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Molecular detection of vector-borne bacterial pathogens in dromedary camels from Algeria

*1Bessas, A., 2Zaidi, S., 3Noui, A., 4Hezil, Dj., 2Zenia, S., and 5Bitam, I.

1Department of Biology, Benyoucef Benkhedda University of Algiers 1, 16000, Algiers, Algeria

2Higher National Veterinary School, 16000, Algiers, Algeria

3Institute of Veterinary Sciences, Ibn Khaldoun University, 14000, Tiaret, Algeria

4Department of Biology, M’Hamed Bougara University, 35000, Boumerdes, Algeria

5Higher School of Food Science and Agri-Food Industry (ESSAIA), 16000, Algiers, Algeria *Correspondence to: bessas.amina@gmail.com

Abstract:
Background: In Algeria, little focus was placed on camels as hosts of tick-borne bacterial diseases. Recent studies showed a high prevalence of tick infestation in dromedaries. Transmission of various pathogenic microorganisms to camels by ticks imposes considerable economic losses to livestock and greatly impact on human and animal health. The aim of our study was to investigate the occurrence of vector-borne zoonotic bacteria in camels from Algeria.

Methodology: Blood samples were collected from 80 randomly selected camels in Laghouat province, southern Algeria. The samples were screened for Anaplasma spp, Bartonella spp, Rickettsia spp and Coxiella burnetii by qPCR. All positive samples were confirmed by standard PCR followed by sequencing. Data on age, sex, tick infestation and location of the camels were analyzed using the SPSS version 17.0 and association of these with vector-borne bacterial pathogens was determined using Chi-square (χ2) test. P value lower than 0.05 was considered as indicative of significance. Continue reading “Molecular detection of vector-borne bacterial pathogens in dromedary camels from Algeria”

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Assessment of selected liver enzyme activity in patients with rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis receiving treatment at a tertiary healthcare facility, southwest Nigeria

*1Olaniyan, O. A, 2Olowookere, A. K., 3Adelakun, A. A., 4Olaniyi, J. O., 5Zakariyau, T. O., 2Adeniji, T. W., 2Olaniyan, A. M., 2Oguntola, A. M., and 2Taiwo, S. S.
Departments of 1Chemical Pathology, 2Medical Microbiology, and

5Haematology/Blood Transfusion, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Nigeria

3Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria

4TB DOTS Clinic, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Nigeria *Correspondence to:peace_amazinggrace@yahoo.co.uk

Abstract:

Background: Several anti-tuberculous drugs have been effective in the treatment and management of drug- sensitive and -resistant tuberculosis (TB). While these drug combinations have proven to be highly active against tubercle bacilli, side effects and toxicity may occur with tendency to interrupt or discontinue therapy, resulting in poor compliance. The objective of this study is to assess hepatotoxic potentials of anti-TB drugs among patients with rifampicin-resistant TB (RRTB) undergoing treatment at the directly observed treatment short-course (DOTS) clinic of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.

Methodology: This was a prospective study of 40 patients with RRTB on second-line anti-TB therapy including bedaquiline, moxifloxacin, prothionamide, ethambutol, pyrazinamide, isoniazid and clofazimine. RRTB was diagnosed by sputum smear AFB microscopy and Xpert MTB/RIF assay at the TB laboratory of Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Nigeria. Forty gender and age-matched apparently healthy persons were used as control. Venous samples (~5ml) were collected from each participant at baseline (prior to commencement of anti-TB therapy) and after completion of 9-11 months therapy, as well as from the controls. Plasma was separated by centrifugation and the activity of ALT, AST and ALP was measured by spectrophotometric analysis, while total protein and albumin levels were determined using routine methods. Data were presented as mean±SD and analysed using SPSS version 21.0. Comparison of the mean enzyme activity at baseline and after completion of therapy as well as with the control was done with unpaired ‘t’ test, and ‘p’ (two tail) value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Continue reading “Assessment of selected liver enzyme activity in patients with rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis receiving treatment at a tertiary healthcare facility, southwest Nigeria”

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Infectious diseases co-morbidities among patients attending Kogi State University Teaching Hospital: a ten-year retrospective study

*1,2Akor, S. E., 1,2Onoja-Alexander, M. O., 1,2Agbanna, B. E., 3Musa, D. A., 2Priscilla, O. O., 2Agama, O. G., and 2Faith, F. J.

1Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria

2Kogi State University Teaching Hospital, Anyigba, Nigeria

3Trans-Saharan Diseases Research Centre, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: shedrackegbnunu@gmail.com; +2348065336131

Abstract:

Background: Co-existence of more than one acute or chronic infectious diseases in a person either concurrently or sequentially with consequent economic burden varies differently from one part of the world to another, with regional and population specific patterns. This study aims to provide co-morbid patho-epidemiological pattern of six infectious diseases; HIV, tuberculosis (TB), malaria, syphilis, hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus infections.

