risk factors – afrjcem.org

April 18, 2023April 18, 2023

Prevalence and risk factors associated with canine dermatophytoses among dogs in Kwara and Osun States, Nigeria

¹Adesiji, Y. O., ²Oluwayelu, D. O., and ³Aiyedun, J. O.

¹Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria ²Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria ³Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: yoadesiji@lautech.edu.ng

Abstract:

Background: Dermatophytosis (ringworm) is a zoonotic fungal skin infection caused predominantly by Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum and Trichophyton spp. It is highly transmissible and, while normally self-limiting, could be problematic due to its potential to cause disease in certain human populations. The occurrence and associated risk factors of dermatophytoses in dogs presented at three veterinary clinics in Osogbo, and Ilorin, Nigeria between July and November 2019 were investigated in this study.

Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 325 dogs with lesions suggestive of dermato- phytosis, selected by simple random sampling from three veterinary clinics in Osogbo and Ilorin, purposively selected for the study due to high patronage of the veterinary hospitals by dog owners. Using conventional mycological sampling techniques, plucked hairs and skin scrapings were obtained the dogs. The samples were emulsified in 10% potassium hydroxide, examined microscopically for fungal elements and cultured using standard mycological procedures. Information on dog demographic characteristics and risk factors for dermatophytosis were collected using structured questionnaire. The association between risk factors and demographic variables with the occurrence of dermatophytoses was determined using Chi-square test (with Odds ratio and 95% confidence interval) and p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Continue reading “Prevalence and risk factors associated with canine dermatophytoses among dogs in Kwara and Osun States, Nigeria”

September 29, 2022September 29, 2022

Mobile phones of hospital workers: a potential reservoir for the transmission of pathogenic bacteria

^*[1]Bissong, M. E. A., and ^[2]Moukou, M.

¹Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Bamenda, P. O. Box 39, Bambili, Cameroon

²Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Bamenda, P. O. Box 39, Bambili, Cameroon *Correspondence to: mabissong@yahoo.com; +237675301641

Abstract:

Background: Mobile phones are increasingly associated with the transmission of pathogenic microbial agents. In the clinical setting where there is usually high exposure to pathogens, these devices may serve as vehicles for the transmission/spread of pathogens. This study determined the prevalence of bacterial contamination of mobile phones of health workers and the predisposing factors, in order to ascertain the risk of transmission of pathogenic bacteria through mobile phones. Continue reading “Mobile phones of hospital workers: a potential reservoir for the transmission of pathogenic bacteria”

June 20, 2022June 21, 2022

Sero-prevalence of and risk factors associated with Helicobacter pylori infections among individuals with peptic ulcer in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria during 2020-2021

^*1Okoroiwu, G. I. A., ²Okoroiwu, I. L., ¹Ubosi, N. I., and ³Sani, N. M.

¹Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, National Open University of Nigeria, Jabi, Abuja, Nigeria

²Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Imo State University Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

³Department of Microbiology, Kano State University of Science and Technology, Wudil, Kano State, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: okoroiwugia@yahoo.com; 08036677539

Abstract:

Background: Helicobacter pylori, which is a causative agent of chronic gastritis, duodenal ulcer and gastric cancer, presently affects approximately one half of the world population. This study was conducted to assess the epidemiology and risk factors for acquisition of H. pylori among individuals with and without peptic ulcer symptoms in Owerri, Nigeria, in order to provide baseline data and create awareness for effective management and prevention of infection caused by this pathogen. Continue reading “Sero-prevalence of and risk factors associated with Helicobacter pylori infections among individuals with peptic ulcer in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria during 2020-2021”

April 10, 2022April 10, 2022

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”

July 1, 2021July 1, 2021

Persistence of cervical human papillomavirus infection among cohort of women in Awka, Nigeria

*1Ezebialu, C. U., 2Ezebialu, I. U., and 2Ezenyeaku, C. C.

1Department of Applied Microbiology and Brewing, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria

2Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medicine, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Awka, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: nenyeume@yahoo.com; 08066528090

Abstract:

Background: Many women are known to contract human papilloma virus (HPV) infection in their lifetime but only a few develop cervical cancer. One of the major factors that contribute to development of cervical cancer is HPV persistence. Several other factors including viral load have been implicated in cervical cancer development. This work therefore intends to investigate the persistence of cervical HPV infection among cohort of women in Awka, Nigeria.

