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Why human teeth bite should not be neglected

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4 years ago

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A consultant oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Akanbi Olojede, says human bite could be potentially dangerous and should be treated with urgency to avoid life-threatening infection from microorganism or tetanus.

This is corroborated by experts at online health portal, Mayo Clinic; and scientists at the Cleveland Clinic, Ohio, USA.

Olojede noted that even if a bite victim had taken a tetanus injection before the incident, a booster injection should be administered to reduce the risk of tetanus infection.

Speaking in an interview with our correspondent, the consultant warned that there is no cure for tetanus, but that effort could only be made to manage complications that might arise until effects of the tetanus toxin wear off.

“If the booster injection is not taken, the human bite wound risks having superimposed infection due to the array of microorganisms present in saliva,” he stated.

Continuing, Olojede said, “Tetanus infection, which is also known as ‘lockjaw,’ can lead to painful muscle contractions, particularly of the jaw and neck muscles. It can cause respiratory distress that could lead to the bite victim’s death.

“Tetanus booster shot should be administered. Aside from cleaning the wound with strong antiseptic, and dressing it, the victim should be given antibiotics medication to protect against secondary infection by other bacteria.”

According to Mayo Clinic, human bites can be as dangerous as or even more dangerous than animal bites because of the types of bacteria and viruses contained in the human mouth. Human bites that break the skin can become infected, the portal adds.

It advised that a victim of human teeth bite should seek emergency medical care, adding, “If you haven’t had tetanus injection within five years, your doctor may recommend a booster. In this case, get the booster injection within 48 hours of the injury.”

Again, experts at Cleveland Clinic say that complications from a human bite can be very serious, including severe infection and permanently damaged bones, joints and/or tendons.

“It’s unlikely that a human bite will be fatal, especially if you seek out proper medical care, particularly around the infection,” the clinic counsels.

According to Wounds, a peer-reviewed journal focusing on wound care and wound research, human bites are the third most common bite wound diagnosed in emergency departments, after dog and cat bites.

It noted that management of human bite can be challenging, given the high risk of infection associated with multi-organism-rich oral flora.

Recognition and early aggressive treatment are essential steps in preventing infections and other associated complications, the journal emphasised.

Also, Medscape, a website providing access to medical information for clinicians, states that approximately 10-15 percent of human bite wounds become infected owing to multiple factors.

“The bacterial inoculum of human bite wounds contains as many as 100 million organisms per milliliter and is made up of as many as 190 different species. Many of these are anaerobes that flourish in the low redox environment of tartar that lies between human teeth or in areas of gingivitis.”

The portal notes that most injuries due to human bites involve the hands. “Hand wounds, regardless of the etiology, have a higher rate of infection than do those in other locations,” it stated; noting that infections associated with human bites are often far advanced by the time they receive appropriate care.

“Patients often wait until infection is well established before seeking medical treatment,” the portal laments.

Olojede, however, said that humans don’t have venom. “Basically, it is not an emergency per se. Human bite can’t be classified as being venomous or likened to a bite by dangerous animals.

“The most important thing is, what extent of damage has the bite inflicted on the victim and the intensity?

“But where danger comes in is when someone completely bites off the ear, upper or lower lip of an individual and spits it out, and some will go to the extent of swallowing it.

“In this case, the aim of the assailant is to disfigure the victim, which is causing grievous bodily harm. Such bites can be quite dangerous because of the bleeding that will occur.

“Such individuals should also be given pain killer because human bite could be very painful and unbearable by the following day, especially when it is deep and big.

“The risk of secondary infection is also high, but not the type that can lead to death. Nevertheless, treatment should commence immediately, beginning with a tetanus booster,” he emphasised.

Olojede, a former President, Nigerian Dental Association, further explained that the human mouth contains normal oral flora or bacteria, the absence of which can lead to death.

He said, “If we don’t have them, there is no way we can survive. We have them in our stomach, large and small intestines, and they have their functions. Someone without these organisms will come down with some terrible illness that can kill.”

