Significant Difference In Infection Research Articles

Prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts in dogs in Lusaka district of Zambia.

Aim:Cryptosporidium is one of the causes of diarrheal illness in man and animals worldwide and is zoonotic. The study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with fecal shedding of Cryptosporidium oocysts in dogs in Lusaka district of Zambia.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in Lusaka district of Zambia during 2015-2016. A total of 390 dogs (243 males and 147 females) aged 2 months-13 years were enrolled. Fecal samples were collected and stained using modified Ziehl-Neelsen and Auramine O staining techniques and examined microscopically for oocysts.Results:Overall, the prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts infection was 5.9% (23/390; 95% confidence interval: 3.9-8.7). Prevalence among male dogs and female dogs was 5.3% and 6.8%, respectively. Older dogs had a relatively higher infection rate compared to the younger puppies. There was a statistically significant difference in infection between nondescript breed and pure breeds with prevalence being higher in nondescript dog breeds. Water source was also significantly associated with Cryptosporidium infection.Conclusion:Cryptosporidium infections are common, especially among the nondescript breed of domestic dogs in Lusaka district of Zambia. Further studies to characterize the common species are warranted.

Status of lymphatic filariasis in five communities of Yorro Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria

Lymphatic filariasis is a public health problem in the tropics. A study to determine the status of the disease in five rural communities was carried out in Yorro LGA. The study employed three methods namely, the standard parasitological techniques, Rapid assessment method and the use of structured questionnaire to collect socio-cultural data. A total of 327 night blood samples were collected using finger prick method and analysed. The overall prevalence of infection in the study-area was high (30.8%) but low mean microfilarial densities (3.90 mf/60μl). Infection rates among the five communities vary but not statistically significant (ANOVA, p>0.05). However, chi square analysis showed a significant difference in infection among the different age groups (x2=31.34, p>0.05) with the highest infection recorded among 40-50 years. Lymphoedema was very common among men (5.6%) than in females (2.7%). Result from qualitative data indicates good knowledge of lymphatic filariasis with the psychosocial burden that is associated with the disease. The implications of this finding are discussed and the need to institute an elimination programme in the study-area is recommended.Keywords: Lymphatic filariasis; microfilarial density; lymphoedema

Khảo sát bệnh viêm ruột do Parvovirus gây ra trên chó tại Bệnh xá Thú y Trường Đại học Cần Thơ

The study was started from 11/2017 to 2/1028 to determine the incidence of Canine Parvovirus (CPV) infection in dogs from1month to over 6 months of age with bloody diarrhea based on the CPV-Ag rapid test kit in Veterinary Clinic of Can Tho University. In this study, 105 of 356 dogs showed positive with CPV (29.45%). The proportion in infected dogs from 1 to less than 3 months of age was significantly higher than those at 5 to 6 months of age (42.99% vs14.46%). There was no significant difference in infection between male dogs and female dogs. The proportion of infected dog in local and exotic breed was 29.49% and 29.50% respectively. The results showed that CPV vaccinated dogs were significantly lower in CPV infection than unvaccinated dogs (3.70% vs 31.61%). In general, 84.76% CPV infected dogs were recovered after treatment.

Routine use of PICO dressings may reduce overall groin wound complication rates following peripheral vascular surgery

