An Epidemiological Study of Dengue Outbreak in Pakistan

In 2016, Hazara Division reported his major outbreak of Dengue fever. In this context, current epidemiological and serological survey conducted to highlight the actual burden of Dengue fever in cities of Hazara Division. Blood samples were taken from the total of 1462 suspected people for detection of Dengue antibodies. Among these patients, 1359 (93%) were found to be positive for Dengue, including 965 (71%) males and 394 (29%) females. Distribution in keeping the presence of antibodies shows 897 (66%) IgM positive people. Second most frequently seen antibodies were both IgG and IgM in 435 (32%) people. Presence of IgG antibodies was detected in 27 (2%) individuals. 1142 (84%) of Dengue positive people were not found to be symptomatic while rest of 217 (16%) observed with various symptoms. In this outbreak peak incidence of Dengue fever was observed in Manshera city. Although minimum was seen in Abbottabad city. To conclude, this might be the largest outbreak in the history of Hazara Division and second in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. We recommend that policymakers and the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa desperately need to make efforts to prevent this mounting ratio of Dengue fever and implement the vector management policies by environmental measures and promote awareness in this area

Stigmatisation in chronic hepatitis B and C infections-time to debunk the myth!

Background: Hepatitis B and C are chronic diseases with mental and social impacts which can result in poor quality of life. The routes of transmission and lack of education among the masses may cause stigmatisation of the affected patients.  The aim of the study was to document the stigmatisation among chronic hepatitis B and C positive patients. Methods: The 242 patients suffering from hepatitis B and C were included in the study. Stigma experienced from relatives, friends, spouse and health care providers was assessed using a semi structured questionnaire. Results: Majority of the patients were males 174 (72%). The 162 (67%) were hepatitis B infected and 76 (32%) were Hepatitis C infected and 4 were dual infected. Male patients were significantly more affected than females in term of changes in lifestyle (86% versus 61%) and changes in relationship with the spouse (89% versus 16%). Significantly more females than males reported feelings of loneliness and isolation (64% versus 30%). Stigma was marked in terms of disease transmission, with 170 (70%) of patients fearing that they could transmit the infection to others. Marital relationships were affected for 52% of married patients. Around 80% unmarried patients were experiencing delay in getting married. Conclusions: Patients comments showed a sense of family and societal discrimination resulting in feelings of disappointment which could be changed by educational interventions, effective patient and family centric awareness and scientific models of approach

HEALTH STATUS AND IMPRISONMENT PROFILE OF JAIL INMATES OF DISTRICT JAIL RAHIM YAR KHAN, PAKISTAN

Out of 850 total prisoners of district jail, Rahim Yar Khan, 100 were selected at random and examined for prevalence of HIV. Apart from HIV screening, data was collected about different diseases, narcotics use, occupations, reasons for imprisonment, ages and marital status of the prisoners through a questionnaire. None of these prisoners was suffering from HIV, the results regarding narcotics habits showed that 3% of the prisoners were used to bhang, 4% took heroin, 5% were using snuff, 34% cigarette smokers and 54% were not taking any narcotics. Nineteen percent of the prisoners suffered from various diseases like asthma, allergy, chest infection, hernia, heart problem, jaundice, lung infection, ulcer, weakness, typhoid and gastric problems whereas 81% were healthy

Contaminants Analysis of Different Branded and Unbranded Honey of khyber pukhtounkhwa Pakistan

Abstract:This study presents evaluation of aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2) and heavy metals (cadmium, manganese, lead, mercury, nickel and cobalt) contamination in branded and unbranded honey. Higher concentration (µg/kg) of heavy metals was found in branded honey as compared to unbranded honey. As in Marhaba, Ni concentration (0.49±0.03) found maximum while Co (0.15±0.02) was lowest. Pb concentration (0.85±0.03) was maximum whereas Cd (0.16±0.03) found lowest in Qarshi. Versatile contains maximum Pb (1.34±0.02) while lowest Cd (0.12±0.02). In Al-hayat Cu concentration (1.23±0.03) was maximum while Pb (0.11±0.03) was lowest. Young's honey contains maximum Ni (2.41±0.01) while lowest Mercury (0.16±0.03). Ni (1.25±0.02) was found maximum and Mn (0.14±0.03) lowest in Pak-salman, whereas in Langness Hg concentration (0.71±0.03) found maximum while Cd (0.13±0.02) was lowest. The contamination level of aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1 and G2) was also evaluated in both types of honey. Minimum level of aflatoxins were detected in branded and unbranded honey sample are B1and B2 such as (2.14, 1.25) and maximum concentration are (2.33, 2.15) respectively. It is concluded that contaminants are less as compare to the reported values so mostly the honey produces in Khyber pakhtunkhwa are good for use and export can be enhanced

