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Risk factors of cervical intraepithelial lesion in Douala-Cameroon: Implications of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2, Chlamydia Trachomatis and Treponema Pallidum

NRR Dongang, MML Koanga, NAR Ngono, M Wankam, NG Djiakam, B Djimeli, E Fossi, EC Brulet, PH Amvam Zollo

 

Abstract

Infection with high risk oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) such as HPVs 16 and 18 is the main cause of cervical cancer. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of Chlamydia trachomatis, Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV 2), Treponema pallidum and some sexual behaviour on malignant progression of cervical lesion in Douala, Cameroon. From July 2009 to January 2010, we performed routine cervical smears to 163 consenting women, who completed a questionnaire on risk factors of cervical cancer. Blood samples were obtained for each of these women and used for the detection of antibodies against Chlamydia trachomatis, HSV 2 and Treponema pallidum. Results obtained showed that 26/163 (17 LSIL and 9 HSIL) of women had abnormal cytology, 75.5% (123/163) had HSV 2 infection, 19% (31/163) infected by Chlamydia trachomatis and 4.3% (7/163) infected by Treponema pallidum. Among the LSIL-positive women 35.3% (6/17) and 94.1% (16/17) were infected with Chlamydia trachomatis and HSV 2 respectively. Among those with HSIL cytology, 22.2% (2/9), 66.7% (6/9) and 11.1% (1/9) respectively had Chlamydia trachomatis, HSV 2 and Treponema pallidum. High parity and pregnancy rate was observed among women with positive cytology. Our finding shown high rate of cervical abnormalities among women infected with HSV 2; and among those with a higher number of parities and pregnancies. These results suggest that further investigations should be made in Cameroon to access real burden of these risk factors in the progression and persistence of cervical lesion.

Key words: risk factors, cervical cancer, HSV 2, Chlamydia trachomatis, sexually transmitted infections.

Risk factors of cervical intraepithelial lesion in Douala-Cameroon Implications of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2, Chlamydia Trachomatis and Treponema Pallidum

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Weight gradient and physiological responses to cation-treatment by Salmonella enterica-infected rabbits

TI Ojiezeh, NI Ibeh, FJ Okoko

 

Abstract

Interest in immunomodulators is increasing following the recognition that positive immunomodulators could be useful intervention tools in the control of diseases and infections. An attempt to determine the effects of some of the cations on body weight and physiological reactions was carried out. Thirty five female adult New Zealand white rabbits grouped into seven, 5 pairs per each of these cations (Zn 2+, Cu 2+ and Mg 2+ ), and supplemented with 1ml/day of single and double strength concentrations of cation for 24 days; the control was not supplemented with any cation. During the study period the rabbits were fed with Guinea grower mash and water ad libitum. There was regular taking of body weight of the rabbits using a top- loading weighing balance, while feed consumption, rectal temperature, stool frequency, physical appearance and behavioural changes were noted. Weight gradient studies show gradual increase in body weight following cation treatment of rabbits, but after challenging the various groups with oral administration of 0.5 ml of 10 6 CFU / ml of saline suspension of Salmonella. enterica for three exposures on alternative days, there was a progressive decrease in body weight of rabbits. However, there was no significant difference in stool dropping, body weakness, dullness and rough furs in all the groups. Effects were more pronounced in control group than in cation supplemented groups. This result, therefore, provide evidence of the significance of zinc, copper and magnesium oral supplementation in mammals and, of course among these three cations, copper appears to be more effective in improving body weight gain, though the mechanism is not known.

Keyword: Trace elements, Body weight, Physiological responses, Salmonella enterica

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Weight gradient and physiological responses to cation-treatment by Salmonella enterica-infected rabbits

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Experience with Hepatitis B viral load testing in Nigeria

AP Okwuraiwe, OB Salu, CK Onwuamah, OS Amoo, NN Odunukwe, RA Audu

 

Abstract

Background: Quantification of the viral burden is an important laboratory tool in the management of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected patients. However, widespread use of assays is still hampered by the high cost. Treatment reduces viral load to undetectable levels. HBV infected patients tend to have high HBV DNA levels, and severe liver disease.
Objectives: This study was carried out to determine the pattern of HBV viral load levels of patients assessing management in Nigeria.
Method: Variables included sociodemographics like age, sex, religion, income, educational background and residence. The COBAS Amplicor automated Analyzer (PCR based) was used to assay the virus quantitatively.
Results: 594 patients were tested from 2008 to 2009. Statistical analysis was done using Epi info version 2002 and test of significance by Kruskal-Wallis. Mean age of the patients was 36.8 (ranging from 9 to 69) years. HBV viral titre ranged between 4,145 and 68,011,800 DNA copies/ml.
Conclusion: There was a high occurrence of viral titre in the population studied. High viral load is a risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma. A policy earmarked to combat this virus in Nigeria is hereby solicited.

