Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Urinary Schistosomiasis among Primary School Pupils in the Jidawa and Zobiya Communities of Jigawa State, Nigeria.

Background: Urogenital schistosomiasis (UgS) is a parasitic disease caused by Schistosoma haematobium and can lead to chronic ill-health. Nigeria is endemic for schistosomiasis, but epidemiology of UgS has not been studied in most states. This study was conceived with the aim to contribute towards an accurate national picture of UgS in Nigeria. The prevalence of UgS and the associated risk factors were for the first time investigated among primary school pupils in Jidawa and Zobiya communities of the Dutse Local Government Area (LGAs) of Jigawa State, Nigeria. Method: Focus group discussions with teachers and parents were conducted. After obtaining written consent from parents, questionnaires were administered to pupils to obtain socio-demographic data and information on water contact activities. Urine samples (279) were collected and processed by the urine filtration technique to evaluate haematuria and the presence of S. haematobium eggs. Results: Prevalences of 65.7% (90/137) and 69.0% (98/142) were recorded in the Jidawa and Zobiya communities, respectively. In both communities, there was a significant association between gender and UgS: 63.3% of the infected pupils were males as compared to 36.7% females (χ2 = 5.42, p = 0.020). Grade 5 students had a significantly higher prevalence (χ2 = 17.919, p = 0.001) (80.0%) compared to those in grades 2, 3, 4, and 6 (63.8%, 66.7%, 61.5%, and 64.6%, respectively). Water contact activities showed that pupils involved in fishing, irrigation, and swimming were at greater risk of becoming infected in Jidawa and Zobiya, with odds ratios (risk factors) of 5.4 (0.994-28.862) and 4.1 (1.709-9.862), respectively (p = 0.05). Conclusion: Both the Jidawa and Zobiya communities of the Dutse LGAs of Jigawa State are hyperendemic for UgS. In collaboration with the State Ministry of Health, mass administration of praziquantel was carried out in the Jidawa and Zobiya communities after this study.

Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS) Associated with Well-Differentiated Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Vulva: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: A case description of a rare incidence of female genital schistosomiasis related to vulva squamous cell carcinoma in a 76-year-old woman from the schistosomiasis-endemic region of Gombe State, Nigeria. Physicians should be aware of the high incidence rate of female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) in women and girls in schistosomiasis-endemic areas, which is often related to gynecological morbidity and the risk of HIV infection to avoid unnecessary interventions.

INTRODUCTION: Description d'une incidence rare de schistosomiase génitale féminine associée à un carcinome épidermique de la vulve chez une femme de 76 ans de la région endémique de la schistosomiase de l'État de Gombe, au Nigeria. Les médecins doivent être conscients du taux d'incidence élevé de la schistosomiase génitale féminine (SGF) chez les femmes et les filles dans les régions où la schistosomiase est endémique, ce qui est souvent lié à une morbidité gynécologique et au risque d'infection par le VIH, afin d'éviter des interventions inutiles. MOTS CLÉS: Schistosomiase génitale, Carcinome épidermoïde vulvaire, Femme.

Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Expression of Colorectal Carcinoma in Nigerian Patients.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal carcinoma is the third most common cancer worldwide. With the push towards targeted therapy in the management of metastatic colorectal carcinoma using anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody, this study aimed to determine the rate of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) expression in Colorectal Carcinoma, compare the clinicopathological features with the EGFR status and determine if EGFR expression in colorectal carcinoma is of any prognostic significance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical and demographic data of 54 patients who had colectomy specimens sent to the Pathology Department at the UCH, Ibadan were reviewed to confirm the diagnosis, tumour grade and other clinico-pathological parameters. EGFR expression was assessed on the archival Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded (FFPE) blocks using immunohistochemical staining technique. Pearson's chi square test was used to correlate the EGFR status and the clinicopathological features of the tumour. RESULTS: Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor was expressed in 85.2% of colorectal carcinoma cases. There was an association between EGFR status, depth of tumour invasion and tumour size having P value of 0.05 and 0.043 respectively but there was no association with other clinicopathological parameters. There was no correlation between intensity of staining, percentage of tumour stained and clinicopathological parameters. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that most cases of colorectal carcinoma diagnosed in the University College Hospital, Ibadan, in the study period showed expression for EGFR. We found that there was an association between depth tumour invasion and tumour size with EGFR expression, suggesting that most EGFR positive colorectal carcinomas are large and show deeper invasion by the tumours. Thus, EGFR positive tumours most likely have poor prognosis.

