Posted on

Prevalence and immune status of HIV/HBV co-infected pregnant women

PM Lar, VK Pam, PB Christopher, L Gwamzhi, JD Mawak

 

Abstract

HIV/HBV co-infection places patients at high risk of liver-related morbidity and mortality and the interaction of the two viruses can further complicate treatment. Pregnant women are especially at high risk for increased morbidity and mortality due to infection, and information about HIV/HBV co-infection in pregnant women is scanty. This study examined the occurrence of HBV antibodies in HIV-1 positive pregnant women and the relationship to  Ante-retroviral therapy (ART) and other demographic characteristics. Blood samples were collected from 135 HIV pregnant positive women who were either on ART or Not, from May – June, 2008 at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and the Plateau State Specialist Hospital (PSSH). Presence of hepatitis B surface (HBsAg) antigen in serum was determined using Antec strips (Antec diagnostics UK) and their immunologic status were determined by measuring the CD4+ counts using SL_3 cyFlow counter (Partec, Germany) . Sixteen 16 (11.8%) of the women examined were seropositive for Hepatitis B virus. Occupation was significantly associated with the prevalence of the hepatitis co-infection in the population examined (8.8% of house wives and 5.5% of business women had  co-infection, p<0.05). The immunologic status (CD4+ of most of the HIV/HBV co-infected pregnant women (81.5%) was low (below 300 cells/mm3) although all were on Anti retroviral therapy. The 11.8% prevalence rate reported in this study confirms the endemicity of HBV /HIV co-infection in Nigeria, and this supports the calls for screening for Hepatitis B as a routine in antenatal care.

Keywords: HIV, Hepatitis, Co-infection, CD4, Pregnant women

Download full journal in PDF below

Prevalence and immune status of HIVHBV co-infected pregnant women

Posted on

Lipid profile of drug naive HIV patients in a tertiary health facility in Lagos, Nigeria

MO Uwandu, AP Okwuraiwe, OS Amoo, RA Audu, RN Okoye, CT Oparaugo, CK Onwuamah, OA Magbagbeola

 

Abstract

Aim: To determine the effect of HIV syndrome on lipid profile in a cohort of Nigerians.
Objective: To determine the concentrations of total cholesterol (Tchol), triglyceride (TGL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), and low density lipoprotein (LDL) in HIV positive drug naive patients as against HIV negative people.
Methods: This study examined the lipid profiles of 50 HIV positive individuals (test group), and 50 HIV negative individuals (control group) at the Human Virology Laboratory of Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Lagos, Nigeria. Informed consent was obtained and the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of NIMR approved the study. A questionnaire based assessment was provided for the individuals to complete, before 5 ml of blood was taken by venopuncture. Blood collected in plain tubes was centrifuged at 3500 rpm for 10 minutes and the serum obtained, used for the various lipid profile tests mentioned above.
Statistical analysis on data from the questionnaire was done using Epi info 2000 (CDC).
Results: The median lipid profile values for the control group were 168, 85, 99 and 58 mg/dl for Tchol, TGL, HDL and LDL respectively. Conversely, median lipid profile values for the HIV positive patients were 145, 98, 53, and 67 mg/dl for Tchol, TGL, HDL and LDL respectively. P values greater than 0.05 were taken to indicate an insignificant difference between the lipid profiles of the two groups.
Conclusion: Based on results obtained, there were significant differences in the Tchol and HDL values between the two groups, indicating a possible effect of HIV on lipid profile for drug naive patients.

Key words: lipid profile, HIV, TGL, HDL, LDL, Tchol.

Download full journal in PDF below

Lipid profile of drug naive HIV patients in a tertiary health facility in Lagos, Nigeria

Posted on

Transfusion transmissible viral infections among potential blood donors in Ibadan, Nigeria

AY Afolabi, A Abraham, EK Oladipo, AO Adefolarin, AH Fagbami

 

Abstract

It is evident that proper screening procedures prior blood transfusion is a cost-effective approach for prevention and control of transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs). Also, it has been documented that sub-standard test kits are mostly used in resource limited settings for transfusion related diagnosis. However, the role of such practice in epidemiology of transfusion transmissible viral infections in a tertiary health care facility would give an insight to the rates of blood transfusion associated viral transmission in the community at large. Therefore, the study was designed to determine the prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C viruses among blood donors in a tertiary hospital where quality diagnostic procedures are considered prior recruitment of donors. Post ethical approval, counselled and consenting 507(M= 426; F=81) aged 19 to 68 years (Median age:39) potential blood donors were recruited and tested for HIV, HBsAg and anti-HCV using commercial ELISA testkit in strict compliance with the manufacturer’sprocedures. Overall results show rates of 2.0%, 5.9% and 1.4% for HIV, HBsAg and HCV respectively. Also, highest prevalence rates were recorded among age group 26 to 35 years as 2.6%, 7.2% and 2.1% for HIV, HBV and HCV respectively. Furthermore, higher prevalences rates were noted among unmarried individuals as 2.6%, 6.8% and 2.1% for HIV, HBV and HCV respectively.

