Malaria and typhoid fever are major aetiological considerations in both acute and prolonged fever of unknown origin (PUO) in the tropics and sub-tropics where opportunities for transmission are wide-ranging. Because of the high prevalence of malaria and typhoid fever in Nigeria, co-infections are common. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of malaria and typhoid fever co-infection among patient attending Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano. Structural questionnaire were administered to obtain socio – demographic data. A random sampling was done and the estimated sample size is 110, which involved both male and female. Two ml of venous blood sample was collected for malaria and typhoid test. Conventional Widal tests for the detection of Salmonella spp were done as well as blood film preparation for detection of Plasmodium spp. The study show high overall prevalence of malaria 67(60.9%) and typhoid 74(67.3%), the co-infection prevalence 60(54.5%) was equally high. Co-infection rate in females 33(60.0%) was higher (p<0.05) than males 27(49.1%). The non-educated patients had the highest co-infection rate of 30(78.9%). The co-infection rate is higher (p<0.05) among the poor subjects 47(61.8%) than rich participants 13(38.2%). Of the total number of patients age ranging from 1–15 had the highest malaria prevalence of 22 (73.3%) while 61–75 has the least malaria prevalence of 4 (44.4%). On the other hand age ranging from 16–30 had the highest typhoid prevalence of 30 (73.1%) while age range from 61–75 had the least typhoid prevalence of 4(44.4%) (p<0.05). Therefore, there is need to step up sensitization on malaria and typhoid prevention. Other diagnostic tests such as molecular techniques and blood culture should be employed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of Widal and microscopy methods.

The risk of emergence and spread of microbial pathogens increased due to the overuse of sterilization and disinfection materials with a lack of health supervision. We aimed to determine the extent of sensitivity of P.aeruginosa to biocides regularly used in the hospitals, and to study synergistic effect of (EDTA) with the same biocides. Twenty five isolates of P.aeruginosa were diagnosed, from 200 samples. (100 clinical and 100 environmental) samples were collected from Al-Diwaniyah Teaching Hospital. Samples were cultivated on blood agar, macconkey agar and cetrimide agar, and bacterial isolates were identified according to Hemolytic lysis of the blood cells in blood agar, unablity to ferment the sucrose and lactose on macconkey agar and the blue greenish pyocyanine stain and odour as fruit on cetrimide agar. Isolates were confirmed using the VITEK2 automated system. A standard broth dilution method was used to determine the MIC concentrations of chlorhexidine digluconate (20%), benzalkonium chloride (50%), formaldehyde (37%), cetrimide (20%), and hydrogen peroxide H2O2 (30 %) at concentrations ranging from 4 µg/ml to 2048 µg/ml. 17% EDTA was used for synergistic test. The results showed that the MIC ranges for the biocides used were as follows: chlorhexidine digluconate (64 - ≥2048 µg/ml) (8-64 µg/ml), formaldehyde (64 -≥1024 µg/ml) (16 - ≥128 µg/ml), cetrimide (256 - ≥2048 µg/ml) (4 - ≥256 µg/ml), benzalkonium chloride (512 - ≥2048 µg/ml) (8 - ≥256 µg/ml), and hydrogen peroxide (≥2048 µg/ml) (4 - ≥256 µg/ml) without and with EDTA respectively. The MBC concentrations were: chlorhexidine digluconate (128-≥2048 μg/ml), benzalkonium chloride (1024-≥2048 μg/ml), formaldehyde (128-≥2048 μg/ml), cetrimide (1024-≥2048 μg/ml) and hydrogen peroxide (≥2048 μg/ml). A combination of biocides and EDTA has been recommended as an effective way to reduce hospital contamination by P.aeruginosa.

