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Comparative evaluation of GenoType MTBDRplus line probe assay and solid culture for detection of drug-resistant tuberculosis in northcentral Nigeria

*1,[1]Eliya, T. T., 1,2Ajide, B. A., 1Bassey, E., 1,2Ishaku, P., 1,5Adeyanju, B. D., 1Jonathan, K, and 1,[2],[3]John, B.

1Zankli Research Centre, Bingham University Karu, Km 26 Abuja-Keffi Expressway, Karu, Nigeria

2Biological Sciences Department, Bingham University Karu, Km 26 Abuja-Keffi Expressway, Karu, Nigeria

3Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom

4Community Medicine, Bingham University Karu, Km 26 Abuja-Keffi Expressway, Karu, Nigeria

[4]Institute of Human Virology, Plot 62 Emeritus Zone, Abuja, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: iliya.taryuta@binghamuni.edu.ng; +2347034229746

 

Abstract:

 Background: Multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) poses a great threat to the TB control programs worldwide. Early detection of rifampicin (RIF) and isoniazid (INH)-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is essential for effective treatment and control of MDR-TB. This study evaluated the performance of GenoType MTBDRplus Line Probe Assay (LPA) with the solid culture method for early diagnosis of MDR-TB.   Continue reading “Comparative evaluation of GenoType MTBDRplus line probe assay and solid culture for detection of drug-resistant tuberculosis in northcentral Nigeria”

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Prevalence and predictors of hepatitis B screening among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in three primary health centres in Abeokuta, Nigeria: A cross-sectional study

*Aliu, O. O., Fowotade, A., and Omoruyi, C. E.

Department of Medical Microbiology, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: aliu_my2004@yahoo.com

 

Abstract:

 Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major public‑health concern. Antenatal screening identifies maternal infection and enables interventions to prevent mother‑to‑child transmission. We assessed the prevalence and predictors of prior HBV screening among pregnant women attending three primary health centres in southwest Nigeria.

Methodology: This was a cross‑sectional survey of 289 pregnant women consecutively enrolled at the antenatal clinics of the three selected health centres. A standardized questionnaire was interviewer-administered to each participant to collect information on socio‑demographic characteristics, previous HBV screening and behavioral and healthcare‑ factors related to HBV screening. Data were analysed using SPSS. Associations of factors with prior HBV screening were determined using Chi‑square and multivariable logistic regression estimated adjusted Odd ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Continue reading “Prevalence and predictors of hepatitis B screening among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in three primary health centres in Abeokuta, Nigeria: A cross-sectional study”

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Knowledge, perception and uptake of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among future healthcare providers: Insights from a medical school in Ogun State, Nigeria

*[1]Akinola-Fowotade, O., [2]Oluwole, T. O., 3Omobowale, O., and 4Fowotade, A.

1Benjamin S. Carson College of Health and Medical Sciences, Babcock University, Ogun State, Nigeria

2Department of Medical Microbiology, Babcock University, Ogun State, Nigeria

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

4Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria *Correspondence to: onaopemipofowotade@gmail.com; +2348108671326

Abstract:

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause of cervical cancer. Despite the availability of highly effective vaccines, awareness and uptake remain inadequate in many low- and- middle-income countries. Medical students, as future healthcare providers, play a crucial role in patient education, health promotion, and vaccine advocacy within their communities. Their knowledge, attitudes, and personal vaccination behaviors directly influence their ability to counsel patients and recommend HPV vaccination effectively. Understanding the knowledge levels, perceptions, and barriers to HPV vaccination among this population is essential for developing targeted educational interventions. The objective of this study is to assess the knowledge, perception, and uptake of HPV vaccination among female medical students in a tertiary institution in Nigeria.  Continue reading “Knowledge, perception and uptake of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among future healthcare providers: Insights from a medical school in Ogun State, Nigeria”

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Aetiologic agents of cutaneous mycoses at the parasitologymycology laboratory of University Center Hospital Joseph Ravoahangy Andrianavalona (CHU JRA), Antananarivo, Madagascar

*1,2Zafindraibe, N. J., 2Andriambao, H. M. R., 2Rasamindrakotroka, A., and 2Razanakolona, L. R. S.