Approximately 19% of morbidity in peripheral vascular surgery is attributable to wound complications, which can result in delayed healing, and also arterial or graft infection leading to limb loss and even mortality in extreme cases. To determine whether groin wound complications were reduced following the routine introduction of PICO negative pressure wound therapy dressings in patients who underwent peripheral vascular surgery. Patients who underwent peripheral vascular surgery from 2011 to 2016 were identified and divided into PICO and non-PICO groups. Patient, procedure and wound characteristics were tabulated and analysed. Patients were followed-up for at least six weeks postoperatively. Wound complication rates, infection confirmed by microbiology, and requirement for re-admission due to wound complications were noted. Basic cost analysis was performed. In total, 151 patients were analysed (N=73 PICO, N=78 non-PICO). No difference in age (P=0.862), body mass index (P=0.673), diabetes (P=0.339), pre-operative albumin (P=0.196), use of drain (P=0.343) and history of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (P=0.281) was observed between groups. The PICO group contained more smokers than the non-PICO group (45% vs 29%, P=0.034). Wound complications were seen in 8% (N=6) of the PICO group and 19% (N=15) of the non-PICO group (P=0.042). No significant difference in infection was found between the two groups (3% vs 6%, P=0.249), but fewer seromas were observed when PICO dressings were used (1.4% vs 7.7%, P=0.069). Haematoma (2.7% vs 3.8%, P=0.531) and dehiscence rates (1.4% vs 1.3%, P=0.735) were similar between the two groups. Routine use of PICO dressings is associated with a reduction in wound complication rates following peripheral vascular surgery, and is cost-effective.

Prevalence of <i>Eimeria</i> species in local breed chickens in Gombe metropolis, Gombe State, Nigeria

Eimeria species are protozoan parasites causing coccidiosis in exotic and local breeds of chickens. Coccidiosis is the most important protozoan disease to the world poultry industry and domestic chickens are considered susceptible to seven species of Eimeria. A survey was carried out between March and May 2010 in order to determine the species of Eimeria causing coccidiosis in local breed chickens in Gombe metropolis, Gombe State, Nigeria. The Wisconsin’s faecal flotation technique was employed to analyze faecal samples obtained from 150 local breed chickens within the metropolis. The samples were examined for the presence of Emeria oocysts and 64 (42.7%) of the samples examined were positive for Eimeria oocyts. Four species of Eimeria were identified and the prevalence of infection were E. tenella 25 (39.1%), E. acervulina 18 (28.1%), E. necatrix, 12 (18.8%) and E. maxima 9 (14.1%). Higher prevalence were observed in males 29 (46.2%), young birds 34 (56.7%) and birds from the free range management system 44 (57.8%), than in females 35 (40.2%), adults 30 (32.3%) and birds from the semi intensive management system 20 (30.8%) respectively. Chi square test revealed no statistically significant differences in infections with sex, age and between the free range and semi intensive management systems. Recommendations were made based on the results obtained as to the effective control of coccidiosis in local breed chickens in Gombe metropolis.© 2016 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.Keywords: Survey, Coccidia, Coccidiosis, poultry, production

A comparison of Broviac® and peripherally inserted central catheters in children with intestinal failure

PurposeCentral venous catheters (CVCs) are a source of morbidity for children with intestinal failure (IF). Complications include infection, breakage, occlusion, and venous thrombosis. Broviacs® have traditionally been preferred, but peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are gaining popularity. This study compares complications between Broviacs® and PICCs in children with IF. MethodsAfter IRB approval, children with IF receiving parenteral nutrition (2012–2016) were reviewed. Complications were compared between Broviacs® and PICCs using the generalized estimation equation population-averaged Poisson regression model. P values <0.05 were considered significant. Results36 children (0.1–16years) with IF were reviewed, accounting for 27,331 catheter days, 108 Broviacs® (3F–9F), and 54 PICCs (2-11F). Broviacs® had a significantly higher infection rate (4.2 vs. 2.6/1000 catheter days, p=0.011), but PICCs were more likely to break (1.56 vs. 0.26/1000 catheter days, p=0.002). When comparing same size catheters (3F), there were no significant differences in infection, breakage, or occlusion. Twelve children (33%) had central venous thrombosis, all after Broviac® placement. Three children (8%) had basilic vein thrombosis after PICC placement. ConclusionAlthough Broviacs® and PICCs had similar complication rates, there were fewer central venous thromboses associated with PICCs. This should be considered when choosing catheters for children with IF. Level of evidence11b (Prognosis Study).

An automated hand hygiene compliance system is associated with improved monitoring of hand hygiene.

