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School based mass de-worming initiative in south-west Nigeria

A.M. Efunshile

 

Abstract

Background: The public health implications of helmintic infection in developing countries were generally agreed by many researchers to include poor growth and poor school performance among others. But the role of school based mass de-worming in combating the menace of helminthiasis remains controversial. Several studies have assessed the impacts of mass de-worming with conflicting results. This study was designed to evaluate the impact of antihelminthic mass chemotherapy on changes in growth indices and school absenteeism.

Materials and methods: Albendazole tablets were administered by school teachers to pupils after data and stool sample collection. Follow up data were collected 6 months later for impact assessment. Ponderal growth retardation was defined as BMI under 5-percentile.

Results: Overall helminth infection rate was 373/1442 (39%) of the pupils before the intervention. Ascaris lumbricoides (n=247; 25.8%) and hookworm (n=89; 9.3%) were the most common. At enrolment 19.6% of children with and 11.8% without helminth infections had BMI below the 5-percentile. These figures were reduced to 9.2% and 8.8% after de-worming respectively. No effect of de-worming was seen on longitudinal growth. The number of helminth infected children with >25% absenteeism reduced by 12.5%, while the reduction rate was 6.8% in the uninfected group.

Discussion: The difference in response to de-worming between infected and uninfected children strongly support the beneficial effect of de-worming on growth and school absenteeism. The intervention could be administered by school teachers without formal healthcare training, thus allowing integration of the programme into existing structures.

Keywords: Helminthes, Absenteeism, Preventive Chemotherapy

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School based mass de-worming initiative in south-west Nigeria

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Lateral geniculate nucleus histopathology in the rat experimental model of African trypanosomosis

C.I. Maina, G.M. Ng’wena

 

Abstract

Trypanosomosis is an infectious disease of humans and animals characterized by sleep/wake disturbances and disruptions in other circadian rhythm activities. The disease is caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Trypanosoma and transmitted by the bite of infected tsetse flies of the Glossina species. Although trypanosomosis has a well knownaetiology, histopathological studies on brain regions involved in the control of circadian rhythms are scanty. Lateral geniculate nucleus works in conjunction with the suprachiasmatic nucleus, the master circadian rhythm pacemaker, in regulating circadian rhythms. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of T.b.brucei infection on the histology of the lateral geniculate nucleus, a brain region that can serve as an alternative secondary circadian rhythm pacemaker when the master pacemaker fails. Twelve control and twelve experimental male albino rats were used in this study. The experimental rats were inoculated intraperitoneally with 0.2ml of infected blood containing 1 x 104T.b.bruceiparasites. The infected animals were allowed to go through the full course of infection and sacrificed when they were in extremis. Each rat was decapitated and the brain immediately extracted from the skull. The brain was fixed in 10% buffered neutral formalin for at least 48 hours. The brain was later removed from the formalin solution and a coronal section made. The coronal section was processed histologically and stained using the haematoxylin and eosin method. The stained slides were observed under a microscope and photomicrographs taken. Histological alterations, including tissue degeneration, infiltration and proliferation of cells, and perivascular cuffing were observed in the lateral geniculate nucleus of infected rats. Lateral geniculate nucleus cannot, therefore, serve as an alternative secondary circadian rhythm pacemaker during trypanosome infection.

Keywords: Trypanosomosis, Lateral geniculate nucleus, Histopathology, Circadian rhythm

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Lateral geniculate nucleus histopathology in the rat experimental model of African trypanosomosis

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Prevalence of trypanosomiasis in sheep in the Kachia Grazing Reserve, Kachia, Kaduna State, Nigeria

B Wayo, S.M. Samdi, A.O. Fajinmi, R Bizi, H Dauda, A.A. Muhammad, J.O. Kalejaiye

 

Abstract

An investigation was carried out in the Kachia grazing reserve in Kaduna, Nigeria, to determine the prevalence of trypanosomiasis among sheep. The reserve has had a history of high prevalence of the disease and farmers in the area are known to ignore the control of trypanosomiasis in sheep and goats and focus more on cattle. The sheep studied showed lacrimation, pale mucous membranes, hair loss, lameness and tick infestation. Blood samples from 110 sheep were collected and examined by using the Standard Trypanosome Detection Method i.e. Haematocrit Centrifugation Technique (HCT),Buffy Coat Method (BCM), and Giemsa stained thick and thin blood films.The packed cell volume (PCV) of each animal was also determined.An overall point prevalence rate of 40.9%(45 positive) was recorded. The average PCV of the infected sheep (19.6±0.45) appeared lower but statistically not significant (p>0.05)than that (18.6±0.51) in those non-infected.The trypanosomes observed were T. congolense (40.0%),T. Brucei (28.8%), T.vivax (17.7%) and mixed infections (13.3%). The potential of small ruminants serving as reservoirs of infection for cattle, insufficiency of professional Veterinary services, absence of alternative trypanosomiasis control methods other than chemotherapy and poor land use practices which forces migration of herds and complicates the control of the disease in the area were discussed.

