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Antifungal properties of methanolic extracts of some medical plants in Enugu, south east Nigeria

N. Onyemelukwe, P. Ndam, S. Ogboi, U. Maduakor, D. Nwakile

 

Abstract

Objective: The current study evaluated the anti-fungal activities of  methanolic extracts of the leaves and fruits of some medicinal plants of health value in Enugu, southeast Nigeria.
Materials and methods: Volumes of the different extracts into molten  Sabouraud Dextrose Agar to make up for concentrations of 25 mg/ml, 50 mg/ml and 100 mg/ml respectively. Concentrations of 125 ag/ml, 250  ag/ml and 500 ag/ml of Miconazole were incorporated to serve as a positive control while 0.5 ml of DMSO served as a negative control. The  plants extracts employed were from Azadirachta indica (Neem), Anacardium occidentale (Cashew), Euphorbia hirta (Asthma weed),Jatropha curcas (Physic nut), Acantus montanus (Mountain thistle) and Picralima nitida  (òsúigwe in Igbo). A 2 mm agar disc cut out from the margin of actively growing cultures of each dermatophyte (Trichophyton soudanense, T.mentagrophytes, Cladosporium sp, T.rubrum and Fusarium sp) were inoculated on the agar plates containing varying concentrations of the different plant extracts, the standard antifungal agent and negative control in triplicates and incubated at 28 ºC.
Results: All the extracts exhibited antifungal activities of varying degrees with radial growth inhibitions (RGIs) ranging from 0-0.45 mm radius. Fifty percent (50 %) of the plants extracts comprising of Picralima nitida, Euphorbia hirta and Acantus montanus exhibited complete inhibition at 100 mg/ml against all the clinical isolates under investigation (p < 0.05).  Picralima nitida seed was the only plant extract with complete inhibition at 25 mg/ml against T.soudanense and T.rubrum. Picralima nitida was the closest in activity to miconazole. Azadirachta indica (Neem) did not exhibit complete inhibition against any of the clinical isolates at 100 mg/ml yet exhibited a significantly lower RGI at the lowest concentration of 25 mg/ml better than others.
Conclusion: Antifungal activities showed that leaves extract of fruits plants against the clinical isolates are good source of medicinal applications

Key words: Antifungal agents, medical plants, Enugu, Nigeria.

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Antifungal properties of methanolic extracts of some medical plants in Enugu, south east Nigeria

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Serum and sputum surfactants -A and -D in multidrug-resistant and drugsensitive tuberculosis patients

A.A. Onifade, V.F. Edem, O.G. Arinola

 

Abstract

Abnormal production and function of surfactants are associated with pulmonary diseases. Also, pulmonary infections alter surfactant metabolism. Due to lack of information on the levels of surfactants A (SP-A) and D (SP-D) in Nigerian tuberculosis (TB) patients, this study assessed these surfactants in both sputum and serum of drug sensitive- and multidrug resistant- TB patients using ELISA. The aim is to explore the diagnostic or therapeutic potential of SP-A and SP-D in TB patients. Also, to find out appropriate sample for the analyses of SP-A and SP-D in TB patients.

The mean serum levels of SP-A and SP-D were not significantly reduced in MDR-TB (n=30) and DS-TB patients (n=30) compared with non-TB apparently healthy controls (n=30) (p > 0.05). Mean sputum levels of SP-A and SP-D were significantly reduced in DS-TB patients compared with the levels in MDR-TB patients (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that the sputum SP-D and SP-A levels but not serum SP-D and SP-A levels are useful indicators of the disease activity in pulmonary TB patients.

