Predominant amino acid substitutions in NS5B gene of hepatitis C virus in blood donors and treatment-naïve hepatitis and HIV patients in Nigeria

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genome undergoes high rate of mutation, which results in generation of genetically diverse HCV isolates. There is paucity of data on mutations in the nonstructural 5b (NS5b) gene of circulating HCV and their implications in the Nigerian population. Here, we identified clinically-important mutations in HCV isolates, which may influence response to therapy and disease prognosis. Methodology: HCV RNA was extracted from a total of 301 blood samples collected from 99 symptomatic treatment-naïve hepatitis patients, 125 HIV-infected individuals and 77 asymptomatic blood donors in Ibadan, Nigeria. The RNA was reverse­transcribed to complimentary DNA and HCV NS5B gene amplified by nested PCR. The amplified products of 42 HCV were sequenced and sequences were aligned with those from GenBank and HCV databases in MEGA 7.0. Nucleotide sequences were translated to amino acids while substitutions in the amino acids were analyzed with reference to H77 prototype strain of HCV. Results: A total of 10 amino acid polymorphisms were observed from the 42 sequenced NS5B gene, with the major clinically-important amino acid mutations being S15G in 28 (66.7%) participants, T7N (24, 57.1%), G61R (23, 54.8%), S54L (22, 52.4%), G89E (14, 33.3%), T79M (12, 28.6%), and T711 (11, 26.2%). Others were Q67R (7, 16.7%), Q47H (7, 16.7%) and S84F (2, 4.8%). S15G/A/V mutations were more predominant in patients with HIV (76.9%, 10/13) followed by patients with clinical hepatitis (75.0%, 12/16) and blood donors (46.1%, 6/13). Q67R and T71I mutations were not predominant in patients with clinical hepatitis as they were detected in only 31.3% (5/16) and 43.8% (7/16) participants respectively, compared to S15G (75.0%, 12/16), S54L (68.8%, 11/16), G61R/E (68.8%, 11/16) and T7N/S (56.3%, 9/16). There was no statistically significant difference in the distribution of each of the 10 amino acid polymorphisms detected within patients with symptomatic clinical hepatitis (x 2=9.311, p=0.409), HIV-infected patients (x 2=13.431, p=0.1440) and asymptomatic blood donors (x 2=3.775, p=0.9256). Similarly, there was no significant difference in the distribution between the 3 categories of the study participants except for T79M mutation, which was significantly higher in HIV-infected patients (61.5%, 8/13) compared to patients with clinical hepatitis (18.8%, 3/16) and asymptomatic blood donors (7.7%, 1/13) (x 2=10.456, p=0.0054). Conclusion: Mutations in the NS5B gene could be associated with worse prognosis of the disease or antiviral failure due to viral resistance in patients undergoing therapy. The absence of Q47H mutations in majority of the study participants in our study implies that they will not respond well to daprevir and mericitabine. Screening of patients for pre-existing resistant mutations before commencement of therapy and monitoring during and after therapy are recommended.

Challenges of caregivers and needs of children with parents in a Nigerian prison.

Background: Separation of a parent from the family as a result of incarceration has both short-term and long-term effects on the family, even after release from prison. This study is a report of factors and challenges of the family left to adapt to the changed circumstances of separation from parent(s) who are incarcerated. Methods: This was a cross sectional study carried out on 89 caregivers of children whose parents are incarcerated at the Agodi prison, Ibadan who gave informed and written consent to interview their families. Results: Most caregivers had little or no formal education (69.7%) and 67.4% are into petty trading or subsistence farming. A majority of the caregivers reported the need of schooling (85.4%), provision of food (84.3%) and medical care (71.9%) as major challenges, only 25% received any form of support to meet these needs. Twenty-nine (32.6%) respondents reported receiving financial support to provide for the child's feeding. Some caregivers 21 (23.6%), obtained loans to cope with the financial needs of the children while only 3 (3.4%) received support from family or other non-governmental organisations. Conclusion: The caregivers of children of prison inmates face significant challenges in meeting the needs of feeding, health and schooling. Support structures and policies to address these gaps are required.

Molecular characterization of canine parvovirus from domestic dogs in Nigeria: Introduction and spread of a CPV-2c mutant and replacement of older CPV-2a by the "new CPV-2a" strain.

Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a contagious and highly pathogenic virus of dogs. After its first report in 1978, the CPV original type (CPV-2) was rapidly and totally replaced by three antigenic variants named CPV-2a, CPV-2b and CPV-2c that circulate in various countries at different frequencies and recently reported in Nigeria. This study describes the molecular characterization of 28 CPV strains in dogs presenting with gastroenteritis in veterinary clinics at Lagos and Ibadan, Nigeria. The results show the predominance (92.8%) of CPV-2a, while CPV-2c was found only in two samples. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the CPV Nigerian strains were closely related to Asian strains and 26 CPV-2a out of 28 CPV sequences fell into 2 different subclades consistent with predicted amino acid mutations at position 267, 321, 324 and 440. Lys321Asn was evident in all the Nigerian strains whilst Phe267Tyr and Tyr324Ile were observed in 96.4% of the sequences, respectively. Thr440Ala occurred in 89.3% of sequences from this study. The new CPV-2a was predominant and appears to have replaced other CPV-2a strains in South-western Nigeria whilst the CPV-2c strain which is identical to the isolate recently reported in Northern Nigeria, may have been introduced in this country at the time of this study. Monitoring virus epidemiology is important to better understand the dynamics of CPV evolution and the eventual need to change or improve existing vaccination strategies.

Haematological Changes Associated with Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Individuals with and without Sickle Cell Disease.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus infection, a major public health problem that primarily affects the liver, may cause reduction in the levels of haemoglobin, haematocrit and in the extreme, could cause aplastic anaemia. The haematological characteristics could be detected with a complete blood count which could provide invaluable information for diagnosis and management of the disease. AIM: To determine the effect of HBV infection on the blood count of individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) and apparently normal healthy (Non-SCD). SETTING: Non-SCD participants were recruited from the community while SCD patients in steady state were recruited from SCD routine clinics. METHODS: The study was a cross - sectional study carried out on 1017 non-SCD and 1017 SCD individuals. Haematology Autoanalyzer was used to determine the complete blood count. Granulocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (GLR), platelet to white blood cell count ratio (PWR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were calculated. ELISA for HBsAg and HBV core antigen IgM antibodies were used to identify participants with HBV. RESULTS: The non- SCD individuals infected with HBV had significantly higher WBC (7.51 ± 5.8 X109/L)) compared to a WBC (6.1 ± 3.4 X109/L) in uninfected individuals (p =0.001). PWR for HBV negative (49.9±28.6) was higher than that for HBV positive participants (41.4±17.6) (p=0.034). Mean platelet volume (MPV) of 9.93 ± 1.1fl in SCD individuals with HBV was significantly higher than 8.30 ± 0.95fl in SCD individuals without HBV (p=.001). CONCLUSIONS: PWR and MPV may be useful as surrogate marker for detection of HBV disease progression in apparently normal healthy non - SCD and SCD populations to institute prompt appropriate ancillary investigation and treatment.

CONTEXTE: L'infection par le virus de l'hépatite B, un problème majeur de santé publique qui affecte principalement le foie, peut entraîner une réduction des taux d'hémoglobine et d'hématocrite et, dans l'extrême, peut provoquer une anémie aplastique. Les caractéristiques hématologiques peuvent être détectées par un hémogramme complet qui pourrait fournirdes informations précieuses pour le diagnostic et la et la gestion de la maladie. OBJECTIF: Déterminer l'effet de l'infection par le VHB sur sanguine complète d'individus atteints de drépanocytose (SCD) et d'individus apparemment normaux en bonne santé (non-SCD). SITE: Les participants de non-SCD ont été recrutés dans la communauté tandis que les patients drépanocytaires en état stable ont été recrutés dans les cliniques de routine de la drépanocytose. MÉTHODES: L'étude était une étude transversale menée sur 1017 personnes non-SCD et 1017 personnes SCD. sur 1017 personnes nonSCD et 1017 personnes SCD. Un autoanalyseur hématologie a été utilisé pour déterminer la formule sanguine complète. Le rapport granulocytes/ lymphocytes (GLR), le rapport plaquettes/blancs (PWR) et le rapport plaquettes/lymphocyte (PLR). ont été calculés. Les tests ELISA pour les anticorps IgM de l'Ag HBs et de l'antigène central du VHB ont été utilisés pour identifier les participants atteints du VHB. RÉSULTATS: Les individus non atteints de DSC et infectés par le VHB présentaient les caractéristiques suivantes un nombre significativement plus élevé de GB (7,51 ± 5,8 X109/L) par rapport à une WBC (6,1 ± 3,4 X109/L) chez les individus non infectés (p =0,001). Le TPM pour lesparticipants négatifs pour le VHB (49,9±28,6) était plus élevé que celuipour les participants positifs au VHB (41,4±17,6) (p=0,034). Le volume moyen des plaquettes Le volume plaquettaire moyen (VPM) de 9,93 ± 1,1fl chez les personnes atteintes de MCS avec VHB était significativement plus élevé que celui des personnes atteintes de MCS sans VHB (8,30 ± 0,95fl) (p=0,001). sans VHB (p=0,001). CONCLUSIONS: Le PWR et le MPV peuvent être utiles comme marqueurs de substitution pour la détection de la progression de la maladie VHB chez population de SCD et Non-SCD apparemment normale, en bonne santé afin d'instituer rapidement les examens complémentaires et le traitement appropriés.

