Central African Journal of Medicine - Volume 29, Issue 9, September 1983

A survey of an agricultural community in Burma Valley revealed high prevalences of hookworm (88.5%), Ascaris lumbricoides (43.5%) and other helminths, although egg output per gram of faeces was low. Intensity of hookworm and A. lumbricoides infections by sex and in Zimbabweans and non-Zimbabweans living at the farm were statistically not significant. There were no marked differences in helminth infection rates among the various age groups observed. It is suggested that the moist conditions normally prevailing in the valley, crowded living conditions, inadequate excreta disposal and water supplies are responsible for the high prevalence of intestinal helminths in this area of Zimbabwe.

The prospect that benzoyl peroxide may have anti-inflammatory activity prompted us to study its effect on human platelet function since it is well known that anti-inflammatory agents have dramatic effects on platelet aggregation.

An elderly gentleman, who was taking dapsone and pyrimethamine (Deltaprim) as a malarial prophylaxis, fell ill. He was found to have a red cell aplasia. The drug was stopped and he made a full recovery. He was treated with prednisolone and the vitamin B complex.

The nominal group technique was used to determine the nature and extent of the health interests of pupils, parents and teachers in urban primary schools of different population groups. The relationship between pupils' interests and the topics which parents and teachers thought that pupils should be taught was determined. The results showed a high degree of agreement between pupils, parents and teachers on the priority of health topics.