Posted on

Seroprevalence of Cytomegalovirus Infection amongst Pregnant Women in Kaduna State, Nigeria

M Yeroh, M Aminu, BOP Musa

 

Abstract

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a major public health problem throughout the world. It is the leading cause of congenital infections leading to neurological disabilities in children that result to severe sequelae such as sensor neural hearing loss, neuro-developmental delay and blindness. This study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of human cytomegalovirus among pregnant women in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Three hundred and sixty three (363) blood samples were collected from 330 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics and 33 non pregnant women attending the Outpatient Department in three selected General Hospitals in Kaduna State. Serum obtained from the blood samples were examined
for the presence of CMV IgG antibodies by IFA method. About 94.8% of pregnant women tested positive to CMV IgG antibodies while all (100%) of the non pregnant women tested positive. There was no statistically significant association between CMV and pregnancy (÷2=1.784, df=2, p=0.182). Infection with CMV was strongly associated with zone location
(÷2=15.381, df,=2, p=0.000) and employment status of the women (÷2=5.519, df=1, p=0.018). There was no significant association between CMV infection and age, gravida, gestation age, education, number of marriages and history of previous transfusion. The high prevalence of CMV infection observed in this study indicates that the virus is prevalent in
the study area and it is therefore advisable that routine screening of CMV infection be implemented for all antenatal women in the State.

Keywords: Seroprevalence, Cytomegalovirus, IgG, Pregnant women, Kaduna, Nigeria

Download full journal in PDF below

Seroprevalence of Cytomegalovirus Infection amongst Pregnant Women in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Posted on

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.

Download full journal in PDF below

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

Posted on

Comparison of Rapid Diagnostic Tests and Microscopy for Malaria

OA Oyeniran, OO Ajayi, AY Afolabi, EK Oladipo, AA Adepeju

 

Abstract

Presumptive treatment of malaria results in significant overuse of antimalarials. This study compared the diagnostic accuracy of Histidine Rich Protein II and plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH)-based Rapid Kits( RDTs)and using expert microscopy as the gold standard for the detection of falciparum and non-falciparum in 200 individuals suffering from fever episodes over a period 8months in a malaria-endemic area in Osogbo, Osun State. 99(44.5%) of these patients were microscopically parasitaemic with three Plasmodium species identified expect P.ovale. 25 (12.5%) of the study population had temperature < 37.50C at the time of presentation in the clinic among which 16 (64% ) were parasitaemic. Furthermore, 148 (74%) of the study population had fever episode of which 65(44%) were positive for malaria. The sensitivity and specificity of pLDH (Pf) were 84.7% and  78.3% respectively and HRP-2 were 72.7% and 90.9% respectively. Both had high detection (94.7%) at parasite density ≥ 10,000 parasite/`l of blood. Microscopy still remains the ‘Gold Standard’ since both are not 95% sensitive and cannot determine parasites quantification.

Keywords: Plasmodium, Microscopy, Rapid Kits, Osogbo, Nigeria, LAUTECH

 

Le traitement présomptif de paludisme résulte de l’usage abusif considérable des antipaludiques. Cette étude a pour but de comparer l’efficacité de diagnostic de l’histidine RichProtein II et de test de diagnostic rapide (TDR) à base de kits plasmodium lactate déshydrogénase (pLDH) et en utilisant la microscopie experte comme «gold standard» pour la détection de P. falciparum et non-falciparum chez 200 personnes souffrant d’épisodes de fièvre sur une période de huit mois dans une région où le paludisme est endémique dans Osogbo, l’Etat d’Osun. 99 (44,5%) de ces patients étaient parasitémiques à la microscopie à trois espèces de Plasmodiumidentifiées différentes de P. ovaleattendu. 25 (12,5%) de la population étudiée avait une température <37,5°C au moment de leur arrivée à la clinique parmi lesquels, 16 (64%) étaient parasitémiques. En outre, 148 (74%) de la population d’étude avait un épisode de fièvre dont 65 (44%) étaient positifs pour le paludisme. La sensibilité et la spécificité de pLDH (Pf) étaient respectivement de 84,7% et 78,3% et celles de HRP-2 étaient respectivement de 72,7% et 90,9%. Tous les deux tests avaient une bonne détection (94,7%) à densité parasitaire ≥ 10000 parasite/ul de sang. La microscopie reste le «Gold Standard» puisque les deux autres tests ne sont pas sensibles à 95% et ne peut pas déterminer la quantité parasitaire.