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are among the most serious complications of diabetes mellitus, greatly reducing patients’ quality of life and frequently leading to chronic infections and possible limb amputation. DFUs arise from a multifaceted interaction involving peripheral neuropathy, insufficient blood flow, and immune system impairments. This research focuses on examining specific cytokines and hematological indicators in individuals with DFUs to gain deeper insight into the reasons behind impaired wound healing. The study as well as complete blood count (CBC) C-reactive protein (CRP), 90participants took part in the study, categorized into three groups: 30 diabetic patients with DFUs, 30 diabetic patients without foot ulcers, and 30 healthy individuals. Those who reviewed the Diabetes Centers at Al-Hashimiyah General Hospital and Al-Qassim General Hospital in Babylon Province between September 2024 and February 2025 were included in the study. Each patient was diagnosed with DFU by a specialist, with confirmation provided through X-ray imaging. Blood samples were collected CBC. Biochemical tests were carried out to measure CRP. Statistical analysis was performed to compare findings across the. The comparison of some blood parameters (WBC, RBC and platelets) "A comparative analysis was carried out between the patient groups and the healthy controls. The mean white blood cell (WBC) count was 7.48 ± 2.21 in patients with ulcers, 8.41 ± 2.18 in diabetic (DM) patients, and 7.25 ± 2.01 in the control group. Despite DM patients showing higher average WBC counts than the other groups, the difference between ulcer and DM patients was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). For red blood cell (RBC) counts, the averages were 3.93 ± 0.81 for ulcer patients, 4.00 ± 0.76 for DM patients, and 4.38 ± 0.41 in the control group. Although both patient groups had lower RBC counts compared to the controls, the difference between ulcer and DM patients was again not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Furthermore, platelet counts did not significantly differ between patients and healthy individuals (P > 0.05). The mean C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were 128.4 ± 13.3 in ulcer patients, 47.78 ± 12.7 in DM patients, and 7.03 ± 1.3 in the healthy controls. Mean levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) were and the difference was significant (P< 0.05) in Ulcer patients, DM patients and healthy control group. We conclude from our current study a chronic inflammatory environment in DFU patients WBC count alone may not be a reliable marker for systemic inflammation or disease severity in diabetic individuals. More accurate and specific biomarkers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) are necessary for a precise evaluation of inflammatory status Elevated CRP levels highlight the underlying metabolic challenges that impair wound healing. The reduced RBC levels may indicate mild anemia, which impairs erythropoietin production a platelet levels could be attributed to small sample size or considerable inter-individual variability these biomarkers point to a complex interplay of immune and metabolic dysfunction, underscoring the need for comprehensive treatment strategies that include blood glucose control, immune regulation, and angiogenesis support. The study promotes the use of these biomarkers for diagnostic purposes.

Background: Orthopedic wound infections pose a significant threat to patient health, particularly in low-resource settings. The emergence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing bacteria has further complicated treatment options. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of ESBL-producing bacteria in orthopedic wound infections in Kano, Nigeria, and to identify the most common ESBL-producing bacteria and their antimicrobial resistance patterns. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a five tertiary hospitals in Kano (National Orthopedic Hospital, Dala, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Sir Muhammad Sunusi Specialist Hospital, Sheikh Jidda Specialist Hospital and Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano) Nigeria. Wound swab samples were collected from 400 orthopedic patients with suspected infections. Bacteria were isolated and identified using standard microbiological techniques. Extended Spectrum Beta lactamase (ESBL) producing isolates were confirmed using the double discs’ synergy test. Results: A total of 336 (84%) wound samples yielded bacterial growth; Gram negative bacteria were predominant with 258 (58.2%) isolates with 30 (22.1%) samples positive for ESBL-producing bacteria. The most common ESBL-producing bacteria were Pseudomonas aeruginosa 123(27.8%), Klebsiella pneumoniae 30(6.8%) and Escherichia coli 11(2.5%). High levels of resistance to third-generation cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, and aminoglycosides were observed. Conclusion: This study highlights the high prevalence of ESBL-producing bacteria in orthopedic wound infections in Kano, Nigeria. The findings emphasize the need for effective infection control measures, antimicrobial stewardship programs, and regular surveillance of ESBL-producing bacteria to combat the spread of antibiotic resistance.

