Sero-epidemiological survey and risk factors associated with bovine brucellosis among slaughtered cattle in Nigeria

Bovine brucellosis is endemic in Nigeria; however, limited data exist on nationwide studies and risk factors associated with the disease. Using a cross-sectional sero-epidemiological survey, we determined the prevalence of and risk factors for brucellosis in slaughtered cattle in three geographical regions of Nigeria. Serum samples from randomly selected unvaccinated cattle slaughtered over a period of 3 years (between December 2010 and September 2013) from northern, southern and south-western Nigeria were tested for antibodies to Brucella abortus using the Rose Bengal test. Data associated with risk factors of brucellosis were analysed by Stata Version 12. In all, 8105 cattle were screened. An overall seroprevalence of 3.9% (315/8105) was recorded by the Rose Bengal test, with 3.8%, 3.4% and 4.0% from the northern, southern and south-western regions, respectively. Bivariate analysis showed that cattle screened in northern Nigeria were less likely to be seropositive for antibodies to Brucella spp. than those from south-western Nigeria (odds ratio = 0.94; 95% confidence interval: 0.73–1.22). However, logistic regression analysis revealed that breed ( p = 0.04) and sex ( p £ 0.0001) of cattle were statistically significant for seropositivity to Brucella spp. The study found that brucellosis was endemic at a low prevalence among slaughtered cattle in Nigeria, with sex and breed of cattle being significant risk factors. Considering the public health implications of brucellosis, we advocate coordinated surveillance for the disease among diverse cattle populations in Nigeria, as is carried out in most developed countries. Keywords: Bovine brucellosis, RBT, Epidemiology, Public Health, Nigeri

Exploratory study of plasma total homocysteine and its relationship to short-term outcome in acute ischaemic stroke in Nigerians

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Hyperhomocysteinemia is a potentially modifiable risk factor for stroke, and may have a negative impact on the course of ischaemic stroke. The role of hyperhomocysteinemia as it relates to stroke in Africans is still uncertain. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and short-term impact of hyperhomocysteinemia in Nigerians with acute ischaemic stroke. We hypothesized that Hcy levels are significantly higher than in normal controls, worsen stroke severity, and increase short-term case fatality rates following acute ischaemic stroke.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The study employed both a case-control and prospective follow-up design to study hospitalized adults with first – ever acute ischaemic stroke presenting within 48 hours of onset. Clinical histories, neurological evaluation (including National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores on admission) were documented. Total plasma Hcy was determined on fasting samples drawn from controls and stroke cases (within 24 hours of hospitalization). Outcome at 4 weeks was assessed in stroke patients using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We evaluated 155 persons (69 acute ischaemic stroke and 86 healthy controls). The mean age ± SD of the cases was 58.8 ± 9.8 years, comparable to that of controls which was 58.3 ± 9.9 years (T = 0.32; P = 0.75). The mean duration of stroke (SD) prior to hospitalization was 43.5 ± 38.8 hours, and mean admission NIHSS score was 10.1 ± 7.7. Total fasting Hcy in stroke patients was 10.2 ± 4.6 umol/L and did not differ significantly from controls (10.1 ± 3.6 umol/L; P = 0.88). Hyperhomocysteinemia, defined by plasma Hcy levels > 90^thpercentile of controls (>14.2 umol/L in women and >14.6 umol/L in men), was present in 7 (10.1%) stroke cases and 11 (12.8%) controls (odds ratio 0.86, 95% confidence interval 0.31 – 2.39; P > 0.05). In multiple regression analysis admission NIHSS score (but not plasma Hcy) was a significant determinant of 4 week outcome measured by GOS score (P < 0.0001).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This exploratory study found that homocysteine levels are not significantly elevated in Nigerians with acute ischaemic stroke, and admission Hcy level is not a determinant of short-term (4 week) stroke outcome.</p

Safety Awareness in Selected X-ray Diagnostic Centres in Surulere and Ikeja Local Government Areas of Lagos State, Nigeria.

Background: Health hazards are associated with exposure to ionizing radiations such as x-rays. Many private x-ray diagnostic clinics in Lagos State operate with inadequate safety and protection devices, which make the conditions unsafe to patient and environment. Objective: To assess the working conditions, protection measures put in place, safety awareness and attitudes of both employees and employers to safety and protection in radiodiagnostic centers in Surulere and Ikeja Local Government Areas. Methodology: Questionnaires were used for collecting information on socio-demographic data, occupational history, activities, working conditions, knowledge and experience of radiation hazards in x-ray centers. Interviews were conducted with Heads of Departments and Radiologists using the checklist adapted from the International Atomic Energy Agency. Results: 88.9% of the participating centers had adequate space and some safety assessment performed prior to installation of the facility. 81.5% had few basic protection devices. Only 40.7% employed adequate and qualified staff while 25.9% provided personnel training and 22.2% had quality control programme. 14.8% had radiation protection programme. 60.2% of respondents were aware of health hazards associated with radiation exposures, 57.8% of which were males. Conclusion: Operation conditions in most private diagnostic centers are below standard due to grossly inadequate provision of safety and protection devices. Employment of qualified staff and continuous education need be emphasized and enforced. Keywords: x-ray exposure; radiation hazards; Safety awareness Nigerian Journal of Health and Biomedical Science Vol. 6 (1) 2007: pp. 62-7

