Abstract: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been strongly associated with single nucleotide poly morphisms (SNPs) in the TCF7L2 gene. This study investigated the association between rs12255372, rs7903146 in the TCF7L2 gene and T2DM in a Ghanaian population. A case-control study design was used for this study. A total of 106 T2DM patients and 110 control participants were selected. Basic data collected included body mass index, blood pressure and socio-demographics. Fasting blood samples wer...
Abstract The pandemic coronavirus SARS‐CoV‐2 in the world has caused a large infected population suffering from COVID‐19. To curb the spreading of the virus, WHO urgently demanded an extension of screening and testing; thus, a rapid and simple diagnostic method is needed which is non-invasive. Use of self-collected saliva can minimize healthcare worker exposure and expand testing capabilities for symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. The main aim of this study was to document the abil...
Abstract Introduction Microbial infections are normally cited as a main environmental factor involved in pathology. The current study aimed at determining frequency of occurrence of pathogens in thyroid pathology.Our study is focused on human data. We have reviewed thyroid Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) samples for pathogens. Methods Biopsy by fine-needle aspiration was applied in investigating the nodule for microbial involvement. Two smears were prepared on slides from each sample. The first...
Abstract m: In the present study, we investigated the prevalence of E. coli pathotypes and Shigella sero-groups and their antimicrobial profiles among diarrheic children in Nairobi city, Kenya. Background: Although diarrheagenic E. coli pathotypes and Shigella sero-groups are leading causes of diarrhea in children under five years in developing countries, their distribution and antimicrobial resistance vary from place to place and over time in a given region. Methods: In a cross-sectional st...
Abstract Background of the study: Early detection of the precursor lesion before the invasive stage of cervical cancer prevents further damage to the neighbouring tissues and organs. Bethesda system which applies cytological techniques is primarily used as a screening test while Richarts score is based on predicting the biological behaviour of abnormal epithelium. Laboratories in not so wellendowed settings should find the most predictive technique in assessing the cervical lesions. Objecti...
Abstract Background and study aim: Hepatic derangements are emerging as prominent causes mortality and morbidity among HIV patients on Highly Active Antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Among this population, high HIV viremia, low CD4+ count and HAART have been established as risk factors for hepatic injury. Although HAART mitigates these risks, it is unknown whether non-adherence to it contributes to the development of hepatic derangements. The current study aimed at exploring whether non-adhere...
Abstract Background: Cytokines play an important role in signaling the immune system to build an adequate immune response against HIV. HIV distorts the balance between pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines causing viral replication. Highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) acts by trying to restore pro and anti-inflammatory cytokine balance. It is not clear how HAART non-adherence influences circulating cytokine levels. This study therefore determined cytokine levels in HAART non-adheren...
Abstract Background Red cell distribution width (RDW) measures the extent of variation in red blood cell (RBC) volume in terms of coefficient of variation. It reflects the degree of variation in RBC’s sizes and shapes, characteristic of iron deficiency and anemias involving RBC destruction, especially hemoglobinopathies. Its values are often available as one of the RBC indices generated as complete blood cell count (CBC) using automated hematology analyzers. Hemoglobinopathies are highly p...
Abstract Stingless bees live in tropical and subtropical areas around the world, however, stingless bee honey and other products have traditionally been used in the tropical and sub-tropical parts of the world to treat various diseases since ancient times. Little has been done to document these traditional medicinal uses, particularly in Africa. Therefore, an ethnomedical survey was conducted in Baringo County, Kenya to document knowledge on medicinal uses ofstingless bee honey. The study wa...
Abstract Background: Insecticide treated bed nets and Indoor residual spraying remains the principal interventional malaria control strategies. To achieve malaria disease eradication, vector control programmes that monitor insecticide resistance profiles are necessary. Objective: The study evaluated pirimiphos-methyl susceptibility of Anopheles gambiae sensu lato in Kakamega County, western Kenya. Methods: Adult Anopheles gambiae sensu lato mosquitoes were assayed using World Health Organiza...
Abstract Background After the first case of COVID-19 being announced in China in December 2019, various diagnostic technologies have been developed at unprecedented pace with the aim of providing a basis for accurate clinical intervention. However, some assays including CRISPR-based diagnostics and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) have been less explored. As new COVID-19 technologies emerge, there is need for them to be assessed, validated and improved upon. Moreover, there is p...
Abstract Worldwide, transmission of emerging and reemerging malaria infections poses a significant threat to human health in the Sub-Saharan Africa, one that can quickly overwhelm public health resources. While the disease burden of malaria in the Sub-Saharan Africa appears to be on a gradual decline, it is characterized by spatial and temporal variability occasioning a sorry state for the Global South Countries. New evidence on long-term complications of malaria heightens our awareness of i...
Abstract African traditional medicine knowledge, skills and practices have often been passed verbally from the older generation to the younger generation. However, the current traditional medicine practitioners (TMPs) are rapidly aging, while the younger generation is not taking up the practice. Therefore, this study aimed at documenting the therapeutic uses of stingless bee honey among TMPs in Baringo County. Briefly, 91 TMPs were conveniently sampled and interviewed using an interviewer-ad...
Abstract Background: Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTMs) are ubiquitous, free-living, environmental saprophytic microorganisms. NTMs belong to the genus Mycobacterium which includes Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). NTMs have lately been a major cause of pulmonary disease (PD) in immuno-compromised individuals including HIV-1 patients. NTMs and MTB appear similar based on microscopy, radiology, and clinical symptoms; consequently, this may lead to misdiagnosis. This study sought to establish...
Abstract ervical cancer is still a major health risk for women even though it is preventable. Its prevalence indicates lack of success with screening and early diagnosis. Considering most women who visit hospitals have advanced stages of the disease, deaths from this type of cancer will rise if immediate action is not taken. This study sought to determine the obstacles to interpersonal communication as a means for encouraging adoption of cervical cancer testing in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. ...