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Prevalence of hepatitis B virus infections among blood donors in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria

Ezeonu, C. M., Garba, S. A., Adabara, N. U., and Kuta, F. A.

Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria
Correspondence to: scholajane@yahoo.com

Abstract

Background: Transfusion of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infected blood represents a major but avoidable means of HBV transmission, which unfortunately still account for millions of global HBV infections annually. Method: This study determined the prevalence of HBV infection among 550 blood donors aged 18 to 60 years from selected hospitals and blood transfusion centres within the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria, using hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) rapid diagnostic test (RDT) kit and Enzyme linked Immuno-sorbent Assay (ELISA). Representative positive and negative samples for RDT and ELISA were tested by both conventional and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay Results: Forty nine (8.9%) and 14 (2.8%) out of the 550 blood donors tested positive for HBsAg with the RDT and ELISA respectively. Replacement donors had higher prevalence rate of the HBV infection than voluntary donors. The highest prevalence of HBV infection was recorded among the 30–39 year age group. The difference in the rate of infection between the males and the females was not statistically significant (p>0.05). A perfect agreement between RDT and PCR and fair agreement between ELISA and PCR were observed. Conclusion: This study report a high prevalence of hepatitis B virus infections among blood donors in Abuja, Nigeria which underscores the need for proper screening of blood for transfusion to completely eliminate the incidence of transfusion transmitted HBV infections.

Key words: Blood, Malaria, Hepatitis, Rapid, Immuno-sorbent, Polymerase

Received March 18, 2018; Revised March 18, 2019; Accepted March 20, 2019

Copyright 2019 AJCEM Open Access.

This article is licensed and distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attrition 4.0 International License (http://creativecommmons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided credit is given to the original author(s) and the source.

 

Prévalence de l’infection par le virus de l’hépatite B chez les donneurs de sang dans le Territoire de la capitale fédérale, Abuja, Nigéria

Ezeonu, C. M., Garba, S. A., Adabara, N. U., and Kuta, F. A.

Département de microbiologie, École des sciences de la vie, Université fédérale de technologie de Minna, Nigéria

Correspondance à: scholajane@yahoo.com

Abstrait Contexte

La transfusion de sang infecté par le virus de l’hépatite B (VHB) représente un moyen important mais évitable de transmission du VHB, qui représente malheureusement toujours des millions d’infections mondiales au VHB chaque année. Méthode: Cette étude a déterminé la prévalence de l’infection à VHB chez 550 donneurs de sang âgés de 18 à 60 ans de certains hôpitaux et centres de transfusion sanguine situés dans le Territoire de la capitale fédérale, au Nigéria, à l’aide du kit de test de diagnostic rapide (TDR) de l’antigène de l’hépatite B (HBsAg) et Essai immuno-sorbant lié à une enzyme (ELISA). Des échantillons positifs et négatifs représentatifs pour les TDR et ELISA ont été testés à la fois par le test de réaction en chaîne par polymérase (PCR) classique et en temps réel Résultats: Quarante-neuf (8,9%) et 14 (2,8%) des 550 donneurs de sang ont été testés positifs pour HBsAg avec le TDR et le test ELISA, respectivement. Le taux de prévalence de l’infection à VHB était plus élevé chez les donneurs de remplacement que chez les donneurs volontaires. La prévalence la plus élevée d’infection par le VHB a été enregistrée dans le groupe d’âge des 30 à 39 ans. La différence de taux d’infection entre les hommes et les femmes n’était pas statistiquement significative (p> 0,05). Un accord parfait entre TDR et PCR et un accord juste entre ELISA et PCR ont Conclusion: Cette étude fait état d’une prévalence élevée d’infections par le virus de l’hépatite B chez les donneurs de sang à Abuja, au Nigéria, ce qui souligne la nécessité d’un dépistage approprié du sang par transfusion afin d’éliminer

Mots-clés: sang, paludisme, hépatite, rapide, immuno-sorbant, polymérase

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Prevalence of hepatitis B virus infections among blood donors in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria

