Seroepidemiology of Helicobacter pylori infection among children seen in a tertiary hospital in Uyo, southern Nigeria

Background: Helicobacter pylori infection occurs worldwide with higher seroprevalence rates in the childhood populations of developing countries. In Nigeria, there is a dearth of information concerning its occurrence in children and infection enhancing factors. A prospective seroepidemiologic survey to determine the prevalence rate and possible associations of environmental and socio-demographic factors with its seropositivity was therefore conducted. Methods: The subjects were children seen at the Children’s Emergency Unit of University of Uyo Teaching Hospital in southern Nigeria. Two hundred and thirty subjects, comprising 132(57.4%) males and 98(42.6%) females (male: female ratio= 1.3:1.0) with an age range of 0.5-15 years and a mean age of 5.0 (SD±4.0) years were recruited. The median age was 4.0 years. H. pylori immunoglobulin G (1gG) antibody was determined from serum samples stored at -200C using a commercial Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kit, VicTorch. Results: The overall seroprevalence rate was 30.9% with a peak prevalence of 40.7% for the 6.0 to 10.0 years age group. H. pylori seroprevalence in our children is associated with low social class (p=0.038), increased household population (p=0.009), source of drinking water (p=0.014), type of convenience used (p=0.019) and the method of disposal of household waste (p=0.043). Conclusion: The seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in Nigerian children is high and is associated with low social class, poor domestic water and poor sanitation. Improvement of water supply, human and domestic waste disposal systems and ultimately poverty alleviation would control this bacterial infection that has severe long term consequences.Pan African Medical Journal 2012; 12:3

Childhood cancers in a referral hospital in south-south Nigeria: a review of the spectrum and outcome of treatment

Introduction: Childhood malignancies are now recognized as a growing global challenge, especially in resource poor settings. Although they constitute a smaller percentage of childhood illnesses in developing countries, compared with infectious diseases, the burden of cancer is still a tremendous problem on patients, families, the healthcare system, and the society. Data on the burden of childhood cancers across different regions is important, as there may be variations in incidences in different locations even within the same country. It will assist government agencies in better healthcare planning. Methods: An eight year retrospective analysis of all cancers diagnosed in children below the age of 18 years at the study centre between January 2007 and December 2014 was carried out. Case folders of all children diagnosed with malignancies within the study period were retrieved and analyzed with respect to age, gender, morphological or histological type of cancer, treatment modality, and outcome. Results: Eighty-four (84) children were diagnosed with various malignancies during the study period. Fourty-eight 48 (57.1%) were male and 36 (42.9%) were female giving a male to female ratio of 1.3:1. There were 27 cases (32.1%) of cancers recorded in children aged below 5 years and 35 cases (41.7%) were diagnosed in children between 5 to 10 years. Lymphomas were the most prevalent malignancies encountered accounting for 32 cases (38.1%). Burkitt's lymphoma constituted 22 (68.8%) of all lymphoma cases. The distribution of the four foremost malignancies recorded were as follows: Burkitt's lymphoma (22 cases; 26.2%), Nephroblastoma (12 cases; 14.3%), Rhabdomyosarcoma (6 cases; 7.1%) and 5 cases (6.0%) each Hodgkin's and non-hodgkin's lymphoma. Other malignancies included 4 cases (4.8%) each of acute leukaemia, neuroblastoma and retinoblastoma. There were three cases (3.6%) each of hepatoblastoma, and osteosarcoma among others. The cancer cure rate was very low 2.4%, losses to follow-up was 38.1% and 21.4% of patients died in the course of therapy either from advanced disease, complications of chemotherapy or late presentation. Conclusion: The distribution of the childhood malignancies in our environment shows similarity with reports from the same region and variation from other regions. The general outcome is very poor with a high percentage of discharge against medical advice and loss to follow up.Pan African Medical Journal 2015; 2

Prevalence of hypertension and prehypertension among children and adolescents in a semi-urban area of Uyo Metropolis, Nigeria

