Sero-prevalence of human T-lymphotrophic virus 1/2 among HIV-1 infected individuals in Ilorin, Nigeria

Background: HTLV­1 or 2 co­infection in individuals infected with HIV­1 can lead to increased morbidity. The shared routes of transmission of HTLV with HIV­1 may increase the prevalence of HTLV among HIV­1 infected population and subsequently affect patient's management. Methods: Sera were collected from 144 HIV­1 infected individuals attending the highly active anti­retroviral therapy (HAART) clinic of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital between the months of May and August 2016. Sera were tested for anti­HTLV IgM and IgG antibodies to HTLV­1&2 using the sandwich enzyme­linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Out of the 144 participants tested, 47 (32.6%) and 37 (25.7%) were positive for HTLV IgG and IgM respectively. Twenty­one participants (14.6%) had both IgG and IgM antibodies to HTLV­1&2. Ten individuals were anti­retroviral drug naïve out of which, four and six were positive to anti­HTLV IgG and IgM respectively. Conclusion: Findings from this study revealed that there is high sero­prevalence of HTLV IgG and IgM antibodies among HIV­1 sero­positive individuals in Ilorin. The high rate of co­infection supports routine screening for HTLV­1/2 co-infection among HIV­1 infected individuals in Ilorin, Nigeria so that the purpose of HAART treatment and monitoring of patients to prevent progression to AIDS will not be aborted

Compliance with diabetic retinopathy screening in a Nigerian tertiary hospital

There is little information on default rates and reasons for retinal screening in diabetes. We prospectively studied 179 type 2 diabetic patients referred for screening at a tertiary Nigerian medical centre. Defaulting occurred in 100 patients, i.e. over half (56%). Defaulting was associated with not having had a previous eye examination (p=0.027) and either a short (<1 year) or medium (6­10 year) duration of diabetes (p=0.001). Location of residence, level of education, diabetes treatment, age and gender did not correlate with screening compliance. We recommend that screening be carried out as soon as possible after diagnosis, which may improve future compliance

Achieving the 6th MDG: An Evaluation Drug Treatment of Malaria in Selected PHC in Osun State.

Introduction: The burden of malaria in Nigeria and Africa is well documented. The current Nigeria anti-malaria drug policy has recommended artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) as the first-line drug treatment for uncomplicated malaria since 2005. It is now 8 years since the adoption of ACT and two years to the set time for the achievement of the MDGs. Objective: To assess the adherence of the PHC to the new policy on drug treatment for uncomplicated malaria. Methods: Using a pro-forma, relevant information about drug prescription of malaria cases between January 2008 and December 2009 was extracted from patients’ folders in the 3 comprehensive health centres being used by LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Osogbo. Additional data were also collected through the use of in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed with Epi-Info software 3.4.2. Results: A total of 8881 episodes of malaria were analyzed of which male children (0-5years) constituted the highest number. The commonest prescribed anti-malaria was oral Chloroquine (21.6%) for the 3 CHC combined. However, for each CHC, CQ was the commonest drug prescribed for Ilie and Atelewo CHC (41.6% and 25.5% respectively), while for Akogun CHC alone, it was Artesunate + SP. Akogun CHC was found to have the highest prescribed pre-packaged ACT. Factors responsible for inappropriate prescription were non-availability and perceived patients' nonaffordability and unwillingness to buy drugs. Conclusion: Prescription of CQ and SP as mono-therapy continues to prevail in the CHC. There is urgent need for ensuring compliance to the current and acceptable treatment for malaria. Other means of sustaining availability of anti-malaria drugs should be considered.

Infectious Agents and Cancer

The epidemiology of several types of cancers indicate the involvement of several transmissible agents in their development; and in most cases; these seem to be viruses. The classic examplesare Burkitt's lymphoma; nasopharyngeal carcinoma (EBV); hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV); and cervical carcinoma (HPV). Most of these cancers show substantial variations in their incidencein different parts of the world and in particular countries; they present significant health problems. Worldwide; infections account for up to 20of all cancers. Also; there is now ample evidence implicating infection with the Helicobacter pylori in the occurrence of gastric carcinoma and gastric lymphoma; and infection with Schistosoma haematobium in the occurrence of the squamous cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder.The impact of these infections on the burden of cancer worldwide is becoming increasingly evident because they are largely responsible for the cascade of opportunistic malignancies associated with AIDS. The burden is heaviest among populations in developing countries; reflecting the impact of very early infection with these agents on subsequent risk of cancer. There are currently no vaccines available to prevent these chronic infections; other than for HBV. As a result; changes in behaviour hold the most promise for prevention