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Candida auris infection: How prepared is Nigeria for this emerging fungal agent?

S.A Fayemiwo, O.B. Makanjuola

 

Abstract

Reports from Asia and other parts of the world have demonstrated that the incidence of Candida auris infection is on the rise. Candida auris is a fungal pathogen causing a wide variety of infections affecting people of all age groups. Candida auris was first described in 2009 and has since emerged as an important cause of invasive fungal infection, most importantly healthcareassociated candidaemia. Large outbreaks have been reported worldwide, with therapeutic failure and associated high mortality rates recorded.
The emergence and spread of C. auris raises public health concerns because of some characteristics of this pathogen. First it is resistant to many antifungal agents making this infection very difficult to treat. It is also associated with horizontal transmission in health care settings causing outbreaks among hospitalized individuals with high mortality rates. Furthermore, identification of C auris is a challenge. Routine identification methods usually misidentify the organism as other yeasts especially Candida haemulonii.
This review discusses the current knowledge on the epidemiology, treatment and control of this infection. The urgent need for the stakeholders in Nigerian tertiary hospitals to set machinery in motion for prompt diagnosis, management and prevention of transmission of this infection are also discussed.

Infection a Candida auris: Comment le Nigeria est-il prepare pour cet agent fongique emergent?

Des rapports en provenance d’Asie et d’autres parties du monde ont démontré que l’incidence de l’infection à Candida auris est en augmentation. Candida auris est un pathogène fongique causant une grande variété d’infections affectant les personnes de tous les groupes d’âge. Candida auris a été décrit pour la première fois en 2009 et est depuis apparu comme une cause importante d’infection fongique invasive, surtout la candidémie associée aux soins de santé. De grandes épidémies ont été signalées dans le monde entier, avec des échecs thérapeutiques et des taux de mortalité élevés associés enregistrés.
L’émergence et la propagation de C. auris soulèvent des préoccupations en matière de santé publique en raison de certaines caractéristiques de ce pathogène. D’abord, il est résistant à de nombreux agents antifongiques rendant cette infection très difficile à traiter. Il est également associé à la transmission horizontale dans les milieux de soins de santé, ce qui provoque des éclosions parmi les personnes hospitalisées avec des taux de mortalité élevés. De plus, l’identification de C auris est un défi. Les méthodes d’identification de routine confondent généralement l’organisme avec d’autres levures, en particulier Candida haemulonii.
Cette revue discute les connaissances actuelles sur l’épidémiologie, le traitement et le contrôle de cette infection. Le besoin urgent pour les parties prenantes des hôpitaux tertiaires du Nigeria de mettre en place un système de diagnostic rapide, de prise en charge et de prévention de la transmission de cette infection est également discuté

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Candida auris infection How prepared is Nigeria for this emerging fungal agent

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Result of 2004 extended trypanosomosis survey of ruminants at Kachia Grazing Reserve, North Central Nigeria

J.N Abenga, F.A.G Lawani, S.O Omotainse, J.O Kalejaiye, A.B. Ahmed, S.S Shaida, U.B. Shamaki, E. Yanan, U.S Usman, E. Oko, H. Ayakphat, A. Kalgo

 

Abstract

Tsetse fly and trypanosome prevalence in ruminants were estimated in April and August, peak months of the dry and rainy seasons in the Kachia Grazing Reserve (KGR) of Kaduna State, North Central Nigeria. This study was subsequent to reports of seasonal outmigration of semi nomadic Fulani from the grazing reserve due to death of cattle from trypanosomosis. Result of blood samples showed an overall parasitological infection rate of 17.4%. Infection rates in cattle, sheep and goats were, 18.6%, 9.5% and 5.1% respectively. Over all higher infection rate in the rainy season was attributed to abundance of tsetse and other hematophagus flies. Infection rate in younger animals (21.9%) was higher compared to those of older animals (16.5%). Trypanosoma vivax was the dominant infecting trypanosome specie followed by T. congolense andT. brucei.
It was concluded that tsetse fly and trypanosomosis constituted dual plagues limiting economic livestock production and settling of the pastoralists in the grazing reserve. This warrants application of sustainable integrated control measures to enhance utilization of abundant fodder at the reserve.