According to News Medical Life Science, over 700 bacterial species co-inhabit healthily in the human mouth, and exist at diverse locations in the mouth, including hard palate, soft palate, teeth, tongue, and tonsillar areas.

It explained that most of the microorganisms that inhabit the oral cavity live in symbiotic relationship – where both the host and guest co-exist mutually for the benefit of each other.

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Drug prices may drop as FG implements zero VAT, duties

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4 days ago

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March 27, 2025

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Drug prices may drop as FG implements zero VAT, duties

Experts say prices of drugs are likely to drop following the implementation of the federal government’s executive order on zero VAT and excise duties on pharmaceutical products and medical devices.

The Nigeria Customs Service yesterday said it had commenced the implementation of Value Added Tax (VAT) and import duty exemption on raw materials essential for the production of pharmaceutical products.

The National Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, in a statement on Wednesday, said the decision was in line with the presidential order to boost local production of healthcare products

President Bola Tinubu had, in June last year, signed the Executive Order to increase local production of pharmaceutical, diagnostics and medical devices.

The NCS’ spokesman said: “Critical raw materials essential for the production of pharmaceutical products will be exempted from import duty and Value Added Tax (VAT) for a period of two years.”

The statement added that the exemption covers Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), excipients and other vital raw materials required for manufacturing essential medicines, Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs), Rapid Diagnostic Kits, reagents and packaging materials.

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Maiwada said to ensure that these fiscal incentives are fully utilised, eligibility is limited to manufacturers of pharmaceutical products recognised by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, provided they possess a valid Tax Identification Number (TIN).

Experts speak

Experts said the implementation of the Executive Order would address the skyrocketing cost of medicines.

A former National Secretary of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Pharm. Iyiola Gbolagade, in a chat with our correspondent, described the implementation of the Executive Order as commendable, saying it would lead to reduction of prices some locally manufactured medicines like antibiotics and antimalarial drugs.

A former chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) FCT chapter, Pharmacist Eneojo Made, said the implementation of Zero VAT and exercise duties on Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), which are used to produce medicines, would boost the production of essential medicines for various categories of diseases thereby enhancing availability and access to them in the country.

A former National Publicity Secretary of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Kenneth Edeh Ujah, said, “When the cost of production of medicines at various stages is lower, of course, it is going to have that direct impact on the eventual cost of the medicine when people visit the pharmacy to buy their drugs.”

Also, Prof Cyril Odianose Usifoh, the immediate past president, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), said the potential for success in the order was boosted because specified items include Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), excipients, essential raw materials required for manufacturing of crucial products, including drugs, long lasting insecticidal bed nets, rapid diagnostic kits and others.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare had, in a statement, said the Executive Order is a significant milestone, as it opens the door for local pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers to begin fully benefiting from the relief measures outlined by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the Executive Order

 

Drug prices may drop as FG implements zero VAT, duties

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Nigerian doctor pioneers W’Africa first robotic prostate cancer surgery

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6 days ago

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March 25, 2025

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Nigerian Consultant Urological/Robotic Surgeon, Professor Kingsley Ekwueme

Nigerian doctor pioneers W’Africa first robotic prostate cancer surgery

A Nigerian Consultant Urological/Robotic Surgeon, Professor Kingsley Ekwueme on Monday in Lagos pioneered the first West African robotic surgery on a prostrate cancer patient.

Ekwueme, a UK-based medical doctor returnee recently established The Prostate Clinic, (TPC) Nigeria Centre for Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgery, the first super-specialised clinic in West Africa dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer, utilising cutting-edge robotic surgery.

“This is truly historic,” declared Ekwueme, the clinic’s founder.

“We are bringing technology that has never been seen before in this region, giving Nigerians access to world-class treatment right here at home.”

The clinic’s centerpiece is the Da Vinci Robot, an advanced surgical system that provides unparalleled precision and minimally invasive procedures. “

Briefing journalists on the feat, Ekwueme explained that: “The Da Vinci Robot offers three-dimensional imaging and seven degrees of freedom, allowing for surgeries with minimal blood loss and faster recovery times.”

“Patients experience significantly less pain and scarring compared to traditional open surgeries.”

