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Comparative gender analysis of the seroprevalence of varicella zoster virus among HIV-infected individuals receiving care at Offa, north-central Nigeria

*1Udeze, A. O., and 2Odebisi-Omokanye, M.

1Virology Unit, Department of Microbiology, University of Ilorin, P.M.B 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria

2Infectious Disease, Environmental Health and Toxicity Research Group, Department of Microbiology, University of Ilorin, P.M.B 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria            *Correspondence to: udeze.ao@unilorin.edu.ng; austok90@yahoo.com; +2348135586003

ORCiD: 0000-0002-5492-4925

Abstract:

Background: Varicella zoster virus (VZV) infections are common and contribute substantially to morbidity and mortality among HIV-infected patients. This study was conducted to determine the level of exposure, compare the gender distribution pattern and correlate with CD4 count, history of chicken pox and demographics among HIV patients.

Methodology: Blood samples were collected from 273 randomly selected HIV-positive patients (93 males and 180 females) receiving care and management at the General Hospital Offa, Kwara State, Nigeria, between September 2019 and March 2020, after obtaining informed consent. Sera were separated from the blood samples and tested for the presence of VZV-specific IgG antibodies using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Continue reading “Comparative gender analysis of the seroprevalence of varicella zoster virus among HIV-infected individuals receiving care at Offa, north-central Nigeria”

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Demographic attributes of COVID-19 patients in an Infectious Disease Center of Nigeria

*1Arinola, G. O., 2Fashina, O. A., 3Oluyomi Ishola, O. C., 2Akinbola, O. I., 4Akinbile, S. A., 4Eegunjobi, A. O., 5Bello, M. D., 1Edem, F. V., 1Rahamon, S. K., 6Famuyiwa, O. I., 7Olaoti, A. J., 8Olaniyan, O. A., 5Oke, A. C., 10Fowotade, A., 11Abimbola, O., 5Johnson, J. O., 5Fagbemi, O. S., 9Salami, F., and 5,12Alonge, T. O.

1Department of Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan

2Department of Medical Microbiology, University College Hospital, lbadan

3National Blood Transfusion Service, Total Garden, Ibadan

4Central Diagnostic Centre, Total Garden, lbadan

5lnfectious Disease Centre, Olodo, lbadan

6Department of Chemical Pathology, University College Hospital, lbadan

7General Hospital, lgboho

8Department of Chemical Pathology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso

9Oyo State Ministry of Health, Ibadan

10Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Ibadan

11Department of Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan

12Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan

*Correspondence to: drarinolaog64@yahoo.com; +234 80-23451520; ORCID number: 0000-0001-7901-1498

Abstract:
Background: As part of our contribution to the growing pool of knowledge on the prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic, this study describes the demographic features of patients with COVID-19 hospitalized at Infectious Disease Center (IDC), Olodo, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Continue reading “Demographic attributes of COVID-19 patients in an Infectious Disease Center of Nigeria”

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Gastrointestinal parasites among swine bred in Edo State, Nigeria

*Omoruyi, Z., and Agbinone, I
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences,
University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
*Correspondence to: zainab.omoruyi@uniben.edu

Abstract:

Background: Swine production in Nigeria is encountering several constraints among which are diseases. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of swine with respect to sex, age, location and hygiene practices in the breeding sites in three piggery farms; University of Benin Animal Farm; Osasio Farm Uselu in Egor Local Government Area (LGA), and Ojemai Farm Ekehuanwa Road, Oredo LGA, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.

Methods: A total of 150 pigs were sampled from the 3 piggery farms. Faecal sample (10g each) was aseptically collected from the rectum of each selected pig and processed by concentration method to microscopically identify parasites in both saline and iodine preparations. A designed pre-tested structured questionnaire was interviewer-administered to each piggery owner to collect information on husbandry practices, animal health care issues and potential risk factors associated with parasitosis. Data was analysed using SPPSS version 20 software, while odd ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated on each potential risk factors.

Results: Of the 150 pigs examined, 130 (86.6%) were infected with five gastrointestinal parasitic agents. Strongyloides ransomi 81 (54%) was the most frequently identified parasite, followed by Ascaris suum 68 (45.3%), Giardia lamblia 31 (20.6%), Entamoeba polecki 10 (6.6%) and Trichuris suis 10 (6.6%). Single and mixed infections were not significantly associated with the observed prevalence (p>0.05). Similarly, the sex of pig was not significantly associated with the prevalence of parasites (p=0.8824). The prevalence of parasitosis among the grower (87.8%) was not significantly different from the adult swine (87.5%) (p>0.05). Osasio had the highest infection rate (90.0%) but this rate was not significantly different from the two other farms (p>0.05).

Conclusion: This study confirms high prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infections in pigs bred in Edo State, Nigeria. It is therefore recommended that farmers improve on their biosecurity and adhere to routine de-worming regimen of pigs.

Keywords: age, gender, prevalence, gastrointestinal, parasite, swine Continue reading “Gastrointestinal parasites among swine bred in Edo State, Nigeria”