Background We evaluated the impact of low-cost water, sanitation, handwashing (WSH) and child nutrition interventions on enteropathogen carriage in the WASH Benefits cluster-randomized controlled trial in rural Bangladesh. Methods We analyzed 1411 routine fecal samples from children 14±2 months old in the WSH (n = 369), nutrition counseling plus lipid-based nutrient supplement (n = 353), nutrition plus WSH (n = 360), and control (n = 329) arms for 34 enteropathogens using quantitative PCR. Outcomes included the number of co-occurring pathogens; cumulative quantity of four stunting-associated pathogens; and prevalence and quantity of individual pathogens. Masked analysis was by intention-to-treat. Results 326 (99.1%) control children had one or more enteropathogens detected (mean 3.8±1.8). Children receiving WSH interventions had lower prevalence and quantity of individual viruses than controls (prevalence difference for norovirus: -11% [95% confidence interval [CI], -5 to -17%]; sapovirus: -9% [95%CI, -3 to -15%]; and adenovirus 40/41: -9% [95%CI, -2 to - 15%]). There was no difference in bacteria, parasites, or cumulative quantity of stunting-associated pathogens between controls and any intervention arm. Conclusions WSH interventions were associated with fewer enteric viruses in children aged 14 months. Different strategies are needed to reduce enteric bacteria and parasites at this critical young age.

In a prospective study of 2324 women in Matlab, Bangladesh, the occurrence of primary and secondary sterility by age groups was examined. The results were related to the nutritional status of the women, as assessed by measurements of height, weight, arm circumference and ponderal index. There is evidence that nutritional status is an important factor in estimated age at sterility, with thinner women experiencing a slightly earlier menopause.

Introduction. Netrokona is one of the first phase malaria elimination targeted 8 districts of Bangladesh by 2021. The district constitutes only 7% of the population but contributes half of the malaria cases in that area. Most of the cases of that district are imported from Meghalaya State of India. The study was conducted to understand the epidemiology of these imported malaria cases for further strategy development to prevent both imported and introduced cases. Methodology. The study was retrospectively conducted on the malaria cases confirmed by microscopy and/or RDT by the government and/or NGO service providers between 2013 and 2018. The information of the cases was collected from the verbal “investigation” report of individual malaria confirmed cases. The respondents of the “investigation” were either the patients or their family members. Out of the 713 cases during the study period, descriptive analysis of 626 cases (based on the completeness of “investigation form”) of the district was done using MS Excel version 2016. Results. Proportion of imported malaria in Netrokona district increased from 60% in 2013 to 95% in 2018 which persists throughout the year with a little seasonal fluctuation. The overall contribution of these imported cases is 93% by cross-border workers by population type and 84%, 66%, and 95% by male, labour, and tribal population considering the factors of sex, occupation, and ethnicity, respectively. Population aged between 15 and 49 years contributed 82% of these imported cases. All of these cases occurred in the internationally bordering belt with Meghalaya State of India. Species-wise distribution revealed lower P. falciparum (63%) and higher mixed (28%) infection in imported cases compared to the 71% Pf and 20% mixed infection among the indigenous infections whereas P. vivax is similar in both cases. Conclusion. Imported malaria is an emerging issue that has a potential risk of increased local transmission which might be a challenge to malaria elimination in that area. Appropriate interventions targeting the cross-border workers are essential to prevent the introduced cases and subsequently avoid reestablishment when elimination of the disease is achieved.

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General anaesthesia & subaracnoid block were used randomly in women with eclampsia who required caesarian delivery to evaluate the maternal and foetal effects of the two anaesthetic methods. The haemodynamic parameters, level of consciousness of the mothers and APGAR scores of the neonates were assessed. A total 60 women with eclampsia underwent caesarean section were allocated randomly received either of the techniques. Both the techniques provided good quality anaesthesia. At arrival in OT, there was no significant difference of MAP between two groups. But following induction there developed significant difference between two groups & within the same group. There was no significant difference of neurological status between two groups within 24 hours after operation. There were significant difference of Apgar scores in 1 min. after birth & at 5 min. no significant difference were found between the two groups. Out of 30 infants of GA group II had to resuscitate with Ambu-mask ventilation & 6 babies had to sent special care unit. From SAB group 2 infants received resuscitation & one baby had to sent special care unit. In the context of Bangladesh, General anaesthesia as well as Subaracnoid block are equally acceptable for LUCS in eclamptic mothers, if steps are taken to ensure a careful approach to either method. Journal of BSA, Vol. 19, No. 1 & 2, 2006 p.44-50