ABSTRACT
Basic practices on disinfection was surveyed in 6 hospitals using an observation and interview checklist. Two surveys were done, one pre-(first survey) and one post-intervention (second survey). The disinfection and sterilization policy of the Ministry of Health was not available in 66 (70.2%) and 12 (13%) of the units in the first and second survey respectively. In the second survey, staff in all the units washed disinfectant containers before refilling compared with 41.5% of the units in the first survey. Dilution of disinfectants not recommended was found to be used in the first survey. Storing cleaned and sterile items in disinfectants, using disinfectant as a substitute for sterilization of autoclavable items and not decontaminating spillages were some of the wrong practices observed. Considerable improvements were made in the second survey. Improper usage of disinfectants was also indicated by failure of the in-use test. Rate of failure of disinfectants in-use decreased from 11.6% in the first survey to 5.0% in the second survey. To ensure proper disinfection practices, a comprehensive training program on disinfection is required for nurses and attendants.
Subject(s)
Data Collection , Guidelines as Topic , Health Policy , Humans , Infection Control/methods , Malaysia , Personnel, Hospital/education , Sterilization/methodsABSTRACT
Awareness of the disinfection and sterilization policy among hospital staff and their knowledge in basic principles and methods of disinfection and sterilization were studied before and after intervention using a self-administered questionnaire. Survey results showed that awareness (56.2%) before intervention was unsatisfactory. The nurses were more aware of the policy than other groups of medical personnel. Those unaware of the policy perform duties from memory or verbal instructions. A significant increase in awareness to 73.3% was observed after intervention (p < 0.05). Knowledge on methods of decontamination, disinfection and sterilization of equipment varies widely from 28.8% to 90.1%. 23.1% were unaware of the temperature used for sterilization while 72.4% did not know how containers of disinfectant should be refill. Only 14.7% knew the recommended method for washing containers. With education improvement was observed. The average knowledge improved from 44.4% to 57.3%. Our results indicated that continuous in-service education is needed to improve, supplement and update knowledge in this field after basic training. In addition orientation programs for new staff should also be aimed at creating awareness and providing information on guidelines and policies related to their duties.
Subject(s)
Disinfection/methods , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Health Personnel/education , Health Policy , Humans , Inservice Training , Malaysia , Sterilization/methodsABSTRACT
A total of 70 serum samples taken from patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), acute viral hepatitis and cirrhosis and normal individuals were tested in a binding inhibition immunofluorescence assay using 5 mouse monoclonal antibodies (2G9, 3H11, 3H12, 1C7, 3H5) specific for hepatoma cells. Seven out of the 30 HCC sera (23.3%) inhibited the binding of one of these antibodies, 3H11. This detection of antigen 3H11 or antigens of similar structure in HCC sera was significantly more frequent than in control sera (1/40 = 2.5%) (Fisher's exact test, p = 0.009; df = 1, relative risk calculated by the odds ratio in a 2 x 2 table = 12.0). The presence of this antigen was unrelated to the hepatitis B surface antigen and alphafetoprotein status. Thus it would be of value particularly for the detection of hepatitis B negative or alphafetoprotein negative liver cancers.
Subject(s)
Acute Disease , Antibodies, Monoclonal/diagnosis , Antigens, Neoplasm/analysis , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/blood , Fluorescent Antibody Technique , Hepatitis/immunology , Hepatitis Antibodies/analysis , Humans , Liver Neoplasms/bloodABSTRACT
Similar HLA association was found in patients with elephantiasis in Sri Lankans and Southern Indians. HLA-B15 was observed in 13/44 (30%) Sri Lankan patients with elephantiasis compared to 1/27 (4%) Sri Lankan controls (p = .0058; RR = 10.9) and in 5/8 (28%) Southern Indian elephantiasis compared to 10/101 (10%) Southern Indian controls (p = 0.04; RR = 3.5). In combining the data, the significance of the difference of the frequency of B15 between patients with elephantiasis and controls was even more marked (p = 0.00045; corrected p = 0.012; RR = 4.4).
Subject(s)
Asian People , Disease Susceptibility , Elephantiasis/genetics , Female , Filariasis/genetics , HLA Antigens/genetics , Humans , Lymphedema/genetics , Malaysia , Male , Singapore , Sri LankaSubject(s)
China , Gene Frequency , Genotype , HLA Antigens/genetics , Humans , Kidney Failure, Chronic/immunologySubject(s)
Adolescent , Adult , Child , Child, Preschool , Epidemiologic Methods , Ethnicity , Female , Hepatitis B/epidemiology , Humans , Infant , Liver Neoplasms/epidemiology , Male , Middle Aged , SingaporeABSTRACT
The in vitro effect of immune monkey serum on microfilariae of Brugia malayi was investigated using the electron microscope. The sheaths of microfilaria incubated with immune serum were seen to be covered with electron dense precipitates. After 24 hours of incubation, majority of microfilariae incubated with immune serum exhibited degenerative changes. Comparable changes were not seen in microfilariae incubated with normal serum. The significance of these observations are discussed.