosis in difficult cases

Effect of lead toxicity on ultrastructure of cerebral cortex of adult rat

Lead is a major air polluant in large cities including Cairo. This study was designed to evaluate the lead induced toxic effects on the cerebral cortex of adult rats. Fifteen normal adult rats were used. They were divided into 2 groups: 5 rats as a control group and the other 10 rats were subdivided into 2 subgroups. Subgroup A [5 rats] were given lead as 400 ug/g body weight / day by gastric intubation [as high dose] for 2 months. Subgroup B [5 rats] were given lead as 100 microg/g body weight /day [as low dose] for 2 months. In the rats treated with low dose of lead, gliosis was seen as an apparent degenerative feature. Also, infiltration with inflammatory cells was evident. However, in the rats treated with high dose the degenerative changes were more evident. The neurons were distended and few. Nuclear and cytoplasmic lead inclusions were detected. Other features included; indented nuclear membranes, dilated endoplasmic reticulum as well as gliosis

effects of orchiectomy, antiandrogen and testosterone on the parotid gland of albino rats

The relationship between the testis and the parotid gland has been poorly investigated. This study deals with the structure of the parotid gland and its changes after orchiectomy, antiandrogen [flutamide] and testosterone substitution. The rat parotid glands of controt and experimental animals [orchimectomized, orchiectomized with testosterone substitution and antiandrogen] were analyzed by light and electron microscopy. Orchiectomy and antiandrogen have more or less similar effects on the parotid gland. Both reduced secretory activity of the gland which was manifested by decreasing the secretory granules, vacuolations of the cytoplasm and degeneration of mitochondria. Exogenously given testosterone can prevent the mentioned effects of orchiectomy on the parotid gland. It is concluded that orchiectomy and antiandrogens affect the rat parotid gland, demonstrating the existence of an interaction between the testis and parotid gland

Cyclic changes in the isthmus of the human fallopian tube at different phases of menstrual cycle and at menopause

The present study aimed at providing a detailed morphological and ultrastructural features of the isthmic part of the tube at different phases of menstrual cycle. The women undergoing hystrectomy with bilateral salpingectomy at Benha University Hospital were included in this study. Preoperative blood samples were obtained from patients and assayed for serum estradiol and progesterone to help in the accurate dating of the cycle phases. The specimens of isthmic part were transported immediately to the laboratory, and prepared for both light and electron microscopic study. At the early and mid-follicular phases of the cycle, increased number of both ciliated and secretory cells was detected. However, in the late follicular phase secretory activity was much more obvious, as evident by decreased ciliation and appearance of distended secretory cells. At the luteal phase of the cycle profound surface changes have been taken place where secretory cells dominate and cilia became prominent and erect. The postmenopausal endosalpinx presented a flattened surface epithelium with both ciliated and non-ciliated cells