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Molecular identification and prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex amongst people living with HIV in Osun state, Nigeria

O Alli, D.O Ogbolu, M.A Salawu, J.G Oyedeji, L Oladokun, F Obaseki

 

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has created a special niche for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in humans as a result of the defect/reduction in cell mediated immunity. M. tuberculosis still responsible for most cases of death due to infectious diseases after HIV. In this study, prevalence of M. tuberculosis was determined in people living with HIV in Osun state of Nigeria with identification of culture positive isolates by polymerase chain reaction. A total of 160 samples were collected from people living with HIV with mean age of 36.8 years old of age (Median -34; age range 16 – 68; 95% confidence interval – 2.49) after seeking ethical approval from the Ministry of Health, Osun State. The result of the microscopy by ZN stain showed that 40 (25%) of the 160 samples were positive for acid fast bacilli while culture on Lowenstein-Jensen (LJ) medium revealed that 30 (18.75%) of the samples processed, grew organism that conformed to the characteristics of M. tuberculosis complex. Polymerase chain reaction for IS6110 was used to confirm the identity of the colonies on LJ slope as M. tuberculosis complex while the PCR for 260 bp of Rv1255c was used in identifying M. tuberculosis. M. tuberculosis represented 92% of the M. tuberculosis complex. The prevalence of M. tuberculosis among people living with HIV was found to be 15% after PCR identification. The effects of socio-demographic factors on the prevalence of TB were analysed. Occupation was found to be associated with the proportional distribution of TB in people living with HIV (X2 = 14.85; p < 0.05). The study concluded that PCR should be integrated into the schema for identification of tuberculosis in reference laboratories in developing countries.

Key words: Molecular identification, Polymerase chain reaction, Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Prevalence, HIV, Nigeria

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Molecular identification and prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex amongst people living with HIV in Osun state, Nigeria.

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In vitro surveillance of drug resistant falciparum malaria in north central Nigeria

T.F Ikpa, J.A Ajayi, G.N Imandeh, J.I Usar

 

Abstract

Background: drug resistant malaria is spreading inexorably to areas with drug sensitive malaria parasites. This study compared the in vitro sensitivities of Plasmodium falciparum fresh parasite isolates, to some standard antimalarial drugs, in Makurdi and Masaka located over 300 km apart, in north central Nigeria. Methods: The in vitro responses of P. falciparum isolates; 43 and 39 in Makurdi and Masaka were evaluated by the standard schizonts growth inhibition assay in children aged 2-14 years. Results: The geometric mean effective concentration-EC50, EC90 and EC99 of quinine between Makurdi and Masaka differed significantly (P < 0.05). A similar difference (P < 0.05), was observed with the artesunate antimalarial at EC90 and EC99 levels, but not at EC50. No significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed in the EC values of amodiaquine between the two locations. 5.13 % (2/39) of parasites at Masaka were in vitro resistant to amodiaquine with EC50 > 80 nM. The rest of the isolates were sensitive to the three antimalarial drugs at both locations. Conclusion: The results demonstrated low in vitro resistance of P. falciparum to amodiaquine in the region. Constant monitoring and intervention is needed to curtail the spread of resistance to antimalarials in Nigeria.

KEY WORDS: Plasmodium falciparum, Resistance, Antimalarials, Nigeria.

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In vitro surveillance of drug resistant falciparum malaria in north central Nigeria

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Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Seropositivity In African Patients Presenting To The Eye Clinic – A Preliminary To Prevention Of Occupational Exposure

CO Adeoti, AO Ashaye, MA Isawumi

 

Abstract

A seroprevalence study of Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in new patients attending the eye clinic of LAUTECH Teaching Hospital in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria showed that twenty-nine patients 2.7%) were positive to HIV1. No patient was
positive to HIV 2. There were 21 males (72.4%) and 8 females (27.6%). The clinical diagnosis in the HIV positive patients was as shown in Table 1. Cataract was found in nine cases (31.03%), herpes zoster 4 (13.79%), glaucoma, optic atrophy (nonglaucomatous)
and corneal abscess were responsible for 3 (10.35%) of cases each; presbyopia, bacterial conjunctivtis 2 (6.89%) while maculopathy, orbital cellulitis and adherent leucoma were found in 1 (3.45%) patient each. These findings suggest that, patients with ocular disorders and who are otherwise healthy looking may infact be HIV seropositive and as such it may be
necessary to observe all rules relating to HIV transmission so as to prevent occupational exposure and cross infection in our clinics and operating theatres. Necessary measures to reduce occupational HIV infection and post exposure treatment if exposure occurs
are discussed.

