Use of absolute lymphocyte count or neutrophil ingestion rate of nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) as alternative index to CD4+T-cell count to initiate ART in the management of HIV/AIDS disease

The present study was designed to evaluate absolute lymphocyte count or neutrophil ingestion rate of NBT as alternative indices to CD4+ T cell count in the management of HIV/AIDS subjects. 158 adult participants (male = 70, female = 88) were recruited for the study and grouped as: (i) Symptomatic HIV subjects with or without malaria (ii) Asymptomatic HIV subjects (iii) HIV seronegative subjects with or without malaria. Blood samples taken from these participants were analyzed using standard procedures for absolute lymphocyte count, neutrophil ingestion rate of NBT and CD4+ T cell count. The result showed that the mean absolute lymphocyte and neutrophil ingestion rate of NBT were significantly reduced in both symptomatic and asymptomatic HIV subjects with or without malaria infection when compared to the control group. The CD4+ T cell count was significantly reduced in the two groups and positively correlated with the absolute lymphocyte count (r = 0.301, P<0.05, r = 0.403, P<0.05) and neutrophil ingestion rate of NBT (r = 0.116, P = 0.01, r = 0.359, P<0.01) with or without malaria infection respectively. This finding suggests that in resource limited settings, absolute lymphocyte count or neutrophil ingestion rate of NBT could be used as alternative to CD4 count to monitor or initiate ART where the later is not easily accessible especially in a malaria endemic area.Keywords: Absolute lymphocyte count, NBT, ART, CD4+ T-cell count, HI

A ReviewOf the Structural and Morphological Adaptations of Parasites for Parasitism

Nigerian Journal of Parasitology, Vol. 32 [2] September 2011, pp. 317-32

Prevalence of malaria and splenomegaly in children under 13 year in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria.

No Abstrac

Prevalence of malaria, genotype and haemoglobin concentrations on children aged 0-13 years in Awka South local government area, Anambra state, Nigeria

No Abstract

Prevalence of malaria and splenomegaly in children under 13 year in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria.

No Abstrac

Epidemiology and Distribution of Polio Induced Deformities in Okigwe South Local Government Area, Imo State, South-East Nigeria

Background: Poliomyelitis has remained endemic in Nigeria despite the efforts made by governments to eradicate the disease. The deformities arising from poliomyelitis (polio) make the establishment of rehabilitation centres a public health priority.Objective: To study the epidemiology, nature and distribution of polio induced deformities at the Prosthesis and Orthotics Rehabilitation Centre in Okigwe, Imo State, South-East Nigeria.Methodology: Two hundred and fifty case notes of polio deformed patients seen at the centre between 1986 and 1990 were studied. Simple statistical methods like percentages were used for data analysis.Results: Out of the 250 cases studied, 150 (60%) were males while 100 (40%) were females. The age group most commonly affected by deformities was 6-10 years (35.6%) while the least was 16-20years (11.2%). The joints most affected by polio deformities were the knee (38%), ankle (34%) and hip (28%). The nature of deformities include: fixed flexion at the hip (28%), equinus foot deformity (17.6%), frail foot deformity (16.4%), knee hyperextension (22.8%) and valgus deformity of the knee (15.2%).Conclusion: The study suggests that poliomyelitis is a major cause of musculoskeletal abnormality in the study area necessitating the use of orthotic devices in patients’ rehabilitation. The public health importance of this finding is discussed.Keywords: Deformities, endemic, paralysis, rehabilitation

Epidemiology of road traffic accidents in Owerri, Imo state, south east Nigeria

Objectives: This study was designed as a retrospective, descriptive epidemiological analysis of cases of road traffic accidents (RTA) in Owerri within a four-year period 2006-2009.Method and Materials: One hundred and ninety five case notes of RTA patients treated at Federal Medical Centre, Owerri were retrieved from the Medical Records department and relevant data were obtained. Simple statistical terms like mean, median, were used to analyze the result.Results: Out of the 195 cases of road traffic accidents, 140(71.8%) were males. The highest proportion of cases occurred in the age group 20-29 years with a mean age occurrence of 39.7+17.1 years. The highest occurrence was recorded on Saturdays (17.95%) and in the month of July (12.8%). The “ember” months of September to December recorded the highest single proportion of accident cases (42.1%). The lower limb was the most frequently affected body part while the neck was the least.Conclusion: The study suggests that road traffic Accident remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Owerri and young male individuals are at a higher risk than females and the elderly. The public health implication of this is discussed

