African Journals OnLine
East African Medical Journal

Volume 79 No 3 March 2002
Abstracts

EVALUATION OF A PROPOSED CLINICAL CASE DEFINITION OF PAEDIATRIC ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME

F. A. Otieno, MBChB, MMed, D. A. Mbori-Ngacha, MBChB, MMed, MPH, E. M. Wafula, MBChB, MMed, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health and J. O. Ndinya-Achola, MBChB, Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 19676, Nairobi, Kenya.

Request for reprints to: Dr. D. A. Mbori-Ngacha, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 19676, Nairobi, Kenya.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To evaluate the proposed criteria against the laboratory parameters and to identify the clinical features with the highest predictive value in the diagnosis of paediatric AIDS.

Design: A cross sectional study.

Setting: Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi.

Results: More than twenty three per cent of the children studied were seropositive and 14%were diagnosed as having AIDS. Almost 70% of the children studied were below 24 months.AIDS was significantly associated with mouth lesions, both ulcers and oral candidiasis, skin lesions especially eczema and generalised pruritic dermatitis, prolonged cough, prolonged fever and generalised lymphadenopathy. The WHO criteria had a sensitivity of 60%, a specificity of 94%, positive predictive value of 60%, and negative predictive value of 94%. The Nairobi diagnostic criteria had a sensitivity of 80%, a specificity of 79%, a positive predictive value of 38% and a negative predictive value of 96%. Conclusion: The Nairobi Diagnostic Criteria are superior to the WHO criteria as a screening test due to their higher sensitivity, 80% against 60% for WHO.

RESISTANCE PATTERNS OF PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM MALARIA TO CHLOROQUINE IN KAMPALA, UGANDA

H. G. Mulindwa, MBChB, MMed (Int. Med), Specialist Physician, Makerere University Hospital, H. Mayanja-Kizza MBChB, MMed (Int. Med), Senior Lecturer and J. Freers, MBChB, MMed (Int. Med), Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, Makerere Medical School, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda.

Request for reprints to: Dr. H. Mayanja-Kizza, Department of Medicine, Makerere Medical School, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda.

ABSTRACT

Background: Chloroquine is a first line drug for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Uganda. Recently, there have been increasing reports of resistance of Plasmodium falciparum malaria to chloroquine, as well as an increase in malaria morbidity and mortality among adults and children.

Objectives: To assess the current effectiveness (clinical and parasitological response) of chloroquine in the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria, and to define the magnitude of chloroquine resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Kampala. Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study among adults and children.

Setting: Mulago hospital complex (the national referral and teaching hospital in Kampala, Uganda) between September 1998 and March 1999.

Results: Ninety six patients with Plasmodium falciparum parasitaemia of 1000 to 100,000/µl of blood were treated with oral chloroquine phosphate, and followed up for 14 days. Sixty three (65.6%) patients showed clinical improvement, 29 (30.2%) deteriorated and four (4.2%) had no change. Adequate parasitogical response was seen in 71 (74 %), moderate in four (4.2%) and poor in 21 (21.8%) patients. Treatment failures were highest among children below five years, with eleven (57.9%) children not responding to chloroquine.

Conclusion: Although chloroquine was found to be effective in two thirds of all patients, the high treatment failure, especially seen in children below five years is of concern. This necessitates further countrywide studies, and possibly a need to review the use of chloroquine as single first line drug for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in Uganda, especially in children below five years of age.

HYPONATRAEMIA IN VERY LOW BIRTH WEIGHT INFANTS

D.N. Ndwiga MBChB, Senior Resident/Postgraduate Student, F.N. Were, MBChB, MMed, FNIC, Lecturer and R.N. Musoke, MBChB, MMed, Associate Professor, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 19676, Nairobi, Kenya.

Request for reprints to: Dr. F. N. Were, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 19676, Nairobi, Kenya.

ABSTRACT

Background: Infants less than 1500 grams at birth have been demonstrated to be particularly prone to development of low levels of serum sodium often leading to increased early neonatal morbidity and mortality. No local study has been done to quantify this problem among sick newborns. Studies elsewhere demonstrate a high incidence of hyponatraemia among such preterms.

Objective: To evaluate the influence of infant early neonatal morbidity on serum sodium levels and justify regular monitoring and supplementation.

Design: Comparative cohort study.

Setting: Newborn Unit, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi.

Subjects: Fifty six very low birth weight (1000-1500 grams at birth) infants during their first week of life. Half of them were designated as cases in view of having various early neonatal illnesses. The remaining 28 being clinically stable were taken as controls. These two groups had comparable birthweights, sex distribution and gestational ages. Their sodium intakes were also similar during the first week of life.

