8 research outputs found

    Co-infection of Plasmodium falciparum and HIV among pregnant women in Edo State, Nigeria

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    Background: P. falciparum and HIV diseases affect the poorest group of a population that are made vulnerable by the lack of access to quality education, information and health facilities, all of which are characteristic of sub-Saharan Africa. This study was conducted to determine the co-infection of P. falciparum and HIV among pregnant women in Edo State, Nigeria.Methods: A total of 459 HIV infected pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at the Central Hospital Benin City, were enrolled. The age of participants ranged from 20 – 48 years. Blood specimens were collected from participants and analysed for HIV and P. falciparum detection, full blood count and CD4+ T cells count estimation. Chi squared (X2) was used for frequency data whereas odd ratio (OR) was analysed for each potential risk factor.Results: An overall prevalence of 27.2% of P. falciparum infection among HIV infected pregnant women in Edo State, Nigeria was observed. HIV infected pregnant women that are 20-29 years age group, those single, primary school leavers, traders, first trimester, primiparous, use of insecticide-treated bed nets, rainy season and anaemia significantly affected the prevalence of P. falciparum infection (P<0.0.0001).Conclusion: The administration of intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) as early as possible during pregnancy, use of insecticide-treated bed nets and effective and prompt malaria management are advocated.Keywords: Edo State, HIV, pregnancy, P. falciparum Co-infectio

    Micronutrient deficiencies among pregnant women with Plasmodium falciparum infection in Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria

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    Background: Two important barriers to a successful pregnancy outcome are maternal under nutrition and malaria. This study was conducted to determine some micronutrient deficiencies among pregnant women infected with Plasmodium falciparum in Owo, Ondo State, NigeriaMaterial and methods: Two hundred and fifty four participants aged 18 to 42 years consisting of 154 pregnant women attending antenatal clinic of the Federal Medical Center, Owo, and 100 apparently healthy non-pregnant women as controls were randomly enrolled in this study. Blood specimen was collected and analyzed for the detection of P. falciparum using 10% Giemsa staining technique while micronutrients (calcium, copper, iron and zinc) were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS).Results: Out of 154 pregnant women studied, 91 (59.1%) had micronutrient deficiency (MND) while 5 out of 100 (5.0%) non-pregnant control had micronutrient deficiency (p < 0.0001). Forty three (27.9%) of the 154 pregnant women and 3 (3.0%) of 100 non-pregnant control had P. falciparum infection (p < 0.0001). Forty three of the 91 (47.3%) pregnant women and 3 of the 5 (60%) non-pregnant women with MND had P. falciparum infection (p = 0.6681). All 43 pregnant women with MND but none of the 63 pregnant women without MND had P. falciparum infection (p < 0.0001). Similarly, all 3 non-pregnant women with P. falciparum infection had MND but none of the 95 non-pregnant women without MND had P. falciparum infection (p < 0.0001). Multiple micronutrient deficiencies of iron and calcium (65.3%), iron and zinc (16.1%) and iron and copper (18.6%) were observed among pregnant women but none among non-pregnant women. Factors significantly associated with P. falciparum infection among pregnant women with MND were age group 23-27 years (p = 0.0109), first trimester gestational age (p = 0.0234), primiparity (p = 0.0303) and wet season (p < 0.0173). There was no significant association between anaemia and prevalence of P. falciparum infection in pregnant women with MND (p = 0.1327) but pregnant women with iron deficiency were more likely to be infected with P. falciparum than those with other micronutrient deficiencies (p = 0.0013)Conclusion: This study reported a higher prevalence rate of 27.9% for P. falciparum infection in pregnant women compared to 3% in non-pregnant women population, but a much higher rate of 47.3% among pregnant women with micronutrient deficiencies.Keywords: Micronutrient deficiencies, Plasmodium falciparum, pregnant women, Ow

    Prevalence of Giardia lamblia among rural farmers in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area, Edo State

