Serological and molecular detection of hepatitis C virus among students in a tertiary educational institution in Calabar, Nigeria

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global health problem and continues to be a major disease burden in the world, associated with serious health challenges including liver cirrhosis, cancer, lymphomas and death. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of HCV infection among students of the University of Calabar. Methodology: In a cross-sectional study, 200 students were tested for the presence of anti-HCV antibodies using a rapid immunochromatographic (ICT) assay (CTK Biotech, Inc. USA). Seropositive samples were confirmed using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay for detection of HCV RNA. Structured questionnaires were used to collect subjects' socio-demographic data and risk factors of infection. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16.0, with the level of significance set at p<0.05. Results: Of the 200 students screened, the seroprevalence of HCV was 15.0% (n=30) and 9.5% (n=19) was positive for HCV RNA by RT-PCR assay. The prevalence of anti-HCV antibody was significantly higher in females (18.8%, 12/64) than males (13.2%, 18/136) (x2=3.84, p=0.036). Alcohol consumption (OR=4.67, 95% CI=2.04-10.67, p=0.002), skin piercing (OR=32.99, 95% CI=5.95-72.37, p<0.0001), multiple sexual partners (OR=4.03, 95% CI=1.7-9.6, p=0.0018), and history of blood transfusion (OR=8.00, 95% CI=2.97-21.58, p<0.001) were risk factors significantly associated with HCV infection in the study participants. Conclusion: The findings of 15.0% and 9.5% prevalence of HCV infection by anti-HCV antibody and HCV RNA, respectively in this study, showed that there is relatively high prevalence of HCV infection among the students' population in University of Calabar, Nigeria. Hence, routine medical screening of students for HCV infection using rapid ICT and RT-PCR techniques is hereby recommended.

Contexte: L'infection par le virus de l'hépatite C (VHC) est un problème de santé mondial et continue de représenter un fardeau de morbidité majeur dans le monde, associé à de graves problèmes de santé, notamment la cirrhose du foie, le cancer, les lymphomes et la mort. Cette étude a été réalisée pour déterminer la prévalence de l'infection par le VHC parmi les étudiants de l'Université de Calabar. Méthodologie: Dans une étude transversale, 200 étudiants ont été testés pour la présence d'anticorps anti-VHC à l'aide d'un test immunochromatographique rapide (ICT) (CTK Biotech, Inc., USA). Les échantillons séropositifs ont été confirmés à l'aide d'un test de réaction en chaîne par transcriptase inverse-polymérase (RT-PCR) pour la détection de l'ARN du VHC. Des questionnaires structurés ont été utilisés pour collecter les données sociodémographiques des sujets et les facteurs de risque d'infection. Les données ont été analysées à l'aide de SPSS version 16.0, avec le niveau de signification fixé à p <0,05 Résultats: Parmi les 200 étudiants dépistés, la séroprévalence du VHC était de 15,0% (n=30) et 9,5% (n=19) étaient positifs à l'ARN du VHC par test RT-PCR. La prévalence des anticorps anti-VHC était significativement plus élevée chez les femmes (18,8%, 12/64) que chez les hommes (13,2%, 18/136) (x 2=3,84, p=0,036). Consommation d'alcool (OR=4,67, IC 95%=2,04-10,67, p=0,002), perçage cutané (OR=32,99, IC 95%=5,95- 72,37, p <0,001) Conclusion: Les résultats de 15,0 % et 9,5 % de prévalence de l'infection par le VHC par les anticorps anti-VHC et l'ARN du VHC, respectivement dans cette étude, ont montré qu'il existe une prévalence relativement élevée de l'infection par le VHC parmi la population étudiante de l'Université de Calabar, au Nigéria. Par conséquent, un dépistage médical de routine des étudiants pour l'infection par le VHC à l'aide de techniques rapides de TIC et de RT-PCR est recommandé.

A Bacteriological of Make-up Tools Used in Calabar Metropolis, Cross River State, Nigeria

Sharing of make-up tools by multiple users is a possible means of transfer of fungal infections, such as dermatophytoses. With abrasion on the skin, it is possible for HIV, Hepatitis B virus, Spirochaetes and other pathogens to be carried via contaminated make-up tools, from one person to another. Using sterilized swab sticks, surfaces of make-up tools (sponge and brush) were cleansed. Materials deposited on the swab sticks were cultured aerobically on Chocolate and Cysteine Lactose Electrolyte Deficient Agar plates overnight at 37oC. After overnight aerobic incubation, the culture plates were read macroscopically for growth. Bacterial isolates were subjected to microscopic examination using Gram’s staining technique and biochemical tests (e.g. coagulase, catalase, oxidase, and motility). Results showed that the predominant bacterial growths obtained from the make-up tools were Staphylococcus aureus (51.5%), Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (25.8%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (6.2%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (16.5%). The different genera of bacteria were harvested from make-up brushes (66.2%) and make-up sponges (85.7%). There was no bacterial growth from 33.8% and 14.3% of make-up brushes and make-up sponges respectively. There was no statistical difference in terms of bacterial growth between the two tools (brush and sponge) sampled (P>0.05). This study has shown that there is a moderate possibility for the transfer of bacterial organisms (both skin flora and pathogens) from one person to another, through make-up tools, in our local communities. It is hereby recommended that health education talks should be carried out regularly among beauticians to encourage them to use disposable make-up tools with disinfectants.