1Bacteriology, Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, University Center Hospital Joseph Ravoahangy Andrianavalona (CHU JRA), Antananarivo, Madagascar

2Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Antananarivo University, Madagascar

*Correspondence to: juliemail_21@yahoo.fr; njzafindraibe@gmail.com

Abstract: 

Background: Superficial and cutaneous fungal infections are among the most common dermatological conditions worldwide, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Caused by a variety of fungi (yeasts, dermatophytes, and molds), they can result in significant morbidity. In resource-limited settings such as Madagascar, their true burden remains underestimated due to limited access to diagnostic facilities and frequent empirical treatment. Local epidemiological data are essential for improving diagnosis and management strategies. The objectives of this study are to determine the prevalence, species distribution, affected anatomical sites and demographic characteristics of patients with superficial and cutaneous mycoses diagnosed at the University Center Hospital Joseph Ravoahangy Andrianavalona (CHU JRA) in Antananarivo, Madagascar.   Continue reading “Aetiologic agents of cutaneous mycoses at the parasitologymycology laboratory of University Center Hospital Joseph Ravoahangy Andrianavalona (CHU JRA), Antananarivo, Madagascar”

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Antifungal resistance pattern of Candida species isolated from clinical specimens of patients in selected healthcare facilities in Yenagoa, Nigeria

[1]Baraikio, D., [2]Daokoru-Olukole, C., and 3Abdu, A. B.

1Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce-Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

2Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce-Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

3Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce-Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: simply4didi@yahoo.com; +2348035391089 Abstract:

Background: Candida species are normal flora of humans that can be pathogenic and cause candidiasis. Candidiasis is a public health problem due to its high prevalence, mortality, and increased costs of care associated with serious systemic Candida infections. This study was designed to identify the antifungal resistance pattern of Candida species isolated from different clinical specimens in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, and to detect resistant genes associated with the Candida species. Continue reading “Antifungal resistance pattern of Candida species isolated from clinical specimens of patients in selected healthcare facilities in Yenagoa, Nigeria”

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Morphological and molecular characterization of haloalkaliphilic fungal isolates from hot-spring shores of Lake Magadi, Kenya

*1,[1]Kiboi, N., 3Abonyo, C., 4Mwiti, B., 5Marera, D., 4Ngugi, M. P., and 6Were, T

1Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, South Eastern Kenya University, Kitui, Kenya

2Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya

3Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Alupe University, Busia, Kenya

4Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya

5Department of Human Anatomy, Maseno University, Maseno, Kenya

6Department of Pathology, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya

*Correspondence to: nathankiboi@gmail.com; +254 718-145-100; ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000–0002–2417–6399

 

Abstract: 

 Background: The extensive saline-alkaline ecosystem is increasingly gaining recognition as a rich source of haloalkaliphilic fungal biota whose ecological roles remain less explored. Equally, hot water and saline releasing lakes are being appreciated as untapped natural sources of fungal extrolites bearing unique chemical bioactivities. Existing literature reveals scanty evidence on fungal biodiversity in East African Rift-valley soda lakes. This study sought to bio-prospect Lake Magadi in Kenya as a source of extremophilic fungal microbial diversity.    Continue reading “Morphological and molecular characterization of haloalkaliphilic fungal isolates from hot-spring shores of Lake Magadi, Kenya”

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Effects of fruit and vegetable smoothie formulations on serum electrolytes, haematological indices and faecal bacteriology: An in vivo experiment in female Wistar albino rats

Ekong, M. O., *Anashie, M. A., Ekpenyong, G. A., Nnaji, G. C., Asuquo, J. O., and Archibong, E. A.