 

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Anti-Salmonella activity of metabolites from African soldier termites, Macrotermes bellicosus

1 Afolayan, E. M., 1 Babayi, H., 2* Reuben, R. C., and 3 Akintola, R. I.
1. Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria
2. Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Nassarawa State Polytechnic, Lafia, Nigeria
3. National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Nigeria
*. Correspondence to: reubenrine@yahoo.com

Abstract:
Background: The global emergence and rapid dissemination of multidrug resistant Salmonella strains necessitate research to find new antimicrobials that will effectively be used against these pathogens. In the present study, anti-Salmonella activity of metabolites from African Soldier Termites, Macrotermes bellicosus was demonstrated and subsequently compared with a potent antibiotic, ciprofloxacin. Materials and Methods: N-hexane, ethylacetate, methanol and aqueous extracts of metabolites from the M. bellicosus were assayed for anti-Salmonella activity using the agar dilution method in the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The inhibitory activities of the extracts were compared to ciprofloxacin (256μg/ml). Also, the bioactive components of the extracts were determined using standard techniques. Results: At 4000 μg/ml, N-hexane extract inhibited the growth of Salmonella Typhi, S. Paratyphi A, B and C while ethylacetate extract was able to inhibit S. Paratyphi A and C. Methanolic and aqueous extracts at the same concentration were unable to inhibit these strains of Salmonella. Furthermore, our findings revealed that the MIC of ethylacetate extract was 2000μg/ml for S. Paratyphi A and B, 250μg/ml for S. Typhi, and 125μg/ml for S. Paratyphi C. Also, the MIC of hexane extract was 4000μg/ml for S. Paratyphi B, 2000 μg/ml for S. Paratyphi C, 500μg/ml for S. Typhi and 250μg/ml for S. Paratyphi A respectively. The screening of bioactive components revealed the presence of cardiac glycosides and alkaloids. Conclusion: Our results provide evidence of anti-Salmonella action of metabolites from African Soldier Termites, M. bellicosus. N-hexane and ethylacetate extracts of M. bellicosus may be explored as novel antimicrobials for the treatment of typhoid and paratyphoid fevers thereby reducing the pressure exerted on available antibiotics.

Keywords: Salmonella, antimicrobials, insects, extracts

Received March 7, 2018; Revised April 10, 2019; Accepted April 11, 2019

Copyright 2019 AJCEM Open Access.

This article is licensed and distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attrition 4.0 International License (http://creativecommmons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided credit is given to the original author(s) and the source.

Activité anti-Salmonella des métabolites de termites soldats africains, Macrotermes bellicosus

1 Afolayan, E. M., 1 Babayi, H., 2* Reuben, R. C., and 3 Akintola, R. I.

1 Département de microbiologie, Université fédérale de technologie, Minna, Nigéria
2 Département de technologie des laboratoires scientifiques, polytechnique de l’État de Nassarawa, Lafia, Nigéria
3 Institut national de recherche vétérinaire, Vom, Nigéria            *Correspondance à: reubenrine@yahoo.com

