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Prognostic implication of hypocalcaemia in COVID-19: a systematic review

1Azeez, T. A.,2Lakoh, S., 3Bamidele, O. T., 4Ekhaiyeme, E., and 5Nwosu, S. A.

1Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria                           

2Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, Freetown, Sierra Leone

3Department of Chemical Pathology, Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Ilisan Remo, Nigeria                 

4Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria

5College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: adegokegalaxy@yahoo.com; +2347035728747

 

 

 

Abstract:

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has been declared as a pandemic affecting several millions of people worldwide. It has varied clinical manifestations ranging from asymptomatic to critical illness. It has led to the mortality of several affected individuals. However, the prognosis seems to vary from one person to the other and efforts are being made to identify the prognostic factors. Hypocalcaemia has been identified as a poor prognostic factor with a high frequency among individuals affected with COVID-19. This review aims to estimate the prevalence of hypocalcaemia among COVID-19 patients and identify the poor prognostic factors associated with the presence of hypocalcaemia in COVID-19 patients. Electronic medical databases were searched for publications on the prognostic implications of hypocalcaemia in COVID-19 infection, and relevant articles were selected for systematic review following PRISMA algorithm. The prevalence of hypocalcaemia among patients with COVID-19 was 40.0-74.4%. There was a significant association between the rate of hospital admission, intensive care unit (ICU) admission as well as septic shock and hypocalcaemia in patients with COVID-19. Hypocalcaemia is also associated with a higher mortality rate in these patients. COVID-19 patients with hypocalcaemia tend to have elevated C-reactive protein, interleukin6, alanine transaminase, procalcitonin, serum creatinine and low albumin. Hypocalcaemia is common in COVID-19 patients and is a poor prognostic factor in these patients. Presence of hypocalcaemia is associated with a severe illness and even death. Continue reading “Prognostic implication of hypocalcaemia in COVID-19: a systematic review”

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Recent advances in the pathophysiology and management of sepsis: a review

*1Adegboro, B. A., 1Imran, J., 2Abayomi, S. A., 3Sanni, E. O., and 4Biliaminu, S. A.

Departments of 1Medical Microbiology and Immunology, 2Department of Medical Microbiology, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Nigeria  3Haematology, and 4Chemical Pathology, Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: boazadegboro@gmail.com

Abstract:

Sepsis is a syndrome consisting of physiological, pathological and biochemical anomalies caused by infectious agents. It causes clinical organ dysfunction, which is identified by an acute increase in the Sequential (sepsis-related) Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score of two or more points. SOFA score is a score of three components that can be easily used at the bedside to track the clinical status of a patient while on admission, and these are altered respiratory rate of ≥ 22 breaths/minute, altered mental status, and systolic blood pressure of ≤ 100 mmHg. A patient with SOFA score of ≥ 2 has an attributable 2 – 25-fold increased risk of mortality compared to a patient with SOFA score of ˂ 2. This present review provides information on the new definition of sepsis and septic shock, aetiology, pathophysiology, biochemical, pathological and haematological changes, morbidity and mortality parameters, management, and prognostic factors in patients with sepsis. Continue reading “Recent advances in the pathophysiology and management of sepsis: a review”

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Quality of metagenomic DNA extracted for molecular identification of microorganisms from CSF samples of patients with suspected cerebrospinal meningitis in northern Nigeria

*1,3Peletiri, I. C., 1Ikeh, E. I., 2Nna, E., 3Ndike, U. P., 4Usman, Y. B., 5Durfa, L. D., 6Okonkwo, C. N., 7Murtala, R., and 2Nnajide, C. R.

1Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Jos, Nigeria

2Safety Molecular Pathology Laboratory, The Molecular Pathology Institute, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria

3Medical Microbiology & Parasitology Laboratories, National Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria

4Public Health Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria

5Microbiology Laboratory, Plateau State Specialist Hospital, Jos, Nigeria

6Medical Laboratory Department, Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria

7Medical Laboratory Services, Ahmad Sani Yariman Specialist Hospital, Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria *Correspondence to: kumochris@hotmail.com

Abstract:

Background: Following an increase in the practice of starting antimicrobial therapy prior to clinical sample collection, the ability to confirm pathogenic microorganisms of bacterial meningitis has decreased by approximately 30%. Culture results may be false negative when fastidious or culture-resistant bacteria are involved or when patient samples are obtained after antimicrobial therapy has started. Molecular diagnosis using PCR can be performed directly on clinical samples after metagenomic DNA (mDNA) extraction not requiring live organisms for a positive result. The specific objectives of this study are to perform mDNA extraction directly from cerebrospinal fluids (CSF) using appropriate spin column method, and to determine the quality of the mDNA elute.

Methodology: Cerebrospinal fluid specimens were collected from 210 patients with suspected acute cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) in the Federal Capital Territory and some States in Northern Nigeria during the 2017 and 2018 outbreak seasons. Metagenomic DNA was extracted from approximately 200µL of CSF specimens using the Qiagen QIAamp(R) DNA Mini kit specific for bacterial agents only. DNA quality check was performed on all DNA elutes using fluorometric, spectrophotometric and agarose gel electrophoresis methods.      Continue reading “Quality of metagenomic DNA extracted for molecular identification of microorganisms from CSF samples of patients with suspected cerebrospinal meningitis in northern Nigeria”

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Faecal carriage of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in healthy volunteers and hospitalized patients in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso: prevalence, resistance profile, and associated risk factors

[1],[2]Soré, S., 3Sanou, S., 3Sawadogo, Y., 1Béogo, S., 3Dakouo, S. N. P.,                    4Djamalladine, M. D., 1lboudo K. S., 2Ouoba, B., ³Zoungrana, J.,                               ³Poda, A., 2Ouédraogo, A. S., and 1,2Sanou

1Tengandogo University Hospital, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

2Saint Thomas d’Aquin University, Doctoral School of Science, Health and Technology, Burkina Faso         

3Souro Sanou University Hospital, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso                                         

4National Higher Institute of Science and Technology of Abeche, Abeche, Chad        

*Correspondence to: soulsore11@yahoo.fr; (00 226) 72 04 29 15

Abstract:

Background: Extended spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-PE) are a serious challenge to patients’ treatment. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of ESBL-PE, investigate the associated resistance, and analyze the associated risk factors for acquisition of ESBL-PE.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted on healthy volunteers and inpatients. After obtaining informed consent, rectal swabs were collected from each participant for isolation of Enterobacteriaceae on Hektoen enteric agar containing 4µg/L cefotaxime. The Enterobacteriaceae isolates were identified using biochemical tests and ESBL production was confirmed by the double-disc synergy test of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. Antibiotic susceptibility test of each isolate was done by the disc diffusion method and interpreted using the recommendations of the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) clinical breakpoints version 5.0. Continue reading “Faecal carriage of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in healthy volunteers and hospitalized patients in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso: prevalence, resistance profile, and associated risk factors”

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Characterization of biofilm formation in clinical urinary isolates of Staphylococcus aureus from five hospitals in Lagos State, Nigeria

 1Orjih, C. I., 2Ajayi, A., 1,3Alao, F. O., 1Adeleye, A. I., and *2,4Smith, S. I.  