Results: The sick infants (cases) had persistently low serum sodium (mean of 120 mmols/L) throughout the first week while among the healthy infants (controls) a sequential increase from 127 to 133 mmol/l, (mean values) was observed during the same period. The difference registered on day seven (133 versus 120) was statistically significant (p= 0.02). Using a cut off point of 130 mmol/L to define hyponatraemia the proportion of infants with hyponatraemia, which was similar at the beginning became higher among the cases for the rest of the week with the largest disparity observed on the seventh day (75% versus 23%, p=0.007).

Urinary sodium losses as measured by Fractional Sodium Excretion were also initially similar between the two groups but later became higher among the cases (4.96 versus 3.5 p=0.08).

Conclusion: Very low birth weight infants who are ill have lower serum sodium and are more likely to develop significant hyponatraemia than their healthy counterparts during the first week of life. Standard care of these sick infants must therefore routinely include regular monitoring of serum sodium and its correction if found to be low.

BOWEL FUNCTION FOLLOWING PRIMARY REPAIR OF ANORECTAL MALFORMATIONS AT KENYATTA NATIONAL HOSPITAL

C. N. Kigo, MBChB, MMed (Surg), District Surgeon, Murang'a District Hospital, P.O. Box 625, Murang'a, Kenya and J.M. Ndung’u, MBChB, MMed (Surg), Senior Lecturer, Department of Surgery, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 19676, Nairobi, Kenya.

Request for reprints to: Dr. C.N. Kigo, Murang'a District Hospital, P.O. Box 625, Murang'a, Kenya

ABSTRACT

Objectives: To evaluate bowel function following primary repair of anorectal malformation.

Design: A ten-year retrospective study.

Setting: Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya.

Subjects: All patients with anorectal malformations attended to at Kenyatta National

Hospital (KNH) within the study period who had posterior sagittal repair as a primary

definitive procedure. All the children were over three years of age, toilet trained, and had their colostomies closed with an adaptation period of at least six months.

Results: Posterior sagittal repair was used to repair anorectal malformations in 352 patients. One hundred and ninety three patients were evaluated. Overall voluntary bowel movement (VBM) was achieved in 71.5% of the patients, soiling was present in 21.2% of the patients and constipation in 7.3% of the patients. More than seventy nine per cent of children who had their colostomy fashioned before the age of one month achieved VBM, while 61.1% of the patients achieved VBM when the colostomy was fashioned after five years. Overall, 77.0% of the females achieved VBM compared to 63.8% of males. Patients with a perineal fistula achieved VBM in 79.1% of males and 75.0% of females, 76.0% with vestibular fistula, 73.9% with a recto-urethral fistula, 56.0% of anorectal anomalies without a fistula, 25.0% of

vaginal fistulae and 12.5% in vesical fistulae. Overall patients with sacral defects achieved VBM in 25.9% compared to 78.9% in patients with a normal sacrum. The patients with low anomalies achieved VBM in 75.4% compared to 46.1% with high anomalies.

Conclusions: Posterior sagittal repair has been used to repair all anorectal malformations and has improved the quality of life of our patients, with better functional results expected in female patients, early colostomy fashioning and definitive repair, low or simple anomalies, and absence of sacral defects. The repair was associated with low morbidity and mortality.

MULTIDIMENSIONAL HEALTH LOCUS OF CONTROL SCALES: APPLICABILITY AMONG GHANAIAN ADOLESCENTS

A. N. Astrøm, DDPH, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Odontology, Community Dentistry, Centre for International Health,

University of Bergen, Norway and D. Blay, MPhil (Dentist), Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.

Request for reprints to: Dr. A. N. Astrøm, Centre for International Health, Armauer Hansen Building, N-5021, Bergen, Norway.

ABSTRACT

Background: Primary preventive approaches are likely to be more effective if the motivational factors of health behaviours are known. Beliefs about control over health outcomes are among the most important motivational factors, commonly assessed with the multidimensional health locus of control scale (MHLC).

Objectives: To examine the validity, reliability and cross-cultural correspondence of the MHLC scales among Ghanaian adolescents.

Design: Cross-sectional questionnaire survey.

Setting: Secondary schools in the Awutu-Effutu-Senya district of Ghana, 1998.

Subjects: The analysis is based on 504 secondary school children constituting a response rate of 86%.

Intervention: Non-intervention study.

Main outcome measures: The MHLC score comprising beliefs in own control over health, beliefs in provider control over health and beliefs in chance health outcomes.