Abstrait
Contexte: L’émergence et la dissémination rapide de souches de Salmonella multirésistantes nécessitent des recherches pour trouver de nouveaux antimicrobiens qui seront utilisés efficacement contre ces agents pathogènes. Dans la présente étude, l’activité anti-Salmonella de métabolites de Macrotermes bellicosus, African Soldier Termites, a été démontrée et comparée par la suite à un antibiotique puissant, la ciprofloxacine. Matériels et méthodes: L’activité anti-Salmonella a été dosée avec du N-hexane, de l’acétate d’éthyle, du méthanol et des extraits aqueux de métabolites provenant de M. bellicosus en utilisant la méthode de dilution en gélose dans la détermination de la concentration minimale inhibitrice (CMI) et de la concentration bactéricide (MBC). Les activités inhibitrices des extraits ont été comparées à la ciprofloxacine (256μg/ml). En outre, les composants bioactifs des extraits ont été déterminés à l’aide de techniques classiques. Résultats: À 4000μg/ml, l’extrait de N-hexane inhibe la croissance de Salmonella Typhi, S. Paratyphi A, B et C alors que l’extrait d’acétate d’éthyle est capable d’inhiber S. Paratyphi A et C. Les extraits méthaniques et aqueux à la même concentration ne peuvent inhiber ces souches de Salmonella. En outre, nos résultats ont révélé que la CMI de l’extrait d’acétate d’éthyle était de 2000μg/ml pour S. Paratyphi A et B, de 250 μg/ml pour S. Typhi et de 125μg/ml pour S. Paratyphi C. De plus, la CMI de l’extrait d’hexane était de 4000μg/ml pour S. Paratyphi B, 2000μg/ml pour S. Paratyphi C, 500μg/ml pour S. Typhi et 250μg/ml pour S. Paratyphi A respectivement. Le dépistage des composants bioactifs a révélé la présence de glucosides et d’alcaloïdes cardiaques. Conclusion: Nos résultats fournissent des preuves de l’action anti-Salmonella des métabolites de termites de soldat africains, M. bellicosus. Des extraits d’N-hexane et d’acétate d’éthyle de M. bellicosus peuvent être explorés comme nouveaux antimicrobiens pour le traitement des fièvres typhoïde et paratyphoïde, réduisant ainsi la pression exercée sur les antibiotiques disponibles
Mots-clés: Salmonella, antimicrobiens, insectes, extraits

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Anti-Salmonella activity of metabolites from African soldier termites, Macrotermes bellicosus

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Prevalence of sulfate reducing bacteria in oral cavity: a narrative review

U Gopalakrishnan, A.S. Felicita, L Mahendra, S Premkumar, R Madasamy

 

Abstract

Sulphate is used as terminal electron acceptor for the respiration of sulphate reducing bacteria (SRB) forming a specialized group of microbes. SRB have been known to cause microbiologically induced corrosion by forming metallic sulfides and oxides in the process of their dissimilatory respiration. Since oral cavity provides a conducive environment for corrosion, presence of SRB in oral cavity and their corrosive potential needs to be assessed. This article provides a narrative review of the available literature with the primary objective of evaluating the presence of SRB in oral cavity of patients.

Keywords: SRB; corrosion, oral cavity, patients

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Prevalence of sulfate reducing bacteria in oral cavity a narrative review

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Histopathological studies on kidney and liver of albino rat infected with toxigenic Aspergillus flavus after treatment with isolated Lactobacillus species from Kunu

O.O. Olonisakin, C.O. Ogidi, Y.A. Jeff-Agboola, B.J. Akinyele

 

Abstract

Background: Aflatoxin is a metabolic product of Aspergillus flavus that causes several injuries to vital organs in the body.

Methods: The liver and kidney tissue of healthy rats challenged with toxigenic A. flavus after treatment with Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus delbrueckii were examined.

Results: The weight of the liver (3.61 g) and kidney (11.33 g) of infected rats with toxigenic mould were significantly reduced (P<0.05) when compared to the group treated with Lactobacillus spp.; BD+AP+LP, BD+AP+LD and BD+ AP+LPD. The rats fed basal diet and Lactobacillusspp. have a normal histological structure. Necrotic lesions, thickening of the glomerular basement membrane and collapse of the glomerulus were observed in the liver and kidney of rats induced with A. flavus. The rats infected with Lactobacillus spp. regained their strength and activity after treatment but showed mild necrosis in the liver and thickening of glomerular basement in the kidney.

Conclusions: The use of Lactobacillus species suppressed the growth and eliminated the potential risk of toxigenic A. flavus in the infected rats. This showed that Lactobacillus spp. possess some therapeutic properties due to their ability to secret secondary metabolites. The bioactive compounds can be exploited and used in food products to inhibit the growth of food borne pathogens.

