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Screening for Schistosoma haematobium infection in a rural cohort of pregnant women in Nigeria

O Ojurongbe, OA Adeyeba, AO Olowu, AO Olowe, OO Opaleye, BE Egbewale

 

Abstract

Studies were conducted to investigate the occurrence of Schistosoma haematobium infection among 37 pregnant Nigerian women in llie, Osun state, Nigeria and to determine the effects on haemoglobin concentration and clinical symptoms. Out of the 37 pregnant women seen over a period of nine months, 14 (37%) had urinary schistosomiasis, with a mean egg count of 82.5 eggs/10 mls of urine. The mean haemoglobin values in women with schistosomiasis mothers were lower than in women negative for the parasite but the differences were not stastically significant (P>0.05). Abdominal pain was the predominant complaint among the women seen in with 71% of the infected women while other complaints were dizziness, fever and headache. This study shows that schistosomiasis is prevalent among pregnant women in rural area and could contribute to anaemia and abdominal pain commonly seen in pregnant women in our environment.

Keywords: schistosomiasis, pregnant women, abdominal pain, haemoglobin values, Nigeria

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Bacteraemia and acute phase proteins in Nigerian women with spontaneous recurrent abortion

OG Arinola, KS Adedapo, OE Adebiyi, AO Adeniji

 

Abstract

C-reactive protein, alpha–2-macroglobulin, transferrin and bacteraemia were studied in women with recurrent abortion and compared with the pregnant women as well as non-pregnant women with no history of abortion (controls). The results showed a significantly reduced level of transferrin but significantly raised levels of alpha-2-macroglobulin and C-reactive protein in the pregnant women with recurrent abortion (P+R) compared with pregnant women without recurrent abortion (P-R) or the controls. Four genera of bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Klebsiella species and Clostridium perfringes) were isolated from the blood of women with recurrent abortion while there were 2 genera of bacteria (S. aureus and Strept. Agalactiae) were isolated from the blood of pregnant women without recurrent abortion. This study had shown that inflammation and bacterial infection contribute to spontaneous recurrent abortion.

African Journal of Clinical and Experimental Microbiology Vol. 6 (3) 2005: 203-207

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Detection of chlamydia antigen in cervical specimens from antenatal clinic attendees in Benin City, Nigeria

JO Isibor, D Ugbomoiko, GO Nwobu, AO Ekundayo, IB Enweani, GRA Okogun

 

Abstract

Four hundred consenting antenatal clinic attendees were serologically screened for evidence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection. Infection with this organism is underreported in many countries including Nigeria. In the antenatal clinic setting in most developing countries, antigen detection has found widespread application in diagnosis due to lesser demands of cost, expertise, and time required to obtain results. In this study, chlamydia antigens were serologically detected using an immunochromatographic method (Hexagon Chlamydia Rapid Test Kit manufactured and described by Human Gesellschaft fur Biochemica und Diagnostcal MbH-Germany). Overall, 40 (13.3%) of the 300 women screened had chlamydia antigens in their endocervical specimens while 100 women (control subjects) were negative for chlamydial antigens. There seems to be an association between chlamydial infection and vaginal discharge, abortion and infertility. We highly recommend the necessity to include chlamydia screening tests in antenatal health care in Nigeria to prevent unpleasant sequelae.

Keywords: chlamydial antigens, endocervical specimen, antenatal women, Benin City, Nigeria

African Journal of Clinical and Experimental Microbiology Vol. 6 (3) 2005: 208-211

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Effect of storage on bacteriological quality of borehole water

AB Olayemi, S Awe, KIT Eniola, IB Osanoto, A Adegoke, GO Abolade

 

Abstract

The effect of storage on the bacteriological quality of water from a borehole was investigated. Water samples drawn from the borehole were stored in covered tap-fitted buckets of different colours at room temperature. Physicochemical parameters (pH and suspended solids contents) as well as bacteriological parameters (total bacterial and total coliform counts) were monitored over 12 days of storage. Generally, there was an increase in pH during storage. Their suspended solid content reduced by 75.0%, 92.3% and 40.0% during storage in the purple, blue and transparent buckets respectively. A total of eleven bacterial species were isolated at onset but only three of them: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Proteus vulgaris survived till the twelfth day of storage. There was also reduction in the total bacteria count by 82.5%, 83.35%, and 58.82% from an initial 17 x 104 CFU/ml during storage in the purple, blue and transparent buckets respectively. The total coliform count decreased by 99.18%, 82.35% and 91.36% in purple, blue and transparent buckets respectively from an initial 1100 MPN/100ml during the period of storage. The significance of storage as a means of enhancing water purification was discussed and suggestion provided on proper storage of water intended for drinking.

