Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among HIV patients in Benin City, Nigeria

This study was carried out to determine the presence of intestinal parasites and their correlation with CD4+ T-cell counts and demographics among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients in Benin City, Nigeria. Stool specimens from 2,000 HIV-positive patients and 500 controls (HIV-negative individuals) were examined for ova, cysts, or parasites, using standard procedures. In addition, patient’s blood samples were analyzed for CD4 counts by flow cytometry. An overall prevalence rate of 15.3% was observed among HIVpositive patients while 6.2% was noted among non-HIV subjects. HIV status was a significant (PB0.0001) risk factor for acquiring intestinal parasitic infections. Male gender, CD4 count B200 cell/ml, and diarrhea were significantly associated with an increased prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among HIVpositive patients. The level of education, occupation, and source of water among HIV patients significantly (PB0.0001) affected the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most predominant parasite in both HIV-positive patients and controls. A CD4 count B200 cells/ml was significantly associated with only Isospora belli and Cryptosporidium infections. The presence of pathogenic intestinal parasites such as A. lumbricoides, hookworm, Giardia intestinalis, Entamoeba histolytica, Trichuris trichiura, and Taenia species among HIV-infected persons should not be neglected. Cryptosporidium species and I. belli were the opportunistic parasites observed in this study. Routine screening for intestinal parasites in HIV-positive patients is advocated.Keywords: intestinal parasites; HIV; CD4 count; Demographics; Benin Cit

Seasonal Variation of Intestinal Parasitic Infections among HIV-Positive Patients in Benin City, Nigeria

BACKGROUND: There are a number of conflicting studies on the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in HIV infection with regards to different seasons. This study was conducted to determine seasonal influence on the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in HIV-positive persons in Benin City, Nigeria.METHODS: Stool specimens from 2000 HIV-positive patients and 500 controls (HIV-negative individuals) were examined for ova, cysts or parasites using standard procedures. RESULTS: More intestinal parasitic infections were observed in the rainy season (17.6%) than the dry season (12.3%) (OR = 1.526, 95% CI = 1.184, 1.967, p = 0.0013). Male patients (18.3) had more episodes of intestinal parasitic infections than their female (13.7) counterparts (OR = 1.403, 95% CI = 1.092, 1.803, p = 0.0096).CONCLUSION: Cryptosporidium species and Strongyloides stercoralis were the only parasitic agents that were associated with rainy season.Keywords: Season, Intestinal Parasites, HIVEthiop J Health Sci. Vol. 21, No. 3 November 201

Densidad y dimensiones de la fibra de Gmelina arborea en árboles de rápido crecimiento en Costa Rica: relación con el rango de de crecimiento

The objective of this research was to determine growth rate effects measured in tree diameter on wood density parameters (mean, minimum, maximum and intra-ring variation) and in fiber dimensions (wall thickness, fiber width, lumen diameter and fiber length) of trees from fast growth plantations. Thirty mature trees were sampled from thirty different fast-growth plantations with a wide growth rate in Costa Rica. A disc was cut from each tree at DBH. The wood density parameters and fiber dimensions were determined in each growth ring. Some wood density parameters and fiber dimensions were related with growth rate. The minimum and mean density, cell wall thickness, fiber width and lumen diameter decreased with increase in growth rate. Intra-ring wood density variation increased with growth rate but the weak correlation was established. Maximum wood density was not found correlation with growth rate. A pronounced decrease was presented in minimum and mean density from 0 to 20 mm/year and after to 45 mm/year. A pronounced decrease and increase with increase in growth rate were presented in the fiber length and intra-ring wood density, respectively. Lumen diameter and fiber width presented few variations, until 40 mm/year; however, they showed decrease after this growth rate value.La Gmelina arborea es utilizada en plantaciones debido a que las practicas silviculturales producen altas tasas de crecimiento del árbol. El presente trabajo tiene el objetivo de establecer los efectos de la tasa de crecimiento en los parámetros de densidad de la madera (media, máxima, mínima y la variación intra-anillo) y las dimensiones de la fibra (largo, ancho, diámetro del lumen y espesor de pared) en árboles de plantaciones de rápido crecimiento. Fueron seleccionadas treinta árboles de treinta 30 plantaciones diferentes próximas al turno de rotación con una amplia tasa de crecimiento. Un disco a la altura del pecho fue cortado en cada uno de los árboles. Los parámetros de densidad y dimensiones de las fibras fueron determinadas en cada anillo de crecimiento. Algunos de los parámetros de la densidad y las dimensiones de la fibra fueron correlacionados con la tasa de crecimiento. La densidad mínima y el promedio, espesor de pared celular y diámetro del lumen diminuyen con el incremento de la tasa de crecimiento. La variación intra-anillo incremento, pero una débil correlación fue encontrada. La densidad máxima no presentó correlación. Una gran disminución de la densidad mínima y la densidad media fue encontrada cuando la tasa de crecimiento se encuentra entre 0 y 20 mm/año o superior a 45 mm/año. Un pronunciado decrecimiento e incremento con el incremento de la tasa de crecimiento fue encontrado en la longitud de la fibra y la variación intra-anillo, respectivamente. El diámetro del lumen y ancho de la fibra presentaron pocas variaciones cuando la tasa de crecimiento es menor a 40 mm/año, sin embargo, estos mostraron un decrecimiento luego del mencionado valor

