Bacteriological Assessment of Smoked-Dried White Shrimp (Nematopalaemon hastatus Aurivillius, 1898) Sold in Calabar, Nigeria

Aim: Enumeration of bacterial counts is an important index of assessing the safety and quality of food products. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of pathogenic bacteria in white shrimp samples obtained from major markets serving consumers in Calabar. Study Design: This study was a cross sectional study conducted between April 2017 and April 2018. Methodology: One hundred and twenty (120) samples of smoked dried Nematopalaemon hastatus (white shrimp) were analyzed for the presence of bacterial pathogens. Bacterial loads and identification of isolated organisms was determined using standard microbiological methods. Results: The results showed that 66.7% of the analyzed shrimps had aerobic bacterial counts exceeding the upper permissible limit (<1.0x106Cfu/g) and 56.7% had unsatisfactory (?20Cfu/g) Vibrio counts. The study revealed the presence of different bacteria genera namely Klebsiella, Salmonella, Pseudomonas, Serratia, Vibrio, Citrobacter, Proteus, Aeromonas, Streptococcus, Escherichia, Coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CoNS), Enterobacter and Bacillus. Predominant organism was Salmonella spp (26.7%), followed by Vibrio spp (21.7%) while the least isolated organisms were Bacillus spp and Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci (1.7%) each. The occurrence of high counts of pathogens in seafood may cause food poisoning; especially in individuals who consume this seafood raw, or lightly or insufficiently cooked. Conclusion: Hence, seafood should be processed and packaged under standard hygienic conditions to reduce the risk of microbial contamination. In addition, public health awareness campaign targeted at consumers and vendors should be optimized with frequent monitoring by regulatory agencies.

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.

Determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance amongst doctors practising in Cross River State, Nigeria

Background: COVID-19 vaccine is one of the most effective public health intervention approaches for prevention of COVID-19. Despite its well-known efficacy and safety, significant proportion of frontline COVID-19 healthcare workers remain hesitant about accepting the vaccine for whatever reasons. This study aimed to determine acceptance rate and determinants of vaccine refusal among doctors in Cross River State, Nigeria. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional survey of doctors using structured online questionnaire administered via the WhatsApp platform of the medical doctors' association, in order to assess their rate of acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines, and reasons for vaccine refusal. The predictors of vaccine acceptance were analysed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: Of the 443 medical doctors targeted on the WhatsApp platform, 164 responded to the questionnaire survey, giving a response rate of 37.0% (164/443). The mean age of the respondents is 38 ±6.28 years, 91 (55.5%) are 38 years old and above, 97 (59.1%) are males and 67 (40.9%) are females, giving a male-to-female ratio of 1.4:1. The greater proportion of the respondents are physicians (70/148, 47.3%) and about three-quarter of the participants (127/164, 77.4%) had received COVID-19 vaccine. The proportion of physicians who had received COVID-19 vaccine (57/70, 81.4%) was more than the proportion of general practitioners (31/42, 73.8%) and surgeons (24/35, 68.6%). Low perceived benefit of vaccination was the main reason given for COVID-19 vaccine refusal (45.9%, 17/37). No significant association was found between vaccine refusal and suspected predictors (p>0.05). Conclusion: Our study revealed high rate of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among medical doctors especially among the physicians, with the surgeons showing lowest acceptance rate. A significant proportion would not take vaccine because they perceived it lacks much benefits. To raise vaccine acceptance among doctors, more efforts on vaccine literacy that would target doctors from all sub-specialties especially surgeons and incorporate vaccine benefits should be made.

Demographics and Overall Survival Pattern of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in a Tertiary Hospital in South-South Nigeria: The Calabar Experience

