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The role of infections in the pathogenesis of bleeding among patients with haemophilia-A: A primer for haemophilia caregivers in the tropics

*1Ahmed, S. G., and 2Ibrahim, U. A.

1Department of Haematology, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria

2Department of Paediatrics, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: drsagirahmed@yahoo.com; +2348034418015

Abstract:

Background: Haemophiliacs are often transfusion-dependent, and are at risk of HIV and non-HIV immuno- suppression, making them vulnerable to transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs) and non-TTIs, many of which can cause infection-associated bleeding (IAB) even in non-haemophilic individuals. Haemophiliacs are particularly susceptible to IAB due to vicious interaction between pre-existing ‘inherited’ FVIII deficiency and infection-induced ‘acquired’ pro-haemorrhagic abnormalities. IAB in haemophiliacs manifests as undue musculoskeletal and/or mucocutaneous haemorrhages. It is thus important for haemophilia caregivers in general (and in the tropics in particular) to have thorough understanding of IAB. Clinico-pathological perspectives of IAB in haemophilia are fragmented, and not comprehensively appraised in previous literature. This review presents updated, compre- hensive but concise overview of pathogenesis, trigger mechanisms, clinical implications, therapy and prevention of IAB in haemophiliacs as accrued from literature.

Methodology: Online databases such as PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar and others were interrogated using the search terms; ‘haemophilia-A’, ‘viral, bacterial and parasitic infections’, ‘bleeding’, ‘mucocutaneous’, ‘thrombo- cytopenia’, ‘ecchymosis’, ‘purpura’, ‘haematuria’, ‘melena’, ‘haematemesis’, and ‘haemoptysis’ in various combina- tions. Continue reading “The role of infections in the pathogenesis of bleeding among patients with haemophilia-A: A primer for haemophilia caregivers in the tropics”

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Emerging infectious disease preparedness and response in healthcare: perspectives from COVID-19 and the role of College-Learnt Microbiology

*1Tonui, J.,

2Chepkutto, W., and

3Rotich, J.

1Department of Biomedical Sciences-Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kabarak University, Nakuru, Kenya

2Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Kabarak University, Nakuru, Kenya

3Department of Preventive and Promotive Health, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya

*Correspondence to: josephat@kabarak.ac.ke

Abstract:

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic began in December 2019 in Wuhan City China where it is believed to have been transmitted to humans from an unknown animal species. The public health, social and economic impact of the pandemic world over is detrimental. Health care providers at the frontline in the fight against COVID-19 are at the greatest risk of infection and so far, many have been infected and some have already died from the disease. Thus, it is imperative that healthcare providers have adequate knowledge of infectious diseases and microbial pathogens to comprehend the scale of risk for better recognition and response. Microbiological concepts of infection prevention and control, hand hygiene and aseptic techniques are essential in slowing down the spread of the virus. COVID-19 has proven that infectious agents can emerge from any region in the world and can spread rapidly with ominous consequences to all humanity. This narrative review discusses the role of college-learnt microbiology in health care provider preparedness for emerging infectious diseases in light of the current pandemic. Continue reading “Emerging infectious disease preparedness and response in healthcare: perspectives from COVID-19 and the role of College-Learnt Microbiology”

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Prevalence of Intestinal Protozoan Parasites Infection among Primary School Pupils in Bosso Local Government Area, Niger State, Nigeria

Y Mohammed, M Aliyu, NT Dabo, NU Adabara, B Otone, AO Ige

 

Abstract

The study was carried out to determine the prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia among primary school pupils in four communities of Bosso Local Government Area in Niger State, Nigeria. Stool samples from 250 pupils were collected and examined for Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia using formol ether concentration technique. Out of the 250 samples analyzed, 115 (46%) for either Entamoeba histolytica or Giardia lamblia or both. Ninety (36.0%) subjects were positive for Giardia lamblia while 46 (18.4%) subjects had Entamoeba histolytica. Single species infection was seen in 78 (67.8%) of the infected pupils whereas 47 (40.9%) were infected with both parasites. The age group (9-10) years had the highest rates of infection of 14 (21.5%) and 37 (56.9%) for G. Lamblia and E. histolyticarespectively. Males had the highest rate of infection (53.5%) compared to the females with (46.3%). Poverty, ignorance and poor environmental sanitation were factors found to be associated with the high prevalence rates recorded.

Keywords: Protozoan, Parasites, Infections, Pupils, Bosso, Niger State, Nigeria.

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Prevalence of Intestinal Protozoan Parasites Infection among Primary School Pupils in Bosso Local Government Area, Niger State, Nigeria

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A review of the virulence factors of pathogenic fungi

C. Iyalla

 

Abstract

Fungal infections are becoming more prevalent especially with increase in immunodeficiency disorders, immunosuppression following transplantation, cancers and cancer treatment. They are ubiquitous and cause infections which may be trivial or more deep seated and severe infections associated with mortality. The ability of some fungal species to cause disease is due to various virulence factors which help with fungal survival and persistence in the host resulting in tissue damage and disease. This review discusses these virulence factors. These factors include an ability to adhere to hosts’ tissues, production of enzymes that cause tissue damage and direct interference with host defences. Pathogenic fungi produce catalases and Mannitol which protect against reactive oxygen species (ROS). Some fungi notably, dimorphic fungi and C. albicans have the ability to switch from one form to another. Thermotolerance, at least to 370C, is critical for survival in mammalian host and contributes to dissemination. Melanin is produced by a number of pathogenic fungi, and protects against harsh conditions such as UV radiation, increased temperature and ROS. The ability to obtain Iron (Fe) from the storage or transport forms in the host is also a virulence factor and calcineurin acts as a sensor for pathogenic fungi.

Keywords: Fungi, virulence, pathogenic, infections, dimorphism, thermotolerance

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A review of the virulence factors of pathogenic fungi