Assessment of risk factors associated with HTLV-1/-2 infection among people living with HIV/ AIDS in Bauchi State, Nigeria

Introduction: Human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) is associated with shorter survival of HIV co-infected persons due to masked immunosuppression. Since both retroviruses share similar routes of transmission, there is a need to determine risk factors associated with these pathogens. This study aimed to assess the risk factors associated with HTLV-1/-2 and HIV co-infected among persons attending a secondary hospital in Ningi, Bauchi State, Nigeria. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 182 HIV infected persons and analysed for anti- HTLV-1/2 IgM and IgG antibodies using commercial Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kits. Interviewer-based questionnaire were used to collate sociodemographic and risk factor data of the subjects and clinical history were obtained from participants’ medical records. Results: The seroprevalence of anti-HTLV-1/-2 IgM and IgG were 9.9% and 19.8%, respectively. Out of the 80 ART-naïve, 25 (31.3%) were IgM seropositive. Out of 102 ART-experienced, 11 (10.8%) were anti-HTLV-1/-2 IgM positive. There was a significant association between ART status and seroprevalence of anti-HTLV-1/-2 IgM (p=0.009). However, there was no significance association between seroprevalence of HTLV IgM and gender of the subjects (p=0.06). There was a significant association between the seroprevalence of anti-HTLV-1/-2 IgG and education level of subjects (p=0.039). However, no association between anti-HTLV-1/-2 IgG and other sociodemographic variables studied (p˃ 0.05). History of injury from sharp objects (aOR: 5.3, p<0.0001) and consistent protective sexual practice (aOR: 2.27, p=0.033) were associated with seroprevalence of anti-HTLV-1/-2 IgM. Discussion: High seroprevalence of HTLV-1/-2 and HIV co-infection was reported. ART status, protective sexual intercourse and injuries with sharp objects were identified risk factors of coinfection. It’s recommended to consider HTLV screening for all HIV infected persons and vice versa

Within-host diversity of coagulase-negative staphylococci resistome from healthy pigs and pig farmers, with the detection of cfr-carrying strains and MDR-S. borealis

The ecology and diversity of resistome in coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) from healthy pigs and pig farmers are rarely available as most studies focused on the livestock-associated methicillin-resistant S. aureus. This study aims to characterize the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) mechanisms, intra-host species diversity (more than one species in a host), and intra-species AMR diversity (same species with more than one AMR profile) in CoNS recovered from the nasal cavities of healthy pigs and pig farmers. One-hundred-and-one CoNS strains previously recovered from 40 pigs and 10 pig farmers from four Spanish pig farms were tested to determine their AMR profiles. Non-repetitive strains were selected (n = 75) and their AMR genes, SCCmec types, and genetic lineages were analyzed by PCR/sequencing. Of the non-repetitive strains, 92% showed a multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotype, and 52% were mecA-positive, which were associated with SCCmec types V (46.2%), IVb (20.5%), and IVc (5.1%). A total of 28% of the pigs and pig farmers had intra-host species diversity, while 26% had intra-species AMR diversity. High repertoires of AMR genes were detected, including unusual ones such as tetO, ermT, erm43, and cfr. Most important was the detection of cfr (in S. saprophyticus and S. epidermidis-ST16) in pigs and pig farmers; whereas MDR-S. borealis strains were identified in pig farmers. Pig-to-pig transmission of CoNS with similar AMR genes and SCCmec types was detected in 42.5% of pigs. The high level of multidrug, within-host, and intra-species resistome diversity in the nasal CoNS highlights their ability to be AMR gene reservoirs in healthy pigs and pig farmers. The detection of MDR-S. borealis and linezolid-resistant strains underscore the need for comprehensive and continuous surveillance of MDR-CoNS at the pig farm level

Public Health, Socioeconomic Responses, and associated Challenges against Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic in Nigeria

For over 6 months of its emergence, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, has resulted to unprecedented global health challenge and economic uncertainties. The pandemic swiftly disseminated to almost all the countries and territories of the world. The index case in Nigeria was imported by an Italian citizen on February 27, 2020. Typical of a novel respiratory tract viral infection, the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in Nigeria was slow in the first few days. However, as at 8:00 AM GMT+1, July 1, 2020, there were 25694 confirmed COVID-19 cases. With the continuous daily rise in the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, enhanced surveillance programs were immediately activated and implemented in all parts of Nigeria. Even though an inadequate number of persons have been tested so far, the government of Nigeria has been activating public health laboratories to scale up its testing capacity. Due to the impact of partial lockdown and curfew in most states of Nigeria, the government has been able to provide some form of palliatives to vulnerable populations. This study aims to review and present the various public health and socioeconomic responses and challenges of the COVID19 pandemic in Nigeria. This reflects the efforts and successful steps taken to minimize the spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria. &nbsp

Clinical and epidemiological significance of RT-PCR and non-structural glycoprotein-1 assays in the diagnosis of dengue virus infections

