Intestinal Parasitism, Potable Water Availability and Methods of Sewage Disposal in Three Communities in Benue State, Nigeria: A Survey

Background: To assess the level of parasite burden in a village community and the predisposing factors. Methods: Two hundred subjects each were recruited from three communities- Tyogbenda, Jato-Aka and Adikpo during an episode of free medical outreach. A simple random sampling method was adopted and a questionnaire was interviewer administered on relevant aspects of basic hygiene such as- sources of water supply, methods of domestic sewage disposal and frequency of hand washing. Stool samples were collected and tested and findings analysed using appropriate statistical methods, p values < 0.05 were considered significant. Results: The prevalence of intestinal parasites in Tyogbenda, Jato-Aka and Adikpo communities was found to be 71.5%, 65.5% and 40.5% respectively. Ascaris lumbricoides was the commonest parasite in the three centres (34.5%, 28.5% and 19.0% respectively for Tyogbenda, Jato-Aka and Adikpo communities). Other parasites identified were- Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba coli, Hookworm, Enterobius vermicularis, Strongyloides stercoralis, Schistosoma mansoni and Trichuris trichura. Multiple parasitic infestation was common in the communities where quality of water supply and methods of sewage disposal facilities were below standard. Conclusion: The prevalence of intestinal parasitism is still high in Nigerian rural communities. The present resolve by the federal ministry of water resources to supply potable water to all Nigerian rural communities should be sustained. Furthermore, a health education program should be properly constituted and integrated into the present primary health care policy for the country.Introduction: Evaluer le niveau du fardeau du parasite dans une communaut\ue9 villageoise et des facteurs pr\ue9disposants. M\ue9thodes: Deux cents sujets, individuellement r\ue9cruit\ue9s venant de trois communaut\ue9s : Tyogbenda, Jato-Aka et Adikpo pendant l'\ue9pisode d'une activit\ue9 gratuite et m\ue9dicale visant \ue0 encourager les gens \ue0 profiter des avantages sociaux. Une m\ue9thode simple d'\ue9chantillon au hasard \ue9tait adopt\ue9e et un questinnaire \ue9tait administr\ue9 sur des aspects pertinents d'hygi\ue8ne du base tels que des sources d'alimentation en eau, m\ue9thodes domestique du traitement des ordures, et la fr\ue9quence de se laver les mains. On a fait un pr\ue9levement des f\ue8ces et \ue9tudies et des r\ue9sultats analys\ue9s \ue0 travers l'utilisation des m\ue9thodes statistique ad\ue9quates. P. Valeurs < O, 05 \ue9tait consid\ue9re important. R\ue9sultats: La fr\ue9quence des parasites intestinaux dans les communaut\ue9s Tyogbenda, Jato-Aka et Adokpo \ue9tait not\ue9e d'\ueatre 71,5%, 65,5% et 40,5% respectivement. Ascaris lumbricoides \ue9tait le parasite le plus ordinaire dans les trois centres (34,5%, 28,5% et 19,0% respectivement pour des communaut\ue9s Tyogbenda, Jato-Aka et Adkpo. Des autres parasites identifi\ue9s sont : Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba cole, Hookworm, Enterobius vermicularis, strongyloides stercoralis schistosome mansoni et trichuris trichura. Infestation parasitique multiple \ue9tait ordinaire dans des communat\ue9s o\uf9 la qualit\ue9 des am\ue9nagements d'alimentation en eau et m\ue9thodes de traitement des ordures sont inf\ue9rieur. Conclusion: La fr\ue9quence du parasitisme intestinal est encore \ue9lev\ue9 dans des communaut\ue9s rurales nig\ue9rianes. La d\ue9cision actuelle du Minist\ue8re F\ue9d\ue9ral des ressources de l'eau de fournir de l'eau buvable dans toutes les communaut\ue9s rurales nig\ue9rianes devrait \ueatre soutenue. Par ailleurs, un programme sur le renseignement m\ue9dical devrait \ueatre clairement cr\ue9\ue9 et intergr\ue9 dans la politique des soins m\ue9dical primaire actuels pour le pays

