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Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Patients Diagnosed with HIV in Accra and Kumasi Metropolis

I Baidoo, RR Boatin, T Adom, D Datohe, T Voure, D Bansa, C Brown, A Diaba

 

Abstract

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is RNA virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). In Ghana the AIDS epidemic is spreading very fast in densely populated areas with higher numbers of cases occurring in the southern regions especially the densely populated capitals such as Kumasi, Koforidua and Accra as well as mining towns like Obuasi and Tarkwa, and in border towns. Data was collected from Accra and Kumasi on socio-economic backgrounds such as age, sex, education, marital status, household size, among others with a structured questionnaire and analysed using statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0. About 72% females and 28% males were interviewed with close to 74% lying between 22 to 40 age brackets. Also 63% of these completed JHS/Middle school, Seventeen (36.1%) are married people, 15 (31.9%) widowed. Majority of them are Akans who are also Christians with different denominations. Among these people, 20 (42.6%) of them are unemployed, and 3 (6.4%) claimed to be self-employed in various disciplines. Most of them said they use condoms as contraceptives in order to prevent the spread of the disease. Income level of the respondents predominantly lies between GH¢50.00- GH¢450.00 per annum. Some of the interventions for preventing the disease include promoting abstinence and faithfulness, promoting reductions in the number of sexual partners, encouraging delays in the onset of sexual activity among others.
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Pattern of Microbial Colonization of the Vagina of Diabetics in Ibadan, Nigeria

AA Oni, DO Ogbolu, OA Daini, N Abdulrahaman, BA Ugbe

 

Abstract

The pattern of microbial flora of the vagina of diabetics was studied, to advise on empirical regimen for the treatment of sepsis in diabetics with the lower genital tract as source. In 2003, microscopy, culture and sensitivity of high vaginal swabs from 60 consecutive non-insulin-dependent diabetics and 20 non-diabetics attending Oluyoro Catholic Hospital, Ibadan were done. The fasting plasma glucose was estimated. The prevalence of micro-organisms decreased with duration of diabetes. The isolates were Gardnerella vaginalis, Candida species, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Klebsiella species, Enterococcus faecalis, and viridans Streptococcus. Klebsiella species and Escherichia coli were incriminated in Gram negative bacilli (GNB) bacteraemia in diabetics in this environment. In addition to metronidazole, ceftazidime or ceftriazone should be used as first line drugs, while the quinolones should be reserved for the treatment of sepsis in diabetics where lower genital tract is the likely source of infection.
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Efficacy of Three Disinfectant Formulations against Multidrug Resistant Nosocomial Agents

OS Alabi, EA Sanusi

 

Abstract

The current increase in the prevalence of nosocomial infections within the hospital environment despite adequate cleaning and disinfection can be said to be due to the following: (i) ineffectiveness of the various disinfectant formulations used in infection control on the various hospital equipments and wards; (ii) development of resistance to the various chemical disinfectant formulations been used in the hospitals by the various microorganisms. Ten bacteria isolates from different clinical specimens of hospitalized patients identified using standard bacteriological methods and found after screening to be resistant to two or more classes of the antibiotics: cephalosporins, quinolones, Betalactams, nitrofuran, macrolide and an aminoglycoside using the Kirby-Bauer method of disc diffusion test were used in this study. These were subjected to susceptibility testing against three selected disinfectant formulations (Izal, Dettol and Jik) at the manufacturer’s dilutions and half the dilutions prescribed on their labels by using agar diffusion method. Out of these clinical isolates used in this study, 5 (50%) and 2 (20%) were resistant to manufacturer’s dilution and half the dilution of Dettol respectively, 9 (90%) and 6 (60%) to manufacturer’s dilution and half the dilution of Izal respectively while 1 (10%) and 0 (0%) were resistant to manufacturer’s dilution and half the dilution of Jik respectively. The resistance demonstrated by some of the nosocomial agents in this study against the selected disinfectant formulations at their manufacturer’s dilution and half the prescribed dilutions showed the probability of the nosocomial agents developing some mechanisms of resistance against the various disinfectant formulations rather than ineffectiveness of the disinfectant formulations. However, the effectiveness of Jik formulation at half the manufacturer’s prescribed dilution shows that Jik is still an important disinfectant formulation in the control of nosocomial agent most especially the resistant strains.
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Molecular Epidemiology of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in Kaduna State