Complete genome sequencing of H1N1pdm09 swine influenza isolates from Nigeria reveals likely reverse zoonotic transmission at the human-animal interface in intensive piggery.

Prevailing agro-ecological conditions and intermingling of human and animals in intensive farms in urban and peri-urban areas in Africa favour cross species transmission of pathogens at the human-animal interface. However, molecular epidemiology studies of zoonotic swine influenza viruses in this region are limited. In this study, isolates of pandemic influenza virus (H1N1pdm09) obtained from pigs in Nigeria were fully sequenced. BLAST of swine influenza virus genes from Nigeria was carried out in GenBank and gene alignment was done using MEGA version 7. Maximum likelihood method (PhyML program) was used to determine gene evolutionary relationships with other viruses and phylogenetic trees were constructed to infer genomic clusters and relationship. Swine influenza viruses isolated and sequenced in this study were monophyletic and 99% congenetic with human isolates from Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana and USA suggesting reverse zoonotic transmission from humans to pigs in intensive husbandry. A Q240R and S31N substitution among others were detected in the haemagglutinin and matrix genes, respectively, indicating potentials for mutations during interspecies co-mingling and transmission. The A/H1N1pdm09 viruses circulating in pigs that are also exposed to avian influenza in the same epidemiological zones could engender emergence of novel viruses with zoonotic or pandemic potential requiring enhanced surveillance and monitoring.

Rift valley fever virus infection among livestock handlers in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Livestock handlers are occupationally exposed to Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) because of frequent and longer contact with mosquito vectors, animal blood and other tissues. We determined the seroprevalence of RVF virus infection among livestock handlers in Ibadan, Nigeria. Blood samples were collected from 265 workers in two major livestock markets and a livestock farm. Questionnaires were administered to obtain information on risk factors that may be associated with RVF virus transmission. The blood samples were tested using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) to detect multispecies anti-RVF virus IgG/IgM and human anti-RVF virus IgM. In total, 14 (5.3%) of the 265 participants tested positive for anti-RVFV IgG. Seropositive individuals were more among livestock keepers (5.6%) than butchers (3.6%). Workers that frequently visited the livestock rearing areas of the northern part of Nigeria had a statistically significant (P = 0.004) higher rate of infection compared to those that did not. Very few (0.8%) of these workers knew about RVF virus while none had been vaccinated against the virus infection. This study indicates that RVF virus continues to circulate sub-clinically in Nigeria, thus the need to educate and vaccinate individuals who are occupationally at risk of infection.

Occult HBV Infection in Nigeria.

Occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI) is manifested by presence of HBV-DNA in the absence of detectable Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) with or without anti-HBV antibodies. Hence it is a potential threat in blood transfusion medicine. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of OBI as well as evaluate the effectiveness of using Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) marker alone in the diagnosis of HBV infection among HBsAg negative blood donors in Ilorin, Nigeria. A purposive sampling, including samples from 206 already donated and prescreened blood units from HBsAg negative from apparently healthy volunteer blood donors at the General Hospital Blood Transfusion Centre, Ilorin, Nigeria, were collected for further laboratory analysis for this study. Five millilitres of blood was collected and plasma sample tested for the presence of HBsAg using a commercially available ELISA kit. In addition, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used for molecular detection of HBV DNA in each of the samples. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi square at p = 0.05. Of the 206 HBsAg Micropoint® rapid kits pre-screened seronegative samples collected from the blood transfusion centre, 8 (3.9%) samples were positive for the presence of HBsAg when retested using ELISA in the laboratory. Eighteen of the 206 samples (8.7%) were HBV-DNA positive by a semi-nested PCR technique giving an OBI rate of 8.7%. Out of the 18 HBV-DNA positive samples, 17 (4.4%) were from males and only one (5.6%) was from a female donor. Analysis of the 18 HBV DNA positive samples using genotype specific primers into genotype A and Non-A showed that 15 (83.3%) were HBV genotype A, while 2 (11.1%) were genotypes other than A (Non-A), one (5.6%) sample had mixed genotypes (A & non-A). A prevalence of 8.7% OBI found in this study indicates substantial risk of post transfusion HBV infection in the study area in Nigeria. Hence, the need to include HBV DNA detection in the routine blood screening that is, using Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) technique for transfusion safety in the country.