Parasitic Contamination of Vegetables in Jos, Nigeria

Background: Intestinal parasites are very common in developing countries including Nigeria. There are diverse ways of their transmission; the study attempts to determine the level of intestinal parasitic contamination on vegetables sold in Jos. Methods: Sample of 200 each of Tomatoes (Lycopersium sativus), Letus (Loctus satival) Carrot (Davcus carota L) Cabbage (Brassica Denceal) and Green leafy vegetables were analyzed using standardized Centrifugal-floatation technique methods. Results: Of the 1250 samples of vegetables examined, 450 (36.0%) were positive for intestinal parasites, cabbage recorded the highest prevalence of 64% while tomatoes had the least prevalence of 20%. Conclusion: Vegetables in Jos are heavily contaminated with intestinal parasites and there is need for public enlightenment campaign on the danger of consuming inadequately washed and prepared vegetables.Contexte: Les parasites intestinaux sont tr\ue8s communs dans les pays en voie de d\ue9veloppement y compris le Nig\ue9ria. Il y a diff\ue9rents moyens de transmission; le but de cette \ue9tude est de d\ue9terminer le niveau de contamination intestinale des parasites \ue0 partir des l\ue9gumes vendus \ue0 Jos. M\ue9thode: 200 \ue9chantillons de chaque l\ue9gume \ue0 savoir: les tomates (lycopersium saticus), la laitue (Loctus satival), les carrottes (Davcus carota L), les choux (Brassica Denceal) et les l\ue9gumes verts furent analys\ue9s gr\ue2ce \ue0 l'utilisation des m\ue9thodes standardis\ue9es Centrifugal-floatation. R\ue9sultats : Des 1250 \ue9chantillons de l\ue9gumes examin\ue9s, 450 (36%) \ue9taient positifs en parasites intestinaux, la choux a r\ue9v\ue9l\ue9 la fr\ue9quence la plus haute avec 64% contamination tandis que la tomate a r\ue9v\ue9l\ue9e la fr\ue9quence la plus faible avec 20% de contamination. Conclusion: Les l\ue9gumes \ue0 Jos sont hautement contamin\ue9es par des parasites intestinaux et il y a besoin de sensibiliser le public sur le danger de leur consommation dans le cas ou ces l\ue9gumes ne sont pas bien lav\ue9s ou bien cuits

Maternal genital tract colonization and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of Streptococcus agalactiae: - a modality for intrapartum prophylactic treatment in jos

Background: Group B Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) has been established as a normal flora of the gastrointestinal tract from where it continually colonizes the vagina and serves as a potential cause of neonatal infections. This necessitated this study to determine the carriage rate among pregnant women.Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the anogenital colonization and antibiotic susceptibility of Streptococcus agalactiae isolates from women receiving health care at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH).Materials and Methodology: This was a hospital based descriptive cross-sectional study of 200 pregnant women and 100 non-pregnant women attending antenatal clinic (ANC) and Gynaecology clinic at the Jos University Teaching Hospital respectively, between July 2017 and November 2017. High vaginal and anorectal swabs were collected from the subjects. The specimens were cultured and antibiotic susceptibility testing of the GBS isolates determined. The results obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 21.Results: The age range (standard deviation) of the pregnant women was between19-48(±7.2) years with an average age of 31.2 years. The overall prevalence rate of GBS among the study participants was 6.3%. Pregnant and non-pregnant women were positive in 6.5% and 6.0% respectively.The highest colonization rate was found in the maternal age-group 16-20years (11.1%), followed by age-group>40years (10.0%). Low colonization rate of 2.2% was observed among maternal age group 36-40years.Of the 100 non-pregnant women recruited as control for this study, they had age range of 16 years to 48 years with a mean age of 33.4 years (SD ± 6.1). Approximately, 6.0% of the 100 non-pregnant women enrolled were cultured positive for GBS colonization. There was no statistically significance between GBS colonization between the pregnant and non-pregnant women. All the Isolates were sensitivity to penicillin, erythromycin, and clindamycin while 5.3% were resistant to ampicillin, 10.5% to ceftriaxone and 21.1% to vancomycin.Conclusion: This study showed that GBS colonization rate among the study population was 6.3%. Approximately, 6.5% and 6.0% prevalence rate was found among pregnant and non-pregnant women respectively. All the isolates were sensitive to penicillin, erythromycin and clindamycin. A total of 21.5% of the isolates were resistant to vancomycin. Ceftriaxone and ampicillin resistant was demonstrated in 10.5% and 5.3% respectively.Keywords: Streptococcus agalactiae, colonization rate, pregnant women, antibiotic susceptibilit