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    Background: Giardia lamblia is a common cause of diarrheal disease in Nigeria. It is a highly infectious protozoan parasite capable of causing gastrointestinal illness in humans. Aim: This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of Giardia lamblia and its correlation with demographic characteristics among farmers in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. Method: This study was carried out between March to June, 2016. Formal ether concentration technique was applied to determine the presence of cysts and trophozoites of Giardia lamblia in 150 stool samples. After obtaining informed consent and Ethical clearance, questionnaires were administered to obtain information on age and sociodemographic data. Results: A total of 150 numbers of samples were used out of which Iguole community had a prevalence rate of 20(71.4%) while Isi community had a prevalence of 8(28.6%). The result also showed that, the prevalence of giardiasis was higher in males 17(60.7%) than females 11(39.3%). Age-related prevalence showed 4(28.6%) for farmers ≥40 years, 13(26.0) for 11-20 years of age, followed by 4(21.1%) for ≤10 years age group. Sex and Age infection rate when related showed no statistical significant difference (P>0.05). Stream/River had the higher prevalence rate 24(85.7%) but did not strongly affect the prevalence of giardiasis (P>0.05). Socio-economic factors such as education, toilet facilities and washing of hands and fruits were not significantly (P>0.05) associated with the observed prevalence. Conclusion: The study showed that the prevalence of Giardia lamblia was higher among farmers of different ages. Hence there was need for government intervention program for sustainable elimination of this parasitic disease

    Co-infection of Parvovirus B19 and Plasmodium falciparum among Sickle Cell Disease patients in Benin City, Nigeria

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    Background: Infections by parasites, bacteria, viruses such as human parvovirus B19 amongst others, have been widely reported as contributing to high prevalence of anaemia in many populations. This study was conducted to determine the co-infection of Plasmodium falciparum and human parvovirus B19 among sickle cell disease (SCD) patients in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.Methodology: A total of 400 participants consisting 300 SCD patients (134 males, 166 females) and 100 (38 males, 62 females) apparently healthy subjects with haemoglobin AA (which served as control) who were contacted in homes, schools and offices, were enrolled for the study. The age of the participants ranged from 1 to 54 years. Venous blood was collected for detection of P. falciparum using Giemsa stain while parvovirus B19 was detected with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Full blood count was estimated using Sysmex KX-21N haematology auto-analyzer.Results: An overall prevalence of parvovirus B19 and P. falciparum co-infection observed among SCD patients in this study was 3.0% while single infection was 14.0% for P. falciparum and 26.7% for parvovirus B19. Religion was associated with 0 to 22 fold increased risk of acquiring co-infection of P. falciparum and parvovirus B19. Gender was significantly associated with P. falciparum infection (p=0.0291) while tribal extraction, platelet index and seasonal variation were significantly associated with single parvovirus B19 or co-infection of P. falciparum and parvovirus B19 (p<0.05).Conclusion: The provision of strict regulatory policy concerning the screening of whole blood or pooled plasma before the use of blood products and transfusion of SCD patients is advocated.Keywords: parvovirus B19, Benin City, P. falciparum, sickle cell diseas

    Anti-ulcer activity of Brassica oleracea on induced gastrointestinaltract injury in albino wistar rats

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    Brassica oleracea has been used historically as a medicinal herb for a variety of health conditions. This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of Brassica oleracea in healing induced upper gastrointestinal tract injury in Albino Wistar rats. Brassica oleracea was procured from vegetable market and authenticated. A total of 20 Albino Wistar rats of both sexes weighing between 120g-150g were used and were randomly shared into five groups which include- two control groups and three treated groups. The animals were sacrificed following mild anesthesia using chloroform inhalation. The dissected stomach and duodenum were examined macroscopically, tissue blocks taken, fixed in 10% formol saline and prepared for histopathological diagnosis. Brassica oleracea exhibited better healing activity of gastric ulcers than the duodenal ulcers and higher concentrations at 300mg/kg did not produce better results. Further studies to elucidate the efficacy and the appropriate dosage of Brassica oleracea in the treatment of peptic ulcer are advoca

