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Malaria prevention in the Buea health district in Cameroon: factors influencing Mosquito bed net use in households

FHL Kamga, P Nde-Fon, C. Morfaw, NDS Nsagha

 

Abstract

Background: Insecticide treated bed nets (ITNs), though proven to be effective in preventing malaria will have little impact unless people sleep under them. Several studies have shown that owned ITNs are usually not used and that ITN use is influenced by several factors that vary between communities.
Objective: To investigate the factors influencing the use of mosquito bed nets in households in the Buea Health District (BHD) in Cameroon.
Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study with two-stage cluster sampling included 420 households from 35 sites. Questionnaires adapted from the Malaria Indicator Survey were used. CSPro 4.1 and Epi info 3.5.3 were used to create database and analyze respectively.
Results: ITN ownership in the BHD was high (92.6%; 95% CI: 89.6%-94.9%) but ITN use was less than average (41.2%; 95% CI: 39.2%-43.3%). ITN use was least likely in the age group 5-15 years (P<0.01), in educated individuals (P<0.01) and in households with less than one ITN for two persons (P<0.01). White ITNs were less likely to be used (P<0.01). Conclusion: There is a gap between ITN ownership and use in the malaria holoendemic BHD and ITN use is associated with age of individual, level of education, colour of ITNs and household net density. Use of the highly owned ITNs could be increased by targeting the least protected 5-15 years age group and schooling individuals; by promoting school-based education on ITN use.

Keywords: Insecticide-treated nets, malaria, Buea Health District

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Profile of septic work up among patients admitted into the intensive care unit in University of Abuja teaching hospital Gwagwalada, Abuja

T. Yunusa, A.M. Adeoye, O.A. Akitoye

 

Abstract

Background: Several infectious agents are responsible for sepsis in all age groups presenting with fever which can have devastating consequences if not adequately treated. Sepsis may arise from bacteria, fungi and viral origin but are localized in particular organ or system with systemic affectation. Febrile illness is a leading reason for admission to the intensive care unit of hospitals in the tropics and these patients comes mostly from inpatients rather than from outpatients. Diagnostic apparatus needed for sepsis work up are usually not available in most cases and the data regarding septic work up are very scanty. Therefore, this research set out to determine the pattern of isolates from septic work-up among patients admitted to the intensive care unit in Abuja.
Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Sixty-four consecutive patients admitted to the intensive care unit with symptoms such as fever were involved in the study in a view to determine the septic state of the patients. Samples were collected. Blood culturing was performed using the BACTEC 9050® system and biochemical analytical profile index were used for identification and confirmation of bacterial isolates.
Results: The mean age of the patients admitted to ICU was 40.9±3.2 with the highest proportion within the age range of 31-40 years accounting for 31.7% of the patients enrolled and the lowest proportion being 10-20 years group accounting for 5.0%.Out of the 64 patients investigated in the ICU 60 patients had clinical and positive cultures with an overall positive and negative infection rate of 93.8% and 6.3% respectively. From the positive cultures yields 86.7% were bacteremia and 13.3% were fungaemia. Multiple infections were observed among the male patients, Multi-drug resistance bacteria were observed among Klebsiella pneumonia, E. coli and P. aeroginosa isolates.
Conclusion: Bacterial and fungal isolates were found in this study but increased rate of polymicrobial isolation and nosocomial infections calls for concern.

Key words: Profile of infectious agents, sepsis, fever, septic work up, Abuja

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Profile of septic work up among patients admitted into the intensive care unit in University of Abuja teaching hospital Gwagwalada, Abuja

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Characterization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates from apparently healthy individuals in Malete, Kwara state, Nigeria

M. I Bale, S. K. Babatunde, M. R. Adedayo, A. E. Ajiboye, A. T. Ajao

 