Serotypes and Antibiotic Susceptibility of Streptococcus pneumoniae Isolated from Adults with Lower Respiratory Tract Infection in Jos, Nigeria

Background: Streptococcus pneumoniae causing lower respiratory tract infection remains a global challenge, particularly when it involves drug resistant isolates. It is a cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries including Nigeria. Several studies documented the prevalence, serologic and molecular types, antibiotic susceptibility patterns; as well as the herd effect following vaccination. This study thus determined the prevalence of the Heptavalent vaccine serotype of Streptococcus pneumoniae in adult patients and the antibiotic susceptibility pattern. Methods: A cross sectional study involving 91 adult patients with clinical features of lower respiratory tract infection were recruited for this study. Serologic typing as well as antibiotic susceptibility testing were carried out on the Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates. Results: Four (4.4%) of the 91 patients had Streptococcus pneumoniae isolated from their clinical samples. Only one (14.3%) of the heptavalent vaccine serotype (serotype 23F) was found. All the four Pneumococci were susceptible to Ceftriaxone, Levofloxacine, Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid but varying susceptibility to Erythromycin and Tetracycline. Conclusion: Heptavalent vaccine serotype of Streptococcus pneumoniae causes infection in adults. Early detection and appropriate antibiotic susceptibility will enhance proper management of patient. Vaccination of children will reduce infection due to the vaccine serotypes in adult population

Hepatitis C Virus Antibodies Among Blood Donors in Jos, Nigeria

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the hepatitis agents known to be transmitted through blood and blood products. Hepatitis C virus has been implicated as a major cause of chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. This study was, therefore, undertaken with the objective of determining the sero-prevalence of HCV antibodies among blood donors in the central city of Jos, Nigeria. Method: A total of two hundred blood donors were recruited from three hospitals within Jos metropolis. Sera from all subjects were tested for Hepatitis C virus antibodies using a second generation enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Ninety five percent (95%)of the blood donors were males and most of them were aged between 21 and 50years. Twelve (6.0%)of the blood donors were anti-HCV seropositive and all of them males. Conclusion: There is an urgent need to introduce routine screening of blood donors for Hepatitis C virus markers in centers where this is not currently been practiced. This will reduce the risk of transfusion-associated hepatitis C infection and its complications in Nigeria

Cytokine-associated neutrophil extracellular traps and antinuclear antibodies in Plasmodium falciparum infected children under six years of age

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In <it>Plasmodium falciparum</it>-infected children, the relationships between blood cell histopathology, blood plasma components, development of immunocompetence and disease severity remain poorly understood. Blood from Nigerian children with uncomplicated malaria was analysed to gain insight into these relationships. This investigation presents evidence for circulating neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and antinuclear IgG antibodies (ANA). The presence of NETs and ANA to double-stranded DNA along with the cytokine profiles found suggests autoimmune mechanisms that could produce pathogenesis in children, but immunoprotection in adults.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Peripheral blood smear slides and blood samples obtained from 21 Nigerian children under six years of age, presenting with uncomplicated malaria before and seven days after initiation of sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) treatment were analysed. The slides were stained with Giemsa and with DAPI. Levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ, IL-2, TNF, CRP, and IL-6, select anti-inflammatory cytokines TGF-β and IL-10, and ANA were determined by immunoassay.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The children exhibited circulating NETs with adherent parasites and erythrocytes, elevated ANA levels, a Th2 dominated cytokine profile, and left-shifted leukocyte differential counts. Nonspecific ANA levels were significant in 86% of the children pretreatment and in 100% of the children seven days after SP treatment, but in only 33% of age-matched control samples collected during the season of low parasite transmission. Levels of ANA specific for dsDNA were significant in 81% of the children both pre-treatment and post treatment.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The results of this investigation suggest that NET formation and ANA to dsDNA may induce pathology in falciparum-infected children, but activate a protective mechanism against falciparum malaria in adults. The significance of in vivo circulating chromatin in NETs and dsDNA ANA as a causative factor in the hyporesponsiveness of CpG oligonucleotide-based malaria vaccines is discussed.</p

Human Intestinal Parasitism in a Rural Settlement of Northern Nigeria, a Survey.