Background: Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a bi- or triphasic disease comprising of the chronic phase (present at diagnosis in approximately 85% of patients) which can easily be controlled with conventional chemotherapy, followed by unstable accelerated phase and terminating in a blastic phase. The treatment of CML has evolved over the years The availability of the tyrosine kinase inhibitors has distinctly changed the disease course for patients with Ph+ and/or BCR-ABL1+ (CML). This study aims to determine the demographics and overall survival patterns of CML patients in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH)l. Methods: The study is a retrospective study of twenty-two (22) CML patients seen and managed at the UCTH from June 2014 to August 2021. Male/female distribution was 9/13, with a median age of 42 years. Overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) were determined using the Kaplan-Meier techniques. The data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2016 and IBM SPSS version 21. Results: Total of 22 CML patients were seen over the 8-year-period of review. The mean age was 42.63, median age 42, and modal age was 37 years respectively. There were 9 males and 13 females. 20 of the patients were in the chronic phase while 2 were in the terminating blastic phase. The presence of mutation was seen in two patients while the remaining 20 showed no mutation. Of the patients, 6 were dead and 16 are alive at the time of review. The overall survival period ranges from 12 to 84 months. The survival distributions for mutation and state of the disease (chronic or blastic) were not statistically significantly different, X2= 3.204, p = 0.073. Conclusion: There is inconsistency in the demographic and overall survival pattern of chronic myeloid leukaemia in our environment. Further study is needed to identify the factors which can help to improve the overall survival pattern in our environment

Antibiogram Profile of Enteric Pathogens Isolated from Fomites in Cross River University of Technology Medical Centre, Calabar, Nigeria

Background: Healthcare environments are considered as potential reservoirs for pathogenic microorganisms especially those responsible for nosocomial infections. Such microorganisms often present with varying degrees of drugs resistance. This study was aimed at evaluating the Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH) Medical Center Environment for the presence of pathogenic bacterial contaminants and antibiotics susceptibility profile of such isolates. Materials and Methodology: A total of 72 swab samples were collected from nineteen frequently touched hospital surfaces and processed using the standard bacteriological procedures. The emergent bacterial colonies were identified using phenotypic and biochemical tests. Antibiotic susceptibility testing of the presumptively identified isolates was carried out using Kirby-Bauer抯 method. Results: Out of 72 swab samples collected, 44 (61.1%) were positive for Enteric bacterial pathogens. The mean viable count ranged from 1.8 x 106 Cfu/cm2 (weighing scales) to 2.41 x 107 Cfu/cm2 (wash sinks). The most prevalent isolate was E. coli (48 of 127, 37.8%) followed by Klebseilla sp (27 of 127, 21.3%), Salmonella sp (19 of 127, 14.9%), Proteus sp (12 of 127, 9.4%), Citrobacter sp (11 of 127, 8.7%), Enterobacter sp (7 of 127, 5.5%) while Shigella sp (3 of 127, 2.4%) was least isolated. Isolates demonstrated high level of susceptibility to Norfloxacin 124 (97.6%), Imipenem 116 (91.3%) and Chloramphenicol 105 (82.7%). Resistance to Erythromycin was 95 (74.8%), Gentamycin 84 (66.1%) and Amikacin 82 (64.6%). Conclusion: Contamination of healthcare surfaces by multi-drugs resistant pathogens is a potential risk, especially to hospitalized patients and health care workers. Thus, it is therefore imperative that appropriate hygienic measures be implemented to suppress any potential microbial cross-contamination.

Effect of the coronavirus pandemic on nutrition and health of adults in Calabar, Nigeria: A post-lockdown analysis

Background: The food security and nutrition of millions of people around the world is currently being threatened by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, an evolving health crisis. Aim: To evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on nutrition and health of adults in Calabar, especially after the hard lockdown.Setting: Online cross-sectional survey in Calabar, Nigeria. Method: After sample size determination, an online questionnaire was designed, content-validated by nutrition experts and piloted on 20 respondents. The questionnaire link was circulated for 6 weeks (April­May, 2021). The questionnaire was structured to gather socio-economic data, lifestyles of the participants (especially younger adults) and changes in dietary intake and health. Descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation were used to define the proportion of responses for each question and check for association. Results: No glaring nutrition or health problems was observed in the surveyed population (385 respondents), but many (50%) earned very low monthly income (< 50 000 naira). A drop in finances seemed to have indirectly caused a decrease in food consumption post-lockdown. A strong association between age and health risks was observed; similarly, alcohol intake was significantly affected by income and age. Conclusion: The pandemic caused many changes in people's dietary habits and lifestyles, including financial setbacks. Apparently, education and proper enlightenment play a major role in food choices (despite limited resources), thus ensuring adequate nutrition and reducing health risks in the face of a pandemic. Contribution: This study has affirmed the efficacy of nutrition education and proper awareness in ensuring healthy dietary choices, optimal health and reduced risks of diseases.