Background: Due to the rapid geographic expansion, dengue has attracted much global attention. Hence, many research outputs have emanated from clinical and epidemiological studies. However, most of these studies, especially those from low- and middle-income countries, heavily relied on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Objective: In view of this, we sought to comment and remind dengue researchers within virology, immunology, and epidemiology disciplines regarding the limitations of ELISA protocols in establishing diagnosis of dengue virus (DENV) infections. Subsequently, we provided an update on the current diagnostic algorithm for dengue. Method: Extensive literature search was done using special key words on “PubMed”, “Scopus”, “Web of Science” and “Hinari”. Suitable articles were selected and subjected to scrutiny for inclusion in this study. Result: It was discovered that over 90% of published articles from LMICs inferred about dengue mainly from available commercial serological kits, without further confirmation using more accurate, sensitive and specific protocols. In some instances (less than 5%), combination of either RNA positive and anti-DENV IgM or dengue NS1 and anti-DENV IGM were used to diagnose acute primary dengue; while presence anti-DENV IgG and DENV RNA were considered non-primary dengue. Conclusion: In view of the limitations of every protocol used for investigations of dengue virus infections, its necessary to utilize appropriate combination tests to differentiate primary from non-primary dengue in order to generate reliable clinical and epidemiological inferences

Wild animals are reservoirs and sentinels of staphylococcus aureus and MRSA clones: A problem with “one health” concern

Background: The availability of comprehensive data on the ecology and molecular epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus/MRSA in wild animals is necessary to understand their relevance in the “One Health” domain. Objective: In this study, we determined the pooled prevalence of nasal, tracheal and/or oral (NTO) Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) carriage in wild animals, with a special focus on mecA and mecC genes as well as the frequency of MRSA and methicillin susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) of the lineages CC398 and CC130 in wild animals. Methodology: This systematic review was executed on cross-sectional studies that reported S. aureus and MRSA in the NTO cavities of wild animals distributed in four groups: non-human primates (NHP), wild mammals (WM, excluding rodents and NHP), wild birds (WB) and wild rodents (WR). Appropriate and eligible articles published (in English) between 1 January 2011 to 30 August 2021 were searched for from PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, SciElo and Web of Science. Results: Of the 33 eligible and analysed studies, the pooled prevalence of NTO S. aureus and MRSA carriage was 18.5% (range: 0–100%) and 2.1% (range: 0.0–63.9%), respectively. The pooled prevalence of S. aureus/MRSA in WM, NHP, WB and WR groups was 15.8/1.6, 32.9/2.0, 10.3/3.4 and 24.2/3.4%, respectively. The prevalence of mecC-MRSA among WM/NHP/WB/WR was 1.64/0.0/2.1/0.59%, respectively, representing 89.9/0.0/59.1/25.0% of total MRSA detected in these groups of animals.The MRSA-CC398 and MRSA-CC130 lineages were most prevalent in wild birds (0.64 and 2.07%, respectively); none of these lineages were reported in NHP studies. The MRSA-CC398 (mainly of spa-type t011, 53%), MRSA-CC130 (mainly of spa types t843 and t1535, 73%), MSSA-CC398 (spa-types t571, t1451, t6606 and t034) and MSSA-CC130 (spa types t843, t1535, t3625 and t3256) lineages were mostly reported. Conclusion: Although the global prevalence of MRSA is low in wild animals, mecC-mediated resistance was particularly prevalent among MRSA isolates, especially among WM and WB. Considering the genetic diversity of MRSA in wild animals, they need to be monitored for effective control of the spread of antimicrobial resistance

The Interplay Between Epigenetics, Vector Competence and Vaccine Immunodynamics as a Possible Explanation for Recent Yellow Fever Resurgence in Nigeria

Background: Yellow fever virus (YFV), a member of the genus Flaviviridae is the causative agent of YFD. The virus is classified as single-stranded RNA which is mostly transmitted by mosquitoes identified by Walter Reed in the year 1900 as Aedes aegypti [4]. In the past, Nigeria had been facing asporadic outbreaks of Yellow fever (YF), which began with the populous Northern region of the country. Aedes species of mosquitoes mainly transmit yellow fever virus (YFV) and vaccination is the only effective means of preventing it.Objectives: This article presents a critical review and literature updates on the vector biology, YF vaccine immunodynamics and epigenetics of YFV, with the aim to understand the interplay of these factors in the re-emergence of YF and risk assessment of living or traveling to YF endemic areas. (in the year 2016-2018)Methodology: The live, attenuated viral strain of the 17D vaccine was administered to tourists and inhabitants of endemic regions of Africa (Figure: 2) and South America. Those eligible for the vaccine were usually given through routes of administration either by single subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. The vaccine (17D-204 strain) could be given either to infants (pediatric dosage) above 9 months or adults (adult dosage) using one dose of subcutaneous injection (≥4.74 log10 plaque-forming units/0.5mL) not later than 10 days to regional migrationConclusion: Vectorial migration, jungle-to-urban spillover, immunization failure (especially in persons with chronic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases) and perhaps, genetic modification of YFV could be reasons for the resurgence of YF in the country. The single dose of the vaccine was usually sufficient to confer prolonged immunity against the infection but booster doses were often required based on endemic state of certain countries' Medical Laboratory Staff who frequently work on wild-type yellow fever virus. Based on regular exposure to this virus on routine basis, the neutralizing antibody titers against the virus are usually assessed every ten years to determine the necessity for booster doses of the 17D vaccine. Irrespective of the knowledge of neutralizing antibody titers for the virus, vaccination every 10 years is recommended especially for individuals frequently exposed to the virRecommendations: Increase vaccination coverage. Include YF vaccine in childhood vaccination programs. Make effort to maintain and control future outbreaks. Keywords: Vaccination, Genetics, Yellow Fever, Re-emergenc