Keywords: Aflatoxins, Lactic Acid Bacteria, Bio-control, Fermented beverage

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Histopathological studies on kidney and liver of albino rat infected with toxigenic Aspergillus flavus after treatment with isolated Lactobacillus species from Kunu

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First report of enteropathogenic and enteroinvasive Escherichia coli with multiple antibiotic resistance indices from African catfish (Clarias glariepinus) in Nigeria

A Akande, K.I. Onyedibe

 

Abstract

Background: There are increasing reports of food safety issues associated with intensive production of fish which increase the chances of disease outbreaks from stressful growth conditions accompanying mass production and presence of bacterial pathogens.

Methodology: Two hundred gastrointestinal tract (GIT) samples from two hundred African Cat Fish (Clarias glariepinus) were assessed for the presence of enteric Escherichia coli species including E. coli 0157, Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) and Enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC) which are traditionally associated with infantile gastroenteritis. The antibiotic resistance profile and Multiple Antibiotic Resistance Index (MARI) for these isolates were determined. The serogrouping of the E. coli isolates was done using E. coli agglutinating sera (Oxoid) and E. coli 0157 latex reagent (Oxoid). Antibiotic susceptibility was determined according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines.

Results: A total of 35 (17.5%) E. coli isolates were recovered from the fish intestines among which 9 (25.7%) were EPEC and 2 (5.7%) were EIEC. No E. coli 0157 strain was recovered. Thirty-three (94.0%) isolates had a MARI greater than 0.2. Antibiotic resistance to cefoxitin and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid were 77.1% and 74.3% respectively. All isolates were susceptible to meropenem and amikacin but all EPEC and EIEC isolates were AmpC (resistance to all penicillins, cephalosporins and beta lactamase inhibitors) positive.

Conclusion: The isolation of EPEC and EIEC which can cause fatal gastroenteritis coupled with high MARI among isolates in this study represents a public health concern. Strict monitoring of administration of antibiotics in aquaculture is recommended.

Keywords: EPEC; EIEC; Multiple antibiotic resistance; Aquaculture

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First report of enteropathogenic and enteroinvasive Escherichia coli with multiple antibiotic resistance indices from African catfish (Clarias glariepinus) in Nigeria

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An immunoinformatic approach to design a novel vaccine against the human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) by targeting M2-1 protein

F Momtaz, M.J. Foysal

 

Abstract

Background: Human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is the leading cause of upper and lower respiratory infection in infants, adults and immunocompromised persons. The matrix protein, M2-1 of hRSV is a cofactor of viral RNA polymerase that plays a crucial role during replication. This programmed study was designed to scrutinize potential immunogens from the M2-1 protein characterized from four different continents.

Methods: Sequence data obtained from NCBI databases were analysed by using a series of web and software based bioinformatics tools to find out the best epitope against hRSV.

Results: The phylogenetic data revealed a homogenized clustering of M2-1 protein for the African, European, and Asian clades while proteins from North American collections found to have a significant evolutionary detachment compared to three other clusters. Using various web-based bioinformatics tools, the study identified four common B-cell epitopes present in all the M2-1 proteins from four different clusters with higher antigenicity and conservancy. Among the 17 M2-1 protein investigated for T-cell epitopes, “VLQNLDVGL” peptide from A2 super-type, and “QSACVAMSK” and “CLNGRRCHY” from A3 super-type showed the highest antigenicity at >0.80 conservancy cut-off value. After evaluation of all antigenic properties, only “CLNGRRCHY” peptide qualified as a potential vaccine candidate against hRSV. Molecular docking revealed strong and stable binding of the epitope to major histocompatibility complexes (MHC) molecules in terms of hydrogen bonding.

Conclusion: The designed epitope could be used as a possible vaccine candidate against hRSV.