Metabolic syndrome and its components among HIV/AIDS patients on Antiretroviral Therapy and ART-Naïve Patients at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria

Background: Although an increasing access to ART in sub-Saharan Africa has made it possible for HIV/AIDS patients to live longer, clinicians managing such patients are faced with the challenge of drug-related metabolic complications. Methods: A cross -sectional study was carried out at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Nigeria, on three groups of participants; namely HIV patients on ART, ART-naïve patients and HIV negative subjects (n =75). Demographic and anthropometric data were collected using a well-structured questionnaire while biochemical parameters were measured using colorimetric methods. Results: The highest prevalence of MS was associated with the HIV/AIDS patients on ART (i.e. 32.0 %, and 50.3% for NCEP-ATP III and IDF criteria respectively). Patients on ART had significant increases (p< 0.05) in waist to hip ratio, FPG, serum TG and LDL-c; and a significantly higher (p< 0.05) prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, low HDL-c and hypertriglyceridemia compared to the ART-naïve patients. Low serum HDL-c was the most prevalent form of dyslipidemia in all three groups and the most prevalent component of MS in HIV patients. Conclusion: ART increases the risk of MS and CVD. HIV/AIDS patients on ART should be advised on lifestyle modifications and undertake regular assessment of their cardiovascular risk factors

Kawasaki disease; rare; or misdiagnosed: A case report in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a self-limiting, acute febrile vasculitis with predilection for children under-5 years. Most reports have emanated from Japan with only a few cases reported in Africa. KD presents a diagnostic dilemma and a high index of suspicion is critical as early treatment reduces the incidence of complications. We describe a 5-month-old male infant who presented with classical clinical features though with delayed diagnosis. Received moderate dose aspirin with limitation of access to intravenous immunoglobulin and who did not develop coronary artery complication. The case report highlights the diagnostic challenges faced by practitioners, made worse by the low index of suspicion inherent in our setting. The fatal complications that may be associated with KD can, therefore, be avoided. It is hoped that pediatricians in particular would become conversant with the diagnostic criteria to facilitate early diagnosis and intervention in children

Prevalence of Sickle Cell Disease and Other Haemoglobin Variants in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the commonest genetic disorder worldwide with a global prevalence of 20-25 million. About 12-15 million affected persons are in Sub-Sahara Africa with Nigeria bearing the highest burden of people living with sickle cell disease. SCD is a disease characterized as an autosomal, recessive, heterogeneous, and a monogenetic disorder caused by an A-to-T point mutation in the β-globin gene responsible for the production of abnormal hemoglobin S (HbS), which polymerizes in the deoxygenated state and results in the sickling of erythrocytes. Haemoglobin variants are mutant forms of haemoglobin in a population usually occurring as a result of genetic changes in specific genes, or globins that causes change on alterations in the amino acid. They could affect the structure, behavior, the production rate and the stability of the specific gene. Well-known haemoglobin variants such as sick-cell anaemia are responsible for diseases and are considered haemoglobinopathies. Other variants cause no detectable pathology and are thus considered as non-pathological variants. Aim: The study is aimed at evaluating the burden of sickle cell disease and other haemoglobin variants in Calabar, South-South Nigeria. Methods: This is a retrospective study done at the haematology laboratory of University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar. Cellulose acetate electrophoresis at alkaline pH was used for the evaluation of haemoglobinopathies. The data were entered into Microsoft Excel 2016 spreadsheet and analysed with the IBM SPSS Version 22. Data were summarized into percentage of different phenotypes. Results: Results of the total 3648 haemoglobin electrophoresis recorded, 1368 (37.50%) were male while the remaining 2280 (62.5%) females given a male to female ratio of 1:1.7. Five haemoglobin phenotypes were identified as HbAA, HbAS, HbAC, HbSC and HbSS. The overall average values of their prevalence were HbAA 64.78%, HbAS 32.62%, HbSS 2.14%, HbAC 0.33%, HbSC 0.14%. Thus, the prevalence of SCD (Prevalence of HbSS+HbSC) was 2.28%. The highest proportion of SCD was observed in 2011 with least in 2016 and 2017 respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of SCD and other haemoglobin variants in Calabar is similar to that of the national prevalence rate. There is need for continuous enlightenment and premarital counselling on the pattern of inheritance of SCD most especially with the increased burden of sickle traits in the environment has reported in this study.

