Rate of isolation of streptococcus species from children with bacterial infections: an indication for introduction of streptococcal vaccines

Background: Streptococcus species are among the commonest bacterial causes of childhood morbidity in developing countries. Streptococcal diseases in children have not been as well characterized in Nigeria as it has been in industrialized countries. The rudimentary nature of public health surveillance makes the true epidemiology of the disease difficult to ascertain. The predominance of Streptococcus pneumoniae in the causation of invasive diseases has led to the advocacy of inclusion of pneumococcal vaccine in the National Programme on Immunization. However, local data critical to inform on vaccine deployment are scarce, thus the need for the present study. Objective: To study the rate of isolation of Streptococcus species from children aged zero to 15 years, with suspected bacterial infections. Materials and Methods: Laboratory records of results of bacteriological studies of samples from children with suspected bacterial infections in University of Abuja Teaching Hospital from January 2008 through December, 2010 were retrieved and analyzed for bacterial growth. Data analysis Version 3.5.1. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 2,247 samples were received during the study period. Of the 1,242 bacteria isolated, 502 (40.4%) were Staphylococcus aureus, 232 (18.7%) were Escherichia coli and 146 (11.8%) were Streptococcus species: 78 were isolated from blood, 9 from sputum, 11 from throat swabs and 28 from other sites while urine and eye swabs had 10 each. One hundred and six (72.6%) of the streptococci were from children aged 5 years and below. Most of the Streptococci (88.1%) were untyped. Among the 17 Streptococcal isolates typed, 10 were Streptococcus pneumoniae and three were group B Streptococcus. Conclusion: Streptococcal infections remain an important cause of severe disease in children in Nigeria. The use of effective, safe and affordable vaccine could significantly reduce morbidity from these infections, thus suggesting the need for more studies to conclude on streptococcal vaccine deployment.Key words: Streptococcal infections, Nigeria, Streptococcal vaccine

Prevalence of intestinal helminthic infections in school children in Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria

Background: Intestinal helminthiasis is a public health problem affecting mainly children. Prevalence of intestinal helminthic infections in children aged 1 – 15 years in Gwagwalada, Nigeria which has not been documented necessitated the present study.Objectives: To determine the prevalence of intestinal helminthic infections among school children in Gwagwaglada, Nigeria.Methods: Cross-sectional study was carried out from June to November, 2011 in public schools using multi-staged, random sampling. Multiple stool samples were analyzed using Kato-Katz technique; Enterobius ova was searched for using single anal swab.Results: Of 220 subjects studied, 161(73.2%) had at least one helminth ovum in stool or anal swab. Multiple helminthic infections were more predominant than single infections, (P < 0.01). Helminth species identified were Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, hookworms, Enterobius vermicularis, Taenia and Trichostrongylus. Ascaris lumbricoides was commonest species observed (40.9%), while Trichostrongylus species was least common (2.3%). Intensity of infection was light. Children aged 6 – 10 years had highest prevalence of helminthic infections, (P= 0.034). Females had higher and more multiple helminthic infections than males, (P < 0.01).Conclusion: Intestinal helminth burden in school children in Gwagwalada, Nigeria is high, with multiple infections predominating. This data will be useful for development of effective control strategies against intestinal helminths.Keywords: Helminths; prevalence; Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeri

Gender-based Differences in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene-related Diarrheal Disease and Helminthic Infections: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background: Qualitative evidence suggests that inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) may affect diarrheal and helminthic infection in women disproportionately. We systematically searched PubMed in June 2014 (updated 2016) and the WHO website, for relevant articles. Methods: Articles dealing with the public health relevance of helminthic and diarrheal diseases, and highlighting the role of gender in WASH were included. Where possible, we carried out a meta-analysis. Results: In studies of individuals 5 years or older, cholera showed lower prevalence in males (OR 0.56; 95% CI 0.34–0.94), while Schistosoma mansoni (1.38; 95% CI 1.14–1.67), Schistosoma japonicum (1.52; 95% CI 1.13–2.05), hookworm (1.43; 95% CI 1.07–1.89) and all forms of infectious diarrhea (1.21; 95% CI 1.06–1.38) showed a higher prevalence in males. When studies included all participants, S. mansoni and S. japonicum showed higher prevalence with males (OR 1.40; 95% CI 1.27–1.55 and 1.84; 95% CI 1.27–2.67, respectively). Prevalence of Trichiuris and hookworm infection showed effect modification with continent. Conclusions: Evidence of gender differences in infection may reflect differences in gender norms, suggesting that policy changes at the regional level may help ameliorate gender related disparities in helminthic and diarrheal disease prevalence