African Journal of Clinical and Experimental Microbiology Vol. 6 (3) 2005: 213-218

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Bacteriological quality of water samples in Osogbo Metropolis

OA Olowe, O Ojurongbe, OO Opaleye, OT Adedosu, RA Olowe, KIT Eniola

 

Abstract

The bacteriological qualities of samples of some sachet water, tap water and well water were examined. Some physicochemical parameters (pH and suspended solids) indicative of water quality as well as the total bacterial and total coliform counts were examined. The pH of the samples range between 6.5 and 7.2. Suspended solids content ranged between 3.3 and 18.5 x 10-2 g/ml. The total bacterial counts ranged between 7.0 to 12.0 x 101 CFU/ml for sachet water, 0 to 20 CFU/ml for tap water and 2.0 to 20 x 103 CFU/ml for well water. The coliform count (MPN) ranged between 0 to 1 coliform/100ml for sachet water, 0 to150 coliform/100 ml for tap water and 1200 to 1800 coliform/100ml for well water. A total of six bacterial species: Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Proteus vulgaris, Streptococcus faecalis, Enterobacter aerogenes and Staphylococcus aureus were isolated. Their distribution among the samples and the public health implication are discussed. The well water samples examined were found to fall short of the WHO recommendation for drinking water, while the tap water was adjudged fit for consumption.

African Journal of Clinical and Experimental Microbiology Vol. 6 (3) 2005: 219-222

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Evaluation of the 48 hour, 72 hour and 96 hour readings of tuberculin test for the screening of tuberculosis in cattle

SIB Cadmus, OG Arinola

 

Abstract

In this study, a cattle farm with a history of tuberculosis was examined over a period of three years to determine the usefulness of reading tuberculin tests (single intradermal cervical tuberculin test (SICTT) and single intradermal comparative cervical tuberculin test (SICCTT)) at 48 hrs, 72 hrs and 96 hrs intervals in the diagnosis of tuberculosis. On the onset, SICTT was conducted on a total of 145 cattle, 52 (35.9%) of these were positive at 48 hours, 56 (38.6%) at 72 hours and 65 (44.8%) at 96 hours (X2=1.54, p=0.46). After one year, 171 cattle were screened using SICCTT, 10 (5.8%) animals were positive at 48 hours, 12 (7.0%) at 72 hours and 14 (8.2%) at 96 hours (X2=0.67, p=0.72). During the third test conducted almost one year after the second test, 136 cattle were screened using SICCTT, 13 (9.6%) were positive at 48 hours, 17 (12.5%) at 72 hours and 17 (12.5%) at 96 hours (X2 = 0.68, p=0.71). With the pattern of this result, there may be need to review the policy which gave the 72 hr reading a preference over the 96 hr reading of tuberculin test.

African Journal of Clinical and Experimental Microbiology<?I> Vol. 6 (3) 2005: 223-226

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Infant immunization coverage in difficult-to-reach area of Lagos metropolis

A Adeiga, SA Omilabu, RA Audu, FA Sanni, GF Lakehinde, O Balogun, O Olagbaju

 

Abstract

A retrospective survey of infant immunization coverage was conducted among 210 children aged 12 to 23 months in difficult-to-reach coastal suburb of Lagos, Nigeria. This was to assess immunization coverage for BCG, DPT, OPV and measles vaccination and to investigate reasons for failure to be immunized and evaluate the drop out rate as well as missed opportunities. An EPI cluster method was used. Questionnaires were administered with WHO cluster form for infant immunization. Recall history and card records of immunization were the tools used. The result showed that 82 (39%) of the 210 children assessed were not immunized, 84 (40%) were partially immunized and only 44 (21%) were fully immunized. At one year of age, only 21 (10%) of the children completed their immunization. Observation of the follow up of vaccination showed that 65.5% of 127 children who started BCG vaccination dropped out as at the time of receiving measles vaccination. Reasons advanced for failure to immunize or complete immunization of the children included obstacles in 47.7%, lack of information 40.7% and lack of motivation in 11.6%. These factors contributed to missed opportunities. Only 9 (11%) of 82 children not vaccinated against measles attributed non vaccination to illnesses. Lack of health facilities and the terrain that is difficult to reach contributed to low coverage. Also, low literacy level, poor maternal health education, poor socioeconomic status and poor advocacy to community leaders and lack of commitment of health workers contributed to low coverage. For immunization coverage to improve in this area, these factors must be addressed.