Projected Impact of Sea Level Rise on Nigeria’s Coastal City of Calabar in Cross River State

This study projects the impact of sea level rise on Nigeria’s coastal city of Calabar in Cross River State. Data for the study were obtained from both secondary and primary sources through the use of the internet and questionnaire administration respectively. The data were analysed using the geographical information systems (GIS), frequency tables and percentages. The results revealed that at 0.3 m rise in sea level, about 4.56% of the total land area will be covered with flood water. This would affect 159 houses, with approximately 1,431 persons. Further, at 3.0 m rise in sea level, about 10.10% of the area will be flooded, affecting 2012 houses with an estimated population of 18,108 persons. Again, the resilience of the residents to the vagaries of flooding by sea level rise is generally low due to very low income and lack of awareness. The study concluded that Calabar City is vulnerable to the impact of sea level rise which is primarily caused by climate change. Therefore, awareness campaign on the impact of flooding by sea level rise on coastal communities should be carried out by the appropriate agencies of government in the State.

Examining Our Laboratory Results Through Participation in Multinational Material Exchange Studies

Aim:The aim of this study is to determine the quality of our tissue processing through participation a multicentre research programme as part of external quality control.Study Design:Aanalytical retrospective study.Place and Duration of Study:Department of Pathology University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, July 2019.Methodology:An analytical study reviewing the performance of lymphoma tissue contributed to a Sub-Saharan African Lymphoma consortium study commissioned in 2008/2009 for which results were published in 2012. Twelve formalin fixed paraffin embedded lymphoma tissue were tested with a panel of 40 immunohistochemistry antibodies. The tissues were cut into 480 cores placed onslides before the test. Results:The tissues were from 5 women and 7 men. The mean age was 37years, median age 45 years and modal age was 60 years.Twenty six percent of the sectioned cores lifted at test andcould not therefore produce results.The reason for the lift off was tissue brittleness. Seventy four percent (74%) had intact cores on slides and produced a staining reaction although fragile antibodies like Ki 67 and bcl6 produced non reliable results while hardy antibodies like CD20 were more reliable Conclusion:The quality of histopathology biopsy results in the Department of Pathology University of Calabar teaching hospital needs to be improved. The strategies to achieve this involves the institution of continuous quality control and quality assurance

Prevalence of Benign Breast Lesions, Epithelial Proliferations with or without Atypia in Calabar-A Retrospective Review

Aims:The aim of this study is to find out the prevalence of benign breast lesions and proliferative lesions which are associated with increase risk of breast cancer.This is aimed at influencing the hospital policy on mammographic screening.Study Design:Descriptive retrospective study involving a trend analysis of benign breast lesion, proliferative analysed in the surgical pathology unit of the University of CalabarTeaching Hospital between 1st of January 2012 to October 31st 2014.Place and Duration of Study:Pathology Department of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.The study was carried out between March and April 2019.Methodology:Descriptive retrospective study of trend analysis of benign and proliferative breast lesions over the period with literature review Results:Two hundred and seventeen 217 patients consisting of seven males and two hundred and ten females with a female: Male ratio of 1:0.04. Mean age was 26.4 ± 10.0 years, ranging from 10 to 70 years, with 21-30 (94, 43.5%),as the predominant age and less than 21 years (70, 32.4%) as the second common age group.Seventy four percent of (74%) of the breast lesions were benign non proliferative lesions while 26% were proliferative breast lesions.Of the proliferative lesions, five or 8.9% of the proliferative or 2.33% of the lesions were atypical ductal hyperplasia’s which have a high risk of progression to cancer.Conclusion:Proliferative breast lesions and the premalignant lesions of the breast are not commonly reported in Calabar. An upscale of population screening and mammographic services may improve their yield which will help prevent some invasive breast cancers

Biochemical Assessment of the Liver in SCD in a Tertiary Hospital in South-South, Nigeria

