The study was done to determine the levels of changes in haematological parameters in patients with asthma in Southeast, Nigeria. A total of 200 subjects were recruited for the study comprising 100 subjects each for Patients with asthma (50 subjects were Males, 50 were Females) and 100 subjects for apparently healthy subjects (Control) (50 subjects were Males, 50 were Females) drawn from a tertiary health institution. About 3ml of venous blood was aseptically collected from the antecubital vein of each subject by standard technique and was dispensed into an EDTA bottle for haematological parameters determination. The haematological parameters were determined using Mindray BC-5300. The results were expressed as mean± standard deviation. The data were analysed with the statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 21 using t-test, ANOVA and the level of significance was set at P<0.05. The study showed increase (P<0.05) in WBC( 9.63±4.51 X109/L , 4.88±0.19 X109/L, P=0.047), decrease (P<0.05) in MCV (85.26±4.20fl, 90.01±0.05fl, P=0.035) , MCH (27.54±1.09 pg, 30.00±0.17pg, P=0.001), MCHC (325.20±4.97g/l, 333.34±0.07 g/l, P=0.006) and no significant difference (P>0.05) in Neutrophils (70.02±9.44%, 66.40±3.56%,P=0.446), Lymphocytes(28.38±10.20%,31.39±3.88%,P=0.554),Monocytes(1.50±0.50%,1.70±0.45%,P=0.524),Eosinophils 0.53±0.23%,0.51±0.45%, P= 0.959), Red blood cell (4.82±0.39 X1012/L, 5.04±0.51 X1012/L, P=0.435), Haemoglobin (13.78±1.36g/dl,15.13±1.52g/dl,P=0.175), Packed cell volume (41.60±3.78%,45.40±4.56%,P=0.189) and Platelets(255.40±58.16X109/L, 222.00±37.01X109/L, P=) of patients with asthma relative to control. The results showed decrease (P<0.05) in Neutrophils (60.50±3.54%, 76.37±4.56%,P= 0.026), Monocytes (1.00±0.01%,1.83±0.29%,P=0.030), increase (P<0.05) in Lymphocytes (38.50±2.12%,21.63±5.92%, P=0.034), MCH (28.60±0.28pg, 26.83±0.65pg, P=0.040), and no significant difference (P>0.05) in WBC (7.76±3.05, 10.86±5.51, P=0.533), Eosinophils (1.09±0.29%,0.1

Background and objectives: Carcinoma prostate is becoming an increasingly significant international health problem. Perineural tumour growth is associated with adverse prognostic features and a poor outcome; hence is a necessary component in histopathological reporting of malignancy. For accurate detection of perineural cancer spread, immunohistochemistry (IHC) with S100 was performed along with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain. This study attempts to correlate the clinic-pathological prognostic factors with PNI, in a regional scenario. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital over a period of one year. Specimens were trurcut biopsy, TURP chips and prostatectomy specimen, sent in 10% formalin. Paraffin embedded blocks was stained with H&E and representative sections with S100. Relationship of tumor with nerve was established and graded accordingly as: Category 0: nerves without immediate tumor-cell-contact. All nerves being fully surrounded by tumor (classical perineural invasion) were categorized group 3. Two further categories discriminated between nerves that were touched either by carcinoma cells below 50% of the circumference (category 1) or above 50% as category 2. Results: Out of 30 cases of prostatic adenocarcinoma, majority of specimens were needle biopsies (47%). The age of presentation were 55-84years with mean age being 68.93 years. Pretreatment and posttreatment PSA levels were assessed. Most common presentation was bladder outlet obstruction (57%) and treatment given was radical Prostatectomy (44%). Perineural invasion (PNI) was seen in 66.7% of cases and correlated positively with Gleason’s score, pT categories, %PSA. Perineural spread noted in 73.3% cases and negatively correlated with Grade group.

The continual development of Novel molecular based technologies for rapid high detection of food-borne pathogenic bacteria has made the future of conventional microbiological isolation methods termingly tenous. Report by Salmonella species in children is also increasing. A study on prevalence of Salmonella in PIF was conducted. A total of 10 Powdered Infant Formula consisting of 9 foreign and 1 local brand were analysed using a total sample size of 80 units.100 milk rating was done by methylene-blue reductase test, coliform analysis by serial dilution method, salmonella isolation by Bacteriological Analytical Manual(BAM) method and membrane filtration methods, while antimicrobial susceptibility by disc diffusion method. Reports obtained revealed that 80% (8) of the milk sampled belong to class 1, while 20% (2) belong to class 2. Total coliform count of different dilutions of the 10 brands sampled contained acceptable limits of coliform contamination per gram of milk. SMA infant contained lesser coliform at the higher dilutions 10-3, 10-2 than others, 3 bacteria isolated from the 10 brands of milk include, Salmonella species 54 (67.5%); (S.typhi, S.Paratyphi A,S. Paratyphi C,S. entericaand S.typhimorium), E. coli 25 (31.25%) and Proteus 1 (1.25). 5 different salmonella species were isolated at different frequency using BAM and membrane filtration methods. S.

