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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.

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BLOOD CHEMISTRY AND PLATELET SEROTONIN UPTAKE AS ALTERNATIVE METHOD OF TRACKING HIV/AIDS

OAT Ebuehi, M Balogun, RA Audu, OE Idigbe

 

Abstract

A cross sectional study was conducted to investigate the blood chemistry and platelet serotonin uptake as alternative method of determining HIV disease stage in HIV/AIDS patients. Whole blood was taken from subjects at the Human Virology 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 in to two: those receiving antiretroviral therapy were referred to as the ARV group and those not on 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 been tested no later than two months to the sample collection date and must not lead a high-risk lifestyle. Serum was used to assay for blood chemistry activities with Randox analytical reagents. Blood platelets were prepared from one milliliter of whole blood and platelet serotonin uptake rates were determined. The serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) of non-ARV subjects was the only blood chemistry parameter that showed any significant variation from normal (p<0.05). The mean activity of this enzyme was 28.4 ± 5.29 U/L compared to a normal value of 12 U/L. A disease stage-related variation was observed. Platelet serotonin uptake rates of the two HIV positive groups showed no significant difference with the HIV negative control. The data obtained showed that serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase activity is significantly increased in HIV/AIDS patients in a manner that is disease stage related. However, serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, bilirubin, triglycerides, amylase, serum creatinine, and alkaline phosphatase showed no significant variation from normal values. Platelet serotonin uptake of HIV subjects was not significantly different from the control.

Key Words: Blood chemistry, platelet serotonin uptake, HIV/AIDS

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BLOOD CHEMISTRY AND PLATELET SEROTONIN UPTAKE AS ALTERNATIVE METHOD OF TRACKING HIVAIDS

Afr. J. Clin. Exper. Microbiol. 2004; 5(2): 155 – 159

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HUMAN BITE INJURIES IN THE ERA OF AIDS: A REVIEW

SA Malami, SB Zailani

 

Abstract

The risk of human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV) transmission following human bite is important to many groups of people. Meanwhile, the pandemic of HIV/AIDS continues unabated, with perhaps more than 3 million new infections last year alone. A review of the literature concerning human bite injuries and HIV was performed to examine current opinion regarding the transmission of HIV via this route. It is concluded that human bite contaminated with infected blood carry a small, but definite, risk of transmitting this important life-threatening disease.

Key Words: HIV, Human bite, Risk

Afr. J. Clin. Exper. Microbiol. 2004; 5(2): 160 – 162.

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SCHISTOSOMAL APPENDICITIS IN A SLIDING HERNIA (CASE REPORT)

WEK Opara, SA Malami, OA Adesanya, UH Pindiga

 

Abstract

We report a rare case of a forty-seven year old Nigeria male with schistosomal appendicitis in a sliding hernia. The clinical and pathological features of the case are discussed, followed by a review of the literature. It is concluded that a high index of suspicion is necessary to diagnose unusual presentations of schistosomiasis in an endemic area such as Nigeria to facilitate early diagnosis and adequate treatment.

Afr. J. Clin. Exper. Microbiol. 2004; 5(2): 163 – 164.

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ONCHOCERCIASIS – A PUBLIC HEALTH PERSPECTIVE

AO Oluwasola, DO Oluwasola, KO Osungbade

 

Abstract

Onchocerciasis is a chronic parasitic disease with a wide range of cutaneous and ocular manifestations. It is caused by the tissue nematode, Onchocerca volvulus, and it is transmitted by the bite of a female black fly, Simulium damnosum. Onchocerciasis is a serious public health and socio-economic problem with 95% of all cases being found in Africa south of the Sahara. The WHO Expert Committee has estimated that over 80 million people are at the risk of infection worldwide, some 18 million infected, and 1 million people visually impaired of which some 340,000 are blind. Nigeria is highly endemic for this disease, to the extent that 40% of all cases worldwide are believed to occur in the country. The prevalence of blindness in villages near to fast flowing rivers may reach 15%, often, affecting males (of working age, perhaps 30-40 years old) more frequently than females. In spite of these ravaging consequences of this disease however, remarkable successes have been achieved by the control effort of the Onchocerciasis Control Programme (OCP), which uses chemical and biological larvicides with low environmental impact to kill black fly larvae flies. Other methods of effecting Onchocerciasis control include: (i) Reducing the number of bites by the Simulium fly on man; (ii) Killing the microfilariae with microfilaricides; and (iii) Killing the adult worms. The social and economic consequences of the disease in Nigeria and other African countries are huge, with considerable human suffering. It thus demands unrelenting intensive and concerted effort at the international, national and community levels, making optimal use of the identified modes of control for effective control of this disease which has serious public health and economic consequences.