Key words: Kachia grazing reserve, trypanosomosis, ruminants, infection rates, Nigeria.

 

Resultat de l’enquete de trypanosomose extension de 2004 des ruminants a la reserve de piscine Kachia, Nigeria Centrale du Nord

La prévalence de la mouche tsé-tsé et du trypanosome chez les ruminants a été estimée en avril et août, les mois de pointe des saisons secanes et pluvieuses dans la réserve de pâturage de Kachia (KGR) de l’État de Kaduna, dans le nord du centre du Nigeria. Cette étude a été postérieure à des rapports d’émigration saisonnière de Fulani semi-nomades provenant de la réserve de pâturage en raison de la mort de bovins de la trypanosomose. Le résultat des échantillons de sang a montré un taux global d’infection parasitaire de 17,4%. Les taux d’infection chez les bovins, les ovins et les chèvres étaient respectivement de 18,6%, 9,5% et 5,1%. Le taux d’infection plus élevé pendant la saison des pluies a été attribué à l’abondance de mouches tsé-tsé et d’autres mouches hématophobes. Le taux d’infection chez les animaux plus jeunes (21,9%) était plus élevé par rapport à ceux des animaux plus âgés (16,5%). Trypanosoma vivax était le trypanosome infectant dominant suivi de T. congolense et T. brucei.
On a conclu que la mouche tsé-tsé et la trypanosomose constituaient des fléaux doubles limitant la production d’élevage économique et la colonisation des pasteurs dans la réserve de pâturage. Cela justifie l’application de mesures de contrôle intégrées durables pour améliorer l’utilisation de fourrages abondants dans la réserve.

Mots clés: réserve de pâturage de Kachia, trypanosomose, ruminants, taux d’infection, Nigeria

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Result of 2004 extended trypanosomosis survey of ruminants at Kachia Grazing Reserve, North Central Nigeria

 

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First molecular investigation of capsular serotyping and hypervirulent (hvlp) of K. Pneumoniae in university hospital center of yopougon cote d’ivoire

A. M’lan-Britoh, S. Meité, C. Boni, F. Zaba, K. S. Koffi, N. Guessennd, N. S. Kakou, H. Faye- Kette, M. Dosso

 

Abstract

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a well known human pathogen. Although infectious in most nosocomial infections with a high level of resistance, capsular types and circulating hypervirulent strains in our context are not documented. The aims of this study are to identify capsular serotypes and hypervirulent strains circulating at the Yopougon University Hospital in Abidjan. 51 strains of Klebsiella were collected at Chu de Yopougon. The capsular serotypes were determined using PCR and the serotypes K1, K2 and K5 were searched. The hypervirulent strains were also investigated by PCR and by string test. The predominant serotypes were non-K1 / K2 (46/51, 90%). The serotypes found K5 and K2 in (4/51, 7.8%) and (1/51; 1.9%) respectively. The rmpA gene linked to hyperviscosity or hyperviscosity was not found although 25.5% (12/51) were positive for the stretch test. The capsular distribution of strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae seems different from Asian authors. The determination of non-K1non types K2 remains to be elucidated.

Keyvords: Klebsiella pneumoniae, capsular serotype, hypervirulence

Premiere etude d’investigation moleculaire de serotypage capsulaire et de gene d’hypervirence de klebsiella pneumniae au laboratoire du chu de yopougon en cote d’ivoire

