Distribution of HBs Antigenaemia in Pregnant Women-A Community Based Epidemiological Studies

Infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a serious public health problem worldwide and leads to a wide spectrum of clinical presentations, ranging from asymptomatic carrier state to acute self-limiting infection or fulminant hepatic failure, chronic hepatitis with progression to cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Transmission of HBV from carrier mothers to their babies can occur during the perinatal period, and appears to be the most important factor in determining the prevalence of infection in high endemic areas. Three hundred (300) sera samples were screened among pregnant women attending a rural ante-natal clinic, using standard ELISA and the 5-panel test methods to estimate the prevalence, Markers and identify risk factors associated with the infection. Structured questionnaire was administered to subjects to obtain risk factors associated with the Hepatitis B Virus. Result showed a prevalence of 38 (12.6%) among the pregnant women screned.Based on Age, subjects aged 20-24 recorded the highest prevalence of 14(4.7%) years, closely followed by those aged 15-19 with a prevalence of 10(3.3%) This Prevalence on age of subjects in this category was found to be statistically insignificant P>0.005. Subjects at the second trimester of pregnancy recorded a higher prevalence of 34(11.3).P>0.005Seroloical markers showed; 28 (9.3%), 35 (11.6%), 5 (1.7%), 33(11.0%) and 20(6.7) for HBsAg, Anti HBs, HBeAg, Anti HBe and Anti HBc respectively (P< 0.005)}. The findings showed a high prevalence of HBV infection among pregnant women. Screening of women in this category therefore would help in the early detection of HBsAg and possible prevention of neonatal transmission; hence the need for routine antenatal screening of all pregnant women. Keywords: Screening, HBsAg, Hepatitis B markers, Pregnancy

Detection of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) antibodies among HIV Seropositive women attending a Rehabilitation centre.

Co-infection with human immunodeficiency Virus HIV and (HCV) is becoming a major global problem, leading to increased morbidity and mortality in both developed and developing countries. This research hence examines the risk factors and transmission of HIV and HCV co-infection. Two hundred and ninety (290) subjects were screened, with HCV global immunochromatographic test kit. Possible risk factors to co-infectious status of subject were determined using a well-structured questionnaire. Out of the 290 sera tested, 25 (8.6%) were positive for HCV antibodies. Considering Age of subjects screened, females aged 11-20 years recorded a high positivity of 3.1 %,( X2 = 2.755, P-value = 0.839; P>0.05).Marital status of subjects showed that single subjects recorded 13(4.5%), (X2 = 0.679,P-value = 0.712 ; P > 0.05)positivity compared to married subjects with 4.1%. There were no significant correlations between HCV infection with Age and Marital Status; P - values = 0.839 and 0.712 respectively (i.e P > 0.05). Significant correlation was found between HCV antibodies and educational status, (Value x2 = 7.957,P-value = 0.047; P < 0.05).However, Volunteers with secondary school level of education recorded 10(3.4%) positivity. The result obtained showed that Seroprevalence to HCV antibodies in this study was high, hence the need for its early diagnosis among HIV patients is strongly advocated to reduce the risk of further complications among these subjects

Distribution of HBs Antigenaemia in Pregnant Women-A Community Based Epidemiological Studies

Infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a serious public health problem worldwide and leads to a wide spectrum of clinical presentations, ranging from asymptomatic carrier state to acute self-limiting infection or fulminant hepatic failure, chronic hepatitis with progression to cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Transmission of HBV from carrier mothers to their babies can occur during the perinatal period, and appears to be the most important factor in determining the prevalence of infection in high endemic areas. Three hundred (300) sera samples were screened among pregnant women attending a rural ante-natal clinic, using standard ELISA and the 5-panel test methods to estimate the prevalence, Markers and identify risk factors associated with the infection. Structured questionnaire was administered to subjects to obtain risk factors associated with the Hepatitis B Virus. Result showed a prevalence of 38 (12.6%) among the pregnant women screned.Based on Age, subjects aged 20-24 recorded the highest prevalence of 14(4.7%) years, closely followed by those aged 15-19 with a prevalence of 10(3.3%) This Prevalence on age of subjects in this category was found to be statistically insignificant P>0.005. Subjects at the second trimester of pregnancy recorded a higher prevalence of 34(11.3).P>0.005Seroloical markers showed; 28 (9.3%), 35 (11.6%), 5 (1.7%), 33(11.0%) and 20(6.7) for HBsAg, Anti HBs, HBeAg, Anti HBe and Anti HBc respectively (P< 0.005)}. The findings showed a high prevalence of HBV infection among pregnant women. Screening of women in this category therefore would help in the early detection of HBsAg and possible prevention of neonatal transmission; hence the need for routine antenatal screening of all pregnant women