Key words: HBV infection, HBV DNA, Nigeria

Experience with Hepatitis B viral load testing in Nigeria

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Molecular screening for Plasmodium falciparum resistance markers for artemisinins in Mbita, Kenya

LN Wangai, M Geoffrey, S Omar, G Magoma, FT Kimani, JM Mwangi, MW Burugu, N Maina

 

Abstract

Artemisinins-based combination therapies (ACTs) are being recommended against uncomplicated malaria in endemic areas of Africa. However, in these areas data on their long term usefulness is limited. It has been demonstrated that ACTs resistance may be due to single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the chemotherapeutic target, the SERCA-type ATPase protein (PfATPase6). This study analyzed PfATPase6 mutations in asymptomatic infections from samples collected from Mbita, a malaria endemic region in Kenya. Mutations in A623E and S769N residues were screened with gene specific primers followed by sequencing. The study demonstrates that there is no mutation in Mbita, Kenya because neither A623E nor S769N PfATPase6 mutations were detected. Resurgence of infections in this area could be due to re-infections and not drug failure. The study recommends that other sites be assessed for PfATPase 6 mutations to verify the long-term usefulness of ACT and monitor any emergency of resistance.

Keywords: ACT (Artemisinins-based Combination Therapy), Molecular, Mutations, PfATPase 6

Molecular screening for Plasmodium falciparum resistance markers for artemisinins in Mbita Kenya

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Prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in Comboni and Toklokpo Junior High Schools (JHS) at Sogakope

I Baido, PJ Adeti

 

Abstract

Schistosomiasis remains an important parasitic disease worldwide. The level of prevalence of schistosomiasis in the Sogakope district is essentially due to the frequent exposure of the inhabitants to water bodies such as the Lake Volta and other lakes. This research investigated the prevalence of schistosomiasis in Toklokpo (about two kilometres from the bank of the Volta River) and Comboni (situated along the bank of the river Volta) in the Sogakope district. A total of 150 samples of urine were taken: Seventy-five from Toklokpo JHS and 75 from Comboni JHS. Each of the 75 samples was selected randomly from boys and girls. The urine samples were processed by the centrifugal sedimentation technique. The total prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in the study area was 26%. The prevalence rates of urinary schistosomiasis in the two schools were 12.6% and 13.3% for Comboni JHS and Toklokpo JHS respectively. The highest prevalence occurred in the males between 10-11 years age group. For both sexes, Toklokpo Junior High School recorded higher prevalence of the disease numerically .It is recommended that urgent measure is taken to curb the menace.

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Prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in Comboni and Toklokpo Junior High Schools (JHS) at Sogakope

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Toxoplasma antibodies amongst HIV/AIDS patients attending the University Teaching Hospital Yaounde in Cameroon

JCN Assob, AL Njunda, DS Nsagha, HL Kamga, PE Weledji, VB Che

 

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is caused by an obligatory intracellular protozoon. It causes a wide range of diseases with toxoplasma encephalitis commonly encountered in HIV/AIDS patients. This work was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of toxoplasma antibodies (IgM and IgG) in HIV/AIDS patients attending the Yaoundé University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in Cameroon. Sera were collected from 133 HIV/AIDS patients at the out-patient department and the ELISA technique was employed serologically to determine toxoplasma antibodies. Of the 133 patients 83 (62.4%) were females and 59 (37.6%) were males; ninety three (69.9%) were positive for toxoplasma antibodies. Fourteen (10.8%) of the 93 of seropositive patients presented with both IgG and IgM-antibodies in their sera while fifty six (42.1%) and 8 (6.0%) were only sero-positive for toxoplasma IgG or IgM-antibody respectively This rate of infection was not dependent on the patient’s sex or age (X2=11.49, P>0.05). The data provides enough evidence to conclude that 64.7% of the positive cases were due to reactivated infection.

Key words: Toxoplasmosis, HIV/AIDS, Pregnancy, Risk factors, Prevalence, Yaounde, Cameroon.

