Seroprevalence of measles antibodies in school going children in Pakistan

To determine the Seroprevalence of measles IgG antibodies in school going children [age 4 to7.5 years] and assess the need for second dose of vaccination. Study type, settings and duration: National study in randomly selected primary school children for a duration of 12 months. Subjects and Methods: A national representative sample of 6000 school going children between 5-7 years of age was taken out. As 500 children were already studied an year before in Islamabad, therefore, 2500 children from Punjab, 2000 from Sindh and 500 each from Khyber Pakhtonkhaw and Balochistan making a total of 6000 children. These children were selected from major cities of Pakistan that included Peshawar, Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Karachi, Hyderabad, and Quetta. Consent was taken from the parents and principals of the schools for collection of blood samples. About 5 ml of whole blood was taken from which serum was separated and stored for testing. Measles antibody titres [serum IgG antibodies] were measured by enzyme-linked Immunosorbant assay [ELISA]. Antibodies concentration<200 m IU was considered negative [non-protective]; those having levels between 200-300 m IU were labeled as border line and>300 m IU as positive [protective]. For the purpose of analysis, ages of the children were divided into three groups

Prevalence of hepatitis B and C viral infections in Pakistan: findings of a national survey appealing for effective prevention and control measures

A prevalence survey on hepatitis B and C infections was carried out to obtain national estimates and assess epidemiological dynamics and underlying risk factors. Overall prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg] and anti-hepatitis C virus [HCV] of 2.5% and 4.8%, respectively, reflected a combined infection rate of 7.6% in the general population, consistent with an ongoing high burden of chronic liver disease [CLD]. There was significant association of these viral infections with a range of risk factors led by reuse of syringes. These findings validate currently implemented strategies by the national programme for the control of hepatitis viral infections, including universal vaccination of newborns and high-risk groups, support of auto-disable syringes, promotion of infection control and patient safety, public health education, and majiageprient of needy CLD patients as a poverty-reduction health intervention

Immunogenicity of yeast-derived hepatitis B vaccine in Pakistani adults

A study of the immunogenicity and safety of 20m recombinant DNA yeast derived hepatitis B vaccine was conducted in 153 Pakistani adults. All participants were in good physical condition had negative hepatitis B serological markers [HbsAg, anti HBs, anti-HBc] and normal ALT. Anti-HBs developed in 33 percent, 81 percent and 98 percent of subjects one month after the first, second and third dose respectively. Minor systemind local side-effects were observed in 30 percent of individuals. We conclude that yeast derived hepatitis B vaccine is safe, effective and immunogenic in Pakistani adults

Does the rapid healing of duodenal ulcers mean longer remissions?

A study was conducted to test the response to therapy and the relapse rates of endoscopically-confirmed duodenal ulcers. Endoscopy to check for healing was performed at 4 and 8 weeks in cases receiving H2-blockers and misoprostol and at 14 and 28 days in cases receiving a proton pump inhibitor. Endoscopy was repeated at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months to check for relapses. Healing rates were 61%-77% and 75%-85% at 4 and 8 weeks in the group receiving H2-blockers and misoprostol. Healing rates were 68% and 100% at days 14 and 28 with the proton pump inhibitor. The relapse rates within 3 months were 72%-86% and 100% respectively. This study indicates that the faster the ulcer healed, the earlier the relapse occurred

Are non-specific reactions to tuberculin common?

There thousand four hundred eighty-five BCG scar negative school children were given tuberculin test. Results showed very little non-specific reactions, suggesting BCG should produce high levels of protection in our population