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Indentifying and modeling the distribution of cryptic reservoirs of Ebola virus using artificial intelligence

T.M. Kollars Jr., C. Senessie, G. Sunderland

 

Abstract

Fruit bats (Megachiroptera) have been found to be the principal reservoirs  of Ebola virus (EBOV) to humans. However, bats do not appear to be the primary reservoir in the environment and between outbreaks. The cryptic reservoir species of EBOV and its distribution have not been identified. The purpose of the study was to identify the most likely cryptic reservoir species of EBOV and the probable distribution of cryptic reservoir species where  EBOV could be maintained in Sierra Leone. The Bioagent Transport and Environmental Modeling System (BioTEMS) was used to analyze mammals, arthropods, plants and protists in order to identify the most likely species to be the cryptic reservoir for EBOV. ArcGIS and BioTEMS were used to  determine the probable distribution of cryptic reservoir species. BioTEMS identified free-living pathogenic amoebae (FLPA) as the probable cryptic reservoir species (Test Performance = 93.3). Diptera in the order Chrysops were also identified as possible secondary reservoirs and mechanical vectors of EBOV. Distribution of likely hot spots for FLPA and  phytotelmata/tree-holes were identified in several regions of Sierra Leone, primarily in the southeast and are similar to those predicted by other  authors, but at a much higher resolution (15 m for BioTEMS verses up to 5 km in other studies). Water-filled cavities (phytotelmata), specifically  tree-holes, were identified as the most likely sites for the cycle of  transmission to occur among FLPA and susceptible secondary reservoirs. Free-living pathogenic amoebae are not only pathogenic to humans and animals but they serve as reservoirs and Trojan horses of infection as well. Identifying what and where cryptic reservoirs of EBOV persist between  outbreaks provides an opportunity for the first time to conduct  environmental epidemiologic surveillance to mitigate outbreaks and to test anti-microbial delivery systems such as the ProVector® to reduce EBOV
and FLPA.

Keywords: Filovirus, Amoeba, Epidemiology, Machine Learning, Vector, Disaster Management

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Indentifying and modeling the distribution of cryptic reservoirs of Ebola virus using artificial intelligence

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Polymerase chain reaction versus enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in detection of Chlamydia trachomatis infection among gynaecological patients in southwestern Nigeria

T.A. Ajani, C.G. Anaedobe, T.A. Oluwasola, M.A. Ajani, S.A. Fayemiwo, R.A. Bakare

 

Abstract

Background:  Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis), is the most common bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infection, a major cause of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and female infertility. Since C. trachomatis infections are frequently asymptomatic with higher prevalence in developing countries, highly sensitive and affordable methods are desirable for routine screening and diagnosis. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of C. trachomatis-specific IgG antibody by ELISA as a screening tool for C. trachomatis infection, by comparing the performance of ELISA with the gold standard Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).

Method: In this cross sectional study, we enrolled 150 women attending infertility clinic at Ibadan between January and November, 2015. ELISA for detection of IgG antibodies specific to C. trachomatis major outer membrane protein (MOMP) was performed on the blood samples using third generation indirect Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and endocervical samples were analyzed for presence of C. trachomatisnucleic acid using PCR. Socio-demographic bio-data and gynaecological history were obtained with questionnaire; data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.0.

Results: Overall, 58 (38.7%) were positive for C. trachomatis specific IgG antibody by ELISA and 11 (7.3%) for C. trachomatis nucleic acid by PCR. Using PCR as the gold standard, ELISA had a sensitivity of 81.8% specificity of 64.8%, positive predictive value of 15.5% negative predictive value of 97.8% and accuracy of 66%.

Conclusion: The high sensitivity of the ELISA indicates that over 80% of patients identified as being positive in the screened population are truly infected. Also, the negative predictive value approaches 100% amongst those screened out as being
negative. Thus its use as a screening tool for C. trachomatis infection is warranted particularly in developing countries where cheaper and easier to use alternatives to PCR are in dire need.