Keywords: Prevalence, Trypanosomiasis, Sheep, Grazing reserve, Chemotherapy, Reservoir

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Prevalence of trypanosomiasis in sheep in the Kachia Grazing Reserve, Kachia, Kaduna State, Nigeria

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Comparative bone marrow responses of albino rats experimentally infected with single and mixed species of Trypanosoma congolense and Trypanosoma brucei and ability to control anaemia

J.N. Abenga, S.M. Samd, F.O. Fajinmi, A.M. Kalgo

 

Abstract

Effect of Trypanosoma congolence and T. brucei mixed infection on ability of the bone marrow to respond to anemia was investigated in albino rats. This was with the view of assessing the possible impact on recovery rate from anemia following chemotherapy of African trypanosomosis. The investigation involved descriptive evaluation of packed cell volume and corresponding bone marrow cytological changes associated with single and mixed infection of T. congolense and T. brucei. It involved laboratory based experimental infection of albino rats as research models. A total of 32 adult albino rats of mixed sexes were used for this investigation. The rats were randomly grouped into three groups, A, B, C made up of 8 rats each, and infected with T. congolense, T brucei and mixed infection of these species.. Eight other rats served as the uninfected control group.Parameters measured included weekly packed cell volume (PCV) and differential bone marrow cytology of the different groups of infected and control rats at the end of 21 days post infection (PI). At the end of 21 days PI, the anemia characterized by drop in PCV was most severe in the mixed infection group, and least in T. brucei group with tendency for self-recovery from anemia. The bone marrow responses in the mixed infection group was however weak and inferior to that of T. brucei and T. Congolense groups. Poor erythropoietic response in the mixed infection group despite significant fall (P < 0.05) in PCV level was believed to arise from severe renal and hepatic pathology resulting to subnormal erythropoietin release and severe stem cell injury. This is believed would cause longer time to be taken by mixed infection animals to recover from anemia after chemotherapy. It is concluded that T. congolense and T. brucei mixed infection result to marked incapacitation of the bone marrow and ability for recovery from anemia. This suggests that supportive administration of synthetic erythropoietin may be required in trypanosome specie mixed infection situation due to severe pathological effects on the kidney and liver resulting to impaired erythropoietinbiosynthesis and slow recovery from anemia following chemotherapy in African trypanosomiasis.

Keywords: Anemia, bone marrow, mixed infection, rats, trypanosomiasis, erythropoietin

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Comparative bone marrow responses of albino rats experimentally infected with single and mixed species of Trypanosoma congolense and Trypanosoma brucei and ability to control anaemia

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Trypanosomiasis in a migrating herd of cattle in Kaduna State Nigeria

M.K. Haruna, A.U. Malala, B Wayo, U.O. Adamu, H.M. Sumayin, F.T. Shettima, J.O. Kalejaiye

 

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and impact of Trypanosomiasis on a herd of migrating/pastoral cattle. A herd of 50 white Fulani cattle migrating from a suburban area of Abuja to Afaka in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Northern Nigeria, were examined and screened for Trypanosomiasis on request. The animals showed clinical symptoms of lacrimation, emaciation, depression, lethargy and enlarged superficial lymphnodes which were reportedly not present before the trek. 40 of the animals were screened by parasitological means (hematocrit, buffy coat methods and thin and thick blood smears). 15 out of the 40 animals sampled were positive for trypanosomes (37.5% prevalence). Trypanosoma congolense was the only Trypanosoma species identified. Trypanosomiasis was observed in the herd examined and laboratory examination corroborated the observed clinical signs. The results, as well as the role of migration and transhumance pastoralism in disease occurrence are discussed.

Keywords: Trypanosomiasis, trypanosomes, cattle, Fulani, migration, Nigeria

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Trypanosomiasis in a migrating herd of cattle in Kaduna State Nigeria

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Antibiotic resistance and ndvB gene expression among biofilm producing Pseudomonas aeruoginosa isolates

N.A. Mohammed, I.M. Abd Alla

 