Changes in some haematological parameters in typhoid fever patients attending Landmark University Medical Center, Omuaran-Nigeria

Background: Typhoid or enteric fever is caused by Salmonella typhi. It is largely a disease of developing nations due to poor standard of hygiene and unavailability of potable water. The most prominent feature of the infection is fever which gradually rises to a high plateau. The prevalence of typhoid fever has been on the increase which is associated with several hematological parameters. Objectives: This study was carried out to determine the changes in various hematological parameters in our study subjects. Method: Four Hundred- (400) samples were obtained from volunteer subjects visiting the outpatient department of the Landmark University Medical Center. 200 typhoid positive samples were collected from subjects while 200 typhoid negative blood samples served as controls (From both male and female subjects each). Widal test was carried out as a confirmatory test for typhoid fever and evaluation of the hematological parameters were per- formed. The hematological parameters considered includes Packed Cell Volume (PCV), White Blood Cell count (WBC), Platelet count (PLT), Lymphocyte (LYMP) their implications on both male and female typhoid fever patients were also determined. Results: The result showed a significant reduction in the values for PCV, WBC, ESR and HAE concentration in typhoid positive males in comparison to typhoid negative males. In females, a significant decrease was observed in values for PCV, ESR, HAE concentration and PLT in typhoid positive females when compared to typhoid negative females. These parameters when compared showed a significant decrease recorded in PCV, ESR and HAE concentration of the typhoid positive male patients in comparison to typhoid positive female patients. Conclusion: This study implies that anemia, bone marrow suppression and hemaphagocytosis are likely resulting factors of typhoid fever due to the changes in the hematological parameters. Therefore, these parameters have to be further studied to allow for efficient management of this illness

Studies on the prevalence of Hepatitis C virus infection in diabetic patients attending a tertiary health-care facility South-west Nigeria

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are two major public health problems associated with increasing complications and mortality rates worldwide. The objective of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in diabetic patients and to investigate the influence of several epidemiological and clinical factors on HCV infection. Method: A total number of one hundred and eighty diabetic patients were recruited for this study. Consented subjects made up of 71(39.4%) males and 109(60.56%) females were recruited for the study. While one-Hundred (100) Non-Diabetics (Controls) were also recruited for the study. Structured questionnaires were administered to the consented participants to obtain relevant data. Sera samples were assayed for antibodies to HCV using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [Inteco Diagnostic Limited]. ELISA technique. Result: Overall prevalence of HCV infection among diabetes patients assayed was 13.3% out of which 8(11.3%) was obtained from the male subjects compared to 16 (14.7%) seropositivity recorded among the females (P = 0.511; P > 0.05). Considering age distribution, Subjects aged 41–50 years recorded, 9 (22.5%) positivity (P = 0.238; P > 0.05).Considering educational status of subjects screened, 22 (14.9%) positivity was rescored among subjects who have attained tertiary status of education.(P = 0.574;P > 0.05).Risk factors considered showed that, 7 (18.9%) seropositive subject were alcoholic consumers(P value = 0.2621;P > 0.05) while 5 (8.9%) recorded history of sharing sharp objects P = 0.2427;P > 0.05). Conclusion: Our study shows a slightly higher prevalence of hepatitis C infection in type 2 diabetics. This call for urgent routine screening exercise among diabetic patients for HCV infection. This study also emphasizes the need for public enlightenment on the association between HCV infection and T2DM, to avert possible complications among diabetic patients