Frequency of tetanus toxoid immunization among college/university female students of Karachi

Tetanus is a deadly infectious disease for which immunisation is available in EPI at both infant level and for females of reproductive age. More than 95% of patients who develop tetanus have not been previously immunised. Objectives of the study were to determine the frequency of tetanus vaccination and to access the awareness of immunisation among females studying in 11 girls' colleges of Karachi and University of Karachi. A cross sectional study was conducted among 1,407 females studying in colleges and University of Karachi from April to August 2007 using a prescribed questionnaire. Among 1,407 female students who were interviewed for the study, 232 [16.48%] were not aware about tetanus immunisation program for females of reproductive age. Only 560 students [39.80%] received at least 1 of 5 recommended doses. Only 41 female students [2.91%] received complete course of 5 doses. Coverage of tetanus immunisation among literate females in most populous city of the country is far behind satisfactory. There is need for awareness and crash programs of tetanus immunisation

Antibacterial activity of Joshanda: a polyherbal therapeutic agent used in common cold

Joshanda which, a polyherbal preparation is extensively used by masses as a household remedy for treatment of common cold and found very effective. Our results indicated that Zizyphus jujube [Unnab], Onosma bracteatum [Gaozaban] and glycyrrhiza glabra [Mulethi] have significant degree of invitro activity against Staph. aureus while Cordia latifolia [Sapistan] has got a significant invitro activity against H.influenzae. Other ingredients did not show any significant activity against rest of the organisms tested

Anti hypertensive efficacy of cardioselective beta-blocker atenolol and amlodipine in essential hypertensive patients

High blood pressure increases the risk of cardiovascular disease for millions of people worldwide and there is evidence that the problem is only getting worse. In the past decade, age adjusted rates of strokes incidence have risen. The incidence of end stage renal disease and the prevalence of heart failure have also increased. A major contributor to these trends is inadequate control of blood pressure in the population. The variety of treatments has been established with the passage of time from older to newer class. Researchers with passage of time proved on one side beneficiary drugs but also contraindicated in various types of patients. Keeping in view the necessity of treatment of hypertension at its initial stages in essential hypertensive patients to prevent cardiovascular complications in essential hypertensive patients. In present study the objective was to compare blood pressure lowering effects of cardio selective beta blocker Atenolol with calcium channel blocker Amlodipine in essential hypertensive patients