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A systematic review of clinical characteristics, co-morbidities and outcomes of COVID-19 in children and adolescents

 

*1Adegboro, B., 2Musa-Booth, T. O., 3Mba, I. N., 4Ibrahim, R. R., 1Medugu, N.,

5Abayomi, S. A., and 6Babazhitsu, M.

 

Departments of 1Medical Microbiology/Immunology and

3Chemical Pathology, Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria

21928, Woodlawn Drive, Woodlawn, Maryland 21207, USA

4Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria

5Department of Medical Microbiology, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Nigeria

6Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: boazadegboro@gmail.com; boaz.adegboro@nileuniverity.edu.ng

Abstract:

Background: COVID-19 is a major global health challenge that has affected all age groups and gender, with over 5 million deaths reported worldwide to date. The objective of this study is to assess available information on COVID-19 in children and adolescents with respect to clinical characteristics, co-morbidities, and outcomes, and identify gaps in the literatures for appropriate actions.                   Continue reading “A systematic review of clinical characteristics, co-morbidities and outcomes of COVID-19 in children and adolescents”

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A review of the role of infections in the aetiology of haemolysis in patients with sickle cell diseases: pathogenesis, management, and prevention

*1Ahmed, S. G., and 2Ibrahim, U. A.

1Department of Haematology, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria

2Department of Paediatrics, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: drsagirahmed@yahoo.com

 

Abstract:

 Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with chronic haemolysis, immuno-suppression and suscepti- bility to infections, which may trigger infection-associated haemolysis (IAH). SCD patients are vulnerable to anaemic effect of IAH due to vicious interaction between pre-existing ‘inherited’ chronic haemolysis and ‘acquired’ IAH. IAH in SCD manifests as febrile haemolytic crisis with clinical and laboratory features of severe anaemia or pancytopenia. Clinico-pathological perspectives of IAH in SCD are fragmented. This review presents a comprehen- sive but concise overview of pathogenesis, management and prevention of IAH in SCD. Continue reading “A review of the role of infections in the aetiology of haemolysis in patients with sickle cell diseases: pathogenesis, management, and prevention”

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A point-prevalence survey of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in two different cities in Kuwait and Nigeria 

[1]Jamal, W., [2]Iregbu, K., 1Al Fadhli, A., 1Khodakhast, F., 2Nwajiobi-Princewill, P., 2Medugu, N., and *3Rotimi, V. O.

1Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait

2Department of Clinical Microbiology, National Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria                                                  

3Department of Medical Microbiology, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Ikeja, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: bunmivr@yahoo.com; +234 909 215 0971

Abstract: 

Background: The family Enterobacteriaceae belongs to the order Enterobacterales, a large diverse group of Gramnegative, facultatively anaerobic bacteria that sometimes cause multidrug-resistant infections which treatment options are often challenging. They are the leading cause of nosocomial bloodstream infection (BSI) and urinary tract infections (UTI). The objective of the study was to carry out a point-prevalence survey of antimicrobial resistance and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) clinical isolates in two hospitals in Kuwait and Nigeria. Continue reading “A point-prevalence survey of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in two different cities in Kuwait and Nigeria “

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Profile of multidrug-resistant clinical bacterial isolates at the National Hospital of Zinder (NHZ), Niger Republic in 2021

*1Abdoulaye, O., 1,2Sidi Maman Bacha, B., 1Hama Aghali, N., 3Abdoulaye, I.,

1Abdoulaye, M. B., 4Lo, G., 5Yacouba, A., 6Chaibou, S., 5Alhousseini Maiga, D.,  1Biraima, A., 1Harouna Amadou, M. L., 7Doutchi, M., 1Bako Saley, M. L.,  1Maman Sani Falissou, S., 1Moussa, M., and 5Mamadou, S.

