Prevalence of tuberculosis among symptomatic individuals and the risk areas in Ondo State, Nigeria

Tuberculosis (TB) has been one of the diseases that are of public health problem globally. Nigeria was one out of eight countries accounting for two-thirds of people who developed TB. Of the global gap in TB case detection and notification, Ondo State reportedly has a notification gap of almost 11,100 TB cases in the year 2019 out of which only 1,891 cases were detected. The research was carried out in the three geopolitical zones of Ondo State: North, South and Central. Ondo State has 18 LGAs and an area of 14,788.7 km² with a population of 3,460,877. Participants were recruited through outreaches for the selected communities in each of the zones. The only inclusion criterion for participation in the study was those have been coughing consistently for more than two weeks. The participants were screened for HIV seropositivity by standard protocols, while screening for TB was conducted by a combination Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) microscopy and Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (Gene Xpert MTB/RIF®). Over 10,000 participants were screened, of which 3200 subjects were found having symptoms related to TB. 513 were HIV patients and 41% were TB positive. Overall TB prevalence was found to be 623(19.5%). Akure South LGA recorded the highest overall prevalence of 39.0%. In the North district, Owo LGA recorded the highest prevalence (18.0%) while the least prevalence of (3.5%) was obtained in Ose LGA. The males were more infected (26.5%) than the females (15.3%). According to age groups, age group above 55 recorded the highest prevalence of 26.8% while the least prevalence of 15.3% was obtained in the age group 16-25. Dry season recorded higher prevalence of TB than the rainy season. Patients with low microbial load recorded the highest percentage of 45% while those with low intensities recorded the lowest percentage. Ondo State, Nigeria, has a high prevalence of TB disease, therefore there is need to increase public awareness and monitoring of individuals resident in the State. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1037091

Resistance of strains of rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) to pirimiphos methyl

Insecticidal resistance of five strains of Sitophilus oryzae (L.) to pirimiphos methyl (Actellic®) was investigated in the laboratory at 28 ± 2oC and 89 ± 5% relative humidity. Rice infested by S. oryzaewas sampled from Nigerian stores in Akure (Ondo state), Ibadan (Oyo state), Ikotun (Lagos state) and Ilesha (Osun state) and a laboratory culture (in Akure). Twenty adult weevils from each location were exposed to filter papers impregnated with liquid pirimiphos methyl at one of seven concentrations ranging from 0.0 to 5.0%. Mortality rates of the rice weevils were observed at 3, 6 and 24 h after treatment. The mortality of weevils increased with increasing concentration and period of exposure. Irrespective of the strain, 100% mortality was observed in all the treatments at 24 h after exposure to pirimiphos methyl. Weevils sampled from Ibadan were the most resistant, while laboratory strains were the least resistant at 2 and 5% concentrations.Keywords: Strains, insecticide, Pirimiphos methyl, Resistance, Sitophilus oryzae

Cost-effectiveness analysis of fidaxomicin versus vancomycin in <i>Clostridium difficile</i> infection

Fidaxomicin was non-inferior to vancomycin with respect to clinical cure rates in the treatment of Clostridium difficile infections (CDIs) in two Phase III trials, but was associated with significantly fewer recurrences than vancomycin. This economic analysis investigated the cost-effectiveness of fidaxomicin compared with vancomycin in patients with severe CDI and in patients with their first CDI recurrence. A 1 year time horizon Markov model with seven health states was developed from the perspective of Scottish public healthcare providers. Model inputs for effectiveness, resource use, direct costs and utilities were obtained from published sources and a Scottish expert panel. The main model outcome was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), expressed as cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY), for fidaxomicin versus vancomycin; ICERs were interpreted using willingness-to-pay thresholds of A 20aEuroS000 pound/QALY and A 30aEuroS000 pound/QALY. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed. Total costs were similar with fidaxomicin and vancomycin in patients with severe CDI (A 14aEuroS515 pound and A 14aEuroS344 pound, respectively) and in patients with a first recurrence (A 16aEuroS535 pound and A 16aEuroS926 pound, respectively). Improvements in clinical outcomes with fidaxomicin resulted in small QALY gains versus vancomycin (severe CDI, +0.010; patients with first recurrence, +0.019). Fidaxomicin was cost-effective in severe CDI (ICER A 16aEuroS529 pound/QALY) and dominant (i.e. more effective and less costly) in patients with a first recurrence. The probability that fidaxomicin was cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay threshold of A 30aEuroS000 pound/QALY was 60% for severe CDI and 68% in a first recurrence. Fidaxomicin is cost-effective in patients with severe CDI and in patients with a first CDI recurrence versus vancomycin

