Posted on

Prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis C and Human Immunodeficiency Virus antibodies in a population of students of tertiary institution in Nigeria

V.O Mabayoje, P.O Akinwusi, O.O Opaleye, B.E Egbewale, A.H Fagbami, A.O Aboderin

 

Abstract

Objective: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C viruses (HCV) are major causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. They are also among the commonest transfusiontransmissible infectious agents. Students of higher institutions are often used as voluntary unpaid donors by many hospitals in Nigeria. In this study, the prevalence of HIV and HCV and HBsAg is determined in a population of students attending Ladoke Akintola University of Technology in south west Nigeria, to provide background information on the burden of these infections in this population. Materials and Methods: Serum samples were obtained from students of the Pre-degree Science programme of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho and tested for antibodies to HIV, HCV and HBsAg using the ELISA procedure. Results: The prevalence rates of antibodies to HIV and HCV in the student population were 0% and 4.8%, respectively and that of HBsAg was 9.5%. Conclusion: The findings of this study which showed that the prevalence of antibodies to HIV and of HBsAg in this group of students is somewhat similar to those carried out in similar populations. This strongly suggests that the viral burden amongst this population of students is similar and that probably similar factors (demographic) are responsible for maintaining this level of viral load. Further studies would be needed to elucidate the reasons why this is the case. Also it would be necessary to reemphasize the methods of prevention of transmission of these viruses, and to ensure their implementation in order to reduce the viral levels and therefore avoid the long term sequalae.

Key words: Transfusion, Infection, Blood Donation

Download full journal in PDF below

Prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis C and Human Immunodeficiency Virus antibodies in a population of students of tertiary institution in Nigeria

Posted on

Seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus antibodies amongst blood donors in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) Kaduna

A.H Isa, A Hassan, A Mamman, A.A Bababdoko, H.M Muktar, A.J Ahmed

 

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the most common transfusion transmissible infections hence the introduction of routine screening for its antibodies in blood donors in most blood banks. Methods: This was a retrospective study in which the blood donor screening register for all intending donors were reviewed and analyzed. Results: There were 4,731 potential donors with age range 20-41years. Eighty six (1.8%) were sero-positive to HCV antibodies with a decreasing incidence over the period under review. The highest incidence was recorded the age group 31-40 years. Aim: To determine the sero-prevalence of HCV among blood donors in ABUTH Kaduna. Conclusion: HCV infection is not uncommon in our environment hence the need to emphasize it’s routine screening among all potential donors.

Download full journal in PDF below

Seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus antibodies amongst blood donors in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) Kaduna

Posted on

Clinical studies on seroprevalence of rubella virus in pregnant women of Cameroon regions

C.N Fokunang, J Chia, P Ndumbe, P Mbu, J Atashili

 

Abstract

A study was conducted to investigate the seroprevalence of the rubella virus amongst pregnant women and the relationship it has with the duration of pregnancy, premature delivery, and past history of abortion in pregnant women visiting the Yaoundé Gynecological, Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital (HGOPY). 211 pregnant women attending the prenatal consultation of mean age 27±5.99 years were randomly selected and screened for rubella IgG antibodies. 39.3% of them were in their third trimester of pregnancy while 25.6% and 35.1% were in their first and second trimester of pregnancy respectively. 11.73% of the women had a history of premature delivery and 40.3% had a history of at least one abortion. Spearman’s correlation was calculated between antibody titre and age. 88.6% of pregnant women were seropositive while 9% (susceptible) were seronagative and 2.4% had equivocal results. The most susceptible women to rubella infection were in the age group 26-30 years while women in the age group 21-25 years band were the most seropositive. There was a strong correlation between the antibody titre and age (r=0.549 p<0.01). There was no statistical difference between the pregnancy in trimesters and antibody titres (p=0.0926) as well as between the number of previous abortions and the antibody titre (p<0.01, r=0.246). No correlations between antibody titre and pregnancy duration, or occurrence of premature births. There was a weak correlation between the antibody titre and number of previous abortions.

Download full journal in PDF below

Clinical studies on seroprevalence of rubella virus in pregnant women of Cameroon regions

 

Posted on

Detection of serum antibody levels against newcastle disease in local chickens in Bauchi metropolis, Bauchi state, Nigeria

O.O Nwankiti, A.J Ejekwolu, I Ibrahim, J.A Ndako, G.O.N Echeonwu

 

Abstract

Poultry diseases are one of the main factors constraining poultry practice in most developing countries. Newcastle disease (ND) is a highly contagious and commonly fatal viral poultry disease caused by Newcastle disease virus (NDV). Detection of antibodies to Newcastle disease virus in 300 blood samples from local chickens slaughtered at Muda Lawal Market Bauchi was carried out using the haemagglutination inhibition test (HI). This was to determine the immune status of local birds to NDV in Bauchi Metropolis. 169 (56.3%) birds tested positive with antibody titre ranging from 2 to 512. The geometric mean titre was 19.7. This low antibody titre reveals the epizootic nature of the virus in the study area and is suggestive of an inter-epidemic phase or early phase of infection pointing a finger to possible economic losses in the event of an outbreak, alongside the role of local chickens in the transmission cycle of NDV to other avian species. Vaccination of local chickens were possible is advocated for.