Methodology: A cohort of 58 women with normal Papanicolaou (Pap) test but positive HPV DNA selected from a population of 410 women at baseline were followed up over a period of 6 months from April to October 2015. Cervical specimens collected were subjected to HPV DNA test and viral quantification using TaqMan Real Time PCR and cervical cytology. Risk factors were obtained using semi structured interviewer administered questionnaires. Variables were analysed using descriptive statistics and T-test on IBM SPSS statistics version 21.0 and EPI INFOTM 7.0

Results: At the 6-month follow up, cervical HPV infection persisted in 29 women, representing 50% of the women followed up. Among the 29 women, 7 (24.1%) developed abnormal Pap smear (Low grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion). Factors significantly associated with persistence at bivariate analysis of HPV include previous sexually transmitted infection (STI) (p=0.005), HIV positivity (p=0.04), HIV positivity but no anti-retroviral drugs (p=0.014), HPV 16 infection (p<0.0001) and age less than 40 years (p<0.0001). At multinomial logistic regression, only age above 17 years at first sexual intercourse (p=0.003, CI=0.012-0.392) and multiple lifetime sexual partners (p=0.021, CI=0.20-0.726) were statistically significant.

Conclusion: High risk HPV infection, in addition to other factors peculiar to an individual may influence HPV persistence

Key words: cervical cancer, human papillomavirus, persistence, cytology, risk factors, infection

Received Sept 28, 2020; Revised Jan 14, 2021; Accepted Mar 27, 2021
Copyright 2021 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=”//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.

Editor-in-Chief: Prof. S. S. Taiwo

Persistance de l’infection cervicale par le papillomavirus humain parmi une cohorte de femmes à Awka, Nigéria

*1Ezebialu, C.U., 2Ezebialu, I.U., et 2Ezenyeaku, C. C.

1Département de microbiologie appliquée et brassage, Université Nnamdi Azikiwe, Awka, Nigéria

2Département d’obstétrique et de gynécologie, Collège de médecine, Université Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Awka, Nigéria

*Correspondance à: nenyeume@yahoo.com; 08066528090

Abstrait:

Contexte: De nombreuses femmes sont connues pour contracter une infection au virus du papillome humain (VPH) au cours de leur vie, mais seules quelques-unes développent un cancer du col de l’utérus. L’un des principaux facteurs qui contribuent au développement du cancer du col de l’utérus est la persistance du VPH. Plusieurs autres facteurs, y compris la charge virale, ont été impliqués dans le développement du cancer du col de l’utérus. Ce travail vise donc à étudier la persistance de l’infection cervicale au VPH parmi la cohorte de femmes à Awka, au Nigeria.

Méthodologie: Une cohorte de 58 femmes avec un test de Papanicolaou (Pap) normal mais un ADN HPV positif sélectionné parmi une population de 410 femmes au départ ont été suivis sur une période de 6 mois d’avril à octobre 2015. Les échantillons cervicaux collectés ont été soumis à l’ADN HPV. test et quantification virale à l’aide de la PCR en temps réel TaqMan et de la cytologie cervicale. Les facteurs de risque ont été obtenus à l’aide de questionnaires semi-structurés administrés par les intervieweurs. Les variables ont été analysées à l’aide de statistiques descriptives et d’un test T sur IBM SPSS statistics version 21.0 et EPI INFOTM 7.0

Résultats: Au suivi de 6 mois, l’infection cervicale au VPH persistait chez 29 femmes, soit 50% des femmes suivies. Parmi les 29 femmes, 7 (24,1%) ont développé un test Pap anormal (lésion squameuse intraépithéliale de bas grade). Les facteurs significativement associés à la persistance lors de l’analyse bivariée du VPH comprennent les antécédents d’infection sexuellement transmissible (IST) (p=0,005), la positivité au VIH (p=0,04), la positivité au VIH mais pas d’antirétroviraux (p=0,014), l’infection au VPH 16 (p<0,0001) et moins de 40 ans (p<0,0001). Lors de la régression logistique multinomiale, seuls les âges supérieurs à 17 ans lors du premier rapport sexuel (p=0,003, IC=0,012-0,392) et les multiples partenaires sexuels à vie (p=0,021, IC=0,20-0,726) étaient statistiquement significatifs.

Conclusion: Une infection au VPH à haut risque, en plus d’autres facteurs propres à un individu, peut influencer la persistance du VPH

Mots clés: cancer du col de l’utérus, papillomavirus humain, persistance, cytologie, facteurs de risque, infection

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Persistence of cervical human papillomavirus infection among cohort of women in Awka, Nigeria

February 15, 2020

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection and associated risk factors among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at the Bamenda Regional Hospital, Cameroon

*¹Nguemaïm, N. F., ²Takang, W. A., ²Dobgima, W. P., ²Guebidiang, B. M., ³Foumane, P., and ⁴Kamga, F. H. L.