Musculoskeletal Pain after Stroke: Prevalence, patterns and distribution among survivors in Maiduguri, North Eastern Nigeria

Background: Musculoskeletal pain is one of the factors that limit movements at a joint and impede functional use of the limb as well as rehabilitation activities after stroke. Objective: This study determined the prevalence, pattern and distribution of musculoskeletal pain among stroke survivors receiving physiotherapy care in Maiduguri. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used to recruit 94 stroke survivors from the physiotherapy clinics of two randomly selected tertiary hospitals in Maiduguri. In addition to sociodemographic and clinical characteristic information, musculoskeletal pain was assessed with the Box-Numerical Rating Scale. Prevalence, pattern and distribution of musculoskeletal pain were computed with frequency and percentages. Chi-square test was employed to compare the difference in the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among participants with various socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. Results: The mean age, post-stroke duration and duration of physiotherapy intervention of the participants were 54.2±12.5 years, 18.27±23.98 months and 13.04±15.09 months, respectively. Majority of the participants experienced musculoskeletal pain within the first 3 months after stroke. The most commonly affected body region was the shoulder (80.7%) followed by the wrists/hand (60.2%) and the least affected body region was the elbow (38.5%). The overall prevalence of musculoskeletal pain was 88%. The prevalence was significantly (χ2 =4.5, p-value=0.034) higher among males (57.8%) than females (42.2%). Conclusion: The study found high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among stroke patients with males more commonly affected than females, and the shoulder being the most commonly affected joint. Assessing musculoskeletal pain and effective interventions for improving pain should constitute an integral part of a stroke rehabilitation plan

Clinical responses in cows vaccinated with a developed prototype killed Staphylococcus aureus mastitis vaccine.

Mastitis is an inflammatory condition of the udder that occurs as a result of the release of leucocytes into the udder in a response to bacterial invasion. The major causes of mastitis are an array of gram positive and negative bacteria, however, algae, virus, fungi, mechanical or thermal injury to the gland have also been identified as possible causes. Mastitis vaccines are yet to be developed using Malaysian local isolate of bacteria. The objective of the present experimental trial was to develop a monovalent vaccine against mastitis using S. aureus of Malaysian isolate and to evaluate the clinical responses such as temperature, respiratory rates and heart rates in vaccinated cows. S. aureus is a major causative bacteria in clinical and subclinical types of mastitis in cows. Four concentrations of the bacterin (106, 107, 108 and 109 cfu/ml of the local isolate of S. aureus) were prepared using Aluminium potassium sulfate adjuvant. Thirty cows were grouped into four treatment groups (B, C, D and E) with a fifth group as control (A). These groups were vaccinated intramuscularly(IM) with the prepared monovalent vaccine and its influence on the vital signs were intermittently measured. The mean of rectal temperature was significantly different (p˂ 0.05) at 0hr Post Vaccination [1]" in groups D and E (39.5 ±â€¯0.15 °C and 39.4 ±â€¯0.15 °C respectively) and at 3 h PV in groups C, D and E (39.8 ±â€¯0.14 °C, 39.9 ±â€¯0.14 °C and 40.3 ±â€¯0.14 °C respectively) compared to the control group. This indicated a sharp increased rectal temperatures between 0hr and 3 h PV in groups C, D and E which later declined at 24 h PV. The mean of rectal temperature of group E was significantly different (p˂ 0.05) at weeks 1 and 2 PV (39.87 ±â€¯0.19 °C and 39.80 ±â€¯0.18 °C respectively) compared to the control group. The mean of heart rate was significantly different (p˂ 0.05) at week 1 PV in groups D and E (83.0 ±â€¯3.8 beats/minute and 80.0 ±â€¯3.8 °C respectively) compared to control. A trending decrease was however observed in heart rates of group E from weeks through 4 PV and in group D from weeks 1 through 3 PV. The mean of respiratory rates was significantly different (p˂ 0.05) at week 3 PV in group B and D (31.0 ±â€¯1.2 breaths/minute and 28.0 ±â€¯1.2 breaths/minute) compared to control. In conclusion, this study highlights responses of these vital signs due to vaccination against S. aureus causing mastitis in cows. To the best of our knowledge the findings of this study adds value to the shallow literature on vital signs alterations in cows vaccinated against mastitis as elevated levels of temperature and heart rates of group D and E indicated obvious response.