Aerobic bacterial isolates from infected wounds

Background: Wound infection causes great distress in terms of associated mortality and morbidity, increased length of hospital stay, profound discomfort and significant increased in healthcare cost. Infection in a wound delays healing and may cause wound break down, herniation of the wound and complete wound dehiscence.Therefore the knowledge of the causative agents of wound infection will be helpful in the control of wound infection and selection of empiric antimicrobial therapy as aninfection control measure.Methods:A total of 207 wound specimens collected from patients attending the University of Benin Teaching Hospital were used for this study. All specimens were collected using sterile swabs sticks. Specimens were processed using standard microbiological methods.Results:A total of 278 bacterial isolates were obtained from 207 wound specimens processed in this study. Positive growth were observed in 185 (89.4%) of the wound cultures and no bacterial isolates were obtained in 22 (21.1%) of the cultured materials. Staphylococcus aureus (26.9%) was the most predominant isolate followed by Klebsiellapneumoniae (17.6%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (16.9%) and Escherichia coli (12.6%). All isolates were resistant to ampicillin, amoxyillin-clavulanate and tetracycline but show variable susceptibility to other antibacterial used. Majority of theisolates produced beta lactamase. Conclusion: A high proportion of the wounds were infected.The variety of microorganisms observed in this study support the need to obtain culture specimen from infected wounds for microbiological evaluation and antibiotic susceptibility determination, so that adapted chemotherapy can be prescribed.Key words:wound infection, polymicrobial, immune status, hos

Variación radial de la anatomía, densidad y durabilidad de la madera de teca (Tectona grandis) procedente de dos calidades de sitio y dos regiones climáticas de Costa Rica

The objective of this study was to show the radial variation of some anatomic characteristics, wood density and natural durability of teak (Tectona grandis L.F.) growing in Costa Rica. Samples of trees 13 years old were obtained from two growing sites (high and low growing) of plantations established in a humid tropical climate (CHT) and dry tropical climate (CST). The variables measured of the fibers as well as for the rays were not affected by the climate or the type of growing site, except for the length of the fibers. The fibers of teak wood from the best growing site were significantly larger. Vessels were found with a greater frequency for the CST but mostly solitary in comparison with the CHAverage density, maximum density and the variation within the ring presented a light higher magnitude for the CSThe quality of the growing site did not affect these variables. The resistance of fungus attack was similar in the area of heartwood near the pith compared to the heartwood near the sapwood for all the conditions evaluated. Nevertheless, it was observed in some trees a similar resistance of fungus attack for areas of sapwood compared to similar areas of heartwood.Con el objetivo de mostrar la variación radial de las características anatómicas, de densidad normal y de durabilidad natural de la madera de Tectona grandis L.f. creciendo en Costa Rica, se muestrearon plantaciones de 13 años procedentes de dos regiones con clima diferente: clima húmedo tropical (CHT) y clima seco tropical (CST). En cada una de ellas se analizaron dos tipos de sitios con diferente fertilidad: bueno (SB) y malo (SM). Se encontró que las fibras y los radios no fueran afectados por el tipo de clima o calidad de sitio, a excepción de la longitud de la fibra que sí fue afectada. Se encontró que CST produce mayor frecuencia de vasos, pero en su mayoría solitarios en relación al CHT, la densidad normal promedio, máxima y su variación dentro del anillo, presentan magnitudes mayores en CST que CSH. La calidad de sitio no afectó estas variables. La resistencia al ataque de hongos fue similar en el duramen próximo a la médula y el duramen próximo a la albura para los dos tipos de clima y las calidades de sitio. No obstante, se observó que en algunos árboles la resistencia al ataque de los hongos del duramen fue similar a la albura

