| 1 |
Author(s):
Ebidor Lawani-Luwaji, Alade Tolulope, Ujile Love Monday.
Page No : 1-8
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Helicobacter Pylori and Intestinal Parasites Co-infection in Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in a Hospital, South-South Nigeria.
Abstract
Pregnant women are susceptible to severe health problems caused by Helicobacter pylori and intestinal parasitic infections. These conditions include iron deficiency anaemia, hyperemesis gravidarum, gastritis, duodenal ulcers, and maternal morbidity and mortality. These infections usually spread due to poor personal hygiene and socioeconomic conditions. The study aimed to investigate the occurrence of Helicobacter pylori and intestinal parasitic infections amongst pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic in Okolobiri, Bayelsa State. We analysed the samples using the Helicobacter pylori antibody rapid tests, stool direct wet mounts, formal ether concentration, and saturated sodium chloride floatation. The data revealed that 34% of the women were infected with H. pylori and 20% with intestinal parasites. The highest occurrence of Helicobacter pylori infection and intestinal co-infection was in the 26-30 age group. Entamoeba histolytica was the most common type of protozoa present, while Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichuria were the most common forms of helminth infections. The Chi-square analysis showed a statistically significant difference with respect to age. These results provide essential epidemiological data on the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori and intestinal parasitic infections among pregnant women in Okolobri, Bayelsa State. The study highlights the need to screen pregnant women for H. pylori and intestinal parasites to improve antenatal care for both mother and child.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Allen-Adebayo Blessing, Maureen U. Okwu, Odaro S. Imade.
Page No : 9-28
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Heavy Metals Pollution and Other Physicochemical Parameters in the Crude Oil-Impacted Santa Barbara River and Environs, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Abstract
Higher levels of heavy metals in aquatic environments are most likely influenced by crude oil spills which may induce significant risk of heavy metal toxicity in aquatic species and humans. This research evaluated the levels of heavy metals and other physicochemical parameters in the crude oil-impacted Santa-Barbara River and environs of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Heavy metals and other physicochemical parameters were examined using standard methods. Heavy metal pollution status was then deduced with standard pollution indicators. The water and fish samples collected from crude oil-impacted Santa Barbara River were heavily and moderately contaminated with iron, respectively (Igeo index = 4.29 and 2.87 for water and fish, respectively) and highly polluted with examined heavy metals (PLI = 4.29 and 1.13 for water and fish, respectively). The water samples from hand-dug wells were moderately contaminated with iron (Igeo index = 2.87) with overall low pollution by heavy metals (PLI = 0.46), while fish sold in neighboring communities was moderately contaminated with iron (Igeo index = 2.98) with overall moderate pollution by heavy metals (PLI = 0.86). However, potential ecological risks mediated by examining heavy metals in all water and fish samples were generally low (RI < 40). The total dissolved solids, biochemical oxygen demand, nitrate and phosphate concentrations in all water samples were within permissible limits of WHO and FEPA. The ecological risks associated with water and fish from all sampling locations were deduced as low, mainly because iron was the most abundant heavy metal contaminant with no significant toxic response.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Anyiam Ifeoma Vivian , Okelue Faith.