Consistent hand hygiene is key to reducing health care-associated infections (HAIs) and assessing compliance with hand hygiene protocols is vital for hospital infection control staff. A new automated hand hygiene compliance system (HHCS) was trialed as an alternative to human observers in an intensive care unit and an intensive care stepdown unit at a hospital facility in the northeastern United States. Using a retrospective cohort design, researchers investigated whether implementation of the HHCS resulted in improved hand hygiene compliance and a reduction in common HAI rates. Pearson χ2 tests were used to assess changes in compliance, and incidence rate ratios were used to test for significant differences in infection rates. During the study period, the HHCS collected many more hand hygiene events compared with human observers (632,404 vs 480) and ensured that the hospital met its compliance goals (95%+). Although decreases in multidrug-resistant organisms, central line-associated bloodstream infections, and catheter-associated urinary tract infection rates were observed, they represented nonsignificant differences. Human hand hygiene observers may not report accurate measures of compliance. The HHCS is a promising new tool for fine-grained assessment of hand hygiene compliance. Further study is needed to examine the association between the HHCS and HAI rate reduction.

Antibiotic Coating of the Artificial Urinary Sphincter (AMS 800): Is it Worthwhile?

To investigate the impact of the antibiotic coating InhibiZone on the infection and explantation rates of the AMS 800 in comparison to the AMS 800 without InhibiZone. We retrospectively identified 305 patients with an AMS 800 in a multicenter cohort study. Patients were subsequently divided into InhibiZone and without InhibiZone-coated groups. Infection and explantation rates were analyzed by univariate and consecutively by multivariate logistic regression adjusted to variable risk factors. The infection-free interval was estimated by Kaplan-Meier plot and compared by the log-rank test. A P value below .05 was considered statistically significant. We identified 47 patients with InhibiZone and 258 without InhibiZone coating. In univariate analysis, we could not identify a significant difference in infection (P = .932) or explantation (P = .715) rates between the groups. In multivariate analysis, impaired wound healing (P = .008) and urethral erosion (P < .001) were independent predictors for infection. The InhibiZone coating neither demonstrated significant influence on the infection rate (P = .534) nor on the explantation rate (P = .214). There was no significant difference in estimated infection-free survival between the groups (P = .265). The antibiotic coating of the AMS 800 had no significant impact on infection or explantation rates in our cohort.

Ecological coevolution of parasitoid, Acerophagus papayae noyes and Schauff on papaya mealybug, Paracoccus marginatus Williams and granara de Willink

The adaptive plasticity of parasitoid Acerophagus papayae noyes and Schauff on different host plants using the handling time, recognition time and survival probability of parasitoid via the infestivity of parasitoids using the reciprocal experiment is demonstrated to prove the existence of co-evolutionary arms race between parasitoids and insect pest. Papaya had significantly lower handling time and recognition time of 20.4 seconds and 4.8 seconds respectively. tapioca had higher handling time and recognition time of 38.8 seconds and 8.8 sec respectively. the infestivity of A. papayae shows host preferences mediated through host fidelity of some populations, demonstrated by significant differences in infectivity across the different hosts studied. This could be used to increase the effectiveness of biological control programme.

Equivalent outcomes with standard and heparin-bonded expanded polytetrafluoroethylene grafts used as conduits for hemodialysis access