Background: Transfusion of blood and blood components can save millions of lives worldwide each year and its safety is the subject of real concern. Transfusion associated transmission of some of the life threatening infections has demanded screening of blood for Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), Syphilis and Malaria. Aims & Objectives: To assess the prevalence of transfusion transmitted infections (TTI) among the donors. To analyse the trends of TTI in private and government settings. Materials and method: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study. Blood donor data over a period of 9 years from 2010 to 2018 from Blood bank of Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, Mandya and Blood bank of Shimoga institute of medical sciences, Shimoga was included in the study. All the donors including voluntary and replacement donors during the study period were included in the study. Results: Total number of voluntary and replacement donors in a Private medical college blood bank were 11225 and 4853, whereas that in a Government medical college blood bank were 50931 and 9736. Prevalence of various TTI in a private and government medical college was as follows – HIV (0.15%, 0.18%), HBV (0.67%, 1.07%), HCV (0.09%, 0.09%), Syphilis (0.02%, 0.004%) and Malaria (00%, 00%). Conclusion: Donor criteria should be followed strictly and effective screening facilities should be used to reduce the incidence of blood transfusion transmitted infections.

Laboratory testing plays a critical role in healthcare delivery with test results used for disease screening, diagnosis, treatment progress and prognosis. Some tests are performed outside the laboratory by non-laboratory trained individuals using Point of Care Testing (POCT) devices. We aimed to evaluate the knowledge, factors that may affect results generated, quality control practices and the importance of POCT regulation on the overall testing process. This is a prospective study which 70 POCT devices operators / users gave their consent at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital. Pretested questionnaires were used as the tool for evaluation. The respondents were 70 in number including medical doctors (51.4%) and Nurses (45.7%). The most commonly used POCT devices included glucose meters (91.4%), urine testing strips (65.7%) and haemoglobin meters (25.7%). Other devices in use were bilirubin meters (5.7%) and cholesterol meters (1.4%). About half (56%) of respondents understood the test reaction principles of their devices. Accident and Emergency department had the highest use (37.1%). Quality control practices were undertaken by 24.3% of respondents. Majority (65%) of operators used their devices for monitoring the progression of illness. Opinion on the regulation of use of POCT was supported by most respondents. Periodically validating and calibrating POCT devices within the hospital by the central laboratory will go a long way to ensure uniform testing and improve result quality.

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma is most common malignancy of the oral cavity occurring in 5th and 8th decades of life. Histopathological grading of the tumour is important to assess the biological behaviour of the tumour which has prognostic significance. Aim: To evaluate the prognostic significance of Broder’s and Bryne’s grading system in oral squamous cell carcinoma by comparing with histopathological prognostic factors. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective study of 45 cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma received from department of General surgery and ENT during January 2016 to June 2019. Broders and Bryne’s grading systems were compared with different prognostic factors like tumour budding, worst pattern of invasion and mitotic activity. Results: Review of 45 cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma showed tongue to be common site (51.11%).Common age of occurrence was 50-70 years with male predominance (66.67%) on analysing worst pattern of invasion in both grading system Bryne’s grading showed correlation with WPOI (P value-0.00001) and tumour bud/low power field (P value 0.001). Broders grading didn’t show prognostic significance when compared to Bryne’s grading. Conclusion: TNM staging system cannot assess aggressive clinical behaviour of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Broders histopathological grading system did not have prognostic significance when compared to Brynes invasive front grading system which is multifactorial grading.

Underground wells are widely used as source of water for household needs and other purposes in rural communities. Water quality and quantity are necessary requirements for use of water for various purposes, and ground water quality problems have been created anthropogenically and have become a menace to the users. This study therefore focused on the physiochemical and microbiological quality of hand dug well waters in a rural settlement in Rivers State. Sampling points (wells) were randomly chosen from wells operational in the sampling communities of Akabuka, Obagi and Obuburu. Physicochemical parameters were analysed using standard analytical procedures and aerobic plate count (APC) as well as most probable number (MPN) techniques were used for microbiological analysis of water samples. Results revealed that pH of the sampled wells were acidic compared to the permissible range. Other physicochemical parameters were lower than the permissible ranges for drinking water quality. Sampled well waters had high load of total aerobic heterotrophic bacteria (THB), total coliform bacteria (TCB), and faecal coliform bacteria (FCB)/thermotolerant coliform bacteria (TtCB) far above the permissible limits for potable water. Occurrence of faecal coliform bacteria/thermotolerant coliform bacteria in all the sampled wells indicated faecal contamination, and high load of aerobic heterotrophic bacteria revealed organic contamination of the water sources.