Abstract

A novel antibiotic resistant mechanism among biofilms is glucan-mediated sequestration in which ndvB gene encodes a glucosyltransferase involved in the formation of this glucans. We studied the biofilm formation and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of P. aeruginosa isolated from clinical samples, and measured the expression of ndvB gene among biofilm forming isolates and their planktonic counterparts. The study was conducted on 92 P. aeruginosa isolates. Biofilm was measured using tissue culture plate method. Antibiotic susceptibility of biofilm positive isolates and planktonic counterparts for ciprofloxacin, tobramycin and gentamycin was tested using tube microdilution method. Expression of ndvB gene was measured using Syper green real time PCR. We found that 44 isolates (47.8%) of P. aeruginosa were biofilm positive. The biofilm formation was high among urine, endotracheal tube aspirate and burn isolates compared to isolates of wound specimens, with statistically nonsignificant differences. None of biofilm forming isolates was susceptible to the 3 antibiotics compared to the presence of susceptible isolates among the planktonic counterpart (18/40.9% for ciprofloxacin, 12/27.3% for tobramycin and 13/29.5% for gentamycin). Expression of ndvB gene was significantly high in biofilm isolates than their corresponding counterpart, with significant correlations with minimal biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) values of cibrofloxacin (r=+ 0.65, p< 0.05 ), tobramycin (r= + 0.54 p< 0.05 ) and gentamycin (r=+ 0.77, p< 0.001 ).From this study we concluded that biofilm formation is an important character of P. aeruginosa that is a main cause of antibiotic resistance especially in isolates from catheterized urine , wound and endotracheal tube aspirate. NdvB gene expression is a mechanism of resistance to antibiotics in P. aeruginosa biofilms.

Keywords: P. aeruginosa, biofilm, antibiotic resistance and ndvB gene

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Antibiotic resistance and ndvB gene expression among biofilm producing Pseudomonas aeruoginosa isolates

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Molecular detection of salmonella species from selected vegetables sold in a north-central Nigerian setting

D.S. Adeniyi, T.M. Akindigh, F.N. Aniweta, H.J. Zumbes, A.J. Anejo-okopi

 

Abstract

It is vital to study and understand the genetic basis to the virulence of different Salmonella strains in other to fully grasp the facts behind the unique capabilities of these pathogenic agents to causing diseases in both humans and animals. In this study, the conventional microbiological culture methods were used to isolate pure Salmonella strains from 120 vegetable samples of five different types; which were all obtained at seven different popular markets in the Jos Metropolis of North Central Nigeria. 25 (20.8%) pure isolates were obtained from 120 samples after initial culture and sub-cultures; with 24 (20%) of the pure isolates testing positive as being pathogenic after biochemical analysis. From the 25 pure isolates, the same 24 which tested positive for biochemical tests were also successfully amplified by PCR technique with the SalmonellainvA virulence gene. The result shows that 96% of the pure isolates were positive for the Salmonella invA gene. The PCR product which was very specific is a 250bp fragment of DNA which was visualized in 1.5% agarose gel. This finding shows that virulent Salmonella strains pose a major health hazard and public health concern to the affected population. Our study shows that there is a high prevalence rate of virulent Salmonella strains in North-Central Nigeria. It is thus concluded that although both the conventional culture and biochemical methods of isolating Salmonella species are most useful for obtaining pure isolates and identifying pathogenic strains, however, the PCR technique remains the most specific and sensitive; especially when the rapid identification and detection of virulent strains of Salmonella species are of utmost importance.

Keywords: Virulence, invA gene, PCR, North Central Nigeria

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Molecular detection of salmonella species from selected vegetables sold in a north-central Nigerian setting

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Prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and extended spectrum β–lactamase producers among bacteria isolated from infected wounds in a tertiary hospital in Ibadan City

O.S. Alabi, A.O. Obisesan, A.A. Ola

 

Abstract

Wound colonization by microorganisms is most frequently polymicrobial and incidences of high level resistance among bacterial isolates from wounds have been reported. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and extendedspectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Gram-negative bacteria both constitute serious challenge to physician in their choice of antibiotic treatment of infections caused by these bacteria. This study determined the antibiotic susceptibility profiles and prevalence of MRSA and ESBL producers among wound bacterial isolates from a tertiary hospital in Ibadan City.

Forty (40) clinical bacterial isolates from five wound sources were collected from the Microbiology unit of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan and were authenticated with standard bacteriological techniques. Antibiotic susceptibility test was done by disc-diffusion method using 19 antibiotics belonging to 12 classes. MRSA strains were detected by their resistance to cefoxitin and/or oxacillin antibiotics. Presumptive ESBL production was by double-disc synergy test using 30 μg cefotaxime and ceftazidime around 20/10 μg amoxicillin-clavulanic acid discs. ESBL confirmation was by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) using agar-dilution method.

