Frequency of Acid-Base Derangements Among the Neonates Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit

Background: Every year deranged acid-base physiology drives admission to a critical care arena for a vast number of neonates. The neonatal intensive care unit is a fundamental sector for the survival of high-risk newborns. The acid-base disorder must always be considered in the clinical setting. The clinician should, in most cases, be able to predict the type of acid-base imbalance before the blood gas is available. Arterial blood gases (ABG-s) are the gold standard for assessing the adequacy of oxygen delivery, ventilation, and pH. This study aimed to assess the frequency of acid-base derangements among neonates admitted to the intensive care unit. Material & Methods: This was an observational cohort study that was conducted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (I.C.U.) of Dhaka Shishu Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period from October 2009 to September 2010. In total 230 neonates admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, after fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled in this study as study subjects. For each baby, a detailed history was recorded in a questionnaire form (enclosed herewith) from the mother or other caregiver. It was filled up by the researcher himself containing history (including antenatal history), physical examinations and laboratory findings. Arterial blood gas analysis was done (in a clinical biochemistry laboratory using an automatic analyzer machine) for each neonate at admission and that report was recorded for this study. Results: Among the total study subjects, 127 newborn babies (55.2%) had acid-base imbalances. Mixed acidosis prevailed in the highest frequency (23.9%) Then metabolic acidosis cases were at 17.8% and respiratory acidosis was at 13.9%. Metabolic alkalosis and respiratory alkalosis were absent. Normal blood gas was observed in 44.3% of newborns. All the neonates with pH <7 were dead. After Chi-Square analysis (at df=1), we found a highly significant correlation between mortality outcome with pH <7.35, CO2 >45, HCO3 < 22 mol/l and Base deficit >-10. All modalities of acid-base imbalances were significantly associated with mortality. Conclusion: In this study, a significant number of neonates who were admitted to the intensive care unit, can develop acid-base derangement. Mixed acidosis was found in the highest frequency. Metabolic, respiratory and mixed acidosis all has a significant correlation with death in a NICU. Metabolic alkalosis and respiratory alkalosis were found absent at admission

Low Dose Aspirin for Primary Prevention of Adverse Pregnancy Outcome

Background: Pregnancy is associated with various complications such as pre-eclampsia, SGA, preterm birth etc. Low dose aspirin is a possible medication to minimize these adverse outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of low dose aspirin for primary prevention of adverse pregnancy outcome. Material & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in department of Gynaecology, North Bengal Medical College Hospital, Mirjapur Bkash Hospital, Mirjapur, Tangail, Bangladesh, during the period from June 2021 to August 2022. Total 200 pregnant women were included in this study. Results: In this study, the mean (±SD) age of the study subjects were 25.12 ± 5.49 years and 25.00 ± 4.83 years in LDA group and control group, respectively. There was no statistically significant (p>0.05) difference in age between the groups. The rate of caesarean section was higher in control group (68%) compared to LDA group (59%) but there was no statistically significant (p>0.05) difference among the groups. In our study, 8% pregnant women in LDA group and 19% pregnant women in control group had gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia was seen in 6% and 13% pregnant women in LDA group and control group, respectively, preterm birth was seen in 8% and 17% pregnant women in LDA group and control group, respectively, SGA was seen in 19% and 32% pregnant women in LDA group and control group, respectively, and fetal distress was seen in 2% pregnant women in both LDA group and control group. There were statistically significant (p<0.05) differences in complications except fetal distress. Mean (±SD) neonatal birth weight was 2.88±1.03 kg and 2.74±0.85 kg in LDA group and control group, respectively and there was no statistically significant (p>0.05) difference. Conclusion: We found that low dose aspirin could significantly reduce the risk of adverse outcomes, especially for pre-eclampsia, SGA and preterm birth.