Dichlorvos Induced Oxidative and Neuronal Responses in Rats: Mitigative Efficacy of Nigella sativa (Black Cumin).

Poisoning from Organophosphates (OPs), especially Dichlorvos (DDVP) has become endemic due to theincreasing use in house hold and agricultural pests control, with most marked effects in the nervous system. However, it isevidenced that natural antioxidants are efficacious against OPs toxicity. Thus, this study investigated the possible antidotalefficacy of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) in Dichlovos (DDVP) induced oxidative and neuronal damages in Wistar rats. DDVPwas administered at sub-chronic daily dosage of 8.8 mg/kg.bw for 7 days and a post-administration of NSO at 1 ml/kg.bwfor the subsequent 7 days. The rats were euthanized on the 15thday, blood sample collected via cardiac puncture, centrifugedand the plasma used for biochemical analysis of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), reduced glutathione (GSH) and totalreactive oxygen species (ROS), while the frontal, occipital and cerebellar cortices and the medulla were removed for histomorphological examinations. The results showed significant (P≤0.05) decrease in plasma TAC and GSH, while a significant(P≤0.05) increase in ROS was recorded, and some vacuolation around the neurons especially in the frontal and cerebellarcortices following DDVP exposure. However, post treatment with NSO was observed to be efficacious in the recovery ofthe oxidative activities and the neuro-architectural integrities. Thus, it can be concluded that the antioxidant capacity of NSOcould be efficacious against OPs induced oxidative damages, especially in dichlorvos accidents.

Responses of haptoglobin and serum amyloid A in goats inoculated intradermally with C. pseudotuberculosis and mycolic acid extract immunogen.

Haptoglobin (Hp) and Serum Amyloid A (SAA) are a group of blood proteins whose concentrations in animals can be influenced by infection, inflammation, surgical trauma or stress. Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis is the causative agent of caseous lymphadenitis (CLA), and Mycolic acid is a virulent factor extracted from C. pseudotuberculosis. There is a dearth of sufficient evidence on the clinical implication of MAs on the responses of Hp and SAA in goats. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the potential effects of Mycolic acid (MAs) and C. pseudotuberculosis on the responses of Hp and SAA in female goats. A total of 12 healthy female goats was divided into three groups; A, B and C each comprising of 4 goats and managed for a period of three months. Group (A) was inoculated with 2 mL of sterile phosphate buffered saline (as a negative control group) intradermally, while group (B) and (C) were inoculated intradermally with 2 ml each of mycolic acid and 1  × 109 cfu of active C. pseudotuberculosis respectively. The result of the study showed that the Hp concentration in goats inoculated with C. pseudotuberculosis was significantly increased up to 7-fold (1.17 ±â€¯0.17 ng/L) while MAs showed a 3-fold increased (0.83 ±â€¯0.01 ng/L) compared with the control. Whereas SAA concentration in C. pseudotuberculosis and MAs groups showed a significant 3-fold (17.85 ±â€¯0.91 pg/mL) and 2-fold (10.97 ±â€¯0.71 pg/mL) increased compared with the control. This study concludes that inoculation of C. pseudotuberculosis and MAs have significant effects on Hp and SAA levels, which indicates that MAs could have a role in the pathogenesis of caseous lymphadenitis.

Mucosal and systemic responses of immunogenic vaccines candidates against enteric Escherichia coli infections in ruminants: A review.