Department of Microbiology, University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Calabar, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: mildredanashie310@gmail.com; 08143509138

Abstract: 

Background: The global demand for fruits and vegetables consumed as smoothies is increasing, driven by a growing population and heightened awareness of their health benefits. However, the nutritional significance and health effects of smoothies remain underexplored. Chemotherapeutic agents are widely used in managing various illnesses but are associated with the dysregulation and destruction of healthy cells, raising concerns in clinical settings. This study aimed to assess the potential of smoothie formulations in regulating serum electrolytes, haematological indices, and faecal bacteriology in an experimental animal model. Continue reading “Effects of fruit and vegetable smoothie formulations on serum electrolytes, haematological indices and faecal bacteriology: An in vivo experiment in female Wistar albino rats”

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Microbiological profile of bacteraemia in febrile patients receiving chemotherapy: Experience of the Alassane Ouattara National Center of Oncology and Radiotherapy (CNRAO), 2024

*1,2Boni, C., 1Kouakou, C., 2Gnegouri, R., 2Benié Ackah, J., and 1Koffi, K. S.

1Department of Fundamental and Biological Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Félix Houphouët-Boigny University, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

2Laboratory Department, Alassane Ouattara National Center of Oncology and Radiotherapy (CNRAO), Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

*Correspondence to: boni.cho@ufhb.edu.ci; +2250505083523

 

Abstract:

 Background: Febrile episodes in patients undergoing chemotherapy pose a major risk for bloodstream infections (BSIs). Prompt microbiological diagnosis is essential to guide targeted therapy and minimize the emergence of antimicrobial resistance.

Methodology: A six-month cross-sectional study (July–December 2024) was conducted at the Alassane Ouattara National Center of Oncology and Radiotherapy (CNRAO), Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. All chemotherapy patients presenting with fever (≥38.5°C) were included. Blood cultures were processed using the BACT/ALERT system, and bacterial identification with antimicrobial susceptibility testing followed CA-SFM 2022 guidelines. ESBL and carbapenemase production in Gram-negative isolates was detected in line with CA-SFM/EUCAST guidelines while methicillin resistance (MR), macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B (MLSB), and kanamycin-tobramycin-genta- micin (KTG) resistance phenotypes in Gram-positive isolates were detected in line with CLSI/CA-SFM standard. Continue reading “Microbiological profile of bacteraemia in febrile patients receiving chemotherapy: Experience of the Alassane Ouattara National Center of Oncology and Radiotherapy (CNRAO), 2024”

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Seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus infection at the Matam Communal Medical Center, Guinea-Conakry

1,2Traore, S., *2,3Conde, M. S., 2,3Conde, M., 2Youla, Y., 2,3Diallo, A., 2,3Camara, A. S., 2,3Camara, A. A., 2,3Soumah, M. L., 3Diakite, Z., and 3Sako, F. B.

1Centre Médical Communal de Matam, Conakry, Guinea

2Faculté des Sciences et Techniques de Santé Université Gamal Abdel de Conakry, Guinea

3Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Ignace Deen de Conakry, Guinea        *Correspondence to: mamadisaran93@gmail.com

 

Abstract:

Background: Hepatitis B remains a major public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly because of its high prevalence and serious complications. The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B in patients seen at the Medical Biology Laboratory of the Communal Medical Center (CMC) in Matam, Guinea-Conakry. Continue reading “Seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus infection at the Matam Communal Medical Center, Guinea-Conakry”

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Exploring the metabolic harmony: Probing the impact of VHBAX probiotics on glucose metabolism in a zebrafish model

Prabu, R., Prasad,  S. V. S., Kodimule, S., and *Sunhare, R.Development and Research Centre-Probiotics, Vidya Herbs Pvt Ltd, No. 102B & 105B, Pharmaceuticals SEZ

Industrial area, KIDB, Hassan, 573201 Karnataka, India

*Correspondence to: raksha@vidyaherbs.com; +91-8600040075

 

Abstract:

 Background: Probiotics alter gut microbiota composition and diversity. Research indicates that probiotic supplementation might enhance glucose homeostasis and reduce inflammation in patients with type Ⅱ diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to investigate how particular probiotic strains (VHBAX Bacillus coagulans) affect glucose homeostasis and appetite-related behaviours associated with metabolic illnesses such as obesity and type Ⅱ diabetes in a zebrafish model. Continue reading “Exploring the metabolic harmony: Probing the impact of VHBAX probiotics on glucose metabolism in a zebrafish model”