Keywords: Tuberculosis, Surfactants, Diagnosis, Nigeria

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Serum and sputum surfactants -A and -D in multidrug-resistant and drugsensitive tuberculosis patients

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Result of 2004 extended trypanosomosis survey of ruminants at Kachia Grazing Reserve, North Central Nigeria

J.N Abenga, F.A.G Lawani, S.O Omotainse, J.O Kalejaiye, A.B. Ahmed, S.S Shaida, U.B. Shamaki, E. Yanan, U.S Usman, E. Oko, H. Ayakphat, A. Kalgo

 

Abstract

Tsetse fly and trypanosome prevalence in ruminants were estimated in April and August, peak months of the dry and rainy seasons in the Kachia Grazing Reserve (KGR) of Kaduna State, North Central Nigeria. This study was subsequent to reports of seasonal outmigration of semi nomadic Fulani from the grazing reserve due to death of cattle from trypanosomosis. Result of blood samples showed an overall parasitological infection rate of 17.4%. Infection rates in cattle, sheep and goats were, 18.6%, 9.5% and 5.1% respectively. Over all higher infection rate in the rainy season was attributed to abundance of tsetse and other hematophagus flies. Infection rate in younger animals (21.9%) was higher compared to those of older animals (16.5%). Trypanosoma vivax was the dominant infecting trypanosome specie followed by T. congolense andT. brucei.
It was concluded that tsetse fly and trypanosomosis constituted dual plagues limiting economic livestock production and settling of the pastoralists in the grazing reserve. This warrants application of sustainable integrated control measures to enhance utilization of abundant fodder at the reserve.

Key words: Kachia grazing reserve, trypanosomosis, ruminants, infection rates, Nigeria.

 

Resultat de l’enquete de trypanosomose extension de 2004 des ruminants a la reserve de piscine Kachia, Nigeria Centrale du Nord

La prévalence de la mouche tsé-tsé et du trypanosome chez les ruminants a été estimée en avril et août, les mois de pointe des saisons secanes et pluvieuses dans la réserve de pâturage de Kachia (KGR) de l’État de Kaduna, dans le nord du centre du Nigeria. Cette étude a été postérieure à des rapports d’émigration saisonnière de Fulani semi-nomades provenant de la réserve de pâturage en raison de la mort de bovins de la trypanosomose. Le résultat des échantillons de sang a montré un taux global d’infection parasitaire de 17,4%. Les taux d’infection chez les bovins, les ovins et les chèvres étaient respectivement de 18,6%, 9,5% et 5,1%. Le taux d’infection plus élevé pendant la saison des pluies a été attribué à l’abondance de mouches tsé-tsé et d’autres mouches hématophobes. Le taux d’infection chez les animaux plus jeunes (21,9%) était plus élevé par rapport à ceux des animaux plus âgés (16,5%). Trypanosoma vivax était le trypanosome infectant dominant suivi de T. congolense et T. brucei.
On a conclu que la mouche tsé-tsé et la trypanosomose constituaient des fléaux doubles limitant la production d’élevage économique et la colonisation des pasteurs dans la réserve de pâturage. Cela justifie l’application de mesures de contrôle intégrées durables pour améliorer l’utilisation de fourrages abondants dans la réserve.

Mots clés: réserve de pâturage de Kachia, trypanosomose, ruminants, taux d’infection, Nigeria

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Result of 2004 extended trypanosomosis survey of ruminants at Kachia Grazing Reserve, North Central Nigeria

 

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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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Haematological profile of HIV seropositive HAART naive clients in Kogi State University Teaching Hospital, Anyigba, Kogi State. Nigeria

O.J. Alabi, S.P.O. Akogu, M Akpa, V Ukeje, P.O. Okpanachi, O.G. Agama, S Gideon, B Adegboro

 