1Faculté des Sciences de la Santé de l’Université Dan Dicko Dankoulodo de Maradi, Niger

2Hôpital National de Zinder, Niger

3Centre de Recherche Médicale et Sanitaire, Niamey, Niger

4Faculté de Médecine, de Pharmacie et d’Odontostomatologie, Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar, Senegal

5Faculté des Sciences de la Santé, Université Abdou Moumouni, Niamey, Niger

6Hôpital Général de Référence de Niamey, Niger

7Faculté des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Zinder, Niger

*Correspondence to: ousmaneabdoulaye2010@yahoo.com; +227 96354580

 

Abstract:

 Background: Today, bacterial resistance is a public health challenge throughout the world, and infections caused by resistant bacteria are associated with increased morbidity, mortality and health care costs. The objective of this descriptive study is to determine the prevalence and distribution of multi-drug resistant (MDR) clinical bacteria isolates at the National Hospital of Zinder, Niger Republic in 2021. Continue reading “Profile of multidrug-resistant clinical bacterial isolates at the National Hospital of Zinder (NHZ), Niger Republic in 2021”

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In vitro antibiotic susceptibility of bacterial pathogens and risk factors associated with culture positive neonatal sepsis  in two hospitals, Katsina metropolis, Nigeria

[1]Obaro, H. K., 1Abdulkadir, B., and 2Abdullahi, S.

1Department of Microbiology, Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina, Katsina State, Nigeria

2Department of Pharmacology, Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina, Katsina State, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: obarohasan@yahoo.com; +2348136436916

Abstract:

Background: Neonatal sepsis is one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality among neonates, particularly in developing countries. This study aimed to determine the risk factors and in vitro antibiotic susceptibility patterns of bacterial pathogens associated with neonatal sepsis in Federal Medical Centre (FMC) and Turai Umaru Yar’adua Maternal and Children Hospital (TUYMCH), Katsina, Nigeria.

Methodology: A total of 60 hospitalized neonates evaluated for neonatal sepsis at the special care baby units (SCBU) of the two healthcare facilities whose parents gave informed consent were enrolled for the study between July and December 2020. Blood samples were aseptically collected from the neonates and cultured on BacT/Alert automated platform (BioMérieux, Mercy-Etoile, France) machine. Bacteria were identified from all positive cultures and in vitro susceptibility test was performed on the isolates to determine their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) to eight selected antibiotics using the Vitek-2 compact system. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 22.0.  Continue reading “In vitro antibiotic susceptibility of bacterial pathogens and risk factors associated with culture positive neonatal sepsis  in two hospitals, Katsina metropolis, Nigeria”

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Widal antibody titre test versus blood culture; which is a better diagnostic for typhoid fever?   

*1Popoola, O. D., 1Thomas, B. T., 2Folorunso, J. B., 1Balogun-Abiola, H. T., 1Adekola, H. A., 1Okulaja, Q. O., and 1Coker, M. O.

1Department of Microbiology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria

2Department of Medical Laboratory, Directorate of Health Services, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: dorcasatmoment@gmail.com; omolara.popoola@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng; +234-8075773022

ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6816-5627

 

Abstract:

Background: The importance of accurate diagnosis of infectious diseases is central and crucial to the effectiveness of treatment and prevention of the associated long-term complications of such infections. The objective of this study was therefore to determine the accuracy of the Widal antibody titre test in the diagnosis of typhoid fever relative to the gold standard blood culture technique. Continue reading “Widal antibody titre test versus blood culture; which is a better diagnostic for typhoid fever?   “

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Epidemiology of Dengue in patients with febrile syndrome at Saint Camille Hospital, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso from 2020 to 2021

1,2,3Bello, S. O. T., 4Houkpevi, A., 4Zackari, S., 1,3Tapsoba, A. S. A., *1,3,5Zoure, A. A., 6Ilboudo, P. D., 1,3Ouattara, A. K., 1Traore, L., 3Belemgnegre, M., 1,3,4Zohoncon, T. M.,  2,5Diabate, A., and 1,3,4Simpore, J.

1Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genetics (CERBA/LABIOGENE), UFR/SVT, Joseph KI-ZERBO University, BP 7021 Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso

2African Center of Excellence in Biotechnological Innovations for the Elimination of Vector-borne Diseases

(CEA/ITECH-MTV), Nazi BONI University 01BP, 1091 Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso

3Saint Camille Hospital of Ouagadougou (HOSCO), 01 BP 444 Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso

4Faculty of Health Sciences, Saint Thomas Aquinas University (USTA), 06 BP 10212, Ouagadougou 06, Burkina Faso

5Institute for Research in Health Sciences (IRSS/CNRST)/Muraz Center, BP 390, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso

6University of Fada N’Gourma, Fada N’Gourma, Burkina Faso

*Correspondence to: abdouazaque@gmail.com; Tel: 00 226 50 34 48 01; https://orcid.org/0000–0002–9423–024X