Introduction: Pemphigus vulgaris is an rare Autoimmune blistering disease. The common cause of death in Pemphigus is septicemia which is secondary to cutaneous bacterial infection. Aim: The aim of this study is to find out bacteriological profile and its antimicrobial susceptibility pattern in patients with Pemphigus vulgaris attending tertiary care hospital, Jamnagar. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted using the 198 skin swab culture and sensitivity reports collected retrospectively in department of Microbiology Shri M.P.Shah Medical College, Jamnagar from July - 2018 to July – 2019. Results: During the study 198 culture Reports were analysed. Out of this 91(45%) were culture Positive. Staphylococcus aureus (65.93%) was the most common organism isolated Followed by the Pseudomonas aeruginosa (17.58%), Klebsiella (8.79%). Other isolates include species of CONS, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter and Acinetobacter (7.69%). Out of this High sensitivity rate were observed against linezolid in gram positive cocci and against Imipenem and Piperacilin/ tazobactum in gram Negative bacilli. Conclusion: Secondary Cuteneous bacterial infection in pemphigus vulgaris is fatal. The Most common Organism is Staphylococcus aureus followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella and species of E.coli, acenatobacter and enterobacter showing high resistant to routine antibiotics.

How to respond to pleural thickening on a chest X-ray or CT? Benign pathology or potentially serious subclinical cancer? The differential diagnosis is wide. Only the pathological examination can decide.

Hydatid disease (HD) is a zoonotic infection caused by larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. It is a worldwide health problem causing significant socio-economic impact. This retrospective study included 19 patients diagnosed with HD at a university medical center between 2007 and 2019 in Western Region of Saudi Arabia. There were 68% (n=13) males and 32% (n=6) females (mean age 40 ± 17 years). The clinical presentations were variable and non-specific. The affected organs were as follows: liver (68%), lung (32%), soft tissue (11%), peritoneal nodule (5%), kidney (5%), and brain (5%). Multiple organ involvement and combined liver and lung were seen in 26% (n=5) and 16% (n=3) of the patients, respectively. The mean diameter of cyst was 8.98 ± 1.77 cm. Serology confirmatory test was positive in 95% (n=18) of the patients. Blood eosinophilia was noticed in 32% (n=6) of the patients. Histopathological and cytological features include laminated cyst wall, inner germinal layer and protoscolices. Management included cyst resection or PAIR (Puncture, Aspiration, Injection of protoscolicidal agent and Re-aspiration) technique combined with anthelmintic drugs. The overall recurrence rate was 7.5% and 60% for surgery and PAIR, respectively. Overall mortality rate was 0%. In conclusion, considering that there is no pathognomonic clinical feature for HD, it may lead to confusion and delaying in diagnosis. Good history including exposure to dogs in the endemic areas, good imaging modalities and the proper use of serology might help for suspecting HD. The histopathological findings are valuable in confirming diagnosis of HD.

