Seroprevalence of Mycobacterium bovis in cattle and wildlife in Yankari game reserve, Bauchi State, Nigeria

This study was designed to determine the seroprevalence of Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) in wildlife in Yankari Game Reserve (YGR) and cattle living in settlements surrounding the Game Reserve in Bauchi State, Nigeria. Seven hundred and fifty cattle from 21 herds surrounding the game reserve were conveniently selected and blood samples collected from the animals that were above six months of age in the selected herds. Blood samples were also collected from 250 darted wildlife species during routine examinations and from wild animals captured by hunters with the species, sexes and estimated ages determined at capture. Serum sample was obtained by allowing the blood to coagulate to produce sera. The serum was analyzed using Rapid bovine tuberculosis (TB) antibodies test kits which is specific for M. bovis. While 88 (11.7%) of the 750 cattle sera tested were positive for M. bovis antibodies, 30 (12.0%) of the 250 wildlife sera were positive for M. bovis antibodies. Among the cattle that tested positive to M. bovis antibodies, 19 (11.5%) were males, while 69 (11.8%) were females. Of the 250 wildlife species tested 6 (19.35%) zebras, 2 (10.0%) elands, 3 (7.6%), antelopes, 4 (10.0%), baboons, 6 (15.0%), African giant rats, 3 (12.0%) hares, and 6 (30.0%) grass cutters were positive for M. bovis antibodies. There was no significant difference (p < 0.05) in sero-prevalence of M. bovis between cattle living around YGR and the wildlife. The prevalence of M. bovis in cattle and wildlife is of public health significance to humans in close proximity to the game reserve and tourists due to the possibility of its transmission to humans. Further studies on the isolation and characterization of M. bovis in cattle and wildlife in YGR are recommended.Keywords: Antibodies, Cattle, M. bovis, Wildlife, Yankari Game Reserv

COVAD survey 2 long-term outcomes: unmet need and protocol

Vaccine hesitancy is considered a major barrier to achieving herd immunity against COVID-19. While multiple alternative and synergistic approaches including heterologous vaccination, booster doses, and antiviral drugs have been developed, equitable vaccine uptake remains the foremost strategy to manage pandemic. Although none of the currently approved vaccines are live-attenuated, several reports of disease flares, waning protection, and acute-onset syndromes have emerged as short-term adverse events after vaccination. Hence, scientific literature falls short when discussing potential long-term effects in vulnerable cohorts. The COVAD-2 survey follows on from the baseline COVAD-1 survey with the aim to collect patient-reported data on the long-term safety and tolerability of COVID-19 vaccines in immune modulation. The e-survey has been extensively pilot-tested and validated with translations into multiple languages. Anticipated results will help improve vaccination efforts and reduce the imminent risks of COVID-19 infection, especially in understudied vulnerable groups

Impaired health-related quality of life in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: a cross-sectional analysis from the COVAD-2 e-survey

Objectives To investigate health-related quality of life in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) compared with those with non-IIM autoimmune rheumatic diseases (AIRDs), non-rheumatic autoimmune diseases (nrAIDs) and without autoimmune diseases (controls) using Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) instrument data obtained from the second COVID-19 vaccination in autoimmune disease (COVAD-2) e-survey database. Methods Demographics, diagnosis, comorbidities, disease activity, treatments and PROMIS instrument data were analysed. Primary outcomes were PROMIS Global Physical Health (GPH) and Global Mental Health (GMH) scores. Factors affecting GPH and GMH scores in IIMs were identified using multivariable regression analysis. Results We analysed responses from 1582 IIM, 4700 non-IIM AIRD and 545 nrAID patients and 3675 controls gathered through 23 May 2022. The median GPH scores were the lowest in IIM and non-IIM AIRD patients {13 [interquartile range (IQR) 10–15] IIMs vs 13 [11–15] non-IIM AIRDs vs 15 [13–17] nrAIDs vs 17 [15–18] controls, P < 0.001}. The median GMH scores in IIM patients were also significantly lower compared with those without autoimmune diseases [13 (IQR 10–15) IIMs vs 15 (13–17) controls, P < 0.001]. Inclusion body myositis, comorbidities, active disease and glucocorticoid use were the determinants of lower GPH scores, whereas overlap myositis, interstitial lung disease, depression, active disease, lower PROMIS Physical Function 10a and higher PROMIS Fatigue 4a scores were associated with lower GMH scores in IIM patients. Conclusion Both physical and mental health are significantly impaired in IIM patients, particularly in those with comorbidities and increased fatigue, emphasizing the importance of patient-reported experiences and optimized multidisciplinary care to enhance well-being in people with IIMs

