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Knowledge, Attitude And Perceptions Of Onchocerciasis In A Hyper-Endemic Community Of Edo State, Nigeria

VA Wagbatsoma, MSO Aisien

 

Abstract

An evaluation of the knowledge, attitude and perception of Ekpan, a rural community in Edo State of Nigeria, towards onchocerciasis after 3 years of ivermectin distribution was undertaken. The structured questionnaire administered to the respondents focused on specific aspects of knowledge, attitude and perception related to the disease, its mode of transmission and control activities in the village. Results from the survey showed that 133 (68.6%) had fair knowledge of the disease. All subjects knew the bite of the blackflies was followed by itching but none knew that bites were accompanied by Onchocerca volvulus transmission. Level of education influenced knowledge of the disease and the relationship was statistically significant (P<0.05). Knowledge of the clinical manifestation was however poor. Majority of the respondents (83.0%) perceived the disease to be due to other causes other than Onchocerca volvulus. Knowledge of the side effects of ivermectin treatment was good while knowledge of those excluded from treatment was generally fair. Their attitude to ivermectin distribution was strongly influenced by adverse reactions to the drug, leading either to outright rejection or discontinuation of the treatment after initial acceptance. The most prevalent reactions were swelling of leg/feet (22.2%), followed by itching (17.5%) and weakness (9.8%). The respondents perceived the different clinical manifestation of onchocerciasis to be specific disease entities. Onchocercal nodules were believed to be blood clots; leopard skin was thought to be healed scars of wounds and cuts accidentally acquired in the course of farming while hanging groin was regarded as hernia. In conclusion, ignorance of the cause of the disease negatively influenced their attitude and perception. Therefore, for maximum impact on morbidity and transmission to be achieved with ivermectin treatment, knowledge of the disease and control activities should be imparted to the residents. Such health education should of necessity take into consideration community attitude and culture, which promote health-seeking behaviour.

Key Words: Knowledge, attitudes, perception, onchocerciasis, ivermectin

Afr. J. Clin. Exper. Microbiol. 2004; 5 (3): 235-241

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The Use Of Immunochromatographic Technique (ICT) In The Diagnosis Of Malaria In Ilorin, Nigeria

MS Odimayo, AA Akande, SS Taiwo, QB Omotesho

 

Abstract

Malaria is a major global health problem with about 2.4 billion people at risk. It is the commonest cause of outpatient consultations and one of the leading causes of paediatrics medical admission. Prompt and accurate diagnosis is the key to effective disease management and one of the main interventions of the global malaria strategy. We assess the sensitivity, specificity, predictive values and diagnostic accuracy of immunochromatographic technique (ICT) with the aim of assessing its relevance to the diagnosis of malaria in the North Central part of Nigeria. The study population, which comprised of 39 subjects aged 1 to 49 years, was sent to the hospital laboratory after clinical assessment. Thirty-five (89.7%) of the 39 subjects with fever had parasite count by thick blood film (TBF) ranging from 60-7,200 parasites/µL of blood. Twenty-five of these were positive by the dipstick technique giving a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy for the ICT of 71.4%, 100%, 100%, 28.5% and 74.3% respectively when compared with the TBF. All four (4) subjects that were negative microscopically also tested negative with the ICT kit. We therefore conclude that ICT kits is a good alternative in diagnosis of malaria especially in adult in an endemic environment, because it is fast, requires simple manpower and no need of heavy equipment, However, before antigen tests can replace the thick and thin film, it should cover and differentiate between all Plasmodia species and detect lower level of parasitaemia.

Afr. J. Clin. Exper. Microbiol. 2004; 5 (3): 242-246

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Investigation Of An Epidemic Of Meningitis In Baruten Local Government Area Of Kwara State, Nigeria

TM Akande, JO Monehin

 

Abstract

This is a report of an investigation into an outbreak of meningitis in three communities of Baruten Local Government Area (LGA) of Kwara State, Nigeria. A total of 41 cases of cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) were reported. There was a preponderance of males (78%). Thirty-eight (92.7%) did not receive CSF vaccine while the remaining 3 (7.3%) that receive the vaccine were vaccinated less than a week before the onset of illness. Case Fatality Rate (CFR) was 7.3%. About half (46.3%) of the cases were aged between 6-15 years. The outbreak could have been prevented if adequate supplies of CSM vaccine were provided and vaccination conducted early enough. Government policy of mass immunization against meningitis in November of every year should be implemented and properly monitored to prevent future outbreaks of meningitis and its resultant morbidity and mortality.
Key Words: Cerebrospinal meningitis, Outbreak, Kwara State, Nigeria.
Afr. J. Clin. Exper. Microbiol. 2004; 5 (3): 247-251
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A Study Of Asymptomatic Bacteriuria In Pregnancy In Ile – Ife, Southwestern Nigeria

AO Aboderin, AK Ako-Nai, SB Zailani, A Ajayi, AN Adedosu

 