Abstract

Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a common and continuously growing cause of nosocomial and community-acquired staphylococcal infections around the world. Screening for colonization with MRSA is a major aspect of control and limiting the spread of infections cause by this organism. We investigated the carriage of MRSA among apparently healthy individuals in four rural villages: Eleburu, Tapa, Atere and Apo all around semi-urban town-Malete, in Moro Local Government of Kwara State, Nigeria.
Methods: Nasal swabs were collected from volunteered individuals and were cultured on mannitol salt agar and blood agar for isolation and identification of Staph aureus using standard microbiological techniques. Susceptibility to cefoxitin disc (30 ag) was used to determine MRSA status of the isolates. Molecular method was used to detect the gene responsible for resistance among MRSA isolates. Antimicrobial susceptibility test to commonly prescribed antibiotics was carried out using discs diffusion method.
Results: Total number of individuals carrying Staph aureus in their nostrils was 42 (37.2 %). Antibiotics susceptibility profile of Staph aureusisolates showed 100 % resistance to cefuroxime, cefotaxime, cloxacillin and augmentin, and were 87 %, 81 %, 69 % and 23.8 % and 19 % resistant to tetracycline, ceftriaxone, erythromycin, ofloxacin and gentamicin respectively. A total of 6 (14%) Community –Acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) isolates were recovered from individuals living in these villages. Molecular method detected muc and mecA genes in all the 6 (100%) CA-MRSA isolates and lukS-lukF was detected in 3 (50%) of the isolates.
Conclusion: Detection of CA-MRSA strains among these rural dweller indicates that they are harbouring enhance virulence organism that may manifest a more severe disease condition. The danger associated with high prevalence of multidrug resistant Staph aureus and CAMRSA; and its consequential effects of poor drug administration in Nigeria was discussed. There is need to establish a more strict legislation and enforcement on drug control; and a body that would monitor production and appropriate use of antibiotics in the Nigeria.

KEYWORDS: CA-MRSA, Staph aureus, Antibiotics, Rural Villages and Molecular Characterization

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Characterization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates from apparently healthy individuals in Malete, Kwara state, Nigeria

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The characterization of multidrug resistant type 1 S-fimbriated Escherichia coli from women with recurrent urinary tract infections (RUTIS) in Bangladesh

M. K. Hasan, F. Momtaz, M.J. Foysal, M.H. Ali, K. Islam, S.H. Prodhan

 

Abstract

Background: Escherichia coli is a bacterial species that is most frequently associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs) worldwide. Recurrent UTIs (RUTIs) pose a major threat to health, especially in women. However, studies on the pathogenic potentials of E. coli isolates associated with RUTIs has yet to be done. The present study was designed to characterize the isolates of E. coli from women, suffering from repeated UTIs in Bangladesh.
Methods: A total of 15 isolates of E. coli, collected from women with RUTIs in the Sylhet city of Bangladesh, were analyzed by a series of biochemical and molecular tests.
Results: The PCR amplification of the mannose-resistant type 1 S-fimbriae gene (sfa1) confirmed all sfa1+ isolates of E. coli. In an antibiogram assay, all the isolates of E. coli were found to be completely resistant to at least five of the ten commercial antibiotics and drug resistance were found to be correlated with the weight of the RUTIs patient. Analysis of the 16S rRNA data of the two most drug-resistant and clinically significant isolates were found to be clustered with the drug-resistant UTI-causing E. coli isolates, circulated in India.
Conclusions: This study could pave the way of RUTIs diagnosis and treatment strategy for women in Bangladesh.

Keywords: RUTIs, E. coli, sfa1, multidrug-resistant isolates, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, correlation analysis.

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The characterization of multidrug resistant type 1 S-fimbriated Escherichia coli from women with recurrent urinary tract infections (RUTIS) in Bangladesh

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Bacterial contamination of toilet door handles on Baze University campus Abuja Nigeria

O.O Alonge, B.M Auwal, M.I. Aboh

 

Abstract

Aim: Contracting infectious diseases from microbial contaminated toilet door handles is a potential threat to public health and safety. Therefore we performed microbiological screening of toilet door handles in twelve рublic toilets on Baze University campus for bacterial contamination.
Methodology and Results: Biochemical analysis of bacterial isolates from entrance toilet door handles in six building blocks on Baze University camрus, revealed a general contamination by mainly seven bacterial species associated with human gut and skin flora in order of decreasing frequency as follows: Staphylococcus aureus 42.9%; Salmonella typhimurium 21.4%; Escherichia coli 14.3%; Pseudomonas aeruginosa 9.5%; Proteus mirablis 4.8%; Klebsiella oxytoca 4.8%; and Klebsiella pneumoniae with 2.3% prevalence. Results of the total aerobic mesophillic count showed A-Block with the highest amount of contamination – 768*105CFU/ml, while B-Block had the least amount of bacterial contamination – 473*105CFU/ml. The levels of bacterial contamination in the other blocks were as follows: C-Block – 710*105CFU/ml, D-Block – 695*105CFU/ml, E-Block – 567*105CFU/ml, and FBlock – 743*105 CFU/ml.
Conclusion: Overall of the seven isolated bacterial sрecies five were mainly gut-associated bacteria, suggesting feacal contamination. The others were skin-associated bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus), suggesting routine touch by hands, and soil-associated bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) suggesting contamination from settling dust рarticles. This study is relevant for public health and safety, as its findings reveal the presence of bacterial pathogens on toilet door handles, which is vital in preventing the spread of infectious disease.

