Are We Now Well Prepared for Another Major Visceral Leishmaniasis Epidemic in Sudan?

To minimize the chance for future visceral leishmaniasis (VL) epidemics such as the 1988-1991 epidemic in Sudan, several VL detection tools have been introduced. There are many VL diagnostics with excellent sensitivities, specificities, and ease of use reported. However, additional test characteristics should be considered for use in the detection of future VL epidemics.

User and environment friendly direct agglutination test for the sero-diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis: exclusion of formaldehyde and β-mercaptoethanol in test execution.

Purpose: Based on world-wide evaluation, the direct agglutination test (DAT) is now generally acknowledged as one of the leading diagnostics for visceral leishmaniasis (VL). To enhance more routine and mass application, but simultaneously ensure safety to both user and environment, further improvements need to be introduced.

Methodology: In the current format, a two-sixfold titre decrease was observed due to using formaldehyde as an antigen preservative in DAT.

Identification of an area predominantly endemic for childhood and adolescent visceral leishmaniasis in central Sudan.

Although widely spread throughout Sudan, visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is predominantly endemic in the Gedaref, southern Blue-Nile, and Umrimta areas located in the eastern, southern, and central regions, respectively. Regardless of form (endemic or epidemic), VL occurrence follows similar patterns as all ages and both sexes are affected. From January 2005 to May 2016, we received a total of 563 patients with high suspicion for VL from various endemic areas; 159 were children and adolescents (0.

Clinical features and antinuclear antibodies profile among adults with systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Limited data is available regarding the clinical manifestations and pattern of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) in Sudan. This study aimed to determine the clinical manifestations and Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) profile among Sudanese adults with SLE and lupus nephritis (LN).

Methods: A descriptive study was conducted in Omdurman Military Hospital, Sudan.

Endoscopic surveillance for Barrett's oesophagus: the patients' perspective.

Objective: Barrett's oesophagus (BO) is associated with the development of oesophageal adenocarcinoma and endoscopic surveillance is commonly practised. In view of the clinical, psychological and economic implications of BO, we have studied patients' attitudes towards surveillance, their levels of anxiety and quality of life.

Methods: Patients with BO undergoing endoscopic surveillance were asked to complete a questionnaire,including seven questions on their experience of surveillance, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale,the Trust in Physician Scale (TIPS) and the Short Form-36 quality of life questionnaire.

Quality of life in schizophrenia on conventional versus atypical antipsychotic medication: a comparative cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Atypical antipsychotic drugs, with superior tolerability and possibly superior efficacy, were expected to give schizophrenia patients better quality of life (QOL) than conventional treatment. Research findings are equivocal.

Method: We evaluated QOL using three subjective measures--Drug Attitude Inventory (DAI); Sickness Impact Profile (SIP); Schizophrenia Quality of Life Scale (SQLS)--in 126 routinely seen patients whose treatment was stable for six months, regardless of co-morbidity, current clinical status and concomitant medications.

High frequency of Plasmodium falciparum PfCRT K76T and PfpghN86Y in patients clearing infection after chloroquine treatment in the Sudan.

The clinical response following treatment with chloroquine, and the prevalence of two Plasmodium falciparum DNA polymorphisms known to associate with drug resistance, namely PfCRT K76T and Pfpgh N86Y were investigated in two sites in central and eastern Sudan. Patient's sensitivity to chloroquine was determined according to the standard in vivo test as recommended by the WHO protocol in days 0, 3, 7 and 14, respectively. Clinical un-responsiveness was 75.

Clinico-pathological observations on naturally occurring contagious ecthyma in lambs in Saudi Arabia.

Typical lesions of contagious ecthyma were diagnosed in lambs four months old and infection has been confirmed by viral isolation and identification. The lambs had lower total serum protein values, haemoglobin concentration, erythrocyte counts and packed cell volume, but higher blood leukocyte counts and increased serum transaminase activity when compared to apparently healthy animals. The disease is believed to be transmitted from newly introduced goats which showed evidence of infection.