A young 22-year-old female patient with a known Thymoma, under yearly surveillance, presented with upper respiratory tract infection symptoms. She returned 3 weeks later with an unresolved cough. A chest radiograph demonstrated a retrocardiac homogenous opacity with another opacity obliterating the left cardiac margin. Further, two well-defined homogenous pleural-based opacities in the left upper and lower lung zones were noted. Further evaluation was done with a CT chest and PET scan. CT Thorax confirmed interval invasive features of previously seen left anterior mediastinal mass with direct involvement of pleura, pericardium, and multiple pulmonary nodules denoting invasive malignant thymoma. PET scan reported intensely hypermetabolic left pleural masses likely representing the patient’s thymoma. She underwent a guided tissue biopsy which concluded as Thymoma probably Type B2. She received chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical resection of the lesion with full resolution of the lesion.

Background: Calcific pancreatitis in pediatric patients poses significant management challenges, with surgical intervention often required for symptomatic relief. Lateral pancreatojejunostomy (LPJ) and lateral pancreaticogastrostomy (LPG) are two established drainage procedures, but comparative studies in children remain limited. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of LPJ versus LPG in pediatric patients with calcific pancreatitis. Methods: A comparative study was conducted at National Gastroliver Institute & Hospital, Dhaka and Dhaka Medical Collage Hospital (DMCH) Bangladesh from January 2022 to December 2023, involving 26 patients aged ≤13 years, purposively selected and randomly allocated into two groups: LPJ (n=13) and LPG (n=13). Clinical outcomes, including pain relief, postoperative complications, hospital stay, and recurrence rates, were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0 Results: Both LPJ and LPG demonstrated effective pain relief in pediatric calcific pancreatitis, with comparable postoperative VAS scores (LPJ: 1.5±0.6 vs LPG: 1.4±0.5, p=0.682). LPG showed fewer complications (15.4% vs 30.8%, p=0.042), particularly reduced wound infections (7.7% vs 23.1%). Operative times (142±18 vs 158±22 minutes, p=0.082) and hospital stays (7.2±1.5 vs 6.8±1.3 days, p=0.124) were similar. Recurrence rates at 12 months were identical (7.7% each). Conclusion: Both LPJ and LPG effectively managed pediatric calcific pancreatitis, with comparable pain relief and recurrence rates. LPG demonstrated a superior safety profile with fewer postoperative complications, suggesting its potential as a preferred surgical option in this patient population.

Abstract: Salmonella is a bacterial pathogen with significant morbidity and mortality in humans driven by environmental and socioeconomic factors. As the third leading cause of death in humans among diarrheal diseases, Salmonella is a major public health threat which demands integrated interventions. The pathogenicity, determinants, prevention, control, and treatment of MDR Salmonella infections were reviewed following a literature search on PubMed and Google Scholar which yielded 405 articles, of which 79 articles were selected after screening. Enteric fevers caused by typhoidal Salmonella serotypes - S. Typhi, S. Paratyphi A, S. Paratyphi B, and S. Paratyphi C are found only in humans in mostly developing countries, while food poisoning and gastroenteritis caused by NTS serotypes - S. Typhimurium and S. Enteritidis respectively found in humans and animals in developing and developed countries accounts for 70% of Salmonella infections in humans associated with eating contaminated food products of poultry origin and also causes iNTS disease in humans. Preventing Salmonella contamination of animal products, water, vegetables and fruits, and promoting the safety and quality of foods for human and animal consumption is achievable through food and water hygiene, personal and environmental hygiene, biosecurity, preservation of animal feeds, food safety and HACCP principles, and epidemiological surveillance. Salmonella infection is basically treated using antibiotics, however, the rise in MDR strains has resulted in treatment with antibiotic-alternatives including probiotics, prebiotics, and vaccines. Further research is recommended in treating iNTS disease, developing human vaccine against NTS, and using bacteriophages, antimicrobial peptides, organic acids, and essential oils as antibiotic-alternatives.