Keywords: C. trachomatis, infertility, polymerase chain reaction, ELISA, sexually transmitted infections

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Polymerase chain reaction versus enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in detection of Chlamydia trachomatis infection among gynaecological patients in southwest

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In-vitro antimicrobial activity of crude extracts of Diospyros monbuttensis

O.O. Ayepola, G.I. Olasehinde, O.A. Adedeji, O.O. Adeyemi, O.A. Onile-Ere

 

Abstract

Diospyros species in folklore medicine are used as anti-inflammatory,  antibacterial, antioxidant, anticancer and antiviral agents. The in vitroantimicrobial activity of crude extracts of the leaves of Diospyros monbuttensis were evaluated against three bacterial species (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Micrococcus luteus ) and fungal strain (Aspergillus niger). Extraction was carried out using both polar and non-polar solvents (ethanol and water). The leaves were screened for phytochemical constituents and preliminary screening for antimicrobial activity carried out using the agar well diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using the agar well dilution method. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, glycosides and alkaloids in the plant. The ethanolic leaf extract of D. monbuttensis had no activity against the test organisms, but antimicrobial activity was observed for the aqueous extract against S. aureus and E. coli at all concentrations tested. The MIC of the aqueous extract of D. monbuttensis on S. aureus and E. coli was 0.78 mg/ml. The results of this study indicate that Diospyros monbuttensis leaves may be used for treatment of infections caused by S. aureus and E. coli.

Keywords: Diospyros monbuttensis, Antimicrobial activity, phytochemical screening

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In-vitro antimicrobial activity of crude extracts of Diospyros monbuttensis

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Serum and sputum surfactants -A and -D in multidrug-resistant and drugsensitive tuberculosis patients

A.A. Onifade, V.F. Edem, O.G. Arinola

 

Abstract

Abnormal production and function of surfactants are associated with pulmonary diseases. Also, pulmonary infections alter surfactant metabolism. Due to lack of information on the levels of surfactants A (SP-A) and D (SP-D) in Nigerian tuberculosis (TB) patients, this study assessed these surfactants in both sputum and serum of drug sensitive- and multidrug resistant- TB patients using ELISA. The aim is to explore the diagnostic or therapeutic potential of SP-A and SP-D in TB patients. Also, to find out appropriate sample for the analyses of SP-A and SP-D in TB patients.

The mean serum levels of SP-A and SP-D were not significantly reduced in MDR-TB (n=30) and DS-TB patients (n=30) compared with non-TB apparently healthy controls (n=30) (p > 0.05). Mean sputum levels of SP-A and SP-D were significantly reduced in DS-TB patients compared with the levels in MDR-TB patients (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that the sputum SP-D and SP-A levels but not serum SP-D and SP-A levels are useful indicators of the disease activity in pulmonary TB patients.

Keywords: Tuberculosis, Surfactants, Diagnosis, Nigeria

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Serum and sputum surfactants -A and -D in multidrug-resistant and drugsensitive tuberculosis patients

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Use of stool culture as a non invasive method for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori from stool of diarrhoeic children in western Nigeria

K.S. Oyedeji, O.M. Odeniyi, O.I. Ola-Bello, S Ushie, A.A. Mustapha, O.A. Ogunbase

 

Abstract

Background: Helicobacter pylori has been associated with chronic diarrhoea, iron deficiency anaemia, growth retardation, gastric malignancies, peptic ulcer disease, and gastritis among children. Diagnosis of this infection has been invasive using biopsies while stool culture is not common or routinely practiced. This study was designed to detect and isolate H.pylori from stool of diarrhoeic children and highlight possible use of such for routine laboratory diagnosis of H.pylori infections.

Material and methods: Two hundred and sixty faecal samples obtained from diarrhoeic children were screened for H. pylori antigen, using H. pylori stool antigen test kit (HpSA) and cultured on modified DENTS medium. Cholestyramine and nitrobluetetrazolium salt were added to the stool and the medium respectively to aid isolation of H. pylori. Correlation of BMI and H. pylori infection of the children was also evaluated.

Results: Twenty-six (10%) samples showed growth on culture while 91 (35%) tested positive for H. pylori antigen. Of the 26 children with positive culture, 16 had a low BMI. HpSA has sensitivity and specificity of 11.5% and 62.4%. There was a significant association (χ2 = 12.86, df=2, P-value = 0.004) between age group of participants and use of HpSA kit.

Conclusion: Stool culture for recovery of H. pylori is feasible in our environment and diarrhoeic children should be screened for H. pylori using both HpSA and culture. H. pylori is suggested to be screened routinely especially among children having diarrhoea and are underweight. Albeit, other causes should be eliminated before concluding on the reason for the underweight.