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is often associated with liver disease. The constant state of haemolysis, multiple blood transfusion, viral hepatitis, hepatic sinusoidal congestion, haemosiderosis and cholestasis, are all conditions which may eventually evolve into liver disease. Sickle cell disease is a heterogeneous group of disorders that is usually associated with an autosomal recessive structural haemoglobin disorder. Biochemical abnormalities have been associated with SCD and it is usually more pronounced in vaso occlusive crises; an acute bone crisis and common painful complication of SCD, than in steady state. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess some biochemicalparameters in relation to SCD patients in our environment with a view to improving the monitoring and management of these patients. Methodology: The study was a comparative hospital based research carried out at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Calabar, South-South Nigeria. Liver function tests were carried out on 60 SCA both in steady state and in crisis and also on 50 apparently healthy adults. The data collected were analyzed using statistical data for social sciences (SPSS) Version 22 for windows. Pearson linear correlation and simple inferential statistical methods were employed for data analysis, a P ≤ 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Result: The serum concentrations of AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, Total and conjugated bilirubin were seen to be elevated in VOC compared to in steady state and with the apparently healthy control group. The AST/ALT ratio was also observed to be elevated in VOC as compared with the steady state and the control. Significant product moment correlation was observed in the biochemical parameters both in steady state and in VOC.Conclusion: The findings of this study revealed marked changes in the biochemical parameters of the liver in VOC than in steady state. It will be recommended that routine evaluation and proper interpretation of liver enzymes is paramount in early detection of liver pathology in SCD

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitosis among Mentally Ill Persons in Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria

Aim:The prevalence of intestinal parasitosis in relation to mental illness among inpatients of Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Calabar was investigated with a view to improving the quality of their medical care. Study Design: This was cross sectional study. Ethical approval and patients’ informed consent were sought and obtained before collection and processing of samples.Place and Duration of Study: Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Calabar, between February and August, 2016.Methodology: We included 246 (126 patients, 120 apparently healthy) subjects. Intestinal parasites were detected by direct stool microscopy and formol ether concentration technique and the cellophane anal swab method for Enterobius vermicularis.Chi square analysis was used to compare percentages.Results: The prevalence of intestinal parasitosis among the 126 studied patients was 49.2% compared to 11.7% recorded among the 120 apparently healthy (control) subjects examined (P < 0.0001). There was no significant association between intestinal parasites prevalence and gender in test as well as control subjects 60.0% v. 45.1%, respectively, p = 0.2022) and 14.3% v. 8.8%, respectively, P = 0.3113). Subjects with chronic mental cases insignificantly harbored more intestinal parasites than those with acute cases (53.8% v. 47.1%, respectively; P = 0.5699). Parasites detected in the study were Hookworm 34.6%, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar25%, Ascaris lumbricoides17.3%, Trichuris trichiura9.6%, Enterobius vermicularis5.8%, Giardia intestinalis3.8%, Taenia species and Schistosoma mansoni1.9% each. Hookworm ranked highest 34.6% among the parasites encountered in the test subjects while Ascaris lumbricoides33.3% took the lead in the control group. People diagnosed with Variance Psychosis disorder recorded highest infection rate (68.4%) while those with substance abuse had the least (28.0%). Conclusion: Intestinal parasitosis may possibly play aetiologic or enhancement role in mental ill health. For effective management of the mental challenge, periodic parasitic investigations and appropriate therapy before and after admittance should be effected in all psychiatric institutions

Assessment of Disease Morbidity Pattern and Health Care Seeking Behaviour among the Elderly in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State, Nigeria

Aims:This study was aimed at assessing disease morbidity pattern and health care seeking behaviour among the elderly in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State, Nigeria. Study Design:Descriptive cross-sectional study designPlace and Duration of Study:Calabar Municipal Local Government Area, Cross River State between Feburary 2015 to March 2015.Methodology:Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 200 elderly persons who gave consent to participate in the study. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. Data collected were collated and analysed using IBM SPSS version 20.0 and results were presented in tables. Chi-square was used to test for association between categorical variables Results:The result obtained showed that respondents within the age bracket of 65-69years 74(37.0%) constituted majority followed by those aged 70-74years 56(28.0%) and 75-79years 42(21.0%). More than half of the respondents 110(55%) were females while the remaining 90(45%) were males. This study revealed that malaria 50(23.1%), high blood pressure 43(19.9%) and joint pain/arthritis 31(14.4%) were the most identified health problems suffered by the elderly and the hospital/healthcare centre was where most elderly persons sought for treatment whenever they fall ill. Expenditure on health services received was largely out-of-pocket expenditure 86(43.0%). Other respondents revealed that their children 64(32.0%), relatives/in-laws 28(14.0%), spouse 16(8.0%) and friend(s) 6(3.0%) were responsible for their hospital bills. Most respondents 106(53.0%) who patronized the hospital/health center were satisfied with treatment received. Increasing age and gender were significantly associated with disease morbidity pattern among the elderly (P< .05). Conclusion:Improving geriatrics care through effective implementation of intervention programmes is pivotal to mitigating the rate of disease morbidity among the aged population