Key Words: Onchocerciasis, Public Health, Control

Afr. J. Clin. Exper. Microbiol. 2004; 5(2): 165 – 172.

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ANTIBIOTIC SUSCEPTIBILITY PATTERN OF STREPTOCCOCUS PNEUMONIAE IN ILORIN, NIGERIA

AA Akanbi II, SS Taiwo, SK Babatunde, BA Onile, IS Abdulraheem

 

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance is an increasing problem, particularly among previously sensitive Streptococcus pneumoniae. The emergence of wide spread resistance to antimicrobial agents complicates therapy of infections caused by these organisms. Between January and December 2002, one hundred and fifty-eight isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae at the microbiology laboratory of the University of Ilorin Teaching were studied, in order to determine their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. All the isolates were recovered from clinical samples and identified by their alpha-haemolytic reaction on sheep blood agar, bile solubility and their sensitivity to optochin. Susceptibility testing was carried out using the stokes-disc diffusion method. Majority of the Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates (78.4%) were recovered from the cerebrospinal fluids, 18 (11.3%) from sputum, 14 (9%) from throat swab and 2 (1.3%) from eye swab. Eight three percent of the isolates were resistant to penicillin G and 12.7% were resistant to more than three antibiotics. The isolates were largely sensitive to the third generation cephalosporins and quinolones. The study has shown that penicillins are no longer useful for the treatment of infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae in this centre. The cephalosporins and quinolones however remained effective and are therefore recommended.

Keywords; Streptococcus pneumoniae, Susceptibility, Antimicrobial

Afr. J. Clin. Exper. Microbiol. 2004; 5(2): 172 – 176.

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PLASMID PROFILES OF KLEBSIELLA ISOLATES IN ILORIN, NIGERIA

AA Akanbi II, BA Onile, EA Omonigbehin, IS Abdulraheem

 

Abstract

Antibiotic resistant organisms are most common in locations where antibiotics are in great use. This accounts for the fact that hospitals harbor many antibiotic resistant bacteria. It is not surprising that antibiotic-resistant organisms are more common in certain parts of the world, particularly in developing countries, which probably results from the over use of antibiotics. Many of this resistance in bacteria are mediated by plasmids. This study was carried out to identify factors responsible for poor clinical outcome in Klebsiella infections due to antibiotic resistance, and to detect the type of plasmids harbored by various strains of Klebsiella. Three hundred Klebsiella spp. were isolated from various clinical samples at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital and biochemically characterized. Five species were identified based on biochemical characteristics; K. pneumoniae, K. rhinoscleromatis, K. ozaenae, K. planticola and K. oxytoca. Plasmid was extracted and analyzed by Birnboim and Doly method. 55 (18.3%) had plasmids of different molecular weight with sizes ranging between 1.1 and 8.0 kb. Species that harbor plasmids are K. pneumoniae and K. oxytoca. It appears that plasmid is naturally occurring in some strains, but the incidence of plasmid is probably higher in areas where antibiotics are readily available to the general populace.

Afr. J. Clin. Exper. Microbiol. 2004; 5(2): 177-181.

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COMPARATIVE STUDY ON SPECIFIC AND EARLY DETECTION OF PULMONARY MYCOBACTERIA COMPLEX USING SMEAR AND CULTURE METHOD AND SEROLOGICAL PATHOZYME EIA KITS

CA Enwuru, EO Idigbe, NV Ezeobi, CT Oparaugo, U Udensi Kalu, JI Onyewuche, J Ibiam

 

