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Etiologic agents of lower respiratory tract infections among patients attending tuberculosis clinic in Benin City, Nigeria

E.E. Ibadin, H.O. Ogefere, T.O. Ehondor

 

Abstract

The emergence of HIV has reawakened the tuberculosis (TB) scourge and infected patients are prone to opportunistic infections, this study was carried out to determine the HIV status and etiologic agents of Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) among tuberculosis suspected patients in Benin City, Nigeria. The study was cross sectional. A total of 276 patients attending tuberculosis clinic were recruited. Questionnaires were filled for each patient. Blood and sputum specimens were collected in plain and sterile containers respectively and transported immediately to the laboratory. Blood samples were screened for the presence of HIV antibodies. The sputum specimens were then cultured following standard microbiological procedure, and thereafter processed using the GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay. Emergent bacterial colonies were identified and susceptibility testing was carried out following standard microbiological techniques. A total of 118 (42.8%) non-mycobacterial bacterial agents were recovered from the patients. Patients were more likely to be culture positive for LRTI in comparison with TB infection (p < 0.0001). There was no association between TB and HIV status (OR = 0.6161, 95%CI = 0.226, 1.648, p = 0.4474). HIV positive patients were more likely to be culture positive for bacterial agents and Klebsiella pneumoniae was more likely to be recovered (p = 0.0338). The fluoroquinolones, gentamicin and ceftriaxone-sulbactam were the most active antibacterial agents against bacterial isolates. The prevalence of LRTI in this study was 52.2%. The study draws attention on the need for physicians to request for bacteriological culture (non-mycobacterial) alongside the TB diagnostic algorithm in suspected TB cases.

Keywords: Tuberculosis, HIV, opportunistic infections, patients, bacteria

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Etiologic agents of lower respiratory tract infections among patients attending tuberculosis clinic in Benin City, Nigeria

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The prevalence of non-tuberculous recurrent cough in-patients within Cross River State, Nigeria

M.M. Akpan, A.A. Adegoke

 

Abstract

Introduction: Nontuberculous recurrent cough is becoming rampant among hospitalized patients.

Aim: Hospitalized patients and out-patients in some hospitals in Cross River State were studied for the prevalence of nontuberculous recurrent cough in the state

Methods: This was carried out using standard procedures in Microbiology.

Results: The bacterial isolates from the sputum samples were Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Haemophilus influenzae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The patients’ age group 20 – 39 years had the highest prevalence of non – tuberculous recurrent cough (46.7%) while the least prevalence of 1.0% was among the age group ≥ 80 years. The prevalence rate of 33.7% was the highest among the social class and businessmen, while the least prevalence rate of 8.2% was found among students. Out of a total of 1466 samples studied, 93.6% was nontuberculous cases.

Conclusion: Mycobacterium tuberculosis is therefore not the predominant cause of cough in the study area as at the time of this study

Keywords: non-tuberculosis, recurrent cough, Ziehl-Neelsen, Mycobacterium tuberculosis

The prevalence of non-tuberculous recurrent cough in-patients within Cross River State, Nigeria

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Molecular study of Helicobacter pylori virulence genes CagA, Hpa and BabA2 in Egyptian patients

M.E.S. Zaki, M.A. Rizk, A.O. Bakr, Mahmoud Mahmoud, M.A. Ali, A Shehta

 

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to detect virulence genes of Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) cagA, babA2 and hpa in gastric biopsies from patients with different stages of gastritis by polymerase chain reaction to correlate the presence of genes with the severity of the diseases.

Method: A total of 80 non repetitive gastric biopsies from antrum of the stomach were obtained from the patients and subjected to study for histological examination, unease activity, culture for H.pylori, and polymerase chain reaction studies of virulence genes cagA, babA2 and hpa.