Proximate Composition and Mineral Contents of Edible Part of Four Species of Shellfishes from the Calabar River, Nigeria

Aims: To evaluate the proximate composition and mineral contents of edible part of four species of shellfishes (Callinectes amnicola, Thais coronata, Tympanotonus fuscatus and Egeria radiata) from the Calabar River, Nigeria. Place and Duration of Study: Institute of Oceanography, University of Calabar, Nigeria, between October 2016 and May 2017. Methodology: The proximate composition was analyzed following standard methods recommended by AOAC, while mineral contents were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric (AAS) method. Results: Protein and ash contents were highest in E. radiata (32.10 ± 0.06% and 3.80 ± 0.01%) and least in T. coronata (14.88 ± 0.01% and 2.57 ± 0.02%). Fat, fibre and moisture contents were highest in T. coronata (1.50 ± 0.01%, 0.06 ± 0.01% and 76.35 ±0.01%) and least in T. fuscatus (1.18 ± 0.01%), E. radiata (0.04 ± 0.01% and 61.20 ± 0.11%). Nitrogen-free extract was highest in C. amnicola (6.42 ± 0.25%) and least in E. radiata (1.50 ± 0.10%). Sodium content was highest in C. amnicola (108.34 ± 0.08 mg/100 g) and least in T. fuscatus (16.33 ± 0.01 mg/100 g). Calcium content was highest in T. coronata (188.42 ± 0.09 mg/100 g) and least in T. fuscatus (49.86 ± 0.01 mg/100 g). Copper, iron and manganese contents were highest in T.coronata (10.03 ± 0.02 mg/100 g, 14.83 ± 0.01 mg/100 g and 1.65 ± 0.01 mg/100 g) and least in C. amnicola (0.49 ± 0.01 mg/100 g), E. radiata (8.76 ± 0.01 mg/100 g) and T. fuscatus (0.21 ± 0.01 mg/100 g). All proximate composition and mineral contents except fibre content were significantly different (P < 0.05) among the four species. Conclusion: The nutritional values of the four species of shellfishes studied are suitable for human consumption, and the species could have potential alternative for animal feed industries. Therefore, aquaculture activities related to shellfishes should be encouraged to reduce pressure and total dependence on wild stock.

Role of central corneal thickness measurement in management of open angle glaucoma and glaucoma suspects in Calabar, Nigeria

Introduction: Central Corneal Thickness (CCT) is gaining increasing significance in the management of glaucoma patients due to the recognized relationship between CCT and intraocular pressure (IOP) levels. The Objective of this study was to evaluate to what extent CCT modified Goldmann Applanation Tonometry (GAT), and thus management decisions in the care of glaucoma patients and suspects in Calabar, Nigeria. Materials and methods: All consenting patients seen from January to December 2015 in University of Calabar teaching Hospital (UCTH) eye clinic and Zerah Eye Hospital and Laser Center, Calabar who were diagnosed as Glaucoma suspects/patients were included. IOP was measured by Goldmann Applanation Tonometry (GAT), and CCT measured by handheld contact ultrasound pachymetry. Data entry and analysis was performed using STATA 12 software. Results were summarized in frequencies, percentages and means while comparison was done using 95% confidence interval. Results: The study sample was 256 with 133(51%) females and 123(48%) males. The mean age was 45.52years ±17.82. The mean CCT was 530µm. An inverse relationship between CCT and age was seen; mean CCT of 518.29µm and 548.93µm for the oldest age and youngest age groups respectively. Increasing age is a known risk factor for glaucoma, but it remains to be elucidated if the progressive Nkanga DG, Ibanga AA, Nkanga ED, Etim BA, Nwachukwu KU, Ogba PO. Role of central corneal thickness measurement in management of open angle glaucoma and glaucoma suspects in Calabar, Nigeria. IAIM, 2017; 4(7): 131-138. Page 132 thinning in CCT with age confers an independent risk factor. The mean IOP was 15.835 and CCT adjusted values for IOP varying from -7 to +7 mmHg with mean IOP adjustment of 0.84mmHg ± 2.66mmHg for right eye and mean IOP adjusted value of 0.98mmHg ± 2.69mmHg for the left eye. Over 50% had adjusted IOP values of ≥1.5mmHg, while 36% had adjusted values of ≥3mmHg. Conclusion: Measurement of CCT was important for management decisions as 36% of study subject required IOP adjusted values of ≥3mmHg, thus affecting diagnostic criteria and modifying decisions on „Target IOP‟ during management. Routine CCT measurement at diagnosis should be part of a minimum package of care even in low resource settings, for the glaucoma patients to avoid undertreatment/overtreatment from „falsely‟ elevated or lowered IOPs.

