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Prevalence and risk factors for extended-spectrum β-lactamaseproducing Gram-negative bacterial infections in hospitalized patients at a tertiary care hospital, southwest Nigeria

*1Adeyemo, A. T., 2Adeyemo, A. T., 3Odetoyin, B. W., and 2,3Onipede, A. O.
1Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Uniosun Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Nigeria
2Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals
Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
3Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
*Correspondence to: adeyemoat@gmail.com; +2347031287078

Abstract:
Background: Clinical infections caused by extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria constitute great burden to healthcare delivery with these resistant pathogens contributing largely to the magnitude and spread of antimicrobial resistance globally. Hence, knowledge of the risk factors for acquisition of infection caused by ESBL-producing bacteria is crucial to instituting prompt and appropriate treatment as well as prevention and control measures. This study investigated the risk factors associated with the prevalence of ESBL-producing Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) infections among hospitalized patients in Uniosun Teaching Hospital (UTH), Osogbo, Nigeria.

Methodology: A total of 359 hospitalized patients with clinical infections from whose clinical samples we isolated non-duplicate GNB were consecutively recruited. GNB were isolated following aerobic cultures of
appropriate clinical samples and MicrobactTMGNB 24E kit was used for species identification. All isolates were screened for ESBL production by the combination disc method. Relevant clinical and demographic information
was obtained using a designed data collection form, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify associated risk factors. Continue reading “Prevalence and risk factors for extended-spectrum β-lactamaseproducing Gram-negative bacterial infections in hospitalized patients at a tertiary care hospital, southwest Nigeria”

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Malaria rapid diagnostic test positivity rate among febrile patients seen at the Paediatric emergency unit of a tertiary care facility

*1Obu, D. C., 1Asiegbu, U. V., 1Okereke, B. E., 1Ukoh, U. C., 2Ujunwa, F. A., 1Afefi, C. O., 1Enya, V. E., 1Item, S., and 3Efunshile, A. M.

1Department of Paediatrics, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

2Department of Paediatrics, University of Nigeria, Enugu State, Nigeria

3Department of Clinical Microbiology, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: obudora@yahoo.com; +2348037511272

Abstract:
Background: Malaria, a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted to humans by the female Anopheles mosquito is one of the infectious causes of fever in children. In Nigeria, malaria remains one of the most important health problems, accounting for 25% of infants and 30% of under-five mortalities. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of malaria among febrile children presenting at the children’s emergency room (CHER) of a tertiary health facility in Abakaliki using a malaria rapid diagnostic test (mRDT). Continue reading “Malaria rapid diagnostic test positivity rate among febrile patients seen at the Paediatric emergency unit of a tertiary care facility”

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Intestinal schistosomiasis in an apparently healthy rural population in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

* 1Odoya, E. M., 2Edosomwa, E. U., 1Iribhogbe, O. I.,2Damina, A. A., and 3Asojo, O. A.  

 1Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria

2University of Benin, Nigeria

3National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA                                  

*Correspondence to: ebubeodoya@yahoo.co.nz

Abstract:

 Background: Schistosomiasis is endemic in Nigeria and three species; Schistosoma haematobium, Schistosoma mansoni, and Schistosoma intercalatum have been reported in Niger Delta, Nigeria. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of schistosomiasis in rural communities of Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

Methodology: Four rural homogeneous communities; Otuegala, Immiringi, Otuesega, and Ibelebiri in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria, were randomly selected for the study. A structured questionnaire was administered to each participant in their native language and used to collect participant’s biodata and swimming history. Stool samples collected from all participants were examined qualitatively by wet preparation and after formolethol concentration. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 software and results presented in proportion and tables. Continue reading “Intestinal schistosomiasis in an apparently healthy rural population in Bayelsa State, Nigeria”

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Gastrointestinal parasites among swine bred in Edo State, Nigeria

*Omoruyi, Z., and Agbinone, I
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences,
University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
*Correspondence to: zainab.omoruyi@uniben.edu

Abstract:

Background: Swine production in Nigeria is encountering several constraints among which are diseases. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of swine with respect to sex, age, location and hygiene practices in the breeding sites in three piggery farms; University of Benin Animal Farm; Osasio Farm Uselu in Egor Local Government Area (LGA), and Ojemai Farm Ekehuanwa Road, Oredo LGA, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.

Methods: A total of 150 pigs were sampled from the 3 piggery farms. Faecal sample (10g each) was aseptically collected from the rectum of each selected pig and processed by concentration method to microscopically identify parasites in both saline and iodine preparations. A designed pre-tested structured questionnaire was interviewer-administered to each piggery owner to collect information on husbandry practices, animal health care issues and potential risk factors associated with parasitosis. Data was analysed using SPPSS version 20 software, while odd ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated on each potential risk factors.