Keywords: hRSV; M2-1 protein; phylogenetic cluster; BCL and CTL epitopes; molecular docking

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An immunoinformatic approach to design a novel vaccine against the human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) by targeting M2-1 protein

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Phenotypic methods versus PCR-RFLP for the identification of dermatophyte species isolated from patients with dermatophytosis in Egypt

N.M. Gohar, H.M. El-Batal, B.A. Elawady, N Samir

 

Abstract

Background: Dermatophytes are major causative agents of cutaneous fungal infections worldwide. Identification of dermatophyte species is based on macroscopic and microscopic morphology on different culture media. Molecular methods such as PCR-RFLP are rapid, reliable and precise identification methods. This local study aimed to identify the spectrum of dermatophyte species among the studied patients population using different phenotypic and genotypic methods.

Materials and methods: Hair, skin and nail specimens were collected from 135 patients with clinically suspected cases of dermatophytosis. All specimens were subjected to microscopic examination using KOH and culture on SDA and dermasel agar. Phenotypic identification was done by colony and microscopic morphology, and subculture on malt, PDA, lactrimel and urea agar plates. Molecular identification was done by PCR-RFLP using MvaI.

Results: Out of 135 patients included in the study, 78 (57.8%) were positive by culture for dermatophytes. Five different species were identified, the most commonly isolated species was M. canis (51.3%) followed by T. violaceum (42.3%). PCR-RFLP correctly identified the isolated dermatophyte species, producing unique restriction patterns.

Conclusion: Dermatophytosis is common in Egypt where humid hot climate and animal contact play important role in the spread of these fungi. The use of PCR-RFLP directly on clinical specimens rather than its use in the identification of dermatophytes from culture media is recommended.

Keywords: Dermatophytosis, Dermasel agar, SDA, Sporulation media, PCR-RFLP

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Phenotypic methods versus PCR-RFLP for the identification of dermatophyte species isolated from patients with dermatophytosis in Egypt

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Micronutrient deficiencies among pregnant women with Plasmodium falciparum infection in Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria

F.O. Akinbo, L.O. Alabi, J.A. Aiyeyemi

 

Abstract

Background: Two important barriers to a successful pregnancy outcome are maternal under nutrition and malaria. This study was conducted to determine some micronutrient deficiencies among pregnant women infected with Plasmodium falciparum in Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria

Material and methods: Two hundred and fifty four participants aged 18 to 42 years consisting of 154 pregnant women attending antenatal clinic of the Federal Medical Center, Owo, and 100 apparently healthy non-pregnant women as controls were randomly enrolled in this study. Blood specimen was collected and analyzed for the detection of P. falciparum using 10% Giemsa staining technique while micronutrients (calcium, copper, iron and zinc) were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS).

Results: Out of 154 pregnant women studied, 91 (59.1%) had micronutrient deficiency (MND) while 5 out of 100 (5.0%) non-pregnant control had micronutrient deficiency (p < 0.0001). Forty three (27.9%) of the 154 pregnant women and 3 (3.0%) of 100 non-pregnant control had P. falciparum infection (p < 0.0001). Forty three of the 91 (47.3%) pregnant women and 3 of the 5 (60%) non-pregnant women with MND had P. falciparum infection (p = 0.6681). All 43 pregnant women with MND but none of the 63 pregnant women without MND had P. falciparum infection (p < 0.0001). Similarly, all 3 non-pregnant women with P. falciparum infection had MND but none of the 95 non-pregnant women without MND had P. falciparum infection (p < 0.0001). Multiple micronutrient deficiencies of iron and calcium (65.3%), iron and zinc (16.1%) and iron and copper (18.6%) were observed among pregnant women but none among non-pregnant women. Factors significantly associated with P. falciparum infection among pregnant women with MND were age group 23-27 years (p = 0.0109), first trimester gestational age (p = 0.0234), primiparity (p = 0.0303) and wet season (p < 0.0173). There was no significant association between anaemia and prevalence of P. falciparuminfection in pregnant women with MND (p = 0.1327) but pregnant women with iron deficiency were more likely to be infected with P. falciparumthan those with other micronutrient deficiencies (p = 0.0013)

Conclusion: This study reported a higher prevalence rate of 27.9% for P. falciparum infection in pregnant women compared to 3% in non-pregnant women population, but a much higher rate of 47.3% among pregnant women with micronutrient deficiencies.

