Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Incidental Actinomycosis In A 44-Year-Old Female During Total Abdominal Hysterectomy For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: A Case Report, Willbroad Kyejo, Allyzain Ismail, Abduel Kitua, Brenda Moshi, Gregory Ntiyakunze, Munawar Kaguta, Ally Mwanga

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Actinomycosis, a rare chronic bacterial infection caused by Actinomyces species, presents diagnostic challenges due to diverse clinical presentations. This report presents a case of peritoneal actinomycosis incidentally discovered during a total abdominal hysterectomy in a 44-year-old female with refractory abnormal uterine bleeding and a history of long-term intrauterine contraceptive device use. The patient presented with persistent abnormal uterine bleeding despite conservative management. Intraoperative findings during total abdominal hysterectomy revealed peritoneal involvement, prompting histopathological evaluation confirming actinomycosis. This case highlights diagnostic complexities associated with actinomycosis, emphasizing the significance of histopathological confirmation. Postoperative management with antibiotics demonstrated favorable outcomes, supporting their efficacy …

Barriers And Facilitators Of Availability Of Hydroxyurea For Sickle Cell Disease In Tanzania; A Qualitative Study Of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers, Importers, And Regulators, Hamu J. Mlyuka, Manase Kilonzi, Ritah F. Mutagonda, Lulu Chirande, Wigilya P. Mikomangwa, David T. Myemba, Godfrey Sambayi, Dorkasi L. Mwakawanga, Joyce Ndunguru, Paschal Ruggajo

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Despite three decades of proven safety and effectiveness of hydroxyurea in modifying sickle cell disease (SCD), its accessibility is limited in Sub-Saharan Africa, which shares 75% of the world’s SCD burden. Therefore, it is time to explore the barriers and facilitators for manufacturing and importation of hydroxyurea for SCD in Tanzania. This was qualitative research that employed a case study approach. Purposive sampling followed by an in-depth interview (IDI) using a semi-structured questionnaire aspired by data saturation enabled us to gather data from 10 participants. The study participants were people with more than three years of experience in pharmaceuticals importation, …

The Prevalence Of Smoking And The Knowledge Of Smoking Hazards And Smoking Cessation Strategies Among Hiv Positive Patients In Johannesburg, South Africa, Peter Waweru, R. Anderson, H. Steel, Wdf. Venter, D. Murdoch, C. Feldman

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Background: While the detrimental effects of smoking among HIV positive patients have been well documented, there is a paucity of data regarding cigarette smoking prevalence among these patients in South Africa.

Objectives: To establish the frequency, demographics, and knowledge of harmful effects and of smoking cessation strategies among HIV-positive patients in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Methods: A prospective cross-sectional survey, using a structured questionnaire interview, of HIV-positive patients attending the HIV Clinic at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital between 1 July 2011 and 31 October 2011.

Results: Of 207 HIV positive patients attending an ARV roll-out clinic, 31 (15%) were …