Results: Of the 150 pigs examined, 130 (86.6%) were infected with five gastrointestinal parasitic agents. Strongyloides ransomi 81 (54%) was the most frequently identified parasite, followed by Ascaris suum 68 (45.3%), Giardia lamblia 31 (20.6%), Entamoeba polecki 10 (6.6%) and Trichuris suis 10 (6.6%). Single and mixed infections were not significantly associated with the observed prevalence (p>0.05). Similarly, the sex of pig was not significantly associated with the prevalence of parasites (p=0.8824). The prevalence of parasitosis among the grower (87.8%) was not significantly different from the adult swine (87.5%) (p>0.05). Osasio had the highest infection rate (90.0%) but this rate was not significantly different from the two other farms (p>0.05).

Conclusion: This study confirms high prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infections in pigs bred in Edo State, Nigeria. It is therefore recommended that farmers improve on their biosecurity and adhere to routine de-worming regimen of pigs.

Keywords: age, gender, prevalence, gastrointestinal, parasite, swine Continue reading “Gastrointestinal parasites among swine bred in Edo State, Nigeria”

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Antimicrobial resistance in Madagascar: a review of the current situation and challenges

Rasamiravaka, T.

Laboratory of Biotechnology and Microbiology, Department of Applied and Fundamental Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Antananarivo (UA), BP 906, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar
Correspondence to: travaka@yahoo.fr

Abstract:
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing public health threat worldwide occurring in a wide range of pathogenic bacteria. It is encouraging that governments of countries around the world are beginning to pay attention to the issue of AMR that serves to undermine the future of modern medicine. However, each country solution approaches to this issue will differ in terms of magnitude and response capacity. Madagascar is a low-income country and one of the poorest countries in the world with poor environmental hygiene practices and easy availability of antimicrobial drugs without medical prescription. These particular contexts certainly influence the spread of multi-drug resistant bacteria. This review presents reported data on AMR from 2001 to 2018 in Madagascar among the World Health Organization (WHO) priority human pathogens, and determined the scope and magnitude of the AMR problems in the particular context of this low-income country, which could help in formulating effective response strategies for control of AMRs in Madagascar.

Key words: Antimicrobials, Madagascar, Multi-drug resistance, Prevalence

Received December 3, 2019; Revised April 10, 2020; Accepted April 11, 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.

Résistance aux antimicrobiens à Madagascar: bilan de la situation actuelle et des défis

Rasamiravaka, T.

Laboratoire de biotechnologie et de microbiologie, Département de biochimie appliquée et fondamentale, Faculté des sciences, Université d’Antananarivo (UA), BP 906, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar Continue reading “Antimicrobial resistance in Madagascar: a review of the current situation and challenges”

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Seroprevalence of and associated risk factors for Leptospira interrogans serovar Hardjo infection of cattle in Setif, Algeria

*1Benseghir, H., 2Amara-Korba, A., 1Azzag, N., 1Hezil, D., and 1Ghalmi, F.

1Research Laboratory Management of Local Animal Resources, Higher National Veterinary School, El Alia, Oued Smar, 1615, Algiers, Algeria

2Leptospira unit, Pasteur Institute of Algeria, Rue 1 of Doctor LAVERAN, Hamma Anassers Algiers, Algeria

*Correspondence to: mazouni05@yahoo.fr

Abstract:
Background: Leptospirosis is a cosmopolitan zoonosis caused by Leptospira interrogans responsible for heavy loss both economically and in health, in humans and animals. This study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with Leptospira interrogans serovar Hardjo infection in cattle in the state of Setif, northeastern Algeria.

Methodology: Between the period 2015 and 2019, a total of 48 randomly selected herds of cattle were investigated, and 406 sera from apparently healthy cattle were analyzed using an indirect enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA). In order to determine possible risk factors related to leptospirosis, a pre-validated questionnaire was administered to herd owners.

Results: The herd prevalence of Leptospira interrogans serovar Hardjo was 31.25% (15/48, 95% CI 19.95–45.33) while the cattle prevalence was 5.42% (22/406, 95% CI 3.61–8.07). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the age of cattle between 3 and 6 years (OR = 9.25; p< 0.03), breeding herd size > 20 cows (OR = 13.65; p< 0.01), and semi-intensive management system (OR = 0.21; p< 0,02) were significantly associated with seropositivity to Leptospira interrogans serovar Hardjo.

Conclusion: We concluded from this study that Leptospira interrogans serovar Hardjo is circulating among cattle farms in the state of Setif, Algeria. Furthermore, we recommend more studies to be carried out to prove the infectivity and implementation good hygienic practices among cattle farms and people at risk.