Introduction: In the past, Hypertension in childhood was not considered a problem but in the last few decades, it has gradually become a source of concern especially as children are known to maintain their blood pressures into adulthood. Therefore, hypertensive children are at risk of developing cardiovascular complications earlier in adulthood. In our own environment, the prevalence of hypertension in children is undocumented, hence the purpose of this study. Methods: Two hundred children aged between 3-17 years were recruited into this study from two public schoolsone primary, one secondary in a semi urban community in Uyo metropolis. The blood pressure of respondents was measured in accordance with the technique described by the 4th Task Force on Blood Pressure Control in Children. The height and weight of all eligible subjects was measured using a stadiometer and a calibrated scale respectively. Body Mass Index (BMI) was assessed for each subject and World Health Organization (WHO) charts of BMI for age and sex were used as reference standards. Waist circumference was measured according to the technique described in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Results: The prevalence of hypertension and prehypertension was found to be 3.5% and 2.5% respectively in this study. Only age (OR = 1.74, p = 0.005, 95%CI = 1.186-2.566), BMI (OR = 1.54, p = <0.001, 95% CI = 1.249-1.913) and waist circumference (OR = 1.16, p = 0.002, 95%CI = 1.056-1.271) were found to significantly predict the development of high blood pressure. Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension and prehypertension in this study was found to be low. Hypertension/prehypertension was more likely to develop with increasing age, BMI and waist circumference

Nutritional Assessment of Some Nigerian Land and Water Snail Species.

Proximate and mineral analyses were carried out on Nigeria's three land (Archachatina marginata ovum, Archachatina marginata saturalis and Limicolaria spp) and two fresh water (Lanistes varicus and Nucella lapillus) snail species for nutritional assessment using their muscular foot tissues. The mean of crude protein ranged from 70.00 ± 0.03 in Lanistes varicus to 84.43 ± 0.01% in Archachatina marginata ovum and moisture content of 73.69 ± 0.01 in Nucella lapillus to 80.78 ± 0.06% in Archachatina marginata ovum were obtained. The water snails had significantly (P < 0.05) higher crude fibre than the land snails. Values as low as 0.50 ± 0.02 crude fibre were obtained in Archachatina marginata ovum while Nucella lapillus had the highest value of 1.50 ± 0.01. Mineral analysis of the snail species revealed relatively high amount of minerals in the water snails compared to the land snails. Calcium values of 172.79 ± 0.01 in Limicolaria spp to 182.70 ± 0.02mg /100g in Nucella lapillus were obtained. Phosphorus ranged from 51.49 ± 0.01 in Archachatina marginata saturalis to 62.52± 0.01 mg/100g in Lanistes varicus and Iron content ranged from 6.79 ± 0.06 in Archachatina marginata ovum to 11.09 ± 0.01mg/ 100g in Nucella lapillus with low zinc content of 1.14 ± 0.01 in Limicolaria spp. to 1.32 ± 0.01mg/100g in Nucella lapillus. This research therefore, encourages increase in production and consumption of snail species especially Archachatina marginata ovum based on its high crude protein content and size. Keywords: Land and water snails, minerals, chemical composition, and nutritive qualities.Ethiopian Journal of Environmental Studies of Management Vol. 1 (2) 2008: pp. 56-6

Determining the prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus–Associated nephropathy (HIVAN) using proteinuria and ultrasound findings in a Nigerian paediatric HIV population

Background: HIV associated nephropathy (HIVAN) is the most common form of chronic kidney disease resulting directly from HIV infection. The true prevalence of HIVAN in the paediatric population of West Africa is unknown, largely due to lack of surveillance and reporting of kidney disease in HIV positive patients. Methods: This was a prospective study over a six month period( July to December 2008) conducted in the Infectious Disease Unit of the Department of Paediatrics, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Nigeria involving all confirmed cases of paediatric HIV infection. Urine microalbuminuria using calculated urine albumin &ndash; creatinine ratio was determined and repeated in 4 weeks interval. CD4 count and renal ultrasonography was done for all the patients. The correlation of urine albumin &ndash; creatinine ratio with CD4 count, duration of treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and association with clinical staging of the disease was also examined. Results: Fifty &ndash; nine (60.2%) were males, thirty &ndash; nine (39.8%) were females with male to female ratio of 1.5:1. The prevalence rate of 31.6% HIVAN was found, out of which 3.1% had abnormal ultrasound findings. There was a significant correlation between CD4 count and urine albumin &ndash; creatinine ratio (r = -0.22, p=0.03). There was no correlation between urine albumin &ndash; creatinine ratio and duration on HAART (r = -0.10, p = 0.31). Conclusion: Screening for microalbuminuria is essential for the early diagnosis and treatment of HIVAN in this age group

