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The use of morphological and cell wall chemical markers in the identification of Streptomyces species associated with Actinomycetoma

Me Hamid

 

Abstract

Most aerobic, filamentous, spore-forming actinomycetes are saprophytes but some are considered pathogens of humans and animals, notable examples are the causal agents of mycetoma. The present study aimed to identify Streptomyces spp. isolated from actinomycetoma cases in Sudan by examining some morphological traits and analyzing the cell wall composition. Nineteen Streptomyces strains isolated from purulent materials of patients with mycetoma (human) or fistulous withers (donkeys) were included in the study. Isolates were tentatively identified as Streptomyces species based on morphological and cultural characteristics. Cell wall analysis of isolates yielded LLdiaminopimelic
acid (LL-DAP) which authenticates that the isolates are members of genus Streptomyces. The isolates, though they are Streptomyces, but are variable phenotypes. The study concluded that using few selected criteria, as above, would allow identification of unknown actinomycetoma agent to the genus level. The study also assumes that apparently limitless, numbers of saprophytic Streptomyces enter human or animal skin tissue causing actinomycetoma and perhaps other complications in man and animals.

KEYWORDS: Actinomycetoma, Streptomyces species, Madura foot, Sudan

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The use of morphological and cell wall chemical markers in the identification of Streptomyces species associated with Actinomycetoma

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Lipid profile of drug naive HIV patients in a tertiary health facility in Lagos, Nigeria

MO Uwandu, AP Okwuraiwe, OS Amoo, RA Audu, RN Okoye, CT Oparaugo, CK Onwuamah, OA Magbagbeola

 

Abstract

Aim: To determine the effect of HIV syndrome on lipid profile in a cohort of Nigerians.
Objective: To determine the concentrations of total cholesterol (Tchol), triglyceride (TGL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), and low density lipoprotein (LDL) in HIV positive drug naive patients as against HIV negative people.
Methods: This study examined the lipid profiles of 50 HIV positive individuals (test group), and 50 HIV negative individuals (control group) at the Human Virology Laboratory of Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Lagos, Nigeria. Informed consent was obtained and the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of NIMR approved the study. A questionnaire based assessment was provided for the individuals to complete, before 5 ml of blood was taken by venopuncture. Blood collected in plain tubes was centrifuged at 3500 rpm for 10 minutes and the serum obtained, used for the various lipid profile tests mentioned above.
Statistical analysis on data from the questionnaire was done using Epi info 2000 (CDC).
Results: The median lipid profile values for the control group were 168, 85, 99 and 58 mg/dl for Tchol, TGL, HDL and LDL respectively. Conversely, median lipid profile values for the HIV positive patients were 145, 98, 53, and 67 mg/dl for Tchol, TGL, HDL and LDL respectively. P values greater than 0.05 were taken to indicate an insignificant difference between the lipid profiles of the two groups.
Conclusion: Based on results obtained, there were significant differences in the Tchol and HDL values between the two groups, indicating a possible effect of HIV on lipid profile for drug naive patients.

Key words: lipid profile, HIV, TGL, HDL, LDL, Tchol.

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Lipid profile of drug naive HIV patients in a tertiary health facility in Lagos, Nigeria

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Study of oral and gingival microbial flora in institutionalized mentally retarded patients of Sari-2011

M Mohammad, A Akhavan, F Abedian, AM Mirabi

 

Abstract

Introduction and Objectives: Mental retardation (MR) is a generalized disorder appearing before adulthood, characterized by significantly impaired cognitive function and deficits in two or more adaptive behaviors. The prevalence and severity of dental caries‚gingivitis and periodontitis is high in patients with mental retardation. This shift to a diseased state may lead to the experience of a high mortality from septicemia‚ sepsis‚ pneumonia and endocarditis.Our purpose was to study oral and gingival microbial flora in institutionalized mentally retarded patients of Sari and to estimate D% (percentage with untreated decayed teeth) and DMFT% (percentage of population affected with dental caries)
Materials and Methods: This study was a descriptive cross-sectional type in which Plaque samples were collected from the mouth and gingiva of 138 institutionalized mentally retarded patients of Sari to culture in specific media to identify the microorganisms. In this study anaerobic bacteria were not isolated because the instrument was not available in the laboratory. The information has been analyzed by X2 T-test methods by SPSS 17 software.
Results: The isolated microorganisms were: pnuemococci S(37.7%); Streptococci sp(18.8%); E.coli (16.7%); Staphylococcus(1.4%); Neisseria sp(45/6%); Salmonella(8.7%); Proteus(3.6%); Diphteroid (4.2%); Pseudomonas(0.7%). The percentage of resistant strains was found to be highest with penicillin(67.9%) and lowest with vancomycin(11%).
Conclusion: D% between all the patients were (66.66%) . Bacterial flora in mentally retarded patients were significanty higher in frequency than in normal persons. With improvement in oral health care, we can decrease
these undesirable changes.