Innumerable Escherichia coli of animal origin are identified, which are of economic significance, likewise, cattle, sheep and goats are the carrier of enterohaemorrhagic E. coli, which are less pathogenic, and can spread to people by way of direct contact and through the contamination of foodstuff or portable drinking water, causing serious illness. The immunization of ruminants has been carried out for ages and is largely acknowledged as the most economical and maintainable process of monitoring E. coli infection in ruminants. Yet, only a limited number of E. coli vaccines are obtainable. Mucosal surfaces are the most important ingress for E. coli and thus mucosal immune responses function as the primary means of fortification. Largely contemporary vaccination processes are done by parenteral administration and merely limited number of E. coli vaccines are inoculated via mucosal itinerary, due to its decreased efficacy. Nevertheless, aiming at maximal mucosal partitions to stimulate defensive immunity at both mucosal compartments and systemic site epitomises a prodigious task. Enormous determinations are involved in order to improve on novel mucosal E. coli vaccines candidate by choosing apposite antigens with potent immunogenicity, manipulating novel mucosal itineraries of inoculation and choosing immune-inducing adjuvants. The target of E. coli mucosal vaccines is to stimulate a comprehensive, effective and defensive immunity by specifically counteracting the antibodies at mucosal linings and by the stimulation of cellular immunity. Furthermore, effective E. coli mucosal vaccine would make vaccination measures stress-free and appropriate for large number of inoculation. On account of contemporary advancement in proteomics, metagenomics, metabolomics and transcriptomics research, a comprehensive appraisal of the immeasurable genes and proteins that were divulged by a bacterium is now in easy reach. Moreover, there exist marvellous prospects in this bourgeoning technologies in comprehending the host bacteria affiliation. Accordingly, the flourishing knowledge could massively guarantee to the progression of immunogenic vaccines against E. coli infections in both humans and animals. This review highlight and expounds on the current prominence of mucosal and systemic immunogenic vaccines for the prevention of E. coli infections in ruminants.

SCHISTOSOMIASIS PRESENTING AS COLONIC POLYPOID MASSES IN A NIGERIAN PATIENT.

Intestinal Schistosomiasis is a serious disease and is commonly produced by S. mansoni and japonicum. The presence of viable ova of the organism in the colon elicits inflammation, formation of granuloma, ulcers, haemorrhage and colonic fibrosis with subsequent longterm sequelae. Schistosoma mansoni is endemic in the Middle East, Africa, Central and South America. This is a case of a Nigerian with colonic polypoid masses which turned out to be Schistosomal mansoni infection.

Correlation of intraoperative cytological and final histological diagnoses: a retrospective 10-year study of neurosurgical cases from Ibadan, Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE: Intraoperative cytology is a cost-effective, rapid, and easy technique, and studies have shown good correlation between intraoperative cytology and histology. We undertook this study to compare the intraoperative cytology diagnoses of brain lesions made in our unit over a 10-year period with the definitive histological diagnoses. The aim was to determine the degree of accuracy of this procedure. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective study of intraoperative neuropathology consultation cytology smears or imprints and histology of 69 cases obtained over a 10-year period. Cytology smears were stained using both Papanicolaou and Giemsa. Histology sections were prepared from routine formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue and stained using H and E method. Each of the smears and histology samples were assessed by at least two pathologists. Cytological diagnosis was correlated with final histological diagnosis. The sensitivity and specificity of cytological diagnosis was evaluated using final histological diagnosis as gold standard. RESULTS: Correlation was strongest with inflammatory lesions followed by low-grade neoplasms. High-grade neoplasms also showed good concordance, but the degree of correlation was lower than in the other categories. Misdiagnosis was commonest with benign tumors. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative cytology is a relatively simple, reliable, and accurate diagnostic technique and should be more commonly used, particularly in low-resource settings.

Arrow injuries to the eye.

Two male siblings aged 10 and 17 years, respectively, presented to our hospital with two days history of being shot in the right eyes with arrows. The patients presented with severe pains, bleeding, swelling, discharge and loss of vision. There was positive history of application of traditional eye medicine and an unsuccessful attempt was made to remove the arrows. Both patients presented with panophthalmitis. X-rays of the orbits and para nasal sinuses indicated the tip of the arrow was lodged to the apex of the orbit in the younger patient, and the arrow vertically traverses the eye/ orbit and lodged in the roof of the maxillary sinus in the other patient with fluid level in the lower third of the sinus. The patients were placed on broad-spectrum systemic antibiotics, had base line investigations and prepared for exploration. The patients had evisceration with removal of the arrows.

Causes of red eye in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano-Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION: The red eye is one of the commonest reasons for presenting to the eye clinic. Red eye due to serious conditions that may threaten patient's vision require early detection and referral to ophthalmologists for prompt care. The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence and causes of red eye amongst patients' attending the eye clinic over a two year period from 2004 to 2005. METHODS: The eye clinic register was used to determine the total number of new patients attending the eye clinic and those found to have red eye. The information retrieved included patients age, sex, laterality of the condition and cause of red eye. RESULTS: During the review period 4723 new patients were seen in the eye clinic and 693 patients (14.8%) had red eye. There were 356 males and 337 females (M:F= 1.1:1). Sixty three percent of the patients were below the age of 20 years. The common causes of red eye were allergic conjunctivitis in 40%, microbial conjunctivitis in 17%, corneal ulcer 11% and inflamed pterygium in 11%. CONCLUSION: Red eye is a common cause of presentation to the eye clinic. Most of the common causes of red eye in our environment are treatable.

Congenital eye and adnexial anomalies in Kano, a five year review.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of prevalence and types of congenital eye and adnexial anomalies is important as some of these anomalies can lead to childhood blindness. The aim of the study is to determine the types of congenital eye and adnexial anomalies seen in the eye clinic of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital Kano, Nigeria between the years 2001 to 2005. To determine the proportion of children below the age of 10 years who presented with congenital eye and adnexial anomalies, the proportion of eye surgeries due to such anomalies, and proportion of these anomalies amenable to (surgical) intervention. METHODS: The clinic and theater registers were used to obtain the total number of children less than 10 years of age seen and those that had surgery during the review period. A list of those with congenital eye and adnexial anomalies was compiled. The case folders of patients with such anomalies were retrieved and information on age, sex, type of anomaly, laterality of the condition, and types of surgical intervention offered, was obtained. The data was manually analyzed. RESULTS: There were 4163 children seen in the eye clinic and 268 had surgery during the review period. There were 109 eyes of 69 patients with congenital eye and adnexial anomalies. The prevalence of such anomalies amongst children (<10 years of age) is 1.7% and surgery for congenital eye and adnexial anomalies accounted for 25.7% of eye surgeries in the study population. The male to female ratio is 2.3:1. In 40 patients, the anomaly was bilateral and it was unilateral in 29 patients. The commonest congenital anomalies are buphthalmos in 38%, cataracts in 35%, and naso lachrymal duct obstruction in 14%. Other less frequent anomalies are anophthalmia/micophthalmia, limbal dermoid cysts and aniridia. Eighty six percent of the patients had surgery to correct the anomaly. CONCLUSION: Most of the congenital anomalies seen in our hospital can lead to childhood blindness and vigilance by eye care providers is advised to ensure prompt identification and intervention.

