An Estimate of the Incidence of Prostate Cancer in Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Prostate cancer (PCa) is rated the second most common cancer and sixth leading cause of cancer deaths among men globally. Reports show that African men suffer disproportionately from PCa compared to men from other parts of the world. It is still quite difficult to accurately describe the burden of PCa in Africa due to poor cancer registration systems.We systematically reviewed the literature on prostate cancer in Africa and provided a continentwide incidence rate of PCa based on available data in the regio

Studies on Urine Specimens Adjudged Non-Significant for Bacteriuria

The concept of significant bacteriuria continues to form the basis for the diagnosis of urinary tract infections in many laboratories, despite evidence that lower counts of bacteria may be associated with urinary tract infection (UTI). This study investigated the presence of pyuria, leucocyte esterase, nitrite and protein in urine specimens adjudged non-significant for bacteriuria. Methods used included urine centrifugation and microscopy for pyuria, and dip-stick reagent strip testing for leucocyte esterase, nitrites and protein. The presence of significant bacteriuria in the urine specimens was determined on Cysteine lactose electrolyte deficiency (CLED) agar and blood agar using the filter paper method. The cytological and chemical parameters diagnostic of UTI were found in the non-significant bacteriuric specimens as well as in the significant specimens; howbeit at a lower percentage. Similar bacteria were also isolated from both specimen types. Consequently, laboratory diagnosis of UTI on the basis of quantitative criteria should be reviewed since evidence abounds that lower bacterial counts may be observed in symptomatic women. Keywords: Urinary tract infection, non-significant bacteriuria, pyuria Journal of Medical Laboratory Sciences Vol. 14 (1) 2005: pp. 48-5