Methodology: This research is a ten-year retrospective review of records of patients admitted at various wards of Kogi State University Teaching hospital and referred to the Laboratory Department of the hospital for investigations between June 2012 and July 2021. HIV was screened using the national serial algorithm, TB was diagnosed with the GeneXpert MTB, malaria parasite was identified by blood film microscopy, and syphilis, hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses were screened using rapid diagnostic kits. Data were analysed with SPSS version 23.0 and association of variables with respect to gender and age group was determined using Chi square, with p< 0.05 considered to be statistically significant. Continue reading “Infectious diseases co-morbidities among patients attending Kogi State University Teaching Hospital: a ten-year retrospective study”

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Predictive factors of clinical assays on hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 mortality during the first year of the pandemic: a meta-synthesis

*1,2Million, M., 1,2Dudouet, P., 1,2Chabriere, E., 1,3Cortaredona, S., 1,2Roussel, Y., 1,2Brouqui, P., and 1,2Raoult, D.

1IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
2Aix Marseille Univ., IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
3Aix Marseille Univ., IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
*Correspondence to: Prof. Matthieu Million. MEPHI, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin 13385 Marseille Cedex 05, France. E-mail: matthieumillion@gmail.com; Phone: + 33 (0) 4 13 73 24 01; Fax: + 33 (0) 4 13 73 24 02

Abstract:
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic led to a violent debate about the efficacy of a repurposed drug hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and a new broad-spectrum antiviral (remdesivir) and about randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies. To understand conflicting results in the literature, we performed a meta-synthesis to determine whether intrinsic qualitative criteria within studies may predict apparent efficacy or ineffectiveness of HCQ and remdesivir. Continue reading “Predictive factors of clinical assays on hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 mortality during the first year of the pandemic: a meta-synthesis”

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Invasive fungal infections and COVID-19: a review

1,2,3Fayemiwo, S. A., and *4Adegboro, B.

1Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria

2Medical Mycology Unit, Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria

3Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom

4Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria *Correspondence to: boazadegboro@gmail.com and boaz.adegboro@nileuniversity.edu.ng

Abstract:
Invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) are major causes of morbidity and mortality among hospitalized patients all over the world with a global prevalence of 15%. Since the first case of COVID-19 was reported on February 27, 2020, in Nigeria, it had been discovered across all geopolitical zones in Nigeria. As the medical community confronts the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, determining whether patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 develop fungal complications, especially invasive aspergillosis, is crucial. This review aimed to highlight the fungal co-infections that might be associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, and modalities for their diagnosis, prevention, and management, with the view to reducing the high mortality associated with these infections. Continue reading “Invasive fungal infections and COVID-19: a review”

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Leptospirosis: a need for increased awareness and improved laboratory testing

Clinical Laboratory Science Department, Winston-Salem State University, 304-D New Science Building, 601 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27110, USA Correspondence to: wishonl@wssu.edu; 336-750-8339 (work); 336-253-3677 (cell)

Abstract:
While leptospirosis is currently described as an emerging pathogen, there have likely been numerous cases worldwide each year for centuries. Hurricanes and other flooding events contribute to its spread through rodent urine, many cases of which go undiagnosed. This is especially problematic in developing countries where laboratory techniques may be out of date. There are over 100 cases per year in the United States of America, but millions of cases occur worldwide annually. Caused by many different species of fastidious, spiral-shaped Leptospira, it is difficult and slow to culture. Strides have been made to improve culture techniques in order to reduce the time to grow this genus of bacteria. Greater understanding of this disease by laboratorians, physicians, and other healthcare workers and improved laboratory identification techniques will help increase diagnoses and decrease morbidity and mortality of leptospirosis. Continue reading “Leptospirosis: a need for increased awareness and improved laboratory testing”

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A review of the implications of Lactic Acid Bacteria and Bifidobacteria in human and animal diseases

*1Bamidele, T. A., 2Odumosu, B. T., 3Shittu, O. B., 4Adeniyi, B. A., and 5Ogunshe, A. O.