Abstract

Examination of haematological profile is useful for baseline assessment, treatment monitoring and prognostic evaluation in Hiv/AIDS management. The objectives of the study was to assess the haematological profile of HIV seropositive HAART naive patients who attended Kogi State University Teaching Hospital, Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014. The study was prospective experimental research. Ethical clearance was obtained from ethical committee of Kogi State University Teaching Hospital, Anyigba. Written and verbal informed consent was taken from all patients. A total of 404 HIV seropositive HAART naive patients comprising 147 (36.4%) males and 257(63.6%)females were examined. The overall mean age of patients was 33.0 ±12.7 years and female-male ratio was 1.7: 1. Half of respondents 200(50.4%) accessed HIV care and treatment for the time in stage three HIV disease. Patients had overall mean CD4 cells count of 381.8 ± 240.8 cells/mm3 , white blood cells count of 5.8 ± 3.6 × 109/L, lymphocyte count 2.3 ±1.3, granulocyte count 0.8 ± 0.8 and platelet count of 260.0 ± 109.1 × 109/L. The mean packed cell volume was 34.1± 5.9 %, haemoglobin 11.3 ± 2.1 g/dl and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration was 31.5 ± 14.3 g/dl. The packed cells volume (p=0.0001, T test= 4.0259) and haemoglobin (p=0.0001, T test= 4.1534) profiles of HIV clients were respectively statistically significance with gender, while CD4 cells count ( p=0.004, F= 4.523) and platelet count (p= 0.008, F = 3.974) were significance respectively with HIV disease staging. The study recommended the need for awareness programs, nutritional education and micronutrients supplementation including multivitamins for HIV clients.

Keywords: Haematological, HIV, HAART, patients, KSUTH, Nigeria

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Haematological profile of HIV seropositive HAART naive clients in Kogi State University Teaching Hospital, Anyigba, Kogi State. Nigeria

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CD4 cells profile of HAART naive HIV seropositive clients in Kogi State University Teaching Hospital, Anyigba, Kogi State. Nigeria

OJ Alabi, SPO Akogu, M Akpa, V Ukeje, PO Okpanachi, OG Agama, S Gideon, B Adegboro

 

Abstract

CD4 lymphocyte cells are the primary targets of Human immune-deficiency virus (HIV). Enumeration of CD4 T lymphocytes in the peripheral blood is used in the assessment of disease clinical stage, risk of  opportunistic infections, evaluation of prognosis and guide decision on the commencement of  antiretroviral therapy. The objective was to determine CD4 cells profile of HIV sero-positive naïve  patients in Kogi State University Teaching Hospital( KSUTH) Anyigba. A total of 404 HIV sero-positive Highly Active Anti Retro Viral Treatment ( HAART) naïve patients comprising 147(36.4%) males and  257 (63.6%) females were examined. Approval was obtained from ethical committee of Kogi State University Teaching Hospital (KSUTH), Anyigba. Written and verbal informed consent was taken from all patients. The overall mean age of patients was 33.0 ± 12.7 years and female-male ratio was  1.7:1. Majority of patients were in the clinical stage two 121(30.5%) and three 200(50.4%). Patients had overall mean CD4 cells count of 381.8 ± 240.8 cells /mm3. Patients CD4 cells count varied statistically with the HIV clinical staging (F =4.512 & P value=0.004) and statistically insignificant with gender (P value = 0.7562 & t Test= 0.3106) and tuberculosis status (P value=0.223 & F=  1.505).Conclusion: This study showed HIV sero-positive HAART naive patients presented in KSUTH with mean age of 33 years. Majority of patients presented in disease clinical stage two and three with a mean CD4 cells counts of 381.8 cells/mm3 . This study recommend the need to reduce stigmatization, discrimination and promote early access to treatment , care and support services.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, CD4, Patient/clients, KSUTH, Nigeria.