Page No : 29-46
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Effects of Metronidazole and Amoxicillin on Selected Anaerobes from Oral Infections
Abstract
This study was carried out to determine the “Effect of Metronidazole and Amoxicillin on Prevotella spp and Fusobacterium spp in Patients with Oral Infections Attending Central Hospital Warri. A total of 59 specimens were collected from patients with oral infection. The specimens were studied by culture, biochemical test using analytical profile index 20A kit, polymerase chain reaction test and antibiotic susceptibility test using the agar dilution method. Data was subjected to statistical analysis using ANOVA. Out of 59 specimens collected, 41 patients were infected while 18 patients were non-infected. The highest number of those infected were within the age of 31-40 years and the lowest number was within the age of 1-10 years and 61-70 years. Female patients within the age bracket of 21-40 years and male patients within 41-50 years were the most infected. The most predominant oral infection was caries with 12 (29.3%) and the highest number was seen in mayle with 22 (53.7%) while the lowest was seen in females with 19 (46.2%). Organisms isolated include Prevotella intermedia, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Peptostreptococcus spp. The most occurring organism was Fusobacterium nucleatum with 15 (36.6%) while the least occurring was Porphyromonas gingivalis with 5 (12.2%). Co-infection of Fusobacterium nucleatum and Prevotella intermedia was seen in 1 (1.7%) patient with periodontitis. The PCR technique identified Fusobacterium nucleatum 4 (9.7%) and Porphyromonas gingivalis 2 (4.9%), the minimum inhibitory concentration of antibiotics on the anaerobes from oral infections. Peptostreptococcus spp was susceptible to metronidazole with the MIC of 0.25μg/ml and all resistant to amoxicillin. Prevotella intermedia was susceptible to amoxicillin with the MIC of 0.125μg/ml and all resistant to metronidazole. Porphyromonas gingivalis was sensitive to both metronidazole and amoxicillin with the MIC of 0.125μg/ml and 0.25μg/ml respectively. Fusobacterium nucleatum was susceptible to both metronidazole and amoxicillin with the MIC of 0.25μg/ml respectively. However, metronidazole was seen to be more effective than amoxicillin in the treatment of oral infection caused by anaerobes. In conclusion, the effectiveness of metronidazole and amoxicillin as the sole therapy in the treatment of oral infections caused by anaerobes may also be of importance in designing approaches to control periodontal infections.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Eze Chinwe Nwadiuto, Olayiwola Bidemi Michael, Olayiwola, Bidemi Micheal.
Page No : 47-54
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Soil Parasites Contamination of Jetties in Rivers State, Nigeria
Abstract
The present study evaluated the Soil Parasites Contamination of Onne jetty, Abuloma jetty, Andoni jetty and Bonny jetty in Rivers State, Nigeria. A total of 200 soil samples from jetties within 0-2cm deep were collected in clean polythene using trowel. Soil samples were analysed using magnesium sulphate floatation and modified Baermann technique for the presence of soil parasites (protozoans and helminths). Out of the two hundred (200) sampled soil from the four jetties, one hundred and fifty-six 156 (78.0%) soil were contaminated with parasites. Bonny jetty had the highest soil contamination 46 (92%) followed by Abuloma 42 (84.0%), Onne 38 (76.0%), Andoni had the least soil contamination 30 (60.0%). However, there was no significant difference in the four jetties (P>0.05). Abuloma jetty had the highest parasites contamination 426 (39.48%), followed by Bonny jetty 296 (27.43%), Andoni jetty 194 (17.98%) and Onne jetty with the least parasite contamination 163 (15.11%). Thirteen soil parasites were recovered: Ascaris lumbricoides had the highest prevalence of 300 (27.8%), followed by Hookworm 164 (15.2%), Balantidium coli 152 (14.09%), Entamoeba histolytica 140 (12.97%), Entamoeba coli 100 (9.27%), Schistosoma mansoni 66(6.12%), Fasciola spp 56 (5.19%), Schistosoma japonicum 42 (3.89%), Strongyloides stercoralis 22 (2.04%), Isospora spp. 21 (1.95%), Toxocara spp 8 (0.74%), Trichuris trichiura 6 (0.56%) and Taenia spp 2 (0.19) with the least prevalence. There was no significant difference among the soil parasites recovered in the four jetties. The findings also showed that Ascaris lumbricoides had the highest average abundance and means intensity of 1.5 (75±42.77epg), followed by Hookworm with average abundance and intensity of 0.82 (41±24.69epg)), Taenia spp 0.01 (0.5±0.5) with the least abundance and intensity.
| 5 |
Author(s):
Ezenwaka Chinonye Oluchi, Uruejoma Esere Victory.
Page No : 55-67
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Investigating the Healthcare-seeking Behavior among Residents of Otuoke Community in Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
Abstract
Health is vital to human living. Poor health in rural areas is prevalent due to various issues impacting health status and service efficacy, with health service functionality measured by affordability and accessibility. Structured questionnaires and oral interviews were employed to investigate the healthcare-seeking behavior of residents of Otuoke community in Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State. The study established a low response of residents of Otuoke community to biomedical health care (12.8%). Cost (31.4%) was the main limiting factor to seeking health care by the residents. Other factors implicated in influencing healthcare-seeking behaviour include proximity, poor attitude of health care workers, poor medical services and long waiting time in assessing biomedical health care. Most of the respondents resorted to self-examination and self-medication to save cost and time, thereby utilizing the services of local chemists. Traditional healthcare practices still hold sway and gain more relevance based on the fact that it is easily accessible, acceptable and affordable to meet the rural dwellers' expectations compared to biomedical medicine. The study also identified perceived barriers to patronage of the Federal University Otuoke health facility by the students as mainly due to the unavailability of drugs and long waiting time to access medical care. Health education should be deployed to enlighten the residents on rational use of medications and access to treatment at healthcare facilities rather than self-examination and self-medication. University administration should develop strategies to enhance students’ accessibility to the university’s health care services and address the existing barriers.