Key words: Oral and gingival microbial flora, Mental retardation, D%, Sari

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Study of oral and gingival microbial flora in institutionalized mentally retarded patients of Sari 2011

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Antibacterial properties of Mangifera indica on Staphylococcus aureus

J Mushore, M Matuvhunye

 

Abstract

Antibacterial activity of Mangifera indica stem bark extracts was determined using disk diffusion, agar and broth dilution methods. In disk diffusion method, inhibition zone sizes were used to determine the susceptibility of S. aureus to the extracts. The results showed that the stem-bark extracts of M. indica have antimicrobial activity against S. aureus. Methanol extracts showed the highest inhibition zone diameter of 25 mm, followed by ethyl acetate, water and hexane extracts with inhibition zone diameter of 22 mm, 14 mm and 10 mm, respectively. The antibacterial activities of different extracts were found to be concentration dependent, in agar and broth dilution methods. The plant extracts were shown to have a MIC range of 0.62 mg/ml to 4.17 mg/ml, in agar dilution method. Results from the broth dilution method had a MIC range of 0.16 mg/ml to 1.25 mg/ml. The control (ampicillin) was however, more effective than plant extracts since only a concentration of 0.03 mg/ml in agar dilution and 0.001 mg/ml in broth dilution method were effective to inhibit the growth of S. aureus. The extracts were shown to be bacteriostatic at low concentrations. Phytochemical screening of the extracts revealed the presence of phyto-compounds such as alkaloids and tannins which are known to inhibit bacterial growth by different mechanisms from those of synthetic drugs. These phyto-constituents may be responsible for the M. indica antibacterial
activity.

Keywords: Staphylococcus aureus, antimicrobial activity, MIC, Phytochemical screening, MBC.

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Antibacterial properties of Mangifera indica on Staphylococcus aureus

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Knowledge, attitudes and practices of prevention of mother to child transmision of HIV among women in Laroo Division Gulu Municipality, Uganda

P Kayima, G Bandoga, M Emusugut, M Nassimu, RD Obua, PA Okello, KK Okumu, F Duku, EI Odongo-Aginya

 

Abstract

This study is exploring the knowledge, attitudes and practices of Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) among child bearing women aged between 15- 45 years old in Laroo division in Gulu municipality. The goal of the study was to determine the level of attitude as well as of knowledge and belief about PMTCT and proportion of women practicing it among the child bearing women of Laroo Division. The Cross-sectional and Descriptive study design was applied in multistage sampling method with random selection of a parish followed by random selection of a village within the parish from which a sample of homesteads was randomly selected. From each homesteads, a single respondent was randomly selected and registered in the study. Questionnaires were given to respondents that had consented to take part in the study. A total of 208 respondents were registered and interviewed in a period of February to march 2011. There were 165 (79.3%) of the mothers who had knowledge about various PMTCT methods. Of these 86(52%) heard about PMTCT first from hospital. 50 (30%) knew about exclusive breast feeding, while another 50(30%) use of ART, 45(27%) knew about replacement feedings and only 21(13%) knew of elective caesarean section as method of PMTCT. However the majority of the mothers 159(96.5%) thought that PMTCT was beneficial. Nevertheless some mothers thought that PMTCT causes various counter indications including infertility 17 (10.5%) and abnormalities in children at birth 27 (16.7). Their HIV serostatus also varied. Of the 135(81.7%) screened for HIV 42(31.2%) tested HIV positive and only 27 (64.2%) used contraceptives to prevent pregnancy while they were HIV positive. However of the correspondents who tested positive in their last HIV tests, the majority (83%) had had at least a pregnancy after testing HIV positive of which 6.8% did not practice PMTCT. Our study suggests evidence that Knowledge, attitude and practice of PMTCT among women of reproductive age in Laroo Division in Gulu municipality in Northern Uganda is adequate.
Nevertheless with the infection rate of 31.2% among them points out that there is a substantial burden of HIV in the women community.
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Transfusion transmissible viral infections among potential blood donors in Ibadan, Nigeria

