Covenant Journal of Health and Life Sciences

Anthropometric Estimates and Comparative Evaluation of Diagnostic Methods for Malaria Parasitemia in Pregnant Women and newborn babies in Southwestern Nigerian Communities

Akintaju F. A., Akinduti P. A., Oloto W. E. E., Ogundahunsi O. A. — Thu, 16 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Malaria in low-birth-weight newborns affects the prognosis. The anthropometric estimates and comparative
evaluation of diagnostic methods for malaria parasitemia in pregnant women and newborn babies in southwest
Nigerian communities was investigated in this study. Demography, BMI of mothers and anthropometric data of the
newborn children were analysed for malaria infection risk. Venous blood sample from pregnant mothers (n=112)
attending routine antenatal clinics and the cord blood during delivery of the newborn (n=112) were analysed
Plasmodium infection and comparative evaluation of the diagnostic performance of Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT),
Giemsa Microscopy and PCR assay were evaluated for specificity and sensitivity using the multivariate logistic
analysis. Among the pregnant women from various tribes, 90.9% were of the Yoruba tribe, 70.2% had secondary
school education, 63.6% belonged to mid-income class, 72.7% had received Intermittent preventive treatment (IRT)
and 37.5% slept under ITN (p<0.05). A significant decrease in average BMI of the malaria positive mothers from
all study locations (28.18 Kg/m2
, 25.05 Kg/m2 and 26.30 Kg/m2
) was observed compared to the average BMI of the
non- infected pregnant mothers (p= 0.034). The anthropometric values of infected babies significantly decreased in
chest circumference ranging between 20.44 to 21.83cm compared 23.15cm in uninfected babies (p<0.05). The average malaria parasite density in infected mothers and babies (18,345 and 6,486 per 200WBC) with higher prevalence of 11.78% and 8.00% respectively of Plasmodium falciparum was found in infected mothers and infected babies respectively, compared to other Plasmodium species. Higher Plasmodium detection rate by PCR (21.62%) for both mothers and babies compared to microscopy and RDT was recorded. Poor education, poverty and poor use of preventive measures are major risk factors for the high prevalence of malaria among pregnant women. PCR-based methods should be considered as part of diagnosis for early detection of mother-to-child transmission of
malaria and reduction of risk of infection for the newborn particularly in endemic areas

Assessment of the knowledge and uptake of Tetanus Toxoid Vaccine among Pregnant Women in Nguru Town, Nigeria

Arowomole Z. A., Fadipe L., Mahmud M. — Thu, 16 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and uptake of the tetanus toxoid vaccine among pregnant women in General Hospital, Nguru town. A stratified random sampling technique was adopted to cover 152 pregnant women of different categories. A well-structured questionnaire was used to collect data and the test-retest method was used to check the questionnaire's consistency. The obtained data were statistically analysed and the formulated hypothesis was tested using Chi-square. The results show that Hausa/Fulani (50.7%) and the age bracket 21-25 years (46%) constituted the majority. Also, about 97% of the respondents have an awareness of TT and 76.32 % knew that the TT vaccine is for prevention. Though 91.45% of the respondents have ever received the vaccine in their lifetime, only 13.8% could ascertain when to receive it. About 57% were willing to receive the complete 5 doses, 71.2% were willing to receive at least 2 doses during pregnancy and 52.6% are willing to continue the TT regimen after delivery.
Also, the study shows a significant association (P value = 0.022) exists between respondents’ awareness and TT vaccine uptake; hence the null hypothesis is rejected. However, there is no significant association between the level of knowledge and TT vaccine update (p = 0.99). It can be concluded that many respondents have awareness and are willing to take TT vaccine. However, knowledge of when to take the vaccine is inadequate. Hence, to increase TT vaccine uptake level in the area more awareness is recommended.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Standard Precaution among Healthcare Workers in Kogi State Specialist Hospital

Emmanuel B. J., Tukur D. — Thu, 16 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Standard precautions (SP) protect people against potential transmission and outbreak of communicable disease, and complying with SP, medical professionals and patients attain good health and well-being. The study was conducted to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice of SP among two hundred and thirty two (232) healthcare workers in Kogi State Specialist Hospital (KSSH). The healthcare workers were selected through a multistage sampling technique, and the instrument used was self-administered questionnaire. Result from the findings showed that all KSSH healthcare workers had heard about SP among which 84.5% majority of them heard about SP through seminars/workshop/training. More result from the findings showed that 60.8% majority
of KSSH healthcare workers had poor knowledge on SP, 92.2% majority of KSSH healthcare workers had positive attitude towards SP, and 96.6% majority of them practice good SP. The factors that significantly influences the practice of SP are female healthcare workers [AOR = 2.027; CI = 1.534 – 2.678], healthcare workers between the ages of 30 – 39 years [AOR = 4.550; CI = 2.804 – 7.383], married healthcare workers [AOR = 15.000; CI = 8.556 – 26.298], Christians [AOR = 3.073; CI = 2.267 – 4.165], KSSH hospital attendant
[AOR = 4.684; CI = 2.854 – 7.678], KSSH healthcare workers with good knowledge [AOR = 1.545; CI = 1.182 – 2.021], and healthcare workers with positive attitude [AOR = 12.176; CI = 7.426 – 19.965]. This study showed that KSSH healthcare workers have poor SP knowledge, although they exhibited positive attitude, and good practiced of standard precaution.