| 6 |
Author(s):
Calvino Fomboh Tah, Olivier Wilfried Ngandjeu Tchamdjeu, Randolph Anye Ngwafor, Akindeh Mbuh Nji, Jean Paul Kengne Chedjou, Carine Nguefeu Nkenfou-Tchinda, Marie-Claire Vernyuy Fonyuy, Innocent Mbulli Ali.
Page No : 68-77
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Genetic Evaluation of Interlukin-22 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (rs1179251) with Plasmodium falciparum Clearance among Children Less Than 10 Years in the North Region of Cameroon
Abstract
IL-22 is a pro and anti-inflammatory cytokine which induces the regeneration of hepatocytes cells during the immune response. Evidence has shown that genetic polymorphisms on IL-22 gene could affect the immune response and consequently the parasite clearance and the treatment outcome of malaria. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of the SNP rs1179251 of the Interleukin-22 gene and a possible association with P. falciparum clearance among children less than 10 years old in the North region of Cameroon. A case-control study was performed on 184 conveniently collected blood samples, spotted on Whartman No 3 filter paper from the SPAQ (Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine + Amodiaquine) clinical trial carried out in Garoua and Yagoua in 2015, from which DNA was extracted using Chelex-100 method. Genotyping of the IL-22 gene SNPs was performed using Polymerase Chain Reaction and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Parasite clearance was defined as the disappearance of pre-treatment parasites without subsequent recurrence, irrespective of whether recurrence is a reinfection or a recrudescing parasite. Treatment outcomes were classified according to the WHO guidelines; patients that experienced early treatment failure (ETF), and late parasitological failure (LPF) were classified as failures (56 cases), while patients that experienced adequate clinical parasitological response (ACPR) were classified as successes (128 controls). The chi square test was used to establish the association between the SNP rs1179251 and parasite clearance. A P-value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. The findings revealed that the mutant allele C was the most predominant with a frequency of 74.46%, with the ancestral allele G having a frequency of 25.54%. These results showed that carriers of the mutant allele C could be 3.7 times more likely not to clear the parasites during treatment but this was not statistically significant (P=0.07, OR= 3.72). In conclusion, no association was found between the SNP rs1179251 of IL-22 gene and Plasmodium falciparum clearance. So, in spite of the importance of IL-22 gene in immune responses, the studied polymorphism does not serve a decisive role in Plasmodium falciparum clearance.
| 7 |
Author(s):
Osuoha Chinyere Beatrice, Helen Ifeoma Udujih, Treasure Njideka Njoku-Obi, Igiri Vivian Chika, David Chinaecherem Innocent.
Page No : 78-84
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Bacterial Load Assessment of Potash Solution (NGOR) and its Practices in some Parts of Eastern Nigeria
Abstract
Bacterial load of potash solution and its practices were assessed in some parts of eastern Nigeria to determine the presence of bacteria contaminants and their counts, as well as investigate the sourcing of water and materials during production. Standard methods were used, which include microscopy, culture and biochemical identification. The bacteria isolates encountered were Escherichia coli 06 (18.75%), Staphylococcus aureus 09 (28.13%), Bacillus subtilis 04 (12.5%), Klebsiella species 08 (25%), and Proteus mirabilis 05 (15.63%). The total mean colony forming units (TCFU) counted ranged from 1.75x104 and 8.90x103 which were above the WHO standard for potable water.
| 8 |
Author(s):
Adeyemi Maria M.