Keywords: Nigeria, ophthalmological disorders, occupational exposure, cross infection.

African Journal of Clinical and Experimental Microbiology Vol. 9 (3) 2008: pp. 110-114

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Onchocerciasis Amongst Children Of An Endemic Community In Edo State, Nigeria

MS Aisien, EE Adeyemi, VA Wagbatsoma

 

Abstract

Onchocerciasis among 278 children (0-15yrs) of Ekpan village, a hyperendemic community in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria was investigated using the prevalence of nodules as index. The overall prevalence of palpable nodules was 26.3%. Nodule prevalence increased with age and the association was found to be statistically significant (P<0.001). More males than females presented with onchocercal nodules; and the difference was also found to be statistically significant (P<0.05). Majority of the nodules found were located on the head, followed by the abdomen. Of the 186 children eligible to take ivermectin, only 124 (66.7%) actually took the drug. The efficacy of ivermectin against onchocerciasis is demonstrated in the observation that those who took the drug presented with fewer nodules. Therefore, a timely introduction of eligible children (>5yrs) to the treatment programme is advocated.

Keywords: Onchocerciasis, children, Nigeria, nodules, prevalence, ivermectin

African Journal of Clinical and Experimental Microbiology Vol. 9 (2) 2008 pp. 97-102

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Screening for Schistosoma haematobium infection in a rural cohort of pregnant women in Nigeria

O Ojurongbe, OA Adeyeba, AO Olowu, AO Olowe, OO Opaleye, BE Egbewale

 

Abstract

Studies were conducted to investigate the occurrence of Schistosoma haematobium infection among 37 pregnant Nigerian women in llie, Osun state, Nigeria and to determine the effects on haemoglobin concentration and clinical symptoms. Out of the 37 pregnant women seen over a period of nine months, 14 (37%) had urinary schistosomiasis, with a mean egg count of 82.5 eggs/10 mls of urine. The mean haemoglobin values in women with schistosomiasis mothers were lower than in women negative for the parasite but the differences were not stastically significant (P>0.05). Abdominal pain was the predominant complaint among the women seen in with 71% of the infected women while other complaints were dizziness, fever and headache. This study shows that schistosomiasis is prevalent among pregnant women in rural area and could contribute to anaemia and abdominal pain commonly seen in pregnant women in our environment.

Keywords: schistosomiasis, pregnant women, abdominal pain, haemoglobin values, Nigeria

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Detection of chlamydia antigen in cervical specimens from antenatal clinic attendees in Benin City, Nigeria

JO Isibor, D Ugbomoiko, GO Nwobu, AO Ekundayo, IB Enweani, GRA Okogun

 

Abstract

Four hundred consenting antenatal clinic attendees were serologically screened for evidence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection. Infection with this organism is underreported in many countries including Nigeria. In the antenatal clinic setting in most developing countries, antigen detection has found widespread application in diagnosis due to lesser demands of cost, expertise, and time required to obtain results. In this study, chlamydia antigens were serologically detected using an immunochromatographic method (Hexagon Chlamydia Rapid Test Kit manufactured and described by Human Gesellschaft fur Biochemica und Diagnostcal MbH-Germany). Overall, 40 (13.3%) of the 300 women screened had chlamydia antigens in their endocervical specimens while 100 women (control subjects) were negative for chlamydial antigens. There seems to be an association between chlamydial infection and vaginal discharge, abortion and infertility. We highly recommend the necessity to include chlamydia screening tests in antenatal health care in Nigeria to prevent unpleasant sequelae.

Keywords: chlamydial antigens, endocervical specimen, antenatal women, Benin City, Nigeria

African Journal of Clinical and Experimental Microbiology Vol. 6 (3) 2005: 208-211

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Leishmaniasis presenting as severe anaemia in an adult female Nigerian

OD Kazeem, AA Oyekunle, LL Salawu, IA Adediran, NO Akinola, KB Badmos, OS Ojo, MA Durosinmi

 

Abstract

Visceral leishmaniasis is a rare cause of anaemia. We report a case of visceral leishmaniasis presenting as severe anaemia and pyrexia of unknown origin in an adult female Nigerian. The objective was to highlight the importance of exhaustive investigations in the diagnosis of anaemia and pyrexia of unknown origin in our environment.