Keywords: infant, immunization, coverage, antigens, advocacy

African Journal of Clinical and Experimental Microbiology Vol. 6 (3) 2005: 227-231

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Tetanus toxoid immunization coverage among mothers of below one year of age in difficult-to-reach area of Lagos Metropolis

A Adeiga, SA Omilabu, RA Audu, F Sanni, GP Lakehinde, O Balogun, O Olagbaju

 

Abstract

A retrospective survey of tetanus toxoid immunization coverage was conducted among 196 mothers of children less than one year of age in a difficult-to-reach area of Lagos metropolis. This was to ascertain the status of coverage among the women presumed to have been immunized with minimum of two doses of tetanus toxoid during pregnancy, estimate drop out rates, and investigate reasons for failure to be immunized and determine missed opportunities to get immunized. An interview was conducted by administering questionnaires using WHO cluster form for tetanus toxoid immunization. Recall history and immunization card review were taken as response. The results showed that with card/history criterion, 109 (55.6%) women received first dose of tetanus toxoid (TT), 80 (40.8%) received second dose and 22 (11.2%) received third dose while 87 (44.4%) were not immunized. Using the card criterion that only established valid immunization, 20 (10.2%) women received first dose and 14 (7.2%) received the second dose. With the card criterion analysis, 14 (7.2%) mothers were protected against tetanus and only 4 (2%) babies born of these mothers were protected against tetanus. A decline was observed in compliance with the regimen of vaccination. Thirty three (16.8%) of women studied missed the opportunity of getting vaccinated and 87 (79.8%) of 109 who started vaccination dropped out. Reasons advanced for failure to be immunized included lack of information accounting for 65.85%, lack of motivation was 20.4% and 13.8% as environmental factors. Poverty and lack of health facilities also contributed to the low level of immunization coverage. For TT immunization to improve in the area studied, factors impeding immunization must be addressed.

Keywords: tetanus, immunization, coverage

African Journal of Clinical and Experimental Microbiology Vol. 6 (3) 2005: 233-237

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Opportunistic infections and clinico-epidemiological factors in HIV/AIDS casesseen in a tertiary care hospital in Nepal

RN Das, HS Joshi, R Biswas, HS Joshi

 

Abstract

Opportunistic infections are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among HIV/AIDS patients. The spectrum of opportunistic pathogens involved in such infections in Nepal is not well documented. A cross sectional (hospital-based) study was carried out at the AIDS clinic of Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara, Nepal. A total of 404 clinically suspected cases of HIV/AIDS seen at the clinic between July 2001 and December 2002, were screened for HIV. Seventy four (18.3%) were sero-positive for HIV. Fever was the commonest presenting symptoms 48.6% followed by cough and dyspnoea 36.5%, weight loss 36.5% and pulmonary tuberculosis 21.6%. Fifty five of the 74 (74.3%) HIV positive cases were in the age group 20-39 years. Heterosexual mode of acquisition/transmission was seen in 60.8% and 21.6% were intravenous drug abusers (IVDA). A total of 45 opportunistic pathogenic isolates were recovered from the 74 patients. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was the commonest pathogen 60%, followed by Cryptosporidium spp 13.3% and Candida spp 11.1%. Four patients died during the period of study giving a mortality rate of 5.4%. This study shows that HIV/AIDS is rapidly becoming a grave concern in the Pokhara valley of Nepal. Intensive and effective health education programmes among the target population may be a cost effective method to curb the rising prevalence of HIV/AIDS in a developing country like Nepal. Also, further regional studies are required to establish more detailed epidemiological database of opportunistic infections in HIV/AIDS patients in Nepal.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, opportunistic infections, Nepal

African Journal of Clinical and Experimental Microbiology Vol. 6 (3) 2005: 239-245

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AIDS knowledge, attitude and behavioural patterns among high school students in southwestern Nigeria

OO Opaleye, OA Olowe, SS Taiwo, O Ojurongbe, OG Ayelagbe

 

Abstract

An evaluation of knowledge, attitude and behavioural patterns of high school students in Oyo and Osun States, Southwestern Nigeria, towards HIV/AIDS was undertaken. A structured questionnaire was administered to respondents from six secondary schools that were selected by systematic random sampling method from the two States. The questionnaire focused on specific aspects of knowledge, attitude and behavioural patterns related to HIV/AIDS, its mode of transmission and preventive measures. Results from the study showed that 362 (73%) of the 496 respondents had correct knowledge of the causative agent of AIDS, 69% had correct knowledge of the mode of transmission, 83.2% had correct knowledge of the people at risk and 80.2% had good knowledge of methods of prevention. Attitude toward AIDS victims was however relatively poor with 21% believing that AIDS patients should be isolated and avoided and additional 7% believing that people should not eat or share utensils with AIDS patients. Only 57.7% believed that people should relate freely with AIDS patients. This study showed an improvement in the knowledge and attitude towards HIV/AIDS over a previous one carried out over a decade ago in the same locality, highlighting the importance of mass media campaign programme embarked upon by the States over the years. However, there is need to further increase the awareness campaign especially as it relates to attitude towards AIDS patients and also on information dissemination, which should be more detailed and formal. Incorporating sex education into the curriculum of secondary schools will be a welcome development in stemming the tide of this dreaded disease.

Keywords: knowledge, attitude, sexual behaviour, HIV, AIDS

African Journal of Clinical and Experimental Microbiology Vol. 6 (3) 2005: 247-252