PREVALENCE OF URINARY SCHISTOSOMIASIS IN PART OF OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

The current study is to apply molecular techniques in producing data on the prevalence of urinary Schistosomiasis in parts of Ogun state, Nigeria. This study evaluated the prevalence of S. haematobium in urine samples collected from 250 primary school pupils in 8 communities of 8 local government areas (LGAs). The number of pupils selected are 48 from Ijebu Ogbere ((Ijebu East LGA), 20 from Fidiwo (Obafemi Owode LGA), 40 from Sabo (Shagamu LGA), 22 from Iweke (Yewa South LGA), 20 from Ketu/Adiowe (Ado Odo/Ota LGA), 36 from Abule-titun (Odeda LGA), 24 from Itori (Ewekoro LGA) and 40 from Ijoun (Yewa North LGA) of Ogun State, Nigeria Urine samples from 250 pupils were screened for Schistosomiasis using haematuria and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of schistosoma Dra1repeat. Heamaturia revealed 28.8% prevalence rate among the pupils while PCR showed 45.6%. Results revealed a cumulative prevalence of 29% and 46% S. haematobium infection in the pupils as detected by haematuria and PCR techniques respectively. Ijebu Ogbere recorded the highest prevalence of 83.0% and 64.5% PCR and haematuria respectively. This was followed by Abule titun (66.6%) and (33.3%), Ijoun (55%) and (27.5%), Shagamu (35%) and (25.0%), Iweke (27.2%) and (13.6%), Itori (25%) and (16.6%) and Fidiwo recorded the least prevalence of 10% and 5.0% respectively. The mean prevalence of schistosomiasis for PCR and haematuria dip stick were 37.7% and 23.2% respectively.  The proportion of males infected using haematuria were 16% when compared to females 13%, whereas the ratio by PCR was males (22%) and females (23%). There was a high prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium infection among the participants. PCR was able to detect infection in cases otherwise shown to be negative by haematuria, thereby making possible for all the infected participants to receive treatment. Key Words:PCR-RFLP;  Urinary schistosomiasis; Prevalence; Pupils; Ijebu east;

IMPACT OF ENLIGHTENMENT AND MONITORING ON THE USE OF LONG LASTING INSECTICIDE NETS FOR MALARIA PREVENTION AMONG CHILDREN UNDER FIVE YEARS IN A RURAL COMMUNITY IN ABEOKUTA, NIGERIA

The female Anopheles mosquito is the vector for human malaria and bites man mostly from 5pm to 7am, with maximum intensity between 10pm and 4am. This provides the basis for the use of Long Lasting Insecticide Nets (LLIN). A study to assess the impact of enlightenment, advocacy and monitoring on LLIN use for children under five years was conducted in Olugbo. A total of two hundred (200) children under five years were recruited into the study. Ethical clearance was received from the Ogun State Ministry of Health. Pre-tested questionnaires were administered to the respondents and blood samples were collected for malaria test before and after provision(Pre and Post intervention) of LLIN. The blood samples were analyzed at the laboratory using the QBC Malaria Test and ParaLens system. The subjects were divided into two groups of study (group that received LLIN, enlightenment on the importance of LLIN and assisted with LLIN hanging) and Control (group that merely received the LLIN without enlightenment or assistance). The subjects in the study group were monitored between 1600hrs to 2000hrs thrice a week. The pre intervention study result shows that the prevalence of malaria infection was 70% and 56% amongst the study and Control group respectively. The post intervention blood samples screening reveals that the prevalence of infection in the study group was 13% with low parasite density. In the Control group, however, the prevalence of infection was 60% and 38.33% of those infected had high parasite density. There is a significant difference (P<0.05) in malaria parasitaemia between both groups post intervention. This study shows that distribution of LLINs alone is not sufficient to reduce malaria morbidity and recommends that enlightenment and assistance with hanging of LLINs should form an integral part of mass distribution of LLINs by government and donor agencies

Population dynamics of indoor sampled mosquitoes and their implication in disease transmission in Abeokuta, south-western Nigeria