Keywords: Toilet door handles, bacterial pathogens, fecal contamination, antibiotic resistance.

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Bacterial contamination of toilet door handles on Baze University campus Abuja Nigeria

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Elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (eMTCT) in Western Nigeria: how far have we gone?

S.O. Usman, G.B. Agboola, A.J. Afe, G.P. Olubayo, T. Akinmurele, O.T Oluwaniyi, O.O Abodunde, O. Adeola, M. Onyema

 

Abstract

Background: HIV pandemic has continued to be a huge challenge in Nigeria, with the problem of stigmatization reducing the chances of early determination of the HIV status of pregnant women, which may increase the chances of transmission to the child from the mother. Hypotheses tested were the influence of maternal antiretroviral therapy (ART) use and infant’s feeding option on baby’s final early infant diagnosis (EID) outcome. The study was aimed at determining the trend as well as diagnosis of HIV infection in exposed infants. It will also determine among infants the factors associated with the transmission of the infection from their mothers.
Methods: This study was a prospective cohort study of HIV-exposed infants conducted in Ekiti State, South Western Nigeria, between June 2015 and June 2017. Dried Blood Spots (DBS) were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction technique. All data were statistically analyzed, using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) and statistical test of significance was performed with Chi-Square test.
Results: A total of 200 infants were included in the study, 91 (45.5%) female and 109 (54.5%) male. Three (1.5%) babies were confirmed positive after cessation of all exposures. Maternal antiretroviral therapy (ART) use has significant effect on baby early infant diagnosis (EID) outcome (χ² = 65.40, df = 2, P = 0.001). Infant feeding option has significant effect on baby early infant diagnosis (EID) outcome (χ² = 132.67, df = 2, P = 0.001). Baby’s mode of delivery have higher association with the final EID outcome of the baby (OR: 1.018, 95% CI: 0.998 – 1.038).
Conclusion: ART administration to both HIV-infected mothers and their babies has demonstrated an effective mechanism in the elimination of mother-to-child transmission (eMTCT), as this is evident in the very low positivity outcome. However, the degree to which Cuba, Armenia, Belarus, and Thailand have eliminated HIV transmission from mother-to-baby is achievable in Nigeria through provision of universal access to health care.

Key words: infant, mother, dried blood spot, polymerase chain reaction

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Elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (eMTCT) in Western Nigeria how far have we gone Elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (eMTCT) in Western Nigeria how far have we gone

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Surveillance of anti-HCV antibody amongst in-school youth in a Nigeria university

M A Muhibi, M O Ifeanyichukwu, A O Olawuyi, A A Abulude, M O Adeyemo, M O Muhibi

 

Abstract

Infection with Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a public health problem. Worldwide, there are about 170 million people infected with HCV. HCV is transmitted through sex and use of contaminated sharp objects during tattooing or intravenous drug abuse. These routes make youth to be more vulnerable. Transfusion and mother to child transmissions are also documented modes. This study was carried out to determine sero-prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection among in school youth at Achievers University, Owo in southwest Nigeria. Samples of blood were collected from 70 undergraduate students and sera harvested were tested for the presence of antibodies against hepatitis C virus by Enzyme Immunoassay Technique. Most participants fall within age range 21-25 (91.4%). The study showed that none of the subjects was positive for anti- HCV antibodies. Education and awareness level might have impacted positively on this outcome. Thus routine screening for HCV and sustained awareness creation activities to eradicate HCV and its attendant consequences from our society is of paramount importance.

Key words: HCV, prevalence, in-school youth, education.

