Research Articles in Medicine & Surgery

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://repository.nileuniversity.edu.ng/handle/123456789/100

Browse

Subject: search.filters.subject.vaccination

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Diarrhoeal Disease
    (NUMSA International Journal of Medicine and Health Education, 2025-02-02) Sule, Alhassan Rakiya; Adamu, Hamida
    Diarrhoea is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by the passage of frequent loose or watery stools, with significant implications for global health. While often self-limiting, severe diarrhoea can result in life-threatening dehydration, malnutrition, and impaired growth, particularly in children under five, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. This review explores the definition, mechanisms, aetiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of diarrhoeal disease. It highlights infectious and non-infectious causes, including viral, bacterial, and parasitic pathogens, as well as functional and systemic disorders. Management focuses on fluid and electrolyte replacement, nutritional support, and targeted therapies such as antibiotics, probiotics, and zinc supplementation. Preventive strategies, including water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions, rotavirus and cholera vaccination, breastfeeding, and community education, are emphasized as critical tools to reduce incidence and mortality. Special considerations for vulnerable groups, such as children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised patients, are discussed. Despite advances in prevention and treatment, diarrhoea remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, underscoring the need for integrated health strategies to break the cycle of infection, malnutrition, and death.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Diphtheria
    (NUMSA International Journal of Medicine and Health Education, 2025-02-02) Shehu, Ahmad Bala; Lawal, Sakinatu; Uhuo, Emmanuela
    Diphtheria is a highly contagious and potentially fatal infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets and, less commonly, contaminated fomites or skin contact. Despite the availability of an effective vaccine, diphtheria persists as a global health challenge, especially in regions with poor vaccination coverage and disrupted healthcare systems. This review highlights the epidemiology, aetiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of diphtheria, with a particular focus on recent outbreaks in Nigeria and other conflict-affected regions. The diphtheria toxin plays a central role in disease progression, causing local airway obstruction and systemic complications such as myocarditis, neuritis, and renal failure. Treatment relies on the prompt administration of diphtheria antitoxin, antibiotic therapy, and supportive care. Prevention through immunization remains the cornerstone of control, yet challenges such as vaccine hesitancy, inadequate healthcare access, and limited availability of antitoxin complicate eradication efforts. Strengthening vaccination programs, enhancing surveillance, and addressing systemic barriers are essential for reducing the burden of diphtheria and preventing future outbreaks.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Cholera
    (NUMSA International Journal of Medicine and Health Education, 2025-02-02) Rakiya, Sule Alhassan; Eniola, Adejumo; Bassey, Imaobong; Agan, Grace Ripeh
    Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease caused by Vibrio cholerae, transmitted primarily through contaminated water and food. This review provides a comprehensive overview of cholera, tracing its historical pandemics, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical manifestations. It highlights the global and local burden of cholera, with emphasis on recurrent outbreaks in Nigeria, where poor sanitation, flooding, and limited healthcare infrastructure exacerbate transmission and mortality. The discussion explores diagnostic methods, treatment strategies such as oral rehydration therapy, intravenous fluids, and antibiotics, alongside preventive measures including vaccination, improved water, sanitation, and hygiene practices. The paper further examines global efforts to combat cholera, notably the WHO’s “Ending Cholera: A Global Roadmap to 2030,” and outlines challenges such as climate change, vaccine shortages, and weak healthcare systems. Despite advances in treatment and prevention, cholera remains a major public health threat, necessitating coordinated interventions, strengthened surveillance, and sustained global commitment to reduce mortality and achieve long-term control.