Case Report
Rare Twist: Post-rabies Vaccine Guillain-Barré Syndrome Unveiled
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
60-63
Received:
7 August 2025
Accepted:
18 August 2025
Published:
23 September 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijcems.20251105.11
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Abstract: Guillain-Barre syndrome is an autoimmune neurological disorder characterized by rapid worsening weakness, often starting in the legs and spreading upward. Guillain-Barre syndrome is usually preceded by respiratory or gastrointestinal infections. Two-thirds of cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome are diagnosed following infection; however, vaccination has also been linked to Guillain-Barre syndrome pathogenesis. The most commonly known etiology of Guillain-Barre syndrome is an infectious disease notably caused by Campylobacter Jejuni. A very small fraction of people can develop Guillain-Barre syndrome due to vaccines such as meningococcal, poliovirus, influenza, and rabies. Vaccine-associated Guillain-Barre syndrome is defined as those with the onset of Guillain-Barre syndrome symptoms within six weeks after receiving the vaccine. Among the vaccines associated with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, one is for rabies. Given the invariably fatal nature of rabies, post-exposure prophylaxis should be administered in accordance with World Health Organization guidelines. There are two types of vaccines globally available to protect against rabies in humans; which are Nerve Tissue Vaccine 2 (NTV) and Cell Culture Vaccine (CCV). Even though, the World Health Organization has strongly recommended discontinuing the Nerve Tissue Vaccine and replace with the modern cell culture-derived vaccine, a few low-income countries including Ethiopia are still using the vaccine as post-exposure prophylaxis following rabies exposure, because of the affordability and accessibility problems related to modern cell culture vaccines. The vaccine has been predominantly used in Ethiopia since 1944. We are reporting a 22-year-old Ethiopian woman who presented with a progressive weakness for six days. The weakness initially started from the lower limb. It progressed caudally after she had received 12 doses of the Nerve Tissue anti-rabies vaccine, which was administered following a dog bite to her right lower extremity.
Abstract: Guillain-Barre syndrome is an autoimmune neurological disorder characterized by rapid worsening weakness, often starting in the legs and spreading upward. Guillain-Barre syndrome is usually preceded by respiratory or gastrointestinal infections. Two-thirds of cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome are diagnosed following infection; however, vaccination h...
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Research Article
Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Children Hospitalized with Suspected Measles at Jimma University Medical Center, Ethiopia, Cross Sectional Study
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
64-76
Received:
16 August 2025
Accepted:
28 August 2025
Published:
23 September 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijcems.20251105.12
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Abstract: Background: Measles, a highly contagious viral disease, remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among children in low-resource settings like Ethiopia. Despite the availability of vaccines, outbreaks persist, particularly in areas with low immunization coverage. This study aims to explore the clinical characteristics and outcomes of children hospitalized with suspected measles at Jimma University Medical Center (JUMC). Understanding these aspects will provide critical insights for improving case management and reducing measles-related complications and deaths. Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to assess the clinical characteristics, complications, and outcomes of children hospitalized with suspected measles at JUMC. Methods: This was a hospital-based retrospective study that involved the review of medical records of children admitted to JUMC with suspected measles over the past five years. Data on demographic characteristics, clinical features, laboratory findings, treatment interventions, and patient outcomes were extracted and analyzed. Descriptive statistics summarized the data, while multivariate analysis was used to identify factors associated with adverse outcomes. Results: A total of 250 children were studied (100% response rate). Slightly over half (51.6%) were from urban areas. Children were predominantly male (57.2%) and mainly aged 5-10 years (50.8%). Common symptoms were rash (100%), fever (99.2%), cough (97.2%), and conjunctivitis (85.2%), while 100% had maculopapular rash, 41.2% had Koplik's spots, and 10.4% had lymphadenopathy on physical examination. 82% of the cases were complicated with severe pneumonia while other complications identified were diarrhea (61.6%), Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (48.4%), dehydration (18.8%), Out of the total cases, 230(92%) had good outcomes, while 20 (8%) cases were died. Regarding factors associated with Poor Outcomes (Multivariable Analysis), being unvaccinated against measles (AOR=4.53, P=0.005), having malnutrition (AOR=4.14, P=0.029) and Laryngotracheobronchitis (Croup) (AOR=11.96, p=0.008) were significantly associated with increased risk of death.
Abstract: Background: Measles, a highly contagious viral disease, remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among children in low-resource settings like Ethiopia. Despite the availability of vaccines, outbreaks persist, particularly in areas with low immunization coverage. This study aims to explore the clinical characteristics and outcomes of c...
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Research Article
Challenges in Primary Health Care Delivery and Health-Seeking Behaviour: Implementing Social Behavioural Strategies in Awka, Nigeria
Egwuaba-Edward Ukwubile*
,
Sunday Blessing Adeyi
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
77-81
Received:
5 May 2025
Accepted:
25 August 2025
Published:
26 September 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijcems.20251105.13
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Abstract: Primary health care (PHC) is essential for providing equitable and accessible health services, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria. However, in Awka, the capital city of Anambra State, significant challenges impede the effective delivery of PHC services. This paper examines these challenges, focusing on systemic and socio-behavioural barriers that undermine health outcomes in the region. The study identifies key issues such as inadequate infrastructure, insufficient funding, a critical shortage of skilled health personnel, and persistent logistical problems in the supply and distribution of essential medical resources. Additionally, it highlights the complex social and behavioural factors rooted in cultural beliefs, low health literacy, and community distrust that contribute to poor health-seeking behaviours and resistance to public health interventions. The interplay between these operational and socio-cultural challenges results in suboptimal delivery of PHC services, particularly in areas such as preventive care, maternal and child health, and chronic disease management. To address these issues, the paper advocates for the development and implementation of targeted social and behavioural strategies that are culturally sensitive and community-driven. By tackling both the systemic inefficiencies and the socio-behavioural obstacles, there is potential to significantly improve health outcomes in Awka. This study contributes to the broader discourse on healthcare delivery in Nigeria, offering insights that could inform policy development and programme implementation in similar contexts across the country and beyond.
Abstract: Primary health care (PHC) is essential for providing equitable and accessible health services, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria. However, in Awka, the capital city of Anambra State, significant challenges impede the effective delivery of PHC services. This paper examines these challenges, focusing on systemic and socio-...
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