An adult worm in the eye.

We report a case of ocular loiasis in a 9 yrs old girl. Very few case reports of ocular loiasis have published from India to date. Loa loa is a subcutaneous filarial parasite of man and known to be transmitted to humans by Chrysops flies. Patient presented with visual disturbances due to worm in her eye. A live adult worm was extracted and identity was confirmed by gross and microscopic examination to be Loa loa. Patient was treated with albendazole, gentamicin and steroids.

Prostate Cancer Incidence in Calabar - Nigeria.

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the incidence of prostate cancer in men living in Calabar- Nigeria, which has not been determined up till now. Study Design: A trend analysis of prostate cancer cases in Calabar between 1st January 2004 to 31st December 2013. Place and Duration of Study: Calabar cancer registry, May to June 2015. Methodology: Record of prostate cancer cases in the Calabar cancer registry between 1st January 2004 and 31st December 2013,was accessed. The patients age, sex, place domiciled in the last one year; whether rural or urban as well as prostate cancer topography and morphology were obtained and analyzed. The population of males domiciled in Calabar was determined using the 2006 national population census data and 3.0% population growth as specified by the national population commission. Excluded are all male genital tract cancers outside prostate cancer .The data was subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS version 21. Results: Two hundred and seventy nine (279) prostate cancer cases were seen, with mean (SD) age of subjects being 64.2 (9.5) years, with a range 40 to 95 years. About 249 cases (89.3%) occurred in those who are 55 years or older at time of diagnosis, with the commonest age group being 60-64 years. The age specific incidence of prostate cancer is 89 per 100,000, both crude and adjusted incidence rates were highest in 2012 (69.4 and 97.4 per 100,000, respectively). There was significant decrease in incidence rates in the initial five years (2004-2008), and increase in rates in the following five years of study (2009-2013). Within the 5-year period from 2004 to 2008, there was an average annual decrease in incidence rate of 9.63% (95% CI: 6.1%-12.8%). However, within the 5-year period from 2009 to 2013, there was an average annual increase in incidence rate of 11.95% (95%CI: 8.72% to 13.04%). Conclusion: This epidemiologic study demonstrate the incidence of prostate cancer in Calabar, Nigeria, with a predominance of patients in the 60- 64 years age group. West African states have to scale up population screening and study of this neoplasm.

Asymptomatic Bacteriuria amongst Geriatrics in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.

Aims: To investigate the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria among Geriatric patients in Calabar, the predisposing factors associated with this infection, the incriminating bacterial pathogens and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern. Study Design: Ethical approval, consent from the patients, questionnaire administration, collection and processing of clean catch mid-stream urine specimens. Place and Duration of Study: Calabar, the capital city of Cross River State, Nigeria between May, 2014 and February, 2015. Methodology: Urine samples from randomly selected 200 subjects (92 men and 108 women) between the ages of 60 to 90 years were cultured by Leigh and Williams’s method. Questionnaires were also administered. Results: 92 (46%) subjects had asymptomatic bacteriuria. Subjects between the age group 71 – 75 years had the highest level of infection but the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.165). Females 52 (48.1%) were more infected than the males 40 (43.4%) but this was not statistically significant (p=0.641). Among the diabetics only 22 (47.8%) had infection while 20 (41.6%) hypertensive subjects had infection. There was a negative correlation between diabetic subjects and the presence of infection (r=-0.2) and also a negative correlation between the hypertensive subjects and the presence of infection (r=-0.3). Escherichia coli 24 (26.1%) and Proteus spp 24 (26.1%) were the most commonly isolated bacteria. Conclusion: This work revealed a high prevalence rate of asymptomatic bacteriuria among geriatric subjects in Calabar but no association between infection and diabetes or hypertention was observed.