ABSTRACT
Avian flu also known as bird flu is caused by deadly virus H5N1 which initially was found in birds and wild animals, however, later it was found in human beings causing severe respiratory related problems. This review article was performed to understand the epidemiology of outbreaks of H5N1 in different districts of Nepal. First outbreak of strain H5N1 was reported in 2009. Consequently, highest number of outbreaks i.e. 201 was noted in the year 2013. Till date only one human case was identified by NPHL which was later confirmed by genetic laboratory in Japan in collaborating with WHO.
ABSTRACT
Background: Over the recent year there has been a startling rise in the number of people suffering from diabetes mellitus. Estimation of blood glucose levels has been an essential laboratory investigation for screening and monitoring of diabetes. Saliva is one of the secretions in human body whose collection is easy and non-invasive. Salivary glucose hence could serve as an easy and non-invasive tool.Methods: Institutional review committee of NHRC gave us permission to carry out this study. 105 subjects with Type 2 diabetes mellitus who attended the OPD at Star hospital, Sanepa, Lalitpur, Nepal and 106 healthy individuals were consented to participate in this study. Glucose was measured by the GOD-POD (Glucose oxidase peroxidase) methods using the semi-autoanalyser and salivary glucose was compared with corresponding blood glucose levels.Results: A significant positive correlation of fasting salivary glucose level and fasting blood glucose level was observed in healthy (r=0.241, p=0.001) and in diabetic patients (r=0.202, p=0.001).Conclusions: The study implies a potential for saliva in monitoring and screening of diabetes mellitus.