Rates and determinants of peripartum and puerperal anemia in Enugu, Nigeria

Background: Anemia in the peripartum or postpartum period could pose a significant risk for maternal morbidity and mortality during and after delivery.Aims: To determine the rates of anemia at term and in the puerperium and describe the determinants of puerperal anemia among a cohort of women with both normal and cesarean deliveries, following uncomplicated term singleton pregnancies in Enugu, Nigeria.Methods: A prospective longitudinal study involving women with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies who were recruited at term at two tertiary maternity centers and were followed up with the determination of hemoglobin and ferritin concentrations till 6 weeks after delivery. Data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics at 95% level of confidence using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences computer software version 20.0 for Windows (IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, USA).Results: A total of 202 women were studied. The mean hemoglobin levels at term, 48 h, and 6 weeks postpartum were 11.1 ± 0.9 g/dL, 10.5 ± 0.8 g/dL, and 11.2 ± 1.0 g/dL, respectively. The proportions of women with anemia at term, 48 h, and at 6 weeks postpartum were 46.0%, 72.8%, and 47.5%, respectively. Forty‑eight hours postdelivery, 17.3% had anemia with low serum ferritin compared to 7.4% by 6 weeks postdelivery. Anemia at term (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.02; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01, 4.05), anemia at 48 h postdelivery (aOR 6.17; 95% CI 3.30, 11.6), and low ferritin at 48 h postdelivery (aOR 3.11; 95% CI 1.51, 5.09) all increased the likelihood of anemia at 6‑week postpartum.Conclusions: A high proportion of low‑risk pregnant women in the study centers could go through delivery with undetected anemia and this would predispose to high rates of postpartum anemia. Screening of low‑risk women at term and in the immediate postdelivery periods may be necessary to improve detection of such cases.Keywords: Anemia, Nigeria, parturient, peripartum, postpartum, puerperiu

Pattern of blood donation and characteristics of blood donors in Enugu, Southeast Nigeria

Background: Despite increasing need for blood donation in medical practice, little is known about pattern of blood donation and characteristics of blood donors in some African populations like Nigeria. This information is necessary in designing strategies and policies for improving blood transfusion services in Africa.Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the pattern of blood donation and characteristics of blood donors in Enugu, Southeast, Nigeria.Materials and Methods: A cross‑sectional study of 3377 blood donors at a tertiary hospital in Enugu, Nigeria from May 1, 2016 to April 30, 2017. Information sought included donors’ sociodemographic characteristics; type of blood donor: Voluntary nonremunerated donor (VNRD), family replacement donor (FRD), or paid donor (PD); willingness to become VNRD in the future after counseling and education (at point of entry to blood bank) on its benefits to clinical practice; hemoglobin (Hb) level; and transfusion transmissible infections (TTIs).Results: Mean age of blood donors was 28.8 ± 8.5 years, majority were male (3011, 89.2%) and students (1289, 32.8%). FRDs were the highest in number (1998, 59.2%), followed by PDs (746, 22.1%) and finally VNRDs (633, 18.7%). Of the 3377 persons that came for blood donation, 2537 (75.1%) were found eligible to donate while 840 (24.9%) were deferred on account of low Hb (602/3377, 17.8%) or positive infectious screening test (238/3377, 7.0%). The odds of a male donor being a VNRD were about one and half times that of a female donor (582/3011 [19.3%] vs. 51/366 [13.9%]; odds ratio: 1.48; 95% confidence interval: 1.09–2.02; P = 0.01). After counseling of FRDs and PDs, majority (54.3%) were willing to become VNRDs in the future. Donors’ age &gt;30 years, being of male sex, having tertiary level of education, and being employed were strongly associated with willingness to become VNRDs in the future (P &lt; 0.001).Conclusion: VNRD made up &lt;20% of the total number of donors in Enugu, Nigeria. There is a need for improvement in public enlightenment on the need for VNRDs and employment opportunities of the populace to improve voluntary blood donation.Keywords: Blood donation, blood donors, donor characteristics, patter

Challenges in the management of bleeding disorders in Nigeria

Background: Bleeding disorders (BDs) are characterized by abnormal bleeding for which effective management requires a combination of skill, workforce, diagnostic facilities, and adequate therapeutic options. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine the capacity of Nigerian hematologists to handle BDs and to assess availability of required infrastructure, equipment, and treatment options. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted during the 2016 scientific conference of the Nigerian Society for Hemetology and Blood Transfusion. A structured questionnaire was distributed to hematologists in attendance. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 21.Results: A total of 55 (76.4%) hematologists from 27 centers responded. The most frequently carried out tests to assess  bleeding were hemoglobin or packed cell volume (100%), full blood count (96.3%), and prothrombin time/international normalized ratio and activated partial thromboplastin time (77%). Many centers did not have a coagulometer (47.8%) or cold centrifuge  (43.4%) and none had thromboelastography or rotational thromboelastometry. Fresh whole blood was the most accessible  (88.5%) and up to one‑third of the centers did not have access to component therapy. Only 39.1% centers had factor   concentrates available.Conclusion: Facilities required for diagnosing and treating BD are significantly deficient in most centers in Nigeria. Funding to provide facility and training is required to improve on this inadequacy.Keywords: Bleeding, hemophilia, thrombocytopenia, whole bloo