 

Abstract:

Background: Dengue is still a public health problem in tropical countries. This disease, which had almost disappeared in some areas of the world, has become re-emergent in certain parts of the world including Africa. The aim of this study is to determine the seroprevalence and evolution of Dengue virus (DENV) infection from 2020 to 2021 at the Hospital Saint Camille de Ouagadougou (HOSCO), Burkina Faso. Continue reading “Epidemiology of Dengue in patients with febrile syndrome at Saint Camille Hospital, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso from 2020 to 2021”

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Mobile phones of hospital workers: a potential reservoir for the transmission of pathogenic bacteria

*[1]Bissong, M. E. A., and [2]Moukou, M.

1Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Bamenda, P. O. Box 39, Bambili, Cameroon

2Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Bamenda, P. O. Box 39, Bambili, Cameroon *Correspondence to: mabissong@yahoo.com; +237675301641

Abstract:

Background: Mobile phones are increasingly associated with the transmission of pathogenic microbial agents. In the clinical setting where there is usually high exposure to pathogens, these devices may serve as vehicles for the transmission/spread of pathogens. This study determined the prevalence of bacterial contamination of mobile phones of health workers and the predisposing factors, in order to ascertain the risk of transmission of pathogenic bacteria through mobile phones. Continue reading “Mobile phones of hospital workers: a potential reservoir for the transmission of pathogenic bacteria”

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Serological study of leptospirosis in cats from Algeria

*[1]Zaidi, S., [2]Amara Korba, A., [3]Bessas, A., 2Bouzenad A., 2Hamnoune, N. K.,   [4],[5]Hezil, Dj., and 6Bitam, I.

1Higher National Veterinary School, El Alia, Oued Smar, 1615, Algiers, Algeria

2Leptospira unit, Pasteur Institute of Algeria, Rue 1 of Doctor Laveran, Hamma Anassers Algiers, Algeria

3Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Algiers 1 (Benyoucef Benkhedda University), Algiers, Algeria

4Research Laboratory Management of Local Animal Resources, Higher National Veterinary School of Algeria, ENSV, Algeria

5 Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, M’Hamed Bougara University, Boumerdes, Algeria

6Higher School of Food Sciences and Agri-Food Industries, Algiers, Algeria *Correspondence to: zaidi.ensv@gmail.com; s.zaidi@ensv.dz

 

Abstract:

Background: By the nature of their environment and behavior, stray cats are at risk of exposure to leptospirosis. Leptospirosis is an emerging zoonotic disease with worldwide distribution. The prevalence of leptospirosis in the feline species in Algeria is unknown. The main objectives of this study are to determine the seroprevalence and identify the most common Leptospira serovars in stray cats in the Algiers region. Continue reading “Serological study of leptospirosis in cats from Algeria”

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Emergence of nosocomial-acquired extensively drug-resistant  and pandrug-resistant Enterobacterales in a teaching hospital in Kuwait

[1]Chadha, A., 1,2Jamal, W., and *3Rotimi, V. O.

Departments of Microbiology, 1Mubarak Al Kabeer Hospital, 2Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Health Sciences Center, Jabriya, Kuwait                      3Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Ikeja, Nigeria *Correspondence to: bunmivr@yahoo.com

Abstract:

 Background: The emergence and high ascendancy of infections caused by extensively-drug-resistant (XDR) and pandrug-resistant (PDR) Enterobacterales isolates is a serious clinical and public health challenge. Isolation of PDR Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) in clinical setting is very rare and rarer is the infection caused by XDR GNB. Apart from restricted therapeutic options, these infections are associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Urgent studies to re-evaluate existing therapeutic options and research into new antibiotic molecules are desperately needed. The objectives of this study are to report the emergence of rarely encountered multidrug-resistant (MDR), difficult-to-threat, CRE infections in our hospital and investigate their molecular epidemiology.

Methodology: This was a retrospective observational analysis of six patients with severe infections caused by XDR and PDR Enterobacterales isolates at Mubarak AL Kabeer Teaching Hospital, Jabriya, Kuwait, over a period of one and half years. The mechanisms of resistance in these isolates were then prospectively investigated by molecular characterization and genomic studies. Continue reading “Emergence of nosocomial-acquired extensively drug-resistant  and pandrug-resistant Enterobacterales in a teaching hospital in Kuwait”