    Asymptomatic malaria in children under 5 years old in Benin City, Nigeria

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    Background: Malaria remains one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality in endemic areas, primarily affecting children under five years of age, particularly in the sub-Saharan Africa. This study was conducted to determine asymptomatic malaria infection among children under 5 years in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.Methodology: A total of 155 children which consisted of 73 males and 82 females were recruited in this study. The age of the children that were recruited ranged from 0 to 5 years. Venous blood specimen was collected from each participant and malaria was diagnosed using standard procedure.Results: A prevalence of 29% asymptomatic malaria was observed among children under 5 years. Parents' occupation and those children that sleep under insecticide-treated bed nets did not affect significantly the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria. Age, gender and anaemia were significantly associated with asymptomatic malaria.Conclusion: Interventions to reduce asymptomatic malaria are advocated.Keywords: Asymptomatic malaria, Benin City, Children under 5 yearsAn Erratum was published for this article. It can be found here: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/sjmrp.v5i1.

    Asymptomatic malaria infection among psychiatric patients

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    Aim: Plasmodium falciparum malaria is associated with mental disorders.  Asymptomatic malaria is a condition where there are no symptoms but there is parasitaemia if blood is tested. This study aims to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors for asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia among out-patients of a mentally-ill health institution in Benin City, Nigeria.Materials and Methods: Thick blood films were made from blood specimens taken from 400 participants consisting of 300 mentally ill patients and 100 apparently healthy nonmentally ill subjects. Information on gender, age, marital status and occupation were obtained from the mentally ill patients. The thick blood films were used for malaria diagnosis, and the remaining blood samples were used for haemoglobin estimation using standard techniques. The data obtained from this study were analyzed using Chi square (X2) for comparing frequency data while the potential risk factors were calculated for using odd ratio.Results: Mental illness is significantly associated with asymptomatic malaria  (Psychiatric vs non-psychiatric: 20% vs 5%: OR=4.750 95% CI=1.850, 12.196; P=0.0002). Among the mentally ill, asymptomatic malaria was significantly associated with anaemia (OR=17.458 95% CI=8.711, 35.349; P<0.0001). Mentally ill patients 61 years and above had significantly (P<0.0001) higher  prevalence of asymptomatic malaria. Gender, marital status and occupation of the mentally ill patients did not significantly affect asymptomatic malaria (P>0.05).Conclusion: An overall prevalence of 20% of asymptomatic malaria was observed among the mentally ill and measures to eliminate asymptomatic malaria and associated complications among the mentally ill are advocated.Key words: Benin City, Malaria infection, Psychiatric patient

    Erratum: The editorial board has deemed it necessary to include the name of the third author R. Omoregie, in the undermentioned cover page of the manuscript. It was inadvertently omitted in volume 17, number 1, January 2018. Our sincere apologies

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    Aim: Plasmodium falciparum malaria is associated with mental disorders. Asymptomatic malaria is a condition where there are no symptoms but there is parasitaemia if blood is tested. This study aims to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors for asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia among out-patients of a mentally-ill health institution in Benin City, Nigeria.Materials and Methods: Thick blood films were made from blood specimens taken from 400 participants consisting of 300 mentally ill patients and 100 apparently healthy non-mentally ill subjects. Information on gender, age, marital status and occupation were obtained from the mentally ill patients. The thick blood films were used for malaria diagnosis, and the remaining blood samples were used for haemoglobin estimation using standard techniques. The data obtained from this study were analyzed using Chi square (X2) for comparing frequency data while the potential risk factors were calculated for using odd ratio.Results: Mental illness is significantly associated with asymptomatic malaria (Psychiatric vs non-psychiatric: 20% vs 5%: OR=4.750 95% CI=1.850, 12.196; P=0.0002). Among the mentally ill, asymptomatic malaria was significantly associated with anaemia (OR=17.458 95% CI=8.711, 35.349; P<0.0001). Mentally ill patients 61 years and above had significantly (P<0.0001) higher prevalence of asymptomatic malaria. Gender, marital status and occupation of the mentally ill patients did not significantly affect asymptomatic malaria (P>0.05).Conclusion: An overall prevalence of 20% of asymptomatic malaria was observed among the mentally ill and measures to eliminate asymptomatic malaria and associated complications among the mentally ill are advocated.Keywords: Benin City, Malaria infection, Psychiatric patient
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