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Prevalence of HIV infection among newly admitted students in Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria

*Nworie, A., Kalu, M. E., Usanga, V. U., and Ibe, O. E.
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria
*Correspondence to: nworieamos@gmail.com; Mobile: +2348100226465

Abstract:
Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the associated acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) have remained a serious scourge and a major public health concern, affecting millions in sub-Saharan Africa despite awareness campaigns, preventive measures and promotion of antiretroviral regimens. This study determined the prevalence of HIV among newly admitted students of Ebonyi State University as a measure of the impact of awareness campaign towards prevention of HIV transmission.
Methods: Newly admitted students of Ebonyi State University totalling 2,736 who voluntarily enrolled for the study were screened for HIV infection using the national HIV testing algorithm after information relating to their personal lifestyle, knowledge of safer sex and preventive measures have been obtained with the use of a client intake form.
Results: Of the 2,736 subjects screened, 6 were positive for HIV, giving a prevalence rate of 0.22%, with prevalence rate of 0.29% (4 of 1344) in females and 0.14% (2 of 1392) in males (X2=0.2041, p=0.6514). The positive subjects were spread across age groups 15-19 years (1), 20-24 years (4) and 25-29 years (1). Males and females who have had sex were 801 and 579 out of which 239 and 209 respectively acknowledged to have had unprotected sex within three months of the study.
Conclusion: The low HIV prevalence rate of 0.22% among school age and young adults in this study may indicate that awareness and safe sex campaigns in Ebonyi State have positive impact in HIV prevention amongst these groups of people.

Keywords: HIV, students, Ebonyi State University, Nigeria, prevalence, campaign

Received May 19, 2019; Revised July 15, 2019; Accepted July 16, 2019
Copyright 2019 AJCEM Open Access. This article is licensed and distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attrition 4.0 International License (http://creativecommmons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided credit is given to the original author(s) and the source.

Prévalence de l’infection à VIH chez les étudiants nouvellement admis à l’Université d’Ebonyi, Abakaliki, Nigéria

*Nworie, A., Kalu, M. E., Usanga, V. U., et Ibe, O. E.
Département des sciences de laboratoire médical, université d’État Ebonyi, Abakaliki, Nigéria
*Correspondance à: nworieamos@gmail.com; Mobile: +2348100226465

Abstrait:
Contexte: le virus de l’immunodéficience humaine (VIH) et le syndrome d’immunodéficience acquise (SIDA) associé restent un grave fléau et un grave problème de santé publique, touchant des millions de personnes en Afrique subsaharienne en dépit des campagnes de sensibilisation, des mesures préventives et de la promotion des schémas thérapeutiques antirétroviraux. Cette étude a déterminé la prévalence du VIH parmi les étudiants nouvellement admis à l’Université d’Ebonyi en tant que mesure de l’impact de la campagne de sensibilisation sur la prévention de la transmission du VIH.
Méthodes: Les étudiants nouvellement admis à l’Université d’Ebonyi, sur un total de 2 736 inscrits volontairement à l’étude, ont été dépistés pour l’infection à VIH à l’aide de l’algorithme national de dépistage du VIH, après que des informations relatives à leur mode de vie personnel, à leur connaissance du sexe sans risque et à des un formulaire d’admission du client.
Résultats: Sur les 2 736 sujets dépistés, 6 étaient séropositifs, soit un taux de prévalence de 0,22%, avec un taux de prévalence de 0,29% (4 sur 1344) chez les femmes et de 0,14% (2 sur 1392) chez les hommes (X2 = 0,2041, p = 0,6514). Les sujets positifs étaient répartis dans les groupes d’âge 15-19 ans (1), 20-24 ans (4) et 25-29 ans (1). Les hommes et les femmes ayant eu des rapports sexuels comptaient 801 et 579 personnes, dont 239 et 209 respectivement ont reconnu avoir eu des rapports sexuels non protégés dans les trois mois suivant l’étude.
Conclusion: Le faible taux de prévalence du VIH de 0,22% chez les enfants d’âge scolaire et les jeunes adultes dans cette étude peut indiquer que les campagnes de sensibilisation et de promotion du sexe sans risque dans l’État d’Ebonyi ont un impact positif sur la prévention du VIH parmi ces groupes de personnes

Mots-clés: VIH, étudiants, université d’Ebonyi, Nigéria, prévalence, campagne

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Prevalence of HIV infection among newly admitted students in Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria

 

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Prevalence and pattern of infectious dermatoses referrals to clinical microbiologists in a tertiary hospital in Southern Nigeria

I.I. Osaigbovo

 

Abstract

Background: Infectious dermatoses are rife in low resource tropical countries. The consultative roles of clinical microbiologists in these countries are not portrayed in the literature. Specifically, their role in the management of infectious dermatoses has not been emphasized. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence and pattern of infectious dermatoses referrals to an out-patient infectious disease clinic run by clinical microbiologists.

Method: A retrospective analysis of all outpatient referrals to the clinical microbiologists in a tertiary hospital in southern Nigeria from October 2016 to September 2018 was conducted. The infectious dermatoses referrals were further analysed for patient demographics and frequency of clinical diagnosis.

Results: A total of 545 consults were received, 82 (15.0%) of which were outpatient referrals. Infectious dermatoses accounted for 67 (81.7%) of the outpatient referrals. The male to female ratio was 0.9:1 and mean age was 39.7 ± 17.9 years. Paediatric referrals accounted for 10.4%. The commonest referral diagnoses were tinea corporis/capitis in 28 (41.8%), onchodermatitis in 15 (22.4%) and onychomycosis in 10 (14.9%). Leprosy was suspected in 5 cases (7.5%), lymphatic filariasis in 5 cases (7.5%), and pityriasis in 2 cases (3.0%). Referral diagnosis in 27 cases (38.8%) was a skin-related neglected tropical disease. Microbiological testing confirmed clinical suspicion in 31.3% of cases.

Conclusion: Infectious dermatoses referrals constitute a substantial proportion of referrals to clinical microbiologists in the study location. Clinical microbiologists must be adept in the diagnosis of mycotic and parasitic dermatoses. The trending global health interest in integrated management of skin NTDs should be exploited to advocate for more sensitive diagnostic testing for infectious dermatoses.

Keywords: Clinical, Microbiology, Infectious dermatoses, Consultation, Nigeria

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Prevalence and pattern of infectious dermatoses referrals to clinical microbiologists in a tertiary hospital in Southern Nigeria

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Re-emergence of monkeypox in Nigeria: a cause for concern and public enlightenment

A Fowotade, T.O. Fasuyi, R.A. Bakare

 

Abstract

Monkey pox infection is a zoonotic infection transmitted by direct or indirect contact with blood, body fluids and lesions of an infected animal. Human to human spread of Monkey pox has been described and infection is usually self-limiting, with an incubation period of 6-16 days. In Nigeria, the last case of monkey pox infection was recorded over 46 years ago. The recent emergence in Nigeria occurred in the year 2017 and was reported to have spread to 24 states with 228 suspected individuals affected. Laboratory diagnosis, as well as management and prevention of monkey pox infection in Nigeria, remain challenging as Nigeria is a resource-poor country with limited infrastructure, technical skill and training which is required in making a diagnosis. The ability of the monkey pox virus to evolve, its potential bioterrorism potential, as well as its recent emergence in Nigeria further justifies the need for improving the understanding of the presentation and prevention of monkey pox infection.

Keywords: monkey pox, emerging virus, Nigeria, rash, zoonosis, orthopox

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Re-emergence of monkeypox in Nigeria a cause for concern and public enlightenment

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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