Posted on

Comparative evaluation of hydrophilic bases for improved delivery of Benzoic acid and Salicylic acid in antimicrobial ointment

*Oyedele, A. O., and Akinkunmi, E. O.
Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
*Correspondence to: aoyedele@oauife.edu.ng

Abstract:
Background: Benzoic acid (BA) and salicylic acid (SA) combined are used as choice topical treatment for fungal and bacterial infections but their delivery is affected by ointment vehicle, among other factors. With aim to achieve improved release and antimicrobial activity in ointment formulation of these medicaments through selection of more efficient vehicle(s), this study comparatively evaluated prospective alternatives to the compendium-specified base for delivery potential and relevant physical properties. Continue reading “Comparative evaluation of hydrophilic bases for improved delivery of Benzoic acid and Salicylic acid in antimicrobial ointment”

Posted on

Hygiene quality of traditional and industrial table olives from markets in Rabat-Salé and Temara cities in Morocco

*1Mennane, Z., 2Houlali, I., 3Charof, R., 1Abrini, J., and 1Elmtili, N.

1Food and Health Team, Laboratory of Biology and Health, Faculty of Science, Abdelmalek Essaidi University, P. O. Box 2121, Tetouan, Morocco

2Faculty of Science and Technology, Beni Mellal, Environment Laboratory, Morocco

3Laboratory of Medical Bacteriology, National Institute of Hygiene, Rabat, Morocco

Correspondence to: menzakaria@hotmail.com; 212634564754

Abstract:

Background: Table olives are one of the most important vegetable canning products in Morocco, which is considered one of the world’s largest producing countries. Currently, many outlets prepare table olives by different methods that do not comply with standard hygiene practices. Hence, this research was conducted to assess the quality standard of these olives by evaluating their physico-chemical and microbiological properties. Continue reading “Hygiene quality of traditional and industrial table olives from markets in Rabat-Salé and Temara cities in Morocco”

Posted on

Evaluation of a cryptococcal antigen lateral flow assay test for rapid detection of cryptococcal infection in HIV-negative patients in Ibadan, Nigeria

*1,2,4Fayemiwo, S. A., 1,2Makanjuola, O. B., 1Nwaokenye, J., and 3Owolabi, M. O.

1Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria

2Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

3Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

4Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK

*Correspondence to: dayteet@yahoo.com

Abstract:
Background: A number of studies have been conducted in Nigeria on the prevalence of cryptococcal infections mostly on HIV-infected patients using culture, India ink and/or latex agglutination tests. These tests are either laborious, time-consuming and expensive or have low sensitivity, thus limiting their use. Cryptococcal antigen lateral flow assays (LFA) were introduced in the last decade as rapid user-friendly tests for diagnosis. In this study, we sought to determine the diagnostic accuracy of an LFA kit for the detection of cryptococcal antigen in the serum of HIV-negative patients with or without cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or stroke in University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. Continue reading “Evaluation of a cryptococcal antigen lateral flow assay test for rapid detection of cryptococcal infection in HIV-negative patients in Ibadan, Nigeria”

Posted on

Positivity yield of HIV index testing services from selected healthcare facilities in Ondo State, southwest Nigeria

Emeh, A., *Usman, S. O., Adebanjo, A. M., Ogboghodo, E., Akinbinu, B., Suraju, A., Udechukwu, C., Ale, J., Ariyo, A., Owolagba, F. E., Jolayemi, T., and Okonkwo, P.

APIN Public Health Initiatives, Abuja, Nigeria *Correspondence to: senatorhopsy@yahoo.com

Abstract: Background: Index testing is a voluntary process whereby HIV seropositive clients are counselled and, after obtaining consent, their sexual and needle sharing partners are offered HIV testing services. Index testing has been associated with high HIV positivity yield. The aim of this study is to determine the positivity yield and identify factors influencing the yield from index testing strategy in selected healthcare facilities in Ondo State, southwest Nigeria. Continue reading “Positivity yield of HIV index testing services from selected healthcare facilities in Ondo State, southwest Nigeria”

Posted on

Profile of bacterial pathogens contaminating hands of healthcare workers during daily routine care of patients at a tertiary hospital in northern Nigeria

1Ige, O. T., 2Jimoh, O., 3Ige, S. O., 4Ijei, I. P., 5Zubairu, H., and 2Olayinka, A. T.

1Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, Kaduna State University, Kaduna, Nigeria

2Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, Kaduna, Nigeria

3Department of Paediatrics, Yusuf Dantsofo Specialist Hospital, Kaduna, Nigeria

4Department of Hematology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, Kaduna State University, Kaduna, Nigeria

5Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, Kaduna State University, Kaduna, Nigeria Correspondence to: anjolaoluwanow@gmail.com; Mobile: 08133831264

Abstract:

Background: Healthcare associated infections (HAIs) have been recognized as a critical challenge affecting the quality of healthcare services provided. A significant proportion of these infections result from cross-contamination of microorganisms which are often acquired and spread by direct contact with patients or contaminated adjacent environmental surfaces through the hands of healthcare workers (HCWs). The objectives of this study are to profile bacterial pathogens commonly found on the hands of health care workers while routinely attending to patients in the healthcare facility and to determine their antibiotic susceptibility pattern. Continue reading “Profile of bacterial pathogens contaminating hands of healthcare workers during daily routine care of patients at a tertiary hospital in northern Nigeria”