Introduction: Candida biofilms adversely impact the health of the patients with increasing frequency and severity of disease and with soaring economic sequel. Objective: Qualitative detection of biofilm production and its quantification was performed in Candida isolates from patients infected with health care associated infection (HCAI). Method: A total of 55 Candida isolates were included in the study. Biofilm production was estimated by Tube method (TM) and Tissue culture plate method (TCP). Further quantification of the biofilm produced was performed by XTT (2, 3-bis (2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-5-[(phenylamino) carbonyl]-2H-tetrazolium hydroxide) reduction Assay and Dry weight measurement method. Result: All Candida isolates were found to be biofilm producers by all three (TM, TCP and XTT) methods. Quantity of biofilm produced by C. albicans ranged between 2.3 to 9.1 mg/disk. Among non-albicans Candida Candida tropicalis) it was between 2.2 to 7.3 mg/disk whereas non-albicans Candida (except C. tropicalis) weight of the biofilm was 2.0 to 7.1 mg/disk. Conclusion: Dry weight (DW) is the actual quantity of biofilm produced. Candida albicans produced higher quantity of biofilm than non-albicans Candida in the study. It is also concluded that quantitative detection of biofilm is definitely help clinician in deciding modality of treatment.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae has been well established as a major cause of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) accounting for 10-30% of all cases of community‑acquired pneumonia and is clinically indistinguishable from other infectious causes of pneumonia. The study aimed to investigate the occurrence of M. pneumoniae as the etiologic pathogen in LRTIs among children and to compare Polymerase Chain Reaction [PCR] and serology for the diagnosis of M. pneumoniae in community-acquired LRTIs in children. A total of 133 children aged between 6 months and 12 years with signs and symptoms of community-acquired LRTIs attending the Paediatrics OPD, emergency or admitted to the wards of a tertiary care hospital were prospectively enrolled into the study. M. pneumoniae in throat swab samples was detected by conventional PCR, and compared with serology and clinical signs and symptoms. Univariate analyses was conducted to determine the association of M. pneumoniae infection among different categories of patients. 31 out of 133 patients included in the study (23.3%) were positive for M. pneumoniae by any test. Among 31 patients, serology (IgM) was positive in 19 patients (61.2%) and PCR in 12 patients (38.7%); 2 patients were found to be positive by both methods. Fever, cough, hurried breathing and intercostal retraction were the clinical signs and symptoms significantly associated with LRTIs due to M. pneumoniae (P<0.05). A combination of clinical features, PCR and IgM for Mycoplasma pneumoniae is recommended depending upon the duration of illness for optimal diagnosis, timely initiation of therapy and to prevent overuse of macrolides.

Diabetes, is a metabolic disease, and is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting almost 6% of the world’s population. This study intends to determine the prevalence of obesity and risk factors among type 2 diabetic patients, with the aimed of providing some possible measures to the finding in order to improve the level of health care rendered to the patients. This was a hospital-based retrospective study carried out at metabolic clinic of Department of Chemical-Pathology of Usman Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto Nigeria, from 1st January 2018 to 31st December, 2018. Patients with clinical features of type 2 Diabetes, who were on follow up, were recruited. Data were extracted from the chemical pathology register, other clinical parameters extracted from the patients case folder, entry and validation was done using Microsoft excel version 13. The data were exported it into SPSS version 23.0 (Chicago IL) for windows; for statistical analysis. Numerical data were summarized using measures of central tendency with their respective measures of dispersions. Frequency and percentages were used to summarize categorical data. There where a total of 182 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients confirmed during the study period, the mean age of patients was 53.2, with SD± 16.9, and the age range of (21-87 years) respectively, the peak age incidence occurred within 60-69 decade of life which accounted for 27.5%. More than two-third of patients (n=116, 63.7%) were females. While (n=66, 36.3%) were males. More than half of the study participants (n= 148, 81.3%) were overweight or obese at diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. The study showed that BMI is strongly associated with risk of being diagnosed with overweight or obese, high prevalence of overweight or obesity was observed in female patients as compared to their males counterparts70.3%. Therefore, education on the complications of obesity and DM is very important to the diabetic patients.

Ovarian carcinomas represent sixth most common female cancers and fourth leading cause of death due to cancers in women. Surface epithelial tumors are commonest variety of ovarian tumors followed by germ cell tumors. Angiogenesis is critical factor in tumor growth and metastasis, because tumor proliferation is severely limited by nutrient supply to proliferating tumor cells. Hence tumorigenesis of malignant neoplasms is associated with extensive neovascularization. Many studies has established micro vessel density as an important prognostic factor in solid tumors, but there is paucity of literature regarding characteristics of tumor blood vessels in ovarian surface epithelial tumors Aims and objectives: To clarify the differences in angiogenesis between benign and malignant epithelial tumors. To assess the characteristics of tumor vessels with aid of immunohistochemistry. Material and methods: The study was done on 30 specimens received at Gandhi hospital during May 2017-July 2018. All oophorectomy specimens received at department of pathology after considering the exclusion criteria were included in the study. Routine investigations, ultrasound abdomen and pelvis, H and E staining, immunohistochemistry Smooth Muscle Actin was performed. Smooth Muscle Actin expression is classified as high, moderate, low with normal ovary as control. Results: Out of 30 cases, 15 are benign (50%), 3 borderline (10%) and 12 cases are malignant (40%).Youngest age at diagnosis was 29 years and oldest was at 65 years. Majority of the cases were diagnosed as serous tumors. Conclusion: Smooth muscle actin is highly expressed in benign cases, moderate in borderline and low in malignant cases. Malignant ovarian tumours statistically showed higher production of immature blood vessels along with paucity of smooth muscle support as compared to benign tumours. Therefore Mean MVD is higher and Smooth muscle actin expression is low in malignant tumors.