AY Afolabi, A Abraham, EK Oladipo, AO Adefolarin, AH Fagbami

 

Abstract

It is evident that proper screening procedures prior blood transfusion is a cost-effective approach for prevention and control of transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs). Also, it has been documented that sub-standard test kits are mostly used in resource limited settings for transfusion related diagnosis. However, the role of such practice in epidemiology of transfusion transmissible viral infections in a tertiary health care facility would give an insight to the rates of blood transfusion associated viral transmission in the community at large. Therefore, the study was designed to determine the prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C viruses among blood donors in a tertiary hospital where quality diagnostic procedures are considered prior recruitment of donors. Post ethical approval, counselled and consenting 507(M= 426; F=81) aged 19 to 68 years (Median age:39) potential blood donors were recruited and tested for HIV, HBsAg and anti-HCV using commercial ELISA testkit in strict compliance with the manufacturer’sprocedures. Overall results show rates of 2.0%, 5.9% and 1.4% for HIV, HBsAg and HCV respectively. Also, highest prevalence rates were recorded among age group 26 to 35 years as 2.6%, 7.2% and 2.1% for HIV, HBV and HCV respectively. Furthermore, higher prevalences rates were noted among unmarried individuals as 2.6%, 6.8% and 2.1% for HIV, HBV and HCV respectively.

Key words: Transfusion Transmissible Infections, HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Blood Donors, University College Hospital (UCH), ELISA.

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Transfusion transmissible viral infections among potential blood donors in Ibadan, Nigeria

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Antimalarial use and the associated factors in rural nigeria following implementation of affordable medicines facility-malaria (amfm) price subsidy

AM Efunshile, A Fowotade, OB Makanjuola, EI Oyediran, OO Olusanya, B Koenig

 

Abstract

Purpose: This study was set out to find out the pattern of antimalarial drug use in a Nigerian rural community following the aggressive price subsidy of Artemisinin Combination Therapy(ACT) recently embarked upon by Roll Back Malaria partners through Affordable Medicines Facility-malaria (AMFm).
Methods: Questioners were administered to 310 adult members of the community with the most recent malaria episodes so as to find out about the drugs used and some of the factors associated with the choice of the drug.

Result: Although the overall use of ACT (13.55%) in this community was about 4 times higher than what it used to be, Chloroquine 123(39.62%) and sulphadozine/pyrimathamine 120(38.71%) were the mostly used antimalarial agents. Choice of drug used was significantly associated with perception of efficacy and price among other factors. Respondents liked the price of ACT (33.3%) most, CQ was the drug most liked in terms of efficacy (44.2%) while SP was the drug most liked in terms of lack of side effect (38.9%), taste (61.6%) and convenience (35.7%).( P= 0.001)
Conclusion: In addition to sustaining the current price control, there is a need to continuously monitor and effectively regulate the quality of the ACTs in circulation so as to gain the confidence of both the prescribers and the end users regarding efficacy and adherence to ACTs. This will help to safeguard the huge investment in ACT subsidy by the Roll Back Malaria partners.

Key words: ACT, Subsidy, Affordable Medicines Facility-malaria

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Antimalarial use and the associated factors in rural nigeria following implementation of affordable medicines facility-malaria (amfm) price subsidy

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Neonatal infections caused by Escherichia coli at the National Hospital, Abuja: a three-year retrospective study

KC Iregbu, KO Zubair, IF Modibbo, AI Aigbe, SA Sonibare, OM Ayoola

 

Abstract

Background: Escherichia coli (E.coli) has been implicated as a common cause of both early and late onset neonatal infections. The emergence of different strains of E.coli that are multiply resistant to commonly used antibiotics has made continuous antibiotics surveillance relevant. Knowledge about common infections caused by E.coli as well as its antibiotics susceptibility pattern will guide paediatricians in choosing appropriate antibiotics for empirical treatment of neonatal infections.
Methods: A retrospective study of E.coli neonatal infections in NHA was conduct for the period 1st January 2010 to 31st December 2012. The records of all specimens submitted to the Medical Microbiology laboratory within the neonatal period (first 28 days of life) were examined and data about E.coli isolates and their antibiotics susceptibility pattern were retrieved and evaluated.
Results: 251(33.2%) bacteria were isolated out of a total of 757 specimen submitted for analysis within the period under review. 17(6.8%) were E.coli; 16 were from soft tissue specimen and one from blood. There was no isolate of E.coli from CSF. Most of the isolates were resistant to commonly used antibiotics for treatment of neonatal infections. Three isolates were resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanate and ceftriaxone. One isolate was resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanate, ceftriaxone and imipenem. 100% and 80% of the strains tested were susceptible to amikacin and imipenem respectively.
Conclusion: E.coli is third among the gram negative bacteria isolated within the period under review. Most of them were resistant to commonly used antibiotics for treating neonatal infections but, susceptible to amikacin and imipenem. There is need for regular antibiotics resistance surveillance and stewardship.

