Detection of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis IgM and IgG Antibodies and Associated Risk Factors Among Apparently Healthy Undergraduate Students of a Private University in South-West Nigeria

Background: Infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) is frequent among Nigerians. Many people are infected without realizing it (asymptomatic) and thus provide a risk of transmission to others. Not only will early treatment prevent TB complications, but it will also help to break the infection cycle in a community. Objective: The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis IgM and IgG antibodies and associated risk factors among apparently healthy undergraduate Students of Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State. Methodology: The serum samples of 100 consenting participants were collected randomly and screened for TB antibodies using Aria TB IgG/IgM Combo Rapid Antibody Test Cassette (CTK Biotech Inc. Poway, CA 92064, USA). A structured questionnaire was administered to consenting students to obtain information on their bio-data (e.g, the age, sex, study level etc.), as well as clinical information regarding their health (History of TB, history of BCG vaccination, use of anti-TB medications, alcohol consumption, smoking habits etc.). Results: The outcome of this study shows that 15 (15%) out of the 100 participants screened, were positive for TB IgG antibody, while, only 1 (1%) person was positive for TB IgM antibody. There was no significant association (P>0.05) between percentage TB IgG positivity and the socio-demographic characteristics of the study participants (gender, age, study level and tribe), except for religion. The percentage of TB IgG positivity among the study participants was found to be significantly higher than of TB IgM positivity (P<0.05). None of the 15 participants who tested positive to TB IgG indicated any of the signs and symptoms (persistent cough, chest pain, nausea, fever, chills, loss of appetite, fatigue and night sweat) associated with TB), however the only person who tested positive for TB IgM indicated all, except night sweat. Identified risk factors associated with the occurrence of TB IgM include history of TB, lack of BCG vaccination, history of diabetes and physical unfitness. Conclusion: The findings of this study show that asymptomatic and latent tuberculosis infection exists among the study participants, and that if left untreated, it will progress to active tuberculosis with all of its associated complications, including death. This emphasizes the importance of ongoing public health education, BCG vaccination, and periodic screening to detect asymptomatic cases in the study population in order to break the infection cycle

The Role of Travel Medicine in Managing Future Pandemics:Lessons Learned from Global Infectious Disease Outbreaks

In an increasingly interconnected world shaped by globalization, international travel plays a significant role in facilitating the spread of infectious diseases. Travel medicine plays a vital role in preventing and controlling the spread of infectious diseases. This specialized field focuses on providing pre-travel advice, administering necessary vaccinations, promoting preventive measures during travel, and offering post-travel care. Risk assessment is essential to evaluate potential hazards associated with specific destinations. Factors such as disease prevalence, healthcare infrastructure, vaccination requirements, environmental, as well as cultural influences are considered. Through this process, the risks can be effectively managed by formulating appropriate strategies. Preventive measures are crucial to minimize the transmission of infectious diseases during travel. These include compulsory vaccinations based on destination-specific requirements, recommended travel restrictions when necessary, and quarantine protocols for individuals exhibiting symptoms. Enhanced surveillance efforts combined with promotion of personal hygiene practices aid further prevention. Educating travelers about safe food handling practices also serves as an effective measure against many infections. Effective pandemic management requires collaboration among countries and international organizations. Travel medicine Professionals work alongside public health authorities to provide accurate information, vaccine administration services, and increased awareness about preventive measures. This collaborative effort facilitates timely response mechanisms ensuring global protection from emerging threats like pandemics

Bacterial pathogens associated with eyeglasses and risks of infection:A cross-sectional study in South-West Nigeria

Ocular infections have been associated with bacterial contamination of eyeglasses. This study assessed bacterial contaminants associated with the eyeglasses of the staff and students of Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria. A total of 100 participants comprising 33 males and 67 females (aged 16-76 years) were recruited for the study after obtained the written informed consents. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the demographic and clinical information. A total of 100 eyeglasses were examined for bacterial contamination using standard bacteriological methods. A one–way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey–Kramer multiple comparisons test were used to determine the differences between the bacterial loads among the eyeglasses of study participants. We found that the percentage of eyeglass lenses with unacceptable levels of contamination (>105CFU/mL) and acceptable levels of contamination were 19% and 46%, respectively. The percentages of eyeglass handles with unacceptable and accepted level of contamination were 49% and 7%, respectively. Most of the isolated bacteria were sensitive to the tested antibiotics. Risk factors associated with bacterial contamination of eyeglasses were exposure to dusty environment, irregular cleaning, and poor compliance with eyeglass care guidelines. Our study further underscores the claim that eyes glasses may serve as potential vehicles for bacteria capable of causing ocular infections