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Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Aims: This study was designed to test the antibacterial activity of Ocimum basilicum (Sweet basil) and Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) extracts in four different solvents i.e. petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol and water against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi. Methodology: Each plant material was weighed and 20.0 grams of it was taken in four different bottles 500.0 mL of each solvent was added in the respective bottle. The extracts were filtered by whatmann’s filter paper, dried in vacuum desiccators and the powder mass obtained was weighed and then reconstituted in respective solvent to get the final extract of known concentrations. Bacteria were inoculated separately in the Nutrient Agar medium in a concentration of 106 CFU/ml and the media was poured in petri dishes and was allowed to solidify. Six wells of 1.0 centimeter diameter were cut in each plate with the help of sterile cork borer. In three wells equal volume of known concentrations of plant extracts was poured with the help of micropipettes. In 4th well, penicillin G (1600µg per well) and in the 5th well Gentamicin (1000µg per well) was taken as a positive control. In the 6th well, respective solvent was taken as a negative control. The plates were incubated at 37 degree Celsius for 24 hours and the DIZ was calculated in millimeters. Each experiment was performed in five replicates. Results and Discussion: Both plant extracts showed considerable activity against gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Ocimum basilicum non-polar components had good activity against gram positive than gram negative bacteria while Glycyrrhiza glabra methanol extract showed greater activity against all tested bacteria. Conclusion: It was concluded that the extracts of both Ocimum basilicum (Sweet Basil) and Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) in petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol and water have antibacterial properties except aqueous extract of Ocimum basilicum.
Original Research Article
Assessing the Effectiveness of Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) in Reducing Cholera Mortality Rates: Population-Based Study in Selected Cholera Hotspot Zones of Lusaka District
Dr. M.Thanthwe, R. Mutemwa, M. Mutengo, R. Chilengi, Mr. B. Musonda, Ms. K. Lackeby, Dr N. Ndambo, Mr. P. Kasinde, M. Hiwena, Ms. S. D. Mwadesta, Mr. A. Phiri, Dr. M. John
East African Scholars J Med Sci, 2025: 8(8): 303-310
https://doi.org/10.36349/easms.2025.v08i08.001
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52 Downloads | Aug. 9, 2025
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Cholera is recurrent in Zambia particularly in Lusaka district where outbreaks occur with regularity, typically during the rainy season. Despite the progress in improving Water, Sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions, outbreaks are still persistent. This research aimed at assessing the effectiveness of Oral Cholera Vaccine in reducing cholera related mortality in the hotspot zones of Lusaka District, with a goal to inform public health strategies for cholera prevention and control. Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional study from April 2022 to April 2024, among 385 reported cholera cases meeting clinical/laboratory definitions in high-risk sub-districts (Kanyama, Matero, Mandevu, Chawama) on the effectiveness of the Oral Cholera Vaccine. Data was collected from health facilities, and surveillance databases. Descriptive statistics, and multivariable regression analysis were performed to evaluate the association between the independent variables and the outcome at a P value less than 0.05 with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Among the 385 cases reported, only 59.2% of the participants were vaccinated. Vaccination reduced cholera severity (coefficient=0.815, p<0.001), while hospitalization worsened outcomes (-0.193, p<0.001). Longer hospital stays improved recovery (0.108, p<0.001). Older age (0.002, p=0.020) and male gender (0.066, p=0.026) were linked to better outcomes. Access to clean water (-0.051, p=0.099) and improved water sources (-0.077, p=0.001) reduced the risk of disease. Sanitation and geographic location had no significant effects. Conclusion: OCV had a significant reduction on mortality and disease severity during cholera outbreaks in the hotspot zones. The results affirm the role of OCV in cholera prevention and emphasize the need to expand vaccine coverage, improve WASH infrastructure, and tailor healthcare interventions based on demographic differences.
ABSTRACT
Stroke, is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in sickle cell disease, occurring with an incidence of 10 to 25%. The risk of Stoke is highest during the first decade of life, Extensive research has established that cerebral stenosis, involving the circle of Willis, is the most common mechanism in children. A report of 11-year-old boy with Sickle Cell Anemia presented with history of left sided hemiplegia for 3 weeks that was of sudden onset. Computerized tomography of the brain revealed an increasing sulcal space more marked in frontal lobes associated with hypo attenuating area in the right frontal lobe. Features suggestive of Brain atrophy and right frontal lobe Ischemic.
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Background: Ophthalmoscopic examination is one of the most critical but often neglected portions of clinical evaluation in case of headache as many secondary causes of headache show ophthalmoscopic change like papilloedema Optic atrophy, subhyaloid hemorrhage, cytoid body, choroid tubercle. So, a clinical examination is only complete with an ophthalmoscopic examination. With this view, this study is done on patients presenting with headaches in neurology outdoors for appropriate clinical evaluation. Aims & objectives: To evaluate ophthalmoscopic changes in patients presenting with headaches in the neurology outpatient department of a tertiary-level hospital. Method: This cross-sectional study included 300 patients presenting with headaches in the neurology outpatient department of DMCH. Result: Among the abnormal findings, papilloedema was the most common finding, present in (21.0%) of patients, followed by arteriovenous nipping & silver wiring detected in (18.0%) of patients; flame-shaped hemorrhages in 12.0% of cotton-wool spots in 9.0% patients and hard exudates in 8.0% patients. Conclusion: Ophthalmoscopic examination should be done routinely for headaches.
