Phenotypic Characterization and Antibiotic Susceptibility Profile of Coagulase Positive Staphylococci from The External Surfaces of Hospital Cockroaches (Periplaneta americana)

A study to phenotypically characterize and determine the antibiogram of coagulase positive Staphylococci (CoPS) from the external surfaces of hospital cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) was conducted using standard microbiological methods. Out of the 50 cockroaches collected from various hospitals in Uyo, sixty-two percent (n = 31) had coagulase positive Staphylococci which consisted of Staphylococcus aureus (44.0 %; n = 22) and Staphylococcus intermedius (18.0 %; n = 9). The CoPS isolates showed 100% resistance to Penicillin, Tetracycline, Clindamycin and 80.6% sensitivity to Amoxicillin-clavulanate. The CoPS showed multiple antibiotic resistances to ≥ 3 antibiotics, with 60 % exhibiting resistance to 6 antibiotics. Out of the 80 % (n = 31) of the multidrug resistant CoPS that were sensitive to Amoxicillin-clavulanate, none of them showed production of beta lactamase. The cockroaches bore multiple antibiotic resistant CoPS on their external surfaces and their contact can initiate contamination of patients' food. Pest control measures in hospital are hereby recommended to minimize cockroach related infections

Omphalitis in a Nigerian Neonate; Lessons to learn.

We present a four day old male neonate who presented at the special care baby unit of the University Teaching Hospital, Ado–Ekiti with features of peri-umbilical cellulitis. The factors that predisposed to the development of omphalitis in this neonate whose mother is a university graduate is discussed with a view of providing information on how to prevent future occurrences.

A community-based investigation of the avoidable factors of maternal mortality in Nigeria: the pilot experience

"Background: Reduction of maternal mortality is one of the major goals of several recent international conferences and has been included within the Millennium Development Goals. However; because measuring maternal mortality is difficult and complex; reliable estimates of the dimensions of the problem are not generally available and assessing progress towards the goal is difficult in some countries. Reliable baseline data are crucial to effectively track progress and measure that targets or goals of reducing maternal mortality have been met. Objectives:The objectives of this pilot study were: to test adequacy of research instruments; to improve research techniques; to determine an appro- priate workload; to determine the time required for interviews; and to assess the feasibility of a (full-scale) study/ survey. Methods:This pilot study was conducted between 11th April and 22nd April 2005. 420 houses were visited and interviews of 420 respondents between the ages of 15-49 were conducted in a randomly pre-selected Local Government Area of Oyo state using a structured instrument developed using the principles of the Sisterhood Method. Results:There was willingness of the public to participate in the study. The response rate was 100.There was no issue raised as regards the structure;wording and translation of the question- naire.This pilot study uncovered local political problems and other issues that may be encountered during the main study. Conclusions:The pilot raised a number of fundamental issues related to the process of designing the research instrument; identifying and recruiting Data Collectors; training and supervision of Data Collectors and the research project; gaining access to respondents and obtaining support and approval from ""gate- keepers"".This paper highlights the lessons learned and reports practical issues that occurred during pilot study."