scholarly journals Incidental Laboratory Identification of Brucella melitensis in a case with Pancytopenia

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 193-198
Author(s):  
Mahalakshmi Kumaresan Lakshmi Shanmugam ◽  
Ketan Priyadarshi Mahathi Gopalakrishnan ◽  
Tamilarasu Kadhiravan Apurba Sankar Sastry
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Brucella Melitensis ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Febrile Illness ◽  
Human Brucellosis ◽  
Automated Identification ◽  
Serological Tests ◽  
Test Culture ◽  
Significant Public Health Problem ◽  
Significant Public Health

Brucellosis is a bacterial zoonosis usually associated with exposure to infected animals or their products. Although a significant public health problem in India, exact prevalence and distribution are unknown owing to the imprecision of diagnosis and inadequacy of reporting and surveillance. Although the febrile illness is common, its manifestations are highly variable. Bone marrow suppression and consequent pancytopenia have been rarely reported. We present a case of 50 years old female diagnosed with human brucellosis associated with pancytopenia and non-specific clinical presentation, that was diagnosed incidentally on blood and bone-marrow culture. This was confirmed by serological tests like the standard agglutination test. Culture isolation using automated blood culture (e.g. BacT/ALERT), followed by identification using automated identification systems (e.g. MALDI-TOF and VITEK-2) help to reach accurate and timely diagnosis aiding in the management of the patient.

scholarly journals Evaluation of in vitro Activities of Tigecycline and Various Antibiotics against Brucella spp.

2010 ◽  
Vol 59 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
BETIL OZHAK-BAYSAN ◽  
GOZDE ONGUT ◽  
DILARA OGUNC ◽  
FILIZ GUNSEREN ◽  
NEVGUN SEPIN-OZEN ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Culture ◽  
Brucella Melitensis ◽  
Synergistic Effects ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Worldwide Distribution ◽  
Significant Public Health Problem ◽  
Significant Public Health ◽  
Culture Isolate ◽  
Synergy Test

Brucellosis is a zoonosis with a worldwide distribution and remains a significant public health problem mainly in the developing world. In this study we evaluated the in vitro activities and synergistic effects of antibiotic combinations against blood culture isolates of Brucella spp. In vitro susceptibilities of 76 blood culture isolates of Brucella melitensis and one blood culture isolate of Brucella abortus to doxycycline, streptomycin, gentamicin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, moxifloxacin, rifampin, ciprofloxacin, and tigecycline were examined by Etest method. For 37 patients with Brucella spp. isolates (36 B. melitensis, 1 B. abortus), antibiotic combinations used for treatment were identified with those tested in vitro for synergy using Etest method. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and tigecycline were the most active of the compounds tested with MIC90 value of 0.094 mg/l. Among antibiotic combinations only streptomycin-rifampin combination was synergistic for one Brucella spp. isolate. The other antibiotic combinations revealed antagonistic or indifferent activity. Complete clinical response was achieved in all patients. Further studies are required to determine the correlation between the antimicrobial susceptibility and synergy test results with the clinical course of patients. Brucellosis can be adequately treated with existing regimens in our region.

scholarly journals Hepatitis C among Egyptian Patients Referred for Bone Marrow Examination: Seroprevalence and Analysis of Hematological Findings

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Somaia Mohammed Mousa
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Bone Marrow Examination ◽  
Hcv Prevalence ◽  
Common Diagnosis ◽  
Egyptian Patients ◽  
Significant Public Health Problem ◽  
Significant Public Health ◽  
Chronic Hcv

Hepatitis C is a significant public health problem in Egypt where the highest prevalence (14.7%) of hepatitis C virus (HCV) exists. HCV prevalence is even higher among clinical populations and groups at risk of exposure to infection. Chronic HCV infection is associated with several hematological complications that may necessitate bone marrow (BM) examination. The aim of this study is to estimate HCV prevalence among patients referred for BM examination and to explore hematological and BM findings among HCV positive patients. One hundred adult patients referred for BM examination were included in the study and screened for HCV antibodies. Patients’ clinical, hematological, and BM findings were recorded. The seroprevalence of HCV among patients referred for BM examination was 42%. The most common indication for BM examination among HCV positive patients was peripheral cytopenias (88.1%). The most common cytopenia detected was thrombocytopenia (85.7%). The most common diagnosis among HCV positive patients was hypersplenism (52.4%) followed by B-lymphoproliferative disorders (19%) and then immune thrombocytopenic purpura (11.9%). In conclusion, HCV prevalence among patients referred for BM examination is higher than that estimated in the general population. Patients with unexplained peripheral cytopenias should be tested for HCV.