Background & objectives: A longitudinal study was carried out to investigate the speciescomposition, seasonal abundance, parity and feeding preference of indoor sampled mosquitoes inAbeokuta, south-western Nigeria.Methods: The mosquitoes were sampled weekly from five stratified locations using Center forDisease Control (CDC) light-traps between August 2005 and July 2006. The mosquitoes wereexamined for abdominal condition and dissected for age composition. Microscopic and precipitintechniques were also employed for the determination of host blood source.Results: A total of 2969 mosquitoes which belong to 10 species of mosquitoes were collectedduring the study period. Mansonia africana (35.65%) constituted the most abundant species followedby Culex quinquefasciatus (32.23%) and Anopheles gambiae complex (13.52%). Other species indecreasing order of abundance were Coquilletidia maculipennis (8.2%), Aedes albopictus (5.9%),Ae. aegypti (1.93%), M. uniformis (1.81%), Cx. duttoni (0.25%), Cx. tigripes (0.25%) and An.funestus (0.25%). Seasonal abundance revealed a significant difference (p <0.05) in the populationof mosquito vectors collected during the wet season as compared to the dry season and theirabundance was positively correlated with rainfall. The results showed that the majority of thevector species collected were unfed and nulliparous. Moreover, the blood meal test was positive forhuman blood.Conclusion: The preponderance of mosquitoes observed in the study is of public health concernsince they serve as vectors of most tropical diseases including malari

HIGH-DIMENSIONAL JOINT MODEL FOR LONGITUDINAL BINARY OUTCOME

Binary outcomes are often collected in clinical and epidemiological studies to investigate the evolution of some outcomes over time. In studies with two or more binary outcomes, research questions often revolve around the joint evolution of the binary outcomes over time. However, independently modelling the evolution of each outcome variable ignores the correlation among the variables. Although generalized mixed models have been proposed to model the joint evolution of binary outcome variables over time, the estimation of the corresponding regression coefficients and covariance parameters may be computationally difficult as the number of outcome variables increases. In this study, we investigate the use of a pairwise generalized mixed models approach based pseudo-likelihood theory, in which all possible bivariate models are fitted, to estimate the parameters of a multivariate longitudinal binary data and compared it with univariate models.  This methodology is illustrated using data from a longitudinal study of the prevalence of four ailments in 200 children in the south-western part of Nigeria. This methodology is shown to be computationally easy and beneficial over the conventional multivariate generalized mixed-model methods. It is also advantageous over univariate generalized mixed-effects models as it incorporates the modeling. This research provides applied researchers with alternative tools to investigate the joint evolution of binary outcomes over time.Â

PCR-Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) genes sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of clinical and environmental Aspergillus species associated with HIV-TB co infected patients in a hospital in Abeokuta, southwestern Nigeria

Background: Aspergillosis has been identified as one of the hospital acquired infections but the contribution of water and inhouse air as possible sources of Aspergillus infection in immunocompromised individuals like HIV-TB patients have not been studied in any hospital setting in Nigeria.Objective: To identify and investigate genetic relationship between clinical and environmental Aspergillus sp. associated with HIV-TB co infected patients.Methods: DNA extraction, purification, amplification and sequencing of Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) genes were performed using standard protocols. Similarity search using BLAST on NCBI was used for species identification and MEGA 5.0 was used for phylogenetic analysis.Results: Analyses of sequenced ITS genes of selected fourteen (14) Aspergillus isolates identified in the GenBank database revealed Aspergillus niger (28.57%), A. tubingensis (7.14%), A. flavus (7.14%) and A. fumigatus (57.14%). Aspergillus in sputum of HIV patients were Aspergillus niger, A. fumigatus, A. tubingensis and A. flavus. Also, A. niger and A. fumigatus were identified from water and open-air. Phylogenetic analysis of sequences yielded genetic relatedness between clinical and environmental isolates.Conclusion: Water and air in health care settings in Nigeria are important sources of Aspergillus sp. for HIV-TB patients.Keywords: Internal transcribed spacer genes, phylogenetic, genetic relationship, clinical and environmental fungi, HIV-T

Assessment Of HIV And Malaria Infections And Perception Among Antenatal Women In Ogun State, Nigeria