Intestinal parasites are still a common feature among our communities. This study was set out to ascertain this. One hundred and fifty respondents were recruited into the study. A pretested questionnaire was interviewer administered to the respondents with specific hygienic components such as: sources of drinking water, methods of sewage disposal and water purification among others. Stool samples were collected from all the interviewed and analysed microscopically and findings analysed. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites in Mbangough community was 62%(96 out of 150). The commonest parasite encountered was Ascaris lumbricoides (44%), followed by Enterobius vermicularis (14%) and Entamoeba histolytica (11.3%). Other parasites were Entamoeba coli 3.3%, Hookworm 6.0%, Schistosoma mansoni 1.3%, Taenia species 7.3%, while the least common parasite encountered was Strongyloides stercoralis 0.6%.. None of the respondents had access to pipe borne water or bore hole. The prevalence of intestinal parasites in Mbangough community is still quite high. Government should invigorate in her pursuit towards the provision of primary health care facilities in our communities such as drilling of bore holes, more coordinated health education campaigns to include proper sewage disposal mechanisms. Furthermore, health education should be made a compulsory course in all primary schools as well as all adult and literacy classes in order to establish a permanent culture of healthcare awareness. Keywords: Intestinal Parasites, rural community, SurveyThe Nigerian Medical Practitioner Vol. 51 (1&2) 2007: pp. 11-1

Intestinal Parasitism, Potable Water Availability and Methods of Sewage Disposal in Three Communities in Benue State, Nigeria: A Survey

Background: To assess the level of parasite burden in a village community and the predisposing factors. Methods: Two hundred subjects each were recruited from three communities- Tyogbenda, Jato-Aka and Adikpo during an episode of free medical outreach. A simple random sampling method was adopted and a questionnaire was interviewer administered on relevant aspects of basic hygiene such as- sources of water supply, methods of domestic sewage disposal and frequency of hand washing. Stool samples were collected and tested and findings analysed using appropriate statistical methods, p values < 0.05 were considered significant. Results: The prevalence of intestinal parasites in Tyogbenda, Jato-Aka and Adikpo communities was found to be 71.5%, 65.5% and 40.5% respectively. Ascaris lumbricoides was the commonest parasite in the three centres (34.5%, 28.5% and 19.0% respectively for Tyogbenda, Jato-Aka and Adikpo communities). Other parasites identified were- Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba coli, Hookworm, Enterobius vermicularis, Strongyloides stercoralis, Schistosoma mansoni and Trichuris trichura. Multiple parasitic infestation was common in the communities where quality of water supply and methods of sewage disposal facilities were below standard. Conclusion: The prevalence of intestinal parasitism is still high in Nigerian rural communities. The present resolve by the federal ministry of water resources to supply potable water to all Nigerian rural communities should be sustained. Furthermore, a health education program should be properly constituted and integrated into the present primary health care policy for the country.Introduction: Evaluer le niveau du fardeau du parasite dans une communauté villageoise et des facteurs prédisposants. Méthodes: Deux cents sujets, individuellement récruités venant de trois communautés : Tyogbenda, Jato-Aka et Adikpo pendant l&apos;épisode d&apos;une activité gratuite et médicale visant à encourager les gens à profiter des avantages sociaux. Une méthode simple d&apos;échantillon au hasard était adoptée et un questinnaire était administré sur des aspects pertinents d&apos;hygiène du base tels que des sources d&apos;alimentation en eau, méthodes domestique du traitement des ordures, et la fréquence de se laver les mains. On a fait un prélevement des fèces et étudies et des résultats analysés à travers l&apos;utilisation des méthodes statistique adéquates. P. Valeurs < O, 05 était considére important. Résultats: La fréquence des parasites intestinaux dans les communautés Tyogbenda, Jato-Aka et Adokpo était notée d&apos;être 71,5%, 65,5% et 40,5% respectivement. Ascaris lumbricoides était le parasite le plus ordinaire dans les trois centres (34,5%, 28,5% et 19,0% respectivement pour des communautés Tyogbenda, Jato-Aka et Adkpo. Des autres parasites identifiés sont : Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba cole, Hookworm, Enterobius vermicularis, strongyloides stercoralis schistosome mansoni et trichuris trichura. Infestation parasitique multiple était ordinaire dans des communatés où la qualité des aménagements d&apos;alimentation en eau et méthodes de traitement des ordures sont inférieur. Conclusion: La fréquence du parasitisme intestinal est encore élevé dans des communautés rurales nigérianes. La décision actuelle du Ministère Fédéral des ressources de l&apos;eau de fournir de l&apos;eau buvable dans toutes les communautés rurales nigérianes devrait être soutenue. Par ailleurs, un programme sur le renseignement médical devrait être clairement créé et intergré dans la politique des soins médical primaire actuels pour le pays