Prevalence, Risk Factors and Clinical Features of Post Dural Puncture Headache (PDPH): A Prospective Study

Background: Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH), formerly known as post-lumbar puncture headache, is a well-known adverse event that follows diagnostic and/or therapeutic puncture of the dura, or accidentally, following spinal anesthesia. Material & Methods: This prospective study was carried out on 152 patients at Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital in Bogura, from 2013 to 2015 and North Bengal Medical College from 2016 to 2022, Bangladesh. Results: A total of 152 patients were enrolled into the study where 122(80.3%) were aged between 18-28 years, 30(19.7%) were 29-39 years, 38(25%) were male and 114(75%) were female. 122(80.3%) patients were non obese (<25) and 30(19.7%) were obese (>25). 17(11.2%) patients had previous history of anaesthesia and 17(11.2%) had previous history of PDPH. On majority 100 patients were used big size needle (18-23 G) and rest of the patients were used small (23-25G). 146 (96.1%) patients position was lateral and 92(60.5%) were used less than two or equal three drops. 61(40.1%) patients were needed one attempt, 64(42.1%) were needed two and 27(27.8%) were needed greater than two. The prevalence of PDPH was found in 44(28.9%) cases out of 152 where severity of 29(65.9%) percent was mild, 20(45.5%) cases headache onset were at the first day and mean duration of headache was 2.6. There was a statistically significant association between development of PDPH and younger age (26.3±8.7 years vs 32.6±7.4, p< 0.001), female gender (p=00.009), previous history of PDPH (p<0.001), number of attempts (3.1±1.2 vs 1.2±0.8, p<0.001), small needles (p=0.04), pre LP headache (p<0.001) and CSF RBS (2.6±2.1 vs 13.8±1.3, p= 0.48). Conclusion: This study recommends that the neurologists should be treating this population in the manner so that it may help to prevent this painful adverse event, and identification of risk variables is vital in predicting PDPH.

Comparative Assessment of E-cadherin's Expression between the Metastatic and Non-metastatic Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: An Immunohistochemical Study

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the clinicopathological correlation of E-cadherin expression in metastatic and non-metastatic oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Material and Methods: A total of 90 paraffin-embedded tissue sections of OSCC were retrieved from the registry. The total selected samples were 45 cases each from the primary lesions of metastatic and non-metastatic OSCC. One section was subjected to routine Hematoxylin and eosin stain and another to immunohistochemical analysis for E-cadherin expression. Results: A non-significant (p˃0.05) increased expression is seen in the non-metastatic group compared to the metastatic group, with predominantly membrane as the staining site in either group. However, the expression of E-cadherin did not reveal any statistically significant association with independent variables such as age, gender, and adverse habits of the patients (p>0.05). On the other hand, with respect to the histological differentiation of OSCC, a significant association (p<0.001) was observed with the well-differentiated type of metastatic OSCC. Conclusion: E-cadherin was useful to some extent in predicting regional metastasis. However, further studies using a panel of biomarkers with increased sample size may help us understand the process involved in metastasis.

Retrospective Analysis of Ameloblastoma: An Institutional Experience

Introduction: Neoplasms that are derived from odontogenic tissues represent an uncommon and heterogenous group of enti- ties in oral and maxillofacial region comprising about 1% of all jaw tumors. Ameloblastoma received particular attention of oral pathologists due to its local aggressive behavior. Objective: Indian studies, regarding prevalence of ameloblastoma are very few. The present study was done to analyze and compare clinical, radiographic and histopathologic features of 57 cases of ameloblastomas in India retrospectively. Materials and methods: 57 cases of histologically diagnosed ameloblastomas were retrieved from the archives over a five year period to analyze the age, sex, site, clinical presentation, radiographic features and histopathology. Results: In the present study, ameloblastoma accounted for 77% of all odontogenic tumors with a mean age of 37.5 years in males and 42 years in females. About 60% of the cases revealed mandible as most common site predominantly of posterior re- gion with common clinical presentation as painless swelling. Radiographically, multilocular radiolucency was noticed in about 54.3% of cases. Among the histological variants of solid/multicystic ameloblastomas, follicular variant was reported to be the most common (38%) and intraluminal variant (19%) to be the common subtype in unicystic ameloblastomas. Statistical analy- sis was done among the histological variants of ameloblastomas which showed no statistical significance (p<0.05). Conclusion: The findings in the present study were well in accordance with previous reported studies. However, extensive studies with larger samples need to be carried out in the Indian population to evaluate the incidence of ameloblastoma for more definitive results.