Obtaining and maintaining dialysis access after failure of autologous access sites remains a significant concern for patients on hemodialysis. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is the most common conduit used. Heparin-bonded expanded PTFE (HB-PTFE) grafts have recently been introduced as an improved conduit, with suggestions that HB offers benefits because of its resistance to thrombosis. In this retrospective study, the outcomes of HB-PTFE were compared with standard wall PTFE (S-PTFE) arteriovenous grafts (AVGs). From January 2004 to December 2014, 483 adults (46% male; mean age, 60years; range, 25-87years) with end-stage renal disease underwent placement of AVGs (234 HB-PTFE and 248 S-PTFE). The two groups did not differ significantly in demographics or access history. Patency, reintervention, infection, and functional dialysis rates were examined. Technical success was 99% in HB-PTFE and 98% in S-PTFE. The 30-day major adverse cardiovascular events were 2% in HB-PTFE and 3% in S-PTFE. Mean time to access was 5.1± 1.8weeks for HB-PTFE and 6.9± 1.9weeks for S-PTFE (P= .0001). Median follow-up was 23months. The 2-year primary, assisted primary, and secondary patency rates were 20%± 7% vs 18%± 8% (P= .85), 35%± 8% vs 28%± 7% (P= .51), and 38%± 6% vs 36%± 7% (P= .83) for HB-PTFE vs S-PTFE, respectively. Both groups underwent a similar number of secondary interventions (2.1 and 1.9 interventions per person-year of follow-up for HB-PTFE vs S-PTFE respectively; P= .87). There were no significant differences in infection (11% vs 12%) or pseudoaneurysm formation (5% vs 6%) between HB-PTFE and S-PTFE groups. Functional dialysis durations were equivalent between HB-PTFE and S-PTFE groups. HB-PTFE grafts offer no distinct advantage over S-PTFE grafts for hemodialysis and should not be considered a preferential conduit for AVG.

MP63-07 THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN PREOPERATIVE LEUKOCYTOSIS AND POSTOPERATIVE OUTCOMES FOLLOWING CYSTECTOMY FOR BLADDER CANCER

significant in univariate analysis to identify predictors of perioperative (during hospital stay) morbidity and infection. Composite morbidity included hospital-acquired infection (13%) thrombotic (3.9%), renal (2.9%), ischemic (1%) or respiratory (1%) adverse events. Hospitalacquired infection included post-op infection (8.3%), Clostridium difficile (5.4%), sepsis (2%) and drug-resistant infection (0.05%). RESULTS: Similar to existing RCTs, with a cutoff of 21 days, we found no statistically significant difference in infection or morbidity. For 28 days, old blood independently predicted perioperative morbidity (HR 3.4 (1.5-8.5), p1⁄40.004). For 35 days, old blood independently predicted infection (HR 4.3 (1.4-12.8), p1⁄40.011), as well as morbidity (HR 6.2 (2.3-16.9), p1⁄40.0004). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, longer duration blood storage, especially 35 days, may be suboptimal and expose our bladder cancer patients to potential harm as demonstrated by increased morbidity and infectious complications in the post-operative setting.

Comparing sutures versus staples for skin closure after orthopaedic surgery: systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveTo determine whether there still remains a significant advantage in the use of sutures to staples for orthopaedic skin closure in adult patients.DesignSystematic Review/ Meta-Analysis.Data sourcesMEDLINE-OVID, EMBASE-OVID, CINAHL and Cochrane...

Effects of Blood Coagulate Removal Method on Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) Life Table Characteristics and Vector Competence for Dengue Virus.

Commercially available blood can be used as an alternative to live animals to maintain mosquito colonies and deliver infectious bloodmeals during research studies. We analyzed the extent to which two methods for blood coagulate removal (defibrination or addition of sodium citrate) affected life table characteristics (i.e., fecundity, fertility, hatch rate, and adult survival) and vector competence (infection, dissemination, and transmission) of Aedes albopictus (Skuse) for dengue virus (DENV). Two types of bovine blood were tested at two extrinsic incubation temperatures (27 or 30°C) for DENV-infected and uninfected mosquitoes. Fully engorged mosquitoes were transferred to individual cages containing an oviposition cup and a substrate. Eggs (fecundity) and hatched larvae (fertility) were counted. At 14 and 21 d post feeding on a DENV-infected bloodmeal, 15 mosquitoes were sampled from each group, and vector competence was analyzed (bodies [infection], legs [dissemination], and saliva [transmission]). Differences in life table characteristics and vector competence were analyzed for mosquitoes fed blood processed using different methods for removal of coagulates. The method for removal of coagulates significantly impacted fecundity, fertility, and hatch time in the uninfected group, but not DENV-infected group. Infected mosquitoes showed significantly higher fecundity and faster hatch time than uninfected mosquitoes. We show no significant differences in infection or dissemination rates between groups; however, horizontal transmission rate was significantly higher in mosquitoes fed DENV-infected citrated compared with defibrinated blood. We expect the findings of this study to inform research using artificial blood delivery methods to assess vector competence.