Awosanya, “Proximate and mineral composition of four edible mushroom species from

Results of proximate analysis of four edible species of mushroom collected from Akoko land in Ondo state, Nigeria indicate that Termitomyces mammiformis was a very good source of crude protein (37%), crude fiber (7%), ash (10%), calcium (216 g/kg dry weight) and manganese (136 mg/kg dry weight (dw)). Russula vesca was the richest in carbohydrate (71%) and magnesium (14 g/kg), while Lactarius triviralis was richest in moisture content (37%), iron (1230 mg/kg) and copper (8 mg/kg). It is also a good source of carbohydrate (64%), calcium (210 g/kg) and manganese (120 mg/kg). Lentinus tigrinus was, however, the richest in dry matter (94%), and is also rich in carbohydrate (62%), magnesium (11 g/kg) and copper (6 mg/kg). It was observed that lipids, sodium and phosphorus contents of the four species were generally very low

Bicornuate uterus: A case report

No Abstract. NQJHM Vol. 6 (3) 1996: pp. 236-23

Causes of obstructive uropathy at the Lagos University Teaching Hopsital , Lagos, Nigeria

No Abstract. NQJHM Vol. 6 (3) 1996: pp. 173-17

Animal health care seeking behavior of pets or livestock owners and knowledge and awareness on zoonoses in a university community

Aim: We investigated the attitude of pets or livestock owning households in a university community to animal health care services and assessed the knowledge and awareness level of the residents on zoonoses. Materials and Methods: Structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on demography, pet or livestock ownership, animal health care seeking behavior, awareness and knowledge of zoonoses from 246 households. We did descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis to determine the level of association in discrete variables between owners and non-owners of pets or livestock at a significant level of p<0.05. Results: Of the 246 respondents, 80 (32.5%) were either pet or livestock owners. The animal health care seeking behavior of the 80 pets or livestock owners in terms of treatment and vaccination was 70%. Of the 56 (70%) who provided health care services for their animals, about 48 (85.7%) engaged the services of a veterinarian. Dog owning households (42) had the highest frequency of treating their pets against endoparasites (97.6%); ectoparasites (81%) and vaccination against diseases (73.8%). Of the 246 respondents, only 47 (19.1%) have heard of the term zoonoses. Of the considered zoonoses; their awareness of rabies (79.3%) was the highest, followed by Lassa fever (66.3%), the least was pasteurellosis with 18.7%. Having pets or livestock was significantly associated (p=0.04) with rabies awareness. However, there is no significant difference in the level of awareness of zoonoses; knowledge of zoonoses, knowledge of prevention of zoonoses and knowledge of risk of zoonoses between owners and non-owners of pets or livestock. Conclusion: The animal health care seeking behavior of households with pets or livestock is good and should be encouraged. Public education should be created for other zoonoses aside from rabies, Lassa fever, and avian influenza

Mammographic evaluation of an unusually large fibroadenoma

No Abstract. NQJHM Vol. 8 (1) 1998: pp. 40-4

Fibular Hemimelia: A Case Report

Fibular hemimelia is the congenital absence of the fibula and it is the most common congenital absence of long bone of the extremities. Shortening of the extremity is obvious at birth with leg-length discrepancy. On plain radiograph of the leg and foot, significant fibular deficiency (hypoplasia) or absence of the fibula can be seen. In this case report, a 6-month-old baby boy with fibular hemimelia is presented. The radiological diagnosis and differential diagnosis are discussed. The treatments which include repeated corrective osteotomies and leg-lengthening surgery are costly and associated with residual deformity. Keywords: Fibula, Hemimelia, Radiology, Diagnosis Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice Vol. 10 (3) 2007 pp. 259-26

Imaging The Complications Of Paget's Disease Of Bones In A Nigerian Woman

To illustrate the plain radiographic and CT features of paget's disease and enumerate the complications in a 72 year old woman A W who presented with deafness intermitent headache, increasing head size and progressive tiredness on mild exertion. The skull and chest radiographs, CT scan and echocardiography with their findings are highlighted so as to increase awareness and index of suspicion in physicians to this relatively rare bone disease. Classical features were illustrated on plain skull radiograph and CT Scan. Echocardiography revealed left ventricular hypertrophy and paradoxical septal motion suggestive of pulmonary hypertension. Nigerian Quarterly Journal of Hospital Medicine Vol.9, No.3 (1999) pp. 247-24