Differences between Men and Women in Terms of Clinical Features of ST-Segment Elevation Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background: Several research have investigated further into differences in clinical characteristics of acute myocardial infarction between men and women (AMI). Prospective studies, on the other hand, are few, and sex-related variations in AMI symptoms are unknown. We studied at the variations in clinical characteristics of ST-segment elevation AMI between men and women.Material & Methods:We evaluated at 151 patients with ST-segment elevation AMI who were hospitalized within 24 hours of symptom onset (70 women and 81 males). Within 48 hours of hospitalization, all patients were interviewed by many of the same cardiologist.Results:Women exhibited higher rates of hypertension (70 vs 56 percent, p=0.010), diabetes mellitus (36 vs 26 %, p=0.047), and hyperlipidemia (51 vs 38 %, p=0.019) than males (72 vs 62 years, p0.001). Non-specific symptoms (45 vs 34%, p=0.033), non-chest discomfort (pain in the mouth, throat, neck, shoulder, arm, hand, and back), moderate pain (20 vs 7%, p0.001), and nausea (49 vs 36 percent, p=0.013) were all more common in women than in males. The severity of coronary artery lesions was equal in both sexes on coronary angiography. Women had a considerably greater in-hospital death rate than males (6.6 vs. 1.4%, p=0.003).Conclusions:Women and men with AMI have different clinical profiles and presentations. AMI symptoms are less common in women than in males.

Factors Correlated With Internet Gaming Disorder Among Malaysian University Students

@#Introduction: Internet gaming disorder (IGD) has recently been incorporated into the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fifth edition (DSM-5) as a disorder for future research. The primary objectives of the present study are to describe the level of IGD and to examine its correlations with sociodemographic factors and psychological comorbidities among undergraduate students in a Malaysian university. Methods: A total of 411 undergraduate students completed an online questionnaire. They were selected from a random sample of participating university faculties. The online questionnaire contained the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short-Form and the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale. Results: The presents study reported that 52.8% of the participants had high IGH. Using hierarchical multiple regression, age (β = -0.09, p < 0.05), gender (β = -0.40, p < 0.001) and stress (β = 0.23, p < 0.05) were statistically significant predictors of IGD. Academic performance, depression and anxiety did not emerge as significant predictors. Conclusion: These findings highlight the risk factors (in particular, stress) of IGD. Further studies on interventions, particular that of preventative strategies, will be needed to combat this emerging public health problem.

The Incidence In Rheumatic Fever in Age 5-15 Age Group Bangladesh

Introduction: In developing country like Bangladesh rheumaticfever is common diseases occur in children.Objective: In this study our main goal is to evaluate theincidence in rheumatic fever in age 5-15 age groupBangladesh.Method: This cross sectional study was done at differentprivate hospital in Khulna district from January 2016 to January2017 .where 100 patients data were recorded methodically in apreformed data sheet.Results: In the study 71% patients’ mother was illiterate andmost of them were house wife. Also, most of the patients facedserious heart damage.Conclusion: We can conclude that, overcrowding and lowattainment of education by mothers is responsible for incidenceof RF in children. Further study in needed for better outcome.

The Incidence of Myocardial Infarction in Diabetes Mellitus

Introduction: Diabetics responsible for a greater mortality rateduring the acute phase of myocardial infarction (MI).Objective: In this study our main aim is to evaluate theincidence of myocardial infraction in diabetes mellitus.Methodology: This study was done at different private hospitalin Khulna District. During the period of two years (2015-2017)among 105 patients. Where complete demographic detailssuch as age, gender, blood pressure, smoking and alcoholdetails, previous clinical and medical history were noted for allthe patients. Blood was collected from the patients for randomblood glucose levels and HbA1c levels.Results: In the study patients male patients 26.8% higher thanfemale and 28.1% were known diabetics. 10.7% of them wereidentified as diabetic during the hospitalization. Also wherediabetic patients who have had an MI previously are more atrisk to a recurrent MI rather than those without.Conclusion: From result we can conclude that the chronic andacute hyperglycemia linked with acute myocardial infarction isan independent and determinant factor in the outcome forpatients with and without diabetes mellitus. Further study isneeded for better outcome.