Abstract

Asymptomatic bacteriuria presents a considerable risk to the mother and may lead to onset of acute pyelonephritis in about 5% of pregnant women and also increase the risk of fetal mortality. Apart from one previous study, no other study has been carried out in this environment hence our study. The objectives are to determine the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria amongst pregnant women in the three trimesters of pregnancy, to isolate and characterize the bacteria agents involved in this condition and recommend methods of reducing incidence and possible attendant sequalae. A descriptive study with purposive sampling carried out at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, Ile-Ife Southwestern Nigeria between May 2000 and April 2001 examined two hundred and one consecutive pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic. This included women in the three trimesters of pregnancy. Those with urinary tract infections were excluded. Each subject was given a sterile universal bottle and requested to collect midstream urine. Each sample was plated onto Cystein-Lactose-Electrolyte-Deficient (CLED) medium and chocolate agar (CA). The major bacterial colonies were isolated and characterized employing standard bacteriologic methods. The prevalence rate was 26%. Staphylococcus aureus was predominant (43.8%), of which 68.8% were beta-lactamase producers. Forty six point six percent of total isolates were Gram-negative rods; Klebsiella pneumoniae (6.8%), Escherichia coli (4.5%), Citrobacter freundii(4.5%) and others. The study recorded a relatively high prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria. While the bacterial isolates were multi-resistant to drugs traditionally employed to treat uropathogens, they were relatively sensitive to nitrofuratoin in vitro. Because of the high prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria, we recommend routine screening for this condition in all antenatal clinics in this environment to reduce the incidence and probable attendant sequalae.

Afr. J. Clin. Exper. Microbiol. 2004; 5 (3): 252-259

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Vibrio Cholerae 01 Infections In Jos, Nigeria

SA Opajobi, YT Kandakai-Olukemi, JD Mawak, MA Olukemi, CSS Bello

 

Abstract

A study to determine the prevalence of Vibrio cholerae 01 in stool sample submitted for routine examination of enteric pathogens, as well as identify the serotypes and antibiogram of the isolates to commonly used antibiotics was undertaken. The survey involved the examination of 774 (763 stool and 11 rectal swabs) specimens obtained from different patients seen at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH). Of the total number examined, 34 (4.39%) yielded Vibrio cholerae 01. All of them were Inaba serotype of El-Tor biotype. The age group 20-29 years had the highest rate, 21 (6.95%). Rectal swabs yielded a higher number of isolates, 9 (81.82%) from 11 specimens compared to 25 (3.28%) from 763 stool specimens. The organism is most prevalent during the mid-rainy season (June/July) since most of the isolates 29 (85.29%) of the 34 isolates were isolated during this period (P < 0.05). Isolates were very sensitive to ofloxacin, erythromycin and tetracycline but resistant to chloramphenicol, ampicillin, cloxacillin and penicillin G. This study demonstrates that Vibrio cholerae 01 is endemic in our environment.

Afr. J. Clin. Exper. Microbiol. 2004; 5 (3): 260-264

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Effect Of Essential Leaf Oil Of Ocimum Gratissimum On Clinical Isolates Of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

BA Iwalokun, IG Owuh, SA Ronke

 

Abstract

Ocimum gratissimum leaf oil, which has been reported to possess in vitro and in vivo efficacy against enteric bacteria was tested against forty six clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Lagos, Nigeria. The effect of the essential oil (EO) on pyocyanin production among these strains was also investigated. Agar well diffusion assay revealed susceptibility in 40 (87%) of the 46 tested strains with inhibition zone diameter (20-36 mm) comparable with the effect of tobramycin. Of the 40 susceptible isolates, 34 strains were quantitatively demonstrated to show susceptibility when further tested with the essential oil in broth and on agar yielding MIC and MBC values of 36 – 54 mg/ml and 42 – 66 mg/ml respectively. The values were higher than the 12 mg/ml (MIC) and 24 mg/ml (MBC) observed in Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. Compared with the control, the essential oil was found to reduce pyocyanin production significantly (p < 0.01) at 15 mg/ml (30.1 – 30.5 vs 259.2 – 276. 7 μg/ml) and 75 mg/ml (2.5 – 3.5 vs. 259.2 – 276.7 μg/ml) in both sensitive and resistant strains, suggesting that Ocimum gratissimum leaf oil may inhibit expression of virulence factors and progression of Pseudomonas infections caused by the tested strains.

