99 research outputs found
Evaluation of Selected Renal Markers in Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and the second leading cause of cancer mortality. The study aimed to assess the level of urea, creatinine and cystatin C in prostate cancer subjects. The subjects consisted of 92 adult males between the ages of 45 to 70 years; 46 prostate cancer subjects and 46 apparently healthy subjects recruited from a Teaching Hospital in Nigeria. Urea and creatinine were estimated by colorimetric method, cystatin C was estimated using Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. The results obtained showed that urea and creatinine were significantly high (p<0.05) while cystatin C was significantly low (p<0.05) in prostate cancer subjects compared with control subjects. Cystatin C was significantly high (p<0.05) in prostate cancer subjects on treatment compared with subjects not on treatment but there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the levels of urea and creatinine. The research concluded that increased serum urea and creatinine concentrations as well as decreased cystatin C level may pose higher risk of renal dysfunction in prostate cancer subjects. Thus, the levels of serum urea, creatinine and cystatin C need to be evaluated in prostate cancer subjects.Keywords: Prostate cancer, cystatin C, urea, creatinin
T LYMPHOCYTE SUBSETS IN PROSTATE CANCER SUBJECTS IN SOUTH EASTERN NIGERIA
Humoral and cellular mechanisms play roles in immune response to foreign antigens. The present study was designed to
determine the T lymphocyte subsets (CD4 + T cells, CD8 + T cells and CD4/CD8 ratio) in the prostate cancer subjects and
control subjects. CD4 + T cells (µl/count) and CD8 + T cells (µl/count) were estimated using flow cytometric method by Partec
while CD4/CD8 ratio was calculated from the resultsobtained from the CD4 + T cells and CD8 + T cells.CD4 + T cells and CD8
+ T cells decreased significantly while the CD4/CD8ratio increased significantly in the prostate cancer subjects compared to the
control subjects. The suppressed CD4 + and CD8 + T cell counts in prostate cancer subjects may indicate immune instability in
the prostate cancer subjects
Inhibitory effects of Phyllanthus amarus extracts on the growth of some pathogenic microorganisms
This study evaluated the inhibitory effects of Phyllanthus amarus extracts on Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. These effects were compared with those of ampicillin, gentamicin and pefloxacin. Phytochemical analysis showed that the plant contained flavonoids, steroids, terpenes, alkaloids, benzenoids, saponins and lipids. This plant was found to have remarkable inhibitory effects on the growth of all the organisms tested; S. aureus was the most susceptible (MIC 20ug/ml) while Pseudomonas aeruginosa and C. albicans were the least susceptible (MIC 30ug/ml). The organisms were inhibited in a dose-dependent manner, the inhibition was almost directly proportional to the extract concentration. The aqueous extract had no significant increase inhibitory effects compared to the ethanol extract (p > 0.05). The standard antibiotics had no greater inhibitory effects on the test organisms in relation to the plant extracts (p>0.05). The in vitro analysis revealed that Phyllanthus amarus possesses an antimicrobial activity comparable with those of standard antibiotic discs. Further works is recommended to determine its suitability in chemotherapy. Keywords: Inhibitory effects, Phyllanthus amarus extract, Pathogenic microorganisms
Variations in levels of selected micronutrients during malaria infection: A study from Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti, Nigeria
Malaria infection has been a global issue most especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Disease progression to severe malaria as a result of alteration in micronutrients could worsen the illness. The study aimed to determine whether there are variations in the levels of selected micronutrients (Iron, copper, magnesium, and zinc), malaria parasite density and packed cell volume (PCV) during malaria infection.
Material and methods
A total of one hundred young adults between the ages of eighteen and twenty two years were investigated. Blood samples were collected from fifty malaria subjects and fifty apparently non-infected subjects. Malaria detection was by microscopy while the parasite density was estimated using WHO standard procedure. Analysis of selected micronutrients (copper, iron, magnesium and zinc) was carried out using direct measurement on atomic absorption spectrophotometer and PCV was estimated using Micro-haematocrit method.