Results: Fifty per cent urban and 48% rural pupils recorded health as an important issue. More than 90% of the participants were correctly informed regarding oral health consequences of tooth cleaning, tobacco smoking and sugar consumption. Exploratory factor analysis gave two sub-factors of the MHLC corresponding to internal and provider control over health and having internal consistency reliability of 0.72 and 0.76, respectively.

Conclusion: The results lend support to the cultural correspondence of the MHLC instrument, several aspects of its validity and internal consistency reliability.

GASTROINTESTINAL DUPLICATIONS IN ILE-IFE, NIGERIA

O. Adejuyigbe, FMCS, FWACS, O.S Olayinka, FWACS, O.A. Sowande, FRCS(Ed), FWACS and A.M. Abubakar, FWACS, Paediatric and General Surgical Units, Department of Surgery, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Request for reprints to: Dr. O.S. Olayinka, Department of Surgery, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile -Ife, Nigeria.

ABSTRACT

Background: Gastrointestinal duplications are rare congenital malformations that commonly present within the first year of life. When they present in older age groups, diagnosis is often difficult. This difficulty derives from the lack of specific clinical features attributable to these lesions

Objectives: To document the challenges posed to surgeons by gastrointestinal duplications in different parts of the world and to report our experience in its management in Ile-lfe, Nigeria.

Design: A retrospective study. It involved a study of the clinical records of all patients diagnosed to have gastrointestinal duplication in our hospital.

Setting: A Paediatric and General Surgical unit, University of Ile-Ife Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

Results: Five patients were diagnosed to have gastrointestinal duplications over the period of the study. The age, ranged from 28 days to 52 years. There were four males and one female. One patient presented within the first month of life. The others presented after the age of one year. There were two gastric, two ileal and one rectal duplication. All had the cystic variety of duplication. Three of the patients had excision, one had mucosal stripping and one had internal drainage of the duplication. The outcome was satisfactory in all of them.

Conclusion: Duplications tend to present at a much older-age group in our environment. Early diagnosis therefore depends on a high index of suspicion and every surgeon operating in the abdomen must be familiar with the management of this condition.

ZYGOMATIC COMPLEX FRACTURES AT THE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE HOSPITAL, IBADAN, NIGERIA

A. O. Fasola, BDS, FWACS, Senior Lecturer/Consultant, A. E. Obiechina, BDS, FWACS, FMCDS, Senior Lecturer/Consultant and J.T. Arotiba, BDS, FWACS, FMCDS, Senior Lecturer/Consultant, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University College Hospital, P.M.B. 5116, Ibadan, Nigeria.

Request for reprints to: Dr. A. O. Fasola, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University College Hospital, P.M.B. 5116, Ibadan, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Objective: To determine the pattern of zygomatic complex fractures in a Nigerian population.

Design: A prospective study of cases managed.

Setting: University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.

Subjects: Seventy six patients seen and managed between 1995 and 1999.

Results: The most common aetiological factor was road traffic accidents (81.6%). The male/ female ratio was 5.3:1. Most of the fractures occurred in the age group 21-30 years (51.3%). The most common fracture type was type 3 (32.5%) while open reduction and transosseous wiring was the most commonly performed surgical procedure for the management of zygomatic complex fractures in this study (46.25%).

Conclusion: There is a need to pay attention to the improvement in automobile safety devices, compliance by motor vehicle occupants and improvement in rules and regulations guiding sporting activities.

ANTIBIOTIC SENSITIVITIES OF COMMON BACTERIAL PATHOGENS IN URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS AT GONDAR HOSPITAL, ETHIOPIA

A. F. Moges, BSc, MSc, Lecturer, A. Genetu, BSc, Assistant Lecturer, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology and G. Mengistu, MD, Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Gondar College of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia.

Request for reprints to: Professor G. Mengistu, Department of Internal Medicine, Gondar College of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To determine the prevalence and sensitivity trends of urinary bacterial isolates.

Design: A cross-sectional study.

Setting: Gondar College of Medical Sciences (GCMS) Teaching and Referral Hospital, northwest Ethiopia.

Subjects and methods: Four hundred and twenty urine specimens from 70 in-patient and 350 out-patient cases were studied by quantitative culture method and anti-microbial sensitivity test was done by disc diffusion technique.

Results: One hundred and seventy two pathogenic organisms were isolated from 166

patients; the isolation rate was 39.5 %. Among the isolates E. coli, S. aureus, Klebsiella species, coagulase negative Staphylococcus species and Citrobacter species were common accounting for 46.0%, 18.0%, 10.0%, 8.0% and 6.0%, respectively. Of the total isolates 71.5% were Gram negatives. Sensitivity tested against ten antibiotics showed that resistance was common, and the effectiveness of tetracycline, ampicillin, co-trimoxazole, chloramphenicol and penicillin was under 50.0%. The resistance rate was 71.5%, 62.2%, and 62.2%, 54.7% and 40.8%, respectively. Polymixin B, cefoxitin, gentamycin and erythromycin controlled

over 76.0% of the common infective agents. Ciprofloxacin did control 98.3% of the

organisms.