Results: The most frequent detected gene by PCR was hpa (66.7%) and followed by cagA and babA2 (61.6%) for each. There was significant association between the three genes (P=0.0001). The study of the association between the virulence gene of H.pylori and different clinical symptoms revealed significant association of dyspepsia with cagA(P=0.001) babA2 and hpa (P=0.0001), regurgitation with cagA and babA2( P=0.002),vomiting with cagA and babA2 (P=0.01, P=0.002, respectively) and nausea with cagA and babA2 (P=0.0001, P=0.03, respectively). The virulence genes were detected in gastric ulcer. The degree of inflammation in histopathological examination was also statistically significant associated with the presence of virulences genes cagA (P=0.01), babA2 (p=0.0001) and hpa (P=0.0001)

The present study highlights the presence of virulence genes in H.pylori associated with gastric ulcer. The genes cagA, babA2 and hpa are prevalent among the strains affecting the patients. Moreover, these genes are associated with marked clinical and pathological severity. The genes are significantly associated with each other. Further studies are recommended to validate these findings.

Keywords: Gastritis, Genotypes, H.pylori, cagA, babA2, hpa, PCR

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Molecular study of Helicobacter pylori virulence genes CagA, Hpa and BabA2 in Egyptian patients

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Asymptomatic bacteriuria in an apparently healthy population and its relation to hypertension

B.W. Odetoyin, O Olaniran, D.O. Afolayan, I.A. Aderibigbe, O Alaka, A.A. Onanuga

 

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a major health problem in sub-Sahara Africa. Several studies have suggested a role of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) in the aetiology of hypertension, but there is a dearth of information on this association in Africa where the burden of hypertension is high. We investigated the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria, its association with hypertension and determined the antibiotic resistance patterns of implicated bacterial isolates in an urban community of Ile-Ife.

Methods: One hundred and seventy-four apparently healthy individuals were investigated for ASB. Relevant information was obtained from them with standard proforma. Their Blood pressure was measured with a standard mercury sphygmomanometer. All samples were processed on cysteine lactose electrolyte deficient medium and chocolate agar. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion technique.

Results:Fifty (28.7%) individuals were positive for ASB. ASB was commonly detected among the female subjects (X2=5.619; p-value = 0.01777), and among individuals in the age group of 50 59 years. Those that were hypertensive were two and a half times more likely to have ASB (Odd ratio=2.5; p-value=0.01369; CI=1.19-5.35). The highest percentage of hypertensive female participants with ASB was found in the age group of 30-39 years (33.3%) while among the male participants, the highest percentage was found in the age group of 60-69 years (9.5%). Escherichia coli (n=13; 26%) and Staphylococcus aureus (n=13; 26%) were the commonest organisms implicated in ASB. The majority of the isolates (>90%) were multidrug resistant. Isolates of Escherichia coli were commonly resistant to ampicillin (83.3%), ceftriaxone (72.7%) and cefepime (66.7%). Isolates of Staphylococcus aureus were all (100%) resistant to erythromycin, cloxacillin and streptomycin. All isolates were least resistant to cotrimoxazole (<8%).

Conclusion: Women as well as men in the age group of 50-59 years were more likely to develop ASB. ASB could be contributing to the rising incidence of hypertension in this environment. Co-occurrence of hypertension and ASB portends a grave problem for apparently healthy individuals in this environment.

Keywords: Asymptomatic bacteriuria, Hypertension, Escherichia coli, healthy individuals, urban community

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Asymptomatic bacteriuria in an apparently healthy population and its relation to hypertension

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Comparative study of microbial, proximate and heavy metal compositions of some gastropods, bivalve and crustacean seafood

S Oranusi, E.D. Effiong, N.U. Duru

 

Abstract

Background: Seafood are known to be nutritionally rich, however, water bodies from where these foods are harvested are often burdened with wastes from industries, household and run-offs. Thus seafood can harbor pathogenic microorganisms and heavy metals which can pose a serious health hazard to consumers.

Materials and Methods: In this study, 5kg each of Littorina littorea, Achatina fulica,Tympanotonos fuscatus, Dorsanum miran, Egeria radiateand Penaeus notialis were investigated for microbial, proximate and heavy metal qualities using standard microbiological and chemical methods of analysis.

