African health sciences
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African health sciences · Jun 2015
A retrospective evaluation of critically ill patients infected with H1N1 influenza A virus in Bursa, Turkey, during the 2009-2010 pandemic.
H1N1 influenza A virus infections were first reported in April 2009 and spread rapidly, resulting in mortality worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate patients with H1N1 infection treated in the intensive care unit (ICU) in Bursa, Turkey. ⋯ When compared to the literature, the demographic, epidemiological, and clinical characteristics were similar in the cases we encountered. The mortality rate was high despite the use of appropriate treatment. We believe that the high mortality is related to higher APACHE II scores. The H1N1 virus should be considered in community acquired pneumonia, especially in younger patients presenting with severe pneumonia.
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African health sciences · Jun 2015
Comparative StudyComparison of absolute neutrophil to CD4 lymphocyte values as a marker of immunosuppression in cancer patients on cytotoxic chemotherapy.
The absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is currently used to assess immune status of patients on cytotoxic therapy. The CD4 lymphocytes have also been shown to be of importance in protection against opportunistic infections. In people of African descent a low baseline ANC has been recorded and the currently accepted neutropaenic threshold may not be appropriate. ⋯ The CD4 lymphocyte count may be a more suitable parameter than ANC, for monitoring immuno-depletion in cancer patients on cytotoxic chemotherapy. Further studies are required to validate these findings, especially in the Negroid population.
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African health sciences · Jun 2015
Randomized Controlled TrialPsychological wellbeing and biochemical modulation in response to weight loss in obese type 2 diabetes patients.
Obesity in type 2 diabetes patients is a serious health issue by itself; it is also associated with other health problems including psychiatric illnesses. The psychological effects of dieting and weight loss have been a matter of controversy in the field of obesity management. ⋯ Physical training and dietary measures can be used as methods of choice for psychological wellbeing and biochemical modulation in obese type 2 diabetes patients.
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African health sciences · Jun 2015
Hepatitis B and HIV co-infection is still treated using lamivudine-only antiretroviral therapy combination in Uganda.
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HIV are endemic in Uganda. Co-infection is common and leads to rapid progression of liver disease. Burden of co-infection is unknown yet most patients are on lamivudine-only ART where resistance is frequent. Most patients are initiated on antiretroviral therapy (ART) without knowing their HBV status. ⋯ A large proportion of patients were on lamivudine- only HBV-active ART. Resistance may occur long term thus testing for HBV and correct ART is recommended.
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African health sciences · Jun 2015
Antibiogram of E. coli serotypes isolated from children aged under five with acute diarrhea in Bahir Dar town.
Diarrheal disease and its complications remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children. The prevalence and antibiogram of E. coli as causative agents of diarrhea vary from region to region, and even within countries in the same geographical area. ⋯ High prevalence of diarrheagenic E. coli compounded by alarming antimicrobial resistances is a serious public health problem. Regular determination of antibiogram and public education are recommended.