Niger J Clin Pract
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Hepatitis B virus infection is common in Nigerians and its diagnosis is necessary for effective treatment and eradication. This study is aimed at highlighting the serological factors jeopardizing the diagnosis and treatment of the infection among Nigerians adults. ⋯ Sero-diagnosis of HBsAg and other serological markers of infectivity in patients with HBV should be carried out by ELISA rather than HMA among adult Nigerians. Furthermore, high infectivity of the virus abounds among Nigerian with HBV infection.
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Hepatitis D Virus (HDV) infection has been reported to be declining in some geographical areas. In order to ascertain the current status of HDV infection in Nigeria, a study of patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related liver diseases was undertaken to determine the sero-prevalence ofanti-HDV. ⋯ HDV still contributes to significant morbidity and mortality in HBV-related liver diseases in Nigeria. There is urgent need for larger studies on a national scale to accurately appraise the public health importance of this infection.
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Maternal mortality rates are an index of the state of a nation's health system. Maternal autopsies help to determine these rates, provide information on avoidable/unavoidable causes of mortality, consequently leading to the development of strategies for treatment and prevention of maternal mortality and morbidity. The lesson from post-mortem examinations, using the vehicle of confidential enquiries into maternal deaths, can save the lives of many; causing reduction in both maternal and perinatal mortality as well as reductions in morbidity. However for autopsies to fulfil this role they must be of a very high standard and must be subjected to quality control measures.
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To examine the knowledge and practice, as well as factors influencing universal precautions practices amongst Nigerian House officers and Nurses. ⋯ Although knowledge of universal precautions is high for both house officers and nurses, practice is however better amongst the latter than the former. The effective knowledge and practice of universal precautions amongst hospital workers are of absolute necessity to prevent infections from blood and body fluid pathogens.
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Spirometry evaluation of ventilatory functions plays a critical role in the diagnosis, differentiation and management of respiratory illness such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and restrictive lung disorders. It appears to be underutilized especially by most primary care physicians. ⋯ Bronchial Asthma is the commonest indication for the use of spirometry. There is poor referral from the peripheral primary care centers. Primary care general physicians and surgeons should be encouraged to use of spirometry.