Keywords: Micronutrient deficiencies, Plasmodium falciparum, pregnant women, Owo

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Micronutrient deficiencies among pregnant women with Plasmodium falciparum infection in Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria

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In vitro, acidic, non-proteinaceous antifungal activities of lactic acid bacteria isolated from salad vegetables against human pathogenic Candida albicans

T.A. Bamidele, B.A. Adeniyi, S.I. Smith

 

Abstract

Background: The antagonistic abilities of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) against clinical isolates of Candida albicans are not quite widely reported and such are even scarce in Nigeria. This study therefore investigated inhibitory potentials of LAB isolated from locally grown cabbage, cucumber and lettuce against four (4) clinical isolates of C. albicans.

Methods: The cell free supernatants (CFS) generated from LAB culture filtrate was evaluated for anti-candida activity using agar well diffusion method, and the CFS-LAB pH was measured and neutralized using standard methods. The proteinaceous inhibitory metabolites were assayed for using sodium dodecylsulphate polyacrilamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) technique. The LAB strains used were previously isolated and identified by 16S rRNA partial sequencing and their data submitted to GenBank for accessioning.

Results: The CFS of six (6) LAB strains showed varying degrees of anti-candida activity. Pediococcus pentosaceus BTA 51 from cucumber showed the widest inhibition zone of 14 mm while at neutral pH, it was 12 mm diameter. Weissella confusa BTA 20, BTA 40 isolated from cabbage and lettuce produced 10 mm and 12 mm zones of inhibition at acidic and neutral pH respectively. Lactobacillus plantarum BTA 07 from lettuce showed inhibition zone of 12 mm while L. fermentum BTA 47 and BTA 62 from cucumber showed zones of 14 mm each in acidic pH only. The SDS-PAGE did not detect any proteinaceous substances.

Conclusion: In conclusion, LAB isolated from cabbage, cucumber and lettuce produced organic acids, non proteinaceous metabolites at neutral pH, exhibiting invitro inhibitory abilities against clinical isolates of C. albicans.

Keywords: In vitro, Lactic acid bacteria, 16S rRNA, antifungal, SDS-PAGE, salad vegetables

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In vitro, acidic, non-proteinaceous antifungal activities of lactic acid bacteria isolated from salad vegetables against human pathogenic Candida albicans

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Prevalence of Hepatitis C virus and HIV among adults presenting for health screening in Lagos

P.O. Oshun, E Odeghe

 

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis C virus is an important cause of chronic liver disease with 71 million people worldwide living with chronic HCV infection as at 2015. Nigeria has the second largest burden of HIV in Africa, with 3.2 million Nigerians living with HIV/AIDS in 2016. Most people infected with the hepatitis C virus are asymptomatic and often unaware of their infection. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for HCV and HIV infections among apparently healthy individuals in Lagos.

Materials and methods: This was a retrospective study in which the prevalence of hepatitis C virus antibodies and HIV was determined among apparently healthy individuals who presented for health screening at a private laboratory facility in Lagos from May 2014 to June 2016. The health records of those who met the inclusion criteria were systematically reviewed to extract demographic and clinical information including age, sex, history of blood transfusion, alcohol use, surgery and results of serological tests for antibodies to hepatitis C virus and HIV.

Results: Out of 1379 apparently healthy individuals included in the study, 60.1% were male. The prevalence rate of hepatitis C virus (HCV antibody) and HIV were 0.7% and 2% respectively. Hepatitis C virus infection was not significantly associated with history of blood transfusion, alcohol use, prior surgery and age. HIV infection was significantly associated with only prior history of surgery (OR 4.72, p=0.02).

Conclusion: In this study of apparently healthy Nigerians, the prevalence rates of HCV and HIV were low, no documented HCV-HIV co-infection and surgery was a risk factor for HIV infection. Screening of healthy individuals for HIV and HCV infection is very import Conclusion:ant to determine those who are infected and need to access treatment.

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Prevalence of Hepatitis C virus and HIV among adults presenting for health screening in Lagos