Posted on

Neglect of common infectious disease outbreaks during the COVID-19 pandemic: an impending crisis in Nigeria?

Soyemi, T.

Lagos State University College of Medicine, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria

Correspondence to: sogbengasoyemi16@gmail.com; +2348128388296

Abstract:

Infectious diseases are major challenges of healthcare system in Nigeria. The coronavirus disease-19 (COVID19) pandemic has disrupted many systems including healthcare at all levels by creating disparities in the treatment, prevention, resource allocation and control of diseases in Nigeria. Premised on the foundation of circulating news and fact-checking platforms, this paper provides empirical evidence on varying perceptions on COVID-19 pandemic and apparent neglect of other infectious diseases while giving a critical analysis and comparison between them. Continue reading “Neglect of common infectious disease outbreaks during the COVID-19 pandemic: an impending crisis in Nigeria?”

Posted on

Antimicrobial Stewardship Implementation in Nigerian Hospitals: Gaps and Challenges

*1Iregbu, K. C., 1Nwajiobi-Princewill, P. I., 1Medugu, N., 2Umeokonkwo, C. D., 3Uwaezuoke, N. S., 4Peter, Y. J., 5Nwafia, I. N., 6Eliukwu, C., 7Shettima, S. A., 8Suleiman, M. R., 9Awopeju, T. A., 10Udoh, U., 11Adedosu, N., 12Mohammed, A., 13Oshun, P., 14Ekuma, A., 15Manga, M. M., 16Osaigbovo, I. I., 17Ejembi, C. J., 18Akujobi, C. N., 19Samuel, S. O., 20Taiwo, S. S., and 13Oduyebo, O. O.

1National Hospital Abuja, Nigeria;

2Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki;

3Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, Abuja, Nigeria;

4University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada;

5University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu;

6Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Ilishan-Remo, Nigeria;

7Federal Medical Centre, Yola;

8Federal Medical Centre, Katsina;

9University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt;

10University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar;

11Federal Medical Centre, Owo;

12Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto;

13Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos;

14University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo;

15Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe;

16University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin-City;

17Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria;

18Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi;

19Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua;

20Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Nigeria. *Correspondence to: keniregbu@yahoo.co.uk

Abstract:
Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major clinical challenge globally. It is mainly a consequence of inappropriate prescribing and use of antibiotics. Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) ensures that antibiotics are prescribed and used appropriately. This study assessed AMS practice in selected Nigerian hospitals. Continue reading “Antimicrobial Stewardship Implementation in Nigerian Hospitals: Gaps and Challenges”

Posted on

Salmonella Kentucky: prevalence and challenges in Nigeria and the Africa continent

Igomu, E. E.
Bacterial Vaccine Production Division, National Veterinary Research Institute, P. M. B. 01 Vom, Nigeria Correspondence to: elayonigomu@gmail.com; +2348032786224

Abstract:

Salmonella Kentucky is ubiquitous in most African countries and the multidrug resistant (MDR) strains remain underreported across the continent. In Nigeria, poverty, inter country livestock trades, nomadic system of cattle production, indiscriminate use of antibiotics and prevalent immuno-compromising diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and tuberculosis are factors that have enabled ease of transmission and complications of S. Kentucky infections. In the present decade, S. Kentucky is reported to be the most prevalent serovar associated with poultry in Nigeria, but very few reports underline the risk associated with consumption of poultry and acquisition of MDR S. Kentucky strains. The Nigerian poultry is one of the most commercialized subsectors of Nigerian agriculture, therefore, the presence of S. Kentucky especially strains carrying broad spectrum antimicrobial resistance pose a great risk to public health. The lack of proper monitoring, surveillance, isolation and control of the multidrug resistant S. Kentucky will remain a challenge to the export potential of the Nigerian poultry subsector and livestock in general. As a nation, modalities and actions against the smuggling of poultry products, indiscriminate use of antibiotics and nomadic system for the production of dairy and beef that promotes spread of virulent strains of Salmonellae must change. The impact of non-typhoidal salmonellosis in humans in Nigeria also remains under studied and under reported, especially those caused by S. Kentucky ST198. Compounding these concerns is the lack of commercial veterinary or human vaccines against S. Kentucky or where vaccines against the broad serogroup C non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) are available, they are rarely supplied, with no evidence they could be cross-protective. This review emphasizes the emergence and widespread occurrence of MDR S. Kentucky strains on the African continent, and discussed risk factors contributing to its spread in Nigeria and the potential public health challenge especially to high-risk immunocompromised individuals.
Keywords: Salmonella Kentucky, ST198 strain, multidrug resistant, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, Nigeria, Africa
Received April 30, 2020; Revised May 8, 2020; Accepted May 10, 2020
Copyright 2020 AJCEM Open Access. This article is licensed and distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attrition 4.0 International License <a rel=”license” href=”http://creativecommons.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.
Salmonella Kentucky: prévalence et défis au Nigeria et sur le continent africain
Igomu, E. E.
Division de la production de vaccins bactériens, Institut national de recherche vétérinaire, P. M. B. 01 Vom, Nigéria Correspondance à: elayonigomu@gmail.com; +2348032786224 Continue reading “Salmonella Kentucky: prevalence and challenges in Nigeria and the Africa continent”

Posted on

Comparative distribution of bacterial contaminants of packaged and unpackaged polyherbal products sold in Nnewi, Nigeria

*Udeogu, C. V., Agbakoba, N. R., and Chukwuma, G. O.
Medical Microbiology Unit, Department of Medical Laboratory Science
Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria Correspondence to: chidozie.udeogu@yahoo.com

Abstract:

Background: The use of herbal medicine continues to remain popular despite advances in orthodox medicine largely as a result of affordability and availability. However, contaminated and potentially toxic polyherbal preparations remain a public health challenge despite regulations instituted by concerned agencies in Nigeria. The objective of this study was to determine and compare the bacterial contaminants of different polyherbal products sold in Nnewi, Nigeria

Methodology: This study evaluated the bacteriological profile of 22 packaged and 22 unpackaged polyherbal preparations sold in Nnewi, Nigeria. The samples were collected from different herbal medicine shops in Nnewi by simple random sampling and were assayed for comparative bacterial loads with chromogenic media and their total viable counts evaluated following standard method for microbial load analysis.

Results: Bacterial contaminants were isolated from 9 of 22 (40.9%) packaged polyherbal samples while 13 of 22 (59.1%) samples were bacteriologically sterile. For the unpackaged polyherbal, bacterial contaminants were isolated from 18 of 22 (81.8%) samples while 4 of 22 (18.2%) were bacteriologically sterile (OR 0.1538, p=0.0122). The most frequently isolated bacterial contaminant in the packaged polyherbal samples was Enterococcus faecalis with 33.3% (6/18) while Salmonella sp was the least frequently isolated with 5.6% (1/18). For the unpackaged polyherbals, the most frequently isolated bacterial contaminant was Staphylococcus aureus with 25% (7/28) while Salmonella sp and E. faecalis were the least frequently isolated with 10.7% (3/28) each. The median total viable count of the packaged group of the polyherbal products was 1.48×106 CFU/ml, while the median total viable count for unpackaged group of polyherbals was 1.95×106 CFU/ml.

Conclusion: This study shows that many polyherbal products sold in Nnewi are potentially contaminated with bacterial agents. It is therefore imperative that herbal medicine practitioners be enlightened on hygienic ways of preventing microbial contamination during polyherbal production.