Incidence of Bacillus Cereus Strain in Food Consumed by School Children in Illorin Metropolis

Ayilara Taibat Tayo, Awe, Sunday, Adedayo Majekodunmi Racheal — Fri, 17 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Foodborne diseases are caused by eating contaminated food. Bacillus cereus is a versatile enterotoxigenic agent of foodborne disease. This study investigated the incidence of Bacillus cereus in food sold within some school premises within Ilorin metropolis and their hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP). Isolation of Bacillus cereus was carried out using food samples collected from some selected school within Ilorin metropolis using Bacara agar. The isolated bacteria were characterized and identified following microbiological techniques. Molecular identification of isolates was done using 16S rRNA sequencing method. Effect of physiochemical parameters (such as incubation period, temperature, pH, UV-light, salt concentration and monosodium glutamate concentration used in cooking) on the growth of the isolates was carried out. Identification of possible points of contamination was assessed from the points of production and sale of foods using well structured questionnaire. Total Bacillus count in food samples sold in all the sampled points within the Local Government Areas was significantly different from each other. Cooked Rice and spaghetti were found to have the highest count (4.42 ± 0.72 to 4.75 ± 0.89 and 4.00 ± 0.99 to 4.17 ± 1.03). All the isolates were confirmed to be Bacillus cereus with accession number OQ235070, OQ235071, OQ235072, OQ235073, OQ235075 and OQ235076 except one confirmed to be B. thuringiensis OQ235074. The isolates were found to have optimum growth between 30 – 35 degree Celcius, pH 3 - 7, incubation period of 12 - 24 hours and hours and maximum growth at 1.0 % monosodium glutamate concentration. Hazard analysis critical control point reveals poor storage system, illiteracy and poor hygienic practices among the handlers. In conclusion, food items sold to school children examined were found to be contaminated with Bacillus cereus.

Antimicrobial Efficacy of Ethanolic Extracts of Salvia officinalis Leaves on Proteus mirabilis.

Abhadionmhen O. A., Imarenezor E.P.K. — Sat, 01 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The study aimed to assess the antimicrobial efficacy of ethanolic extracts from Salvia officinalis leaves against Proteus mirabilis isolates, given the bacterium's significance in reoccurring cases of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and resistance to conventional antibiotics. Sterile containers were used to obtain clean-catch urine samples from 20 hospitalized patients who are between the ages of 18-50 in Wukari. Spreadplate technique was used to culture samples on MacConkey agar for 24 hours at 32°C. Suspected colonies from a pure culture with a palesmooth appearance and urease-positive were subjected to molecular identification of the UreR gene using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Following the respective evaporation of the crude ethanolic extracts of the dried and fresh leaves, 2.0mg, 4.0mg, 6.0mg, 8.0mg, and 10.0mg were dissolved into 10ml dimethyl-sulfoxide respectively. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was conducted using the Agar-well diffusion technique. The zones of inhibition (ZIB) measured for the dried leaves ranged from 12-26mm for the various ethanolic concentrations 2.0mg10ml, 4.0mg-10ml, 6.0mg-10ml, 8.0mg-10ml, 10.0mg-10ml respectively, while the ZIB recorded for the fresh-leaves ranged from 10-24mm. No significant ZIB (≤3mm) was seen on the negative control which was the ethanol without extract. Ciprofloxacin 30μg was used as a positive control (≥29mm). Dried-leaf extracts of Salvia officinalis presented better antimicrobial activity on Proteus mirabilis compared to fresh-leaf extracts. The moisture content of fresh leaves was observed to favor microbial growth. Comparatively, both dried and fresh leaf extracts demonstrated moderate to strong antibacterial properties, falling within the effectiveness range of the positive control. Ultimately, this research successfully demonstrated the potential of Salvia officinalis as a medicinal plant in treating infections caused by Proteus mirabilis.

Antibiogram of Fungal and Bacterial Isolates Associated with Toilet Door Handles in The Students’ Residential Hall at a Nigerian University

Obinna C. Nwinyi, Abiodun Boluwatife — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In this study, the prevalence of bacterial and fungi species on toilet door handles in male and female hostels and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns were assessed. A total of 48 swab samples were collected, and 21 isolates were identified through cultural, morphological, and biochemical and comparison with standard organisms. Fifty seven percent isolates (57%) were found on female toilet door handles and 43% on the male hostels. The identified isolates included Citrobacter freudii, Enterobacter spp, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacillus megaterium, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida spp. Antibiotic susceptibility patterns revealed that all isolates were resistant to cefuroxime, cefotaxime, and vancomycin (100% resistance). However, the organisms exhibited high susceptibility to Amikacin (100%), Ciprofloxacin (89%), and Cephalexin (86%).

