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Awareness of and willingness to use pre-exposure prophylaxis to prevent HIV infection among female sex workers in Anambra State, south-eastern Nigeria

1Nwagbo, E. C., 2Ekwunife, O. I., 3Mmeremikwu, A. C., and *4Ojide, C. K.

1Department of Pharmacy, Medical Services, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

2Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

3Department of Pharmacy, Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria

4Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria *Correspondence to: edomann2001@yahoo.com; +2348052534844

Abstract:

Background: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective preventive measures against HIV infection but its success is strongly based on adherence, which in turn depends on willingness to use. This study is aimed at assessing the level of awareness and willingness to use PrEP to prevent HIV infection among female sex workers (FSWs) in Anambra State, Nigeria, and to identify factors that influence willingness to use PrEP. Continue reading “Awareness of and willingness to use pre-exposure prophylaxis to prevent HIV infection among female sex workers in Anambra State, south-eastern Nigeria”

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Comparative gender analysis of the seroprevalence of varicella zoster virus among HIV-infected individuals receiving care at Offa, north-central Nigeria

*1Udeze, A. O., and 2Odebisi-Omokanye, M.

1Virology Unit, Department of Microbiology, University of Ilorin, P.M.B 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria

2Infectious Disease, Environmental Health and Toxicity Research Group, Department of Microbiology, University of Ilorin, P.M.B 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria            *Correspondence to: udeze.ao@unilorin.edu.ng; austok90@yahoo.com; +2348135586003

ORCiD: 0000-0002-5492-4925

Abstract:

Background: Varicella zoster virus (VZV) infections are common and contribute substantially to morbidity and mortality among HIV-infected patients. This study was conducted to determine the level of exposure, compare the gender distribution pattern and correlate with CD4 count, history of chicken pox and demographics among HIV patients.

Methodology: Blood samples were collected from 273 randomly selected HIV-positive patients (93 males and 180 females) receiving care and management at the General Hospital Offa, Kwara State, Nigeria, between September 2019 and March 2020, after obtaining informed consent. Sera were separated from the blood samples and tested for the presence of VZV-specific IgG antibodies using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Continue reading “Comparative gender analysis of the seroprevalence of varicella zoster virus among HIV-infected individuals receiving care at Offa, north-central Nigeria”

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Phylogenetic variants of Mycoplasma hominis from pregnant women and women presenting with infertility in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria

 1Chukwuka, C. P., 2Emele, F. E., 3Agbakoba, N. R., *1Ezeagwuna, D. A., and 4Oguejiofor, C. B.

 1Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria

2Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria

3Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria

4Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: dorrezeagwuna@gmail.com; 08037745700 & 07088454383; ORCID-0000-0003-2259-720X

 

Abstract:

Background: Much controversies have been associated with the pathogenicity of Mycoplasma hominis but little has been done to unravel the mystery behind the different views. This study aimed at investigating the genetic variants abounding within M. hominis and the distribution of the virulent genes among the variants.

Methodology: Twenty (20) M. hominis isolates from high vaginal swabs of women (11 from pregnant women and 9 from women presenting with infertility) attending the Obstetrics and Gynaecology clinics of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Nigeria, were sequenced using 16S rRNA universal gene target for the purpose of phylogenetic analysis and epidemiological typing. The isolates were also screened for the presence of M. hominis variable adherence antigen (vaa) and p120 virulent genes using primer constructs from the respective genes in a conventional PCR protocol. Continue reading “Phylogenetic variants of Mycoplasma hominis from pregnant women and women presenting with infertility in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria”

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Prevalence and risk factors associated with canine dermatophytoses among dogs in Kwara and Osun States, Nigeria

1Adesiji, Y. O., 2Oluwayelu, D. O., and 3Aiyedun, J. O.

1Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria              2Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria  3Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: yoadesiji@lautech.edu.ng

Abstract:

Background: Dermatophytosis (ringworm) is a zoonotic fungal skin infection caused predominantly by Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum and Trichophyton spp. It is highly transmissible and, while normally self-limiting, could be problematic due to its potential to cause disease in certain human populations. The occurrence and associated risk factors of dermatophytoses in dogs presented at three veterinary clinics in Osogbo, and Ilorin, Nigeria between July and November 2019 were investigated in this study.

Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 325 dogs with lesions suggestive of dermato- phytosis, selected by simple random sampling from three veterinary clinics in Osogbo and Ilorin, purposively selected for the study due to high patronage of the veterinary hospitals by dog owners. Using conventional mycological sampling techniques, plucked hairs and skin scrapings were obtained the dogs. The samples were emulsified in 10% potassium hydroxide, examined microscopically for fungal elements and cultured using standard mycological procedures. Information on dog demographic characteristics and risk factors for dermatophytosis were collected using structured questionnaire. The association between risk factors and demographic variables with the occurrence of dermatophytoses was determined using Chi-square test (with Odds ratio and 95% confidence interval) and p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Continue reading “Prevalence and risk factors associated with canine dermatophytoses among dogs in Kwara and Osun States, Nigeria”

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Bacteriological assessment of crab (Pachycheles pubescens) and dog whelk (Nucella lapillus) shellfishes from mesotidal estuarine ecosystem

*1Nkanang, A. J., 1Abraham, N. A., 1Udoh, D. I., 1Udosen, C. I., [1]Udofa, E. J., and 1Anene, S. K.

