Sero-prevalence of Hepatitis B and C viral co-infections among HIV-1 infected ART-naïve individuals in Kumasi, Ghana

Background The study assessed the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection paradigm among the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients attending a tertiary hospital in Ghana. Also, the immunological and virological characterisation of these viruses, prior to antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation was investigated. Method A total of 400 HIV infected (HIV type-1) treatment naïve subjects ≥18 years were enrolled and tested for HBsAg and anti-HCV. Hepatitis B virus serological profile was performed on samples that were HBV positive. CD4+ T-cell count and HIV-1 RNA viral loads were determined using BD FacsCalibur analyzer (USA) and COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan Analyzer (USA) respectively. Results The overall prevalence of HBV/HCV co-infection among the HIV-1 patients was 18.0%. The prevalence of HIV-HBV and HIV-HCV co-infections were 12.5% and 5.5% respectively. The prevalence of active viral hepatitis (HBeAg-positive) among HIV-HBV co-infected patients was 40%. None of the patients had anti-HBc IgM. HIV-HBV co-infection was associated with lower CD4+ T-cell count as well as higher HIV-1 viral load compared to both HIV mono- infection and HIV-HCV co- infection (pp = 0.035], male gender [aOR = 2.74(1.15–6.51); p = 0.023], primary education [aOR = 9.60(1.21–76.08); p = 0.032], secondary education [aOR = 14.67(1.82–118.08); p = 0.012] and being single [aOR = 2.88(1.12–7.39); p = 0.028] were independent risk factors of HIV-HBV co-infections but not HIV-HCV co-infections. Conclusion The present study highlights the predominance of HBV exposure among the HIV infected patients in Ghana. HBV coinfection was associated with severe immunosuppression and higher HIV-1 viral load

Aflatoxin B₁: An Immunomodulator and Cancer Agent

The type I interferon signaling pathway of the innate immune system plays a key role in the first line of defense in eliminating pathogens and other chemical agents that are introduced into the body and is also known to exhibit the anticancer properties. Therefore, any agent being chemical or components of microorganisms that tend to inhibit or suppress the type I interferon response pathway will weaken the innate immune system and predispose individuals to infectious agents and cancers. Aflatoxin B1 has been reported to modulate the immune system by suppressing inflammatory cytokines, monocytes, lymphocytes and the type I interferon signaling response pathway. Aflatoxin B1 contamination of food is very high in most sub-Saharan African countries. Aflatoxin B1 contamination of diet coupled with subsequent prolonged heavy exposure is one of the major risk factors for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Aflatoxin B1 is known to cause hepatocellular carcinoma by inducing mutation in the tumor suppressor gene TP53. We present in this review the mechanism by which aflatoxin B1 inhibits the type I interferon signaling pathway thus pre-disposing exposed individuals to cancers and other infections

Microbial pathogens associated with acute childhood diarrhoea in Kumasi, Ghana

Abstract Background Diarrhoeal diseases are among the most frequent causes of morbidity and mortality in children worldwide, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This case–control study was conducted to investigate the bacterial, viral and parasitic pathogens associated with acute diarrhoea among children attending three health facilities in Kumasi, Ghana. Methods Stool specimens were collected from 240 children under 5 years of age visiting hospitals in Kumasi, Ghana due to acute diarrhoea and from 107 healthy controls of similar age. Both intestinal and malaria parasites were diagnosed by microscopy whereas rota- and adenoviruses were identified by stool antigen immunochromatograhic testing. Bacterial enteropathogens were detected by conventional culture techniques. Results Of all subjects, 23 (6.6%) were positive for malaria parasitaemia, 139 (40.1%) had at least one bacterial agent in their stool and 25 (7.2%) had ova or parasites. Subjects infected with malaria had the highest odds of having diarrhoea [12.0 (95% CI 1.56, 92.35)] followed by those with rotaviruses [4.4 (95% CI 2.05, 9.47)] and bacterial infection [4.99 (95% CI 1.45, 17.17)]. Conclusion In conclusion, this study was unique as it looked at the three groups of pathogens (parasites, viruses and bacteria) that cause acute diarrhoea in children in the Kumasi metropolis of Ghana. This study has shown for the first time since 2004 that malaria parasitaemia, rotavirus and bacterial infections still remain common pathogens associated with acute childhood diarrhoea in the Kumasi metropolis of Ghana