Key words: Transfusion Transmissible Infections, HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Blood Donors, University College Hospital (UCH), ELISA.

Download full journal in PDF below

Transfusion transmissible viral infections among potential blood donors in Ibadan, Nigeria

Posted on

Campylobacter Spp. Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Susceptibility in a Developing Country, Burkina Faso (West Africa)

L Sangaré, AK Nikiéma, S Zimmermann, I Sanou, M Congo-Ouédraogo, A Diabaté, S Diandé, PI Guissou

 

Abstract

Data on campylobacteriosis are almost nonexistent in Burkina Faso. In this study conducted from 2006 to 2008 in Ouagadougou, stool specimens and sociodemographic data were collected from 1 246 patients attending the university teaching hospital for enteritis. Stool samples were analyzed for the presence of Campylobacter by the direct culture method on selective mCCDA agar followed by antibiotic susceptibility testing on the isolated strains. The isolation rate of Campylobacter was 2.3%,comprising of the following species C. jejuni (51.8%), C. coli(13.8%), and C. upsaliensis (3.5%). However, 30.9% of the isolates were unidentified. No resistant strain was found to gentamicin. The resistance to amoxicillin+clavulanic acid (3.4%) was lower than those (10.3-34.5%) to the other antibiotics: erythromycin (10.3%), tetracycline (10.3%), ciprofloxacin (13.8%), amoxicillin (24.1%) and ceftriaxone (34.5%), nalidixic acid (34.5%). Significant associations were found betweenCampylobacter enteritis and contact with animals (P=0.03), and HIV infection (P<0.0001), in contrast to other sociodemographic and seasonal factors. From the data obtained Amoxicillin+clavulanic acid appear to be the first choice for treatment. The implementation of a national program may be helpful in controlling the spread of the disease and the increase of resistance to antibiotics.

Keywords: Campylobacter, epidemiology, HIV, drug resistance, Burkina Faso

Download full journal in PDF below

Campylobacter Spp. Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Susceptibility in a Developing Country, Burkina Faso (West Africa)

Posted on

HIV infection and mycobacterium tuberculosis drug-resistance among tuberculosis patients in Burkina Faso, West Africa

L Sangaré, S Diandé, G Ouédraogo, A.S Traoré

 

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the drug-resistance patterns of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains among pulmonary tuberculosis patients, according to their HIV serostatus, in Burkina Faso. Tuberculosis (TB) patients were classified in new and previously treated cases by using a structured questionnaire. Susceptibility testing to isoniazid, streptomycin, rifampicin and ethambutol was done by the proportion method. Association between HIV-serostatus and drug-resistant TB was assessed with χ2 tests, and the statistical significance was set to P<0.05. Of 316 (249 new, 67 previously treated) patients included in the study, 68.7% were males and 28.8% were HIV-positive; females (36.4%) were more infected than males
(25.3%), (P=0.04). The average age of the patients was 37.24±12.76 years [11-75years]. Most of the patients infected with HIV were aged from 15 to 44 years and were females, (P=0.01). In the new cases of TB, the difference between HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients was not statistically significant neither for the MDR-TB (P=0.40), nor for the resistant-TB to any drug (P=0.26). However, the difference was significant for the resistance to isoniazid and streptomycin alone (P=0.04). Among the previously treated patients, although there was more MDR-TB and more resistance to any drug in HIV-negative patients than among HIV-positive patients, these differences also were not statistically significant (P=0.54 and P=0.63, respectively). This study found no significant difference between TB/HIV-negative and TB/HIV-positive patients according to the resistance patterns to anti-TB medications, excepted the resistance to isoniazid in new cases and to isoniazid and streptomycin in all patients took globally. These results encourage the collaboration between the programs against TB and HIV to prevent rapid diffusion of drug-resistant TB and high mortality in patients living with HIV/AIDS as recommended by the World Health Organization.

Keywords: Tuberculosis, HIV, Drug resistance, Burkina Faso

Download full journal in PDF below

HIV infection and mycobacterium tuberculosis drug-resistance among tuberculosis patients in Burkina Faso, West Africa

Posted on

Molecular identification and prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex amongst people living with HIV in Osun state, Nigeria

O Alli, D.O Ogbolu, M.A Salawu, J.G Oyedeji, L Oladokun, F Obaseki

 