Toxoplasma antibodies amongst HIVAIDS patients attending the University Teaching Hospital Yaounde in Cameroon

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In-Vitro efficacy of antimicrobial agents used in the treatment of bacterial eye infections in Ibadan, Nigeria

DO Ogbolu, OAT Alli, IE Ephraim, FA Olabiyi, OA Daini

 

Abstract

Failure to cure eye infections, and reduced potency in topical antimicrobials had been observed in South Western Nigeria, this study sought to evaluate in vitro, the efficacy of antimicrobial agents in the treatment of ocular infections. A total of 46 ocular bacterial isolates were recovered from the diagnostic laboratory of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, from conjunctival swabs of patients having underlying eye diseases (Cataracts, glaucoma and esotrapia), and from patients presenting with other symptoms of eye infections. The pathogens incriminated were Staphylococcus aureus (73.5%), Coagulase negative Staphylococci (13.3%), Klebsiella species (10.3%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (2.0%). Disc diffusion tests (Bauer-Kirby method) were carried out using ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, augmentin, cefuroxime and levofloxacin. Broth dilution techniques were thereafter performed using gentamicin, chloramphenicol and ciprofloxacin. The microlide- erythromycin was 63.0% efficacious, augmentin and cefuroxime showed 71.1% and 76% efficacy. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of commonly used topical antibiotics however showed different levels of resistance. Resistance to the aminoglycosides was marked, yielding 53.4% with MIC50= 8, MIC90 > 256, Resistance to chloramphenicol was even more marked 69.6% with MIC50= 16, MIC90= 64, the fluoroquinolones showed high efficacy- levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin showed 93.4% and 82.6% susceptibility respectively with MIC50 < 0.5, though slightly demonstrable resistance was observed (MIC90= 8). The study thus recommends the discontinuation of empirical therapy by physicians in order to stem the tide of resistance; it justifies the inclusion of the fluoroquinolones in susceptibility testing of ocular bacterial isolates, and its first line of choice if cure is warranted.

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In-Vitro efficacy of antimicrobial agents used in the treatment of bacterial eye infections in Ibadan, Nigeria

 

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Oral Candidiasis amongst cancer patients at Qods Hospital

SH Afraseyabi, A Afkhamzadeh, H Sabori, F Verdi, N Khaksar, B Mosavei, E Kalantar

 

Abstract

Background: Within the past two decades, Candida species have emerged as major human pathogens and are currently the fourth most common cause of nosocomial infection. Propose of this study was to determine the occurrence of oral Candidiasis among cancer patients at Qods hospitals in Sanandaj.
Materials and Methods: Sixty cancer patients were examined for oral candidiasis. For all patients, the clinical diagnosis had to be confirmed microbiologically by the presence of yeasts and / or hyphae or pseudohyphae on potassium hydroxide–treated smears of oral swabs. Oral samples were obtained and cultured on Sabouraud’s dextrose agar and CHROMagar.
Results: 25 out of the 60 patients (41.7%) were males and 35 (58.3%) were females ranging in age from 15 to 79 years. Gastrointestinal cancer and Breast cancer were the most frequent cancer in the studied group, accounting for 65 % and 18.4 % respectively. The mean weight of the patients was 52.67 Kg (range, 38– 80 Kg). Similarly, the mean of hospital stay was 3.58 days (range; 1-9 days). From these patients, 19 Candida spp were isolated; C. albicans alone outnumbered other species and accounted for 73.68% episodes of trash. For C. albicans isolates, the MIC values ranges from 1 to 9 Z g / ml μg / ml for polyenes and from 0.03 to 16 Z g / ml for the azole antifungals. All the Candida albicans had closely related MFCs values.
Conclusion: In conclusions, the finding of our study strongly suggest that oral candidiasis is a frequent complication among cancer patients, being C. albicans the main etiological agent.

Keywords: Cancer, Oral candidiasis, Candida albicans, Antifungal agents

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Oral Candidiasis amongst cancer patients at Qods Hospital

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Demodecosis in a dog

RIO Nwoha

 

Abstract

Dogs are the most common pet animals worldwide. They sometimes harbour a wide range of parasitic diseases with zoonotic potentials, predisposing humans to health risk. Demodecosis is a parasitic disease that is often seen in young dogs of less than a year, immunodeficient adults and old dogs. Generalized demodecosis when it occurs in a dog may take months and years to treat. Infected animal has persistent puritis due to intense itching from Demodex canis. Such animal often inflicts wounds on the body due to persistent scratching and therefore should not under go aesthetic surgery until demodecosis is completely treated. The constant scratching of the body by the dog could traumatize the surgical site perphaps leading to evisceration and death of the animal if not promptly handled.

Keywords: Dog, evisceration, generalized demodecosis, aesthetic surgery.

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Demodecosis in a dog