Risk of latent tuberculosis infection in children living in households with tuberculosis patients: a cross sectional survey in remote northern Lao People's Democratic Republic

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis is highly prevalent in Laos (289 per 100,000). We evaluated the risk of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among children (0-15 years) living with tuberculosis patients in rural northern Laos. METHODS: In a cross sectional survey of 30 randomly selected villages, 72 tuberculosis patients were traced and their 317 contacts (148 were children) investigated using a questionnaire, a tuberculin skin tests (positive: <= 10mm), a 3-day sputum examination for acid-fast bacilli (AFB), and chest radiography. RESULTS: None of the 148 contact-children received prophylaxis, one had cervical tuberculosis; the risk for LTBI was 31.0%. Awareness of the infectiousness of tuberculosis was low among patients (31%) and their contacts (31%), and risky behavior was common. After multivariate logistic analysis, increased LTBI was found in children with contact with sputum positive adults (OR: 3.3, 95% CI: 1.4-7.7), patients highly positive sputum prior to treatment (AFB <2+; OR: 4.7, 95% CI: 1.7-12.3), and living in ethnic minorities (OR: 5.4, 95% CI: 2.2-13.6). CONCLUSION: The study supports the importance of contact tracing in remote settings with high TB prevalence. Suggestions to improve the children's detection rate, the use of existing guidelines, chemoprophylaxis of contact-children and the available interventions in Laos are discussed. Improving education and awareness of the infectiousness of TB in patients is urgently needed to reduce TB transmissio

Randomized comparative study on Ekangavir Rasa, Vaitarana Basti, Shirobasti in combination on Barthel Index and NIH Stroke Scale in Pakshavadh with special reference to Cerebral Infarction

Introduction: Stroke also called CVA (cerebrovascular accident) is a medical emergency. It is defined as rapid onset of focal neurological deficit, resulting from diseases of the cerebral vasculature and its contents. This disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. It occurs when blood vessels that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or burst. Symptoms of stroke include trouble walking, speaking and understanding as well as paralysis or numbness of the face. Methodology: In this study, patients were treated with combination of Ekangavir Rasa, Vaitarana Basti and Shirobasti in trial group and Ekangavir Rasa with Vaitarana Basti in control group on Barthel Index and NIH Stroke Scale of Pakshavadh, after that after treatment assessment was done. Result: 60 cases were recorded and treated. Observation &amp; results showed significant improvement in patients. Conclusion: The results obtained from this study were encouraging. details are explained in full paper.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp