Erratum to "Antibacterial Activity of Chalcone and Dihydrochalcone Compounds from Uvaria chamae Roots against Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2018/1453173.].

New strains of hepatitis B virus genotype E circulating in Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is not uncommon among persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Severity of HBV infection and treatment outcome are associated with specific HBV genotypes. No study has reported the types of HBV genotypes circulating among HIV-infected subjects in Nigeria. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of HBV, as well as its genotypic distribution among HIV-infected subjects in Benin City, Nigeria. METHODS: Whole blood was collected from a total of 564 HIV-infected and 250 apparently healthy HIV-negative subjects. Serodiagnosis of HBV infection was done using an immunochromatographic kit. Detection of HBV-DNA and sequencing of amplicons were done using standard molecular techniques. RESULTS: HIV status was not significantly associated with HBV seroinfection (HIV vs. non-HIV: 4.6% vs. 4.0%; odds ratio = 1.168, 95% confidence interval = 0.550, 2.444, and P = 0.854). HIV-infected subjects were observed to have an insignificantly (P = 0.645) higher prevalence of true HBV infection than their non-HIV-infected counterparts (HIV positive vs. HIV negative: 23.1% vs. 10.0%). All patients with true HBV infection were found to harbor HBV genotype E, which did not cluster around other HBV genotype E. CONCLUSION: This study reports novel strains of HBV genotype E circulating in Nigeria.

Antibacterial Activity of Chalcone and Dihydrochalcone Compounds from Uvaria chamae Roots against Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria.

This study presents antimicrobial properties of Uvaria chamae roots, commonly used for the treatment of various infections in south Benin. Their constituents were extracted and then fractionated in order to isolate the active ingredients. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed against several multidrug-resistant bacteria using the Mueller Hilton well agar diffusion method. Results showed that ethanol extracts were highly active against Gram-positive cocci. This activity was more extensive than that measured from conventional broad-spectrum antibiotics. Indeed, vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains were all sensitive to this root extract. The aim of this study was to link the antimicrobial activity of the root to chemical structures. The ion mobility mass spectrometry analysis revealed for the first time the presence of ten chalcone and dihydrochalcone structures responsible for the antimicrobial activity of Uvaria chamae ethanol extracts. Two structures were described here for the first time in these roots. These findings confirm and justify the medical properties of these roots used as a traditional medicine.

Traditional treatment of human and animal salmonelloses in Southern Benin: Knowledge of farmers and traditherapists.

AIM: This study aimed to report medicinal plants that are likely to be used in the control of salmonellosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Southern Benin. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to 150 farmers and 100 traditional therapists in seven high municipalities. This step helped to collect plants that are used in the treatment of animal salmonellosis and typhoid fever in human. RESULTS: The results revealed a low level of use of medicinal plants among breeders who prefer antibiotics such as oxytetracycline (53.55%), tylosine + sulfadimerazine (15.30%), and alphaceryl (19.13%). However, plants such as Moringa oleifera (leaves), Carica papaya (leaves and seeds), and Vernonia amygdalina (leaves) were mostly used by some farmers. From traditional therapists, 57 plant species of 32 families were identified as typhoid fever cures; among which Leguminosae, Asteraceae, and Euphorbiaceae were predominant. Persea americana (22.72%), V. amygdalina (7.57%), and Corchorus olitorius (7.57%) were the most cited by traditherapists for the treatment of typhoid fever in human. CONCLUSION: This study provides a database for further studies on the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of Benin plant species on Salmonellaspp. These evaluations will guarantee the availability of new therapeutic solutions for populations.

Comparative Study of Malaria Prevalence among Travellers in Nigeria (West Africa) Using Slide Microscopy and a Rapid Diagnosis Test.

Malaria is a major disease in Africa and leads to various public health problems. A study was carried out at the Aviation Medical Clinic Laboratory, Murtala Mohammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria, in 2014. The work aimed to determine the prevalence of malaria among patients attending the laboratory. Blood samples were therefore collected from 51 patients and subjected to both blood smear microscopy and a rapid immunochromatographic diagnostic test (SD BIOLINE Malaria Ag) for detection of, respectively, malaria parasites and antigens. At the end of the study, 22% of the patients were detected positive by the microscopic examination while 9.8% were tested positive when using SD BIOLINE Malaria Ag. The outcomes of the study show a high prevalence of malaria at the airport. This represents a serious risk factor leading to a high likelihood of spread and occurrence of malaria in other countries including Western countries whereby the disease is nonendemic. It also pointed out that the blood smear microscopy seems to be better than Rapid Diagnosis Test (RDT) for malaria diagnosis.

Asymptomatic urinary tract infection among pregnant women receiving ante-natal care in a traditional birth home in Benin City, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: A good proportion of pregnant women patronize traditional birth homes in Nigeria for ante-natal care. This study aimed at determining the prevalence, risk factors, and susceptibility profile of etiologic agents of urinary tract infection among ante-natal attendees in a traditional birth home in Benin City, Nigeria. METHODS: Clean-catch urine was collected from 220 pregnant women attending a traditional birth home in Benin City, Nigeria. Urine samples were processed, and microbial isolates identified using standard bacteriological procedures. A cross-sectional study design was used. RESULTS: The prevalence of urinary tract infection among pregnant women was 55.0%, significantly affected by parity and gestational age (P<0.05). Mixed infection was recorded among 13(10.7%) pregnant women, and was unaffected by maternal age, parity, gravidity, gestational age, and educational status. Irrespective of trimester Escherichia coli was the most prevalent etiologic agent of urinary tract infection, followed by Staphylococcus aureus. The flouroquinolones were the most effective antibacterial agents, while Sulphamethoxazole-trimetoprim, Amoxicillin, Nalidixic acid, and Nitrofurantoin had poor activity against uropathogens isolated. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of urinary tract infection among pregnant women was 55.0% and significantly affected by gestational age and parity. The most prevalent etiologic agent observed was Escherichia coli. With the exception of the flouroquinolones, aminoglycoside, and Amoxicillin-cluvanate, the activity of other antibiotics used on uropathogens were poor. Health education of the traditional birth attendant and her clients by relevant intervention agencies is strongly advocated.