Keywords:  Helicobacter pylori, stool culture, HpSA, BMI, Cholestyramine, Nitrobluetetrazolium salt

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Use of stool culture as a non invasive method for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori from stool of diarrhoeic children in western Nigeria

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Pathogenic potential of Listeria monocytogenes isolated from cattle faeces in Adoekiti

M.A. Oyinloye, O.M. David, O Famurewa

 

Abstract

Listeria monocytogenes is an opportunistic food-borne pathogen causing listeriosis especially among immune-compromised persons. Its high rate of morbidity and mortality has classed the organism among the top watch list in foods. It is known to produce several virulence factors which aid its survival in harsh conditions and its dissemination within host cells. The pathogenicity of L. monocytogenes, isolated from cattle faeces in Ado-Ekiti, was determined in Wister albino rats for two weeks and the relative virulence was calculated. Rats were challenged with isolates producing listeriolysin O and phospholipase orally, intraperitoneally and subcutaneously. Biochemical parameters and haematoxylin and eosin (H and E) stained sections of selected organs were examined for significant changes (p < .05) and histopathological effects post-experiment. Relative virulence was recorded at 0% with rats showing no signs of infection or death. However, significant changes in total protein, lipid profile and some selected antioxidant enzymes, as well as cytological changes in the examined H and E sections of organs showed that an infection had occurred. Bacteria may have however been eradicated by the immune-competent rats. This study therefore concludes that isolates may be pathogenic especially for persons tagged ‘high risk’ due to low immunity.

Keywords:  L. monocytogenes, listeriosis, pathogenicity, histopathology, cattle feaces

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Pathogenic potential of Listeria monocytogenes isolated from cattle faece in Ado Ekiti

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Aerobic bacteria and fungal isolates in maxillary sinusitis of adults in a resource poor environment

A.J. Fasunla, S.A. Fayemiwo, R.A. Bakare, G.T.A. Ijaduola

 

Abstract

Background: Infective rhinosinusitis is a common clinical condition which if left unattended to could result in various degrees of both morbidity and mortality. We aimed to identify aerobic and fungal organisms implicated in acute and chronic maxillary sinusitis and determine their antibiotic sensitivity patterns among adults in South Western Nigeria.

Materials and methods: This was a cross sectional study of adults with clinical and radiological diagnosis of maxillary sinusitis treated at the University College Hospital, Ibadan over a period of one-year. Semi- structured questionnaire was administered to each consented adult to obtain relevant demographic and clinical data. Maxillary antral proof puncture was done to obtain specimen for microscopy, culture and sensitivity for aerobic bacterial and fungal isolates. Descriptive statistics was used in the data analysis.

Results: Seventy-nine patients (49.4% males and 50.6% females) with acute maxillary sinusitis (17.7%), and chronic maxillary sinusitis (82.3%) were recruited into the study. The mean age of the patients was 32.9 years (SD=12.78; Range: 19- 59). All patients presented with rhinorrhea while 92.8% had nasal obstruction. Fifty eight (73.4%) patients had history of antibiotic usage before presentation. Eight (57.1%) of the specimens from acute maxillary sinusitis cases and 40 (61.5%) of the specimens from chronic maxillary sinusitis yielded significant growth of bacteria and fungi respectively while 2 (3.5%) yielded mixed bacterial growth. Organisms commonly isolated from these specimens were Streptococcus pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Haemophilus influenzae, and Aspergillus spp. The bacteria isolates were sensitive to Amoxicillin, Ciprofloxacin, Perfloxacin, Sparfloxacin and Ceftriaxone.

Conclusion: The leading aerobic bacterial isolates from acute and chronic maxillary sinusitis were Streptococcus pneumonia and Staphylococcus aureus respectively. Fungal infections are seen only in chronic cases. It is recommended that where there are no microbiologic laboratory facilities, any of Ciprofloxacin, Perfloxacin, Sparfloxacin, and Amoxicillin can be administered empirically to treat infective maxillary sinusitis.

Keywords: Aerobic bacteria, Fungus, Maxillary sinus, Rhinosinusitis

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Aerobic bacteria and fungal isolates in maxillary sinusitis of adults in a resource poor environment

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Atypical presentation of genital herpes in a retroviral disease patient on highly active anti-retroviral therapy

V.U. Nwadike, C.G. Anaedobe, R.A. Azeez, S.S. Jinadu, J.O. Chigozie

 

Abstract

Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 (HSV-2) is the leading cause of Genital Ulcer Disease (GUD) worldwide. In HIV infected persons, it typically presents with increased number of recurrent genital lesions which often have severe and prolonged presentations. There are reports that patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) may be more prone to chronic genital ulcers and a higher risk of acyclovir-resistant herpes infection than is seen in immune competent patients. We present a case of recurrent genital herpes infection in a sexually active 15 year old known HIV patient.