Klebsiella pneumoniae est un pathogène nosocomial humain bien connu. Bien qu’incriminé dans la plus part des infections nosocomiales avec un niveau élevé de résistance, les types capsulaires et les souches hypervirulentes circulantes dans notre contexte ne sont pas documentés. L’objectif de cette étude est d’identifier les sérotypes capsulaires et les souches hypervirulentes circulant au CHU de Yopougon Abidjan., 51 souches de Klebsiella ont été collectés au Chu de Yopougon. Les sérotypes capsulaires ont été déterminée à l’aide de la PCR et les sérotypes K1, K2 et K5 ont été recherchés. Les souches hypervirulentes ont été recherchées également par PCR et par le test d’étirement ou string test. Les sérotypes prédominants étaient les non K1/K2 (46/51; 90%). Les sérotypes retrouvés K5 et K2 dans respectivement (4/51; 7,8%) et (1/51 ; 1,9%). Le gène rmpA lié à l’hyperviscosité n’a pas été retrouvé bien que 25,5% (12/51) étaient positives au test d’étirement. La distribution capsulaire des souches de Klebsiella pneumoniae semble différente des auteurs asiatiques. D’ou l’intérêt de travaux plus approfondies afin de déterminer les types capsulaire des souches non K1 non K2.

Mots clefs : Klebsiella pneumoniae, serotype capsulaire , Hypervirulence

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First molecular investigation of capsular serotyping and hypervirulent (hvlp) of K. Pneumoniae in university hospital center of yopougon cote d’ivoire

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Prevalence of Escherichia coli virulence genes in patients with diarrhoea in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

N. S. Somda, O. J. I. Bonkoungou, C. Zongo, D. S. Kpoda, F. Tapsoba, I. H. N. Bassolé, Y. Traoré, A. Savadogo

 

Abstract

Objective: Diarrhoeagenic E. coli (DEC) strains are important causes of diarrhoea in the developing world and, to a lesser extent, inthe developed world. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of the virulence genes specific for five major pathogroups of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) in primary cultures from diarrhoeagenic patients in Burkina Faso.
Methodology: From September 2016 to Mars 2017, a total of 211 faecal samples from diarrhoeagenic patients from urban hospitals of Ouagadou, Burkina Faso have been analysed. A 16-plex PCR was used to detect simultaneously, the five major DEC pathotypes (enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) and enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC)).
Results: At least one diarrhoeagenic E. Coli pathotype was detected in 31 samples (14.7%) in children and adults with diarrhoea. EAEC was the most common pathotype detected 9.5% (20/211), followed by EIEC2.4% (05/211) and STEC 0.5% (01/211). More than one DEC pathotype were detected in 2.4% (05/211) patients. EPEC and ETEC were not detected in single infection but in co-infection with others pathotypes.
Conclusion: DEC, especially enteroaggregative, may be important responsible of diarrhoeas in Burkina Faso from all ages patient.

Key Words: Diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli, 16-plex PCR, Burkina Faso, human diarrhoeas stool.

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Prevalence of Escherichia coli virulence genes in patients with diarrhoea in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

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The bacteria profiles of wounds in diabetic patients hospitalized in northern Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa

W. Mthembu, D Penduka, R Mosa, B Shoba, A Zobolo, A Opoku

 

Abstract

Diabetic wound infections still remain a health concern such that correct identification of bacteria is essential in monitoring the spread of the infections as well as in the administration of the correct treatment. This study therefore focuses on isolating and identifying bacteria present in diabetic wounds of hospitalized patients in northern KwaZulu-Natal and assessing their distribution.The wound specimen were collected and swabbed onto selective and differential media. The bacteria identities were presumptively ascertained through biochemical characterization (Gram-stain, catalase test, oxidase test and API) and then confirmed through 16S rDNA sequencing.A total of 42 isolates were recovered from 83% of the patients sampled from the three participating hospitals (X, Y, and Z). Gram-negative bacilli from Enterobacteriaceaewere predominant followed by Staphylococci spp and Enterococcus faecaliswith 43% polymicrobial cases from hospital Z and 29% from hospital X. Distribution of some opportunistic pathogens and nosocomially-acquired pathogens were also observed across the patients with five bacterial identities distributed among hospital X and Z. The adverse effects associated with the recovered bacteria in diabetic wounds pose a serious health concern and preventive measure should be taken.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, wounds, bacteria, infection

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The bacteria profiles of wounds in diabetic patients hospitalized in northern Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa

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Distribution and types of water-borne bacterial pathogens in River Sokoto, Nigeria and their health implication

M.I.O. Raji, Y.J. Oyeniyi

 

Abstract

The quality of water from River Sokoto was assessed to determine its bacterial load and types. Standard bacteriological techniques were used to perform the total heterotrophic bacteria, faecal coliform and enterococci counts of water samples collected from six sampling points on the river and distribution of bacteria in the water samples was also determined using standard procedures. The study indicated high heterotrophic bacteria, faecal coliform and enterococci counts above permissible limits for drinking and recreational waters according to World Health Organization (WHO) and United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). A total of 434 bacteria organisms were isolated comprising nineteen different species. Among the Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia coli, which are human pathogenic organisms, had the highest percentage (11.98%) followed by Enterobacter aerogenes and Klebsiella pneumoniae subspecies pneumonia. Pseudomonas aeruginosaconstituted the majority of non-Enterobacteriaceae Gram negative organisms. Staphylococcus aureus was the highest among the Gram positive organisms followed by Staphylococcus saprophyticus (5.99%). Other isolates in significant numbers are Streptococcus faecalis, Bacillus subtilis, Elizabethkingia meningoseptica and Aeromonas sobria. Bacteria of aquatic habitat like Providencia rettgeri, Raoultella ornithinolytica, Staphylococcus cohnii subspecies urealyticus and Staphylococcus chromogenes that have not been isolated before in the study area were also isolated. River Sokoto predominantly contained E. coli which is an indication of faecal contamination and that makes it unsuitable for drinking and agricultural uses. People in the area should be encouraged to practice adequate sanitation.

Key words: River Sokoto, water quality, bacterial pathogens, E. coli, health implication.

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Distribution and types of water-borne bacterial pathogens in River Sokoto, Nigeria and their health implication

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Genetic diversity of ochratoxigenic Aspergillus section Nigri, using RAPD and VCG techniques

B.T. Thomas, L.A. Ogunkanmi, B.A. Iwalokun, D. Popoola

 

Abstract

This study evaluates the genetic diversity of ochratoxigenic Aspergillus section Nigri using RAPD and VCG techniques. Results obtained revealed OPX 07 as the most informative of the tested RAPD markers generating 12 polymorphic bands while the least bands were generated by OPR 19. Of the 40 Aspergillus section Nigri (20 each of Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus carbonarius), 22 VCGs and 27 RAPD haplotypes were delineated. The two techniques demonstrated similar resolution except in few cases where the RAPD technique further sub divided some VCGs into simpler haplotypes. The average percentage of variable VCG and RAPD reactions were 25 and 50% in that order of sequence while 75 and 50% of the isolates were resolved as same isolates by these techniques respectively. It was also found that the Simpson index of genetic diversity approached one for the isolates from the four geopolitical zones of Ogun State, Nigeria with the mean genetic diversity within isolates (GL) contributing significantly approximately 89% of the total diversity observed within the isolates (F=22.23, p<0.05). The remaining 11% of variation could only be allotted to diversity among isolates (GS). On the whole, the total genetic diversity (HT) was found to be approximately 48%. In conclusion, RAPD markers provided better resolution than the classical VCG typing technique.

Keywords; Genetic Diversity, Ochratoxigenic Aspergillus, RAPD and VCG

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Genetic diversity of ochratoxigenic Aspergillus section Nigri, using RAPD and VCG techniques

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Transcriptional factor influence on OTA production and the quelling attribute of Sirna on the OTA producing strains of Aspergillus section Nigri

B.T. Thomas, L.A. Ogunkanmi, B.A. Iwalokun, G.C Agu

 