scholarly journals A Fatal and Rare Case of Hydatid Cyst in the Pouch of Douglas

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ritu Asnani ◽  
Sunil Kumar Yeshvanth ◽  
Lancelot Lobo ◽  
Shipra Sonkusare
Keyword(s):  
Hydatid Cyst ◽  
Rare Case ◽  
Frozen Section ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Zoonotic Infection ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Significant Public Health Problem ◽  
Significant Public Health ◽  
Pouch Of Douglas

Abstract Hydatid cyst is a zoonotic infection and a significant public health problem in low- and middle-income countries. A 79-year-old female patient was presented to the gynecology outpatient department with complaints of pain in the abdomen and difficulty in micturition, with a mass palpable per speculum. The ultrasound was suggestive of an ovarian cystadenocarcinoma, whereas computed tomography of the abdomen favored hydatid cyst with adnexal neoplasm as a differential diagnosis. Considering the contradictory findings, a frozen section was sent to confirm the diagnosis, which showed hooklets of Echinococcus granulosus/hydatid cyst under the microscope. This was a rare case of pelvic hydatid cyst mimicking ovarian malignancy and was associated with a less-preferred mode of investigation (frozen section). This article focuses on how a frozen section, despite its limitations and being expensive, can still be considered for accurate patient management.

Possible role of Unani Pharmacology in COVID-19 – a narrative review

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Md Anzar Alam ◽  
Mohd Abdul Gani ◽  
G. Shama ◽  
Ghulamuddin Sofi ◽  
Mohd Aleemuddin Quamri
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
World Health ◽  
Santalum Album ◽  
Boswellia Serrata ◽  
Unani Medicine ◽  
Significant Public Health Problem ◽  
Significant Public Health ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Health Organization

AbstractAccording to the World Health Organization (WHO), viral diseases continue to rise, and pose a significant public health problem. Novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. The pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of COVID-19 is close to Amraz-e-Wabai (epidemic diseases) which was described by Hippocrates, Galen, Aristotle, Razes, Haly Abbas, Avicenna, Jurjani etc. Presently, there is no specific or challenging treatment available for COVID-19. Renowned Unani Scholars recommended during epidemic situation to stay at home, and fumigate the shelters with aromatics herbs like Ood kham (Aquilaria agallocha Roxb.), Kundur (Boswellia serrata Roxb), Kafoor (Cinnamomum camphora L.), Sandal (Santalum album L), Hing (Ferula foetida L.) etc. Use of specific Unani formulations are claimed effective for the management of such epidemic or pandemic situation like antidotes (Tiryaqe Wabai, Tiryaqe Arba, Tiryaqe Azam, Gile Armani), Herbal Decoction (Joshandah), along with Sharbate Khaksi, Habbe Bukhar, Sharbate Zanjabeel, Khamira Marwareed, Jawarish Jalinus, and Sirka (vinegar). Such drugs are claimed for use as antioxidant, immunomodulatory, cardiotonic, and general tonic actions. The study enumerates the literature regarding management of epidemics in Unani medicine and attempts to look the same in the perspective of COVID-19 prevention and management.

scholarly journals Self-harm among in-school and street-connected adolescents in Ghana: a cross-sectional survey in the Greater Accra region

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. e041609
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Nii-Boye Quarshie ◽  
Farag Shuweihdi ◽  
Mitch Waterman ◽  
Allan House
Keyword(s):  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Self Injury ◽  
Significant Public Health Problem ◽  
Significant Public Health ◽  
Treatment Measures ◽  
Self Harm ◽  
Greater Accra Region