Mots clés: Plasmodium, microscopie, kits de test rapide, Osogbo, Nigeria, LAUTECH

Article in English.

Download full journal in PDF below

Comparison of Rapid Diagnostic Tests and Microscopy for Malaria

Posted on

Serological Screening for Ante-Natal Toxoplasmosis in Maiduguri Municipal Council, Borno State, Nigeria

SO Oyinloye, M Igila-Atsibee, B Ajayi, MA Lawan

 

Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii infection causes devastating defects including,  blindness, neurological impairment and mental retardation in congenitally infected children. Congenital infection occurs when a woman becomes infected during pregnancy; and the severity of the illness is related to the trimester period. This research was designed to evaluate the  seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis amongst pregnant women (n=90) using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit (Cortez Diagnostics Inc. USA). A structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data. A significant (x2 Cal 233.0/ x2 tab 124.1, p=0.01) overall prevalence of 22.2% (20/90) was obtained. Pregnant women within 25-29years had the highest prevalence of 33.3% (3/9); this was significant (x2 Cal 35.85/ x2 tab 9.21, p=0.01). An association between high levels of toxoplasma IgG and miscarriage was established in four of twenty five women who had suffered miscarriage (t cal 5.3/t tab 2.81, p=0.01). The results presented indicate that toxoplasmosis is a significant public health burden in the area of study, which requires drastic remedial measures.

Key words: Toxoplasmosis, pregnant women, miscarriage, Nigeria

 

L’infection de Toxoplasma gondii provoque des malformations dévastatrices, y compris, la cécité, des troubles neurologiques et un retard mental chez les enfants infectés congénitalement. L’infection congénitale se produit quand une femme est infectée au cours de la grossesse, et la gravité de la maladie est liée à la période de trimestre. Cette recherche a été conçue pour évaluer la séroprévalence de la toxoplasmose chez les femmes enceintes (n = 90) à l’aide de dosage immunoenzymatique (ELISA) (Cortez Diagnostics Inc. USA). Un questionnaire structuré a été utilisé pour
recueillir des données socio- démographiques. Une prévalence importante globale de 22,2 % (20/ 90) a été obtenu (p =0,01). Les femmes  enceintes dans les tranche d’âge25- 29 ans ont eu la plus forte prévalence de 33,3 % (3/9)qui était significative (p = 0,01). Une association entre des niveaux élevés de Toxoplasme IgG et fausse couche a été établie dans quatre des vingt-cinq femmes qui avaient subi une fausse couche (p = 0,01). Les résultats présentés indiquent que la toxoplasmose est un problème de santé publique dans cette localité, ce qui nécessite des mesures correctives drastiques.

Mots clés: Toxoplasmose, femmes enceintes, fausses couches, Nigeria

Download full journal in PDF below

Serological Screening for Ante-Natal Toxoplasmosis in Maiduguri Municipal Council, Borno State, Nigeria

Posted on

Prevalence of Acid-Alcohol-Fast Bacilli among Patients with Suspected Cases of Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Jos, Nigeria

EI Bigwan, MC Ohaeri, HI Okonkwo, IS Udosen, GC Markus, Z Sheyin

 

Abstract

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a major public health problem in globally due to its high tendency of person-person transmission, morbidity, and  mortality. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of AAFB within the study area. Sputum samples were collected from three hundred and three (303) patients with suspected cases of pulmonary tuberculosis attending Plateau State Specialist Hospital and Faith Alive Foundation. The samples were examined using Ziehl Neelsen method. Structured  questionnaires were administered to obtain some demographic data from patients that consented. Results were tested statistically for significance at p < 0.05 using Chi-square test. Out of the samples examined,29(9.57.0%) were positive for AAFB .The study showed that the prevalence of smear-positive increased with age between 15 and 45 and then decreased from age groups 46 and above. The study also revealed that males had a higher prevalence with 19(12.34%)than females who had 10(6.71%  ).Marital status showed that divorced individuals had the highest  prevalence of 2(12.50%) followed by married ,singles and the widowed with 18(11.76%),8(6.34%),and 1(5.90%) respectively. Statistically the study reveals that age groups, sex, hospital (location) does not have any effects on the prevalence (p > 0.05) while marital status showed a significant  effect on the prevalence (p < 0.05).There is need for a more collaborative efforts and political will by the government and non-governmental agencies in order to fast track prevention and control measures aimed at eliminating the infection in the nearest future.

Key words: AFB, Tuberculosis, Jos, Nigeria.