Abstract

This study determined the influence of some transcriptional factors on ochratoxin A production as well as investigates the quelling attributes of some designed siRNA on the OTA producing Aspergillus section Nigri using standard recommended techniques. Results obtained following comparison of the pks gene promoter sequences from 15 isolates depicts differences in length and homology with the pks gene ranging from 218bp in a strain of the Aspergillus niger to 700bp in Aspergillus carbonarius. The alignment of the pks gene promoter region revealed that six and two of the aligned genes have Aba A binding site corresponding to CATTCT and CATTCC respectively while Brl A binding site was absent in all the isolates. Pac C binding site corresponding to CCTGGC and GCCAAG was also found in two and three of the pks gene promoter region respectively. The three designed siRNA shows significant impact on OTA inhibitions with no significant statistical differences (80.9, 74.4 and 75.3% for pks_Ia, pks_Ib and pks_Ic respectively) (F= 3.830, p>0.05). It can be concluded that Are A and Aba A are potential enhancers for ochratoxin A biosynthesis and none of the investigated transcriptional factors is enough for the activation of ochratoxin A production. However, pks gene was seen as a good target gene for inactivation in order to develop efficient means for ochratoxin A control using RNA silencing technology.

Key words: Transcriptional factors, Ochratoxin A, siRNA, Quelling , Aspergillus section Nigri

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Transcriptional factor influence on OTA production and the quelling attribute of Sirna on the OTA producing strains of Aspergillus section Nigri

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Containment of ebola – steps to prevent spread of emerging infectious diseases, the Nigeria example

Y.J. Peter

 

Abstract

Emerging infectious diseases are diseases whose incidence in humans have increased in the past decades or threaten to increase in the near future. The epidemiological and Laboratory techniques needed to detect, investigate and contain a deliberate outbreak are the same as those used for natural outbreaks. The threat to Nigeria posed by the arrival in Lagos of a patient acutely ill with Ebola was potentially enormous. Six response teams were deployed within the Emergency Operations Centre; 1) Epidemiology/ Surveillance, 2) Case Management/ Infection Control, 3) Social mobilization, 4) Laboratory Services, 5) Point of Entry and 6) Management / Coordination. The strategy group reviewed and approved all of the teams work and needed resources. Eleven patients with laboratory confirmed Ebola were admitted and discharged, an additional patient was diagnosed at convalescent stage while eight patients died. Several issues were observed by the response team during Nigeria Ebola outbreak that could in retrospect have been mitigated through additional preparedness planning for public health emergencies:- 1) Financial resources were slow to arrive, 2) Political leadership did not appreciate the enormous consequences that even a small Ebola outbreak could have on civil institutions, 3) Lack of Nigerian health workers willing to care for Ebola because of a lack of information and training on how to care for Ebola patients, 4) Inappropriate coordination of private sector engagement and 5) Partners and parts of government were unfamiliar with EOC/IMS system and its use as a means of streamlining coordination and response elements into one unified approach.

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Containment of ebola – steps to prevent spread of emerging infectious diseases, the Nigeria example

 

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Trichomonas vaginalis infection among adolescent girls in some secondary schools in Benin city, Edo state, Nigeria

F. O Akinbo, I. S. Oronsaye

 

Abstract

Trichomonasvaginalisis the most common non-viral sexually transmitted disease (STD) and one of the neglected parasitic infections. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of T. vaginalisinfection among adolescent girls in some secondary schools in Edo State, Nigeria. A total of 272 girls were recruited in this study. The participants’ age ranged from 13 to 18 years. Two high vagina swab specimens were collected from each participant. The specimens were analyzed using wet mount examination and culture methods. A prevalence of 9.2% of T. vaginalis was observed among adolescent girls in this study. Level of education of parents, occupation of mothers, sexual relationship and clinical manifestation of participants significantly affected the prevalence of T. vaginalisinfection among adolescent girls attending secondary school. Culture method detected more cases of T. vaginalis infection than the wet mount technique. The use of culture method in routine diagnosis of T. vaginalisinfection is advocated as this will reduce cases of infertility resulting from undetected and untreated infection as well as the risk of HIV transmission and acquisition.

Key words: Adolescent girls,Benin City, Trichomonas vaginalis

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Trichomonas vaginalis infection among adolescent girls in some secondary schools in Benin city, Edo state, Nigeria