Four hundred pregnant women selected from four Local Government Areas (LGAs) representing urban (Abeokuta South LGA and Abeokuta North LGA) and semi-urban (Obafemi/Owode LGA and Odeda LGA) of Ogun State, were enrolled for study on the evaluation of HIV and malaria infections and perception among antenatal women. Malaria parasite test using Giemsa staining techniques for detection of Plasmodium falciparum was employed, while the one-step anti-HIV 1 and 2 Pock Test kit was also adopted for the determination of HIV status/prevalence. Structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on the knowledge and perception of the infections among the women under study.&nbsp; The overall malaria prevalence across the study area was 53.5% (Abeokuta South (49%), Abeokuta North (52%), Obafemi/Owode (50%) and Odeda (63%). Abeokuta South had mean parasitaemia intensity for P. falciparum of 2.5 parasites per microlitre blood of infected respondents; others are Abeokuta North (2.0), Obafemi/Owode (1.6) and Odeda (2.1).&nbsp; The overall mean parasite density per infected respondent was 2.0.&nbsp; The HIV prevalence from the study was 3.5% (Abeokuta South (2%), Abeokuta North (5%) Obafemi/Owode (5%) and Odeda (2%)). Demographic data showed that the women were of different age groups, educational qualifications and gravid status.&nbsp; Malaria parasite was more prevalent among the age group 21-25yrs (26%), while HIV prevalence was distributed across the age groups. Women with secondary school education had higher prevalence of malaria and HIV when compared with the other educational levels.&nbsp; On the knowledge and perception of the infections, 63% and 43.8% of the women attribute malaria and HIV infections to mosquito bites and sexual intercourse respectively.&nbsp; Antenatal clinic attendance among respondents was high with 79% attending regularly. In the treatment of malaria, chloroquine was considered as the drug of choice. Interaction with HIV positive women showed that 70.6% of them are on antiretroviral drugs (ARV) with 45% of respondents claiming that ARV drugs are expensive. There is the need for a sustainable control programme to monitor malaria infection and its interaction with HIV, thereby reducing burden of disease and attendant high cost of treatment. &nbsp

RANDOM AMPLIFIED POLYMORHIC DNA TYPING OF MULTIDRUG-RESISTANT CLINICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL Pseudomonas aeruginosa STRAINS FROM ABEOKUTA, NIGERIA.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a multidrug-resistant organism is responsible for most opportunistic infections. Genetic relatedness between clinical and environmental strains has always been limited to hospital settings.ª¤? This study utilized RAPD-PCR typing method to evaluate genetic relatedness between multidrug-resistantª¤? P. aeruginosa strains from diverse water samples (bottled water, tap water, sachet water, well water, hospital storage tank, and swimming pool water) and clinical strains (wound, blood, urine, eye and ear swab) collected from different locations in Abeokuta, Nigeria.ª¤?ª¤?ª¤? Polymorphic DNA bands with sizes ranging between 250 and 3000bp were generated from both clinical and environmental strains.ª¤? Within each population, both clinical and environmental strains were divided phylogenetically into two groups of Pc1 and Pc2 at 55% and Ps1 and Ps2 at 70% respectively.ª¤?ª¤?ª¤? Genetic similarities between clinical and environmental strains yielded a total of 7 unique fingerprints.ª¤?ª¤? Cluster 2 (51.2%) had the largest number of strains in which strains from wound, blood and ear, clustered with strains from hospital storage tank, tap water, swimming pool water, sachet water and well water.ª¤? ª¤?ª¤?These fingerprints proof genetic relatedness between clinical and environmental strains in Abeokuta, southwest Nigeria which is of public health significance, particularly, for immunocompromisedª¤?individuals.ª¤?ª¤

CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY OF EFFICACY OF ALBENDAZOLE IN THE TREATMENT OF SOIL HELMINTHES INFECTED SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN IN PARTS OF ODEDA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

This study assessed the efficacy and safety of albendazole (ALB) amongst soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infected school aged children (SAC) cross-section ally in Odeda Local Government Area (LGA), Ogun State, Nigeria. Consented 485 pupils between the ages of 5 – 16 years were examined for STH infections using the Kato-katz technique at baseline. All consented SAC were treated to a single dose (400mg) of ALB. Closeended questionnaires on safety of ALB administered to SAC, 24 hours after ingestion. Stool samples werecollected at 3-weeks post treatment to re-examine for Egg Reduction Rate (ERR) and Cure Rate (CR). The results were analyzed using SPSS version 20 with Chi-square set at p = 0.05 to compare relationship between demography factors and prevalence. Of the 485 pupils, an overall prevalence of 138(28.5%) were found to be infected with various species of STH infections.&nbsp

