Protection against Haemophilus influenzae Type B, Diphtheria, and Tetanus in Children from Major Cities of Pakistan: A Community-Based Study

Abstract

Objective Pentavalent vaccine has been introduced in Pakistan against tetanus, diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae type B (HiB), pertussis, and hepatitis B virus. Methods This study was designed to determine protection against diphtheria, tetanus, and HiB in children of age 18 to 24 months from community which had received all three doses of pentavalent vaccine. Results Overall, 97% were having immunity against HiB, 97% against tetanus, and 88% against diphtheria. Our study showed that children aged 18 to 24 months in Pakistan have high level of protection against HiB and tetanus. However, the protection for diphtheria was low in 40% of children which could be improved by adding a booster dose of diphtheria. Conclusion By increasing the vaccine coverage among children, the burden of these diseases can be reduced in the future.

Alkaline Phosphatase is not Associated with Insulin Resistance: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

“…Controversially to previous reports, our results suggested that association among FM, FFM, F %, and ALP is not sufficient. Similar to our findings, a study revealed no direct relation of vitamin D deficiency with ALP (15), and another study also pointed out Vitamin D concentrations were not related to ALP in drug-naïve individuals without liver disease (25). Besides, there was also no significant cross-sectional association between 25(OH)D and bone turnover markers (26).…”

“…A metaanalytic study revealed a correlation between obesity and vitamin D deficiency is stronger in the Asian population than in the European-American population. Furthermore, it is also related to skin color, clothing style, regional differences (14)(15)(16). A Turkish study showed that vitamin D levels were low in 66.6% of women of reproductive age in Istanbul (17) and it was 93% in the entire female population (18).…”