Hereditary angioedema caused by C1-esterase inhibitor deficiency: a case report with literature-based analysis

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) caused by C1-esterase inhibitor deficiency is an autosomal-dominant disease caused by a mutation in the C1-inhibitor gene. It is a rare disease that is often worsened during pregnancy and childbirth. HAE, though uncommon but if untreated it may lead to maternal death.  The case report presents the successful management of a 24 years old, G2P1, with hereditary angioedema caused by C1-esterase inhibitor deficiency. This patient was managed with a multidisciplinary approach by an obstetrician, an immunologist, an anaesthesiologist and a pediatrician. She had an uneventful antenatal period, labor was induced. She had precipitate delivery and soon after delivery had a flare up of the disease. It was successfully managed with fresh frozen plasma and close observation.

Hepatitis-C virus infection among injecting drug users in Lahore, Pakistan: a cross sectional study

Objectives: To determine the prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis C virus among injecting drugs users, furthermore different genotypes of HCV infection and their effect on viral load were also found and subsequently most prevalent subtype was predicted

Methods: All samples were processed for Anti-HCV antibody detection through ELISA by using third generation ELISA Kit. The Anti-HCV positive serum samples were stored for RT-PCR to estimate the viral load and genotypes of HCV for study. Injecting drug users selected from in and around Lahore Metropolitan from July 2012 to August 2013 was included. The data analysis was completed by using SPSS version 16. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered to be significant

Results: A total of 241 Injecting drug users were enrolled and screened for Anti HCV in the study. Prevalence of HCV infection in IDUs from Lahore was found to be 36.09%. Education [p=0.000], low socioeconomic status [p=0.011], Blood transfusion [0.003], any tattoo on the body [p=0.002], use of injectable drugs with reused syringes [p=0.000] and sharing of syringes [p=0.001] in groups was significantly associated with HCV infection. Some utensils were also significantly associated with HCV status. The most common subtype of HCV genotype was 3a [n=65] followed by 2a [n=15] and 1a [n=6]

Conclusion: The study reveals that IDUs with reused syringes status and sharing of syringes in group had more chances to get HCV infection. The viral load in IDUs infected with different subtypes of genotype was significantly associated

Hepatitis-C virus infection; seroprevalence and risk factors in staff nurses of Lahore, Pakistan

Objectives: Nursing staff is at potential danger of getting HCV infection. Objective of present study is to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of hepatitis C among nurses in Lahore, Pakistan. It also aimed to estimate the HCV genotypes and find out any relationship between their working area and the incidence of HCV infection

Setting: Various public and private hospitals of Lahore

Period: January 2013 to December 2013

Subjects and Method: This study comprised 186 Nurses. All the samples were processed for Anti-HCV antibody detection through ELISA by using third generation ELISA Kit. Genotyping was also performed on all positive samples. In this study the data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. A P-value < 0.05 was considered to be significant

Results: A total of 186 nurses were enrolled and screened for Anti HCV in the study. The mean age of reactive and non reactive nurses was 22.33 +/- 1.15 and 23.66 +/- 1.97 years, respectively. Working experience in surgical wards, habits for going to beauty salon as well as the purpose for which nurses visited beauty salon was significantly associated with HCV status. i.e. p-value<0.05. Out of 9 reactive nurses, 8 patient nurses had 3a viral genotype while 01 patient had un-typeable viral genotype

Conclusion: In our study nine nurses have HCV infection and are at danger of the disease.The working area especially surgical wards is a source of infection of HCV

Serotonergic neurons of the Drosophila air-puff-stimulated flight circuit.

Monoaminergic modulation of insect flight is well documented. Recently, we demonstrated that synaptic activity is required in serotonergic neurons for Drosophila flight. This requirement is during early pupal development, when the flight circuit is formed, as well as in adults. Using a Ca2+-activity-based GFP reporter, here we show that serotonergic neurons in both prothoracic and mesothoracic segments are activated upon air-puff-stimulated flight. Moreover ectopic activation of the entire serotonergic system by TrpA1, a heat activated cation channel, induces flight, even in the absence of an air-puff stimulus.