Copper(I)oxide Catalysis in the Synthesis of Functionalized Alanine-Based Sulphonamides: In Silico, In vitro Antibacterial Studies

A. D. Jacob, U. C. Okoro, A. J. Dauda — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The synthesis of functionalized alanine-based sulphonamides via copper(I)oxide catalyzed N-arylation reaction and the in silico antibacterial studies is reported. The study involved the initial synthesis of substituted p-toluenesulphonamides and substituted benzenesulphonamides by the reaction of alanine with p-toluenesulphonyl chloride and benzenesulphonyl chloride respectively in aqueous basic medium. The synthesized compounds were acetylated by reacting them with acetic anhydride and sodium acetate followed by acylation and amidation to yield amidated p-toluenesulphonamides and benzenesulphonamides respectively. Copper catalyzed N-arylation of the amidated products with aryltriolborates resulted in the synthesis of benzene, and 2-chlorophenyl derivatives of the amidated products. The synthesized compounds were characterized using FTIR, 1HNMR and elemental analysis and the spectra were in agreement with the assigned structures. The insilico antibacterial studies revealed that the compounds possessed significant antibacterial potency and could be further employed as potential anti-bacterial agents when validated with experimental studies. The antimicrobial study revealed that most of the synthesized compounds possess antibacterial activities.

Prevalence of Human Bocavirus and Adenovirus Among Children with Respiratory Tract Infections in Ilorin, Nigeria

Odebisi-Omokanye M.B., Sulaiman, M.K., Diryilmwa, D.Y., Maiyaki K.O. — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Human adenovirus type 7 (HAdV7) and human bocavirus (HBoV1) are associated with mild to severe upper and lower respiratory infections in children. HAdV7 co-infections with HBoV1 have been implicated in wide-spread morbidity in sub-Saharan Africa. The study aimed to detect these viruses in children under 5-year-old with Respiratory Tract infections attending the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital Ilorin, Nigeria using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Two Hundred (200) children under 5- years old were recruited with confirmed symptoms of respiratory tract infections, nasopharyngeal (NP) and oropharyngeal (OP) samples were collected using sterile
flocked swab. The socio-demographic information/ risk factors and clinical presentations were obtained with the aid of well-structured questionnaire. Viral detection was done using real-time polymerase chain reaction; the genes amplified were Hexon for HAdV7 and VP1 for HBoV1. Out of the 200 samples, 35 (17.5%) were positive with 7% (14/200) prevalence recorded for HAdV7 and 10.5% (21/200) for HBoV1 respectively. Of the 35 positive samples, co-infection was observed in 15 (42.9%) of the samples. It was observed that 111 subjects were male, and there was no significance difference in the prevalence of the viruses with respect to gender. The prevalence was significantly higher amongst 0-1year age group. There was statistical significance for some of the socio-demographic and risk
factors. According to findings from this study, HAdV7 and HBoV1 are important cause of infection in the respiratory system of children. It is therefore important to carry out more research on these viruses and highlight the transmission patterns and the severity of the disease in Nigeria among this susceptible age group.

Antibiogram of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from Urine Samples of patients attending Hospital in Wukari, North-East Nigeria

Abhadionmhen O.A., Imarenezor E.P.K. — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigated the presence of Klebsiella pneumoniae in urine samples obtained in Wukari metropolis. Sterile containers
with boric acid were used to collect mid-stream urine samples from 20 hospitalised and 20 non-hospitalised patients aged 18-50.
Additionally, sterile swabs were used to collect samples from doorknobs in patient wards. Using the streak-plate technique, samples were cultured on MacConkey agar at 37°C for 24 hours. Morphological and biochemical characterizations were used to make a presumptive identification of the bacterial isolates. The khe genes common to Klebsiella species were identified using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) methods with fw (5’-TGATTGCATTCGCCACTGG-3’) and rev (5’- GGTCAACCCAACGATCCTG-3’) primers. The antimicrobial sensitivity assay was performed using the agar diffusion method. All isolates were sensitive to Chloramphenicol 30µg (≥21mm), Gentamycin 30µg (≥22mm), Streptomycin 30µg (≥22mm), and Ciprofloxacin 30µg (≥24mm). Additionally, the isolates showed multi-drug resistance to Augmentin 30µg (≤13mm) and Amoxicillin 30µg (≤11mm). Klebsiella pneumoniae was not isolated from any of the non-hospitalised patients' samples but was isolated from 25% of hospitalised patients' samples, indicating that Klebsiella pneumoniae is a hospital-acquired infection (HAI). Furthermore, Klebsiella pneumoniae was isolated from samples obtained from doorknobs in patient wards. Klebsiella pneumoniae has shown to be prevalent in the hospital environment, as evidenced by its isolation from samples obtained in patient wards and among hospitalised patients. Consequently, hospital equipment and environments should be kept clean at all times, and strict infection control protocols along with regular antimicrobial stewardship programs should be implemented in hospital settings to prevent the spread of multi-drug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae.