Preliminary analysis of the incidence rate of scabies in Lódź population

We have analysed all the reported and diagnosed cases of scabies in the years 1999-2000 per 100 000 inhabitants in the Lód? voivodeship. The data was obtained from the Regional Administration Unit for the Control of Epidemics and Hygiene Promotion in Lód?. The incidence in Lód? voivodeship was found to be twice as high (89,0) as that in Poland (44,0). The highest incidence in Lód? voivodeship was found in Radomsko (268,0), Pabianice (149,0) and Kutno (148.5) districts. The number of new cases registered in 1999-2000 did not increase in the districts: Leczyca, Radomsko, Lowicz and Be?chatów.     

Prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis Donné in women of Lódź population in 1955-1999 years

Search for Trichomonas vaginalis was carried out in direct (in 0.85% NaCl and 0.1% safranine) and fixed stained microscopical preparations ( Wright or Giemsa methods, after fixation with 70% methyl alcohol) and cultures ( Pavlova, Johanson-Trussel-John, Roiron-Ratner, Simic media), from materials of the vagina, urethra and cervix uteri. In the years 1955-1999 a total of about 12000 women were examined. The prevalence of T. vaginalis in women population of Lód? region was high (from 26.6% still 78.0%); on the last ten years in about half of the sample examined women were infected of T. vaginalis.     

Concentration of allergic fungi spores in the air of flats in Lódź

The real contribution of moulds to the pathogenesis of allergic diseases remains unknown, although positive skin prick tests and/or specific serum IgE to moki allergens can be detected in 1-5% of atopic patients. A significant problem in assesment of exposure to mould allergens, resulting with difficulty in standarization of methods. The aim of this work was to assess the concentration of spores of 8 mould species in flats inhabited by peoples who Bont show any symptoms of allergy. The Open Petri Dish (OPD) method involving sedimentation of participles contained in the column of air over the dish was used to assess the number of spores in 1 m3 of indoor atmospheres. All colonies were counted, but only 8 mould species implicated in inhaled allergy were identified, ie.: Alternaria tenuis, Cladosporium herbarum, Helminthosporum halodes, Pullularia pullulans, Penicillium notatam, Rhizopus nigricans, Mucor mucedo, Aspergillus fumigatus. The tests were carried out in 10 flats located in various quarters of the cify of Lod? during three consecutive days of September 1995 between 5:00 pm and 6:04 pm. In analyzing the percentage of spores of each of the eight mould species tested we determined that, independent of fiat and test day, C. herbarum predominated. It is good agreement with the observations of other authors who report that among large quantities of fungi that are detected in late summer, usually C. herbarum spores dominate. This is the season when the incidence of the Cladosporium spores in the atmospheric air increases. Spores of H. halodes were detected least frequently. Our study demonstrated the presence of substantial amounts of mould spores in indoor air of houses in Lód?. The spores belong to species with documented allergenicity, suggesting that they may play a role in development of allergic sensitization in susceptible subjects.     

Toxocarosis in the Lódź region over the years 1996-2000

In the paper epidemiologic analysis of toxocarosis with socio-medical background in humans in the Lód? macroregion over the years 1996-2000 was carried out. It was found that 58.2% of toxocarosis cases represent asymptomatic invasions occurring more often in town residents. The clinical form "minor" pertained the country residents, patients of elementary education and the group "pupil-student". The "major" form of toxocarosis was found in the country residents, young people, and patients over 60 years old.     

Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and analysis of specific immunoglobulins concentration in serum of women during the reproductive period in a sample of Włocławek population

The aim of the study, from 1996 to 1999, was to investigate the serological course of prevalence Toxoplasma gondii in 985 women of procreation period. In non - pregnant women the incidence of Toxoplasma gondii specific IgG was significantly higher (59.0 +/- 1.9%) than in pregnant women (43.4 +/- 2.8%). Specific IgM was less frequent (from 1.47 +/- 1.02% to 1.76 +/- 0.66%).     

Preliminary investigations on fauna of mosquitoes (Culicinae) in Lódź and environs

Species composition of mosquitoes (Diptera, Culicinae) was investigated in 2000 year. The mosquitoes were caugh from april till october, twice a month, at 6 stations. Seven species from genus Aedes were found: A. beclemishevi, A. ciprinus, A. cantans, A. flavescens, A. communis A. punctor, and A. vexans. A. cantans was most numerous (32,4). From genus Culex only one soecies was found (Culex pipiens). Furthermoce, Mansonia richardii and Culiseta annulata were caugh. The agresiveness toward men showed by mosquitoes was highest in august.     