Effects of discharge from carwash on the physico-chemical parameters and zooplanktonic abundance of Odo-Ebo River, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

The study determines the physico-chemical parameters of water from Odo-Ebo River with a view to providing information on the effects of discharge from carwash on the River’s water quality. Samples (48) for physico-chemical water quality were collected monthly over a period of an annual cycle (February 2015–January 2016) from four stations, namely: upstream (about 500 m before the carwash), two discharge points (1st and 2nd discharge points), and downstream (about 500 m after the carwash). The discharge points had higher mean values in 9 out of the 13 investigated water quality parameters, especially plant nutrient ions (phosphate, nitrate, and sulphate), with the discharge points significantly differing from the other stations in terms of phosphate concentration and apparent colour. This led to reduction in dissolved oxygen and zooplankton abundance, changes in apparent water colour, and increase in COD at the effluent receiving points. Furthermore, the higher mean values of dissolved oxygen, BOD5, turbidity, and true colour recorded upstream and downstream were reflections of higher biological productivity and organic detritus at these stations as compared to discharge points. The specific presence of some eutrophic species at the discharge points has only further proven the negative effects the effluent from the carwash had on the river, thus posing a potential threat to its aquatic organisms’ diversity. This eutrophication effect was observed downstream as an increase in zooplankton abundance and diversity. Therefore, environmental protection regulations are needed to reduce anthropogenic influence on the rivers in Nigeria

Health Needs and Health Seeking Behaviours of Adolescents Attending a Vacation Coaching Centre in Lagos

Introduction: Adolescents are young people said to be in a transitory stage of development between childhood and adulthood. This period is a sensitive one as habits and behaviors which will affect the life of the individual are cultivated at this time. It is therefore of utmost importance that these young people have guidance and the required health services at their disposal to help them make positive lifestyle choices to prevent ill health in the future. This study hopes to bring to the fore, the perceived health needs of adolescents and the context in which they would prefer to have health services provided to meet their needs.Methods: A self administered questionnaire was the data collection tool, administered to 326 students aged 10-19 years selected by stratified sampling and balloting at a vacation school in Lagos. Results: Acute health problems, sexual and reproductive health problems were considered the most important. Adolescents&rsquo; expectations of health services mainly centered on health education and counseling, alongside the provision of general health care services. With respect to adolescents&rsquo; experiences with existing health services, most preferred to use private hospitals and weresatisfied with the services they received.Conclusion: Adolescent friendliness is a concept which if incorporated into the health system will have appreciable positive impact on the health of adolescents for the present and in the future.Key Words: Adolescents, health need

Prevalence of Malaria and COVID-19 Infection in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria

Introduction. The prevalence of malaria and coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is highly devastating and has led to a serious public health challenge worldwide. In order to ensure proper control and elimination, the State Ministry of Health (MoH) Ondo State, Nigeria conducted medical examinations in Iju/Itaogbolu, Igoba, and Ogbese Health centers to identify and confirm cases of COVID-19 and malaria infection. This study provides the outcome of the epidemiological investigation of the prevalence of COVID-19 and malaria in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria. Method. The study was a hospital-based secondary data analysis comprising of 11,389 and 682 individuals who visited various health centers in Akure North Local Government Area (LGA) for medical examinations on malaria and COVID-19, respectively. The COVID-19 cases were investigated using the fluid sample collected with a nasal swab or a throat swab, or spit of saliva into a tube and confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein 2 (PfHRP2) RDT was employed to detect the P.falciparum antigen among participants’ blood samples. Results. The total prevalence of malaria and COVID-19 were 67.6% and 12.4%, respectively. Meanwhile, the month of September recorded the highest malaria prevalence of 81.8% while the month of April recorded the least malaria prevalence of 56.4%. Similarly, the highest case of COVID-19 (18.8%) was recorded in the month of November while the least case (2.4%) was recorded in the month of April (p0.05). Apparently, the children were more infected with malaria parasites while adults were more infected with COVID-19. Conclusion. Conclusively, malaria and COVID-19 infections were prevalent in the study area. Thus, the people should be enlightened on the deadly risk of malaria and COVID-19 through the health workers, social media, and the community leaders to ensure compliance with appropriate preventive measures

