Bridging diagnostic gaps of drug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis with clinical diagnosis in a low-and middle-income state, southwest Nigeria: A secondary data analysis

*[1]Irek, E. O., [2]Isinkaye, A. O., and [3]Orojo, J. A.

1Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Afe Babalola University/Afe Babalola University Multi-System Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

2Department of Community Medicine, Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido, Ekiti, Nigeria

3Tuberculosis Leprosy and Buruli Control Programme, Primary Health Care Development Agency, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: dj1irek@yahoo.com; +2348136833485; ORCID: 0000-0001-6363-6645

 

Abstract:

Background: Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) poses a significant challenge to global TB control efforts, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where diagnostic resources are limited, thereby widening treatment gap. This has increased morbidity and mortality due to TB in Sub-Saharan Africa. We sought to evaluate the role of clinical diagnosis in identifying DR-TB in pulmonary TB cases missed by the sputum GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Continue reading “Bridging diagnostic gaps of drug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis with clinical diagnosis in a low-and middle-income state, southwest Nigeria: A secondary data analysis”

Molecular detection of tetracycline resistance genes in an emerging Enterobacteriaceae isolate from earthen catfish ponds in Akure, Nigeria

*Fadare, O. S., Olalekan, P., and *Salam, L. B.

Department of Biological Sciences (Microbiology Unit), Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, Elizade University, Wuraola Ade Ojo Avenue, P. M. B. 002, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: olalekan.fadare@elizadeuniversity.edu.ng; +2348169001041; ORCiD: 0000-0002-1749-2238 *Correspondence to: lateef.salam@elizadeuniversity.edu.ng; +234 810 245 0606; ORCID: 0000-0001-8353-534X

Abstract:

Background: Aquaculture environments are increasingly recognized as reservoirs for antimicrobial-resistant bacteria due to the routine use of antibiotics such as tetracyclines. Members of the family Enterobacteriaceae readily acquire and disseminate resistance determinants, posing risks to food safety and public health. In Nigeria, molecular data on tetracycline resistance in aquaculture systems remain limited. This study investigated the occurrence and molecular basis of tetracycline resistance among Enterobacteriaceae isolated from earthen catfish ponds in Akure, Nigeria.    Continue reading “Molecular detection of tetracycline resistance genes in an emerging Enterobacteriaceae isolate from earthen catfish ponds in Akure, Nigeria”

Prevalence and identification of microbial contaminants of reusable plastic containers from informal food vending sites in Calabar, Nigeria

*[1]Usang, A., [2]Omeh, B. A., and [3]Ekuma, V. O.

1Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Calabar, PMB 1115, Calabar, Nigeria

2Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Technology, Calabar, Nigeria

3Department of Parasitology and Entomology, University of Calabar, Nigeria *Correspondence to: akedorusang2rue@gmail.com

 

Abstract

 Background: Reusable plastic containers are widely used in informal food vending sites in developing countries like Nigeria, posing potential risks for microbial contamination and foodborne illnesses. This study determined the prevalence and identify microbial contaminants in 350 reusable plastic containers sampled from selected sites (markets, schools, roadside sellers, hawkers, and motor parks) in Calabar, Nigeria. Continue reading “Prevalence and identification of microbial contaminants of reusable plastic containers from informal food vending sites in Calabar, Nigeria”

Prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis among school-aged children in Ipogun community, Ondo State, Nigeria

*[1]Ajayi, O. O., 1Sulaimon, S. Y., [2]Olorunniyi O. F., and 3Omoleye, O. S.

1Department of Biological Sciences, Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State, Nigeria

2Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, Ekiti State University, Ado- Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria 3Department of Veterinary Services, Laboratory Unit, Ministry of Agriculture, Ondo State, Nigeria *Correspondence to: ooajayi@jabu.edu.ng

Abstract:

Background: Urinary schistosomiasis remains a public health challenge among school-aged children in Nigeria. The disease is caused by the blood fluke parasite, Schistosoma haematobium and harbored by freshwater snail intermediate hosts. Contact with infected surface water bodies made children vulnerable. This study investigated the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis among school-aged children in Ipogun community, Ondo State, Nigeria.  Continue reading “Prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis among school-aged children in Ipogun community, Ondo State, Nigeria”

Knowledge and practices of hepatitis E virus disease prevention among pig handlers in selected local government areas of Enugu State, Nigeria

*1Eya, N. J., 1Onyemelukwe, F. N., 2Chukwubike, M. C., and [1]Chukwukelu, N. V.

1Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria

2Molecular Virology Unit, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria

3Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: nnennajuliet2017@gmail.com; +2348064519137

 

Abstract:

 Background: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a zoonotic pathogen with significant public health implications, particularly among pig handlers who are at increased risk due to occupational exposure. Despite the growing pig farming industry in Enugu State, Nigeria, awareness and preventive practices related to HEV remain poorly understood. This study assessed the knowledge and preventive measures of HEV among pig handlers in Enugu State, identifying key demographic factors influencing awareness and hygiene practices. Continue reading “Knowledge and practices of hepatitis E virus disease prevention among pig handlers in selected local government areas of Enugu State, Nigeria”

Molecular detection of carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella spp from clinical samples in Ibadan, Nigeria

*[1],3Subulade, A. A., 1,[2]Makanjuola, O. B., 2Oduola, A. B., 1,2Adebiyi, I., [3]Azuh, V. O.,                    and 1,2Kehinde, A. O.

