African health sciences
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Antibodies are essential part of vertebrates' adaptive immune system; they can now be produced by transforming plants with antibody-coding genes from mammals/humans. Although plants do not naturally make antibodies, the plant-derived antibodies (plantibodies) have been shown to function in the same way as mammalian antibodies. ⋯ Plantibodies are safe, cost-effective and offer more advantages over animal-derived antibodies. Methods of producing them are described with a view to inspiring African scientists on the need to embrace and harness this rapidly evolving biotechnology in solving human and animal health challenges on the continent where the climate supports growth of diverse plants.
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African health sciences · Jun 2016
Mean Platelet Volume (MPV), Platelet Distribution Width (PDW), Platelet Count and Plateletcrit (PCT) as predictors of in-hospital paediatric mortality: a case-control Study.
Thrombocytopenia has been shown to predict mortality. We hypothesize that platelet indices may be more useful prognostic indicators. Our study subjects were children one month to 14 years old admitted to our hospital. ⋯ The MPV/PCT, PDW/Platelet count and MPV/Platelet count, in the first sample after admission in this case control study were predictors of mortality and could predict 65% to 67% of deaths accurately.
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African health sciences · Jun 2016
Prevalence and associated factors of TB/HIV co-infection among HIV Infected patients in Amhara region, Ethiopia.
Tuberculosis is one of the world's most common causes of death in the era of Human immunodeficiency virus. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of TB/HIV co-infection. ⋯ The prevalence of TB/HIV co-infection in adults on ART in our study was moderately high. Having advanced clinical status and presence of risk factors were found to be the predicting factors for co-infection. The health office should open TB/HIV co-infection units in the hospitals and health workers should be cautious when a patient has an advanced disease.
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African health sciences · Jun 2016
Comparative StudyKnowledge of pre-eclampsia in women living in Makole Ward, Dodoma, Tanzania.
Pre-eclampsia is a hypertensive disorder specific to pregnancy responsible for significant maternal morbidity and mortality in Africa. The majority of deaths related to pre-eclampsia could be avoided with timely and effective care. "Phase one delays" arise because of lack of knowledge. ⋯ Educational systems (formal and informal) are failing to provide communities with potentially life-saving information. Health centre, community and school based education programmes are recommended.
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African health sciences · Jun 2016
Is facility based neonatal care in low resource setting keeping pace? A glance at Uganda's National Referral Hospital.
To identify reasons for neonatal admission and death with the aim of determining areas needing improvement. ⋯ Mortality rate in SCBU is high. Prematurity and its complications were major contributors to mortality. The management of hypothermia and respiratory distress needs scaling up. A step down unit for monitoring stable at risk neonates is needed in order to decongest SCBU.