Page No : 85-94
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Anti-Obesity Potentials of Methanol Extracts of Phragmanthera Incana Leaves Hemi-Parasitic on Guava, Cashew, Kolanut and Mango Trees in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Rats
Abstract
The anti-obesity potential of methanol extracts of Phragmanthera incana leaves hemi-parasitic on guava Psidium guajava (PIPG), cashew Anacardium occidentale (PIAO), mango Mangifera indica (PIMI) and kolanut Cola acuminata (PICA) trees were evaluated. Thirty high-fat diet-induced rats were grouped into six; four experimental, negative control and positive controls were orally administered lipid emulsion (5 mL/kg). Experimental received 400 mg/kg body weight from each of the four methanol extracts in addition to the lipid emulsion, positive control received 120 mg/kg bw Orlistat in addition to lipid emulsion while negative control received lipid emulsion alone. Blood samples were collected from ophthalmic venous plexus at 0, 90, and 180 minutes to determine plasma pancreatic lipase (PL) activity, alpha amylase activity and lipid profiles. PL inhibitory activity of the four methanol extracts showed that methanol extracts of PICA and PIAO had greater than 50% inhibition at 400 µg/mL. The α-amylase inhibitory activity of PICA was significantly higher (p < 0.05) when compared with PIAO, PIPG and PIMI. A significant decrease (p < 0.05) in total cholesterol, low density Lipoprotein-cholesterol levels and atherogenic index of plasma of PICA when compared with other treatment groups after 180 minutes of extracts administration was observed. Methanol extract of PICA was found to exhibit higher inhibitory pancreatic lipase and α-amylase activities and higher hypocholesterolemic activity when compared with those of guava (PIPG), cashew (PIAO) and mango (PIMI). This indicates that methanol extract of P. incana leaves could serve as a source of phyto-compounds that could be developed as antiobesity drugs.
| 9 |
Author(s):
Olorunniyi Shola Blessing, Olanrewaju Motunrayo Florence, Ogo Chidiebere Ndukwe.
Page No : 95-109
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Health-Related Quality of Life of Prostate Cancer Patients Receiving Care in Tertiary Hospitals in Ogun State
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the commonest malignancy among males in Nigeria. Most prostate cancer cases in sub-Saharan Africa get diagnosed in its late stages – which is associated with poorer health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Meanwhile, HRQoL has been shown to be a strong predictor of survivorship; therefore, this study was conducted to examine the HRQoL among prostate cancer patients receiving care in tertiary hospitals in Ogun state. With the cross-sectional research design and sample size of 387 prostate cancer patients selected using purposive sampling technique, the FACT-P instrument was used in data collection. Descriptive statistics analysis was used to assess participants' HRQoL levels. Findings showed that prostate cancer patients in this region have an average health-related quality of life level; the physical wellbeing domain of participants health-related quality of life was most affected by prostate cancer, with physical wellbeing having the lowest mean score (M=14.66), followed by emotional wellbeing (M=15.57), functional wellbeing (M=17.7), and social wellbeing being the least affected (M=18.33). Tertiary hospitals should ensure the inclusion of psycho-oncology counselling and psychotherapy, into the treatment plan of all patients after a prostate cancer diagnosis to improve the emotional and psychological wellbeing of prostate cancer patients. Similarly, access to physical rehabilitation and physiotherapy should be made easily accessible to improve physical wellbeing among prostate cancer patients.
| 10 |
Author(s):
Izevbuwa Osazee Ekundayo, Rachel Okojie.
Page No : 110-120
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Socio-Demography, Clinical Features and Risk Factors of Gastroenteritis Caused by Rotavirus in Diarrheic Children Living in Edo State, Nigeria
Abstract
Rotaviruses are one of the vital causative agents of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in young children worldwide. This study aimed to present socio-demographic, clinical features and risk factors of gastroenteritis caused by rotavirus in diarrheic children living in Edo State, Nigeria. This study was done using a descriptive cross-sectional survey of AGE in 400 participants (diarrheic children less than 5 years) admitted to four hospitals in Edo State, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic and clinical information from study participants. Rotavirus antigen in stool samples collected from the study participants was detected by the immunochromatographic method. Twenty (5.0%) tested positive for rotavirus antigen out of the 400 stool samples examined. A large proportion of the participants were aged one year (24.3%). A large percentage of the participants were exposed to exclusive breastfeeding (94.8%) while 33.5% of this group were exclusively breastfed for a period ranging from 3 to 6 months. Blood and mucous were present in the stool of 66.5% and 74.5% of participants, respectively. Age and exclusive breastfeeding of the participants were the main factors that were associated with the risk of acquiring rotavirus infection. No significant association was observed between the socio-demographic characteristics of the parents/caregivers of the study participants and rotavirus infection. This study shows a significant decline in the incidence of rotavirus infection among children less than 5 years in Edo State, Nigeria; thus, suggesting that the risk of acquiring rotavirus infection might be abating in this age group in Edo State.