*1Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria

2Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Akoka-Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria

3Department of Microbiology, College of Biosciences, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria

4Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Nigeria

5Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Koladaisi University, Ibadan, Nigeria *Correspondence to: deletaju@yahoo.co.uk; +2348038578093; ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2155-8639

Abstract:
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and Bifidobacteria are taxonomically distinct groups of bacteria with proven biotechnological properties such as anti-cancer, immune-stimulating, anti-microbial, maintenance of normal flora balance, probiotics, anti-inflammatory, vaccine carriers, among others. However, studies have implicated some of them, including the ones under the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) qualified presumption of safety in fatal human and veterinary diseases. We performed online database searches of publications on Google, Google Scholar and PubMed using the criteria, “lactic acid bacteria, bifidobacteria as causative agents of human, animal diseases”. Data generated showed LAB across genera and Bifidobacteria either primarily or opportunistically involved in diseases of both immuno-competent and immuno-depressed humans and animals. The members of lactobacilli such as Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus oris, Lactobacillus gasseri and Leuconostoc mesenteroides, were mainly implicated in nosocomial infections, endophthalmitis, neonatal meningitis, and bacteraemia while Lactobacillus delbrueckii and Bifidobacteria, specifically, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium breve, and Bifidobacterium animalis were implicated in urinary tract infections (UTIs), necrotizing pancreatitis, fatal pulmonary infections, sepsis, and epidural abscess. The animal diseases, neonatal sepsis in foal, was caused by Weissella confusa while the fish pathogen, Lactococcus garvieae caused various zoonotic cases such as acute acalculous cholecystitis in human. In conclusion, this review showed the up-to-date reports on LAB and Bifidobacteria implicated in serious humans and animal diseases. Continue reading “A review of the implications of Lactic Acid Bacteria and Bifidobacteria in human and animal diseases”

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Nasopharyngeal temperature probes: is South Africa’s current decontamination process adequate?

*Davids, R., and Cilliers, C.
Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
*Correspondence to: ryand@sun.ac.za

Abstract
Background: The standard practice in many institutions incorporates nasopharyngeal probes for temperature monitoring in patients undergoing general anaesthesia. Current disinfection guidelines for these devices are not clear and they are poorly adhered to. In South Africa, these temperature probes are reused and subjected to unstandardized decontamination processes. This study sought to investigate nasopharyngeal temperature probes as possible source for cross-contamination, and assess the efficacy of current disinfection practices for these probes. Continue reading “Nasopharyngeal temperature probes: is South Africa’s current decontamination process adequate?”

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High faecal carriage of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-PE) among hospitalized patients at Sylvanus Olympio Teaching Hospital, Lomé, Togo in 2019

*1,2Godonou, A. M., 2Lack, F., 3,4Gbeasor-Komlanvi, F. A., 2Konlani, L., 2,3Dossim, S., 1Ameyapoh, Y. A., 3,4Ekouevi, K., 2,3Dagnra, A. Y., and 3,5Salou, M.

1High School of Biological and Food Technics, University of Lomé, Togo

2Teaching Hospital Sylvanus Olympio, Lomé, Togo

3Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Lomé, Togo

4Faculty of Health Sciences Public Heath Department, University of Lomé, Togo

5Teaching Hospital Campus, Lomé, Togo *Correspondence to: godonouvirginie@yahoo.fr

Abstract:
Background: Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-PE) are a global health concern, associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Even in the absence of infections, colonization by these pathogens is still a great threat because of the risk of cross transfer among hospitalized patients. Faecal carriage of ESBL-PE remained poorly documented in Africa. This study aimed to determine faecal carriage rate of ESBL-PE, factors associated with carriage, and antimicrobial susceptibility of the strains among hospitalized patients at Sylvanus Olympio Teaching Hospitals (CHU SO) in Lomé, Togo. Continue reading “High faecal carriage of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-PE) among hospitalized patients at Sylvanus Olympio Teaching Hospital, Lomé, Togo in 2019”

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Faecal carriage of multi-drug resistant Enterobacteriaceae in hospitalized children at University Teaching Hospital Sylvanus Olympio of Lomé, Togo

1Lack, F., 1Tsogbalé, A., 2Doumegno, J. K., 3Dossim, S., 1Dagnra, A., and *1,4Salou, M.

1Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Lomé, Lomé, Togo

2Laboratory of Microbiology and Food Quality Control, University of Lomé, Togo

3CHU Kara Medical Biology Laboratory, Kara, Togo

4National AMR Reference Laboratory CHU Campus, Lomé, Togo

*Correspondence to: mounerous@gmail.com

Abstract:
Background: High prevalence of infections and associated antibiotherapy may put children at increased risk for development of multidrug-resistance (MDR), mostly to bacterial infections. The objective of this study therefore was to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal carriage of MDR Enterobacteriaceae among hospitalized children in the Paediatric department of Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital, Lomé, Togo. Continue reading “Faecal carriage of multi-drug resistant Enterobacteriaceae in hospitalized children at University Teaching Hospital Sylvanus Olympio of Lomé, Togo”