Prevalence of arterial hypertension in children aged 9-14 years, residents of the city of Łódź

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is one of the most common disorders in adults. Although it may be already present in children and adolescents, it is usually undetected. There is a lack of data on the prevalence of hypertension in this age-group in Poland. AIM: To assess the prevalence of hypertension in children and adolescents, residents of the city of ?ód?. METHODS: Children and adolescents aged 9-14 years, attending one primary and one secondary school, were examined. Blood pressure (BP) was measured three times with the use of a mercury sphygmomanometer. Systolic BP was determined by the first Korotkoff sound, and diastolic BP - by the fifth Korotkoff sound. Hypertension was diagnosed when the value of systolic and/or diastolic BP exceeded the 95th percentile of normal values, taking into account height, gender and age. RESULTS: In total, 637 children and adolescents (349 girls and 288 boys) were examined. The first BP measurements revealed abnormal values in 13.2% of examined subjects, slightly more often in girls than in boys (14.6% vs 11.4%, NS). Triple BP measurements revealed the presence of hypertension in 3.3% of examined subjects (2.9% of girls and 3.8% of boys, NS). Hypertension was diagnosed by triple measurement in a significantly lower proportion of subjects than by a single screening examination (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Hypertension is present in a significant proportion of children and adolescents who live in the city of ?ód?, which shows the need for a systematic screening. A proper detection of hypertension requires repeated BP measurements.     

Prevalence of excessive body weight and high blood pressure in children and adolescents in the city of Łódź

BACKGROUND: Overweight and elevated blood pressure in children and adolescents are two independent risk factors of basic importance for early prevention of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. AIM: To evaluate the prevalence of overweight and elevated blood pressure in children and adolescents aged 7-18 years from the city of ?ód?. METHODS: A total of 25,309 children and adolescents (12,669 girls and 12,640 boys) aged 7-19 years from 111 schools in the city of ?ód? were examined. Basic anthropometric measurements (body mass and height) as well as three independent blood pressure measurements using the auscultatory method were performed. The prevalence of overweight and obesity were evaluated based on BMI analysis and using international criteria (IOTF). The prevalence of prehypertension state and hypertension was evaluated using the Fourth Report on the Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents. RESULTS: The mean prevalence of overweight (without obesity) was 15.1% (13.2% for girls and 17% for boys) and obesity was found in 3.7% of children (2.9% of girls and 4.4% of boys). Prevalence of the prehypertensive state and hypertension was 11.1% and 4.9%, respectively. In the younger groups of children aged 7-13 years the prevalence of overweight as well as elevated blood pressure was significantly (p <0.001) higher than in groups aged 14-19 years. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the prevalence of overweight as well as elevated blood pressure is significantly higher in younger groups of children. The observed relations may result from specific social determinants and improper nutritional habits. The results show that intensive preventive activities should also be directed towards younger groups of children.     

Stanisław Skalski (1870-1937): an eminent Lódź doctor

: Stanis?aw Skalski was an eminent Polish specialist in internal medicine. He lived at the turn of the 20th century. He received his medical doctor's diploma at the Kiev University. His professional career and social activity were associated with Lód? where he performed a variety of management functions, among others he held the office of the Chancellor of the City School Board and the Head of the Health Department of the Provincial Office of Lód?. It was the accomplishment of doctor Stanis?aw Skalski to introduce obligatory anti-smallpox vaccinations in Lód? (1914) and to promote activities for the improvement of school hygiene and children health.     

HIV testing in a national sample of pregnant US women: who is not getting tested?

It is recommended that all pregnant women in the US receive an HIV test as early as possible during prenatal care to allow HIV-infected women to begin receiving anti-retroviral drugs when they most effectively prevent transmission. We analyzed interview data from a nationally-representative sample of pregnant women to examine the extent of HIV testing among pregnant women and the characteristics associated with testing, including access to healthcare. We used data from the combined 2001 and 2002 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a nationally-representative telephone-based behavioral survey of adults, aggregated across all states to yield national estimates. Among 4,855 women pregnant at interview we looked at the percentages recently tested and never tested by major populations subgroups and assessed differences using chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression analysis. Pregnant women were tested at a much higher rate than other women of the same age - 54.1% had been tested in the past year compared with 15.4% of non-pregnant women. Categories of pregnant women that were more likely to never have been tested for HIV include those without a health plan or insurance (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.6) and those without a personal doctor (AOR: 1.7). Women with knowledge of methods to prevent perinatal HIV transmission were less likely to have never been tested (AOR: 0.8). Attaining the recommended goal of universal prenatal testing will require attention to women without personal doctors or health insurance.     