Divergent Macroparasite Infections in Parapatric Swiss Lake-Stream Pairs of Threespine Stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus).

Spatial heterogeneity in diversity and intensity of parasitism is a typical feature of most host-parasite interactions, but understanding of the evolutionary implications of such variation is limited. One possible outcome of infection heterogeneities is parasite-mediated divergent selection between host populations, ecotypes or species which may facilitate the process of ecological speciation. However, very few studies have described infections in population-pairs along the speciation continuum from low to moderate or high degree of genetic differentiation that would address the possibility of parasite-mediated divergent selection in the early stages of the speciation process. Here we provide an example of divergent parasitism in freshwater fish ecotypes by examining macroparasite infections in threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) of four Swiss lake systems each harbouring parapatric lake-stream ecotype pairs. We demonstrate significant differences in infections within and between the pairs that are driven particularly by the parasite taxa transmitted to fish from benthic invertebrates. The magnitude of the differences tended to correlate positively with the extent of neutral genetic differentiation between the parapatric lake and stream populations of stickleback, whereas no such correlation was found among allopatric populations from similar or contrasting habitats. This suggests that genetic differentiation is unrelated to the magnitude of parasite infection contrasts when gene flow is constrained by geographical barriers while in the absence of physical barriers, genetic differentiation and the magnitude of differences in infections tend to be positively correlated.

MP88-19 POST-OPERATIVE ANTIBIOTICS AFTER PRIMARY ARTIFICIAL URINARY SPHINCTER PLACEMENT DO NOT REDUCE INFECTION OR EROSION RATES

You have accessJournal of UrologyUrodynamics/Incontinence/Female Urology: Male Incontinence: Therapy1 Apr 2015MP88-19 POST-OPERATIVE ANTIBIOTICS AFTER PRIMARY ARTIFICIAL URINARY SPHINCTER PLACEMENT DO NOT REDUCE INFECTION OR EROSION RATES J. Patrick Selph, Michael Belsante, Divya Ajay, Aaron Lentz, George Webster, Ngoc-Bich Le, and Andrew Peterson J. Patrick SelphJ. Patrick Selph More articles by this author , Michael BelsanteMichael Belsante More articles by this author , Divya AjayDivya Ajay More articles by this author , Aaron LentzAaron Lentz More articles by this author , George WebsterGeorge Webster More articles by this author , Ngoc-Bich LeNgoc-Bich Le More articles by this author , and Andrew PetersonAndrew Peterson More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2015.02.1852AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES The AMS 800 artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) is considered the gold standard surgical treatment for post-prostatectomy stress incontinence. Feared complications of placement include infection and erosion, with reported rates of 0.5-10.6% and 2.9-12%, respectively. While no guidelines or data exist to support the practice, one study showed that 94% of surgeons send patients home with oral antibiotics after penile prosthesis placement. We postulate that a similar practice exists after AUS placement. We sought to determine if giving post-operative antibiotics at the time of discharge would reduce infection rates in patients undergoing primary AUS placement. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed all patients undergoing AUS placement from 2007 to 2012 at our institution by three surgeons. Two surgeons routinely gave postoperative antibiotics, while a third did not. We included only patients undergoing primary AUS implantation with an Inhibizone-coated device who developed an infection and/or erosion at any time after placement. Exclusion criteria included revision surgery, prior urethral erosion, or device infection or erosion after urethral instrumentation or trauma. Patient records were assessed for postoperative antibiotic prescriptions and device infection or erosion. Statistical analysis of categorical variables was performed using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS 223 patients met inclusion criteria. 159 patients were given antibiotics at discharge, and 65 received no discharge antibiotics. Mean follow-up of the entire group was 17.1 months. There was no significant difference between the two groups in body mass index, presence of a urethral stent, smoking status, radiation history, or presence of diabetes. 6/159 (3.8%) and 1/64 (1.5%) of the antibiotic group and non-antibiotic group developed an infection and/or erosion, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in infection and/or erosion rates between antibiotic and non-antibiotic groups (p = 0.67). Of the seven patients who developed a device infection and/or erosion, six had prior radiation therapy. CONCLUSIONS Antibiotics given after primary Inhibizone-coated AUS placement do not appear to reduce infection rates. Given the general concern over increasing resistance to antimicrobials, this study supports the notion that patients undergoing primary Inhibizone-coated AUS placement do not require antibiotics after implantation of the AUS. © 2015 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 193Issue 4SApril 2015Page: e1099 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2015 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information J. Patrick Selph More articles by this author Michael Belsante More articles by this author Divya Ajay More articles by this author Aaron Lentz More articles by this author George Webster More articles by this author Ngoc-Bich Le More articles by this author Andrew Peterson More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF DownloadLoading ...