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CD4 cells profile of HAART naive HIV seropositive clients in Kogi State University Teaching Hospital, Anyigba, Kogi State. Nigeria

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Recent rubella infection among childbearing women in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria: A seroepidemiological indication for vaccination need

ST Suleiman, R Bakare, AA Akanbi, A Fowotade, SA Billiaminu, KA Durowade

 

Abstract

Background: Congenital Rubella Infection can be prevented and future generation saved from  disability by protecting women of reproductive age through vaccination. The study is aimed at  determining serological evidence of recent rubella infection among women of childbearing age.
Method: A cross sectional study was carried out among 285 women aged between 15 and 49 years. Enzyme immunoassay method was used to detect and quantify human IgM and IgG antibodies with avidity for Rubella virus in sera of participants. Socio-demographic characteristics of the subjects, along with recent history of fever, rash and adverse pregnancy outcome among others were obtained using a questionnaire. Statistical analysis was carried out using the program statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 16. Majority (78.3%) of the women recruited for the study were within 15-34 years age range. Of the 285 sera assayed for Rubella IgM antibodies, 23 (8.1%; 95% CI: 4.9%-11.3 %.) was IgM seropositive, while the remaining 262 (91.9%) were seronegative. A total of 7 (2.5%) of reproductive age women in Ilorin had a recent primary infection while 16 (5.6%) had a persistent Rubella infection or recent re-infection.
In conclusion, there is need for vaccination of susceptible women of reproductive age in Ilorin as a large number of women have Rubella in their reproductive age.

Keywords: Rubella, Immunoglobulin M, avidity, reproductive age, Ilorin, Nigeria

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Recent rubella infection among childbearing women in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria A seroepidemiological indication for vaccination need

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Determination of the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of extended spectrum beta lactamase (esbl) producing and the non-esbl producing strains of Escherichia coli

Y Mohammed, GB Gadzama, SB Zailani, AA Abubakar, MM Dalhat, BS Ibrahim, AA Olufemi, U Bajoga, P Nguku

 

Abstract

Background: The extended spectrum beta lactamases producing bacteria are bacteria of great concern among Gram negative bacilli. Escherichia coli stand out as major carrier of this enzyme. The appropriate control of this resistance pattern depends on using the antimicrobial regimen of best choice. Therefore the value of the susceptibility profile of organism harboring this enzyme cannot be overemphasized.

Objectives: To determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of extended spectrum beta lactamases (ESBL) producing and the non-ESBL producing strains of Escherichia coli from clinical isolates of Escherichia coli in University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.

Methodology: Confirmed variants of Escherichia coli were screened and confirmed for ESBL possession. Subsequently, modified Kirby Bauer method was utilized to test for antibiotic susceptibility using the commercially available Oxoid single disc for some major antibiotics.

Results: A total of 172 strains of Escherichia coli were identified during the study period. Out of this number; 131 were identified as ESBL positive while a total of 41 were ESBL negative. The highest sensitivity for both the ESBL positive and ESBL negative strains of Escherichia coliwas observed with Imipenem followed closely by Gentamicin.

Conclusion: The study reveals narrow choice of antibiotics for the ESBL positive isolates of Escherichia coli although Imipenem antibiotic still retains its sensitivity.

Keywords: Cephalosporins, Resistance, Maiduguri, Nigeria

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Determination of the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of extended spectrum beta lactamase (esbl) producing and the non-esbl producing strains of Esche

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Pulmonary candidiasis and CD4 count in HIV positive patients seen in Jos, north central Nigeria

YJ Peter, AH Isa, AS Anzaku, MI Builders

 

Abstract

Background: Accurate and reliable diagnosis of HIV opportunistic infections plays a central role in effective HIV intervention programmes. Pulmonary infections are the leading cause of  morbidity and mortality in HIV infected individuals.

Objectives: We set out to determine the prevalence of Pulmonary candidiasis by isolating Candida species from the sputum of HIV sero-positive patient’s presenting to hospital with complaint of cough for more than two weeks and related the level of CD4 count to Pulmonary candidiasis.

Methods: Using sterile wire loop, each sputum sample was inoculated into duplicate SDA (Thermo Scientific, UK); one tube without antibiotics, another tube supplemented with Chloramphenicol (0.05%) and Cycloheximide (0.5%) antibiotics. The patient’s CD4 count was determined using a Cyflow machine (PARTECR, Germany).