Conclusion: Resistance was found to be very high to the commonly used antibiotics. The sensitivity rate for the recently introduced ciprofloxacin was above 98%. Therefore, this antibiotic may be used for empirical therapy of urinary tract infection (UTI) when culture and sensitivity testing is impossible. Strict control on the use of antibiotics and appropriate measures against over the counter availability and self-medication is recommended.

ANTIFUNGAL DRUG SUSCEPTIBILITY OF CANDIDA ALBICANS

C. C. Bii, BSc, MSc (Medical Mycology), Research Officer, T.T. Ouko, HND, Laboratory Technologist, E. Amukoye, MBChB, MMed, Senior Research Officer and L. W. Githinji, HND, Laboratory Technologist, Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 54840, Nairobi, Kenya.

Request for reprints to: C. C. Bii , Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 54840, Nairobi, Kenya.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To determine the susceptibility of clinical isolates of Candida albicans and to establish the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) to commonly used antifungal drugs.

Design: Laboratory based experiment.

Setting: Mbagathi District Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya.

Subjects: Candida albicans isolated between 1998 and 2000 from the sputa of HIV/AIDS patients and throat swabs of children with acute respiratory infections (ARI).

Methods: Susceptibility to amphotericin B, clotrimazole, nystatin, and 5-fluorocytosine was done using agar dilution method (NCCLS 1997).

Results: Among the ARI isolates 29.3% and among HIV isolates 22.4% had MIC>0.5 µg/ml to amphotericin B. Over 80% of the ARI isolates had MICs>1 µg/ml to clotrimazole. The MIC range of most isolates to nystatin was 4-16 µg/ml while most isolates were susceptible to 5-fluorocytosine. There were no significant differences in susceptibility between ARI and HIV isolates to commonly used antifungal drugs.

Conclusion: Although fungal resistance has not been extensively studied, susceptibility tests showed some Candida albicans have increased MICs to commonly used antifungal drugs. The results call for further investigations on fungal resistance especially in the context of opportunistic infections in HIV/AIDS.

CARRIAGE OF VIBRIO SPECIES BY SHRIMPS HARVESTED FROM THE COASTAL WATERS OF SOUTH WEST CAMEROON

R. N. Ndip, PhD, J-F.T.K. Akoachere, PhD, D.K. Mokosso, MSc, L.M. Ndip, MSc and I.A.N. Anyangwe, MSc, Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63, Buea, Southwest Province, Cameroon.

Request for reprints to: Dr. R. N. Ndip, Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63, Buea, Southwest Province, Cameroon.

ABSTRACT

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of Vibrio spp in unprocessed shrimps and their susceptibility to antibiotics.

Design: A prospective study of Vibrio spp associated with shrimps harvested from the coastal waters of South West Cameroon.

Setting: A laboratory based study at the Department of Life Sciences, University of Buea. Two hundred and thirty six shrimps harvested from the coastal towns of Limbe and Tiko, Cameroon, were examined for the prevalence of Vibrio spp using standard microbiologic procedures. The antibiotic sensitivity of isolates was determined using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique.

Results: Of the 236 shrimps examined, 73 (30.9%) were contaminated with Vibrio spp. Further, a total of 125 Vibrio strains were isolated from the contaminated shrimps. Of this number, 33 (26.4%) were V. cholerae, 55 (44%) V. parahaemolyticus, 34 (27.2%) V. alginolyticus and three (2.4%) V. vulnificus. Antibiotic susceptibility generally ranged from 68.8% for polymyxin B to 99.2% for gentamycin. Multiple resistant strains were noted, especially with V. parahaemolyticus and V. alginolyticus Conclusion: Shrimps maintain a reservoir of potential Vibrio spp in the coastal area of South West Cameroon. This finding is of epidemiologic and clinical significance.

COMBATING CHOLERA EPIDEMICS BY TARGETING RESERVOIRS OF INFECTION AND TRANSMISSION ROUTES: A REVIEW

H. D. N. Nyamogoba, BSc, MSc, Assistant Lecturer, A. A., Obala, HND, MSc, Chief Technician and R., Kakai, BSc, MSc, PhD, Lecturer,

Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Moi University, P.O. Box 4606, Eldoret, Kenya.

Request for reprints to: H. D. N. Nyamogoba, Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Moi University, P.O. Box 4606, Eldoret, Kenya.