Keywords: visceral leishmaniasis, chronic anaemia, pyrexia of unknown origin, Nigeria

African Journal of Clinical and Experimental Microbiology Vol. 6 (3) 2005: 253-255

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Leucocyte Phagocytosis In Children With Urinary Schistosomiasis And Asymptomatic Malaria Parasitemia

OG Arinola

 

Abstract

In the participants considered for this study, leucocyte migration, neutrophil candidacidal activity and ability to generate reactive oxygen were determined as percentage migration index (%M. I), candidacidal phagocytic index (%C.I) and bacterial stimulated nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) dye reduction index (%NBT) respectively. Also, malaria density was counted from thick blood film of glass slide stained with Giemsa stain. The participants were 54 school children having urinary schistosomiasis without malaria parasites (USS-M), 18 children with both urinary schistosomiasis and malaria parasites (USS+M), 46 children with malaria parasites without urinary schistosomiasis (M-USS) and 29 controls. The mean % M.I was least while %NBT index was highest in USS+M subjects but M-USS subjects had least %C.I. Malaria density was higher in M-USS subjects than USS+M subjects. The results of this study showed that low prevalence and reduced severity of malaria parasites in children with urinary schistosomiasis may be due to adequate production of leucocyte migration inhibitory factor (LMIF) and reactive oxygen species.
Key words: Leucocyte phagocytosis, malaria, schistosomiasis, Nigeria

Afr. J. Clin. Exper. Microbiol. 2005; 6(2): 81-86

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Investigation Of An Epidemic Of Meningitis In Baruten Local Government Area Of Kwara State, Nigeria

TM Akande, JO Monehin

 

Abstract

This is a report of an investigation into an outbreak of meningitis in three communities of Baruten Local Government Area (LGA) of Kwara State, Nigeria. A total of 41 cases of cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) were reported. There was a preponderance of males (78%). Thirty-eight (92.7%) did not receive CSF vaccine while the remaining 3 (7.3%) that receive the vaccine were vaccinated less than a week before the onset of illness. Case Fatality Rate (CFR) was 7.3%. About half (46.3%) of the cases were aged between 6-15 years. The outbreak could have been prevented if adequate supplies of CSM vaccine were provided and vaccination conducted early enough. Government policy of mass immunization against meningitis in November of every year should be implemented and properly monitored to prevent future outbreaks of meningitis and its resultant morbidity and mortality.
Key Words: Cerebrospinal meningitis, Outbreak, Kwara State, Nigeria.
Afr. J. Clin. Exper. Microbiol. 2004; 5 (3): 247-251
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Effect Of Essential Leaf Oil Of Ocimum Gratissimum On Clinical Isolates Of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

BA Iwalokun, IG Owuh, SA Ronke

 

Abstract

Ocimum gratissimum leaf oil, which has been reported to possess in vitro and in vivo efficacy against enteric bacteria was tested against forty six clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Lagos, Nigeria. The effect of the essential oil (EO) on pyocyanin production among these strains was also investigated. Agar well diffusion assay revealed susceptibility in 40 (87%) of the 46 tested strains with inhibition zone diameter (20-36 mm) comparable with the effect of tobramycin. Of the 40 susceptible isolates, 34 strains were quantitatively demonstrated to show susceptibility when further tested with the essential oil in broth and on agar yielding MIC and MBC values of 36 – 54 mg/ml and 42 – 66 mg/ml respectively. The values were higher than the 12 mg/ml (MIC) and 24 mg/ml (MBC) observed in Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. Compared with the control, the essential oil was found to reduce pyocyanin production significantly (p < 0.01) at 15 mg/ml (30.1 – 30.5 vs 259.2 – 276. 7 μg/ml) and 75 mg/ml (2.5 – 3.5 vs. 259.2 – 276.7 μg/ml) in both sensitive and resistant strains, suggesting that Ocimum gratissimum leaf oil may inhibit expression of virulence factors and progression of Pseudomonas infections caused by the tested strains.

Key Words: Ocimum gratissimum leaf oil, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Nigeria

Afr. J. Clin. Exper. Microbiol. 2004; 5 (3): 265-271