Posted on

Hosts and transmission of Mycobacterium ulcerans: a systematic review

Aboagye, I. F.
Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 67, Legon-Accra, Ghana Correspondence to: iaboagye@ug.edu.gh; +233 249874408

Abstract:
The control of Buruli ulcer (BU), a debilitating neglected tropical disease, is hampered by the inadequate understanding of the mode of transmission of its causative agent, Mycobacterium ulcerans (M. ulcerans). The DNA of M. ulcerans has been detected in some living organisms and non-living environmental samples of both aquatic and terrestrial sources. However, it is unclear whether the identified organisms support in vivo multiplication of the bacterium or play any role in its transmission. This paper identifies hosts of M. ulcerans, reviews progress made in unravelling the exact mode of transmission of M. ulcerans and identifies research gaps in this aspect of BU epidemiology. Using the search terms, ‘niche, Mycobacterium ulcerans’ and ‘mode of transmission, Mycobacterium ulcerans’ as well as defined inclusion criteria, information was obtained from the PubMed database and reviewed to assess their importance to the research question. Aquatic bugs of the genera Appasus and Diplonychus as well as Naucoris cimicoides and possums were identified to support in vivo multiplication of the bacterium. Bite of M. ulcerans contaminated Aedes notoscriptus, bite of aquatic bugs harboring or contaminated with M. ulcerans, and M. ulcerans contaminated skin-puncturing materials present in nature create opportunity for its transmission and infection. Appropriate protective measures may be useful to reduce the risk of exposure to M. ulcerans in BU endemic areas, and incorporation of trophic interactions of aquatic organisms known to support in vivo multiplication of M. ulcerans is needed in future research for better understanding of the spread of M. ulcerans in nature.

Keywords: Mycobacterium ulcerans, niche, transmission Continue reading “Hosts and transmission of Mycobacterium ulcerans: a systematic review”

Posted on

Applying lessons learnt from Ebola for effective COVID-19 response in Africa

*1Aiyenuro, A. E., 2Onyeani, C. O., and 2Uche, N. C.

 1Team Lead and Research Analyst, Research4Knowledge, Lagos, Nigeria                                                   

1Network officer, Loving Gaze IO, SHOPS Plus Tuberculosis USAID Project                                          

2Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka

3Quality Assurance Officer, Loving Gaze IO, SHOPS Plus Tuberculosis USAID Project

*Correspondence to: aiyenuroademola@gmail.com; +2348138642956

 

Abstract:

 The Ebola virus is transmitted to people from wild animals and spreads in the human population through human-to-human transmission via direct contact with blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected people, and with surfaces and materials contaminated with these fluids. In December 2019, a novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-COV-2) emerged in Wuhan, China, attracting the notice of regional authorities and rapidly drawing global attention. In less than 4 months, COVID-19 spread through almost all countries and regions. The COVID-19 pandemic is wreaking havoc on the world economy, in addition to creating the current global public health crisis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 28,616 cases of Ebola were detected, and 11,310 people died during the outbreak in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. As of 17th December 2020, COVID-19 has killed 1,658,062 people, and positive cases have topped 74 million globally. Africa has suffered several outbreaks of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD); learning from the past is a good way to prepare for the future. We hope to highlight some of the lessons learnt from Africa’s response to previous epidemics that can help in the fight against the ravaging coronavirus pandemic.  Continue reading “Applying lessons learnt from Ebola for effective COVID-19 response in Africa”

Posted on

Correlation between faecal indicator bacteria in diarrheagenic stools and hospital wastewaters: implication on public health

Olalemi, A., Oladejo, B., and *Bayode, M.

Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: bayodemcbay@gmail.com

Abstract:

Background: Hospital wastewaters contain blends of inorganic, natural constituents and contaminants that carry significant health risk when released directly into the environment. The aim of this study is to investigate the correlation between faecal indicator bacteria in diarrheagenic stools and wastewaters generated in University of

Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital complex, Akure, Nigeria.

Methodology: Quantification of faecal indicator bacteria was carried out on diarrheagenic faecal samples collected from 55 hospitalized patients and 68 wastewater samples from the medical laboratory science and laundry units of the hospital over of period of 12 weeks. Standard membrane filtration technique was performed using membrane intestinal enterococcus (m-ENT), membrane faecal coliform (m-FC), membrane lauryl sulphate (MLSA), eosin methylene blue (EMB) and Salmonella-Shigella (SS) agar plates, which were incubated at 37ºC for 24 hours (MLSA, EMB and SSA), 44ºC for 24 hours (m-FC); and 37ºC for 48 hours (m-ENT). Bacterial colonies on agar plates were counted and expressed as colony forming units (CFU) per 100ml of diarrheagenic stool and wastewater. Pearson’s correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship between the level of faecal indicator bacteria in diarrheagenic stools and wastewaters at p<0.05 level of significance (and 95% confidence interval).

Continue reading “Correlation between faecal indicator bacteria in diarrheagenic stools and hospital wastewaters: implication on public health”

Posted on

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) antibodies in pregnant women in Anyigba, Kogi State, North Central Nigeria

EO Nwankwo, AM Lawal, M Abba

 

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major public health concern. The aim of this study was  to ascertain the seroprevalence and risk factors of HCV antibodies among pregnant women in  Anyigba, Kogi State North Central Nigeria.

Materials and methods:Blood samples (5mls) were collected from one hundred and thirty consenting pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Grimad hospital and eighty non-pregnant women from the out-patient clinic were screened for the presence of HCV antibodies. This was done by Skytech diagnostic  laboratory rapid strip (USA) and confirmed by ELISA method.

Results: Out of 130 pregnant women 9(6.9%) were confirmed to be positive to HCV antibodies. Also out of 80 non-pregnant women of the same age group, used as control, 4(5.0%) were positive.

Conclusion: A prevalence rate of 6.9% calls for urgent attention by policy makers and healthcare providers to begin massive enlightenment of this problem. All pregnant women should be screened for early detection.

Keywords: Hepatitis C Virus, Pregnancy, Screening, Transmission.

Download full journal in PDF below

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) antibodies in pregnant women in Anyigba, Kogi State, North Central Nigeria