Incidence of acute kidney injury in asphyxiated babies in university of Uyo teaching hospital, Uyo, Nigeria

Background: Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is a consequence of birth asphyxia. In resource poor countries like ours, birth asphyxia still contributes to the high rates of neonatal morbidity and mortality. A few studies have reported the incidence of AKI in birth asphyxia in Nigeria but none from Uyo, south-south region of Nigeria.Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study carried out in the Newborn Unit of the University of Uyo Teaching hospital, Uyo, Nigeria over a period of eight months. One hundred and four term neonates with provisional diagnosis of birth asphyxia using Apgar scoring were recruited. Blood sample was collected within six hours of life from each subject for serum creatinine estimation using modified Jaffe method. Urine output was assessed by application of plastic collection bag to the skin by adhesive patch. AKI was diagnosed when sCr >1.5mg/dl while oliguria was defined as urinary output <1.5ml/kg/hour.Results: Of the total of 104 asphyxiated neonates enrolled into the study, 56 (53.8%) were males while 48 (46.2%) were females giving a male/female ratio of 1.2:1. Twenty-eight (26.9%) of the subjects had severe birth asphyxia; 52 (50%) had moderate birth asphyxia while 24 (23.1%) were mildly asphyxiated. Incidence of AKI was 48 (46.1%), twelve (11.5%) had AKI based on serum creatinine criteria while 36 (34.6%) had AKI based on urinary output criteria. The mean urinary output (ml/kg/hr) for the subjects was 1.65±0.68 while the mean serum creatinine (mg/dl) was 0.88±0.46.Conclusions: The incidence of AKI among asphyxiated neonates in our locale is high at 46.1%

The Value of Mobile Ultrasound Services in Rural Communities in South-South Nigeria

AIM: This paper examines the activities of mobile services units including ultrasound services in rural and urban communities in the Calabar region of South-South, Nigeria.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consenting individuals were invited and attended five medical outreach activities in rural and urban areas of the Calabar region between January and June 2016. Abdomino-pelvic scans were done. Subsequently the results were analyzed.RESULTS: Five hundred and seventy-four (574) individuals had Abdomino-pelvic scans done, using a curvilinear probe to assess the abdomino-pelvic organs. The female to male ratio was 1.46:1. The age ranged from 1-78 years with a mean of 40.63 (standard deviation of 17.5). The commonest sonographic finding was uterine fibroids, 21 (8.1%). Fifty-four percent of the scans were normal. The commonest sonographic finding in men was prostatic enlargement.CONCLUSION: Medical outreach activities provided by mobile units provide much needed ultrasound services in poor resource settings in Nigeria. Significant clinical pathologies were identified at fairly high rates

Bio-survey of Plankton as Indicators of Water Quality For Recreational Activities in Calabar River, Nigeria