The authenticated isolates include Proteus spp (47.5%), Staphylococcus aureus (27.5%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (12.5%), Klebsiella spp (7.5%), Acinetobacter baumanii (2.5%) and E. coli (2.5%). Distribution of the isolates collected according to wound sources includes: acute soft tissue wounds (35%), leg ulcer (32.5%), surgical wounds (17.5%), burn wounds (12.5%) and diabetic foot ulcer (2.5%). Distributions according to patients’ gender are: male (65%), female (35%), and according to age-groups are: 0 – 19 years (22.5%), 20 – 39 years (35%), 40 – 59 years (32.5%) and ≥ 60 years (10%). All (100%) the isolates were multidrug resistant (MDR) being resistant to ≥ 3 classes of antibiotics. Percentages of isolates resistance to each of the antibiotic include: piperacillin, piperacillin tozobactam and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid were 100%, ceftazidime, cefuroxime, cefixime, aztreonam, sulphamethoxazole-trimethoprim, erythromycin, chloramphenicol and doxycyclin were > 70%, cefoxitin (62.5%), Nitrofurantion (52.5%), ciprofloxacin (45%), ofloxacin (35%), perfloxacin (37.5%), gentamicin (32.5%) and imipenem (2.5%). Of the 11 Staphylococcus aureus collected, 54.5% were detected to be MRSA strains while ESBL production was detected in 55.2% of the Gram negative isolates.

This study revealed 100% MDR phenotype constituting high level of MRSA strains (54.5%) and ESBL producers (55.2%) among Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial wound isolates respectively. Hence, this calls for caution in the use of extended spectrum antibiotics in treating patients with infected wounds.

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Prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and extended spectrum β–lactamase producers among bacteria isolated from infected wounds in a tertiary hospital in Ibadan City

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Nosocomial imipenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infections in intensive care units: incidence and risk factors assessment

Hend E. Sharaf, Marian A. Gerges

 

Abstract

Imipenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) (IRAB) has emerged as a challenging nosocomial pathogen particularly in intensive care units (ICUs). Studying the risk factors associated with IRAB infection is of paramount importance for appropriate control of IRAB spread. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence rate and possible risk factors associated with nosocomial IRAB infections in ICUs. A prospective cohort study was carried out in surgical and emergency ICUs of a tertiary care hospital in Egypt. All patients who developed nosocomial A. baumannii infection from the start of January 2014 to the end of December 2015 were included. Isolates were identified as A. baumannii using API 20NE and E-test was used to define IRAB. Out of 146 A. baumannii isolates, 11 were found to be IRAB (7.5% incidence rate), of them 72.7% (8/11) were found to be multidrug resistant (MDR). Univariate analysis demonstrated that hospital stay before ICU admission [Relative risk (RR) 3.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0- 12.7, P= 0.04)], longer ICU stay (P= 0.005), exposure to emergent surgery (RR 17.5, CI 7.39-41.4, P= 0.000), the presence of central venous catheter (RR 3.26, CI 1.0-10.6, P= 0.04) and previous carbapenem use (RR 4.05, CI 1.12-14.6, P =0.02) were significant risk factors for IRAB infection. In conclusion, a relatively high IRAB incidence was recorded in ICUs of our hospital. Hospital stay before ICU admission, longer ICU stay, exposure to emergent surgery, the presence of central venous catheter and previous carbapenem use were significant risk factors for IRAB infection. Rationale use of carbapenems in ICUs should be considered.

Keywords: Imipenem-resistant, Acinetobacter baumannii, Intensive care units

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Nosocomial imipenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infections in intensive care units incidence and risk factors assessment

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Evaluation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage in Malagasy veterinary students

T Rasamiravaka, A.J. Nirinarimanana, A Rasamindrakotroka

 

Abstract

Purpose: Populations that are frequently in contact with animals such as veterinary students have been demonstrated to be at risk of MRSA carriage.Thus, it is relevant to generate baseline data in MRSA nasal carriage and multidrug resistance among Malagasy veterinary students (Madagascar).

Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out among veterinary students coming for laboratory training. After their wise consent, nasal swabs of the anterior nares were carried out; and S. aureus was isolated by selective chromogenic culture. They were then assessed for antimicrobial susceptibility.

Results: Nasal swabs of 155 Malagasy veterinary students (Sex-ratio M/F: 0.91), enabled to isolate 30 (19, 35%) S. aureus strains, among which 14 (46, 66 %) were méthicillin-resistant (MRSA). Risk factors analysis revealed that history of hospitalization, recent antibiotic intake and frequent contact with animals and livestock workers/veterinarians increase the risk of MRSA nasal carriage. Among MRSA nasal isolates, a high rate of multidrug resistance and particularly an intriguing resistance to gentamycin (20%) and vancomycin (7.14%) were observed.

Conclusion: These results suggest that MRSA is spreading in Malagasy community requiring a strategic policy against multidrug resistant strains.

Keywords: Madagascar, MRSA, Risk factors, Veterinary

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Evaluation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage in Malagasy veterinary students