Results
The results showed that the levels of the micronutrients were significantly higher (p<0.05) in malaria subjects compared with controls. Significant positive relationships between copper, magnesium and zinc were found at p<0.01 and p<0.05.
Conclusion
The study concluded that there are significant variations in the levels of the micronutrients during malaria infection
EVALUATION OF SOME INFLAMMATORY AND MUSCLE MARKERS IN PREMENOPAUSAL AND POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN
Background: Menopause is associated with an array of metabolic changes which results into the appearance of inflammatory conditions. Objectives: The study evaluated the levels of some inflammatory markers; C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and uric acid. The muscle markers evaluated were creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate transaminase (AST) as well as body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (Bp) in premenopausal and
postmenopausal women. Method: The study is a case-controlled study involving 50 premenopausal and 50 postmenopausal women in Nnewi metropolis. In both study groups, anthropometric measurements including body mass index (Kg/m2) and blood pressure (mmHg) were carried out. Serum levels of uric acid, creatine kinase, C-reactive protein, aspartate transaminase, rheumatoid factor and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were measured using appropriate techniques. Results: The result showed significant increase (p<0.05) in the mean serum levels of uric acid (ÎĽmol/L), CRP (mg/L), ESR mm/hr, and AST IU/L but no significant change was observed in creatine kinase in post menopausal women. A significant positive relationship was observed between CRP and BMI (r = 0.562; p<0.01), CRP and ESR (r = 0.553; p<0.01). The prevalence of positive rheumatoid factor among postmenopausal women was determined as 16%. Conclusion: The study concluded that in postmenopausal women, there is significant increase in the levels of CRP, ESR and uric acid. There is also a significant positive relationship between CRP, ESR and BMI indicating that the degree of changes in metabolites and obesity might have a role in the mediation of inflammation in post menopausal women
Health careworkers and risk of hospital-related tuberculosis
To determine the incidence and risk of hospital-related TB amongst the health care workers and trainee students of this institution.Retrospective study. Chart review of PTB and EPTB diagnosed byAAFB in sputum, suggestive chest X-ray features of TBand aspiration cytology or tissue histology. Thirty-two (1.5%) of the 2,173 total staff strength developed occupation-related TB in a 15 year period, 15 (47.0%) of which presented as HIV/TB co-infection. Junior HCWs were mostly affected and the male:female ratiowas about 1:2. PTB occurred in 25 staffs (78.1%), EPTB occurred in 5 (15.6%) and 2 (6.3%) had disseminated TB. HCWs directly caring for patients; 24 (75.0%) were mostly affected. They were HCWs from nursing, 15 (47.0%) and clinical services, 9 (28.0%). Duration of employment of the affected HCWs varied from half a year to 11.5 years and the rate of diagnosis of cases varied from nil to 3 per year. Identified risks for acquiring and developing active TB in the hospitalwere; HIVinfection 47.%, diabetesmellitus 9.4%, “alcoholic” liver cirrhosis; 6.3%and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 3.1%. Incidence of hospital-related TB is low amongst the staffs of UITH; however, all the HCWs of the hospital were at risk of exposure. Staffs at the clinical sections had the highest frequency of developing occupation-relatedTB, and HIV infectionwas the commonest risk factor. . Keywords:Hospital-related TB; Health care workers and Risk factors Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice Vol. 11 (1) 2008: pp.32-3
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
PREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS B AND C VIRAL INFECTIONS IN PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING ANTENATAL CLINIC IN NNEWI, NIGERIA