Keywords: ELISA, herds, questionnaire, leptospirosis, prevalence, Algeria

Received Jan 27, 2020; Revised March 10, 2020; Accepted March 11, 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.

Séroprévalence et facteurs de risque associés de l’infection à Leptospira interrogans serovar Hardjo des bovins à Sétif, Algérie

*1Benseghir, H., 2Amara-Korba, A., 1Azzag, N., 1Hezil, D., et 1Ghalmi, F. Continue reading “Seroprevalence of and associated risk factors for Leptospira interrogans serovar Hardjo infection of cattle in Setif, Algeria”

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Prevalence of intestinal helminthic infections among secondary school students in Edo State, Nigeria

1Anagha, L. I., 2Inegbenosun, C. U., and *3Inegbenosun, H.

1Department of Animal Enivronmental Biology, University of Benin,Benin City, Nigeria

2Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria

3Department of Periodontics, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: inegbenosun190@gmail.com

Abstract:

Background: Intestinal helminthic infections are generally common in children accounting for the largest disability adjusted life years (DALYs) of all the parasitic agents. In this study, we determined the prevalence of intestinal helminthic infections among secondary school students in a semi-urban community in Edo State, Nigeria.

Methodology: A descriptive cross sectional study of 489 students from four secondary schools in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria was conducted between December 2018 and July 2019. The schools were selected by stratified random sampling and all eligible students in each school were enrolled. Stool samples were collected from each student into sterile universal bottle and direct wet mount as well as formol-ether concentrated samples were examined under compound light microscope at the Animal and Environmental Biology Laboratory of the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. Structured questionnaire was administered to collect data on socio-demographic and potential risk factors for helminthic infection. Data were analysed with SPSS version 22.0 and associations between variables compared using Chi square or Fischer exact test, with p<0.05 as significant value. Continue reading “Prevalence of intestinal helminthic infections among secondary school students in Edo State, Nigeria”

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Biochemical and bacteriological profiles of asymptomatic bacteriuria among school children in Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria

Popoola, O. D., Agu, G. C., Oyeyipo, F. M., and *Thomas, B. T.
Department of Microbiology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria
*Correspondence to: benthoa2013@gmail.com; ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0675-5749

Abstract:
Background: Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) in children is a predisposing factor to symptomatic urinary tract
infection (UTI) that may be complicated by blood stream infections if not appropriately treated with resultant
mortality or morbidity. The objectives of this study are to determine the prevalence of ASB, and evaluate both
biochemical and bacteriological characteristics of urine samples of primary school pupils in Ago-Iwoye, Ijebu North
Local Government Area (LGA), Ogun State, Nigeria.
Methodology: Three hundred and seventy-two (186 males and 186 females) apparently healthy (asymptomatic)
pupils aged 2-16 years from four randomly selected primary schools in the LGA were screened for ASB. Clean catch
specimen of midstream urine was collected from each subject. Biochemical analysis of the urine was performed
with Combi 10 reagent strip. MacConkey and Cysteine Lactose Electrolyte Deficient (CLED) agar plates were
inoculated with calibrated wireloop delivering 0.01 ml of urine for aerobic culture at 37oC for 24 hours.
Identification of significant bacteria on culture plates was done using conventional biochemical tests.
Results: The frequency of clear, slightly turbid and turbid urine were 31 (8.3%), 99 (26.6%) and 56 (15.1%)
respectively. All analyzed urine samples were alkaline and negative for ketone, glucose and blood, but contained
protein in 230 (61.8%), bilirubin in 184 (49.5%), nitrites in 64 (17.2%) and urobilinogen in 14 (3.7%) subjects.
The prevalence of significant bacteriuria was 11.8% (44 of 372) with 7.0% in males and 16.7% in females (p =
0.0063). The frequency of bacteria isolated in descending order were Escherichia coli 61.4%, Staphylococcus
saprophyticus 61.4%, Staphylococcus aureus 45.5%, Bacillus subtilis 45.5%, Enterococcus faecalis 43.2%,
Enterobacter spp 36.4%, Serratia marscencen 31.8%, Klebsiella pneumoniae 22.7%, Proteus mirabilis 22.7% and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa 20.5%.
Conclusion: This result highlights the presence of significant bacteriuria among apparently healthy pupils in the
study area, with higher prevalence in the female pupils. The apparent risk of developing symptomatic UTI with the
attendant complications in these pupils should spur preventive education of parents/guardians and the general
populace about this entity.

Keywords: Asymptomatic bacteriuria, S. saprophyticus, morbidity, prevalence, primary school pupils

Received April 11, 2019; Revised June 09, 2019; Accepted June 12, 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.