Occurrence of intestinal parasites amongst persons on highly active antiretroviral drug therapy in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria

Opportunistic and intestinal parasite infections are common health problem among HIV/AIDS patients. Early detection and treatment of these parasites are important to improve the quality of life of this category of patients. The occurrence of intestinal parasites among 400 patients on highly active anti-retroviral drug therapy (HAART) aged 11-60 years was investigated. Standard parasitological techniques like direct microscopy, formol ether concentration and modified Ziehl- Neelsen staining techniques were used to analyze the stool samples. Intestinal parasite infections were positive in 116 (29%) of the subjects on HAART while control subjects had 12 (12%) and the difference was statistically significant (P&amp;lt;0.05). Subjects in the age group 21-30 years had the highest infection rate 54 (35.1%). There was no statistically significant difference in infection according to age (P&amp;gt;0.05). Females 76 (32.5%) had a higher prevalence rate than males 40 (24.1%). But there was no statistically significant difference in infection according to gender (P&amp;lt;0.05). Patients with CD4 count of less than 200 cells/mm3 were observed to be more infected than those with CD4 count of more than 200 cells/mm3. There was a strong positive correlation (r=0.94) between CD4 count and the occurrence of intestinal parasite infection. Protozoan parasites 84 (21.0%) accounted for a higher prevalence rate than helminthic parasites 32 (8.0%). These findings has revealed a high prevalence of intestinal parasite infection among patients on HAART thus the routine screening of stool samples from these category of patients for intestinal parasites is advocated for effective management of the disease.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites Among Primary School Children in Three Geopolitical Zones of Imo State, Nigeria

A study of the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was conducted among children aged 5-16years in primary schools in rural parts of Imo State, Nigeria. Of the 337 faecal samples examined, 164 (48. 7%) harboured intestinal parasites with 65 (40. 4%) being from Orlu zone, 57 (52. 7%) from Owerri zone, and 42 (61. 8%) from Okigwe zone. The parasites identified were <i>Ascaris lumbricoides</i> (41. 5%), Hookworm (23. 8%), <i>Trichuris trichiura</i> (1. 2%), <i>Teania</i> spp (1. 2%), <i>Entamoeba histolytica</i> (36. 6%), and <i>Giardia lamblia</i> (1. 8%). Among the helminthes, A.<i> lumbricoides</i> (60. 0%) occurred highest among the age bracket of 14-16years, while <i>E. histolytica</i> (44. 4%) was the highest occurring protozoan parasite among children aged 5-7 years. Generally, prevalence of infection decreased with increasing age of children, and more females (53. 9%) than males (48. 1%) were infected. However, there was no statistical significant difference in infection with relation to age and sex of the pupils (p>0. 05). Intestinal parasitic infection is reduced through improved personal hygiene and environmental sanitation as children with high standard of hygiene were found to be less prone to parasitic infection.