Z Sheyin, BD Jatau, AI Mamman, AJ Randawa

 

Abstract

Objective: To determine the distribution of hepatitis C virus (HCV)  genotypes and subtypes among blood donors and outpatients attendees positive for antibody to HCV (anti-HCV).
Justification: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) continues to be a major disease burden on the world and Man is the only known natural host of Hepatitis C virus (Chivaliez and Pawlotsky, 2007). There is no published data on the prevalence of the genotypes and subtypes of HCV in Kaduna State.
Setting: Three hospitals one in each of the 3 senatorial zones in Kaduna State.
Patients: Blood donors who reported for blood donation and outpatient department attendees.
Method: Antibody detection by a third generation HCV ELISA (Biotech Laboratories, UK); HCV RNA and genotyping by Reverse Transcriptase polymerase chain reaction with genotype-specific primers. (Sacace Biotechnologies, UK).
Results: of the 259 plasma specimens screened for Hepatitis C virus in this study, 20(7.7%) were positive for anti-HCV antibodies by ELISA and 16(6.2%) of the antibodies positive specimen were positive for HCV RNA. Of the 139 blood donors tested, 8 (5.8%) were HCV RNA positive. Similarly, 120 were tested from the outpatient Department attendees and 8 (6.7%) were HCV RNA positive. Hepatitis C virus genotype 1b was found in the entire HCV RNA positive sample.
Conclusions: The findings of 6.2% prevalence of HCV infection based on HCV RNA test confirmed that there is Hepatitis C virus in Kaduna State with genotype 1b as the predominant genotype found in all the three senatorial zones.
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A Critical Review on HIV/AIDS and Wound Care

EP Weledji, HLF Kamga, JC Assob, DS Nsagha

 

Abstract

Wound infections in AIDS patients increase discomfort, prolong hospital stay, render an additional burden upon an already debilitated patient and weaken the immune system further. Treatment must relate to the aetiology of the wound and take into account the patients underlying health problems. The treatment of wounds in HIV-AIDS patients is not different from the standard treatment. There are wound -related criteria for selecting the appropriate types of dressing. The best dressing for postoperative wound healing by secondary intention is unknown. Continuing wound evaluation and the appraisal of what dressing is useful for the type of wound and stage of healing is the basis of optimum wound care Optimum wound care, emotional support; health education will enhance both the emotional and physical wellbeing of the HIV-AIDS patient.

Key words: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), wound infection, delayed wound healing, optimum wound care, dressing types, nutrition, and pain control

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A Critical Review on HIVAIDS and Wound Care

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The Sero-Prevalence of Parvovirus Antibodies among Children with Sickle Cell Anaemia in Zaria

H Ujo, AI Mamman, A Aliyu, GO Ogunrinde

 