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has created a special niche for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in humans as a result of the defect/reduction in cell mediated immunity. M. tuberculosis still responsible for most cases of death due to infectious diseases after HIV. In this study, prevalence of M. tuberculosis was determined in people living with HIV in Osun state of Nigeria with identification of culture positive isolates by polymerase chain reaction. A total of 160 samples were collected from people living with HIV with mean age of 36.8 years old of age (Median -34; age range 16 – 68; 95% confidence interval – 2.49) after seeking ethical approval from the Ministry of Health, Osun State. The result of the microscopy by ZN stain showed that 40 (25%) of the 160 samples were positive for acid fast bacilli while culture on Lowenstein-Jensen (LJ) medium revealed that 30 (18.75%) of the samples processed, grew organism that conformed to the characteristics of M. tuberculosis complex. Polymerase chain reaction for IS6110 was used to confirm the identity of the colonies on LJ slope as M. tuberculosis complex while the PCR for 260 bp of Rv1255c was used in identifying M. tuberculosis. M. tuberculosis represented 92% of the M. tuberculosis complex. The prevalence of M. tuberculosis among people living with HIV was found to be 15% after PCR identification. The effects of socio-demographic factors on the prevalence of TB were analysed. Occupation was found to be associated with the proportional distribution of TB in people living with HIV (X2 = 14.85; p < 0.05). The study concluded that PCR should be integrated into the schema for identification of tuberculosis in reference laboratories in developing countries.

Key words: Molecular identification, Polymerase chain reaction, Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Prevalence, HIV, Nigeria

Download full journal in PDF below

Molecular identification and prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex amongst people living with HIV in Osun state, Nigeria.

Posted on

A comparative study on the prevalence of malaria parasite among HIV sero–positive and sero-negative individuals in Abakaliki Nigeria.

IR Iroha, CO Esimone, ES Amadi

 

Abstract

A total of 300 blood samples collected from patients at the Federal Medical Centre Abakaliki were examined for HIV infection and malaria parasite using TRI-Dot Immunoassay, capillus and genie Assay and Thick film techniques. The overall prevalence of malaria infection was 59% for HIV sero positive and 41% for HIV sero negative individuals
respectively. Demographically, the prevalence was shown to be highest amongst those living in urban areas (71%) compared to those living in rural areas (31%). The prevalence between sex showed that females were more affected (59%) than males (41%); people within the age range of 21 – 30 have the highest prevalence (33%) while the elderly
ones between 61 – 70 years of age were least affected (3%). The data also indicated that married people were more infected (60%) than the unmarried (40%). Statistical analysis indicates that there is a significant difference in malaria parasitaemia amongst HIV infected and non-infected individuals with respect to sex, age and marital status.

Keywords: HIV, Malaria parasitaemia, sero positive, sero negative.

African Journal of Clinical and Experimental Microbiology Vol. 9 (3) 2008: pp. 136-141

Posted on

AIDS knowledge, attitude and behavioural patterns among high school students in southwestern Nigeria

OO Opaleye, OA Olowe, SS Taiwo, O Ojurongbe, OG Ayelagbe

 

Abstract

An evaluation of knowledge, attitude and behavioural patterns of high school students in Oyo and Osun States, Southwestern Nigeria, towards HIV/AIDS was undertaken. A structured questionnaire was administered to respondents from six secondary schools that were selected by systematic random sampling method from the two States. The questionnaire focused on specific aspects of knowledge, attitude and behavioural patterns related to HIV/AIDS, its mode of transmission and preventive measures. Results from the study showed that 362 (73%) of the 496 respondents had correct knowledge of the causative agent of AIDS, 69% had correct knowledge of the mode of transmission, 83.2% had correct knowledge of the people at risk and 80.2% had good knowledge of methods of prevention. Attitude toward AIDS victims was however relatively poor with 21% believing that AIDS patients should be isolated and avoided and additional 7% believing that people should not eat or share utensils with AIDS patients. Only 57.7% believed that people should relate freely with AIDS patients. This study showed an improvement in the knowledge and attitude towards HIV/AIDS over a previous one carried out over a decade ago in the same locality, highlighting the importance of mass media campaign programme embarked upon by the States over the years. However, there is need to further increase the awareness campaign especially as it relates to attitude towards AIDS patients and also on information dissemination, which should be more detailed and formal. Incorporating sex education into the curriculum of secondary schools will be a welcome development in stemming the tide of this dreaded disease.

Keywords: knowledge, attitude, sexual behaviour, HIV, AIDS

African Journal of Clinical and Experimental Microbiology Vol. 6 (3) 2005: 247-252

Posted on

HUMAN BITE INJURIES IN THE ERA OF AIDS: A REVIEW

SA Malami, SB Zailani

 

Abstract

The risk of human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV) transmission following human bite is important to many groups of people. Meanwhile, the pandemic of HIV/AIDS continues unabated, with perhaps more than 3 million new infections last year alone. A review of the literature concerning human bite injuries and HIV was performed to examine current opinion regarding the transmission of HIV via this route. It is concluded that human bite contaminated with infected blood carry a small, but definite, risk of transmitting this important life-threatening disease.

Key Words: HIV, Human bite, Risk

Afr. J. Clin. Exper. Microbiol. 2004; 5(2): 160 – 162.