Parasitic Contamination of Vegetables in Jos, Nigeria

Background: Intestinal parasites are very common in developing countries including Nigeria. There are diverse ways of their transmission; the study attempts to determine the level of intestinal parasitic contamination on vegetables sold in Jos. Methods: Sample of 200 each of Tomatoes (Lycopersium sativus), Letus (Loctus satival) Carrot (Davcus carota L) Cabbage (Brassica Denceal) and Green leafy vegetables were analyzed using standardized Centrifugal-floatation technique methods. Results: Of the 1250 samples of vegetables examined, 450 (36.0%) were positive for intestinal parasites, cabbage recorded the highest prevalence of 64% while tomatoes had the least prevalence of 20%. Conclusion: Vegetables in Jos are heavily contaminated with intestinal parasites and there is need for public enlightenment campaign on the danger of consuming inadequately washed and prepared vegetables.Contexte: Les parasites intestinaux sont très communs dans les pays en voie de développement y compris le Nigéria. Il y a différents moyens de transmission; le but de cette étude est de déterminer le niveau de contamination intestinale des parasites à partir des légumes vendus à Jos. Méthode: 200 échantillons de chaque légume à savoir: les tomates (lycopersium saticus), la laitue (Loctus satival), les carrottes (Davcus carota L), les choux (Brassica Denceal) et les légumes verts furent analysés grâce à l&apos;utilisation des méthodes standardisées Centrifugal-floatation. Résultats : Des 1250 échantillons de légumes examinés, 450 (36%) étaient positifs en parasites intestinaux, la choux a révélé la fréquence la plus haute avec 64% contamination tandis que la tomate a révélée la fréquence la plus faible avec 20% de contamination. Conclusion: Les légumes à Jos sont hautement contaminées par des parasites intestinaux et il y a besoin de sensibiliser le public sur le danger de leur consommation dans le cas ou ces légumes ne sont pas bien lavés ou bien cuits

Human intestinal parasitism in a rural settlement of northern Nigeria, a survey

Intestinal parasites are still a common feature among our communities. This study was set out to ascertain this. One hundred and fifty respondents were recruited into the study. A pretested questionnaire was administered to the respondents with specific hygienic components such as: sources of drinking water, methods of sewage disposal and water purification among others. Stool samples were collected and analysed microscopically and findings analysed. The overall prevalence of intestinal parssites in Mbangough community was 62%(96 out of 150). The commonest parasite encountered was Ascaris lumbricoides (44%), followed by Enterobius vermicularis (14%) and Entamoeba histolytica (11.3%). Other parasites were Entamoeba coli 3.3%, Hookworm 6.0%, Schistosoma mansoni 1.3%, Taenia species 7.3%, while the least common parasite encountered was Strongyloides stercoralis 0.6%.. None of the respondents had access to pipe borne water or bore hole. The prevalence of intestinal parasites in Mbangough community is still quite high. Government should invigorate in her pursuit towards the provision of primary health care facilities in our communities Also health education should be made a compulsory course in all primary schools as well as all adult and literacy classes African Journal of Clinical and Experimental Microbiology Vol. 8 (1) 2007: pp. 48-8