Studies on the Antibacterial Susceptibility of Uropathogens to Senna alata Extracts in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria

Background: Senna alata is an underutilized shrub found in many countries and is known for its traditional use in the treatment of dermatophytes and other related diseases. Therefore, this study aimed at evaluating the phytochemical and antibacterial effects of S. alata leaves extracts against bacterial isolates obtained from urinary tract infection patients in Calabar. Methodology: Matured fresh leaves of Senna alata were collected within Calabar, Cross River state, Nigeria, in May 2022 and identified by a botanist in the Department of Botany, University of Calabar. The leaves of S. alata were extracted with water, methanol and ethyl acetate using maceration and soxhlet methods. Phytochemical analysis was conducted to detect the presence of bioactive compounds using standard methods. The crude extracts of S. alata were investigated for antibacterial properties using agar well diffusion method and mechanisms of antibiosis determined using MBC/MIC ratio. Results: In both methods of extraction, methanol yielded more extracts compared to other solvents. Soxhlet methanol extract (SaMeSh) had the highest (12.21%) percentage yield while maceration ethyl acetate extract (SaEaMa) had the least (4.77%) percentage yield. The phytochemicals assayed revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, flavonoids, anthraquinones, terpenoids and steroids. However, terpenoids was not detected in methanol and ethyl acetate extracts. Senna alata extracts demonstrated broad spectrum of activity against the tested isolates at various concentrations with organic solvents exhibiting the highest antibacterial activity. However, the observed activity varied with respect to concentration of extract and types of organisms. The MIC values ranged from 31.25 to 250 mg/mL and MBC values from 62.5 to 500 mg/mL. The MIC index of the crude extracts against the test uropathogens was ?8. Conclusion: This study indicates that S. alata could be a source of novel antimicrobial agent. Further research is required to isolate, characterize and identify bioactive constituents responsible for the observed activity.

Kaposi Sarcoma: Changing Trend in Calabar; South Eastern Nigeria

Background/objective: Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is now the most frequently reported malignant skin tumour in some areas of Africa and was endemic in Africa before the advent of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The prevalence has increased with the emergence of HIV infection. The objective of this report is to describe the frequency; current clinical pattern; and anatomic distribution of KS in Calabar; south-eastern Nigeria and compare this with total malignant skin tumour. Method: All the patients with histologic diagnosis of KS presenting to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital from January 2005 and December 2006 were analyzed as part of the wider study of malignant skin tumorus. Diagnosis of HIV was based upon enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Results: In our study; there were 11 patients (7 males and 4 females); with a male: female ratio of 1.75: 1. This was the commonest malignant skin tumor (38) followed by squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (34.5) and the age ranged from 21 - 60 years (mean 42.9years). Nine patients (81.8) were HIV positive including the 4 females (age ranged from 21 -45 years) and 2(18.2) HIV negative; aged 59 and 60years. The lower limb was the commonest site (50). Atypical lesions involved the eyelids/ nose and penis. Conclusion: KS is now the commonest malignant skin tumour in our region with the HIV related KS as the commonest clinical type. Successful prevention and treatment of HIV infection would reduce the prevalence of this tumour

Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinomata on the Same Patients: Report of Two Cases in Aibinos

Background: Skin cancer is the most common cancer among the lightly pigmented individuals in Europe; North America and Australia. It occurs infrequently in darkly pigmented individuals because they have more melanin. Melanin and albinism are a known risk factors for skin cancers in Africans. Those already treated for skin cancer run a risk of developing another skin cancer. Method: Two case reports of albinos who developed basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinomata (SCC) later are presented. The two female albinos aged 61 and 21 years had BCC and SCC involving the left arm and the dorsum of the left hand in case1 and involving the face and the medial side of the right elbow in case 2. Both patients had numerous actinic keratoses that indicated chronic exposure to sunlight. Results: The outcome was good for the BCC's as the wounds healed post excision. There was no evidence of recurrence when the patients represented with SCC at 12 and 18 months respectively. Conclusion: Albinos run a risk of developing both BCC and SCC with chronic exposure to sunlight. Health education strategies on the need for early institution of preventive measures and follow up are emphasised as they run a risk of developing another cancer

Infertility among Nigerian Couples as seen in Calabar

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the infertility pattern among Nigerian couples in Calabar and to examine the outcome of our management strategies.Methods: A retrospective descriptive design study based on findings from the clinical files of infertile couples presenting at the gynaecology and the male fertility clinics of University of Calabar Teaching Hospital over a five-year period (2001-2005). Data were collected from all the documented clinical and laboratory findings.Results: The obvious causes of infertility constituted 58in females; 30in males and 12in both partners. Primary infertility was found in 69.7of males and 34.5of females and secondary infertility in 30.3of males and 65.5of females. Infection appears to be a strong predisposing factor to infertility in both male and female patients in our study population. Pregnancy was achieved in 24of our female patients who had tubal surgery; while 69of our males who had varicocelectomy had improvement in seminal fluid parameters.Conclusion: Prevention and prompt treatment of infection; particularly the sexually transmitted infections could be beneficial in the reduction of infertility among couples