ABSTRACT
Pregnant women are at increased risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) due to physiological changes that accompany pregnancy, such as congestion of the cervix, edema of the vaginal mucosa, and alterations in the vaginal flora. Syphilis and HIV are both transmitted sexually and so it is not surprise that a substantial number of people are infected with both agents. The rate of HIV and syphilis co-infection varies depending on the prevalence of both infections in the community or the patient group being studied, along with individual risk factors. 1913 apparently healthy pregnant women were recruited for the study after obtained their consent. Detection of HIV p24 antigen and antibodies to HIV1/2 was screened for using BIO-RAD in-vitro diagnostic enzyme immunoassay; syphilis was screen for using DIA-PRO in-vitro diagnostic Bio-probes enzyme immunoassay for the determination of antibodies to Treponema pallidum. Age group 26-30 had highest prevalence of HIV and VDRL in the study years, a decreasing trend was observed in the prevalence of HIV and syphilis infection within the study years. Seroprevalence of HIV and VDRL were 63(3.29%) and 03(0.16%) respectively. The prevalence of HIV and VDRL co-infection was 01(0.05%) observed in age group 26-30. This present study clearly documents a relatively declined in sero-prevalence of HIV and VDRL within the consecutive three years of study, this reflects the level of HIV and VDRL in the general population.
ABSTRACT
Aims: The radioprotective effect of Telfairia occidentalis aqueous extract (TOE) against gamma irradiation induced oxidative damage and altered sperm parameters in rats. Study Design: Randomized controlled experiment Place and Duration of Study: Experimental Animal Unit and Department of Anatomy, University of Ibadan between January and April, 2012. Methodology: Male Wistar strain rats were divided into six groups and pretreated with TOE (400, 800 and 1600 mg/kg of b.wt.) and vitamin E (VE) 50 mg/kg of b.wt prior to whole body gamma irradiation exposure of 2Gy. Sections of the testes were taken for the assessments of biochemical markers of oxidative stress: Lipid peroxidation (LPO), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT) and Glutathione (GSH) and histopathological variations. Results: Exposure of animals to 2Gy gamma radiation resulted in decreased sperm characteristics and increased sperm morphological abnormalities; significant elevation in lipid peroxidation (LPO) and hydrogen peroxides, and decreased activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-s-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) in testes; distorted architecture of seminiferous tubules from day 1 to 30 post-irradiation. The rats pretreated with TOE showed normal sperm parameters, normal testicular histo-architecture and normal antioxidant enzymatic activities. Conclusion: Aqueous extract of Telfairia occidentalis has radioprotective activities.
ABSTRACT
Comparative efficacy of dihydroartemisinin alone, chloroquine alone, combination of dihydroartemisinin plus mefloquine and combination of dihydroartemisinin plus chloroquine was evaluated in mice. Parasite clearance time was very short in mice treated with dihydroartemisinin alone mean ± SD PCT was (1.64- ± 0.50 days). This was followed by combination of dihydroartemisinin with mefloquine (2.73 ± 0.47), Then combination of dihydroartemisinin with chloroquine (2.84 ± 0.50). The mice that were treated with chloroquine alone had PCT of 4.0 ± 2.32. There was significant difference between the dihydroartemisinin group and the chloroquine group (P<0.0002). There was also significant difference between the dihydroartemisinin group and combination of dihydroartemisinin plus mefloquine and also combination of dihydroartemisinin plus chloroquine (P<0.005). The combination therapy was more effective than when chloroquine was administered alone