With the increasing recognition of Calabar as a global tourist destination, the suitability of Calabar River for recreational activities by tourists was investigated. The aim was to use phytoplankton and zooplankton characteristics to assess the water quality of the Calabar River. Phytoplankton and zooplankton samples were collected from four stations along the river and carried in plastic containers at 4oC to the laboratory for taxonomic and diversity index analyses. Water samples were also collected from the sampling stations for physico-chemical analysis. In total, 331 phytoplankton individuals were identified from sixty-six species in sixty genera and six taxonomic groups. The most abundant taxon was Bacillariophyceae 212 (64.05%), followed by Cyanophyceae 42 (12.69%), Chlorophyceae 40 (12.08%); Dinophyceae 16 (4.83%); Chrysophyceae 12 (3.63%) and Xanthophyceae 9 (2.72%). Similarly, the diatoms were highest in species richness (54.55%) followed by Cyanophyceae (18.18%), Chlorophyceae (12.12%), Dinophyceae (6.06%), Chrysophyceae (4.55%), and Xanthophyceae (4.55%). Among the zooplankton, the Copepods were the most abundant (54.89%). Others were Protozoa (14.13%), Polychaeta larvae (7.07%), Cyclopoida (5.43%), Cladocera (5.43%), Arthropoda (4.89%), Ostracoda (3.26%), Rotifera (2.72%), Malacostraca (1.09%), and Foraminiferida (1.09%). The copepods were highest in species richness (13), representing 36.11% of the total. The other zooplankton taxonomic groups were Protozoa (16.67%), Cyclopoida (11.11%), Ostracoda (8.33%), Rotifera (8.33%), Cladocera (5.56%), Malacostraca (5.56%), Arthropoda (2.78%), Polychaeta larvae (2.78%), and Foraminiferida (2.78%). We did not observe any preponderance of harmful phytoplankton or zooplankton in the Calabar River during the study. The river showed no evidence of stress beyond her carrying capacity, and there was no evidence of any harmful environmental conditions that is detrimental to recreational activities in the Calabar River. We assess Calabar River as being biologically suitable for contact recreational activities, from the point of view of her plankton characteristics

Nutrient Composition, Physical and Sensory Characteristics of Bread Nutrified with Abattoir Waste

Objective: The study was designed to determine nutrient composition, evaluate physical and organoleptic properties of bread incorporated with abattoir waste (blood meal) as protein and micronutrient fortifier. Methods: Fresh abattoir blood meal was collected from Anyigba abattoir, divided into two equal parts, one part kept frozen until used and the other prepared into powder (6.5% moisture content, 180 micron particle size) and packaged into heat sealed HDPE bag for use. Both liquid and powdered abattoir wastes were each incorporated into bread recipe at four (4) different levels: 5.0%, 7.5%, 10.0% and 12.5% of flour, and then baked into bread loaves, making eight experimental samples plus the control, using standard methods and procedures. The physical characteristics and chemical composition of the bread loaves were determined. Their sensory qualities as well as acceptability were also evaluated. The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis.Results: Protein contents of experimental bread loaves increased with increase in abattoir waste levels from 8.98% - 13.31%, showing appreciable increase above 6.89% obtainable in conventional bread. Similarly, the range of values for micronutrients content of the experimental bread were: Fe (14.5-23.1 mg /100g), P (24.8-37.8mg/100g) and I2 (0.100-0.261 mg/100g).They also showed significant increases over and above the respective micronutrient contents of traditional bread. There were little or no variations in physical characteristics, except the weight of bread loaves. The crust and crumb colours of bread loaves containing liquid abattoir waste (at 5.0 – 12.5% levels) and powder (at 5.0% level) were more cherished, though significantly different (P&lt;0.05) from the conventional loaf of bread. The taste and detectable flavour of all experimental bread samples were similar, with characteristic meat flavour, significantly different (P&lt;0.05) from the control. Samples containing both liquid and dried abattoir waste at 5% and 7.5% levels had firm and brittle crumb similar to the conventional bread. Conclusion: It is possible to use liquid/dried abattoir blood meal to improve the protein and micronutrient (Fe, P, I2) contents of bread, also give acceptable novel bread product

Physicochemical and sensory characteristics of yoghurt produce from ewe milk, goat milk and a mixture of ewe and goat milk

Objective: To evaluate the physicochemical and sensory acceptability of yoghurt produced from ewe, goat and a mixture of ewe milk and goat milk in Nigeria in order for the populace to harness the nutritional and therapeutic benefits of the milks. Methods: Samples of whole cow milk (WCM) as standard, goat milk (GM), ewe milk (EM) and mixture of goat milk and ewe milk (GM/EM) in 1:1 (v/v) ratio, obtained from a local dairy farm were used for yoghurt production. The milk samples were each pasteurized, inoculated with 5g/l of mixed cultures of L. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus, fermented for 4h at 45oC, homogenized, before sugar and gelatin were added. The yoghurt samples were packed into sterile 200ml air tight plastic container, stored at 0oC for 24h and assayed for pH, titratable acidity, proximate composition, zinc, mg, Fe, Cu and sensory characteristics. Results: The yoghurt samples produced from GM, EM, and GM/EM had significantly (