ABSTRACT
Aims: This study was carried out to assess aspects of the epidemiology of hookworm infection and the influence of some epidemiological factors on their prevalence in some farming communities in Afikpo South L.G.A. of Ebonyi State. Study Design: This was a laboratory-based observational study. Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in the Department of Applied Biology Laboratory, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria between May, 2013 and November, 2013. Methodology: A total of 442 stool samples from school children and adults were collected and examined using direct smear and formol-ether concentration techniques for the presence of the parasite eggs. Results: Out of the 442 examined, 35(7.9%) samples were positive for hookworm infections. Other helminthic infections observed were Ascaris lumbricoides 192(43.4%) and Trichuris trichiura 4(0.9%). The only mixed infections were seen between hookworm and Ascaris lumbricoides which recorded 21(4.8%) prevalence. There was no significant difference in the rate of infection with hookworm between the different age groups (X2=2.68; P>0.05), though 8-14 years age group had the highest infection rate (9.8%) while those between 21-30 had the lowest (3.5%). The sex distribution showed a higher infection rate in females with prevalence of 22(9.0%) while 13(6.6%) cases were recorded among the males, however, there was no significant difference in infection rate between the sexes (X2=0.90; P>0.05). Conclusion: This study shows that the occurrence and distribution of hookworm and other geohelminth infections were still high in Afikpo South L.G.A. despite the periodic deworming exercises by the governmental and non-governmental agencies. The different epidemiological factors analyzed including farming, use of streams and open defaecation presented the highest risk factors for hookworm infections. Hence, provision of portable drinking water, adequate sanitary disposal of faeces and refuse, health education on the mode of transmission of hookworm and improved personal hygiene should be integrated into the periodic deworming exercises for optimum result.
ABSTRACT
Aims: The study was carried out in order to determine the plasmid profile, antibiotic susceptibility pattern and the type of antimicrobial resistance (whether it is chromosomal or plasmid mediated) among producers of extended spectrum beta-lactamases of uropathogens in children. Study Design: A cross-sectional study of three hundred children in a hospital. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pediatrics (Pediatrics Ward) and Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria between January 2009 to September 2010. Methodology: Clean-catch urine samples were collected from 300 children aged 1 month to 16 years with suspected community acquired urinary tract infection. Isolated bacteria were identified using standard microbiological techniques. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was carried out by disc diffusion method. Extended Spectrum Beta- Lactamase (ESBL) was determined among the Gram-negative bacteria using double disc synergy test (DDST). The plasmid DNA of the bacterial isolates was extracted using alkalysis method and electrophoresed on 0.8% agarose gel stained with 2μl ethidium bromide (EtBr). Result: The result of the study showed that Staphylococcus aureus had the highest prevalence among gram positive bacteria. Escherichia coli had the highest prevalence among gram negative bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus showed cross resistance towards some of the antimicrobial agents. Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas showed multiple drug resistance. All the uropathogens isolated were 100% susceptible to imipenem. The study highlights among the ESBL-producers, plasmids of higher molecular weight of 30Kb. Conclusion: It is therefore suggested that appropriate antimicrobial agent be administered to reduce the risk of multi-drug resistance and avert the ineffectiveness of antimicrobial agents.