ObjectivesTo identify the prevalence, methods, associations and reported reasons for self-harm among in-school and street-connected adolescents in Ghana.DesignA cross-sectional survey. We applied multi-level regression models and model-based cluster analysis to the data.SettingThree contexts in the Greater Accra region were used: second cycle schools, facilities of charity organisations and street census enumeration areas (sleeping places of street-connected adolescents, street corners, quiet spots of restaurants, markets, train and bus stations, and lorry and car parks).ParticipantsA regionally representative sample of 2107 (1723 in-school and 384 street-connected) adolescents aged 13–21 years.Outcome measuresParticipants responded to a structured self-report anonymous questionnaire describing their experience of self-harm and eliciting demographic information and social and personal adversities.ResultsThe lifetime prevalence of self-harm was 20.2% (95% CI 19.0% to 22.0%), 12-month prevalence was 16.6% (95% CI 15.0% to 18.0%) and 1-month prevalence was 3.1% (95% CI 2.0% to 4.0%). Self-injury alone accounted for 54.5% episodes and self-poisoning alone for 16.2% episodes, with more than one method used in 26% of episodes. Self-cutting (38.7%) was the most common form of self-injury, whereas alcohol (39.2%) and medications (27.7%) were the most commonly reported means of self-poisoning. The factors associated with self-harm were interpersonal: conflict with parents (adjusted OR (aOR)=1.87, 95% CI 1.24 to 2.81), physical abuse victimisation (aOR=1.69, 95% CI 1.16 to 2.47), difficulty in making and keeping friends (aOR=1.24, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.80), sexual abuse victimisation (aOR=1.21, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.87) and conflict between parents (aOR=1.07, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.56).ConclusionsSelf-harm is a significant public health problem among in-school and street-connected adolescents in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. Its origins are very largely in social and familial adversity, and therefore prevention and treatment measures need to be focused in these areas.

Female sexual dysfunction: a problem hidden in the shadows

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Konstantinos P. Imprialos ◽  
Konstantinos Koutsampasopoulos ◽  
Aleksandra Katsimardou ◽  
Sofia Bouloukou ◽  
Iakovos Theodoulidis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Sexual Dysfunction ◽  
Female Sexual Dysfunction ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Management Options ◽  
Significant Public Health Problem ◽  
Significant Public Health ◽  
Cv Disease

Background: Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) has mainly been underdiagnosed and undertreated due to the lack of concrete definitions, validated assessment methods, and efficient treatments. However, during the last few decades, there has been significant progress in the clinical management and research of FSD. Objective: The purpose of this review is to describe the pathophysiology of FSD, report the prevalence of the disease in the setting of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and disease, and review current and under investigation treatment options. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was performed to identify studies examining the association of FSD with CV risk factors and/or disease and studies reporting appropriate management options. Results: The prevalence of FSD is increased in the general population (approximately 40%) and is significantly higher in patients with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia. In patients with overt CV disease, FSD is even more prevalent (up to 90%). The cause of FSD is multifactorial and includes various vascular, hormonal, interpersonal, and psychological factors, which are all intertwined. Several treatment options exist that are efficient in improving female sexual function, while a cluster of other alternatives has been shown to offer benefits. Conclusion: FSD is a significant public health problem with a great impact on the patients’ quality of life. In the setting of increased CV burden, FSD is even more prevalent. Increased awareness is needed for the physician to establish a trustful environment with the patient, discuss such issues, and offer suitable management options.

scholarly journals Spatial distribution of schistosomiasis and geohelminthiasis cases in the rural areas of Pernambuco, Brazil

2012 ◽  
Vol 45 (5) ◽  
pp. 633-638 ◽  
Author(s):  
Verônica Santos Barbosa ◽  
Karina Conceição Araújo ◽  
Onicio Batista Leal Neto ◽  
Constança Simões Barbosa
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Kernel Estimator ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Number Of Children ◽  
Density Maps ◽  
Significant Public Health Problem ◽  
Significant Public Health

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence and intensity of geohelminth infections and schistosomiasis remain high in the rural areas of Zona da Mata, Pernambuco (ZMP), Brazil, where these parasites still represent a significant public health problem. The present study aimed to spatially assess the occurrences of schistosomiasis and geohelminthiasis in the ZMP. METHODS: The ZMP has a population of 1,132,544 inhabitants, formed by 43 municipalities. An ecological study was conducted, using secondary data relating to positive human cases and parasite loads of schistosomiasis and positive human cases of geohelminthiasis that were worked up in Excel 2007. We used the coordinates of the municipal headquarters to represent the cities which served as the unit of analysis of this study. The Kernel estimator was used to spatially analyze the data and identify distribution patterns and case densities, with analysis done in ArcGIS software. RESULTS: Spatial analysis from the Kernel intensity estimator made it possible to construct density maps showing that the northern ZMP was the region with the greatest number of children infected with parasites and the populations most intensely infected by Schistosoma mansoni. In relation to geohelminths, there was higher spatial distribution of cases of Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura in the southern ZMP, and greater occurrence of hookworms in the northern/central ZMP. CONCLUSIONS: Despite several surveys and studies showing occurrences of schistosomiasis and geohelminthiasis in the ZMP, no preventive measures that are known to have been effective in decreasing these health hazards have yet been implemented in the endemic area.

