PREVALENCE OF SOME INTESTINAL PARASITIC INFECTIONS IN RELATION TO BODY MASS INDEX OF CHILDREN RESIDENT IN ORPHANAGES IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

There is paucity of information on the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in orphanage homes in Anambra State, Nigeria. This study investigated the prevalence of some intestinal parasitic infections in relation to Body Mass Index (BMI) of children resident in orphanages situated in Anambra State. A total of 272 subjects comprising 172 orphans and 100 children in family setting (control) were investigated for intestinal parasites using formol-ether concentration method. Underweight, overweight and obesity were determined from BMI using the International Obesity Task Force cut-off points. Prevalence of 23.3%, 5.8%, 4.7% and 1.2% were observed for Ascaris lumbricoides, Necator americanus/Ancylostoma duodenale, and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar infections respectively. Prevalence of 12.8% and 9.0% were observed in children of orphanages and children living in their families respectively (P = 0.045, P < 0.05). The mean BMI of children living with their families was significantly higher than that of children in the orphanages (P = 0.000, P < 0.05). However, this was not related to parasitic infestation. It may be related to the level of care giving to the children in the orphanages. Underweight children were 8.1% and 0% in children of orphanages and families respectively while overweight children were 3.5% and 8.0% respectively. Children in family setting seem to thrive better than those in orphanages

FUNGAL INFECTIONS IN JOS: A 9-YEAR STUDY

The prevalent mycoses and their aetiologic agents were studied in 1,287 patients in Jos and environs. 917 (71.3%) of the study population were infected. A male preponderance was observed and the age groups 11-20 and 21 –30 were predominantly infected. The most frequently isolated aetiologic agent was Candida spp and the commonest site of infection was the trunk. Unusual dissemination of lesions caused by Trichosporon beigelii infections was observed. The seasonal occurrence of mycoses and the effect on prevailing aetiologic fungi was studied. (Af J Clinical & Exp Microbiology: 2003 4(2): 2-10)                                                                                                                                   

Sequence Analysis Reveals Asymptomatic Infection with Mycoplasma Hominis and Ureaplasma Urealyticum Possibly Leads to Infertility in Females: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Genetic evidence of asymptomatic Mycoplasma hominis (M. hominis) and Ureaplasma urealyticum (U. urealyticum) infection associated with infertility among females is lacking because suitable high throughput molecular methods have not been applied. Objective: This study aimed to explore the occurrence of M. hominis and U. urealyticum in the genital tract of females with asymptomatic infection and infertility as well as determine their genetic relatedness. Materials and Methods: The study group included 100 asymptomatic females and 31 females diagnosed with infertility. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene following DNA extraction was performed directly from endo-cervical swabs. Phylogenetic analysis established the genetic linkage between the isolates from both groups. Results: In asymptomatic females, M. hominis and U. urealyticum were detected with a prevalence of 8% and 2% respectively. Among females with infertility, the prevalence was 6.45% and 3.23% for M. hominis and U. urealyticum respectively. In both groups, M. hominis occurred significantly more frequently. Phylogenetic analysis revealed three distinct clusters in both groups: two with already characterized M. hominis and Ureaplasma species (28.6% of the overall Mycoplasma spp.) and one distinct cluster matched with U. urealyticum. Furthermore, all M. hominis from asymptomatic females clustered significantly with infertility contrary to U. urealyticum. The M. hominis cluster was significantly linked to two strains from China. Conclusion: The sequence analysis of Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma in the genital tract of asymptomatic and infertile females showed significant association; therefore, it is paramount to consider them as possible etiologic agents of infertility and genital infection, especially when the etiology of infertility is unknown. Key words: Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Genetic linkage, Asymptomatic infections, Infertility