Evaluation of HIV-1 P24 antigenemia in HIV seronegative antenatal attendees in two Nigerian hospitals

Pregnant women who a tended antenatal clinics in Asokoro District Hospital. Abuja in Northern Nigeria and Tnivcrsik of Calabar Peaching Hospital. Calabar in Southern Nigeria were recruited tor this study. The subjects were aged 20 years to 40 years old. Samples collected were analysed for P24 antigenemia using the method of Niel based on the principle of Enzyme linked Immunosorbent Assay [RL1SA]. Samples were screened for HIV antibodies using the ELISA technique of imrmmocomb test using the method of Epstein. Serology testing is the routine screening method for HIV in virtually all Nigerian health centers. Two hundred and twenty pregnant women selected for this study were tested sero-negative for HIV-1 antibodies while 30 that had been tested zero positive for HIV-1 antibodies were used as controls for P24 antigenemia testing. The 220 that were seronegative for HIV-1 antibodies were tested for P24 antifiens. Thirty two [14.5%] of the 220 subjects were positive for P24 antigenemia. Out of these 32. twenty three [23] were in the highly reproductive and sexually active age brackets of 20 years to 30 years. Expectedly. 26 [86.7%] of the 30 controls tested positive for P24 antigenemia. Subjects from polygamous marriages had a higher number of P24 anligenemia positivity than those from monogamous marriages [Table 4]. This implies that mother to child transmission of HIV infection is high in sexually active reproductive age bracket and in polygamous marriages. The latter could be due to multiple partnership involvement. Observation is that using HIV-1 serologic technique, there is about 1 in 10 ratio chance of a mother transmission of HIV to her unborn child since the window period is not covered by this technique. Although HIV antibody tests are the most appropriate, rapid and efficient means of detecting infection but P24 antigen assay is an alternative technology for diagnosing early infection before a level of detectable antibodies is reached. P24 antigen is detectable in a predictable manner between 14 to 29 days of infection. We conclude that HIV serologic test, which is used routinely and generally in most Nigerian health centers, is not enough to elucidate HIV serostatus of individuals, especially those who appear to be sero-negative Therefore introduction of P24 antigen assay, to cover greater part of the window period of the infection will not only protect the mother but also the unborn child

Inhibitory effect of cyanide on G-6-PD activity of erythrocytes in Calabar, Nigeria

Screening test for G-6-PD was carried out on 100 subjects in Calabar using the methaemoglobin reduction test of Brewar et al, [1978]. Twenty percent of the subjects were deficient for G-6-PD, while 80% were normal. Of the 27 female subjects screened, none was deficient for the enzyme. Out of the 73 males, 53 were normal, while 20 were deficient. The difference between deficient male subjects and female was statistically significant [P<0.05]. Different concentrations of potassium cyanide [KCN] were incubated with the 80 blood samples that were normal for G-6-PD for 30 min at 37°C and G-6-PD screening was reported. It was observed that 0.15 mml/L KCN had a significant inhibitory effect on erythrocyte G-6-PD activity in vitro with apparent inhibitory affect of the cyanide indicated at other concentrations of the salt. The inhibition effect of cyanide seen in vitro may inversely represent an in vivo inhibitory effect, therefore there is need to modify the processing method of one of our regular food stuffs like cassava, bean and corn to completely remove cyanide and thereby to prevent possible inhibition of G-6-PD activity. Further direct study on the in vivo effect of the cyanide on G-6-PD activity is proposed

Increased methaemoglobin formation caused by smoking habits in Calabar, Nigeria

One hundred subjects were recruited for this study, sixty were cigarette smokers while 40 were non-cigarette smokers and were treated as controls. Smokers were classified into heavy smokers, [individuals that consume more than 10 sticks per day] and moderate smokers, [individuals that consume 10 sticks of cigarette or less per day]. Samples were collected into EDTA bottles using standard venopuncture method. Methaemoglobin [MetHb] levels were determined using the method of Evelyn and Malloy. The mean MetHb value in cigarette smokers [4.7 +/- 1.3%] was higher than that of the non-smokers [1.6 +/- 0.2%]. The difference was statistically significant [P<0.05]. Heavy cigarette smokers had markedly increased MetHb level than moderate cigarette smokers [4.2 +/- 0.4%] and control subjects [1.6 +/- 0.2%]. The difference was statistically significant [P<0.05]. This work has indicated a raised level of MetHb in cigarette smokers and markedly higher in heavy smokers than in moderate smokers. MetHb is an inert haemoglobin [Hb] with no functional properties and its presence is associated with reduction in oxygen carrying capacity of the cell and raised oxidation state, which may culminate into generation of superoxide and oxygen free radicals. A condition which could accelerate oxidative damage with subsequent oxidation of haemoglobin. Cigarette smokers are exposed to high risk of developing major physiological, biochemical and haematological changes. These changes may contribute significantly to the haematological and biochemical complications in cigarette smokers. It is concluded that cigarette smoking enhances increased MetHb formation. The findings in this study may form one of the base line data available for the provision of sufficient warning to smokers on the medical consequence of smoking