Factors associated to infection by Toxoplasma gondii in pregnant women attended in Basic Health Units in the city of Rolândia, Paraná, Brazil

The aim of the present work was to determine the prevalence of IgG and IgM anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and the factors associated to the infection in pregnant women attended in Basic Health Units in Rolandia, Paraná, Brazil. The sample was divided in two groups: group I (320 pregnant women who were analyzed from July 2007 to February 2008) and group II (287 pregnant women who were analyzed from March to October 2008). In group I, it was found 53.1% of pregnant women with IgG reactive and IgM non-reactive, 1.9% with IgG and IgM reactive, 0.3% with IgG non-reactive and IgM reactive and 44.7% with IgG and IgM non-reactive. In group II, it was found 55.1% with IgG reactive and IgM non-reactive and 44.9% with IgG and IgM non-reactive. The variables associated to the presence of IgG antibodies were: residence in rural areas, pregnant women between 35-40 years old, low educational level, low family income, more than one pregnancy, drinking water which does not originate from the public water supply system and the habit of handling soil or sand. Guidance on primary prevention measures and the quarterly serological monitoring of the pregnant women in the risk group are important measures to prevent congenital toxoplasmosis.     

Does infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus affect the antibody responses to Plasmodium falciparum antigenic determinants in asymptomatic pregnant women?

OBJECTIVES: HIV-seropositive pregnant women are more susceptible to malaria than HIV-seronegative women. We assessed whether HIV infection alters maternal and cord plasma malarial antibody responses and the mother-to-infant transfer of malaria antibodies. METHODS: We determined plasma levels of maternal and cord antibodies [Immunoglobulin (IgG)] to recombinant malarial proteins [merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP-1(19kD)), the erythrocyte binding antigen (EBA-175)], the synthetic peptides [MSP-2, MSP-3, rhoptry associated protein 1 (RAP-1), and the pre-erythrocytic stage, circumsporozoite protein (NANP)(5)] antigenic determinants of Plasmodium falciparum; and tetanus toxoid (TT) by ELISA among samples of 99 HIV-seropositive mothers, 69 of their infants, 102 HIV-seronegative mothers and 62 of their infants. RESULTS: The prevalence of maternal antibodies to the malarial antigenic determinants ranged from 18% on MSP3 to 91% on EBA-175; in cord plasma it ranged from 13% to 91%, respectively. More than 97% of maternal and cord samples had antibodies to TT. In multivariate analysis, HIV infection was only associated with reduced antibodies to (NANP)(5) in maternal (P=0.001) and cord plasma (P=0.001); and reduced mother-to-infant antibody transfer to (NANP)(5) (P=0.012). This effect of HIV was independent of maternal age, gravidity and placental malaria. No consistent HIV-associated differences were observed for other antigenic determinants. CONCLUSION: An effect of HIV infection was only observed on one malarial antigenic determinant, suggesting that the increased susceptibility to malaria among HIV-infected pregnant women may not be explained on the basis of their reduced antibody response to malaria antigens.     

Molecular screening of Smith–Lemli–Opitz syndrome in pregnant women from the Czech Republic

Summary Smith–Lemli–Opitz syndrome (SLOS) is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder. SLOS is caused by the mutations in the gene for 3β-hydroxysterol Δ⁷ reductase (DHCR7; EC 1.3.1.21), which maps to chromosome 11q12–13. DHCR7 catalyses the final step in cholesterol biosynthesis—the reduction of 7-dehydrocholesterol to cholesterol. Clinical severity ranges from mild dysmorphism to severe congenital malformation and intrauterine lethality. Pregnant women are offered a biochemical screening test for Down syndrome in the second trimester, where the suspicion for SLOS could be registered, when the unconjugated estriol (uE3) level appears low. A group of 456 fetuses with a high risk for SLOS were examined by DNA analysis. We confirmed SLOS in 5 fetuses and 11 fetuses were carriers. One novel mutation (p.G30A) was detected. The most frequently found mutations, c.964–1G > C and p.W151X, are also the most severe ones. At least one of these mutations was detected in each fetus with SLOS. This suggests that the biochemical screening of pregnant women probably uncovers mainly more severely affected fetuses. We confirmed SLOS also in two patients whose prenatal screening was negative. Both of them had nonsense mutation on one allele. It stands to reason that some modifying factors may play a role in the reduction of the uE3 level in the mother’s serum. Competing interests: None declared References to electronic databases: Smith–Lemli–Opitz syndrome: OMIM 270400. 3β-Hydroxysterol Δ⁷ reductase: EC 1.3.1.21.     

