Traumatic injuries: epidemiological features and risk awareness

To scrutinize the individuals' and environmental factors behind traumatic eye injuries and to find-out individual's awareness of risks in different life activities; 173 eye-injured patients were included. They were subjected to a pre-designed performa to collect data concerning demographic characteristics, type and cause of injury in addition to the place or setting in which it was sustained. It included also data concerning awareness of the potential risk of injury due to the different life activities. The study revealed that all age groups were affected with a maximum frequency at the age group 25 - < 60 years. Illiterate and low educated individuals were more frequent among patients. Contrary to what might be expected; a great proportion of traumatic eye injuries occurred at home, leisure and sports facilities. Urban residence was more potentially hazardous due to multiplicity of activities pursued by residents. The unawareness of the potential hazards to which individuals might be exposed during the different life activities was a factor behind reluctance of using protective appliances where their use was indicated. Illiteracy and low educational level were barriers hindering perception and appreciation of the potential risks, The study recommended; inclusion of safety education within the school curricula at all levels, health education programs dealing with the potential health hazards to be propagated through mass media and special health education programs for those involved in recreational and sports activities. The study recommended also that the use of protective devices should be always inforced

Pulmonary tuberculosis: missed case in the routine hospital investigations of contacts

To assess hospital performance towards case finding among contacts and to find out the value of polymerase chain reaction [PCR] testing in detection of missed cases, 120 pulmonary tuberculous patients were considered index cases. Their contacts were enlisted. Hospital measures towards contacts were audited through interviews with the hospital personnel and revision of the hospital records. Eighty non tuberculous contacts as revealed by the hospital routine measures were subjected to polymerase chain reaction [PCR]. The study revealed that cases among contacts might be missed due to omitting examination of contacts other than the household ones. Also, some of the enlisted contacts might not attend due to non competence of the calling system, The hospital applied routine investigations failed in detection of some of the cases. The study revealed also that clinically suspected contacts might be managed as tuberculous cases to avoid missing cases. The study recommended enlistment of contacts other than the household ones. It recommended also direct mailing and communications with the primary health care units besides home visits to reach tuberculous contacts

Pulmonary Tuberculosis: determinants and risk factors

This study was conducted to find out the current determinants and risk factors of pulmonary tuberculosis. The study comprised 487 pulmonary tuberculosis patients and 632 non tuberculous ones as a conrrol group, All were interviewed to collect data concerning personal information, socioeconomic chairacteristics, special habits, family history of tuberculosis among close contacts, history of BCG vaccination, and history of intercurrent diseases. The study revealed that pulmonary tuberculosis continues to occur at a peak among those aged 25 -< 45 years. the age group 5-15 years is no more exempted. Contrary to what has been known, rural inhabitants, farmers and house -wives are now more experiencing pulmonary tuberculosis. Illiteracy, large family size and family disruption are sccioeconomic factors behind pulmonary tuberculosis. Smoking and addiction are also operating risk factors. Besides the well known risky occupations, coffee shop workers are new comers. Diabetes mellitus, chronic gastrointestinal diseases are still operating risk factors while bronchial asthma is argumental. BCG vaccination is not the sole preventive measure for pulmonary tuberculosis. The study recommended, routine screening of patients with diabetes mellitus, chronic gastro-intestinal diseases and bronchial asthma and campaigns for screening of house-wives, farmers and seasonal manual workers. It recommends also screening of school age children besides strengthening anti-illiteracy and anti-smoking efforts

Meningococcal carriage among medical and paramdical personnel in Tanta, Egypt

N. meningitidis, Str. Pneumoniae and H. influenzae are responsible for over 90% of cases of acute bacterial meningitis. Meningococci are the commonest cause of septic meningitis in Egypt, and in many parts of the world, meningococcal disease is considered a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Asymptomatic nasopharyngeal colonization in humans provides the only known natural reservoir of meningococci. Three hundred and twenty three nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from medical and paramedical staff in Tanta University Hospital and Tanta Fever Hospital, and 144 swabs were collected from Tanta University students as a control non-exposed group. Cultures and serogrouping were performed, sensitivity to antibiotics was estimated. The percentage of positive meningococcal carriers of the exposed medical and paramedical personnel was 22.6%,while in non-exposed group was 11.1%. There was no relation between history of vaccine intake and carrier rate. Workers and nurses had the highest carrier rates among the medical and paramedical personnel [27.1% and 25.8% respectively]. Serogroup A was the most prevalent [48.3%],followed by serogroup C [43.8%] and finally serogroup B [7.9%]. The isolates were sensitive more to ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, rifampicin and spiramycin