1Department of Microbiology, University of Uyo, Nigeria

2Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: abigailnkanang@yahoo.com; 08063279192; ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5757-2996

Abstract:

Background: Shellfishes are susceptible to a wide variety of bacterial pathogens, most of which are capable of causing disease in humans but are considered to be saprophytic in nature. Bacteriological diversity of shellfishes depends on the fishing grounds, habitats and environmental factors around them. This study assessed the bacteria associated with shellfishes, Pachycheles pubescens (crab) and Nucella lapillus (dog whelk) harvested from mesotidal estuarine ecosystem.

Methodology: The bacteriological assessment of crab (Pachycheles pubescens) and dog whelk (Nucella lapillus) harvested from Okwano Obolo estuary in Eastern Obolo local government area (LGA), Akwa Ibom was evaluated. The density of heterotrophic and potential pathogens was determined using standard analytical procedures. The pure bacterial isolates were grouped into recognizable taxonomic units and characterized to their generic level. Continue reading “Bacteriological assessment of crab (Pachycheles pubescens) and dog whelk (Nucella lapillus) shellfishes from mesotidal estuarine ecosystem”

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Antibiotic susceptibility of uropathogenic Escherichia coli isolates in a hospital setting in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso: A twelve-year retrospective analysis

[1]*Kafando, H., 1Ouattara, M., 1Kienou, M., 1Coulidiaty, Y. D., 1Ouattara, K., 1Ouédraogo, R., 1Sawadogo, M., 1Guira, C., 3,4Ouédraogo, A. S., [2],5Sanou, I., and 1,2Sangaré, L.

 

1Department of Bacteriology and Virology, Yalgado Ouedraogo University Hospital, 03 BP 7022, Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso

2Training and Research Unit in Health Science, Joseph KI-ZERBO University, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

3National Reference Laboratory for the Control of Antimicrobial Resistance (NRL-AMR), Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso

4National Institute of Health Sciences, NAZI BONI University, Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso

5Laboratory Department, Tengandogo University Hospital, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso *Correspondence to: hervekafando7@gmail.com; 0022676146695

 

Abstract:

 Background: Escherichia coli is the main bacterium responsible for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTI). The increasing frequency of antibiotic resistance in E. coli isolates from UTI poses concern in their therapeutic management. The aim of this study is to describe the current antibiotic resistance profile of E. coli clinical isolates at the Yalgado Ouedraogo University Hospital of Ouagadougou (CHUYO), Burkina Faso, with a view to revising the treatment protocols for bacterial UTI. Continue reading “Antibiotic susceptibility of uropathogenic Escherichia coli isolates in a hospital setting in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso: A twelve-year retrospective analysis”

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Malaria treatment failure after Artemisinin-based combination therapy: A case series of children managed at a private tertiary hospital in southwest Nigeria

1,2*†Fatunla, O. A. T., 3,4†Irek, E. O., 1,2Oyebanji, A. H., 2Adisa, S. O., [1]Jesulana, T. E., and 2Ajibola, T. O.

1Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

2Department of Paediatrics, Afe Babalola Multi-System Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria                                              

3Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

4Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Afe Babalola Multi-System Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

5Department of Internal Medicine, Afe Babalola Multi-System Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria                                

*Correspondence to: odunayofatunla@abuad.edu.ng; +2348034397539; ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000–0002–2839–1491

†Contributed equally to the study

Abstract:

Malaria treatment failure is the inability to clear parasitaemia after antimalarial drug administration. There are reports of treatment failure with artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) in Nigeria but few reported among children. We report three paediatric cases of treatment failure with ACT admitted at a private tertiary hospital in Nigeria in early 2022. All three were ‘under-fives’ admitted for open-heart surgery, major flame burns, and cerebral malaria respectively. They had symptomatic Plasmodium falciparum infection but one had mixed P. falciparum and Plasmodium vivax infections. Cases 1 and 2 were initially given oral artemether-lumefantrine while case 3 received intravenous artesunate. Despite appropriate antimalarial drug compliance, all the 3 still had fever with heavy parasitaemia. They subsequently received intravenous quinine, with improvement within the first 24 hours of therapy, and no longer had fever at the fourth week of follow-up. Although ACT resistance was not established, poor drug quality may have contributed to treatment failure. There is a need for pharmacovigilance of anti-malarial in Nigeria. Continue reading “Malaria treatment failure after Artemisinin-based combination therapy: A case series of children managed at a private tertiary hospital in southwest Nigeria”

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A review of the epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, vaccines and economic impact of human monkeypox (Mpox) outbreaks

1Musa-Booth, T. O., 2Medugu, N., *2Adegboro, B., and 3Babazhitsu, M.

