The synergism of hepatitis B and aflatoxicosis in hepatocellular carcinoma development: A mini-review

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the twelfth most common cancer and the fifth leading cause of worldwide cancer related death. Chronic hepatitis B infection, caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and exposure to aflatoxins is fundamental in the formation of HCC in developing countries. This review of scientific publications aims to establish the detrimental effects of aflatoxin-contaminated foods and highlights the correlation between aflatoxin and hepatitis B viral-associated hepatocellular carcinoma. Research has shown a significant increase in the occurrence of HCC in HBV-infected individuals exposed to fungal toxins. HBV demonstrates the ability to integrate and bind to p53 protein in the host DNA and propagate hepatocyte vulnerability through carcinogenic aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) damage. Although there has been clear evidence about the synergistic interaction of exposure to AFB1 and HBV infection in the induction of HCC, other literature has shown otherwise, mainly because incomplete and vague findings and hypotheses were made in regions where AFB1 and HBV pose a public health risk. Vaccination against hepatitis B and measures such as robust food safety systems to avoid hepatotoxicity and hepatocellular carcinogenesis induced by AFB1 is the most effective methods in the prevention of HCC induced by HBV and AFB1

Prevalence of Vaginal Pathogens Associated with Genital Tract Infections in Ogun State, Nigeria.

Aims: The occurrence of vaginal pathogens associated with genital tract infections [GTIs] was investigated in this study. Study Design: Over a three-month period, 106 High Vaginal Swab [HVS] samples were obtained from women with genital tract infections [GTIs] within the ages of 15 – 50 years attending In- and Out- patients clinic at General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria and percentage frequencies of isolates were determined comparatively. Place and Duration of Study: Collections of samples were made at General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State while microbiological analyses on samples were carried out at the Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital [OOUTH], Sagamu, Ogun State, between August and November, 2011. Methodology: Samples were screened for the presence of vaginal pathogens using conventional microbiological techniques. Potato dextrose agar [PDA] was employed to isolate and enumerate Candida species. Chocolate agar was used for the isolation of Neisseria gonorrheae, while Columbia agar base in 10% CO2-enriched atmosphere was employed for the isolation of Gardnerella vaginalis. Microscopic examinations of smears were carried out to determine the presence of Trichomonas vaginalis. Paired sample t-test was employed to analyze results statistically. Results: Candida species recorded the highest prevalence of 58 [54.7%], followed by Trichomonas vaginalis 27 [25.5%], Gardneralla vaginalis 12 [11.3%], while Neisseria gonorrhea recorded the least prevalence of 09 [8.5%]. Among the Candida isolates obtained, Candida albicans had the highest prevalence of 39 [67.2%], followed by 11 [19%] Candida tropicalis, 6 [10.3%] Candida parapsilosis while the least occurred was Candida krusei with 2 [3.5%]. Results also showed that the incidence of Candida species was highest within the age group of between 21 and 30 years except Candida tropicalis which recorded highest incidence within the age range of 15 – 20 years. Statistical analyses established that there was no significant difference between the incidence of Candida sp and other vaginal pathogens. Conclusion: Vaginal pathogens are directly associated with genital tract infections and this is on the high side among women in the developing world like Nigeria. This calls for commitment to routine evaluation and appropriate intervention in antenatal clinics.