RISK SURVEILLANCE OF MULTIDRUG RESISTANT PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA IN WATER AND PLASMID RELATEDNESS WITH CLINICAL STRAINS IN ABEOKUTA, SOUTHWEST NIGERIA

Pseudomonas aeruginosa as an opportunistic pathogen has been a subject of investigation due its intrinsic drug resistance.ª¤?ª¤? Its frequent presence in drinking, domestic and recreational water highlights its significance to public health.ª¤?ª¤? This study was aimed at risk surveillance of multidrug resistant environmental P. aeruginosa in water and their plasmid relatedness with clinical strains in Abeokuta, southwestern Nigeria.ª¤?ª¤? A total of forty-one (41) strains with prevalence: well water (29.3%); swimming pool (22.0%) hospital storage tank (19.5%); tap water (14.6%); sachet water (12.2%); and bottled water (2.4%) respectively were isolated from two hundred and eighty eight (288) water samples and were compared with 43 clinical strains from wound (37.3%), blood (11.6%), ear swab (20.9%)ª¤? and urine (20.9%)ª¤? and eye swab (9.3%).ª¤?ª¤?ª¤?ª¤? Both environmental and clinical strains were all multidrug resistant, though with different plasmid profile.ª¤? Plasmid with molecular weight size of 2010bp was detected in only 1 (2.5%) out of the 41 environmental strains as against 9 (20.93%) of the 43 clinical strains having between 22520-23130bp molecular weight.ª¤? All strains harboring plasmid were resistant to varied types of more than seven drugs out of the eleven tested (gentamycin 10ª¤?g, erythromycin 15ª¤?g, ampicillin 10ª¤?g, augmentin 10ª¤?g, cotrimoxazole 25ª¤?g, tetracycline 30ª¤?g, streptomycin 10ª¤?g, ciprofloxacin 5ª¤?g, cloxacillin 5ª¤?g, amoxicillin 25ª¤?g, and cefuroxime 30ª¤?g). ª¤?Strains without plasmid were also multidrug resistant.ª¤? This finding would be important in the control of multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in Nigeria

Urinary schistosomiasis among preschool children in a rural community near Abeokuta, Nigeria

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The control of schistosomiasis in Nigeria is mainly by mass treatment with praziquantel through the school system, with an absence of any provision for pre-school children. We therefore determined the prevalence and intensity of urinary schistosomiasis in pre-school children between the ages of 1-6 years in Ilewo-Orile a rural and endemic community, near Abeokuta, Nigeria as part of providing information on the neglected tropical diseases among this age group. Two urine samples were collected from each pre-school child. The samples were tested for microhaematuria using reagent strips and then processed and examined with a microscope for <it>Schistosoma haematobium </it>ova.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Of the 167 children examined 97 (58.1%) had infection, with no significant difference (P = 0.809) in infection rates between boys (57.1%) and girls (59.2%). Both prevalence and intensity of infection did not increase significantly with age (P = 0.732). The overall geometric mean egg count was 1.17 eggs/10 ml urine. There was no significant association (<it>P </it>= 0.387) between intensity in boys (1.16 eggs/10 ml urine) and girls (1.19 eggs/10 ml urine). 47.4% of the children had microhaematuria which did not increase significantly with age (P = 0.526). Focus group discussions with guardians and caregivers revealed that infection of pre-school children early in life was due to exposures through bathing in the stream by their mothers, while the older children would visit the stream for washing, fetching of water, bathing and swimming.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Community participatory health education is needed in this community as a first step in reducing infection and transmission of the disease, while the rehabilitation and repair of the existing water borehole system in the community should be effected. The results of this study have shown that pre-school children also harbour infection and are a source of transmission of schistosomiasis in endemic communities. Planning and provision for their treatment should be considered in control programmes.</p