Socio-demographic characteristics of adults screened for HIV/AIDS in a rural community in Benue state, Nigeria

Background: Benue state has been considered among the `hot zones' for HIV/AIDS in Nigeria with a prevalence rate of 9.3 among adults aged 15 to 45 years. Yet; there is paucity of information on the socio-demographic factors associated with this level of prevalence. We hereby report the prevalence and socio-demographic factors associated with HIV among adults in Abwa-Mbagene; Benue state; Nigeria. Methods: Adults in Abwa-Mbagene community who accepted to participate between 9th and 24th of August 2007 were recruited. After counselling; screening was done using `Determine HIV' kit. Results: 153 subjects (74 males and 79 females) were recruited. Their age ranges from 15 to 60 years (Mean: 26.2years). Fourty-two (27.5) consisting of 12 (16.2) males and 30 (38) females were positive for HIV (male to female ratio; 2:5). The prevalence of HIV was higher among the divorcees (50); those whose level of education was primary school (41.3) and below and; farmers (60). Majority (96) knows AIDS exists; 85are informed on mode and prevention of HIV transmission. Cases of AIDS deaths; unprotected casual sex; blood transfusion with unscreened blood and polygamy are common in the community. The single most important cultural factors in HIV transmission identified is indulgence in night parties; which increased the rate of unprotected casual sex. Conclusion: This community represents a high HIV/AIDS prevalence spot in Benue State; Nigeria. There is therefore the need for the establishment of HIV Counselling and Testing (HCT); Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission (PMTCT); save blood and antiretroviral treatment services in the community. Vocational centers to engage single women and improve their financial state will boost preventive strategies. Finally; partnership with community leaders towards discouraging night parties will reduce the prevalence of HIV in the community

Urinary tract infections in children with primary nephrotic syndrome and acute glomerulonephritis

BACKGROUND: The occurrence of urinary tract infection (UTI) in children with Nephrotic syndrome (NS) has been widely reported by various workers; but not much has been documented about its occurrence among children with acute glomerulonephritis (AGN). Hence; the level of susceptibility to UTI by both diseases has not been compared. OBJECTIVE: To determine and compare the prevalence of UTI in children newly diagnosed of AGN or NS. METHODS: Urinary microscopy; culture and sensitivity of all children admitted with a diagnosis of NS and AGN between 1996-2004 were reviewed. Children with NS who had a relapse or were commenced on steroids; cytotoxic agents or antibiotics before admission were excluded from the study. RESULTS: A total of 35 and 32 children diagnosed of AGN and NS respectively met the study criteria. Urinary tract infection occurred in three (9) children with AGN and one (3) of the children with NS. The organisms isolated among the AGN patients included Coliforms; Klebsiella; and Staphylococcus aureus while Coliform was isolated in the only NS patient with UTI. CONCLUSION: There is a low prevalence of UTI in children newly diagnosed of AGN and NS

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen among Patients Attending Aminu Kano

Background: Hepatitis B virus infection has become a global public health problem. In Nigeria; several studies from different parts of the country have confirmed the endemicity of the infection. This study seeks examine the seroprevalence of Hepatitis B viral infection among patients attending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in Kano metropolis. Method: This is a retrospective study in which patients tested for hepatitis B virus using hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) as a marker were reviewed over 3 years. A total of 6;395 patients comprising of 4;040 males and 2;355 females including adults and children were tested for HBsAg from January 2004 to December 2006. Over this period; 1;509 sera were tested in 2004; 2;322 in 2005 and 2;564 in 2006. Results: Among the 6;395 patients; 703(11.4) comprising of 240 (10.2) females and 490 (12.1) males were positive for HBsAg. The highest prevalence was seen at the extremes of life in which 19.4and 16.9were seen among patients below 10years and above 50 years respectively. The yearly trend of HBV surface antigenemia was 220 (14.6) in 2004; 235 (10.1) in 2005 and 275 (10.7) in 2006. Conclusion: We conclude that the prevalence of HBsAg among patients attending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital; Kano is high and highest prevalence is seen at the extremes of life