The Seroprevalence of Cytomegalovirus Antibodies among Prospective Blood Donors in Jos

"Background:Human cytomegalovirus; otherwise called human herpes virus type 5; is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in pregnancy; and among immunocompromised patients like recipients of organ transplants. Cytomegalovirus is transmissible via blood transfusion; among other parenteral routes. This study therefore aims at establishing the seroprevalence of CMV antibodies among prospective blood donors in Jos. This is with a view to making recommendations on donor screening and transfusion protocols among susceptible patients. Methods: A total of 200 prospective blood donors were recruited into the study. Screening for CMV antibodies was done using ELISA kit; manufactured by ""DIALAB""; Austria (www.dialb.at) Results: Of the 200 prospective blood donors analysed; 184 donors were found to be positive for cytomegalovirus antibodies; representing a prevalence rate of 92.The peak age prevalence was in the 25-29 years age range; representing 0.4.Cytomegalovirus prevalence was lowest in the 15-19 years age range and above 50 years(1.6each). Conclusion: A cytomegalovirus antibody prevalence rate of 92indicates that screening for CMV should be included in screening algorithm for potentially susceptible recipients of blood and its products. Non infected susceptible persons should be transfused CMV negative or leucocyte depleted blood and blood products."

Distribution of Male Urethral Discharge among the Patients in Primary Health Care Centres of Jos North L.G.A.; Jos; Nigeria

Objectives: The study was to determine the distribution of male urethral discharge among the patients seen in primary health care centres of Jos North Local Government Area. Methods: Male patients with urethral discharge were recruited during their clinic days; from September 2004 to May 2006. A structured questionnaire was administered to the patients who gave their consent. Pre-treatment and post-treatment urethral samples were collected and processed according to standard laboratory procedures. Results: One hundred and seventy-six out of 200 patients completed the study. The age range and mean age of the patients were 11-60 years and 30.7 years respectively. The age decade 21-30 years constituted 100 (56.8) of 176 patients; commercial motorcyclists contributed 80 (45); the single marital status recorded 106 (60.2) while primary and secondary education status had 141 (80). Conclusion: Commercial motorcyclists recorded the highest risk of male urethral discharge; and the peak was among young adults of age decade 21-30 years; especially among the single and less educated

Cryptosporidium infection in undernourished children with HIV/AIDS in Jos, Nigeria

Background: AIDS and Protein energy malnutrition (PEM) severely impair the immune systemCryptosporidium has over the last two decades emerged as a life threatening disease. The study attempts to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in malnourished children with HIV/AIDS. Method: Blood and stool samples of 52 HIV-seropositive children and another 52 HIV-sero-negative childrenaged 0-5 years were collected and screened for HIV and Cryptosporidium oocysts respectively. The sera were screened by double ELISA and the stool by the modified Ziehl-Neelsen method.Results: Out of the 52 HIV-seropositive undernourished, under-five children, none (0%) excreted Cryptosporidium oocyst in their stools while 2 (3.8%) of the control group excreted the oocyst. Conclusion: Cryptosporidium infection seems to be uncommon among undernourished under five children with HIV/AIDS in Jos