Result: Fifty two (54.2%) female and 44(45.8%) male HIV positive subjects were compared with a control group made up of, 52(54.2%) female and 44(45.8%) male HIV negative subjects. Twenty one (21.9%) HIV positive subjects had Candida species in their sputum samples compared to 12(12.5%) in the HIV negative subjects. Among HIV positive subjects, 17(17.7%) had Candida albicans isolated from their sputum, 11(11.5%) of whom had a CD4 count of <200 cells/ul.

Conclusion: We concluded that, there is a risk of pulmonary candidiasis occurring in HIV infected patients with CD4 count <200cells/ul and that, Candida species contributes to chronic cough experienced by HIV infected patients. We recommend that HIV positive patients who have chronic cough and whose CD4 count is <200cells/ul be placed on systemic antifungal medication.

Keywords: Candida, Cough, Nigeria, Sputum

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Pulmonary candidiasis and CD4 count in HIV positive patients seen in Jos north central Nigeria

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Prevalence of HIV/Sputum AFB positivity among patients attending University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Nigeria

O Iyoha, WO Osarogiagbon

 

Abstract

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Tuberculosis(TB) have synergistic interactions that speedily accelerate decline of the host’s immune system and accentuate the progression of each other. Eight hundred and ninety five patients referred from different units of University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria were screened for antibodies to HIV-1 and HIV-2 using ELISA and sputum microscopy for acid-fast bacilli. The result showed that, 92(10.3%) were HIV positive with females 68(14.2%) higher than males 24(5.8%) though not statistically significant (p=0.066), 123(13.7%) patients were AFB positive, with males 75(18.1%) significantly higher than females 48(10%) (p=0.046) and 14(1.6%) patients were co-infected. Although the co-infection rate was higher among females 9(1.9%) than males 5(1.2%), there was no significant difference (p=0.450). The age group 40-49 and 50-59 had the highest TB/HIV co-infection (2.5% each).Regular screening for TB in HIV patients and HIV in TB patients would demonstrate the true burden of TB disease amongst HIV infected patients.

Key words: prevalence, TB, HIV, co-infection, Nigeria.

LA PREVALENCE DE LA POSITIVITE DU VIH/EXPECTORATIONS AFB CHEZ LES PATIENTS QUI
FREQUENT L’UNIVERSITE HOPITAL D’ENSEIGNEMENT DE BENIN (UBTH), BENIN CITY, NIGERIA.

Le virus de l’immunodéficience humaine(VIH) et la tuberculose (TB) ont des interactions synergiques qui rapidement accélèrent le déclin du système immunitaire de l’hôte et accentuent la progression de l’un l’autre. Huit cent quatre – vingt quinze patients des différentes unités de l’université hôpital  d’enseignement de Benin, Nigeria, ont été criblés pour les anticorps a VIH – 1 et VIH – 2 en utilisant ELISA microscopique des expectorations pour les bacilles acide – Résistant. Le résultat a montrée que 92 (10,3%) étaient séropositifs avec des femelles 68(14,2%) plus élevé que les males 24(5,8%), mais pas
statiquement significatif, (p=0,066), 123(13,7%) patients étaient AFB positif, avec les males 75(18,1%) significativement plus élevés que les femelles 48 (10%) (p=0,046) et 14 (1,6%) patients ont été Co – infectés. Bien que le taux de la Co – infection était plus élevé parmi les femelles 9(1,9%) que les males 5 (1,2%), il n y avait pas de différence significative (p=0,450). Le groupe d’âges 40 – 49 et 50 – 59 avait la plus forte Co – infection de TB/HIV (2,5%). Le dépistage régulier de la tuberculose chez les patients VIH et VIH chez les patients tuberculeux démontrerait le véritable fardeau de la maladie de la tuberculose chez les patients infectés par le VIH.

Mots Clés : Prevalence, Tuberculose, VIH, Co – infection, Nigeria.

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Prevalence of HIVSputum AFB positivity among patients attending University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Nigeria