Street vended foods in Nigeria: An analysis of the current state of affairs and the way forward

AbstractThis review article focuses on the safety of street-vended foods (SVFs) in Nigeria, a cultural phenomenon that has become a major source of income and nutrition for many, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Despite their popularity, SVFs have been associated with unsanitary practices and public health risks due to inadequate monitoring by government agencies and limited coverage in the National food safety policy documents. In this review, we examine the challenges faced by SVFs in Nigeria and recommend better collaboration between food safety stakeholders and the government to address these issues. We also suggest the passage of the Food Safety and Quality Bill (FSQB) as a solution to the gaps in the regulation of street foods and institutional reform of food safety management through the establishment of a National Food Safety Commission. By implementing these recommendations, we can ensure the safety of street-vended foods in Nigeria

The Need for Nigeria to Embrace the Hygiene Rating Scheme

Foodborne diseases pose a primary global health concern, affecting people across high- and low-income countries, with the less privileged often suffering the most. This research proposes the adoption of a Hygiene Rating Scheme (HRS) to help customers make informed decisions about where and what to eat. The scheme has already demonstrated success in countries such as the United States, Northern Ireland, Wales, and England in reducing the risk of foodborne diseases. This article highlights the significance of Nigeria embracing the HRS and its potential to combat foodborne diseases. Adopting the scheme will incentivize food business owners to improve their sanitary conditions and food quality by implementing Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). The scheme’s transparent inspection results make it easier for customers to choose higher-rated outlets, reducing the cost of disease outbreaks and promoting public health. In conclusion, the HRS provides a practical solution to addressing the issue of foodborne diseases and promoting food safety

Clinical efficacy of fidaxomicin compared with vancomycin and metronidazole in Clostridium difficile infections:a meta-analysis and indirect treatment comparison

To evaluate the efficacy of fidaxomicin treatment, which has a limited effect on the normal gut flora, compared with vancomycin and metronidazole treatment in Clostridium difficile infections (CDIs). A systematic literature review was conducted in July to August 2011 and updated in July 2013. For fidaxomicin versus vancomycin, efficacy was evaluated using meta-analysis of data from two Phase III direct comparative studies (naEuroS=aEuroS1164). As there were no studies comparing fidaxomicin and metronidazole, an indirect comparison was made using data from three vancomycin versus metronidazole studies (naEuroS=aEuroS345), using the methodology of Bucher et al. (J Clin Epidemiol 1997; 50: 683-91). This provides an OR for the indirect comparison of fidaxomicin versus metronidazole when direct evidence of fidaxomicin versus vancomycin and vancomycin versus metronidazole is available. Clinical cure rates were similar for fidaxomicin and vancomycin; the OR (95% CI) was 1.17 (0.82, 1.66). Recurrence [0.47 (0.34, 0.65)] was significantly lower and sustained cure rates [1.75 (1.35, 2.27)] significantly higher for fidaxomicin than vancomycin. Similar results were obtained in patient subgroups with severe CDI and with non-severe CDI. From the indirect comparison, the likelihood of recurrence [0.42 (0.18, 0.96)] and sustained cure [2.55 (1.44, 4.51)] were significantly improved for fidaxomicin versus metronidazole. Again, similar results were obtained in those with severe and non-severe CDI. Fidaxomicin provides improved sustained cure rates in patients with CDI compared with vancomycin. An indirect comparison indicates that the same is also true for fidaxomicin versus metronidazole. In view of these data, fidaxomicin may be considered as first-line therapy for CDI