  1Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

2University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria                              3Biorepository and Clinical Virology Laboratory, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: adeolaasubulade@gmail.com

Abstract:

Background: Klebsiella species are significant pathogens responsible for various healthcare-associated infections. Despite the existence of several mechanisms of resistance against high priority antibiotics such as carbapenems, the production of carbapenemases remains the most important mechanism of resistance among Klebsiella spp. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of carbapenemase-production among Klebsiella spp isolated from clinical specimens at the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan, Nigeria. Continue reading “Molecular detection of carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella spp from clinical samples in Ibadan, Nigeria”

Antimicrobial resistance profiles of bacteria from Enterobacteriaceae family of laying chicken in Ibadan, southwestern Nigeria

*1Ojja, C. V., 2Amosun, E. A., and 3Ochi, E. B.

1,2Avian Medicine Programme, Pan African University Life and Earth Sciences Institute (Including Health and Agriculture), University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

2Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

3Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Juba, Juba, South Sudan *Correspondence to: ojja.christopher@paulesi.org.ng; vukenichris170@gmail.com; +211923419563

Abstract:
Background: Antibiotics are significant for improving the health and productivity of chickens, but overuse and misuse of antibiotics have led to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which has resulted in ineffective treatment of infectious diseases with associated mortality in chicken and potential spread of AMR pathogens to humans. The objective of the study was to evaluate the AMR profiles of Enterobacteriaceae from faecal samples of laying chicken in Ibadan, southwestern Nigeria. Continue reading “Antimicrobial resistance profiles of bacteria from Enterobacteriaceae family of laying chicken in Ibadan, southwestern Nigeria”

Knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B amongst students of Pamo University of Medical Sciences (PUMS), Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

[1]Ogban, G. I., *1Iwuafor, A. A., [2]Ushie, S. N., 1Emanghe, U. E., [3]Edadi, U. E., and 4Ekpe, L

1Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria

2Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

3Department of Internal Medicine, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria

4Department of Chemical Pathology, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria                                       

*Correspondence to: tonyiwuafor@unical.edu.ng.com; +23408033441539

Connaissance et sensibilisation à l’hépatite B parmi les étudiants de l’Université des sciences médicales de Pamo (PUMS),Port Harcourt, État de Rivers, Nigéria

1Ogban, G. I., *1Iwuafor, A. A., 2Ushie, S. N., 1Emanghe, U. E., 3Edadi, U. E., et 4Ekpe, L.

1Département de Microbiologie Médicale et Parasitologie, Université de Calabar, Calabar, Nigéria

2Université Nnamdi Azikiwe, Awka, État d’Anambra, Nigéria

3Département de Médecine Interne, Université de Calabar, Calabar, Nigéria

4Département de Pathologie Chimique, Université de Calabar, Calabar, Nigéria

*Correspondance à: tonyiwuafor@unical.edu.ng.com; +23408033441539

 

Abstract:

Background: Globally, 296 million people were infected by hepatitis B in 2019, with 1.1 million deaths.  Africa is one of the endemic regions. Good knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B remain pivotal to the biosafety of medical students. This study sought to determine the levels of knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B among students of Pamo University of Medical Sciences (PUMS), Port Harcourt, Nigeria, and the predicting factors associated with this knowledge and awareness. The is with the aim of providing recommendations for improving and sustaining biosafety levels for medical and other health-related students of the University. Continue reading “Knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B amongst students of Pamo University of Medical Sciences (PUMS), Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria”

Evaluation of serum concentration of essential trace elements during therapy among tuberculosis patients in Uyo, Nigeria

*[1]Umo, A. N., [2]Umoh, S. G., 2Jimmy, N. F., and 2Adie, S. A.

1Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, University of Uyo, Nigeria

2Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, University of Uyo, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: anthonyumo@uniuyo.edu.ng

Abstract:

Background: Nutritional status is one of the most important determinants of immune response to infection. The objective of this study was to assess the serum concentrations of selected trace elements in selected patients on anti-tuberculosis (TB) therapy in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria Continue reading “Evaluation of serum concentration of essential trace elements during therapy among tuberculosis patients in Uyo, Nigeria”

Determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance amongst doctors practising in Cross River State, Nigeria

1Iwuafor, A. A., 1Ogban, G. I., 1Ita, O. I., 2Offiong, A. B., 2Owai, P. A., 1Udoh, U. A., and 3Elem, D. E.

1Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, University of Calabar, Nigeria

2Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria

3Department of Internal Medicine, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: tonyiwuafor@unical.edu.ng; +2348033441539; ORCID ID: 0000-0001-6796-3870

Abstract:

Background: COVID-19 vaccine is one of the most effective public health intervention approaches for prevention of COVID-19. Despite its well-known efficacy and safety, significant proportion of frontline COVID-19 healthcare workers remain hesitant about accepting the vaccine for whatever reasons. This study aimed to determine acceptance rate and determinants of vaccine refusal among doctors in Cross River State, Nigeria. Continue reading “Determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance amongst doctors practising in Cross River State, Nigeria”