Diagnostic usefulness of Tru-Cut biopsy in the diagnosis of breast lesions

To evaluate the usefulness of Tru-Cut biopsy [TCB] in the diagnosis of breast lesions. An observational non-interventional cross-sectional review was performed of all TCB reports of a mass or lesion observed in patients admitted between January 2008 and December 2010, at King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A total of 275 trucut biopsies were performed during the study period. Histopathology showed 92 [33.5%] malignant lesions, 177 [64.3%] benign lesions and 6 [2.2%] suboptimal or suspicious lesions. Repeat trucut biopsies were done in 29 [16.4%] of the benign cases, 12 [13%] of the malignant cases, and for 6 inconclusive specimens which showed 4 of the 29 benign cases to be malignant lesions, and 5 of the 6 inconclusive cases were also malignant lesions. All 12 malignant cases that had repeat trucut biopsy had a confirmed diagnosis of malignancy. Trucut biospy had a sensitivity of 95.1%, specificity of 100%, positive predictive value of 100%, negative predictive value of 97.2%, and an overall diagnostic accuracy of 98.2%. Trucut biopsy is an accurate alternative to fine needle aspiration cytology in the diagnosis of breast lesions with a high diagnostic accuracy of 98.2%

Hypospermatogenesis and spermatozoa maturation arrest in rats induced by mobile phone radiation

To determine the morphological changes induced by mobile phone radiation in the testis of Wistar albino rats. Cohort study. Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from April 2007 to June 2008. Forty male Wistar albino rats were divided in three groups. First group of eight served as the control. The second group [group B, n=16] was exposed to mobile phone radiation for 30 minutes/ day and the third group [group C, n=16] was exposed to mobile phone radiation for 60 minutes/day for a total period of 3 months. Morphological changes in the testes induced by mobile phone radiation for 60 minutes/day caused 18.75% hypospermatogenesis and 18.75% maturation arrest in the testis of albino rats compared to matched controls. However, no abnormal findings were observed in albino rats that were exposed to mobile phone radiation for 30 minutes/day for a total period of 3 months. Long-term exposure to mobile phone radiation can cause hypospermatogenesis and maturation arrest in the spermatozoa in the testis of Wistar albino rats

Efficacy of communication DEALL: An indigenous early intervention program for children with autism spectrum disorders.

Objective To establish the efficacy of Communication DEALL, an indigenous early intervention program; in the management of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Methods ABA design of pre intervention assessment, intervention and post intervention assessment was utilized, across an 8 month period. The first set of measures covered the assessment of developmental skills in the eight areas of gross motor skills, fine motor skills, activities of daily life skills, receptive language, and expressive language, cognitive, social and emotional skills. The second independent measure was the rating of each child on the Childhood Autism Rating Scale. Parental observations and parental estimation of the child’s progress were also recorded. The study was conducted in the Com DEALL units in Bangalore, including thirty subjects diagnosed with ASD. Main Outcome Measures were developmental skill gains and decrease in behavioral issues. Results Statistically significant increase in all eight developmental domains and statistically significant decrease in behavioral symptoms as measured by the CARS, were seen. Conclusions Thus, the Communication DEALL program shows promise as an effective early intervention program. It also indicates a need to further enhance the stabilization of the pre linguistic skills such as maintenance of eye contact, attention, sitting tolerance and compliance, in the program.

Effects of mobile phone radiation on serum testosterone in Wistar albino rats

To investigate the effects of electromagnetic field radiation generated by mobile phones on serum testosterone levels in Wistar albino rats. This experimental interventional control study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia during the period December 2006 to April 2008. A total of 34 male Albino rats [Wistar strain], 2 months of age, weighing 150-160 gm were used for the experiment. These animals were divided into 3 groups. The first group containing 6 rats was assigned as a control group. The second group containing 14 rats was exposed to mobile phone radiation for 30 minutes daily and the third group containing 14 rats was exposed to mobile phone radiation for 60 minutes daily for the total period of 3 months. At the end of experimental period, blood was collected into the container, and serum testosterone was analyzed using double-antibody radioimmunoassay method by Coat-A-Count. Exposure to mobile phone radiation for 60 minutes/day for the total period of 3 months significantly decrease the serum testosterone level [p=0.028] in Wistar Albino rats compared to their matched control. Long-term exposure to mobile phone radiation leads to reduction in serum testosterone levels. Testosterone is a primary male gender hormone and any change in the normal levels may be devastating for reproductive and general health

Measles vaccination response during kosi floods, Bihar, India 2008.