Profils biochimiques et bactériologiques de la bactériurie
asymptomatique chez des écoliers à Ago-Iwoye, Nigéria

Popoola, O. D., Agu, G. C., Oyeyipo, F. M., et *Thomas, B. T.
Département de microbiologie, Université Olabisi Onabanjo, Ago-Iwoye, État d’Ogun, Nigéria
*Correspondance à: benthoa2013@gmail.com; ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0675-5749

Abstrait:
Contexte: La bactériurie asymptomatique chez l’enfant est un facteur prédisposant à l’infection symptomatique
des voies urinaires qui peut se compliquer d’infections du flux sanguin s’il n’est pas traité correctement avec la
Asymptomatic bacteriuria in school children Afr. J. Clin. Exper. Microbiol. 2019; 20 (4): 299-305
300
mortalité ou la morbidité qui en résulte. Les objectifs de cette étude sont de déterminer la prévalence d’ASB et
d’évaluer les caractéristiques biochimiques et bactériologiques d’échantillons d’urine d’élèves du primaire à Ago-
Iwoye, région du gouvernement local d’Ijebu North, État d’Ogun, au Nigéria.
Méthodologie: Trois cent soixante douze (186 garçons et 186 filles) des élèves apparemment sains
(asymptomatiques) âgés de 2 à 16 ans de quatre écoles primaires sélectionnées au hasard dans la LGA ont été
soumis à un dépistage du PNA. Des échantillons de capture d’urine à mi-parcours ont été recueillis chez chaque
sujet. L’analyse biochimique de l’urine a été réalisée avec une bandelette de réactif Combi 10. Des plaques de
gélose MacConkey et Cysteine Lactose Déficient en électrolyte (CLED) ont été inoculées avec du fil électrolytique
calibré, délivrant 0,01 ml d’urine pour une culture aérobie à 37 ° C pendant 24 heures. L’identification des
bactéries significatives sur des plaques de culture a été réalisée à l’aide de tests biochimiques classiques
Résultats: La fréquence des urines claires, légèrement troubles et troubles était respectivement de 31 (8,3%), 99
(26,6%) et 56 (15,1%). Tous les échantillons d’urine analysés étaient alcalins et négatifs pour la cétone, le glucose
et le sang, mais contenaient des protéines chez 230 (61,8%), de la bilirubine chez 184 (49,5%), des nitrites chez
64 (17,2%) et de l’urobilinogène chez 14 (3,7%). La prévalence de la bactériurie significative était de 11,8% (44
sur 372) avec 7,0% chez les hommes et 16,7% chez les femmes (p = 0,0063). La fréquence des bactéries isolées
par ordre décroissant était Escherichia coli 61,4%, Staphylococcus saprophyticus 61,4%, Staphylococcus aureus
45,5%, Bacillus subtilis 45,5%, Enterococcus faecalis 43,2%, Enterobacter spp 36,4%, Serratia marcescens
31,8%, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis 22,7% et Pseudomonas aeruginosa 20,5%.
Conclusion: Ce résultat met en évidence la présence d’une bactériurie significative chez les élèves apparemment
en bonne santé dans la zone d’étude, avec une prévalence plus élevée chez les élèves de sexe féminin. Le risque
apparent de développer une infection urinaire symptomatique accompagnée des complications associées chez ces
élèves devrait inciter à l’éducation préventive des parents / tuteurs et de la population en général sur cette entité.

Mots-clés: bactériurie asymptomatique, S. saprophyticus, morbidité, prévalence, élèves du primaire

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Biochemical and bacteriological profiles of asymptomatic bacteriuria among school children in Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria

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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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Surveillance of anti-HCV antibody amongst in-school youth in a Nigeria university

M A Muhibi, M O Ifeanyichukwu, A O Olawuyi, A A Abulude, M O Adeyemo, M O Muhibi

 

Abstract

Infection with Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a public health problem. Worldwide, there are about 170 million people infected with HCV. HCV is transmitted through sex and use of contaminated sharp objects during tattooing or intravenous drug abuse. These routes make youth to be more vulnerable. Transfusion and mother to child transmissions are also documented modes. This study was carried out to determine sero-prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection among in school youth at Achievers University, Owo in southwest Nigeria. Samples of blood were collected from 70 undergraduate students and sera harvested were tested for the presence of antibodies against hepatitis C virus by Enzyme Immunoassay Technique. Most participants fall within age range 21-25 (91.4%). The study showed that none of the subjects was positive for anti- HCV antibodies. Education and awareness level might have impacted positively on this outcome. Thus routine screening for HCV and sustained awareness creation activities to eradicate HCV and its attendant consequences from our society is of paramount importance.

Key words: HCV, prevalence, in-school youth, education.

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Surveillance of anti-HCV antibody amongst in-school youth in a Nigeria university