Abstract

Parvovirus is an erythrovirus that infects red cell precursors in individuals with conditions characterised by a high red cell turnover like sickle cell anaemia and thalassaemia. Arthritis, vasculitis, carditis, bone marrow failure, and the slapped cheek appearance have been associated with Parvovirus B19 infection. Recurrent blood transfusion is a risk factor for the B19 serotype of Parvovirus infection, with the P antigen as the mediator for erythroid invasion presenting as transient erythroblastopaenia (TEB). Although TEB is self-limiting a few cases may progress to aplastic anaemia. Previous studies report seroprevalence rates of between 44 and 71%, but the dearth of data on the seroprevalence of B19 parvovirus strain in our region prompted this study. Venous blood samples from 239 children aged 1to 15 years of consenting parents and guardians were screened for Parvovirus B19 IgG antibodies using the ELISA technique and antibody titer assessed spectrophotometrically. All the participants have sickle cell anaemia, but were in the steady state. Of this serum samples from 204 (85.4%) participants were positive for IgG antibodies against Parvovirus B19 while 35 (14.6%) were negative for the IgG antibodies.). The age-group with the highest prevalence is 10-12year group with seroprevalence rate of 88.9%. The overall seroprevalence of Parvovirus B19 antibodies is 85.4 %. The seroprevalence of Parvovirus B19 antibodies is high in all socio-economic groups. Antibody prevalence is higher in the
non-transfused group suggesting that other factors than transfusion play a role in the spread of the B19 strain of Parvovirus B19.
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Evidence of Long Term Benefit of Praziquantel Treatment Against Schistosoma mansoni in Kigungu Fishing Village of Entebbe, Uganda

EI Odongo-Aginya, F Kironde, MI Lyazi, D Kyabayinze, H Sempewo, A Male, RC Oliveira, A Wilson

 

Abstract

Praziquantel (PZQ) is efficacious against all species of schistosome: Schistosoma mansoni; Schistosoma haematobium; Schistosoma japonicum and other parasites like the Taenia species. This cross-sectional cohorts study was carried out in Kigungu fishing village along Lake Victoria shore in Entebbe Uganda. Our analysis was based on examining microscopically three slides from a single stool specimen from each of base line cohorts 945.These included children and adults, participants from both sexes in Kigungu fishing village in Entebbe Uganda. Nine hundred and one (901) of the cohorts were re-examined after six months and 625 of the same cohorts who were examined at the baseline and after six months were re-examined 18 months later. The slides were prepared using modified Kato/Katz (Odongo-Aginya) method. The infection proportion with Schistosoma mansoni at baseline was 448 (47.5%) but this was reduced to 244 (25.8%) 18 months after treatment with a single oral dose of praziquantel at 40mg/kg. However 495 (52.5%) were negative at the baseline study. The cure proportion after six was significant {(P=0.00), (OR4.63) CI at 95% (3.53-6.06)}. Similarly the cure proportion after 18 months was significant {(P=0.00), (OR2.2) CI at 95% (1.87-3.34)}. The force of re-infection after six months was significant {(P=0.0001), (OR 0.47) CI at 95% (0.31-0.71)}. Nevertheless the force of re-infection was not significant after 18 months {(P=0.766), (OR 0.95) CI at 95% (0.68-1.34)} eggs excretion did not reach the level of the pre-treatment intensity. The egg reduction was 69.3%. This was associated with age and pre-treatment intensity < 400 eggs per gram (epg) of faeces and age groups ≥ 30 years. The egg reduction also resulted in marked decrease in clinical symptoms in the participants. Our study suggests evidence of long-term benefit of praziquantel in Kigungu and that the re-infection occurred more commonly in younger age group than in the older patients.

Key words: Praziquantel; Schistosoma mansoni; Kigungu; Entebbe; Uganda.

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Evidence of Long Term Benefit of Praziquantel Treatment Against Schistosoma mansoni in Kigungu Fishing Village of Entebbe, Uganda

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Comparison of Dermatophytes and Other Agents of Human Dermatitis between Males and Females in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

C Aleruchi, AA Makinde, T Louisa, D James, SJ Shaibu, AOI Emenike

 

