Volume 19.3 – afrjcem.org

March 9, 2019

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

March 9, 2019

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

March 9, 2019

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

March 9, 2019March 9, 2019

A survey on urinary tract infection associated with two most common uropathogenic bacteria

R.O. Okojie, V.O. Omorokpe

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by the uropathogens – Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae among outpatients attending a hospital in Benin and the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of both isolates. Mid-stream urine samples were collected from 96 patients, analysed microscopically and streaked on the surface of prepared plates of blood and MacConkey Agar. Isolates resulting from incubated plates were identified by standard microbiological techniques. Susceptibility testing was done using the disk diffusion technique on Mueller Hinton Agar. The prevalence of UTI was 22.9%. It was significantly more prevalent in females (30.6%) than males (8.8%) (p < 0.05) and in age group 31 – 40 years (45.5%). Escherichia coli was the most commonly isolated and more prevalent (14.6%) followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (5.2%). High level resistance (100%) to amoxycillin/clavulanic acid, ampicillin and ceftazidime was observed among the isolates. The active drugs against the bacteria were nitrofurantoin, ofloxacin and imipenem. Routine diagnostic procedure/screening is necessary to avoid complications.

Keywords: Infection, prevalence, resistance, uropathogens.

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

March 9, 2019

Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori IgG and stool antigen detection from dyspeptic patients in Jos, Nigeria

D.O. Ombugadu, O.V. Oladele, S.C. Onuoha, O. Omisope, A. Ani

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori is a helical shaped gram negative microaerophilic bacterium, that can inhabit various areas of the stomach. The study was carried out to determine the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among dyspeptic patients attending Endoscopy unit, Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH). The prevalence of H pylori; antibodies in plasma and antigen in stool samples of 80 patients examined was studied using ELISA (DIA PRO, Italy) and ICA (BIOTEST China) respectively. Sociodemographic and clinical information was obtained through the assistance of attending gastroenterology staff. Blood grouping was also performed by slide agglutination test for all patients. Helicobacter pyloriIgG antibodies were detected in plasma of 28 (35%) patients of which 27 patients out of the sero-positive cases were antigen positive while Helicobacter pylori antigen was detected in the stool of 31 (38.8%) patients of which 27 patients out of the antigen positive cases were also seropositve. No significant association was found between Helicobacter pylori and age, sex, ABO blood group, economic status, source of water and consumption of alcohol. Thus, Helicobacter pylori seropositivity with respect to blood groups was found to be 32.6%, 46.7%, 33.3% and 33.3% in blood groups O, B, A and AB respectively, while Helicobacter pylori stool antigen test positive results was found to be 33.3%, 33.3%, 46% and 39.5% in blood groups O, B, A and AB respectively. Hence, no statistical association was found between Helicobacter pylori infection and blood groups of the patients (P>0.05). However, marital status was significantly associated with Helicobacter pylori antibody test (P<0.05). There is need for government to encourage people about the Helicobacter pylori screening test since it is one of the etiologic agent of ulcer.

Keywords: Helicobacter pylori, Jos, Peptic ulcer, Prevalence.

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Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori IgG and stool antigen detection from dyspeptic patients in Jos, Nigeria

March 9, 2019March 9, 2019

Assessment of microbiological and chemical qualities of selected cocoa, tea and coffee brands in Nigerian markets

S.O. Anosike, S. Oranusi

Abstract

Background: Cocoa, Tea, and Coffee products are consumed worldwide; they are rich in nutrient and, thus, prone to microbial contaminations that could cause food infections and intoxication.

Objective: the objectives of the paper are: To evaluate the microbial and chemical qualities of some popular brands of cocoa, coffee and tea products in Nigerian market and benchmark it with standard specifications, to determine the products safety for human consumption and proffer solutions on ways to prevent possible food borne hazards associated with these products.

Materials and Methods: This study examined the microbiological and chemical qualities of some brands of these products at the consumer level using standard analytical methods.

Results: Five (50%) of the cocoa products had coliform counts (cfu/g) significantly (p<0.05) higher than acceptable limits and range from 2.6×101±0.01 to 4.6×101±0.01. The mean total aerobic plate count and fungal counts (cfu/g) cocoa, coffee, and tea were not significantly (p<0.05) different from standard specifications. The microbial isolates include species of Bacillus (59.2%), Staphylococcus(12.0%), Enterobacter(1.6%), Aspergillus(20.0%), Penicillium(14.4%) and Saccharomyces (12.0%). Moisture contents higher than 6% and 3% standard specifications in tea and cocoa products was detected in 7(70%) of tea and 2(20%) of cocoa products respectively. The samples are rich in phenol contents (mg/ml) and contain varying concentrations of manganese, calcium, iron, and copper. Free Radical Scavenging (DPPH) activity of 6.2±0.01 to 16.3±0.02μg/ml was detected in the samples.