Ekwueme, a renowned urologist, emphasised that the technology extends beyond prostate cancer.

“We are treating a range of urological conditions in both men and women, including kidney cancer, bladder cancer, kidney stones, and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Our goal is to transform surgery in Nigeria.”

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Noting that the key focus of the clinic was accessibility, he said he is determined to make these advanced procedures affordable for all Nigerians.

“My mission is to ensure that no one in this country dies needlessly due to a lack of access to quality care.

“We are working to make these procedures as cost-effective as possible, and we are open to partnerships with the government to expand our reach.”

To address Nigeria’s power challenges, the clinic is equipped with a comprehensive solar power system, ensuring uninterrupted operations. “We understand the importance of reliable power.

“Our 24-hour solar system ensures that we can provide consistent, high-quality care.”

He said he is also committed to training local medical professionals in robotic surgery, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the technology in Nigeria.

“We are investing in the future of Nigerian healthcare. We want to empower our doctors with the skills they need to provide world-class care.”

Debunking common misconceptions about prostate and sexual activities, Ekwueme clarified that there is no proven dietary prevention for prostate cancer. “The primary risk factors are age, race, and family history. Early detection and access to advanced treatment are crucial.”

Looking ahead, Ekwueme revealed plans to introduce groundbreaking technology for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with zero blood loss.

“I am doing a procedure tomorrow, and soon I will unveil a technology that has never been done in Africa, splitting the prostate from the inside with absolutely no blood loss,” he stated.

He said with its state-of-the-art technology, commitment to affordability, and focus on local training, The Prostate Clinic Nigeria Centre for Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgery is poised to revolutionise cancer care in West Africa, offering hope and advanced treatment options to countless Nigerians.

Nigerian doctor pioneers W’Africa first robotic prostate cancer surgery

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FG destroys another 200 containers of expired drugs

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1 week ago

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March 23, 2025

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FG destroys another 200 containers of expired drugs

The Federal Government Joint Committee on the destruction of fake, illicit and expired pharmaceuticals has destroyed another 200 containers of substandard drugs worth billions of Naira imported into the country through the Apapa and Tin-Can Island seaports.

This is coming after the committee initially destroyed 250 containers of the same expired pharmaceutical products in January, 2025.

To this end, the committee comprising the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), National Security Adviser (NSA), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), National Agency for Food Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and Nigerian Army has destroyed a total of 450 containers of expired drugs in the first quarter of 2025.

The destruction exercise which took place in Epe, Lagos State yesterday, was part of a broader initiative of the Federal Government to curb importation of illicit and controlled drugs in order to safeguard public health and curb drug-related crimes in the country.

The pharmaceuticals destroyed were Tramadol, codeine, Apetamine, and Analgin injection amongst others.

Speaking to newsmen, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, said the initiative was important to prevent the circulation of dangerous substances such as Tramadol and Codeine, which are often abused, thus contributing to criminal activities in the country.

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Mallam Ribadu, who was represented by Ibrahim Sulaiman, said the destroyed drugs were seized at Apapa, Tin Can, and Lekki seaports.

He, however, disclosed that similar destruction was conducted in Port Harcourt as part of the first phase.

“The National Security Adviser is very passionate about ensuring that these illicit drugs do not remain in circulation. The government will not allow perpetrators to act with impunity; they will be arrested and prosecuted,” he stated.

The intercepted drugs were either expired or classified as controlled substances that should only be used under strict medical supervision.

Also, the Assistant Customs Controller, A.O Oguntuase from FOU Zone A, emphasised the enforcement efforts of security agencies in tracking and intercepting these illegal imports.

“Through intelligence gathering and swift action, we have been able to prevent the distribution of these drugs.

“The value of the destroyed substances is enormous, with each container estimated to be worth close to a billion naira,” he said.

On his part, representative of the NDLEA, DC Omotosho Solomon, stated that suspects arrested in connection with the goods were being tried in court.

Solomon warned importers engaged in the trafficking of illicit drugs and pharmaceuticals to desist from such acts or face the full process of law on illegal importation.

 

FG destroys another 200 containers of expired drugs

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