Serum Interferon Gamma (IFN-ɣ) Levels and Hematological Indices in Patients with HIV-MTB Co-Infection in North-Eastern Nigeria

Introduction: The dual epidemic of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) poses significant health challenges, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Understanding the immune response and hematological changes in HIV-MTB co-infection is crucial for better management of affected individuals. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the serum levels of IFN-ɣ and hematological indices in patients with HIV-MTB co-infection in North-Eastern Nigeria, as well as explore any potential relationships between these factors. Methods: A total of 88 participants were enrolled in the study, including 44 antiretroviral therapy-naive patients with HIV-MTB co-infection (study group) and 44 HIV mono-infected individuals as controls. Data on personal biodata and clinical details were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Blood samples were obtained from each participant and analyzed for IFN-ɣ levels using ELISA and hematological indices using an automated hematology analyzer. Statistical analysis, including Mann-Whitney U test, independent samples t-test, and Pearson's correlation analysis, was conducted to compare the study and control groups and assess the relationship between IFN-ɣ levels and hematological parameters. Results: Serum IFN-ɣ was insignificantly increased in the study group compared to the control group (p=0.093). The WBC count was also significantly reduced in the study group compared to the control group (p=0.038). The HGB, HCT, MCV and MCH were significantly reduced in the study group compared to the control group (p=0.001, 0.001, 0.002 and 0.001) respectively. Participants with HIV-TB co-infection have insignificantly increased serum IFN-ɣ levels, low total WBC, lymphocyte and monocyte counts compared to those with HIV mono-infection. In conclusion, participants with HIV-TB co-infection have insignificant increased serum IFN-ɣ levels, low total WBC, and lymphocyte and monocyte counts compared to those with HIV mono-infection. There was no correlation of IFN-ɣ with any of the haematological indices

Polymorphism of prion protein gene (PRNP) in Nigerian sheep

ABSTRACTPolymorphism of the prion protein gene (PRNP) gene determines an animal’s susceptibility to scrapie. Three polymorphisms at codons 136, 154, and 171 have been linked to classical scrapie susceptibility, although many variants of PRNP have been reported. However, no study has investigated scrapie susceptibility in Nigerian sheep from the drier agro-climate zones. In this study, we aimed to identify PRNP polymorphism in nucleotide sequences of 126 Nigerian sheep by comparing them with public available studies on scrapie-affected sheep. Further, we deployed Polyphen-2, PROVEAN, and AMYCO analyses to determine the structure changes produced by the non-synonymous SNPs. Nineteen (19) SNPs were found in Nigerian sheep with 14 being non-synonymous. Interestingly, one novel SNP (T718C) was identified. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the allele frequencies of PRNP codon 154 between sheep in Italy and Nigeria. Based on the prediction by Polyphen-2, R154H was probably damaging while H171Q was benign. Contrarily, all SNPs were neutral via PROVEAN analysis while two haplotypes (HYKK and HDKK) had similar amyloid propensity of PRNP with resistance haplotype in Nigerian sheep. Our study provides valuable information that could be possibly adopted in programs targeted at breeding for scrapie resistance in sheep from tropical regions