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Surveillance of anti-HCV antibody amongst in-school youth in a Nigeria university

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Screening of selected medicinal plants for their antifungal properties

M. I. Aboh, P. Oladosu, G.O. Adeshina, B. O. Olayinka, S Olonitola, N.H. Atasie

 

Abstract

Background: The rising incidence of fungal infections has created the need for the next generation of antifungal agents, as many of the currently available ones either have adverse effects, or are not active against emerging or re-emerging fungi, leading to the fast progression of resistant strains. Objectives: This study aims at evaluating the antifungal activities of some medicinal plants used traditionally for treating skin infections in Nigeria. Methods: In vitro antifungal activities of seven indigenous plants (Leptadenia hastate, Lawsonia inermis, Hyptis suaveolens, Luffa cylindrica, Jatropha curcas, Pterocarpus erinaceous and Afromaxia laxiflora) were screened against Candida albicans ATCC 10231, Candida tropicalis ATCC 13803, clinical strains of Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Trichophyton rubrum, Microsporum canis and Epidermophyton floccosum using agar dilution and micro broth dilution methods. Terbinafine and fluconazole were used as reference standards for comparism. Results: The results showed that the ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts of the plants produced better antifungal effects than the hexane and water extracts. Luffa cylindrica and H. suaveolens exhibited the strongest inhibitory activity against all the fungi tested with minimum inhibitory concentration values ranging between 250 and 1000 ag/mL. Conclusion: The plants screened could serve as leads for the development of new antifungal drugs.

Key words: Antifungal, agar dilution, micro broth dilution, minimum inhibitory concentration.

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Screening of selected medicinal plants for their antifungal properties

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Tube method and Congo red agar versus tissue culture plate method for detection of biofilm production by uropathogens isolated from midstream urine: Which one could be better?

A. M. Sultan, Y. Nabiel

 

Abstract

Background: Bacteria tend to live in assemblies called biofilms that aid bacterial virulence. Biofilms contribute to the development of antibiotic resistant urinary tract infection. Therefore, detection of biofilm production by urinary pathogens can assist the physicians to initiate the proper antimicrobial treatment.
Methods: We conducted a prospective study that included patients with suspected urinary tract infection. Collected midstream urine samples were processed by standard microbiological techniques. Detection of biofilm production by the isolated uropathogens was conducted by tissue culture plate method (TCPM), tube method (TM) and Congo red agar (CRA).
Results: A total of 43 (29.7%) isolated uropathogens showed positive biofilm formation by TCPM which was considered the gold standard for biofilm detection. When compared with the TCPM, TM truly identified 40 biofilm producers and 83 non-biofilm producers showing sensitivity and specificity of 93.0% and 81.4% respectively. The CRA truly identified 38 biofilm producers and 77 non-biofilm producers with sensitivity and specificity of 88.4% and 75.5% respectively.
Conclusion: The TM was superior to CRA in biofilm detection and demonstrated better sensitivity and specificity results. Out of the investigated three phenotypic biofilm detection methods, the TCPM was the ideal method for detection of biofilm formation by uropathogens isolated from midstream urine samples. It can be used routinely in the microbiology laboratory with good specificity results and less subjectivity errors.

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Tube method and Congo red agar versus tissue culture plate method for detection of biofilm production by uropathogens isolated from midstream urine Which one could be better?

 

 

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A two year old infected with Dicrocoelium dendriticum: a case report

J.O Okwuzu, T.A Gbaja-Biamila, A. E. Wapmuk, P.C Austin-Akaigwe, O.O Odubela, A.N, David, O.C. Ezechi

 

Abstract

Dicrocoelium dendriticum infection is rare in human and generally non-fatal unless infection of liver is severe. The disease could lead to biliary colic, digestive disturbances that include bloating and diarrhea. In heavy infections, bile ducts and the biliary epithelium may become enlarged with the generation of fibrous tissues around the ducts leading to hepatomegaly or inflammation of the liver (cirrhosis). This is a case presentation of a two-year old male child who is infected with Human Immune deficiency virus (HIV). BMI was 10.3kg/m2, which is below the fifth percentile. Child lost 1.5kg on retrospective review of case file and another 0.5kg after presentation with loss of appetite, cough and fever. Patient was reportedly fed with liver on several occasion. Stool examination revealed many Dicrocoelium dendriticum and Ascaris lumbricoidesova. Albendazole treatment was instituted and after three months, body weight improved to 10.5kg. It becomes important to screen underweight children for helminthiasis, particularly HIV/AIDS patients whose HIV treatment plan might be of priority to the physician.

Keywords: Dicrocoelium dendriticum, Child, Ascaris lumbricoides, HIV/AIDS, Albendazole.

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A two year old infected with Dicrocoelium dendriticum a case report