Phenotypic Characterisation of Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Patients in Healthcare Institutions in Zaria Metropolis, Kaduna State, Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Staphylococcus aureus is a cosmopolitan and pathogenic microorganism associated with various diseases spectra and antimicrobial resistance of public health importance.Aim: This study determined the phenotypic characteristics of S. aureus isolated from patients in healthcare institutions in Zaria metropolis.STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional hospital-based study was carried out in 5 healthcare institutions. Four hundred and twenty clinical samples were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Majority of the patients (54.3%) were within the age range 21­40 years and mean age of 26.04 ± 12 years. Approximately, 70% of the respondents had history of antibiotic use prior to consultation in the hospitals and wereselfprescribed, and 91.2% were outpatients. The most commonly abused antibiotics were ampicillin-cloxacillin (19.5%) and cotrimoxazole (10.0%), and the mean duration of their use was 3.5 ± 1.3 days. The detection rate for S. aureus was 10% and 5.2% for MRSA. The S. aureus isolates showed the highest frequency of resistance against ampicillin 42 (100%), followed by penicillin G 39 (92.9%) and least was to gentamicin 5 (11.9%). The frequency of resistance for the MRSA were ampicillin 22 (100%), penicillin G 21(95.5%) and least was to gentamicin 2 (9.1%). The minimum inhibitory concentrations of oxacillin were greater than 128 µg /ml. CONCLUSION: The detection rate of S. aureus and MRSA strains are of great public health concern which requires continuous health education on rational use of antibiotics among others

Blister and Bulla Following Snake Bite in Nigeria: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Introduction: Snakebites are a major health problem in several rural areas of tropical countries worldwide. Timely administration of appropriate antivenoms (AV) has been shown to significantly improve outcome. It has been hypothesized that presence of blisters may lead to poor outcome because of potential sequestration of snake venom with gradual systemic absorption. We explore the impact of blisters on outcome of snake bite envenomation. Methods: The study was a prospective cohort, enrolling all snake bite victim reporting to hospital in Febuary-April 2013. Data on demography, type of snake, circumstances of bite, presence or absent of blisters, systemic bleeding, 20min Whole Blood Clotting Time (WBCT), amount of anti-venom needed to restore clotting, and outcomes were recorded. Analyses explored relationship between blister and poor outcome (PO) defined as deaths, gangrene, prolonged Length of Hospital Stay (LOS), amputation, altered consciousness or requiring more than 10mls or 30mls of Echitab or Echitab plus respectively to restore clotting. Results: A total of 128 cases were studied, 101 were males. The mean age of the victims was 25.19 years ±17.51. Carpet viper was the most common responsible snake 89/106(84.0%). Local 84/128(65.6%), systemic bleeding 33/128(25.8%) and non-clotting 20WBCT 100/128(78.1%) were common while amputations 3/128(2.3%), gangrene 5/128(3.9%), altered consciousness 2/128(1.6%) and deaths 4/128(3.1%) were fewer. Blister was present in 42/128(32.8%) which had no relationship with gender (P=.39). Patients with blisters compared to those without blisters had more gangrene 4/42(9.5%) vs 1/86(1.2%) (P=.04), non-clotting 20WBCT 40/42(95.2%) vs 60/86(69.8%) (P<.001) and required more amount of antivenom to restore clotting >10mls (Echitab) or 30mls (Echitab plus) in 8/32(25%) vs 3/57(5.3%) (P=.03). Using Wilcoxon Rank-Sum test patients with blisters had a median LOS of 6.0±2.3 days compared to those without blisters 5.0±3.5 days (P=.02). In a logistic regression adjusting for LOS and systemic bleeding, blister predicted PO with P=.043 (95%CI: 0.110- 0.963). Conclusion: Presence of blister predicts PO (LOS, gangrene and large amount of antivenom needed to restore clotting). Deblistering of blister in snake bite patients may improve outcome. A randomised control trial is recommended to look at the effect of deblistering on outcome among patients with snake bite envenomation.

Pattern of Left Ventricular Geometry in Hypertension: a Study of a Hypertensive Population in Nigeria

Background: Hypertension is a leading cause of cardioxasular morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. The main aim of this study was to deterine the prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy and left ventricular geometric patterns among hypertensives in Kano; Nigeria. Methods: The study was cross-sectional in design; and carried out in 3 echocardiography laboratories within the City of Kano; Nigeria. Patients with hypertension without other cardiac disorders were serially recruited and studied after obtaining informed consent. Results: A total of 186 patients were studied over 7 months; 89 males (47.9) and 97 females (52.1). The prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy was 61.8. Thirty five patients (18.8) had normal left ventricular geometry and these were predominantly females and had the lowest mean age and shortest duration of hypertension. Sixty eight patients (36.6) had eccentric hypertrophy; 47 (25.3) had concentric hypertrophy and 36 (19.4) had concentric remodelling. Independent predictors of the various geometric patterns were identified. Conclusion: A high prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy was observed with eccentric hypertrophy being the most common geometric pattern. Gender influenced the pattern of left ventricular geometry

Migration; Pastoralists; HIV Infection and Access to Care: the Nomadic Fulani of Northern Nigeria

The burden of HIV infection among the nomadic Fulani of northern Nigeria is unknown. Migration - a way of life for this population - is known to increase the rate of HIV transmission and may limit individuals' access to treatment and care. Many of Africa's other traditional; pastoral societies are similarly affected. This paper explores cultural practices and factors among the Fulani that may influence HIV transmission; vulnerability to infection; sustainability and challenges to treatment access; and avenues and models for outreach services; lastly; we proffer some solutions and recommendations. An extensive literature search with cross-referencing was done; and relevant publications on similar themes were reviewed. Three cases of Fulani nomads with HIV are presented to illustrate the challenge of providing a care continuum as well as to demonstrate successes when appropriate HIV interventions are employed. Patient interviews provide valuable insight and information on living and coping with HIV. Community mobility limits opportunities for counselling; testing and diagnosis; as well as HIV-related care access and maintenance. Consanguinity and certain cultural practices among the Fulani have clear amplification potential for HIV transmission. Treatment support through the use of coaches and life partners improves adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Existing programmes for nomads afford opportunities for absorption and integration of HIV services. Nomadic communities should be provided with basic HIV-related services; including risk-reduction education and methods; counselling and testing; ART; medication adherence counselling; access to laboratory tests and health monitoring. These services should be taken to nomadic communities using novel approaches such as mobile units; extension services; case management; directly observed care; and treatment supporters linked to neighbouring health facilities in a hub-and-spoke model. Stronger collaborations are recommended between programmes for nomads and HIV services; and also between veterinary and public health services. Community participation and leadership should be encouraged to ensure the sustainability of HIV-related care delivery. More research is needed on the epidemiology and sociology of HIV infection and the best ways to provide services to hard-to-reach nomadic populations