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Prevalence of enteric parasitic infection among people living with HIV in parts of southeastern Nigeria

*[1]Aniobi, C. C., and [2]Onyemelukwe, N. F.

1Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria

2Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: ccaniobi@gmail.com; 08036979635

Abstract:

Background: Intestinal parasites in HIV/AIDS patients increase the risk of gastroenteritis, adding to the complexity of the disease. The interactions of intestinal parasites are one of the factors leading to HIV replication and progression of AIDS. Chronic immunosuppression caused by HIV infection makes people vulnerable to parasitic infestations, and this is associated with a CD4+ cell count of less than 200/mm3. This study is aimed at determining the prevalence of enteric parasitic infection among people living with HIV in southeast Nigeria. Continue reading “Prevalence of enteric parasitic infection among people living with HIV in parts of southeastern Nigeria”

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Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp from stool samples of people living with human immunodeficiency virus in Maiduguri, Nigeria

*1,[1]Kadaura, M. U., 1Abubakar, J., 2Baba, A. S., 3Askira, M. U., 2Ali, K. B., 4Yakubu, Y. M., 4Daggash, B. B., 4Baba, S. A., 5Mohammed, Y., 2Gadzama, G. B., and 4Zailani, S. B.

1Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, Federal University of    Health Sciences Azare, Bauchi State, Nigeria

2Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

3Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

4Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital,  Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria                          5Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: Umulsan4maryam@gmail.com, Mairo.kadaura@fuhsa.edu.ng,.

Abstract:

Background: Cryptosporidium is an important cause of diarrhea in immuno-compromised individuals including children. Recent advances in molecular techniques have led to the discovery of different species that are more commonly associated with diarrhea. This study aimed at isolating and characterizing the Cryptosporidium spp among HIV patients with diarrhea in Maiduguri, Nigeria. Continue reading “Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp from stool samples of people living with human immunodeficiency virus in Maiduguri, Nigeria”

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Cytomegalovirus co-infection with human immunodeficiency virus among children in State Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria

*[1]Bamisaye, O. E., [2],[3],[4]Omoruyi, E. C., 1Badmus, M. M., 1Osuide, M. E., and 5Salami, O. L.

1Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria

2Institute of Child Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria      3Clinical Virology Laboratory, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria

4Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Edo University, Iyamho, Nigeria 5Infectious Disease Institute, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: bamisayeseyi@gmail.com

Abstract:

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) co-infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) poses significant global challenges with possible complications of disease progression in children and adolescents, especially in resource-limited settings. This study investigates the prevalence of CMV among children living with HIV as well as their viral load dynamics and immunological status correlates.

Methodology: A total of 169 HIV infected participants, including 37 children (2 months to 10 years) and 132 adolescents (11–19 years) on antiretroviral therapy (ARTs), were enrolled from the State Hospital HIV Clinic, Ibadan, Nigeria. The CMV-DNA cycle threshold (Ct) and HIV viral loads were determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction (rt PCR) assay while CD4+ cell counts were assessed with CyFlow method. Sociodemographic and clinical data of participants were analyzed using SPSS (version 25.0) and statistical compari- sons and correlations between variables were evaluated at significant level of p<0.05.

Results: The mean age of all HIV-infected participants was 11.89±3.16 years, and were predominantly males (65.1%, n=110). The overall prevalence of CMV was 13.0%, with higher rates among males (20.9%) compared to females (5.4%) (OR=3.897, 95% CI=1.103-13.776, p=0.03). The prevalence of low and high CMV DNA Ct were 8.9% and 4.1% respectively. Most of the participants had low HIV loads (<19 copies/µL) (n=102, 60.4%) and high CD4+ counts (>500 cells/µL) (n=134, 79.3%). However, a subset of the participants (n=12, 7.1%) had high CMV DNA levels despite their low HIV loads. A negative correlation between CMV DNA Ct values and age (r<0) suggested increased CMV loads in older participants.

Conclusion: Cytomegalovirus co-infecting with HIV is present at a prevalence of 13.0% in this study, and significantly higher in males and older age groups, depicting a significant concern among male children and adolescents living with HIV. These findings highlight the need for routine CMV screening among children and adolescents living with HIV, age- and gender-sensitive interventions, as well as enhanced ART adherence, to mitigate the risks associated with co-infection in this vulnerable population.

Keywords: CMV, HIV, co-infection, real time PCR, cycle threshold,  CD4+ T cell

Cytomegalovirus co-infection with human immunodeficiency virus among children in State Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria

             

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A mini-review of the global implications of the emerging SARS-CoV-2 XEC variant: Epidemiology, mutations, and mitigation strategies

1,2Ebede, S. O., 1,2Emeribe, S. C., 1,2Nwafia, I. N., 1,2Okeke, U. C., and *1,2Orabueze, I. N.

1Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Ituku-Ozalla Campus, Enugu, Nigeria

2Department of Microbiology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria*

Correspondence to: Iborabueze@gmail.com; ORCID: 0009-0005-8369-1568

Abstract:

The newly emerged SARS- CoV-2 XEC subvariant (XEC) is a global public health concern. Since its first detection in May 2024, it has spread rapidly to involve more than 45 countries globally. The World Health Organization and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention designated XEC a variant under monitoring (VUM), highlighting its global concern. XEC sub-variant is a descendant of the omicron lineage and a recombinant product of K.S.1.1 and KP3.3. Increased infectivity, enhanced immune evasion, and immune resistance, have been linked to specific spike protein mutations, S: F59S and S: T22N, alongside Apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme catalytic polypeptide 3 (APOBEC3)-driven mutations that facilitate immune escape and viral survival. Like its predecessor, the novel SARS-CoV-2 XEC variant exhibits flu-like symptoms. However, there is no evidence that it causes more severe illness than previously circulating Omicron variants. Nevertheless, the high reproduction number (Re) of the XEC variant suggests a higher chance of out competing the other major lineages. Wastewater surveillance has shown that XEC variant circulation is approximately 2 to 19 times higher than the number of cases that have been identified. This suggests that underreporting, decreased testing and declining genomic surveillance in many countries may be masking the true epidemiological burden of XEC. Mitigation strategies must prioritize mass vaccination campaigns, incorporating updated 2024-2025 vaccines and infection prevention and control measures. Sadly, vaccine hesitancy poses a significant challenge to the achievement of herd immunity. To address this, targeted public enlightenment campaigns are essential. Additionally, proactive and collaborative global efforts are necessary to curb the spread of emerging variants like XEC. Strengthened IPC practices, and sustained genomic surveillance will be critical in averting future waves and mitigating public health impacts. This review serves to provide insight into the XEC variant and call for action to prevent another looming pandemic. Continue reading “A mini-review of the global implications of the emerging SARS-CoV-2 XEC variant: Epidemiology, mutations, and mitigation strategies”

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Recent update on the mechanism and epidemiology of metallo-β-lactamases in nosocomial infections: A mini review

*Eze, I. F 0009-0007-7286-9273., Adeoye-Isijola, M. O 0000-0002-3186-5432., Adefisoye, M. A 0000-0002-4957-4609., and Olajuyigbe, O. O 0000-0002-7889-0416

Department of Microbiology, School of Science and Technology, Babcock University, Ogun State, Nigeria *Correspondence to: ezeifyfaith@gmail.com

Abstract:
Metallo-β-lactamases are different types of biological enzymes that breakdown a broad spectrum of beta-lactam antibiotics such as carbapenems. Antibiotic resistance exhibited by many Gram-negative bacteria is due to acquisition of genes encoding these enzymes, which underscores their importance in antibiotic resistance and has led to an increase in nosocomial infections caused by multi-drug-resistant pathogens. This review analyzes recent updates on the mechanism of antibiotic resistance and epidemiology of metallo-β- lactamases in nosocomial infections. Carbapenem antibiotics are regarded as effective and reserve antibiotics for the treatment of multidrug-resistant bacteria infections. Currently, there is paucity of inhibitors that prevent the activities of metallo beta-lactamase clinically. Carbapenem resistance in bacteria is a global health issue, associated with increased morbidity and mortality in the healthcare setting. There is a need for continuous research on metallo-β-lactamases inhibitors, rational use of carbapenems and appropriate infection control measures in order to curb the increase in infections. This mini-review is aimed to provide a broader scope on the current trends of antimicrobial resistance in metallo-β-lactamase-associated nosocomial infections. This will lead to a better understanding of the public health implication of the unabated spread of these infections, the need for judicious utilization of the limited therapeutic options, resulting to efficient antimicrobial stewardship.

Keywords: Metallo-β-lactamases, β-lactam, Carbapenem, Nosocomial, Multidrug resistant

Received Jan 28, 2025; Revised Apr 21, 2025; Accepted Apr 22, 2025

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Recent update on the mechanism and epidemiology of metallo-β-lactamases in nosocomial infections: A mini review

 

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Ending nuclear weapons, before they end us

Authors:
Kamran Abbasi, Editor-in-Chief, BMJ; Parveen Ali, Editor-in-Chief, International Nursing Review; Virginia Barbour, Editor-in-Chief, Medical Journal of Australia; Marion Birch, Editor-in-Chief, Medact & University College London; Inga Blum, At-large Board Member, IPPNW; Peter C. Doherty, 1996 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine; Andy Haines, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine; Ira Helfand, Past President, IPPNW; Richard Horton, Editor-in-Chief, The Lancet; Kati Juva, Co-President, IPPNW; Jose F. Lapena Jr, Vice-President, WAME; Robert Mash, Editor-in-Chief, African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine; Olga Mironova, Co-President, IPPNW; Arun Mitra, Past President, IPPNW; Carlos Monteiro, Editor-in-Chief, Revista de Saúde Pública; Elena N. Naumova, Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Public Health Policy; David Onazi, Co-President, IPPNW; Tilman Ruff, Past President, IPPNW; Peush Sahni, Editor-in-Chief, National Medical Journal of India; James Tumwine, Editor-in-Chief, African Health Sciences; Carlos Umaña, Co-President, IPPNW; Paul Yonga, Editor-in-Chief, East African Medical Journal Continue reading “Ending nuclear weapons, before they end us”