Infections due to Hepatitis B and C viruses are significant health problems around the globe, Nigeria inclusive. This study was conducted among 100 pregnant women attending ante natal clinic at NnamdiAzikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria to determine the seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and to determine whether liver amino transferases can be affected. The blood samples were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and Anti-HCV using HBsAg and Anti-HCV one step rapid test strip and furthermore using ELISA technique. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities were also estimated in all the subjects using Reitman - Frankel method. The results showed that six percent(6%) and one percent (1%) of the 100 blood samples tested positive for HBV and HCV respectively. The mean AST levels for HBsAg negative and positive subjects were 10.55±2.36 and 12.17±2.23 respectively while the mean ALT levels were 5.54±1.94and 8.00±3.10 respectively. The mean AST for anti-HCV negative and positive subjects were 10.67±2.38 and 9.00±0.00 respectively while the ALT were 5.71±2.09 and 4.00±0.00 respectively There was significant increase in the levels of ALT between the HBsAg positive and negative pregnant subjects (P<0.05). HBV and HCV infection can be present in pregnant women and can alter liver amino transferases. Therefore testing for HBsAg and Anti-HCV is recommended for all pregnant women at first prenatal and postnatal visit so that HBsAg and HCV positive mothers will receive prompt intervention
Chlamydia trachomatis IgG antibodies seroprevalence among students in two tertiary institutions in Anambra state, Nigeria: a comparative study
Chlamydia infection is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in humans caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. This study assessed the seroprevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis antibodies among students in two tertiary institutions in Anambra State, Nigeria. It was a comparative cross-sectional survey using enzyme immunoassay kits for the determination of IgG class antibodies, while the multistage sampling technique was used in the selection of participants for the study. The overall prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis antibodies observed in this survey was 14.3%, which was higher among students from the University (21.6%) than their counterparts from the College of Education (7.4%) (χ2=5.89, df=1p<0.015). Factors found to have significant effect on the seroprevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis in both institutions were: prior sexual exposure (p<0.05); unprotected sexual intercourse in the last one year (p<0.05); multiple sexual partners in the last one year (p<0.05); and presence of symptoms suggestive of STI (p<0.05). Among students in the College of Education, the place of residence significantly affected Chlamydia trachomatis seroprevalence with a preponderance towards students living off-campus (χ2=4.00, df-1, p<0.05). Hence, there is need to institute appropriate prevention and control measures against the transmission of the disease especially among those at risk of contracting the disease.Keywords: Chlamydia trachomatis, seroprevalence, sexual behaviour, students, tertiary institutions
BACTERIAL CONTAMINATION OF SOME VEGETABLES SOLD IN MAJOR MARKETS IN ADO-EKITI, NIGERIA
Consumption of vegetables contaminated with pathogens is a common source of infections. This study investigated bacterial contamination of vegetables sold in major markets in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. Sixty samples comprising of 20 samples each of Brassica oleracea, Cochorus olitorius, andAmaranthus hybriduswere examined.Bacteriological procedures were followed in the isolation and identification of bacteria from culture media. Antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates was done using the disk diffusion method.Sixty six bacteria were isolatedfrom 60 vegetable samples. Of these isolates, Salmonella spprecorded 43.3%, followed by Citrobacter freundii18.3%, Klebsiella spp15.0%, Enterobacter spp11.7%, Proteus sppand Alcaligenes spp5.0% each, Escherichiacoliand Providencia spp3.3% each and Vibrio spp1.7%. The prevalence of the isolates on 20 samples of Brassica oleraceadecreased in the order of Salmonella species55.0%, Citrobacter species20.0%, Alkaligenes species10%, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus species, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilisand Providentia species5% each. The most frequent bacteria isolated on 20 samples of Cochorus olitoriuswas Salmonella species50.0%, followed by Citrobacter species15.0%. Vibro speciesand Alkaligenes speciesrecorded 5.0% each. Enterobacter speciesrecorded the highest frequency 30.0% on the 20 samples of Amaranthus hybridus, followed by Salmonella speciesand Klebsiella species25.0% each, Citrobacter species20.0%, Pseudomonas aeruginosaand Escherichia coli5.0% each. All isolates weresensitive to ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin but resistant to augmentin, ampicillin and cefuroxime. It is essential to control the sources of vegetable contamination to minimize risk of infections especially in vegetables consumed ra
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