Key words: Poultry diseases, Newcastle disease, haemagglutination inhibition, antibody titre

Download full journal in PDF below

Detection of serum antibody levels against newcastle disease in local chickens in Bauchi metropolis, Bauchi state, Nigeria

Posted on

Nosocomial infections and the challenges of control in developing countries

S.O Samuel, O.O Kayode, O.I Musa, G.C Nwigwe, A.O Aboderin, T.A.T Salami, S.S Taiwo

 

Abstract

Nosocomial infection is a recognized public health problem world-wide with a prevalence rate of 3.0-20.7% and an incidence rate of 5-10%. It has become increasingly obvious that infections acquired in the hospital lead to increased morbidity and mortality which has added noticeably to economic burden. However, after about three decades of nosocomial infection surveillance and control world-wide, it still remains an important problem for hospitals today. Studies have shown that most hospitals in developing countries especially Africa, have no effective infection control programme due to lack of awareness of the problem, lack of personnel, poor water supply, erratic electricity supply, ineffective antibiotic policies with emergence of multiply antibiotic resistant microbes, poor laboratory backup, poor funding and non-adherence to safe practices by health workers. It is recommended that the cost of hospital infection control programme should be included in the health budget of the country and fund allocated for the infection control committee for routine control purposes and to bear the cost of outbreaks. There is need for adequate staffing and continuous education of staff on the principles of infection control, especially hand washing which is the single most important effective measure to reduce the risks of cross infection.

Download full journal in PDF below

Nosocomial infections and the challenges of control in developing countries

Posted on

In vitro surveillance of drug resistant falciparum malaria in north central Nigeria

T.F Ikpa, J.A Ajayi, G.N Imandeh, J.I Usar

 

Abstract

Background: drug resistant malaria is spreading inexorably to areas with drug sensitive malaria parasites. This study compared the in vitro sensitivities of Plasmodium falciparum fresh parasite isolates, to some standard antimalarial drugs, in Makurdi and Masaka located over 300 km apart, in north central Nigeria. Methods: The in vitro responses of P. falciparum isolates; 43 and 39 in Makurdi and Masaka were evaluated by the standard schizonts growth inhibition assay in children aged 2-14 years. Results: The geometric mean effective concentration-EC50, EC90 and EC99 of quinine between Makurdi and Masaka differed significantly (P < 0.05). A similar difference (P < 0.05), was observed with the artesunate antimalarial at EC90 and EC99 levels, but not at EC50. No significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed in the EC values of amodiaquine between the two locations. 5.13 % (2/39) of parasites at Masaka were in vitro resistant to amodiaquine with EC50 > 80 nM. The rest of the isolates were sensitive to the three antimalarial drugs at both locations. Conclusion: The results demonstrated low in vitro resistance of P. falciparum to amodiaquine in the region. Constant monitoring and intervention is needed to curtail the spread of resistance to antimalarials in Nigeria.

KEY WORDS: Plasmodium falciparum, Resistance, Antimalarials, Nigeria.

Download full journal in PDF below

In vitro surveillance of drug resistant falciparum malaria in north central Nigeria

Posted on

Relationships between blood cell counts and the density of malaria parasites among patients at the regional hospital, Limbe, Cameroo

KFH Lucien, A Atah, N Longdoh

 

Abstract

Malaria is one of the most important infectious disease in Cameroon and throughout the world [1]. Globally it results in an estimated 400 millions cases and about 3 millions deaths each year, most of these deaths in children aged 1 to 5 in Sub-Saharan Africa, making it the biggest single infections killer of children in the world [1]. It is a major public health problem in Cameroon, with its prevalence and incidence appearing to be on the increase owing to the lack of adequate control measures [6]. This study was designed to determine the correlation between blood cell counts and the density of malaria parasitemia amongst patients who presented for consultation at the Regional Hospital Limbe (RHL). A total of 100 consecutive patients suffering from malaria who consented to participating in this study were recruited and venous blood (3-5ml) was collected by venepuncture. Thick and thin blood films were prepared, stained and microscopically examined for the presence of malaria parasites. Total blood cells and differential white cell counts were performed using a coulter counter. The findings depicted a negative correlation between parasite load and haemoglobin concentration [Hb], mean cell volume (MCV), and mean cell haemoglobin (MCH); a positive correlation of parasite density with white blood cell counts (WBC), red blood cell counts (RBC), and the differential white blood cell counts (lymphocyte, monocyte, and granulocytes); and no correlation was observed with the platelet counts.

Download full journal in PDF below

Relationships between blood cell counts and the density of malaria parasites among patients at the regional hospital, Limbe, Cameroon.