Electromyoneurography and laboratory findings in a case of Guillain-Barré syndrome after second dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine

Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is an acute immune-mediated disease of the peripheral nerves and nerve roots (polyradiculoneuropathy) that is usually elicited by various infections. We present a case of GBS after receiving the second dose of Pfizer-COVID 19 vaccine. Diagnosis was made after performing an accurate clinical examination, electromyoneurography and laboratory tests. In particular, anti-ganglioside antibo-dies have tested positive. During this pandemic with ongoing worldwide mass vaccination campaign, it is critically important for clinicians to rapidly recognize neurological complications or other side effects associated with COVID-19 vaccinatio

Candiduria among HIV- Infected Patients Attending a Tertiary Hospital in Benin City

Background: Candiduria is a common finding. However, in  immunocompromised patients like HIV-infected individuals, it has high risk of morbidity and mortality as it could be a pointer to systemic candidiasis. Unfortunately, there are no clear criteria for differentiating between colonization and infection or between upper or lower urinary tract infections.Objective: This study focused on determining the spectrum of Candida species implicated in candiduria among HIV-infected individuals and theirsusceptibility to fluconazole and voriconazole in a tertiary hospital.Methods: A total of 300 subjects comprising of 200 HIV patients and 100 non-HIV individuals were used for this study. Clean catch midstream were collected from each individual and processed using standard  microbiological techniques. Emergent Candida isolates were identified with CHROMagar Candida and sugar fermentation tests.Results: The overall prevalence of candiduria among HIV patients was 13.5%. HAART-naive patients had a significantly higher prevalence  (OR=4.165, 95%CI=1.602, 10.828; P=0.0038) than their counterpart on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Female gender was a  significant risk factor for acquiring candiduria. Age had no significant effect on the prevalence of candiduria in this study. A CD4+ count <200 cells/µl was a significant risk factor for acquiring candiduria only among  HAART-naive patients (OR=11.711; 95%CI=3.943, 34.780; P= 0.0001). The three species of Candida recovered from this study were C. albicans, C. krusei and C.parapsilosis. C. albicans (64.52%, 83.36%) and C. krusei (66.67%, 100.00%) were resistant to fluconazole and voriconazole  respectively.Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between  antiretroviral therapy, CD4+ counts, and the prevalence of candiduria among the study population.Keywords:HAART, HAART-naive, candiduria, CD4+ counts, Candida,  prevalence. Contexte: La candidurie est un problème commun de sante publique. Cependant, chez les patients immunodéprimés comme les individus infectés par le VIH, elle présente un risque élevé de morbidité puisqu’elle peut évoluer vers la candidose systémique. Malheureusement, il n'existe pas de critères clairs permettant de distinguer la colonisation et l'infection de même que les infections des voies urinaires supérieures et inférieures.Objectif: Cette étude a porté sur la détermination du spectre d'espèces de Candida impliqués dans la candidurie chez les personnes infectées par le VIH et leur sensibilité au fluconazole et voriconazole dans un hôpital tertiaire.Methodes : Un total de 300 sujets comprenant 200 patients atteints du VIH et 100 personnes non -VIH ont été utilisés dans cette étude. Les echantillons d’urine ont été collectées auprès de chaque personne par la methode de ‘‘Clean catch midstream’’et traitées en utilisant des techniques microbiologiques standard. Les isolats émergents de Candida ont été identifiés avec CHROMagar Candida et les tests de fermentation de sucre. Résultats : La prévalence globale du VIH chez les patients atteints de candidurie était de 13,5%. Les patients en naïfs de la multithérapie HAARTavaient une prévalence significativement plus élevée (OR = 4,165, IC à 95% =1,602, 10,828, p = 0,0038 ) par rapport a leurs homologues sous traitement antiretroviral hautement actif (HAART ) . Le sexe feminin etait un facteur de risque important d'acquisition de candidurie. L'age n'avait pas d'effet significat nif sur la prevalence de candidurie dans cette etude. Un compte de CD4 + < 200 cellules / µl ete un facteur de risque important pour l'acquisition de candidurie que chez les patients en multitherapie naifs (OR = 11,711 ; IC a 95% = 3, 943, 34, 780, p = 0,0001). Les trois especes de Candida recuperes de cette etude etaient C. albicans, C. krusei et C.parapsilosis. C. albicans(64,52%, 83,36 %) et C. krusei (66,67%, 100,00 %) etaient resistants respectivement au  fluconazole et voriconazole.Conclusion: Il existe une relation significative entre le traitement  antiretroviral, CD4 +, et la prevalence de candidurie parmi la population de l'etude..Mots-cles: multitherapie HAART , naifs , candidurie , CD4 + , Candida , prevalence

Measurement of overall insecticidal effects in experimental hut trials

BACKGROUND: The 'overall insecticidal effect' is a key measure used to evaluate public health pesticides for indoor use in experimental hut trials. It depends on the proportion of mosquitoes that are killed out of those that enter the treated hut, intrinsic mortality in the control hut, and the ratio of mosquitoes entering the treatment hut to those entering the control hut. This paper critically examines the way the effect is defined, and discusses how it can be used to infer effectiveness of intervention programmes. FINDINGS: The overall insecticidal effect, as defined by the World Health Organization in 2006, can be negative when deterrence from entering the treated hut is high, even if all mosquitoes that enter are killed, wrongly suggesting that the insecticide enhances mosquito survival. Also in the absence of deterrence, even if the insecticide kills all mosquitoes in the treatment hut, the insecticidal effect is less than 100%, unless intrinsic mortality is nil. A proposed alternative definition for the measurement of the overall insecticidal effect has the desirable range of 0 to 1 (100%), provided mortality among non-repelled mosquitoes in the treated hut is less than the corresponding mortality in the control hut. This definition can be built upon to formulate the coverage-dependent insecticidal effectiveness of an intervention programme. Coverage-dependent population protection against feeding can be formulated similarly. CONCLUSIONS: This paper shows that the 2006 recommended quantity for measuring the overall insecticidal effect is problematic, and proposes an alternative quantity with more desirable propertie

Comparative Field Evaluation of Combinations of Long-Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets and Indoor Residual Spraying, Relative to Either Method Alone, for Malaria Prevention in an Area where the main Vector is Anopheles Arabiensis.

Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) are commonly used together in the same households to improve malaria control despite inconsistent evidence on whether such combinations actually offer better protection than nets alone or IRS alone. Comparative tests were conducted using experimental huts fitted with LLINs, untreated nets, IRS plus untreated nets, or combinations of LLINs and IRS, in an area where Anopheles arabiensis is the predominant malaria vector species. Three LLIN types, Olyset®, PermaNet 2.0® and Icon Life® nets and three IRS treatments, pirimiphos-methyl, DDT, and lambda cyhalothrin, were used singly or in combinations. We compared, number of mosquitoes entering huts, proportion and number killed, proportions prevented from blood-feeding, time when mosquitoes exited the huts, and proportions caught exiting. The tests were done for four months in dry season and another six months in wet season, each time using new intact nets. All the net types, used with or without IRS, prevented >99% of indoor mosquito bites. Adding PermaNet 2.0® and Icon Life®, but not Olyset® nets into huts with any IRS increased mortality of malaria vectors relative to IRS alone. However, of all IRS treatments, only pirimiphos-methyl significantly increased vector mortality relative to LLINs alone, though this increase was modest. Overall, median mortality of An. arabiensis caught in huts with any of the treatments did not exceed 29%. No treatment reduced entry of the vectors into huts, except for marginal reductions due to PermaNet 2.0® nets and DDT. More than 95% of all mosquitoes were caught in exit traps rather than inside huts. Where the main malaria vector is An. arabiensis, adding IRS into houses with intact pyrethroid LLINs does not enhance house-hold level protection except where the IRS employs non-pyrethroid insecticides such as pirimiphos-methyl, which can confer modest enhancements. In contrast, adding intact bednets onto IRS enhances protection by preventing mosquito blood-feeding (even if the nets are non-insecticidal) and by slightly increasing mosquito mortality (in case of LLINs). The primary mode of action of intact LLINs against An. arabiensis is clearly bite prevention rather than insecticidal activity. Therefore, where resources are limited, priority should be to ensure that everyone at risk consistently uses LLINs and that the nets are regularly replaced before being excessively torn. Measures that maximize bite prevention (e.g. proper net sizes to effectively cover sleeping spaces, stronger net fibres that resist tears and burns and net use practices that preserve net longevity), should be emphasized