Posted on

Sero-prevalence of human parvovirus B19 among patients attending some hospitals in Kano metropolis, Nigeria

A Jegede, M Aminu, EE Ella

 

Abstract

Background: Human Parvovirus B19 (HPVB19) belongs to the family Parvoviridae, causes Erythema infectiosum, aplastic crises in persons with blood disorder and prolonged anaemia in immuno-compromised persons. During pregnancy the virus may be transmitted to the foetus which can result in hydrops foetalis, spontaneous abortion or intrauterine foetal death. The study determined the sero-prevalence of IgG antibodies to HPVB19 among patients in Kano metropolis in order to provide information on their immune status and the possible risk factors for acquiring the virus.
Method: The study population comprised 460 patients seen at the outpatient department of two hospitals in Kano whose mean age was 28.8 (range 0 –70) years. Questionnaire was used to obtain data on socio-demography and risk factors. Blood sample was collected from each patient, serum was obtained and analysed for IgG antibodies to HPVB19 by ELISA according to manufacturer’s instruction.
Result/Discussions: Sero-prevalence of 41.5% (191/460) was obtained for HPVB19 and seropositivity increased significantly with age with the highest prevalence (51%) recorded among patients ≥51 years old while the lowest prevalence was among those < 1 year old (χ2=13.130, df=6, P=0.04). Seropositivity was higher in female (42.6%: 98/230) than male patients (40.4%: 93/230) (p>0.05). Highest seropositivity was observed among farmers (64.2%:18/28) while the lowest was among retired persons (27.2%:3/11). There was significant association between HPVB19 and level of formal education attained (χ2 =10.363, df=4, P=0.03) and number of persons living in a house (χ2 =14.30, df=1, P=0.00). There was no  association between HPVB19 and marital status (P=0.3) and type of residence (P=0.5). Blood transfusion (OR=2.0:1; P=0.08) and sickle cell anaemia (OR=1.7:1; P=0.08) were important risk factors for HPVB19 transmission in this study. Having blood transfusion showed a 2.0 fold risk while having sickle cell showed a 1.7 fold risk of acquiring HPVB19 infection. During the study, 48.2% of women of child bearing age had antibodies to HPVB19 IgG antibodies leaving about 52% still susceptible to the virus.
Conclusion: Seroprevalence to B19 among patients was low leaving a large proportion of the population especially women in Kano still susceptible to B19 infection.

Keywords: Sero-prevalence, Human Parvovirus B19, Patients, Hospitals, Kano, Nigeria

Download full journal in PDF below

Sero-prevalence of human parvovirus B19 among patients attending some hospitals in Kano metropolis, Nigeria

Posted on

Rubella IgG Antibody among Nigerian Pregnant Women without Vaccination History

MO Adewumi, RB Olusanya, BA Oladunjoye, JA Adeniji

 

Abstract

Rubella is a vaccine-preventable viral infection, its aetiologic agent; rubella virus was identified as human teratogen capable of causing a spectrum of birth defects described as congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). Despite the availability of safe and effective vaccines, significant proportion of the population remains susceptible to rubella infection in developing countries. More significantly, such developing countries including Nigeria have not demonstrated adequate commitment to preventive vaccination; a panacea for intervention. Consequently, this study was designed to determine the prevalence of anti-rubella IgG among pregnant women to ascertain the proportion of susceptible population. A total of 273 consenting rubella vaccine naïve antenatal clinic attendees aged 15-42 years (Median age = 28 years) were randomly selected and their sera analyzed for qualitative and quantitative anti-rubella IgG detection. Overall, 244/273 (89.4%) pregnant women enrolled in this study had protective level (Titre = >10 IU/mL) of anti-rubella IgG (Median Titre = 165 IU/mL; Range = <10 – >250 IU/mL), while, 29/273 (10.6%) of the study population lack protective antibody titre ( OD = <10 IU/mL). Results confirm previous reports of exposure, infection, and continuous circulation of rubella virus in Nigeria. It emphasizes the need for improved  and continuous surveillance for rubella and CRS cases, prompt vaccination of vulnerable populations, and evaluation of health policies to achieve immunization and ultimately ensure control/elimination of rubella virus in Nigeria and beyond.