Abstract

Dermatophytes are a group of three genera of fungi namely Microsporum spp, Trichophyton spp and Epidermophyton spp that commonly cause infections of the skin, hair and nails due to their ability to utilize keratin in both man and animals. Dermatophytes and other agents of human dermatitis are believed to have gender predisposition because of the anatomical and physiological nature of these genders. A study was undertaken to compare the distribution of dermatophytes and other agents of human dermatitis in patients who visited the Dermatophilosis Research Laboratory, National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State of Nigeria. A total of 1551 patients were involved in this study from 2003 to 2007; 823 of whom were males and 728 females. Samples collected were skin scrapping, nails, hair and pus exudates. They were processed according to standard procedures. Nine hundred and thirty two (60%) were positive for dermatophytes and other agents. Sporothrix schenckii (138 (12.4%)), Aspergillus flavus (128 (11.5%)), and Trichophyton mentagrophytes (112 (10.1%)), Mucor sp (105 (9.5%)) were the most commonly isolated fungi. Aspergillus flavus occurred more in males (74 (6.7%)) while Sporothrix schenckii was more in females (71 (6.4%)). More isolation was made from the head in males (185 (19.8%)) while in females more isolation was made from their limbs (150 (16.1%)). Males generally were more affected with skin infections than females.
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Evaluating the Efficacy of Topical Silver Nitrate and Intramuscular Antimonial Drugs in the Treatment of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Sokoto, Nigeria

OO Igbineweka, FI Aghedo, O Idusuyi, NA Hussain

 

Abstract

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a disease of public health importance in Nigeria, with high prevalence in the Northwest and Northeastern part of the country. The side effects of antimonial drugs {stibogluconate (SSG) and meglumine antimoniate} in the treatment of CL have often resulted in poor drug adherence and default by patients and possible drug resistance. The increasing default to follow-up and the significant side effects associated with antimonial therapy necessitated the dire need of alternative therapeutic modalities. Thus, this study aimed at comparing the efficacy of topical silver nitrate with the antimonial drugs in the treatment of CL. Methods: A total of 95 patients with clinically diagnosed leishmaniasis and parasitologically proven CL participated in the study after their informed-consent had been obtained. The treatment selection was optional to the participants. Sixty (63.2%) patients received alternative therapy of topical silver nitrate as a single dose while 35(36.8%) patients received antimonial therapy for 21 days at 20mg/kg body weight. Results: On day 30 of treatment, 68 (86.1%) lesions among patients on topical silver nitrate healed completely as compared with only 5 (6.8%) among those on i.m. SSG. There was no improvement in 25 (34.2%) lesions among those on i.m. SSG compared with only 1 (1.2%) lesion among those on topical silver nitrate. Overall, there was a  statistically significant difference in the cure rate among patients on silver nitrate as compared with those on i.m. SSG on the 21st and 30th days of treatment.(p<0.05). Conclusion: Topical silver nitrate therapy is an effective and better drug treatment for CL among this study
population.

Keywords: Cutaneous leishmaniasis, efficacy, Silver nitrate, Sodium Stibogluconate, Sokoto

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Evaluating the Efficacy of Topical Silver Nitrate and Intramuscular Antimonial Drugs in the Treatment of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Sokoto, Nigeria

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Reproductive Health Issues and Incidence of Some Reproductive Tract Infections among Muslim Women in Purdah In Jos-Nigeria

KB Tanyigna, JK Tanyigna, F Aremu, JO Adisa

 

Abstract

Candidiasis and Trichomoniasis are the commonest Reproductive Tract Infections (RTIs) amongst women in purdah in the capital city of Jos- Nigeria. Majority of these women (>68%) have primary education as the highest educational qualification and majority of them (>92%) are full time house wives. The study has also revealed that there is a high level (57%) delay in seeking for reproductive health needs , which were only remedied due to persistence of symptoms. This gives us the inference as to the myriad of sequalae that might have resulted in cases of asymptomatic RTIs. The most reproductive health needs of women in purdah are inadequate facilities in clinics/hospitals. This factor as well as other factors such as poor education, unilateral decision making by some men in purdah in matters of reproductive needs, misunderstanding and misinterpretation of the Qu’ran have immensely contributed to the increasing cases of RTIs among these women. These problems can be reduced to the minimum by educating both the men and the women in purdah with the best medium being the radio/television programs.

KEY WORDS: Purdah, Reproductive Health, Infection, Women.

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Reproductive Health Issues and Incidence of Some Reproductive Tract Infections among Muslim Women in Purdah In Jos-Nigeria