Epidemiology and prevention of nosocomial pneumonia associated with Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (PVL) producing Staphylococcus aureus in Departmental Hospital Centre of Zou Collines in Benin.

BACKGROUND: An eight (8) months prospective study was carried out to control an outbreak of nosocomial pneumonia due to a Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (PVL) producing Staphylococcus aureus, in the paediatrics' unit at the Zou/Collines Departmental Hospital (CHDZ/C), (Benin). METHODS: Between 1(st) September 2004 and 30(th) May 2005 an investigation was conducted that involved the screening of all patients suspected to have nosocomial pneumonia, hospital environment sampling and the follow-up of cases until the end of hospital admission period. Isolates were identified, tested for antimicrobial susceptibility and analysed for PVL production. The study period was divided into Period I, corresponding to the outbreak period and Period II, after the complete renovation of the Unit along with hand washing promotion. RESULTS: A total of 453 patients were admitted during the period of the study; (235 during Period I and 218 during Period II) in the malnourished children sector. Twenty eight (28) cases of pneumonia due to S. aureus were discovered and PVL-producing S. aureus constituted 61% (17/28) of identified cases. The mortality rate among the PVL- producing strains was 15/17 (88%) while it was 1/11 (9%) among non PVL-producing strains. Enhanced hygiene measures helped to terminate the outbreak. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that PVL was strongly linked to nosocomial pneumonia. PVL-producing S aureus can be controlled in the hospital by a combination of the promotion of preventive measures, decontamination of the environment and the early use of the correct antibiotic at the appropriate dose and for an adequate duration.

Evaluation of Serum Testosterone Levels as Immuno-Enhancer in Nigerian Woman Positive to Autoanti-microsomal Antibodies and Experiencing Secondary Infertility and Spontaneous Abortion

In this study; One hundred and forty-eight (148) healthy euthyroid Nigeria women; all volunteers were grouped into two (2) sets of seventy four (74) in the test (subjects) and control groups. The Anti-thyroperoxidase (anti TPO) antibody; ELISA assay carried out showed that 20 (58) of the secondary infertile and 33 (82) of the spontaneous abortion groups have the anti TPO titer mean value of 22.09+ 11.74 units/ml and 54.91 + 7.64 units/ml respectively. These were compared with anti TPO titer mean value from 9 (26) non pregnant- Nulligravida and 10 (25) pregnant with 28.83+ 2.50unit/ml and 11.87+ 1.52 units/ml respectively. The students t-test statistical analysis at p0.05 showed that there was statistical significance in the differences.There was high level of testosterone titer above the male range in all the categories of women positive to anti TPO antibody. However; the secondary infertile group with the testosterone titer mean value of 3.03 + 0.33 ng/ml showed no significant difference when compared with the pregnant and non-pregnant -nulligravidae control having testosterone titer mean value of 5.37+ 0.42ng/ml and 1.03 + 0.46 ng/ml respectively. Conversely there was statistical significant differences when the testosterone titer mean value of the spontaneous abortion group of 10.81+ 5.55gn/ml was compared with that of the control non-pregnant Nulligravidae of 1.30 + 0.46 ng/ml and pregnant of 5.37+ 0.42ng/ml at p 0.05. This thus showed that the observed increase in the serum free testosterone level in women with anti TPO antibody was significant and may vary with different physiological conditions in women

[Detection of transfusion transmitted virus (TTV) DNA in sera among three different population groups in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire in 2001]. / Détection de l'ADN du virus transmis par la transfusion (VTT) dans le sérum de trois populations différentes à Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, en 2001.

The aim of this study was to determine the transfusion transmitted Virus (TTV) prevalence in three groups of population from Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. The A group contained 39 multitransfused patients, the B group contained 10 blood donors supposed to be healthy persons which have never been transfused and the group C contained 43 patients with chronic liver pathology. In this last group, 33 patients had HBV positive serology and the 10 others, HCV positive serology. We used PCR to investigate TTV in patients serum. Detection rates were comprised between 67% and 82%. This is the first study to provide information about the high portage of TTV in ivorian population.

[Cell culture for active Chlamydia trachomatis infection in a population of symptomatic women in Abidjan]. / Etude par culture cellulaire de l'infection active due à Chlamydia trachomatis dans une population de femmes symptomatiques à Abidjan.

The object of our study has been to assess Chlamydia trachomatis prevalence among symptomatic women in Abidjan and to identify issues related to the use of cell culture methods in a tropical laboratory. 1522 women with vaginal discharge were enrolled in a cross sectional study. One endocervical swab was taken per woman and inoculated into cycloheximide treated Mac Coy cells. Elementary bodies were detected by direct fluorescent antibody (DFA). The isolate rate of Chlamydia trachomatis by cell culture was estimated to 86%. The prevalence of chlamydial infection among symptomatic women was 10.8%. Culture was influenced by presence of blood or cervical mucus in the sample. 206 samples gave no results because of blood or cervical mucus. During this study repeated contaminations of cells with facultative bacteria were noted and disposing of a sufficient number of cells was not easy.