Journal of Gastrointestinal & Digestive System
Open Access

Abstract

Background: Neonatal jaundice is a major health problem in tropical regions. Severe jaundice with kernicterus was recorded as a common cause of neonatal death. Aim: This study was set out to detect the prevalence of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in the sera of babies suffering from neonatal jaundice. Methods: Blood samples were obtained from 40 jaundiced neonates and their mothers, 20 non-jaundiced controls and their mothers. Blood groups, bilirubin concentration, erythrocytes G6PD status (colorimetrically) and AFB1 concentration by (HPLC) in the blood were measured. Results: In this study, AFB1 was detected in 50% of jaundiced neonates as compared with 20% of controls (x2 = 5.0, p=0.025). It was also detected in 35% of mothers of jaundiced neonates compared with 10% of control mothers (x2 = 4.261; p = 0.039) while, 47.5% of jaundiced neonates were G6PD deficient, compared with 15% of controls (x2= 6. 065; p= 0.014). Conclusion: Analysis of these data showed that the presences of AFB1 and/or G6PD deficiency are risk factors for neonatal jaundice in Egypt.

Biography

Dr Nermin has completed her MD-PhD at age of 36 from Basel University, Switzerland and presently the assistant professor of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Zagazig University School of Medicine, Egypt. She is also the director of Molecular Biology and Cell Culture Lab at the department, Head of Cell culture unit of Scientific and Medical Research centre, the director of Project Management Unit, the admin of Institutional Review Board and a member of Scientific research council at Zagazig University School of Medicine, Egypt. She have published more than 30 papers in reputed journals and participated in more than 30 in ternational conferences.

E-mail: dr_nerminraafat@yahoo.com