Browsing by Author "Abimiku, Ajegena S."

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    Prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica Infection Using Microscopy and Adhesin Detection Methods among School Children in Central Nigeria
    (Department of Microbiology, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2017-06-22) Victor, Oti B.; Galleh, Raphael Peter; Moses, Ezhim I.; Paul., Tsaku A.; Abimiku, Ajegena S.; Oti, Augustina C.; Isaac, Oti B.
    This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica infection using microscopy and adhesin detection methods among school children in Central Nigeria. After ethical clearance, stool samples of three hundred and sixty (360) children aged 5-16 years old as adopted by FMOH (2013) were randomly collected between September-December 2015 and were examined for E. histolytica cysts/trophozoites using microscopy and TechLab E. histolytica II ELISA test (Sigma Diagnostic Inc, USA) in six public primary schools in Keffi, Nasarawa State. The TechLab E. histolytica II ELISA result showed that out of the 88 (24.4%) stool samples positive by microscopy, 85 (96.6%) samples were positive for E. histolytica antigens while 3 (3.4%) were negative. The overall prevalence of the infection using microscopy method was 24.4%. Males recorded a higher prevalence 64 (30.5%) than females 24 (16.0%). Children aged 6-10 years recorded the highest prevalence of 37 (28.5%) while the lowest 22 (21.6%) was showed in those aged <6 years. There was significant difference in the infection rate among the sex of the children (p≤ 0.05). The association was also significant based on location of the children’s homes and finger sucking habit. Children living outside Keffi town had a higher prevalence 34 54 (23.9%). Out of the children infected, 23 this study age, pupil’s class, occupations of facility had no statistical significance with programmes that will promote personal and environmental hygiene and regular mass treatment are suggested strategies to mitigate transmission of the infection especially in children who are usually asymptomatic.
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    Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C Viruses among Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infected Patients Accessing Healthcare in Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, Nigeria
    (Department of Microbiology, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2017-06-13) Pennap, Grace Rinmecit; Victor, Oti B.; Aliribe, Gloria A.; Abimiku, Ajegena S.; Galleh, Raphael Peter
    nfections of Hepatitis B and C viruses among seropositive Human immunodeficiency virus patients are a growing public health problem in Sub Saharan Africa characterized by unaffordable treatment, severe morbidity and associated mortality. This study was aimed at evaluating the seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C viruses among HIV infected patients accessing health care at Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, Nigeria. The cross-sectional study took place between May-July 2016. A total of 200 blood samples were collected from HIV patients after informed consent and self-administered questionnaires were completed. The samples were centrifuged and the serum screened for HBV and HCV using the immunochromatographic technique. A general prevalence of infection with hepatitis B and C viruses in the study population was 17.5%. The prevalence of HBV infection was 12.5% while HCV was 5.0%. Females have higher infection rates for both viruses (p > 0.05). HBV infection was highest among those aged 20-29 years (14.3%) and lowest among those aged 30-39 years (6.5%). HCV infection was highest among those aged > 40 years (8.7%) and least among those aged 30-39 years (0.0%). Infection rates with blood transfusion, smoking habit, scarification marks and alcohol intake as risk factors were more for HBV than HCV (p > 0.05). The HIV/HBV and HIV/HCV coinfection prevalence of 12.5% and 5.0% respectively is a cause for concern. This finding underscores the urgent need for more proactive HBV immunization programs and screening of HIV patients for HBV and HCV before and even during antiretroviral therapy. Health education against these silent killers should also be advocated.