frequency of old world cutaneous leishmaniasis in skin ulcers in Peshawar

Old World Cutaneous Leishmaniasis [OWCL] is a preventable skin infection that leads to morbidity and social isolation. It is spreading rapidly. The sore of OWCL may be a non-ulcerative red papule, nodule or a large mutilating ulcer. The ulcer is typically painless and can leave a disfiguring scar. This was a descriptive study. The diagnosis of OWCL was established by finding LD bodies in skin smear preparation. This study identified 1680 cutaneous leishmaniasis in 1767 skin ulcers. Children [n=924] were infected more than other age groups [n=756]. There were typical skin sore of OWCL in 1512 cases while 168 patients had a typical presentation. The ulcers were painless in 1603 patients. History of insect bite was present in 1366 cases, thorn prick in 156 patients, religious visit to endemic areas in 256 patients, and 4 patients had post surgical non healing wound. Lesions with 4 to 6 months of age had a maximum yield of LD bodies. There were 498 patients from different areas of Peshawar; 688 cases from leishmania endemic belt of FATA while 89 patients came from other urban and rural areas of NWFP. There is a tremendous increase in cases of OWCL and the disease became endemic in many regions of Pakistan. The bordering areas along Afghanistan have constituted and endemic belt that had invaded the neighboring urban and rural areas. Several chronic non healing ulcers had been diagnosed as OWCL. Many cases have been detected in Peshawar. People need education about the nature of the diseases and the efficacy of personal protective measures. Spray with suitable insecticides is required in all residential areas

Smoking prevalence, knowledge and attitudes among medical students in Karachi, Pakistan

A survey of smoking prevalence and attitudes was made among medical students randomly selected from classes at the Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan. Of 271 respondents, 14.4% were current smokers [22.0% male and 3.8% females] and 3.3% ex-smokers. A majority of students recognized the dangers associated with active as well as passive smoking although only 55% of current smokers planned to quit in the near future. Most smokers [96%] believed that they as well as other health professionals needed training on smoking cessation and 95% of all students believed that doctors should play a role model in smoking cessation by not smoking themselves. Specific training and counselling should be a part of the required curriculum at medical schools

Empyema thoracic, an unusual cause for mediastinal widening on PA chest film: a case report and review of literature regarding value of CT scan in evaluating empyemas

We report the case of an infant with poikilothermia leading to postoperative pyrexia giving rise to the suspicion of poikilothermia. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt infection must be considered in the differential diagnosis in this clinical setting