Evaluation of the sodium hypochlorite concentration method of detecting acid-fast bacilli from sputum of patients in Central Hospital, Delta state, Nigeria

The use of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) was revalidated in the laboratory diagnosis of acid fast bacilli (AFB) against the long existing direct smear Zeihl-Neelsen method to ascertain the more sensitive and reliable method. Sputum from 260 patients, aged 20-52 years attending the Chest Clinic of the Central Hospital Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria were examined for acid-fast bacilli by direct microscopy and centrifugation following treatment with 3.5% sodium hypochlorite. The percentage positive cases rose from 6.92% for direct smear to 28.85% after treatment with sodium hypochlorite. This was found to be statistically significant (p<0.0001). The sodium hypochlorite concentration improved specificity from 43.33% to 56.67% and sensitivity from 19.35% to 80.65%. Thus, the sodium hypochlorite concentration method may be more sensitive and reliable for the diagnosis of tuberculosis in laboratories. Hence, it could be recommended for use in Tuberculosis Control Programme in Nigeria and can be adapted to suit local needs of rapid diagnosis.Keywords: Tuberculosis, Acid-fast, sodium hypochlorite, Bacilli, rapid diagnosis International Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences, 5(4): 357-360, 200

Prevalence of Malaria Parasitaemia and Anaemia Among Pregnant women in Warri, Nigeria

A total of 319 pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic of Central Hospital, Warri had their haemoglobin levels estimated using standard haematological methods. Forty-seven (14.7%), expectant mothers were found to be anaemic (haemoglobin level less than 9.0g/dl). The Malaria parasites, the agent of malaria and a major cause anaemia in pregnancy were found in 105 (32.9%) expectant mothers, based on the examination of peripheral blood smears. Multigravidae recorded 33.2% prevalence of malaria parasitaemia that was comparable with that among primigravidae. There was a statistically significant relationship between malaria parasitaemia and haemoglobin levels of pregnant women (p < 0.05). This study emphasizes the need for pregnant women to undergo routine haemoglobin estimation considering the deleterious effects of anaemia on them and their foetuses. An early malaria prophylaxis is recommended if a significant increase in haemoglobin levels in the second trimester is to be achieved. Key words: anaemia, pregnancy, haemoglobin, malaria parasitaemia Journal of Medical Laboratory Sciences Vol.12(1) 2003: 53-5