Pattern of presentation and outcome of surgical management of primary open angle glaucoma in Kano, Northern Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is one of the leading causes of avoidable blindness. Unlike blindness from cataracts, glaucomatous optic nerve damage is irreversible, and prevention of glaucoma is one of the priorities of World Health Organization (WHO) Vision 2020 program. POAG is the commonest type of glaucoma and affects about 33.1 million people worldwide. This study is a five year review of 71 eyes of 63 patients who had trabeculectomy. The study evaluates the pattern of presentation and modality of surgical treatment in our environment. METHODS: Records of all patients with primary open angle glaucoma operated over a five year period was retrieved. Information extracted included patients bio data, visual acuity, gonioscopic findings, intra ocular pressure as measured with applanation tonometer before and after surgery, and recorded in mmHg. Perimetry was done with 2 m tangent screen and recorded in a perimetry chart. All the patients had trabeculectomy with application of antimetabolite (5-fluorouracil). Extra capsular cataract extraction with or, without posterior chamber intra ocular lens implantation was done on 13 patients. Biometry was not done on patients with cataract. Surgery was done on better eye first in all patients. RESULTS: There were 71 eyes of 63 patients. The male to female ratio was 3:1. The age ranged between 18 to 75 years. 8 patients were below the age of 30 years. One third of the patients were between the ages of 50 to 59 years. At presentation 12 patients (19%) had normal vision (WHO vision category O), 26 patients (41%) were visually impaired, 12 patients (19%) were severely visually impaired and 13 patients (21%) were blind (from co existing cataracts). The cup disc(c: d) ratio assessed before surgery was 0.5 in 9 eyes (13%), 31 eyes (53%) had c: d ratio 0.6 to 0.8 and 18 eyes had c: d ratio of 0.9. All the patients had open anterior chamber angles (Schafer grade 3 and 4). Perimetric changes were; mild peripheral constriction in 5 eyes (8%), peripheral constriction with arcuate scotoma in 19 eyes (26%), constricted fields of 300 or less in 34 eyes (48%), and in 13 eyes there was inability to fixate on target. IOP before surgery was 21 to 30 mm Hg in 12 eyes (17%), and above 31 mm Hg in 69 eyes (83%). Post operative IOP of 10 to 15 mm Hg was obtained in 58 eyes (82%) and 11 eyes (15%) had IOP of 16 to 20 mm Hg. Only 2 eyes (3%) had IOP in the lower twenties. CONCLUSION: Primary open angle glaucoma is characterized by late presentation. Trabeculectomy with application of 5FU is the surgical treatment of choice in our environment and give good intra ocular pressure control. There is need to increase public awareness on glaucoma to limit this type of avoidable blindness.

QT dispersion in dynamic and static group of athletes.

Measurement of QT dispersion as calculated from the 12-lead ECG has emerged as a non-invasive assessment for degree of myocardial inhomogeneity. Increased QT dispersion predicts sudden cardiac death in variety of disease states such as acute myocardial infarction and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. To improve identification of athletes at high risk of sudden death, resting electrocardiograms were performed on 100 dynamic athletes (sprinters, middle and long distance runners), 50 static athletes (Hammer throwers, Weight lifters) and 100-matched control group. QT dispersion was defined as maximum QT interval minus minimum QT interval in a lead. The correlation between QT dispersion and the athletes demographic characteristics revealed that significant correlations existed between QT dispersion and age, SBP, DBP, MBP, body temperature and duration of athletic activity (DAA) [P < 0.05]. Similarly, no significant correlation existed between QT dispersion and Heart rate, height, weight and body mass index (BMI). This showed that increased QT dispersion is found in Dynamic and Static group of athletes and is significantly related to duration of athletic activity. This finding could be used for the identification of athletes at high risk of sudden death.

[Behavioral disorders after treatment with isoniazid]. / Troubles du comportement après prise d'isoniazide.

Isoniazid, efficient antituberculosis drug, can provoke neuropsychiatric manifestations at certain patients. Two mechanisms of action for isoniazid-related psychosis are kept by the majority of authors: pyridoxin deficiency isoniazid toxicity, molecule near chemically to iproniazid, powerful IMAO (monoamine oxydase inhibitor). The predisposing factors are: slow acetylator, diabetes, hepatic insufficiency, old age, alcoholism. Family and personal history of mental illness are also predisposing factors. We report here the observation of a 53-year-old man presented with psychotic symptoms suspected to be relation with isoniazid. The favorable evolution after the definitive stop of isoniazid therapy is in favor of this hypothesis. Although rare, the neuropsychiatric symptoms during tuberculosis treatment by isoniazid, the possibility of iatrogenic etiology must be evoked. Isoniazid, antituberculosis very used in Africa, is mentioned by several authors like the cause of psychiatric disorders. Pyridoxin deficiency seems to play a role of trigger. Supplementation with vitamin B6 during the treatment by isoniazid must be therefore systematic to warm these unrests.