The Kosi floods of Bihar in 2008 led to initial rapid displacement followed by rehabilitation of the affected population. Strategically planned phase-wise activity of supplementary as well as primary measles vaccination combined with a variety of other interventions proved to be successful in preventing outbreaks and deaths due to measles. While 70% supplementary measles vaccination coverage was achieved in relief camps, the coverage of primary measles doses in the latter phases was dependant on accessibility of villages and previous vaccination status of eligible beneficiaries. The integrated diseases surveillance system, which became operational during the floods, also complemented the vaccination efforts by providing daily figures of cases with fever and rash. The overall response was not only successful in terms of preventing measles mortality, but also provided vital lessons that may be useful for planning future vaccination responses in emergency settings.

Dynamics of nitrogen in subtropical wetland and its uptake and storage by Pistia stratiotes.

The paper describes the dynamics of nitrogen in different components (water, soil and plants) of Kabar wetland situated in Begusarai district of Bihar. Contents of nitrogen in the natural components were determined and were compared with the rate of uptake and accumulation under the experimental conditions. Physico-chemical characteristics of natural water and of test basins were quite similar. The trend of seasonal variation of NO3- -N in water and total N in soil and P. stratiotes tissue was almost similar but content of nitrogen differed significantly in the different components. The accumulation of nitrogen in the tissues of P. stratiotes was 5 to 15 fold higher than the concentration of nitrogen in the water and 2 to 3 fold higher than the nitrogen content measured in the soil. Maximum accumulation of nitrogen in P. stratiotes was 15.25 mg g -1 when the concentration of NO3- -N in water was 0.86 mg l-1. Under experimental conditions six different nitrogen concentrations were supplied and determined the uptake and accumulation of nitrogen in P. stratiotes. Maximum uptake and accumulation was 82.87 g m-2 at the end of 60 days after starting the experiment but still the rate of accumulation was in rising trend. In another part of experiment no nitrogen was left in the basins of low concentrations (0.5 and 5 mg N l-1) at the end of 60 days of experiment but at higher concentrations (50 and 65 mg N l-1) significant amount of N was left in the test basin. The biomass enhancement was parallel with nitrogen supply till 15 mg N l-1. This was opposite to the relationship between the nitrogen accumulation in the tissues and nitrogen supply in the experimental basins. Though, potassium was added as an essential growth nutrient but its accumulation was 95 g m-2 at 5 mg l-1.

Infection control practices among dental practitioners of Lahore, Pakistan

To observe adoption of infection control measures among dental practitioners. A cross-sectional study based on a convenient sampling technique was conducted. Dental Practitioners in each subdivision [towns] of the Lahore, Pakistan were approached through 15 dental hygiene students to fill a close ended structured questionnaire. Study was conducted during 1[st] March-15 March 2005. Chi square test was applied with a significance level of p<0.05. Four hundred dental practices were visited and response rate of 83.25% was obtained. 62.76% surgeries were found being run by un-qualified dental practitioners and 37.23% by qualified dentists. 94.35% qualified practitioners used gloves as compared to only 28.2% of the un-qualified practitioners and a high percentage of qualified practitioners used gloves for every patients compared to their un-qualified counter parts [85.48% and 14.35%] respectively. 97.5% qualified practitioners and 80.3% of the un-qualified dentists used face masks. 85.1% of un-qualified and 98.3% of the qualified dental practitioners used fresh set of instruments for each patient. Use of sterilization methods including disinfectants, autoclaving of instruments was higher in qualified practitioners. Infection control measures among qualified and non-qualified practitioners were statistically significant. [p= 0.000] A poor level of infection control practice was observed in dental practices run by un-qualified practitioners. Majority of qualified dentists were observing infection control measures. There is need for further education and training for all the dental practitioners