¹Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bamenda, Cameroon

²Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bamenda, Cameroon

³Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon

⁴Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bamenda, Cameroon

*Correspondence to: ngflorema@yahoo.fr

Abstract:

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous, coccidian parasite that causes toxoplasmosis. This infection, if acquired during pregnancy may result in severe damage. It affects a third of the world’s population. In many developing countries, its prevalence is unknown, and data concerning its seroprevalence among pregnant women is scarce in our study area. The objective of this study is to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection and the associated risk factors among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic (ANC) at the Bamenda Regional Hospital in Cameroon. The results obtained will be useful in giving an estimate of the prevalence among pregnant women thus informing policy on preventive measures.

Methodology: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study of pregnant women recruited between January and April 2018 using systematic random sampling technique. Socio-demographic data of participants and predisposing factors to toxoplasmosis were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire administered to them. Five milliliters of blood were collected and the serum screened for IgG and IgM antibodies against T. gondii using the cassette and buffer immunochromatographic method. The positive IgG cases were tested further by ELISA technique. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Associations between variables were tested by Chi square and p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Continue reading “Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection and associated risk factors among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at the Bamenda Regional Hospital, Cameroon”

February 15, 2020February 15, 2020

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”

October 29, 2019November 23, 2019

Fungal neonatal and infantile sepsis in Egypt: risk factors and identification of fungal isolates

¹*Ahmed, S. H., ²Mokhtar, E. M., ³El-Kholy, I. M.,⁴El Essawy, A. K.,¹El-Din, A. A., and ¹Shetaia, Y. M.
¹Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt ²Microbiology Department, Abou Al-azayem Hospital, Cairo, Egypt ³Clinical Pathology Department, Ain Shams University Specialized Hospital, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt⁴Microbiology Department, Ain Shams University Specialized Hospital, Ain Shams University Cairo, Egypt, *Correspondence to: sara_saifelnasr@hotmail.com; 00971563993304

Abstract:

Background: Invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) are opportunistic infections associated with significant mortality in paediatric patients, especially in those with compromised immune system and neonates with very low birth weight (VLBW). The objectives of this study are to determine the prevalence, clinical features and fungi isolates of neonatal sepsis in three hospitals in Egypt. Methodology: The study is a cross sectional survey of 176 neonates with clinical sepsis admitted to the neonatal intensive care units (NICU) of the three hospitals over a period of one year (February 2015 to January 2016). A minimum of two blood samples (collected within 24 hours) from each neonate were cultured for bacteria in automated BacT/AlerT and conventional culture bottles, while Saboraud-Brain Heart Infusion broth was inoculated for fungi culture. Positive growths from the broth were sub-cultured on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) plates for aerobic incubation at 25oC and 37oC for 2 weeks. Identification of fungi colonies on SDA was by conventional morphology and confirmation on chromogenic agar media. Phylogenetic analysis of representative fungi isolates was done by partial nucleotide sequencing of D1-D2 domain of the large subunit rRNA gene.
Results: Of the 176 neonates, blood culture was positive for pathogens in 55 (31.3 %) samples and fungi were isolated in 26 (14.8 %); yeast (25) and mould (1). The commonly isolated yeasts were Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, and Candida krusei representing 34.6%, 30.8% and 23.1%, respectively of the total fungi isolated. The phylogenetic analysis in comparison to Genbank data showed defined clades for Candida tropicalis, Candida parapsilosis, Candida albicans and Pichia kudriavzevii
Conclusion: This current study highlights the changing pattern of neonatal infections in Egypt caused by Candida, with increasing incidence of infections caused by non-albicans Candida species.

Key words: fungal infection, neonatal, risk factors, PCR, yeast

Received July 4, 2019; Revised September 16, 2019; Accepted September 18, 2019
Copyright 2020 AJCEM Open Access. This article is licensed and distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attrition 4.0 International License (//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.