Results: The gastropod mollusks Tympanotonos fuscatus, Littorina littorea and Achatina fulica had significantly (p≤0.05) higher microbial loads compared to other samples. All the samples had significantly (p≤0.05) higher coliform counts compared to standard specifications. The microbial isolates from the samples included species of Bacillus, Klebsiellae, Citrobacter, Providencia, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, yeasts, Alternaria, Absidia, Rhizopus, and Mucor. Antibiogram of the isolates revealed multiple resistances with 79.55% and 66.67% resistance to antibacterial and antifungal agents respectively. The seafood was rich in protein (8.0±0.03 to 46.0±0.03%) and fat (0.6±0.01 to 8.8±1.00%) but low in carbohydrate (1.18±0.84 to 3.81±0.86%).The heavy metal compositions of the seafood were generally low except for manganese 6.36±0.03ppm in Dorsanum miran and nickel 0.81±0.50 ppm in Penaeus notialis.

Conclusion: The microbial loads of the seafood are significantly (p≤0.05) higher in gastropods and more than acceptable standard, effective protection of water bodies for food cultivation and constant monitoring of seafood is necessary. Adequate processing and employing good manufacturing practices can reduce the microbial loads to an acceptable level and prevent food borne hazards that could be associated with seafood consumption.

Keywords: Seafood, Heavy metals, Microbial profile, proximate compositions

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Comparative study of microbial, proximate and heavy metal compositions of some gastropods, bivalve and crustacean seafood

 

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Prevalence of hookworm species among butchers in Akure Metropolis

O.O. Ifayefunmi, I.K. Adewuyi, R.A. Agunlejika, J.F. Akinseye, S.B. Ayuba

 

Abstract

The prevalence of hookworm species among butchers in Akure metropolis was carried out by collecting 200 feacal specimens from four different abattoirs within Akure Metropolis. The specimen was examined by iodine preparations for a clearer picture of the eggs and formol-ether technique. The result obtained from this study showed that there was significant difference between (P<0.05) hookworm infection and gender distribution with masculine gender accounting for an infectivity rare of 71.4% while the female gender shows infectivity rate of 28.6%. it was equally observed the hookworm infection usually existed solely or alongside with other helminthes with infectivity rate of 5.5%.

Keywords: Hookworm, Butchers, Akure

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Prevalence of hookworm species among butchers in Akure Metropolis

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Re-emergence of monkeypox in Nigeria: a cause for concern and public enlightenment

A Fowotade, T.O. Fasuyi, R.A. Bakare

 

Abstract

Monkey pox infection is a zoonotic infection transmitted by direct or indirect contact with blood, body fluids and lesions of an infected animal. Human to human spread of Monkey pox has been described and infection is usually self-limiting, with an incubation period of 6-16 days. In Nigeria, the last case of monkey pox infection was recorded over 46 years ago. The recent emergence in Nigeria occurred in the year 2017 and was reported to have spread to 24 states with 228 suspected individuals affected. Laboratory diagnosis, as well as management and prevention of monkey pox infection in Nigeria, remain challenging as Nigeria is a resource-poor country with limited infrastructure, technical skill and training which is required in making a diagnosis. The ability of the monkey pox virus to evolve, its potential bioterrorism potential, as well as its recent emergence in Nigeria further justifies the need for improving the understanding of the presentation and prevention of monkey pox infection.

Keywords: monkey pox, emerging virus, Nigeria, rash, zoonosis, orthopox

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Re-emergence of monkeypox in Nigeria a cause for concern and public enlightenment

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Antimicrobial resistance pattern of clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli on carbapenems

A.A. Ajayi, A.E. Salubi, B Lawal, A.E. Onibokun, O.M. Ajayi, T.A. Ogunleye

 

Abstract

Pectinases are a group of enzymes that catalyze the breakdown of pectin. Pectinase producing Aspergillus niger was obtained from a five-day old Eba (Cassava flakes). Response surface methodology was used for optimizing the process of the pectinase produced. Four independent variables which are, temperature, pH, substrate concentration and time of Heating at  70oC were used to optimize the significant correlation between the effects of the variables on pectinase production. A second-order polynomial was fitted to data and validated by ANOVA. The results revealed maximum pectinase production at pH 6.0, 50oC Temperature, 0.02% substrate concentration and the enzyme lost all its activity within 7 min of heating at 70oC. The study revealed that optimization of pectinase through RSM could improve the enzymatic characteristics and yield of the enzyme. The models used were highly significant with a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.901