Keywords: Recurrent genital ulcer, HSV-2, HIV, HAART

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Atypical presentation of genital herpes in a retroviral disease patient on highly active anti-retroviral therapy

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Co–infection of hepatitis B and C viruses among human immunodeficiency virus infected children in Lagos, Nigeria

O.B. Salu, A.O.B. Oyefolu, A Gbadegesin, A.B. James, B.O. Oke, O.S. Ashaka, A.A. Anjorin, K.O. Akinyemi, S.A. Omilabu

 

Abstract

Introduction: The co–infection of Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Hepatitis B and C viruses remains a public health problem particularly in resource limited setting like Nigeria. Studies on these co–infections have been done principally among adult and pregnant women with limited information on the pediatric population. The study aims at documenting the burden and the patterns of HIV/HBV, HIV/HCV and HIV/HBV/HCV co–infections in children in Lagos, Nigeria.

Methods: A cross–sectional study carried out at the Virology Research Laboratory, College of Medicine of the University of Lagos between December 2008 and January 2014. A total of 393 confirmed HIV infected children aged between <1 to 15 years were screened from two tertiary health facilities; Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH, n=272) and Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH, n=121), Lagos. Plasma samples were screened for markers for HBV (HBsAg, HBeAg, HBeAb, HBcIgM) and HCV (anti–HCV) using a fourth generation enzyme–linked immunosorbent assay (DIA. PRO. Diagnostic Bioprobes Srl., Italy).

Results: Out of the 393 samples analyzed, 40 (10.2%) were sero–positive for dual HIV/HBV co–infection, comprising 21 (52.5%) females and 19 (47.5%) males, while 15 (3.8%) had detectable antibodies to HCV consisting of 7 (46.7%) females and 8 (53.3%) males without any statistical significance. On the overall, two (0.5%) of the participants were seropositive for triple HIV, HBV and HCV co–infections. HIV/HBV co–infection was detected among all the age groups, whereas, HIV/HCV co–infection was not seen among children <1 to 5 years.

Conclusion: This analysis confirmed a high prevalence of HBV, low prevalence of HCV and suggests that chronic hepatitis may be prevalent among our HIV–infected children. Thus, routine screening and early detections are therefore necessary for an appropriate treatment plan for children co–infected with HIV/HBV and or with HCV.

Keywords: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), Co–infection and Enzyme–Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)

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Co–infection of hepatitis B and C viruses among human immunodeficiency virus infected children in Lagos, Nigeria

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Factors affecting the parasitic contamination of edible locally produced dry season leafy vegetables cultivated in south east Enugu, Nigeria

U.O. Chijioke, N Onyemelukwe, S.J. Ogboi

 

Abstract

Background/Aim: Outbreaks of human infections associated with consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables have occurred with increased frequency during the past decade. This study evaluated parasitic contamination of locally produced dry season vegetables cultivated in Enugu metropolis, Enugu State, Nigeria.

Materials/Method: Vegetables, water and soil samples selected from vegetable farms were investigated. A total of 160 vegetable samples, 15 soil samples and 15 water samples were investigated. The samples were washed separately in saline and the resulting solution was subjected to standard sedimentation and flotation techniques. Physiochemical analysis of soil and water samples was done using the standard DREM technique. Furthermore, the water samples were investigated for C. parvum using the modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique.

Results: Parasitic contamination of the different vegetables were Teifeairia occidentalis 242 (18.1%), Amaranthus hybridus 193 (15.1%), Cucurbita maxima 192 (15.0%), Solanum species 191 (14.9%), Ocimum grattisimum 136 (10.6%), Solanun nigrum 114 (8.9%), Gongronema latifolium 101 (7.9%), Talinum triangulare 73 (5.7%) and Murraya koenigii 39 (3.0%).The parasites identified included; Ascaris lumbricoides,Taenia spp, Fasciola hepatica, Schistosoma spp, Trichuris spp, Enterobius vermicularis, Toxocara.spp, Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba spp and Cryptosporidium parvum. Entamoeba species was the highest contaminating parasite 529 (41.3%) while Schistosoma haematobium was the least,14 (1.1%). Physiochemical analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between parasite load in water and total suspended solutes (TSS) (r = 0.59, p = 0.021) and turbidity ( r = 0.55, p = 0.032) and also a strong positive correlation between parasite load in the soil and organic matter (OM), (r = 0.71, p = 0.003) and silt (r = 0.63, p = 0.011).

Conclusion: These vegetables should be considered as potential sources of parasitic infections, especially when they are not properly cooked (the type called ‘Half Done’) or consumed raw like the local salad (abacha) because of the high risk of parasitic infections such as giardiasis, amoebiasis, enterobiasis, cyptosporidiosis, ascariasis, etc. Public enlightenment is necessary to enhance the adoption of effective food safety approaches by agronomic practices of vegetable farmers which will in turn reduce foodborne illnesses.

Keywords: Parasite, contamination, vegetables, Enugu

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Factors affecting the parasitic contamination of edible locally produced dry season leafy vegetables cultivated in south east Enugu, Nigeria