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R N Pugh

Publications and source records attributed to R N Pugh.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Malumfashi Endemic Diseases Research Project, XI. Water-contact activities in the schistosomiasis study area.

Fishing, bathing, swimming and playing in water were the most important activities at the Ruwan Sanyi dam site, northern Nigeria, in terms of schistosomiasis transmission. Various washing activities were important in exposure to the infection. Males were responsible for 98% of activity involving contamination and exposure. This accounted for the marked male predominance of Schitosoma haematobium infection in the Muslim communities of this area, where boys under the age of 21 years were responsible for more than 77% of environmental egg contamination. Peak water-contact activity occurred in the afternoon and this coincided with the peak cercarial shedding period and the peak urinary egg output. As a result of the construction of many such dams in this part of northern Nigeria, the recent upward trend in schistosomiasis tramission is likely to be maintained. Fishing is a new and a potentially important activity in transmission. Any future programme to control urinary schistosomiasis in this area should pay particular attention to this activity as well as group swimming activity by young males, who should be the prime target.

Activities of Daily Living↗

Bites by the carpet viper in the Niger Valley.

60 people who had been bitten by the carpet viper, Echis carinatus, were seen in four months at Zungeru Health Centre, in North West Nigeria, where snake-bite patients have recently occupied 10% of beds. Health statistics greatly underestimate the frequency, morbidity, and mortality of snake bite in the rural tropics and further studies will probably confirm other areas endemic for E. carinatus within its vast distribution zone. Regular supplies of effective antivenom are crucial to gain a community's confidence in conventional, as opposed to traditional, treatment. Paramedical staff in a rural clinic can be trained in the definitive management and treatment, including successful antivenom therapy, of most snake-bite patients.

Humans↗

Malumfashi Endemic Diseases Research Project, X. Schistosoma haematobium and bacteriuria in the Malumfashi area.

No association was found between bacteriuria and Schistosoma haematobium infection in the Malumfashi area, and no male had a confirmed significant bacteriuria. The overall bacteriuria prevalence rate in a separate group of schoolgirls was 0.96%, while in females over the age of 20 it was 1.37%; there was an estimated prevalence of 3.2% in women over the age of 30. These figures for females agree with those from populations which have no experience of bilharzia. No urinary S. typhi carriers were found. The lack of association between urinary bacterial infection and schistosomiasis probably reflects the low intensity of S. haematobium infection in the Malumfashi area of northern Nigeria.

Adolescent↗

The cytocentrifuge NBT test.

The NBT test is a non-specific test of neutrophil membrane stimulation which has application to the study of neutrophil function, particularly in the septicaemic patient. An improved cytochemical test which eliminates potential sources of laboratory error has been developed. Venous or capillary blood samples may be studied and the technique can be applied to the neutropenic patient since available neutrophils are concentrated by cytocentrifugation. Clinical evaluation in 443 patients is described.

Adolescent↗