Keywords: Pectinase; Aspergillus niger; Response Surface Methodology; Central Composite Design

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Optimization of pectinase production by Aspergillus niger using central composite design

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Antimicrobial resistance pattern of clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli on carbapenems

E.K. Oladipo, O.A. Ajibade, I.J. Adeosun, E.H. Awoyelu, S.B. Akinade, O.A. Alabi, O.A. Ayilara

 

Abstract

Background: Carbapenems are the most effective and important  therapeutic options to serious infections caused by Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates. However, Carbepenems resistant  isolates of  Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeroginosa are increasing worldwide. This study, therefore, was carried out to determine the resistance pattern of clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli to Carbapenems.

Methods: Fifty (50) E. coli and forty seven (47) Pseudomonas aeruginosa  isolates were studied. Antibiotic  Susceptibility test was performed as recommended by the CLSI. The antibiotics used were Ertapenem,  Imipenem, Colistin Sulphate, Levofloxacin, and Piperacillin/Tazobactam.

Results: Out of 97 clinical isolates subjected to drug susceptibilities test,  Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed resistance to Ertapenem (87.2%); followed by Levofloxacin (19.1%), Colistin sulphate (12.8%),  Piperacillin/tazobactan (4.3%) and Imipenem (2.1%) while E.coli displayed resistance to Ertapenem (30%), Levofloxacin (20%) and Colistin sulphate
(4%). Interestingly, E coli was susceptible to Imipenem (0%) and   Piperacillin/tazobactan (0%). A significant effect of Ertapenem on  Pseudomonas aeruginosa was recorded. Also a significant effect of  Piperacillin/Tazobactam was recorded on E coli. No significant effect was recorded among the other antibiotics on P aeruginosa or E coli.

Conclusion: There is a high level of Carbapenems resistance among the clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa compared to Escherichia coli in this study. Considering the therapeutic value of Carbapenems as one of the last options for the treatment of Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, rational Carbapenems usage is essential to reduce selective pressure over Enterobacteriaceae andPseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates.

Keywords: Carbapenems, Antibiotics, Nosocomial, Susceptibility

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Antimicrobial resistance pattern of clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli on carbapenems

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Public health implications of Salmonella species contamination of naira notes obtained from butchers in Abakaliki meat market, Ebonyi state

I.B. Moses, E.N. Ugbo, I.R. Iroha, E.G. Ukpai, S.C. Eluu, D.C. Ilang, S.N. Otozi

 

Abstract

Daily transactions have made paper currencies to pass through many  hands, and pathogens become imposed on them before they are finally deposited in banks. This study evaluates the public health implications of Salmonella species contamination of naira notes obtained from butchers in Abakaliki meat market, Ebonyi State. A total of 95 samples of naira notes in different denominations (N5 to N1000) were randomly collected from butchers within Abakaliki metropolis between the months of March and May, 2016. All the naira note samples were analysed using standard  microbiological procedures. A total of nine (9.5 %) Salmonella spp isolates were obtained from the 95 naira note samples. All the Salmonella spp  isolates were completely resistant (100 %) to ceftazidime. The highest susceptibility frequency was observed for ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, meropenem, imipenem, and ofloxacin with values ranging from 88.9 % – 77.8 %. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean percentage resistance and susceptibility of the Salmonella spp isolates (P ˂ 0.05). Most of the Salmonella spp isolates exhibited multi-drug resistant traits as they were resistant to at least two different classes of antibiotics. The average multiple antibiotic resistance indices (MARI) of the Salmonella spp isolates was 0.35. This study shows that ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, meropenem, imipenem, and ofloxacin are still effective in the treatment of bacterial infections caused by Salmonella spp. Proper and hygienic handling of paper currencies is of public health importance so as to avert health challenges associated with microbial contamination of bank notes especially Salmonella spp.

Keywords: Salmonella, Naira notes, butchers, antibiotics, public health

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Public health implications of Salmonella species contamination of naira notes obtained from butchers in Abakaliki meat market, Ebonyi state