Ram Bilakshan Sah, Ratna Baral and Nilambar Jha.
Introduction: Intestinal parasitic diseases constitute a global health burden in numerous developing countries mainly due to fecal contamination of water and food, lack of adequate basic sanitation, environmental and socio-cultural factors enhancing parasitic transmissions. Objectives: To measure the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infestation and to identify risk factors associated with parasitic infestation among the school children of Biratnagar Submetropolitan. Materials and Methods: The cross?sectional study was conducted in Grade VI, VII and VIII in Government and private schools of Biratnagar. Stratified random sampling method was applied to choose the schools and the study subjects. The Chi?square test was used to measure the association of risk factors and parasitic infestation. Results: Overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infestation among the school children was 35.5 percent. Around 15.5% of the study population was found to be infested with helminthes and 20% of the study population was protozoa infected. Hookworm species was found higher (6.5%) in comparison to other worms i.e. Ascaris lumbricoides (5.5%), Trichuris trichuria (2.5%) and Hymenolepsis nana (1.0%). Regarding protozoal infestation, Giardia Lamblia was seen higher (12.5%) followed by Entamoeba histolytica (7.5%). Irregular bath, not using soap after defecation, not wearing sandals, unhygienic skin, nail and clothes cleanliness, habit of nail biting and thumb sucking were found to be significant relationship in the causation of intestinal parasitic infestation. Conclusions: The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infestation was found to be high in school children of Biratnagar. Poor personal hygiene and sanitary condition are supposed to play an important role in establishing intestinal parasitic infections.
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Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu, Uchenna Echefu and Uche George
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium species and transmitted by female Anopheles mosquitoes. Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in children with severe malaria is common and associated with adverse hospital outcome. It has become increasingly prevalent in both developed and developing countries and it is associated with severe morbidity and mortality especially in children. The recognized factors associated with acute kidney injury among children with severe malaria are sociodemographic factors (age, sex, age of parents and level of education of parents); clinical factors and laboratory factors such hyperparasitaemia, hypoglycaemia, low level of haemoglobin and thrombocytopenia. This review showed that there is a high prevalence of acute kidney injury among children with severe malaria. Acute kidney injury among children with severe malaria is associated with low level of education of caretakers, young age of children, history of receiving NSAIDs and anaemia. The mortality rate of children with AKI is high.
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Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu, Yakubu Sunday Bot, Getrude Uzoma Obeagu, Esther U. Alum and Okechukwu Paul-Chima Ugwu
Anaemia is the most common nutritional deficiency indicator and health status in the world affecting about one third of the global population. Taking iron supplement during pregnancy is associated with reduction in anaemia among lactating mothers. The risk of anaemia in lactating mothers reduces with intake of iron supplement during pregnancy. Based on the study findings the researcher recommends the following. All lactating mothers should be encouraged by health team, starting with Village Health Team (VHTs) up to the facility level for regular haemoglobin checkup. Massive nutritional education should always be carried out on every antenatal and postnatal visit.
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Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu, Emmanuel Chinedu Onuoha and Getrude Uzoma Obeagu
Sickle cell anemia (SCA) stands as a prominent hereditary hemoglobinopathy characterized by a mutated form of hemoglobin, culminating in diverse clinical complications. These paper endeavors to synthesize the multifaceted aspects contributing to SCA\'s onset and progression, delineating the intricate interplay of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors in shaping the disease\'s phenotype and severity. Genetically, variations in the HBB gene encoding beta-globin hold paramount importance in SCA, elucidating diverse mutation patterns and their correlation with disease severity. Furthermore, the influence of gene modifiers and their contribution to the wide spectrum of phenotypic diversity among individuals carrying the sickle cell trait is expounded upon. Beyond genetic predisposition, environmental elements wield significant influence. Geographical factors, climatic conditions, infectious agents, and socio-economic determinants are examined for their impact on disease prevalence and progression. The review extends its scope to encompass lifestyle factors, illuminating the roles of nutrition, physical activity, and psychosocial stress in shaping the clinical course of SCA.A pivotal facet in mitigating the burden of SCA lies in early detection and intervention. Exploring current screening methodologies, prognostic indicators, and emerging technologies for timely diagnosis and tailored therapeutic strategies offers promise in ameliorating complications and enhancing patient outcomes.
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