Keywords: Bacterial contaminants, herbal products, Nnewi, Nigeria Continue reading “Comparative distribution of bacterial contaminants of packaged and unpackaged polyherbal products sold in Nnewi, Nigeria”

Posted on

Yellow fever in Nigeria: a review of the current situation

*1Adogo, L. Y., and 2Ogoh, M. O.
1Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State, Nigeria 2Institute of Human Virology, Abuja, Nigeria *Correspondence to: adogolillian@gmail.com

Abstract:

Several African countries including Nigeria have been battling with public health challenges for decades. Nigeria is currently facing several public health emergencies including cholera, circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus infection, cerebrospinal meningitis, monkey pox, measles, Lassa fever, and Yellow fever outbreaks in some states, as well as a humanitarian crisis in the northeast region of the country. Sporadic outbreaks of Yellow fever have been occurring in the country since September 2017 involving all thirty six states of the Federation, resulting in about 90 deaths (case fatality rate of 2.2%) and 31 deaths among confirmed cases (case fatality rate of 19.0%). Although, there is currently no specific treatment for Yellow fever, vaccination with the Yellow fever vaccine provides life-long protection, and is the most important means of preventing the disease. Despite the availability of an effective vaccine, the re-emergence of Yellow fever is directly correlated with its continuous dissemination in several countries to date. Timely detection of Yellow fever and rapid response through emergency vaccination campaigns are essential for controlling outbreaks. Vector surveillance and control are important components of reducing transmission in epidemic situations. This review attempts to provide update information on the current situation of Yellow fever in Nigeria with highlights on the history, pathogenesis and diagnosis of the disease.

Key words: Yellow fever, Nigeria, Outbreaks, Mosquitoes

Received August 24, 2019; Revised September 25, 2019; Accepted September 28, 2019
Copyright 2020 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.

Fièvre jaune au Nigéria: état des lieux

*1Adogo, L. Y., et 2Ogoh, M. O.
1Département des sciences biologiques, Faculté des sciences et technologies, Université de Bingham, Karu, État de Nasarawa, Nigéria 2Institut de virologie humaine, Abuja, Nigeria *Correspondance à: adogolillian@gmail.com Abstrait:
Plusieurs pays africains, dont le Nigéria, luttent contre des problèmes de santé publique depuis des décennies. Le Nigéria est actuellement confronté à plusieurs urgences de santé publique, y compris le choléra, une infection à poliovirus en circulation, une méningite cérébro-spinale, la variole du singe, la rougeole, la fièvre de Lassa et la fièvre jaune dans certains États, ainsi qu’une crise humanitaire dans le nord-est du pays. Des épidémies sporadiques de fièvre jaune se sont produites dans le pays depuis septembre 2017 dans les trente-six États de la Fédération, entraînant environ 90 décès (taux de létalité de 2,2%) et 31 décès parmi les cas confirmés (taux de létalité de 19,0%). Bien qu‟il n‟existe actuellement aucun traitement spécifique contre la fièvre jaune, la vaccination avec le vaccin contre la fièvre jaune offre une protection à vie et constitue le principal moyen de prévention de la maladie. Malgré la disponibilité d’un vaccin efficace, la réémergence de la fièvre jaune est directement corrélée à sa diffusion continue dans plusieurs pays à ce jour. La détection rapide de la fièvre jaune et une réponse rapide au moyen de campagnes de vaccination d’urgence sont essentielles pour contrôler les épidémies. La surveillance et le contrôle des vecteurs sont des éléments importants de la réduction de la transmission en situation épidémique. Cette revue tente de fournir des informations actualisées
sur la situation actuelle de la fièvre jaune au Nigéria, en mettant en évidence l’histoire, la pathogenèse et le
diagnostic de la maladie

Yellow fever update in Nigeria Afr. J. Clin. Exper. Microbiol. 2020; 21(1): 1 – 13

Mots-clés: fièvre jaune, Nigéria, épidémies, moustiques

Download full journal in PDF below

Yellow fever in Nigeria: a review of the current situation

Posted on

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

Download full journal in PDF below

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

 

Posted on

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

Download full journal in PDF below

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

Posted on

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

Download full journal in PDF below

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

Posted on

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.

Download full journal in PDF below

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

Posted on

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

Download full journal in PDF below

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