scholarly journals DHEA as a Biomarker of Stress: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frédéric Dutheil ◽  
Sarah de Saint Vincent ◽  
Bruno Pereira ◽  
Jeannot Schmidt ◽  
Farès Moustafa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Mental Stress ◽  
Acute Stress ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Main Peak ◽  
Significant Public Health Problem ◽  
Significant Public Health ◽  
Two Measures

Background: Psychosocial stress is a significant public health problem inducing consequences for quality of life. Results about the use of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) as a biomarker of acute stress are conflicting. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to demonstrate that DHEA levels could be a biomarker of stress.Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and ScienceDirect databases were searched on March 19, 2021 using the keywords “acute stress” AND “DHEA” OR “Dehydroepiandrosterone.” Articles needed to describe our primary outcome, i.e., induction of acute stress and at least two measures of DHEA.Results: We included 14 studies, with a total of 631 participants, in our meta-analysis. The DHEA levels increased overtime after acute stress [standardized mean difference (SMD) = 1.56, 95%CI = 1.13–1.99]. Stratification by time showed a main peak at the end of stress (SMD = 2.43, 95%CI = 1.59–3.27), followed by a progressive decrease (coefficient = −0.11, 95%CI = −0.19 to −0.17, p = 0.020). There was no significant change 1 h after the end of acute stress. Metaregressions showed an impact of mental stress (SMD = 2.04, 95%CI = 1.43–2.65), sex (SMD = 0.02, 95%CI = 0.00–0.04), age (SMD = −0.12, 95%CI = −0.2 to −0.05), and obesity (SMD = 0.31, 95%CI = −0.00 to 0.63). There was no difference whatever the type of fluid (blood or saliva) and the measurement technique used.Conclusions: DHEA is a biomarker of acute stress, with a short-term increase (1 h). DHEA increases following acute mental stress, whatever the type and duration of mental stress. Women, young people, and obese individuals had a higher response. Blood and saliva measures were comparable.

Green tea polyphenols prevent lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory liver injury in mice by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 3898-3908 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dongxu Wang ◽  
Man Zhang ◽  
Taotao Wang ◽  
Min Cai ◽  
Frank Qian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Liver Injury ◽  
Green Tea ◽  
Liver Diseases ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Green Tea Polyphenols ◽  
Inflammasome Activation ◽  
Nlrp3 Inflammasome Activation ◽  
Significant Public Health Problem ◽  
Significant Public Health

Inflammatory liver diseases present a significant public health problem.

Moped Collisions among Patients with Revoked Drivers’ Licenses are a Significant Public Health Problem: A Retrospective Cohort Study

2014 ◽  
Vol 80 (8) ◽  
pp. 792-795 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin M. Braun ◽  
Lynn M. Gries ◽  
Amy N. Hildreth ◽  
Anna N. Miller
Keyword(s):  
Motor Vehicle ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
High Risk Behavior ◽  
Driving While Intoxicated ◽  
Significant Public Health Problem ◽  
Significant Public Health ◽  
History Of ◽  
Mode Of Transportation ◽  
Level I

Many states do not require a license to operate a moped, defined as a motor vehicle with less than 50-cc engine displacement. These vehicles may therefore serve as a mode of transportation for those who are driving without a license and who may have a history of prior high-risk behavior. We hypothesized that those involved in moped collisions were more likely to have previous convictions for driving while intoxicated (DWI) and other non-DWI offenses than those on conventional motorcycles. At a Level I trauma center, we queried the trauma registry from January 2005 to October 2010 for admissions after motorcycle or moped collisions. Classification of mechanism of injury was verified through chart review. Corrections databases from our state were then reviewed for previous convictions for DWI and other offenses. One thousand seventy-three patients over the study period were involved in motorcycle or moped collisions; 94 were from another state. Of the patients identified from our state, 249 had moped collisions and 730 had motorcycle collisions. Forty-nine per cent (121) of moped drivers had a history of DWI versus only 8 per cent (56) of motorcycle drivers ( P ≤ 0.05). Sixty-four per cent (161) of moped drivers were previously convicted of a crime versus 20 per cent (146) of those on motorcycles ( P ≤ 0.05). Moped drivers were significantly more likely to have a prior conviction of DWI as well as prior convictions of other crimes, establishing a pattern of disregard for the law. The use of these vehicles without a license likely presents a risk to public safety. Legislation to require licensing before moped operation should be considered.

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