 1Department of Microbiology, University of Lagos, Akoka, Nigeria

2Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Department, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria

3Department of Biological Sciences, Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria                       

4Mountain Top University, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: stellaismith@yahoo.com                              

Abstract:                                                                                               

Background: Biofilm formation by pathogens is of great clinical importance as it mediates persistence and resistance to antibiotics, hence posing difficulty in treatment and management of diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biofilm forming potential of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from urine samples of females with urinary tract infection and to detect the presence of clumping factor (clfA) and intracellular adhesion (icaA) encoding genes.                                                           

Methodology: A total of 50 S. aureus were obtained from urine samples of women in five hospitals in Lagos State, Nigeria. Isolates were confirmed by standard biochemical and novobiocin susceptibility tests. The isolates were screened for biofilm formation using three methods; Congo-red agar (CRA), tube, and tissue culture plate (TCP) methods. Detection of clfA and icaA genes was done by PCR.          Continue reading “Characterization of biofilm formation in clinical urinary isolates of Staphylococcus aureus from five hospitals in Lagos State, Nigeria”

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Comparative analysis of poliovirus-specific IgA and cytokine levels in the sera of Ascaris lumbricoides-infected and helminth-negative Nigerian children after oral poliovirus vaccination

Akinwande, K. S., and *Arinola, G. O

Department of Immunology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: drarinolaog64@yahoo.com; +234 80 23451520

Abstract:

Background: Intestinal helminth infection is associated with altered immune responses and compromised vaccine efficacy in infected children. Altered immune response due to Ascaris lumbricoides infection may compromise efficacy of oral poliovirus vaccination in children. There is no information on humoral immune response during oral poliovirus (OP) vaccination of A. lumbricoides–infected Nigerian children. The objective of this study is to determine the serum levels of cytokines (tumour necrosis factor–alpha TNF-α, interferongamma IFN–γ, interleukins -4, -6, -8, -10) and poliovirus-specific IgA (PV-IgA) antibody in children infected with A. lumbricoides compared with helminth-negative children (control) before and after oral poliovirus vaccination. Continue reading “Comparative analysis of poliovirus-specific IgA and cytokine levels in the sera of Ascaris lumbricoides-infected and helminth-negative Nigerian children after oral poliovirus vaccination”

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Haemoglobin phenotypes and the risk of asymptomatic malaria parasitemia among blood donors in northwest Nigeria: clinical implications in the practice of tropical transfusion medicine

1Kani, K. M., 2Ibrahim, Z., 2Habeeb, A.,2Ibrahim, U. A., and *4Ahmed, S. G.

1Department of Haematology, Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kudu, Nigeria

2Department of Haematology, Rasheed Shekoni Teaching Hospital, Dutse, Nigeria

3Department of Paediatrics, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria

4Department of Haematology, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria *Correspondence to: drsagirahmed@yahoo.com; +2348034418015

Abstract:

 Background: In malaria-endemic populations, sickle cell trait (SCT) protects against both severe and non-severe malaria, but inconsistencies exist about protective effect of SCT on asymptomatic malarial parasitemia (AMP). Surprisingly, the effect of Hb-phenotypes on AMP has not been explored among blood donors in Nigeria or other malaria-endemic countries, where risks of AMP and transfusion transmitted malaria (TTM) are high. The objective of this study is to determine risk of AMP with respect to donor Hb-phenotypes (SCT versus HbAA), and elucidate clinical implications of AMP with respect to risk of TTM vis-à-vis the practice of transfusion medicine in Nigeria, and by implication other malaria-endemic tropical countries.

Methodology: Analysis of 100 blood donors with AMP (cases) and 100 donors without AMP (controls) was performed. Frequencies of SCT and HbAA (determined by Hb electrophoresis) among cases and controls were compared by X2-test. Risks of AMP (detected by microscopy) with respect to Hb-phenotypes were expressed as Odds ratios (OR) by case-control logistic regression. Continue reading “Haemoglobin phenotypes and the risk of asymptomatic malaria parasitemia among blood donors in northwest Nigeria: clinical implications in the practice of tropical transfusion medicine”

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Intestinal schistosomiasis in an apparently healthy rural population in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

* 1Odoya, E. M., 2Edosomwa, E. U., 1Iribhogbe, O. I.,2Damina, A. A., and 3Asojo, O. A.  