Effectiveness of quinine monotherapy for the treatment of Plasmodium falciparum infection in pregnant women in Lambaréné, Gabon

Pregnant women participating in a longitudinal immuno-epidemiologic survey in Lambaréné, Gabon, and presenting with Plasmodium falciparum parasitemia at monthly blood smear examinations were offered treatment with oral 7-day quinine monotherapy according to national health guidelines. A total of 50 pregnant women were offered 7-day oral quinine sulfate 10 mg/kg thrice daily. Clinical examinations and laboratory tests were performed on Days 28 and 56 to assess the effectiveness of this standard regimen. By Day 28, the effectiveness of the 7-day quinine regimen was 60% (95% confidence interval: 46-72%). We conclude that a 7-day course of quinine has a poor effectiveness and that alternative treatment regimens for malaria in pregnant women should be assessed.     

Volume and echostructure of the thyroid and ioduria in an urban population of adults in the southeastern Polish city of Rzeszów

The aim of this work was to determine the volume and echostructure of the thyroid and to examine urinary iodine excretion in an adult population of residents of Rzeszów, a city located in the Carpathian endemic region for goiter, after the introduction of mandatory iodine prophylaxis in 1997. 984 subjects, aged 19-60, were examined (540 females and 394 males). The mean level of urinary iodine in the examined population was 104.17 microg/l (+/- 85.22). Higher urinary iodine levels were seen in the group of males (p = 0.005) and in those who were taking medication containing iodine (p = 0.002). The mean volume of the thyroid in the examined group was 18.69 (+/- 10.01) ml and was larger in the group of males than females (p < 0.005). Nodular lesions were found in 17% of the examined thyroids and a statistically significant prevalence in the group of females (20.8%) over the group of males (11.4%) was found (p < 0.0005). The occurrence of nodules increased with age and was significantly higher in the 40-60 year age group than in the 19-25 years age group (p = 0.001). In single--and multi--factor analysis, a correlation was found between the occurrence of nodules and the female gender (r-2.04, 3.48; p < 0.005, < 0.0005) and the occurrence of nodules and the volume of the thyroid (r-1.1, 1.11; p < 0.005, < 0.0005). The occurrence of nodules did not correlate with ioduria (r-1, p = 0.8). Iodine prophylaxis was shown to be highly effective, although the examined region does not yet meet the criteria for the elimination of iodine deficiency as formulated by the ICCIDD.     

Normocytic anemia in the elderly. Should the cause of anemia systematically investigated independently of hemoglobin concentration?

In clinical practice the will to find out the cause of normocytic anemia (NA) in elderly patients is preferentially based on individual physician's background rather than on objective data such as their hemoglobin level. However, it could be postulate that this clinical performance depends on this "cut off" of hemoglobin (more this value is decreased more it could be easy to find the cause of anemia). The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the number of cases with defined cause of NA (after a standardized procedure) and the level of hemoglobin. METHODS: In this prospective study 211 inpatients aged 70 years or more with NA disclosed on admission or during hospitalization have been selected. In 162 of them finally included, a standardized procedure with complementary explorations was performed. RESULTS: In 134 patients, the cause of NA was established amongst inflammatory diseases and chronic renal failure was the most frequently identified. In 20%, anemia was multifactorial. Despite investigations anemia remained unexplained in 17.3% of studied patients. For a decrease of at least 10% below the normal range of hemoglobin level, sensitivity of diagnosis was 70% and specificity 60%. Positive predictive value to make the diagnosis when hemoglobin level was below 20% from normal value was 100%. CONCLUSION: The cause of NA in elderly patients after basic explorations may be assessed in up to 80% of cases. We found a significant relationship between the value of hemoglobin level and the number of anemia with confirmed diagnosis. More hemoglobin level is decreased better is clinical performance.