ABSTRACT

Objectives: To determine the parameters which can be investigated for prevention and effective control of cholera.

Data sources: Literature search on compact disk-read only memory (CD-ROM), medline and internet, using the key words: cholera outbreaks, and cholera transmission. A few reviews were manually reviewed.

Study selection: Relevant studies or articles on cholera outbreaks and transmission worldwide, with special reference to Kenya is included in the review.

Data extraction: From individual study or articles.

Data synthesis: Information on cholera epidemics worldwide and in Kenya is synchronized under the headings; Introduction, History and predisposing factors, Current situation, Bioecology and transmission patterns, and, Use of molecular epidemiological and geographic information system (GIS) techniques in mapping out the bioecology, reservoirs and transmission routes of cholera.

Conclusion: Cholera can be prevented and controlled more effectively at environment level. This requires a multi-disciplinary approach including poverty alleviation.

POSTSURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF PATIENTS WITH BREAST CANCER AT KENYATTA NATIONAL HOSPITAL

N.A. Othieno-Abinya, MBChB, MMed, Senior Lecturer, Department of Internal Medicine, L.O. Nyabola, BSc, MSc. MPH, Senior Lecturer, Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 19676, Nairobi, H.O. Abwao, MBChB, DMRT, Head, Radiotherapy Department, Kenyatta National Hospital, P.O. Box 20723, Nairobi and P. Ndege, MBChB, Senior House Officer, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 19676, Nairobi, Kenya

Request for reprints to: Dr. N. A. Othieno-Abinya, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 19676, Nairobi, Kenya

ABSTRACT

Objective: To assess post-surgical management of patients with breast cancer at the Kenyatta National Hospital.

Design: Retrospective analysis of patients treated for breast carcinoma at Kenyatta National Hospital between January 1989 and January 2000.

Setting: Kenyatta National Hospital.

Subjects: Three hundred and seventy-four patients who had surgery or biopsy for breast cancer at the Kenyatta National Hospital.

Intervention: Chemo-hormonal therapy and/or radiotherapy for adjuvant, metastatic, or palliative purposes.

Results: Twenty-two patients received adjuvant chemotherapy, and 21 patients received chemotherapy for metastatic disease. Forty-six patients received adjuvant radiotherapy and 53 had radiotherapy for palliative purposes. One hundred and twenty-six patients were given tamoxifen for adjuvant and metastatic purposes. The median duration of follow-up was 20 months.

Conclusion: Chemotherapy is grossly underutilized in the treatment of breast cancer at the Kenyatta National Hospital, and radiotherapy is also underutilized. Follow-up durations are dismal and if this is used as a surrogate measure for survival then survival durations for breast cancer patients are also dismal at the Kenyatta National Hospital.

PRIMARY INTRACEREBRAL HAEMORRHAGE COMPLICATED BY CEREBRAL ABSCESS: CASE REPORT

E. O. Amayo, MBChB, MMed, Senior Lecturer, T. O. Kwasa, BSc, MBChB, MMed, Senior Lecturer, Department of Medicine, C. K. Musau, MBChB, MMed, Lecturer, Department of Surgery, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 19676, Nairobi, N. Mugo, MBChB, MMed, Consultant Physician, Cardiologist and J. Wambani, MBChB, MMed, Consultant Radiologist, Kenyatta National Hospital, P.O. Box 20723, Nairobi, Kenya.

Request for reprints to: Dr. E. O. Amayo, Department of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 19676, Nairobi.

SUMMARY

A case of primary intracerebral haemorrhage complicated by cerebral abscess is presented with a review of the literature.

HYDATID DISEASE OF THE SPINE: CASE REPORT

R. T. Kuremu, MBChB, MMed (Surg), Lecturer, Department of Surgery, B.O. Khwa-Otsyula, MBChB, MMed, (Surg), Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Associate Professor, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Moi University, P.O. Box 4606, Eldoret, J. Svanvik, MD, PhD, Professor, University of Linkoping, Sweden, O. S. G. Bwombengi, MBChB, MMed (Surg), Lecturer, Department of Surgery, L.K. Lelei, MBChB, MMed (Surg), Lecturer and D. Mathews, Lecturer, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Moi University, P.O. Box 4606, Eldoret, Kenya.

Request for reprints to: Dr. R. T. Kuremu, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Moi University, P.O. Box 4606, Eldoret, Kenya.

SUMMARY

A rare case of spinal hydatid disease presenting with paraparesis and sensory loss is reported. The patient was treated with albendazole resulting in significant improvement within eight weeks. Investigations and treatment modalities are discussed.