Prognostic Values of Albumin and Iron in Symptomatic HIV/Malaria Co-infected subjects on ART in Nnewi, South Eastern Nigeria

This study was designed to assess the prognostic value of albumin and iron in symptomatic HIV subjects on ART with or without malaria infection. 150 participants (male, n=65, female, n=85) aged between 17 and 70 years were recruited for the study at the HIV clinic of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, Nigeria and grouped as Symptomatic HIV subjects (n=68) of which 33 had malaria co-infection; Symptomatic HIV subjects on ART (n=47) of which 28 had malaria infection; and HIV seronegative subjects (n=40) of which 20 had malaria infection. HIV and Plasmodium falciparum antigen screening, CD4+ count, packed cell volume, serum albumin and iron were determined using standard laboratory methods. The results showed that positive associations were observed between CD4+ count and PCV (r=0.347, P<0.05) in symptomatic HIV subjects on ART with or without malaria and between CD4 count and serum iron (r=0.487, P<0.05). Positive associations were also observed between CD4+ count and serum albumin (r=0.301, P<0.01) in the same group of subjects. The implication of these relationships is that as HIV/AIDS progressed, the CD4+ T cells become more depleted and biochemical parameters like serum albumin and iron become reduced due to reduced intake and reduced hepatic synthesis. The prognostic implication of this observation was discussed.Keywords: Albumin, iron deficiency, HIV, malaria, serum albuminNigerian Journal of Parasitology, Vol. 32 [1] March 2011, pp.11-1

Evaluation of prognostic value of albumin and iron in symptomatic hiv/malaria co-infected subjects on art in Nnewi, south eastern Nigeria

Background & objectives: This study was designed to assess the prognostic value of albumin and iron in symptomatic HIV subjects on ART with or without malaria infection.Methods: 150 participants (male, n=65, female, n=85) aged between 17 and 70 years were recruited for the study at the HIV clinic of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, Nigeria and grouped as Symptomatic HIV subjects (n=68) of which 33 had malaria co-infection; Symptomatic HIV subjects on ART (n=47) of which 28 had malaria infection; and HIV seronegative subjects (n=40) of which 20 had malaria infection. HIV and Plasmodium falciparum antigen screening, CD4+ count, packed cell volume, serum albumin and iron were determined using standard laboratory methods.Results: The results showed that positive associations were observed between CD4+ count and PCV (r=0.347, p<0.05) in symptomatic HIV subjects on ART with or without malaria and between CD4 count and serum iron (r=0.487, p<0.05). Positive associations were also observed between CD4+ count and serum albumin (r=0.301, p<0.01) in the same group of subjects.Conclusion: The implication of these relationships is that as HIV/AIDS progressed, the CD4+ T cells become more depleted and biochemical parameters like serum albumin and iron become reduced due to reduced intake and reduced hepatic synthesis. The prognostic implication of this observation is discussed

CD4+ T-cells count in HIV-malaria co-infection in adult population in Nnewi, South Eastern Nigeria

The study was designed to evaluate CD4+ T-cells count in subjects with HIV-malaria co-infection in Nnewi, South Eastern Nigeria and to assess the effects any changes in CD4+ counts has on the prevalence andor severity of both illness. Two hundred and eighty-five participants aged between 16 and 72 years were recruited for the study and grouped as symptomatic HIV subjects, asymptomatic HIV subjects, HIV/AIDSsubjects on ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) and HIV-seronegative subjects. HIV and malaria parasite screening, CD4+ T-cell count and parasite density were determined using standard laboratory methods. The result showed that the prevalence of malaria infection was 75% in symptomatic HIV, 46.7% in asymptomatic HIV and 59.6% in HIV/AIDS subjects on ART respectively as opposed to 26.9% observed in the control (