11928 Woodlawn Drive, Woodlawn, Maryland 21207, United States of America

2Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria

3Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: boazadegboro@gmail.com; boaz.adegboro@nileuniversity.edu.ng

Abstract:

The current monkeypox outbreak is a public health emergency of international concern and is coming in the wake of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Human monkeypox is a viral zoonotic infection caused by monkeypox virus, an enveloped double-stranded DNA virus of the genus Orthopoxvirus and family Poxviridae that also contain smallpox, cowpox, Orf, and vaccinia viruses. Online databases including PubMed, Google Scholar and Web of Science were searched to obtain relevant publications on the epidemiology, treatment, vaccines and the economic impacts of the current monkeypox (Mpox) outbreak. Continue reading “A review of the epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, vaccines and economic impact of human monkeypox (Mpox) outbreaks”

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The synergism of hepatitis B and aflatoxicosis in hepatocellular carcinoma development: A mini-review

[1]Alao, J. O., 1Oni, M. O., *[2]Bello, O. O., [3]Bejide, I. O., [4]Alao, O. J., and 3Komolafe O. I.

1Departmental of Microbiology, Adeleke University, Ede, Nigeria

2Department of Biological Sciences, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Nigeria

3Department of Biological Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Nigeria

4Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Ilisan-Remo, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: obello@unimed.edu.ng; +2348057892661

Abstract:

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the twelfth most common cancer and the fifth leading cause of worldwide cancerrelated death. Chronic hepatitis B infection, caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and exposure to aflatoxins is fundamental in the formation of HCC in developing countries. This review of scientific publications aims to establish the detrimental effects of aflatoxin-contaminated foods and highlights the correlation between aflatoxin and hepatitis B viral-associated hepatocellular carcinoma. Research has shown a significant increase in the occurrence of HCC in HBV-infected individuals exposed to fungal toxins. HBV demonstrates the ability to integrate and bind to p53 protein in the host DNA and propagate hepatocyte vulnerability through carcinogenic aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) damage. Although there has been clear evidence about the synergistic interaction of exposure to AFB1 and HBV infection in the induction of HCC, other literature has shown otherwise, mainly because incomplete and vague findings and hypotheses were made in regions where AFB1 and HBV pose a public health risk. Vaccination against hepatitis B and measures such as robust food safety systems to avoid hepatotoxicity and hepatocellular carcinogenesis induced by AFB1 is the most effective methods in the prevention of HCC induced by HBV and AFB1. 

Continue reading “The synergism of hepatitis B and aflatoxicosis in hepatocellular carcinoma development: A mini-review”

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Comparative evaluation of automated KingFisher Flex Purification System 96 (ThermoFisher Scientific) and manual QIAamp Viral RNA Mini Kit (Qiagen) extraction methods for SARS-CoV-2

*[1]Zouré, A. A., 1Compaoré, T. R., 2Beré, J. A., 1Sagna, T., 1Soubeiga, S. T., 1Dabiré, C., 1Nikiema, A. R., 3Barro, N., and 1Ouedraogo, H. G.

1Department of Biomedical and Public Health, Institute of Health Sciences Research (IRSS/CNRST), 03 BP 7047 Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso

2Unité de Formation et de Recherche en Science et Technique (UFR/ST), Université Catholique de l’Afrique de l’Ouest Unité Universitaire à Bobo Dioulasso (UCAO/UUB)

3Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire, d’Epidémiologie et de Surveillance des Agents, Transmissibles par les

Aliments (LaBESTA), Centre de Recherche en Sciences Biologiques Alimentaires et Nutritionnelles (CRSBAN),

Université Joseph KI-ZERBO, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

*Correspondence to: abdouazaque@gmail.com; +22625363215; ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000–0002–9423–024X

 

Abstract:

 Background: The extraction step of the viral material of the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) influences the quality of reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) results in diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the automated extraction system “KingFisher Flex Purification System 96 (ThermoFisher)” compared to the manual method with the “QIAamp Viral RNA Mini Kit (Qiagen)”.

Methodology: From October to December 2020, comparative diagnostic evaluation of two methods of SARSCoV-2 RNA extraction methods was conducted on 159 fresh and 120 frozen nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal specimens collected from travellers and suspected cases or contacts of COVID-19 patients in Burkina Faso. The FastPlexTM Triplex 1-Step COVID 19 Detection Kit (RT-PCR, RNA extraction free) (Precigenome LLC) was used to amplify on the same PCR plate, RNA extracts from manual QIAamp Viral RNA Mini Kit and automated KingFisher Flex Purification System 96 (ThermoFisher) using the QuantStudio5 thermal cycler (Applied Biosystems). Analysis of the diagnostic performance of the SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR assay following RNA extraction by the two methods was done using an online OpenEpi software. Continue reading “Comparative evaluation of automated KingFisher Flex Purification System 96 (ThermoFisher Scientific) and manual QIAamp Viral RNA Mini Kit (Qiagen) extraction methods for SARS-CoV-2”