Suture versus staples for skin closure after cesarean: a metaanalysis

We sought to perform a metaanalysis to synthesize randomized clinical trials of cesarean skin closure by subcuticular absorbable suture vs metal staples for the outcomes of wound complications, pain perception, patient satisfaction, cosmesis, and operating time. A systematic search was performed using MEDLINE, Cochrane Databases, and ClinicalTrials.gov registries. We included randomized trials comparing absorbable suture vs metal staples for cesarean skin closure. Data were abstracted regarding wound complications, patient pain perception, patient satisfaction, cosmesis as assessed by the physician and patient, and operating time. Twelve randomized trials with data for the primary outcome on 3112 women were identified. Women whose incisions were closed with suture were significantly less likely to have wound complications than those closed with staples (risk ratio, 0.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.28-0.87). This difference remained significant even when wound complications were stratified by obesity. The decrease in wound complications was largely due to the lower incidence of wound separations in those closed with suture (risk ratio, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.20-0.43), as there were no significant differences in infection, hematoma, seroma, or readmission. There were also no significant differences in pain perception, patient satisfaction, and cosmetic assessments between the groups. Operating time was approximately 7 minutes longer in those closed with suture (95% CI, 3.10-11.31). For patients undergoing cesarean, closure of the transverse skin incision with suture significantly decreases wound morbidity, specifically wound separation, without significant differences in pain, patient satisfaction, or cosmesis. Suture placement does take 7 minutes longer than staples.

English

The occurrence of hepatitis &lsquo;B&rsquo; and &lsquo;C&rsquo; virus amongst patients on antiretroviral drug therapy (ART) was studied. Two hundred (200) human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive subjects on ART and 100 apparently healthy HIV negative subjects (control) were recruited for the study. The subjects aged 1 to 75 years were screened for hepatitis B and C viral antibodies using hepatitis B and C test strips manufactured by ACON Laboratories. Questionnaire were also administered. CD4 counts of the subjects were determined using CyFlow Counter manufactured by GEM Laboratories, Germany. Fourteen (7%) of the subjects were positive for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, 6 (3%) for hepatitis C virus (HCV) and 2 (1%) for mixed infections. In the control group, a prevalence of 6 (6%) was recorded for HBV, 4 (4%) for HCV and none for mixed infections. Among the test group, subjects in age group 51 to 60 years had the highest prevalence rate for HBV (25%), 31 to 40 years for both HCV (7.3%) and mixed infection (3.6%). There was no statistically significant difference in infection according to age P=0.475. Males had a higher prevalence rate (9.1%) than the females (5.4%) for HBV, but there was no statistically significant difference in HBV infections according to gender P=0.404. In HCV infection, males had a higher prevalence rate (5.7%) than females (0.9%), but there was no statistically significant difference in HCV infection according to gender P=0.089.&nbsp; Subjects with CD4 counts in the range of 1401 to 1600 had the highest infection rate (50%) for HBV and 201 to 400 for HCV (7.7%) and mixed infection (5.1%). This work has shown that HBV and HCV are common among patients on ART and the need for routine screening of this category of patients in order to aid in the effective management of co-infections. Key words: Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, antiretroviral therapy, HIV, Calabar.

Impacto del cobre en la reducción de infecciones intrahospitalarias, mortalidad y gasto en antimicrobianos en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivo de adultos

We conducted a clinical trial to determine the impact of coating surfaces with copper in reducing hospital-acquired infections, mortality associated with nosocomial infections and antimicrobial costs in the UCI. The study took place at Carlos Van Buren Hospital, Valparaíso, Chile. No differences in the frequency of nosocomial infections were found. Not in rates of ventilator-associated pneumonia (p = 0.9), nor in catheter- associated urinary tract infection (p = 0.9) or in central venous catheter associated bacteremia (p = 0.3). There were no differences in infection-free survival (p = 0.9). There were less costs of antimicrobials in patients in which copper was used. The fact that the sample size was not completed could explain that no significant differences in infections were found. The use of copper as a surface in the ICU showed no statistically significant differences in rates of nosocomial infections during the study period, however, these results could be related to the sample size.