 1Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria

2University of Benin, Nigeria

3National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA                                  

*Correspondence to: ebubeodoya@yahoo.co.nz

Abstract:

 Background: Schistosomiasis is endemic in Nigeria and three species; Schistosoma haematobium, Schistosoma mansoni, and Schistosoma intercalatum have been reported in Niger Delta, Nigeria. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of schistosomiasis in rural communities of Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

Methodology: Four rural homogeneous communities; Otuegala, Immiringi, Otuesega, and Ibelebiri in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria, were randomly selected for the study. A structured questionnaire was administered to each participant in their native language and used to collect participant’s biodata and swimming history. Stool samples collected from all participants were examined qualitatively by wet preparation and after formolethol concentration. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 software and results presented in proportion and tables. Continue reading “Intestinal schistosomiasis in an apparently healthy rural population in Bayelsa State, Nigeria”

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Antimicrobial resistance patterns and transferable traits in Enterobacteriaceae isolates from poultry in Tlemcen, Algeria

*Barka, M. S., Cherif-Anntar, A., and Benamar, I.

Laboratory of Applied Microbiology in Food, Biomedical and Environment (LAMAABE), Science Department,

Applied Science and Technique Institute, University of Tlemcen, Tlemcen, Algeria

*Correspondence to: mohammedsalih.barka@univ-tlemcen.dz; Tel: 00213556123335; Fax: 0021343277405

Abstract:

Background:  Antibiotics are overused in poultry industry, and this has resulted in the emergence of multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria. The current study is aimed at determining antimicrobial resistance (AMR) patterns of Enterobacteriaceae isolates from poultry in the west of Algeria.

Methodology: Different chicken samples (kidney, bone and intestine) were collected and processed for culture using standard microbiological methods to isolate Enterobacteriaceae. Isolates were identified biochemically using API 20E, while isolated Escherichia coli was typed for O1, O2 and O78 antigens using slide agglutination with specific antisera. All identified isolates were tested against 26 antibiotic disks using the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method according to the CLSI standards. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of chloramphenicol, tetracycline, nalidixic acid, ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin were determined for selected isolates.  Conjugative plasmid transfer, plasmid incompatibility and colicin tests were used to detect transferable resistance traits in 48 selected E. coli isolates. Continue reading “Antimicrobial resistance patterns and transferable traits in Enterobacteriaceae isolates from poultry in Tlemcen, Algeria”

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Impact of decalcification on antibacterial properties of eggshell against selected poultry pathogens

*1Balogu, T. V., 1Chukwueze, B. C., and 2Okonkwo, T. P.

1Department of Microbiology, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Nigeria

2Department of Chemistry, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: tovin2009@yahoo.com

 

Abstract:

 Background: Eggshell which is primarily composed of more than 98% calcium carbonate crystal, serves as the physical protective and active barrier structure of egg content. Recently, antimicrobial properties of eggshell are fast becoming center of interest among stakeholders of poultry industry. However, few studies have focused on the rigidity factor of calcium components of eggshell as antimicrobial agent. Thus, this study was designed to determine the effect of decalcification on the ability of eggshell to inhibit common poultry and egg bacterial pathogens.

Methods: Raw eggshell denoted as calcified eggshell (CES) and decalcified eggshell (DES) were extracted and made into fine powder. Standard protocol was used for preparations of CES and DES at concentrations of 10, 5, 2.5 and 1.25 mg/ml, and their antibacterial assays on selected bacterial pathogens (Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Salmonella Typhi) were performed by agar diffusion method. Gentamicin 80mg solution (CC1) and distilled water (CC2) served as controls. Data were analysed with SPSS version 20.0 and presented as mean±SD for descriptive statistics. Friedman’s two-way test ANOVA was used to compare the differences in mean values between CES, DES, CC1 and CC2 at significance level of p<0.05. Continue reading “Impact of decalcification on antibacterial properties of eggshell against selected poultry pathogens”