Infection fongique néonatale et infantile en Égypte: facteurs de risque et identification des isolats fongiques

¹*Ahmed, S. H., ²Mokhtar, E. M., ³El-Kholy, I. M., ⁴El Essawy, A. K., ¹El-Din, A. A., et 1Shetaia, Y. M.
¹Département de microbiologie, Faculté des sciences, Université Ain Shams, Le Caire, Égypte
²Département de microbiologie, Hôpital Abou Al-Azayem, Le Caire, Égypte
³Département de pathologie clinique, Hôpital spécialisé de l’Université Ain Shams, Université Ain Shams,
Le Caire, Égypte
⁴Département de microbiologie, Université de Ain Shams, Spécialisé Hôpital, Université Ain Shams,
Le Caire, Égypte
*Correspondance à: sara_saifelnasr@hotmail.com; 00971563993304

Abstrait:

Contexte: Les maladies fongiques invasives (IFD) sont des infections opportunistes associées à une mortalité significative chez les patients pédiatriques, en particulier ceux dont le système immunitaire est compromis et les nouveau-nés de très faible poids à la naissance (VLBW). Les objectifs de cette étude sont de déterminer la prévalence, les caractéristiques cliniques et les isolements fongiques de la sepsie néonatale dans trois hôpitaux en Égypte.
Méthodologie: L’étude est une enquête transversale menée auprès de 176 nouveau-nés présentant une septicémie clinique et admis dans les unités de soins intensifs néonatals des trois hôpitaux sur une période d’un an (de février 2015 à janvier 2016). Un minimum de deux échantillons de sang (recueillis dans les 24 heures) de chaque nouveau-né ont été cultivés pour la bactérie dans des flacons de culture automatisés BacT/AlerT et conventionnels, tandis que le bouillon Saboraud-Brain Heart Infusion a été inoculé pour la culture de champignons. Les croissances positives du bouillon ont été sous-cultivées sur des plaques de gélose Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) pour une incubation aérobie à 25°C et à 37°C pendant 2 semaines. L’identification des colonies de champignons sur la SDA a été réalisée par la morphologie conventionnelle et confirmée sur un milieu chromogène en gélose. L’analyse phylogénétique d’isolats de champignons représentatifs a été réalisée par séquençage partiel de nucléotides du domaine D1-D2 du gène de l’ARNr de grande sous-unité.
Résultats: Sur les 176 nouveau-nés, la culture de sang était positive pour les agents pathogènes dans 55 échantillons (31,3%) et les champignons ont été isolés dans 26 (14,8%); levure (25) et moisissure (1). Les levures communément isolées étaient Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis et Candida krusei, représentant respectivement 34,6%, 30,8% et 23,1% du total des champignons isolés. L’analyse phylogénétique comparée aux données de Genbank a montré des clades définis pour Candida tropicalis, Candida parapsilosis, Candida albicans et Pichia kudriavzevii
Conclusion: La présente étude met en évidence l’évolution du schéma des infections néonatales causées par Candida en Égypte, avec une incidence croissante des infections causées par des espèces de Candida non albicans.

Afr. J. Clin. Exper. Microbiol. Fungal neonatal and infantile sepsis 2020; 21 (1): 14 – 20

Mots-clés: infection fongique, néonatale, facteurs de risque, PCR, levure

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Fungal neonatal and infantile sepsis in Egypt: risk factors and identification of fungal isolates

March 7, 2019

Evaluation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage in Malagasy veterinary students

T Rasamiravaka, A.J. Nirinarimanana, A Rasamindrakotroka

Abstract

Purpose: Populations that are frequently in contact with animals such as veterinary students have been demonstrated to be at risk of MRSA carriage.Thus, it is relevant to generate baseline data in MRSA nasal carriage and multidrug resistance among Malagasy veterinary students (Madagascar).

Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out among veterinary students coming for laboratory training. After their wise consent, nasal swabs of the anterior nares were carried out; and S. aureus was isolated by selective chromogenic culture. They were then assessed for antimicrobial susceptibility.

Results: Nasal swabs of 155 Malagasy veterinary students (Sex-ratio M/F: 0.91), enabled to isolate 30 (19, 35%) S. aureus strains, among which 14 (46, 66 %) were méthicillin-resistant (MRSA). Risk factors analysis revealed that history of hospitalization, recent antibiotic intake and frequent contact with animals and livestock workers/veterinarians increase the risk of MRSA nasal carriage. Among MRSA nasal isolates, a high rate of multidrug resistance and particularly an intriguing resistance to gentamycin (20%) and vancomycin (7.14%) were observed.

Conclusion: These results suggest that MRSA is spreading in Malagasy community requiring a strategic policy against multidrug resistant strains.

Keywords: Madagascar, MRSA, Risk factors, Veterinary

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Evaluation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage in Malagasy veterinary students