Keywords: Rubella, Pregnancy, Antibody, Congenital Rubella Syndrome, Nigeria

Download full journal in PDF below

Rubella IgG Antibody among Nigerian Pregnant Women without Vaccination History

Posted on

Prevalence and Susceptibility Patterns of Clinical Isolates of Escherichia coli to Various Antimicrobials in A Clinical Microbiology Laboratory in South-South Nigeria

NC Oreha, CO Esimone, OL Ekwunife

 

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of Escherichia coli as an aetiologic agent in bacterial infections and its antimicrobial susceptibility patterns to ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, norfloxacin, perfloxacin, gentamycin and cotrimoxazole as a guide for empiric therapy. A retrospective study was carried out using a clinical microbiology laboratory in Nigeria. Data retrieved include number of E. coli isolates, sources of the isolates and their antimicrobial susceptibility to various fluoroquinolones, gentamycin and cotrimoxazole between 2005 and 2009. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS version 14, Chicago IL. Out of a total of 906 bacterial isolates, E. coli accounted for 23 % (211) of the isolates. Thirty-eight percent (38.39 %) was isolated from urine samples, 27.96 % from high vaginal swab samples, 24.17 % from stool samples, 0.95% from urethra swabs, 1.9% from wound swabs and 6.6% from semen samples. There was poor level of susceptibility to norfloxacin (2.2%) and cotrimoxazole (23.7%), susceptibility to ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin and pefloxacin were 51.1%, 54.7% and 52.5% respectively, that of gentamycin was 51.8%. The trends across the years showed a significant increase in susceptibility to ciprofloxacin, pefloxacin and ofloxacin in 2007 after which it started reducing, while norfloxacin’s susceptibility was low across the five years with maximum susceptibility at 9.1% in 2006. There was an increase in susceptibility to gentamycin as the susceptibility levels of the  fluoroquinolones were reducing. There should be continuous surveillance of antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and empiric treatment with fluoroquinolones discouraged, especially for non urinary tract infections.

KEYWORDS: Antimicrobial susceptibility, Nigeria, Escherichia coli, fluoroquinolones, gentamycin

Download full journal in PDF below

Prevalence and Susceptibility Patterns of Clinical Isolates of Escherichia coli to Various Antimicrobials in A Clinical Microbiology Laboratory in South-South Nigeria

Posted on

Experience with Hepatitis B viral load testing in Nigeria

AP Okwuraiwe, OB Salu, CK Onwuamah, OS Amoo, NN Odunukwe, RA Audu

 

Abstract

Background: Quantification of the viral burden is an important laboratory tool in the management of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected patients. However, widespread use of assays is still hampered by the high cost. Treatment reduces viral load to undetectable levels. HBV infected patients tend to have high HBV DNA levels, and severe liver disease.
Objectives: This study was carried out to determine the pattern of HBV viral load levels of patients assessing management in Nigeria.
Method: Variables included sociodemographics like age, sex, religion, income, educational background and residence. The COBAS Amplicor automated Analyzer (PCR based) was used to assay the virus quantitatively.
Results: 594 patients were tested from 2008 to 2009. Statistical analysis was done using Epi info version 2002 and test of significance by Kruskal-Wallis. Mean age of the patients was 36.8 (ranging from 9 to 69) years. HBV viral titre ranged between 4,145 and 68,011,800 DNA copies/ml.
Conclusion: There was a high occurrence of viral titre in the population studied. High viral load is a risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma. A policy earmarked to combat this virus in Nigeria is hereby solicited.

Key words: HBV infection, HBV DNA, Nigeria

Experience with Hepatitis B viral load testing in Nigeria

Posted on

Evaluation of immunity against poliovirus serotypes among children in riverine areas of Delta State, Nigeria

E Donbraye, MO Adewumi, GN Odaibo, AS Bakarey, OO Opaleye, DO Olaleye

 

Abstract

Nigeria remains one of the major reservoirs for wild poliovirus transmission despite the reported success in National Immunization Days and acute flaccid paralysis surveillance. Two hundred children aged ≤ 10 years, were enrolled following parental consent from hard-to-reach riverine areas of Delta state of Nigeria to assess the level of protective immunity to poliovirus. Neutralizing antibodies to the three poliovirus serotypes in the serum samples of the children were determined by the beta method of neutralization.
Eight (4%) of the children had no detectable antibody, 178 (89%), 180 (90%) and 181 (90.5%) were positive for antibodies to poliovirus types 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Overall, 162 (81%) of the children had antibodies to the three poliovirus serotypes at a titre of at least 1:8. The study shows the need for proper monitoring of vaccination coverage in such hard-to-reach riverine areas to achieve the objective of the global eradication of poliovirus.

Keywords: Neutralizing, antibody, poliovirus, serotypes, riverine, Nigeria

Download full journal in PDF below

Evaluation of immunity against poliovirus serotypes among children in riverine areas of Delta State Nigeria