Conclusion: Some cocoa products contain unacceptable levels of coliforms, the high moisture contents above 3 and 6% standard specifications in some cocoa and tea products could encourage the proliferation of mycotoxigenic moulds and pathogenic bacteria to hazardous levels. The use of good raw materials, compliance to good manufacturing practices (GMP) and apt storage are advocated.

Keywords: Chemical qualities, Cocoa, Coffee, Microbial qualities, Mycotoxigenic moulds, Tea

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Assessment of microbiological and chemical qualities of selected cocoa, tea and coffee brands in Nigerian markets

March 9, 2019

Radiation sensitivity of water- borne multi drug resistant Escherichia coli

S.T. Odonkor, K.K. Addo

Abstract

The spread of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms in the environment is recognized widely as an important public health issue, with concerns about future ability to treat infectious diseases. The main risk to public health is that the resistance genes are transferred from environmental bacteria to human pathogens. Safe water is one of the most important needs in public health in the twenty first century. Radiation sensitivity (D10) is defined as the radiation dose (kGy) required to reduce the number of that microorganism by 10-fold. The aim of this paper is to determine the association between multiple antibiotic resistance and radiation sensitivity (D10).Four hundred and sixty four (464) water samples were collected for assessment. E. coli isolation and identification were done using API 20E, and a PCR based DNA STRIP technology that allows simultaneous detection of virulence genes and confirmation of E. coli isolates. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was also conducted using the Kirby-bauer method. Radiation sensitivity was done using a cobalt 60 source. Sixty-three percent (63%) of the multidrug resistant E. colistrains recorded a multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index value of >0.2. The mean radiation sensitivity (D10) of the E. coli isolates is 0.33±0.11 kGy. The study confirmed a high prevalence of multiple antibiotic resistances in E. coli isolates. Lastly, there is no association between multiple antibiotic resistant indexes and radiation sensitivity (D10) of antibiotic resistant E. coli.

Keywords: Antibiotics, Escherichia coli, water-borne, multi drug resistant radiation, Sensitivity.

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Radiation sensitivity of water- borne multi drug resistant Escherichia coli

March 9, 2019

Prevalence studies of human T-Lymphotrophic virus type 1 among pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Dutse metropolis, north-western Nigeria

M. Yahaya, U.A. Dutsinma, Y. Mohammed

Abstract

Human T-lymphotrophic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is a causative agent of tropic spastic paraparesis and adult Tcell leukaemia, Information regarding the involvement of HTLV-1 in presentation of some subclinical immune suppression that may results in increased rate of HIV and TB infections has long been documented. Sixty (60) Confirmed Pulmonary TB subjects consisting of 41 males and 19 females were recruited in this study, Tuberculosis was confirmed by collecting their sputum samples and analysed using GeneXpert. The prevalence of HTLV-1 IgG antibodies among TB subjects was 6.6%, while that of IgM was 1.6%. Accordingly, sexually active couple group has the highest prevalence of 2.3% when compared to single and widow categories, age group 15-24 has the highest percentage of 3.3% for HTLV-1 IgG antibodies.

Key words: HTLV-1, Tuberculosis, IgG, IgM.

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Prevalence studies of human T-Lymphotrophic virus type 1 among pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Dutse metropolis, north-western Nigeria

March 9, 2019

Detection of human immunodeficiency virus among individuals presenting with febrile illness in Lagos, Nigeria

O.B. Salu, F.O. Nwaokorie, T.E. Banwo, B.O. Oke, A.B. James, S.A. Omilabu

Abstract

Introduction: The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the aetiological agent of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), which is a chronic and potentially life-threatening condition. Fever is mostly associated with the early stage of virus replication known as acute HIV infection or syndrome; as such, determination of HIV status during this critical period is a good means of improving clinical outcome in those infected. Thus, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of HIV among febrile individuals in Lagos, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study of 250 febrile individuals attending General Hospitals at Isolo, Mushin and Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria. Analysis was carried out at the Virology Research Laboratory, Central Research Laboratory, College of Medicine of the University of Lagos from July to October 2017. Sample analysis was done according to the Nigerian National Testing Algorithm to determine HIV status using Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) and data analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.

Results: Out of the 250 febrile participants, 8 were positive for HIV, with an overall prevalence of 3.2%. Further analysis however showed that 90% of the HIV positive participants had four or more episodes of fever in a month. HIV infection was still majorly among the ages 15-24 and 25-34 for male and ages 25-34, 35-44 and 45-54 for females.

Conclusion: This findings showed that different cohorts are significantly at risk of HIV infection. Hence, policies and all efforts to reduce the burden of HIV are paramount for a HIV free future for Nigeria.

Keywords: Acute Retroviral Syndrome (ARS), Fever, Asymptomatic and Enzyme–Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).

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Detection of human immunodeficiency virus among individuals presenting with febrile illness in Lagos, Nigeria

March 9, 2019