Diversity of Water Bugs in Gujranwala District, Punjab, Pakistan

Water bugs fall under the order Hemiptera, suborder Heteroptera, which is further divided into two types, i.e., semi-aquatic (Gerromorpha) and true water bugs (Nepomorpha). They play a vital role as biological control agents and also a source of food for fishes, birds and other aquatic organisms. The present work was carried out to ascertain aquatic Hemiptera in different lentic and lotic water bodies of various sizes in Gujranwala district, Pakistan. A total of 10 species belonging to five families were identified. Species include Nepa ruber Linnaeus, Laccotrephes elongatus Montandon, Ranatra filiformis Fabricius (Nepidae), Corixa substriata Uhler, Micronecta proba Distant, Micronecta thyesta Distant (Corixidae), Lethocerus indicus Lepeletier, Diplonychus rusticus Fabricius (Belostomatidae), Ambrysus sp. (Naucoridae) and Anisops sardea Herrich-Schaffer (Notonectidae). A key at genera and species level was developed to help the future researchers

Ethnomedicinal and cultural practices of mammals and birds in the vicinity of river Chenab, Punjab-Pakistan

Abstract Background Although, use of animal species in disease treatment and culture practices is as ancient as that of plant species; however ethnomedicinal uses and cultural values of animal species have rarely been reported. Present study is the first report on the medicinal uses of mammals and bird species in Pakistan. Methods Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were applied to collect qualitative and quantitative data from local informants (N = 109). Relative frequency of mention (RFM), fidelity level (FL), relative popularity level (RPL), similarity index (SI) and rank order priority (ROP) indices were used to analyzed the data. Results One hundred and eight species of animals, which include: 83% birds and 17% mammals were documented. In total 30 mammalian and 28 birds’ species were used to treat various diseases such as rheumatic disorders, skin infections and sexual weakness among several others. Fats, flesh, blood, milk and eggs were the most commonly utilized body parts. Bos taurus, Bubalus bubalis, Capra aegagrus hircus, Felis domesticus, Lepus nigricollis dayanus and Ovis aries (mammals) and Anas platyrhynchos domesticus, Columba livia, Coturnix coturnix, Gallus gallus and Passer domesticus (birds) were the highly utilized species. Medicinal and cultural uses of 30% mammals and 46% birds were reported for the first time, whereas 33% mammals and 79% birds depicted zero similarity with previous reports. Conclusion Present study exhibits significant ethnozoological knowledge of local inhabitants and their strong association with animal species, which could be helpful in sustainable use of biodiversity of the region. Additionally, in vitro and in vivo evaluation of biological activities in the mammalian and birds’ species with maximum fidelity level and frequency of mention could be important to discover animal based novel drugs. Graphical Abstract Some commonly used mammals and birds species of the study are

Diversity and habitat preferences of amphibians and reptiles in Pakistan: a review

Geographical position of Pakistan is unique, and country harbors two out of six zoogeographical regions. The country can be divided into 15 habitat types in three major divisions: the mountainous region, foothills, and Indus plains. Overall, 219 species including 24 amphibians and 195 reptiles have been reported so far. Out of these, nine amphibian and 13 reptilian species are endemic to Pakistan. Despite this richness, there is paucity of knowledge regarding diversity of amphibians and reptiles as very few species have been thoroughly studied and very small area has been explored. This has led to the uncertainties regarding distribution and taxonomy of these taxa in the country. The herpetofauna is not protected by law in the country, and their conservation status is yet to be evaluated. Furthermore, distribution ranges of amphibians and reptiles have been changed and systemized survey work is required to update baseline information in the country