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Abstract : Asymptomatic Bacteremia in Children Infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Calabar, South-South, Nigeria
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Abstract: Background: Asymptomatic Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infected children are prone to serious bacterial infection as a result of poor immunity. Objective: This was to determine the common pathogenic organisms responsible for bacteremia among asymptomatic HIV infected children attending the outpatient clinics at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. Subjectsand Methods: This prospective non randomized cross-sectional study was conducted over 6months from January 1st to 30th June 2014 among cohorts of HIV infected Anti-retroviral (ARV) naive and experienced children attending the clinic. Ethical approval was obtained from the ethical committee of the institution. Blood culture specimens were collected from all HIV infected patients who met the criteria for enrollment. All specimens with isolated bacteria organisms were treated with antibiotics according to the sensitivity pattern, in addition to administered Anti-retroviral drugs. Results: Out of the total of 109 patients recruited, 38(34.9%) had bacteremia. There were more males (57.9%), and most of them (63.2%) had Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART) for more than 24weeks. Bacteremia was inversely proportional to the CD4 count. The commonest organism isolated was unclassified Coliforms (47.3%) followed by Staphyloccocus aureus (39.5%). Conclusions: HIV infected children are prone to bacteremia especially among those with low CD4 count. Coliform was the commonest organism isolated. We recommend that HIV infected children be routinely investigated for bacteremia.
Keywords: Organisms, ARV, gentamyicin, Blood culture, CD4. |
Abstract : The Prospective Assessment of Nutrition in Children with Cystic Fibrosis
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Abstract: Aims: Patients with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) have increased risk of malnutrition. Early detection of nutritional deterioration enables prompt intervention and correction. The aims of this project were to define the nutritional status of CF patients in Iran and New Zealand, compare and contrast the McDonald Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS) tool with the Australasian Guidelines for Nutrition in Cystic Fibrosis, and validate these results with each patient’s evaluation by their CF clinical team. Methods:Children with CF (2 - 18 years) were assessed during routine outpatient visits over one year. Anthropometric measurements were obtained. Both tools were applied and the results compared to their clinical evaluation (as gold standard) with calculation of specificity and sensitivity. Results:Under-nutrition was seen more frequent in the 33 Iranian children than in the 36 New Zealand (NZ) patients (39% versus 0%, p=0.0001), whereas over-nutrition was more prevalent in NZ children (9% versus 17%, p=0.05). At the first visit, both guidelines were able to recognize 77% and 61% of under-nourished Iranian patients, respectively. The mean sensitivity and specificity for all visits for the McDonald tool were 83% & 73% (Iran) and 65% & 86% (NZ). Sensitivity and specificity for the Australasian guidelines were 79% & 79% (Iran) and 70% & 90% (NZ). Conclusions: Both tools successfully recognised patients at risk of malnutrition. The McDonald tool had comparable sensitivity and specificity to that described previously, especially in Iranian patients. This tool may be helpful in recognizing at risk CF patients, particularlyin developing countries with fewer resources. Keywords: Cystic Fibrosis, Malnutrition, Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS), NRS tools, over-nutrition. |
Abstract : Measles Vaccination among Children (12 to 23 Months) in IDPs Settlements of Khartoum State, Sudan
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Abstract: Objectives: To assess the coverage rate of measles vaccine among children 12 to 23 months old and causes behind non-immunization in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) settlements. Methods: A multistage cluster sampling, community-based, descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in IDPs Settlements of Khartoum State, Sudan, in 2009. Questionnaires were collected from 210 children (12 to 23 months) old to determine the coverage rate and causes behind non-immunization with measles vaccine. Results: Almost one quarter (24.8%) of children was not vaccinated by measles and the coverage rate was 75.2%; most of them had a vaccination card (86%) which means a high documentation and verification of mothers answers and only 14% verified the immunization status of their children by memory. The major cause of none vaccination was because of the busyness of the mother to take her child for vaccination, which comprises 10% of the children, followed by 6.2% of children not vaccinated because their mothers give no reason for not vaccinating their children. There was evidence of a significant association (P-Value = 0.037) between education level of the mothers' and numbers of children under five years in the family with the immunization of Measles. Conclusion: Coverage of measles vaccination among children aged 12-23 months in IDPs settlements in Khartoum state was reasonably acceptable. The most common reasons for non-immunization were that the caretakers were busy to take their children for vaccination and being unaware of need to return for measles vaccine. Apply a health promotion program and use of different comprehensive interventions to convince mothers to complete measles immunization and increases coverage rate, also plan and implement an effective health education program to increase the awareness of mothers on the importance of measles vaccination. Keywords: IDPs, Measles vaccine. |
Abstract : A Study of School Lunch Food Choice and Consumption among Elementary School Students
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Abstract: Background: School lunches that are part of the National School Lunch Program must meet specific nutrition requirements. It is unknown whether students eat school lunches in a balanced manner. This study examined which lunch food items children eat/toss, and consumption differences between sexes, and between students at a Non-Title 1 school where most students purchase school lunches and a Title 1 school where most students receive free or reduced-priced lunches. Methods:Students in both schools were observed unobtrusively for five consecutive days. Trained observers recorded the discarded food items on a checklist listing the menu items for the day. The final analyses (t- tests, z tests) included data from 2,826 student-meals. Results:Entrees similar to those offered in fast food restaurants (i.e., chicken nuggets, pizza, nachos, corndogs) were favored by most students. Fresh fruits and vegetables were not selected or consumed frequently. Boys consumed more food in the fast food, starches, and dessert categories, while girls consumed more soup, salads, and vegetables. Title 1 school students consumed more food in all categories except bread, pasta, and sandwiches than Non-Title 1 school students. Conclusions:Students’ preference of unhealthy lunch items may decrease the health benefits that school lunches attempt to provide. Keywords: Elementary school student, National School Lunch Program (NSLP), school lunch consumption, food preference, economically disadvantaged student. |