Abstract

The objective of this study was to compare the sensitivity and specificity of smear and culture methods with rapid serological EIA myco kits manufactured by Omega diagnostics, for the early detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) complex. Sera from various categories of smear and culture results were compared with the result of 38KDa, 16KDa and purified protein for IgA, IgM and IgG antibodies with sensitivity of 4%, 24% and 76%, respectively and with specificity of100% for IgG in Smear and Culture Positive (S+)C+)) category. The sensitivity of the test improved to a level of 80% for IgG + IgA without affecting the specificity. A combination of IgG + IgA and IgM further improved the sensitivity to 88% but reduced the specificity to 91%. Amongst the S–)C+) and S–)C–) 64% and 14.7% were positive for IgG respectively. The predictive value of the kit using S+)C+) subject was 96%. For all culture positivity (n=78), there was 2.6%, 33.3% and 71.8% sensitivity for IgA, IgM and IgG respectively. IgA +IgG and IgA + IgM + IgG combination gave 74.4% and 84.6% sensitivity respectively with the same level of specificity. Fifty-five percent of culture positive subjects were found to be MTB complex positive by routine biochemical tests, while 40% through PATHOZYME TB COMPLEX PLUS kit (high positive (H+)) values). When high positivity is combined with low positivity of the same kit (H+) + L+)), 65% of the isolates were found to be MTB complex. Our study showed 88% sensitivity and 91% specificity for combined IgA + IgM + IgG antibodies recorded for MTB (S+)C+) group) and 85% sensitivity and 91% specificity for all culture positives. Our study has demonstrated that the myco kits and TB complex plus kit produced by Omega Diagnostics are a good tool for specific, early and rapid identification of active tuberculosis for both diagnostic and epidemiological purposes.

Key Words: Tuberculosis, diagnosis, comparative, specificity, sensitivity, culture and serological technique.

Afr. J. Clin. Exper. Microbiol. 2004; 5(2): 182 – 188.

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METHICILLIN-RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS (MRSA) ISOLATES IN ILORIN, NIGERIA

SS Taiwo, BA Onile, AA Akanbi II

 

Abstract

Nosocomial infections caused by methicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus often pose therapeutic dilemma to the clinicians because of the multi resistant nature of these strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Outbreaks of both nosocomial and community acquired infections are also frequent and difficult to control. This study determined the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, between January and December 2001. The methicillin disc diffusion method for the detection of methicillin resistance and the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion for antibiotic susceptibility tests, were used. The MRSA prevalence rate was 34.7% (51/147) of all Staphylococcus aureus isolates. Forty-five isolates were associated with infections and 6 were colonizing strains. Thirty-six (70.6%) were hospital (nosocomial) acquired while 15 (29.4%) were community-acquired. Forty-eight patients have received antibiotics previously including 30 who had received multiple antibiotics. Skin and soft tissues were sites of infections in 36 cases and surgical, emergency and intensive care units accounted for 31 isolates. All MRSA isolates were resistant to more than two antibiotics but remained largely susceptible to third generation cephalosporins, macrolides and quinolones and all were sensitive to vancomycin. We recommend the use of third generation cephalosporins and quinolones where indicated, in the treatment of serious MRSA infections in this environment. Control of the spread of MRSA in this hospital must include reinforcement of appropriate use of antibiotics, hand washing and laboratory surveillance for MRSA, particularly in the surgical wards and intensive care units, in order to identify sources of outbreaks.

Key Words: Methicillin-resistant, Staphylococcus aureus, Ilorin.

Afr. J. Clin. Exper. Microbiol. 2004; 5(2): 189 – 197.

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ANTIBIOTIC SUSCEPTIBILITY PATTERN AND MULTIPLE ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE INDEX OF PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA URINE ISOLATES FROM A UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL

BO Olayinka, OS Olonitola, AT Olayinka, EA Agada

 

Abstract

Urine samples submitted to the Medical Microbiology diagnostic laboratory of the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, were routinely screened for Pseudomonas aeruginosa over a three-month period with 13/150 (8.67%) of the pathogenic bacteria isolated positively identified. All the isolates were resistant to the cheap, commonly available antibiotics; rifampicin, ampicillin/cloxacillin, erythromycin, chloramphenicol and ampicillin but were uniformly susceptible to ciprofloxacin. The high prevalence of multidrug resistance indicates a serious need for broad-based, local antimicrobial resistance surveillance for continuous tracking of antibiotic resistance trends among all clinically relevant isolates and introduction of effective interventions to reduce multidrug resistance in such pathogens.

Key Words: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, antibiotic susceptibility, multiple antibiotic resistance, urinary tract infection

Afr. J. Clin. Exper. Microbiol. 2004; 5(2): 198 – 202.