Key Words: Ocimum gratissimum leaf oil, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Nigeria

Afr. J. Clin. Exper. Microbiol. 2004; 5 (3): 265-271

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Bacteriology And Antimicrobial Suceptibility Profile Of Agents Of Orofacial Infections In Nigerians

KC Ndukwe, IN Okeke, JA Akinwande, AO Aboderin, A Lamikanra

 

Abstract

A prospective study to determine the pattern of microorganisms seen in orofacial infections as well as investigating the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of the isolates was undertaken. Specimens were obtained aseptically from 25 patients presenting with orofacial infections at the Department of Oral Surgery and Pathology, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The specimens were transported in an anaerobically pre-reduced transport medium for processing in the laboratory. Isolation and identification were done employing standard bacteriological techniques. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by the disc diffusion method. All the 25 clinical samples obtained yielded growth of bacteria. Anaerobes were cultured from 24 (96%) specimens while 1 specimen yielded only aerobic isolates. Altogether, 44 bacterial isolates were obtained and 40 (91%) were anaerobes. Most of these anaerobes were Gram-negative rods and Gram-positive cocci. About 75-100% of the anaerobes were susceptible to commonly available antibiotics. Strikingly, sulphonamides demonstrated the weakest in-vitro activity against all isolates. The study revealed again the polymicrobial nature of orofacial infections as well as the predominance of anaerobes in the aetiology of these infections. Erythromycin and penicillin should be considered as frontline drugs in the treatment of mild orofacial infections while drugs like ciprofloxacin and clindamycin can be reserved for more severe and resistant infections.
Afr. J. Clin. Exper. Microbiol. 2004; 5 (3): 272-277
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Detection Of Haemagglutination–Inhibition Antibodies Against Human H1n1 Strains Of Influenza A Viruses In Swine In Ibadan, Nigeria

CO Aiki-Raji, IO Oyedele, GO Ayoade, OA Fagbohun, TA Oderinu

 

Abstract

A survey of haemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibodies against influenza A virus was carried out on pigs sera collected at Bodija abattoir, Ibadan between December, 2001 and August 2002. Out of the 107 sera tested, 101 (94.39%) had HI antibodies to influenza A (H1N1) human strain while the remaining 6 (5.61%) were negative. The result of this work indicates that H1N1 influenza viruses are currently circulating among the pigs slaughtered in Bodija abattoir. The public health implications in terms of possible transmission contact with the pigs are discussed. The result of the HA titres obtained with turkey red blood cells (RBC) compared to that of guinea pig RBC indicated that the H1N1 stains of influenza A viruses have greater avidity for turkey RBC than those of guinea pigs. This is equally of diagnostic importance

Afr. J. Clin. Exper. Microbiol. 2004; 5 (3): 278-279

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Seminal Fluid Analysis And Biophysical Profile: Findings And Relevance In Infertile Males In Ilorin, Nigeria

EK Oghagbon, AAG Jimoh, SA Adebisi

 

Abstract

To determine if there was a bearing of body mass index (BMI) on male infertility, a cross-sectional study of males of infertile couples, attending our infertility clinic was carried out. Apart from BMI determination, the semens of these men were analyzed to ascertain their spermogram. Out of 47 men involved in the study, 66% (31) were below 40 years of age. Seventeen (36.2%) of these were between 30-39 years. About 49% of the study subjects had oligospermia, while 23.4% were azoospermic. Those subjects between 30-39 years had the worse spermogram. Thirty-two (68.1%) and 15(31.9%) of the whole population had good spermatozoa motility and morphology respectively. Poor BMI, whether low or elevated, affected the semen quality. In conclusion, infertile males should be encouraged to seek help early. Attending clinician should pay attention to their past or present genital infections and the biophysical parameters.

Afr. J. Clin. Exper. Microbiol. 2004; 5 (3): 280-284

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OSMOTIC FRAGILITY AND Na+ -K++ ATPase ACTIVITY OF ERYTHROCYTES OF HIV/AIDS PATIENTS

OAT Ebuehi, M Balogun, RA Audu, OE Idigbe

 

Abstract

A cross sectional study was carried out to investigate the osmotic fragility and Na+ -K+ ATPase activity of the erythrocytes of HIV/AIDS patients. Whole blood was taken from subjects at the Human Virology Laboratory of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research. Subjects were judged suitable for the various investigations by means of a questionnaire. The Genie II HIV diagnostic kit was used to confirm HIV positive status. HIV positive subjects were grouped into two: those receiving anti-retroviral therapy were referred to as the ARV group and those not receiving antiretroviral therapy were designated as non-ARV group. Each group was further sub-divided according to the Centers for Disease Control 1993 classification of HIV disease. HIV negative subjects must have tested no later than two months to the sample collection date and must not lead a high-risk lifestyle. Twenty microliters of whole blood were used for the erythrocytes osmotic fragility assay. One milliliter of whole blood was used to prepare the erythrocyte ghost membrane for the Na+-K+ ATPase activity assay. The two HIV positive groups showed significant increase in percentage haemolysis under osmotic stress at 0.65% saline. The ARV group had an average percentage haemolysis of 2.56 ± 0.81% while the non-ARV group had an average of 3.19 ± 1.11% compared to an average of 0.83 ± 0.36% for the control group (p < 0.05). A pattern observed in the result was an increase in activity with increasing severity of the HIV/AIDS disease. Data from the present study indicate that the osmotic fragility of erythrocytes was significantly potentiated, while Na+-K+ ATPase activity was not significantly altered (p < 0.05) in HIV/AIDS disease.

Key Words: Osmotic fragility, Na+ -K+ ATPase activity, erythrocytes, HIV/AIDS

Afr. J. Clin. Exper. Microbiol. 2004; 5(2): 148 – 154.