Keywords: Neonates, E.coli Infections, Antibiotics Resistance, Abuja.

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Neonatal infections caused by Escherichia coli at the National Hospital, Abuja a three-year retrospective study

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Urine culture contamination: a one-year retrospective study at the national hospital, Abuja

KC Iregbu, N Medugu, N Abdullahi, AI Aigbe, IF Modibbo, PI Nwajiobi-Princewill, SA Shettima

 

Abstract

Background: Urine culture contamination is a significant cause of delay in treatment of patients being investigated for urinary tract
infection. Though contamination is not completely avoidable, several measures have been proven to decrease contamination rates.
There are few studies detailing urine contamination rates in laboratories in Nigeria.
Aim: To determine the frequency and factors associated with urine culture contamination in samples submitted to the Medical
Microbiology Laboratory in National Hospital Abuja (NHA).
Method: Retrospective study of urine culture contamination in which data from Medical Microbiology Laboratory from January 1 to
December 31 2012 at National Hospital Abuja were reviewed. Patients’ age, gender, location and urine culture result were assessed.
Contamination rates for different genders, age groups and departments were assessed and results presented in simple averages and
percentages.
Results: Overall contamination rate was 13.1%. Females had a contamination rate of 16.9%, which was significantly higher than the
contamination rate of 6.8% in males. The Gynaecology and Antenatal clinics had the highest contamination rates amongst departments
with 22.5% and 21.3% respectively. Lowest contamination rates were in Emergency Paediatric Unit (EPU) and intensive Care Unit (ICU)
with rates of 5.9%and 9.5% respectively. The female gender was found to be the most significant predictor of higher contamination rate.
Conclusion: Contamination rate of urine cultures in this study is unacceptably high. Appropriate interventions need to be instituted to
reduce the current urine culture contamination rate in National Hospital Abuja.

Key Words: Urine, Contamination, National Hospital, Abuja.

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Urine culture contamination a one-year retrospective study at the national hospital, abuja

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Causative agents of keratomycosis in Ibadan: review of laboratory reports

SO Fayemiwo, VO Ogunleye, AO Ashaye, R Oladele, AJ Alli, RA Bakare

 

Abstract

Introduction: Fungi are responsible for less than 2.0 % of corneal infection around the globe. Trauma to the cornea is the leading cause of fungal keratitis especially with history of corneal trauma with vegetable or organic matter. Because of the dearth of data on the aetiological agents of Keratomycosis in this hospital, this study was aimed at finding the prevalence and fungal etiological agents responsible for this condition Ibadan, Nigeria. Methods: A retrospective review of the laboratory reports of corneal scrapings of patients that presented with signs and symptoms suggestive of Keratomycosis was carried out. The scrapings were subjected to wet preparation with 10.0 % KOH, Gram staining and Giemsa staining to rule out inclusion bodies. The diagnosis of Keratomycosis was made on the basis of the recognizable and characteristic appearance of fungal hyphae and fruiting bodies under microscopy. The media with no obvious growth after 3-4 weeks of incubation were regarded as negative. Results: A total of 48 specimens from patients with suspected diagnosis of Keratomycosis were included in the analysis. The patients consisted of 42 (87.3%) males and 6 (12.5%) females. The ages at diagnosis ranged from 3 to 73 years with a mean of 36.46 years and a median of 35.5 years. The prevalence of Keratomycosis among this group of patients in this hospital was 8.4 %. Candida albicans and Fusariumspp were the fungal isolates in these patients as it occurred in 4.2 % (2/48) of them respectively. Conclusions: Corneal scarring due to trauma or infections is a major cause of monocular blindness, especially in developing countries like Nigeria. Despite the low level of Keratomycosis in this study, high index of suspicion of possible diagnosis should be giving to patients with history of trauma, tissue devitalization with topical steroids and immunocompromised immunity.

Keywords: Keratomycosis, Corneal, Fusarium and Candida.

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Causative agents of keratomycosis in Ibadan review of laboratory reports