Original Research Article
Evaluating the Economic Impact of Delayed Menstrual Period on the Family of Affected Female Students in South-South Nigeria
Gbaranor K. B, Ureh Adaeze C., Adjugah J. U., John E. E., Barinua-Gbaranor N. P., Mube-William E. C., Monday N. S., Ekeng O., Opara C. J., Etuk M. S., Okoiseh, O. S., Nmerukini C.
East African Scholars J Med Sci, 2025: 8(7):291-294
https://doi.org/10.36349/easms.2025.v08i07.007
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65 Downloads | July 28, 2025
ABSTRACT
Delayed in menstrual period is a concern among ladies and this delayed have called the attention of parents to ascertain the caused. In course of finding a solution to this reproductive issue, the family spent a lot of money to get a solution and this may have led the family to face financial problem. This research is to Evaluate the Economic Impact of Delayed Menstrual Period on The Family of Affected Female Students in South-South Nigeria. Sample size for the study was 250 and participant were randomly selected and the questionnaire were issued to the participants to fill and return it to the researcher. Data was analyzed with SPSS version 26 and P value < 0.05 was considered significant. The results revealed that 98.4% of the participants agreed that delayed menstrual period have economic impact on the family, 96.0% took family’s attention, 96.0% borrowed money and 94.4% of the family finds it difficult to meet up with its needs. Delayed in menstrual period among students of tertiary institutions have brought economic hardship to families of those students facing the delayed.
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
(80) swabs were obtained from children with otitis media who visited the ENT consulting clinics at the Women's and Children's Hospital in Diwaniyah Governorate between 1-2-2025 and 1-4-2025. A specialist physician assisted in the collection of samples from patients of both sexes ranging in age from (1-6) years. Microscopy and biochemical testing were used to identify the isolated bacteria based on their cultural and physical traits. 80 bacterial isolates were recovered and diagnosed from children with otitis media, which are distributed as follows: 35 bacterial isolates from Pseudomonas aeruginosa with a growth rate of 43.75%, while 35 isolates from the Staphylococcus species were distributed as follows: There were 20 Staphylococcus aureus isolates with a growth rate of 25% and 15 Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates with a growth rate of 18.75%. 8 isolates from the Streptococcus pneumoniae genus were also collected with a growth rate of 10%, and two isolates from Klebsiella pneumoniae with a growth rate of 2.5% by biochemical tests. Antibiotic sensitivity testing was performed on every identified bacterial species, and the isolates' susceptibility to the antibiotics utilized varied significantly. P. aeruginosa showed 99% resistance to amoxicillin, it also demonstrated significant resistance to antibiotics (amikacin, ampicillin, and tetracycline), with rates of 75, 72, and 78%, respectively, and the lowest resistance rates to the drug cefotaxime, at 15%. St. aureus were resistant to antibiotics (amoxicillin, rifampicin, amikacin, ampicillin, and trimethoprim) at rates of 56, 50, 44, 39, and 36%, respectively, while cefotaxime sensitivity was documented at 98%. St. pneumoniae bacteria exhibited the highest resistance to amoxicillin, reaching 97%, while remaining sensitive to ampicillin at 88%. It also resisted the antibiotics (rifampicin, trimethoprim, cefotaxime, and ceftazidime) with rates of 40, 55, 59, and 64, respectively.
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Background: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a complex metabolic condition that has a detrimental effect on both maternal and foetal outcomes. Oxidative stress contributes to the pathogenesis of GDM by causing insulin resistance in peripheral tissues and affecting insulin production from pancreatic β cells. Oxidative stress is defined as an increase in free radical activity and lipid oxidation levels. GGT could be utilised as an indicator of the GDM. Objective: To measure serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) in first, second and third trimester of pregnancy. Materials and Methods: This study was a cross sectional study was conducted the department of Clinical Pathology in collaboration with the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, BSMMU, Dhaka from July 2015 to June 2016. Total 149 pregnant women at 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy. The WHO criteria for diagnosing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in 2015 include fasting plasma glucose 5.1-6.9 mmol/L and a 2-hour plasma glucose level of 8.5-11.0 mmol/L after a 75g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). These criteria are used to identify women at risk of adverse neonatal outcomes due to gestational diabetes were included in this study. Women with previous diagnosis of DM, systemic disease (HTN, Collagen tissue disease, Heart disease. Renal disease, Chronic liver disease) and history taking Alcohol and some drugs that affects GGT (Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, Acetaminophen, HMG CO reeducates inhibitor, OCP) were excluded in this study. Results: The mean OGTT was found 4.43±0.50 mmol/L in first trimester and 5.17±12.9 mmol/L in second trimester and 6.60±1.26 mmol/L in third trimester respectively. That were statistically significant between each group. Mean blood glucose after 2 hours was 5.59±1.11 mmol/L and 7.25±1.87 mmol/L in first and second trimester and 6.60±1.26 mmol/L in third trimester respectively. That were statistically significant between each group. Mean GGT was 23.36±6.89 IU/L in 1st trim