Sero-Prevalence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen among Individuals with HIV - Related Cutaneous Disorders at a Tertiary Referral Dermatology Clinic in Dar es Salaam

Background: HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections are common in sub Saharan Africa. HIV/AIDS is associated with a wide variety of cutaneous disorders which herald the onset of severe immunosuppression. In sub Saharan Africa; HBV is transmitted mainly horizontally through skin contact. Few studies if any have determined the prevalence of HBV infection among HIV sero-positive individuals with HIV - related cutaneous disorders. Objective: To determine the sero - prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen among HIV - seropositive individuals with HIV- related cutaneous disorders.Setting: Tertiary referral Dermatology clinic; Muhimbili National Hospital; Dar es Salaam.Design and methods: Hospital based controlled study whereby consecutive patients with HIV - related cutaneous disorders were enrolled. After filling in a questionnaire and undergoing dermatological examination blood was drawn for HBsAg and HIV antibody screening. Adult and secondary school student blood donors were used as controls.Results: 384 patients with HIV-related skin lesions were enrolled into the study. 354 (92

Insulin resistance and hypertension in non-obese Africans in Tanzania.

Insulin sensitivity was assessed using a glucose-insulin infusion test in 15 newly diagnosed non-obese hypertensive black Tanzanians with normal glucose tolerance and in 15 normotensive control subjects matched for age, sex, and body mass index. The steady-state blood glucose and metabolic clearance rate of glucose (MCR) were used as measures of insulin sensitivity. The mean MCR (glucose) was significantly reduced (7.12+/-0.57 versus 9.50+/-0.69 micromol/kg per minute; P<.05) and mean steady-state blood glucose was significantly elevated (5.0+/-0.3 versus 3.7+/-0.3 mmol/L; P<.01) in subjects with hypertension compared with the normotensive group. For all subjects there was a significant inverse correlation between MCR (glucose) and systolic (P=.003) and diastolic (P=.005) blood pressure; and a positive correlation was found between fasting serum insulin levels and systolic (P=.005) and diastolic (P=.004) blood pressure. These observations were independent of body mass index and serum lipid levels. These data indicate a strong association between insulin mediated glucose uptake and blood pressure in this population of normal weight untreated urban Africans.