Diverse genetic subtypes of HIV-1 among female sex workers in Ibadan, Nigeria

Genetic diversity is the hallmark of HIV-1 infection. It differs among geographical regions throughout the world. This study was undertaken to identify the predominant HIV-1 subtypes among infected female sex workers (FSWs) in Nigeria. Methods: Two hundred and fifty FSWs from brothels in Ibadan Nigeria were screened for HIV antibody using ELISA. All reactive samples were further tested by the Western Blot Techniques. Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) were separated from the blood samples of each subject. Fragments of HIV Proviral DNA was amplified and genetic subtypes of HIV-1 was determined by direct sequencing of the env and gag genes of the viral genome followed by phylogenetic analysis . Results: The age of the FSWs ranged from 15 to 55 years old (Mean = 25.8years; SD =3.74). Majority were Nigerians while others (1.6 ) were from neighboring West Africa countries. Four ( 1.6 ) of the FSWs were active for less than one year as sex workers; and the mean length of sex work was 2.80 years ( Range = 1.0 - 15.0 years ). Sixty-four (25.6) of the 250 CSWs were positive for HIV-1 while 7 (2-8) had dual infections to HIV-1 / HIV-2. Among the 34 HIV-1 strains characterized by sequencing; 19 (55-9) were subtype G; 9 (26.5) CRF02_A/G; 3 (8.8) CRF06_cpx while 1 (2.9) each were identified as subtype C; CRF01_A/E and CRF09_cpx respectively. Nineteen (55.9) of the FSWs with subtype G had been active in the sex work for between one to five years. The youngest of the HIV -1 infected FSWs with sexual activity of less than a year had subtype G strain. There is a significant probability that infection with this subtype occurred with a short incubation period (p 0.05). Conclusion: This study showed a wide range of HIV- 1 subtypes among FSWs in Nigeria. The situation poses serious challenge for the design of HIV vaccine candidate for use in Nigeria

Risk factors for pulmonary tuberculosis among health-care workers in Ibadan, Nigeria

Data on TB infection control programs is limited in many of the TB high burden countries. We carried out a one-year cross sectional epidemiological study (January-December, 2008) to determine the prevalence of occupationally-acquired pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) among Health- Care Workers (HCWs) in Ibadan, Nigeria. This information is important for planning preventive strategies. All consenting HCWs at two TB centres in Ibadan--the University College Hospital (UCH) and Jericho Chest Hospital were enrolled into the study. A well structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on socio-demographic characteristics of the subjects including their medical and social data. Three sputum samples collected from each subject were processed for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) and culture on selective medium. Isolates were confirmed as M. tuberculosis by standard biochemical tests. Of the 271 subjects recruited, nine (3.3%) had their sputum positive for AFB while six (2.2%) were positive for culture. Subjects aged 20 years and above, female gender and unskilled professionals had higher risk for occupationally-acquired PTB than those who were 20 years and below, male gender and skilled professionals (Odd Ratio OR = 1.9, 95% Confidence Interval, 95% CI = 0.23-16.3, Fisher's exact P = 0.37; OR = 1.1, 95% CI = 0.28-4.0, p = 0.01; OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.02-1.08, p = 3.43) respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that subjects who received BCG vaccination were less likely to have occupationally-acquired PTB than those without vaccination (OR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.20-3.6, p = 0.83 for microscopy; OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.13- 0.44, p = 0.76 for culture). Even though the risk for occupationally-acquired PTB was lower in subjects who had not spent up to two years in their units, the association was not statistically significant (OR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.20-3.5, p = 0.82 for microscopy and OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 0.22-0.65, p = 0.82 for culture). There is a need to develop and implement affordable and cost-effective TB infection control strategies in Nigeria in order to reduce the burden of occupationally-acquired PTB in the country

Genital ulcer diseases among HIV_infected female commercial sex workers in Ibadan, Nigeria

We evaluated the prevalence and association of Genital Ulcer Diseases (GUDs) among HIV-1 infected female commercial sex workers (FCSWs) in Ibadan; Nigeria. A total of 25O FCSWs from brothels in Ibadan were tested for presence of antibodies to HIV and Syphilis. Pelvic examinations for signs of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were carried out on the subjects. Endocervical and high vaginal swabs were collected from each of the subjects to establish laboratory diagnosis of STIs. Their age ranged from 15 to 55 years (Mean = 25.8yrs; SD =3.74). Majority (246/250) were Nigerians; while 1.6were from neighboring West African countries. Sixty four (25.6) of the subjects were positive for HIV-1 while seven (2.8) had dual HIV-1/2 infection. Analysis of the STIs showed that 49 (19.6) of the CSWs had GUDs. Herpes genitalis was the commonest GUDs as it occurred in 25 (10) of the subjects. Other STIs identified were chancroid (5.6); syphilis (4.0) and lymphogranuloma venerum (LGV) (4). Sixteen (64.0) of the CSWs with herpes genitalis had HIV-1 infection. The risk ratio of herpes genitalis for HIV acquisition was 3.0 (95CI: 2.0 - 4.4). Syphilis and chancroid were also foundto be significantly associated with increased risk of HIV infection (p0.0001). The adjusted odd ratios for Herpes genitalis; chancroid; and syphilis were 3.7(1-13.0; p0.05); 19.8 (2.7-13 .0; p0.05) and 19.1(1-231.0; p 0.05) respectively. There is need to educate FCSWs continually to adopt safer sexual behaviours; seek early diagnosis and treatment of GUDs to reduce their risk of transmitting HIV infection