Incidence of hepatitis B and C viruses among the scavengers in Kwara State, Nigeria

Background:  Poor economic situations in developing nations had made scavenging a mean of livelihood for millions of youth and women across the globe. Lack of proper source segregation of wastes in developing countries has increased the potential for the transmission of pathogens like hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Objectives. This study aimed to assess the potential risk in waste scavenging work and seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses and its relationship with wastes scavenging among wastes scavengers in Kwara State. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the scavengers working for major scrap dealers in the three senatorial districts of Kwara State. Consequently, to accomplish the objectives, both primary and secondary data sources were used. The primary data were collected via questionnaires, interviews, blood test and field observations. Whereas the secondary data were extracted from different published and unpublished materials. Two hundred fourty (240) respondents were administered with questionnaires and undergone hepatitis surface antigen test for both hepatitis B and C in nine of the sixteen local government area in the state. The data were analyzed using statistical package for social science (SPSS version 23) for descriptive and inferential at 5% level of significance. The prevalence of an HBV and HCV infection biological markers (HBsAg and HCsAg) (hepatitis B surface antigen and anti HCV antibodies) and their associations with exposure to bio-medical waste, socio-demographic factors, and history of occupational injuries was examined.  Results. The seroprevalence of HBV and HCV infection among the scavengers were found to be 8.3% and 5% respectively indicating that scavengers are at risk of HBV and HCV infection. Conclusions. It was discovered that there are incidences of hepatitis B and C virus co-infection among scavengers. Also, awareness and compliance to the usage of  personal protective equipment (PPE) was found to be an important factor for protection scavengers against the virus. Therefore, vaccination against HBV, enforcement of usage of PPE, good hygiene practices, regular trainings on occupational safety, proper monitoring by regulatory agency and inclusion of scavengers in mandatory health insurance scheme will help to control risk of HBV and HCV infection among scavengers

Bacteriology Quality of Zobo Drinks Consumed in Some Parts of Osun State, Nigeria

The bacteriology of Zobo drink prepared and sold at nine market; Alamisi market, Ikirun; Oluode market, Osogbo; Oja obi market, Ila-Orangun, Ede;Sabo market, Ile-ife; Ilesha market, Owena market; Timi market; Orile owu market, Ikire market in Osun state Nigeria were assessed. Zobo drinks were purchased from these markets on twelve different occasions for a period of six month. The samples were bacteriologically analyzed using standard methods. All the screened drink samples had varying levels of bacterial contamination ranging from 1.2 x 102 to 1.2 x 106 CFU/ml for a total viable count. 58.3% of the total sampled drinks (n=108) i.e (63/108) had bacterial count above the acceptable limit < 104CFU/ml. While all the drinks sampled had total coliform count exceeding the recommended safe level of zero organisms detectable per 100ml. seven bacteria species were isolated from the zobo drinks sampled. The bacteria isolated were E. coli , Bacillus species, S. aureus , S. faecalis , proteus species, Enterobacter species, and Klebsiella species. E coli, Bacillus species, Enterobacter species and S aureus were isolated from all the samples. The present finding revealed that zobo drinks retailed and sold in these markets are potential vehicles for transmitting food borne illness, thus the need to develop Good Manufacturing Process (GMP) and Post Production Preservation and Packaging technique. \ua9 JASE

Bacteriology Quality of Zobo Drinks Consumed in Some Parts of Osun State, Nigeria

The bacteriology of Zobo drink prepared and sold at nine market; Alamisi market, Ikirun; Oluode market, Osogbo; Oja obi market, Ila-Orangun, Ede;Sabo market, Ile-ife; Ilesha market, Owena market; Timi market; Orile owu market, Ikire market in Osun state Nigeria were assessed. Zobo drinks were purchased from these markets on twelve different occasions for a period of six month. The samples were bacteriologically analyzed using standard methods. All the screened drink samples had varying levels of bacterial contamination ranging from 1.2 x 102 to 1.2 x 106 CFU/ml for a total viable count. 58.3% of the total sampled drinks (n=108) i.e (63/108) had bacterial count above the acceptable limit < 104CFU/ml. While all the drinks sampled had total coliform count exceeding the recommended safe level of zero organisms detectable per 100ml. seven bacteria species were isolated from the zobo drinks sampled. The bacteria isolated were E. coli , Bacillus species, S. aureus , S. faecalis , proteus species, Enterobacter species, and Klebsiella species. E coli, Bacillus species, Enterobacter species and S aureus were isolated from all the samples. The present finding revealed that zobo drinks retailed and sold in these markets are potential vehicles for transmitting food borne illness, thus the need to develop Good Manufacturing Process (GMP) and Post Production Preservation and Packaging technique. © JASE

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination modelling for safe surgery to save lives: data from an international prospective cohort study

Background: Preoperative SARS-CoV-2 vaccination could support safer elective surgery. Vaccine numbers are limited so this study aimed to inform their prioritization by modelling. Methods: The primary outcome was the number needed to vaccinate (NNV) to prevent one COVID-19-related death in 1 year. NNVs were based on postoperative SARS-CoV-2 rates and mortality in an international cohort study (surgical patients), and community SARS-CoV-2 incidence and case fatality data (general population). NNV estimates were stratified by age (18-49, 50-69, 70 or more years) and type of surgery. Best- and worst-case scenarios were used to describe uncertainty. Results: NNVs were more favourable in surgical patients than the general population. The most favourable NNVs were in patients aged 70 years or more needing cancer surgery (351; best case 196, worst case 816) or non-cancer surgery (733; best case 407, worst case 1664). Both exceeded the NNV in the general population (1840; best case 1196, worst case 3066). NNVs for surgical patients remained favourable at a range of SARS-CoV-2 incidence rates in sensitivity analysis modelling. Globally, prioritizing preoperative vaccination of patients needing elective surgery ahead of the general population could prevent an additional 58 687 (best case 115 007, worst case 20 177) COVID-19-related deaths in 1 year. Conclusion: As global roll out of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination proceeds, patients needing elective surgery should be prioritized ahead of the general population