Abo blood group system: in the context of human diseases

The expression of ABO blood group antigens on red cell surface and a variety of human cells, tissues and fluids is well documented. Studies in the recent times have reported association between these blood group antigens and some disorders in man. Cancer, Cardiovascular disease and infection are some of the disorders reported. The interplay has given rise to the assertion that ABO blood group system has extended its clinical significance beyond the natural frontier of transfusion Science. This narrative review aims at summarizing information concerning the role of these blood antigens in the pathogenesis of human disorders such as cardiovascular, cancer and infectious diseases. Methodology: Literature on the role of ABO blood group antigens in human disease was searched from BMCMed, PubMed and text books. The search words were ABO blood group antigens, cardiovascular disease, Von Willebrand factor, cancer, infectious disease, and neuroscience. We reviewed, evaluated and summarized the relationship between these disorders and ABO blood group; and possible pathogenic mechanism involved. Conclusion: It is now known that non – O blood group antigens are linked with the risk for cardiovascular disease, oncological states and infectious disorders. However further studies are needed to elucidated molecular mechanism/s in the interplay between these antigens and human health. This may as well elevate ABO blood typing as a veritable tool for cardiovascular and oncologic disorders risk assessment

Alterations in some coagulation biomarkers of pulmonary tuberculosis subjects in the settings of human immunodeficiency virus infection: as seen in Maiduguri North-eastern Nigeria

Synergistic association between Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) infection has resulted in variable haematological manifestations including coagulopathies; these accelerated the morbidity and mortality burden of HIV/PTB co-infection. Objectives: Based on this preposition, we prospectively evaluated some coagulation biomarkers in a case-controlled study of 102 HIV sero-positive subjects consistent with WHO clinical stages I and II, 56 HIV/PTB co-infected subjects; both groups were therapy naive. Also 104 HIV sero-negative healthy blood donors were recruited as control subjects. Method: All participants were tested for platelet count (PLT), Plasma fibrinogen concentration (PFC), Protein C (PC), prothrombin time (PT) and Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). Results: In HIV/PTB co- morbidity PT, APTT were prolonged (P<0.001); PLT and PFC were also elevated (P< 0.001), while PC % activity was down-regulated (P<0.01) all in comparison to the HIV groupand the controls. Conclusion: We asserted that alterations occur in some coagulation indices of PTB/HIV coinfected individuals found in our environment. Clinical findings are however, needed to shed more light on thesefindings to aid patient's management

Continuous professional training of medical laboratory scientists in Benin City, Nigeria

Background. Training and re-training of healthcare workers is pivotal to improved service delivery.Objective. To determine the proportion of practising medical laboratory scientists with in-service training in Benin City, Nigeria and areas coveredby these programmes.Methods. Medical laboratory scientists from Benin City (N=127) (public (n=79) and private (n=48) sectors) were recruited for this study. A detailedquestionnaire was used to obtain relevant information from all enlisted participants.Results. Eighty-four (66.1%) of all medical laboratory scientist volunteers (N=127) reported to have attended an in-service training programme.This was significantly associated with gender (male v. female: 80.9% v. 58.8%; odds ratio (OR) 6.071; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.510 - 14.685; p<0.0001). Only 9/84 (10.7%) participants reported to have had at least one in-service training session during the last 12 months.  Attendance was significantly affected by qualification (p=0.029), area of specialisation (p=0.003) and affiliation (p=0.005). Irrespective of  affiliation, self-sponsorship of in-service training programmes was most frequently reported by study participants. Training received by respondents was mainly in instrumentation and diagnostic techniques.Conclusion. Attendance of in-service training programmes during the last 12 months was poor. Training programmes were mostly funded by participants. Regular training of medical laboratory scientists by the relevant authorities and agencies is advocated