Prevalence and Genotypes of Parvovirus B19 Among HIV Positive Children in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.

Human Parvovirus B19 (B19V) is a global infection with over 50% of infected children residing in sub-Saharan Africa. It causes persistent anaemia under immuno-compromised states such as HIV infection, thereby complicating the course of HIV infection. This study was therefore designed to determine the prevalence and genotypes of B19V among HIV positive children. Blood specimens were collected from HIV positive children and genomic DNA extracted and assayed for the presence of Parvovirus B19 DNA using polymerase chain reaction and the product detected by gel electrophoresis. Amplicons for positive PCR were purified and sequenced for genotype analysis. For the purpose of comparison (differences in the sequences of the NS1/VP1u region), nine HIV negative children were enrolled in this study. Two (1.3%) of the 158 HIV infected children were positive for Parvovirus B19 DNA. Analysis of the results showed a low prevalence of Parvovirus B19 among HIV positive children but a significant relationship was established between Parvovirus B19 infection and the severity of anaemia (p=0.015). Phylogenetic analysis of the sequence data showed that all the B19 virus isolates detected in this study were genotype 1. This study therefore has been able to give an insight to the prevalence and circulating genotypes of Parvovirus B19 among HIV infected children and also establishing a relationship between anaemia and parvovirus B19 infection.

Genetic Diversity of Hepatitis C Virus Among Blood Donors and Patients with Clinical Hepatitis in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is responsible for liver diseases and hepatocellular carcinoma in chronically-infected patients. Owing to high sequence variability in HCV genome, numerous subtypes have emerged. This study determined HCV strains among patients with clinical hepatitis and blood donors in Ibadan. Blood samples were collected from consented 176 subjects who tested positive to HCV IgM antibodies, including 99 patients with clinical hepatitis and 77 apparently healthy blood donors. Viral RNA was extracted from blood samples, while presence of HCV was tested by amplifying the NS5B gene using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The amplified NS5B gene was sequenced and sequences were aligned on MEGA 7.0. Phylogenetic tree was constructed with Neighbor-Joining method. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics at P<0 .05. The NS5B gene was amplified in 38 samples, of which 29 were successfully sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis revealed three of seven known genotypes of HCV including genotypes / subtypes 1a (34.5%), 1b (17.2%), 2b (13.8%), 2c (3.6%) and 5a (31.3%). Subtypes 1b and 2b were found among patients with clinical hepatitis, while the single 2c was found among donors. Although subtype 1a was detected among both populations, its rate was higher among blood donors (P = 0 .003). Subtype 5a was found among the two groups (P= 1. 00). HCV subtypes 1a and 5a are the predominant strains in Ibadan. The diversity of HCV observed has implications for treatment of patients and design of a broadly protective vaccine against the virus.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Genital Human Papillomavirus Infections Among Women in Southwest Nigeria.

There is a great variation in the prevalence of cervical HPV infection worldwide with some of the highest rates being found in African women. Early onset of sexual activity (≤ 15 age), multiparity and sexual promiscuity have been recognized as some of the significant risk factors for HPV infection. In Nigeria, there is scarcity of data on the degree of relationship between these factors and the prevalence of HPV infection. Thus, this study was designed to determine the prevalence of genital HPV infection with its potential risk factors among women in Southwest Nigeria. Cervical swab specimen was collected from 295 consenting women including those presenting for routine cervical cancer screening, STI clinic attendees and women who attended community based outreach programmes. Viral DNA was extracted from the swab samples using commercially available DNA extraction Kit and amplified by PCR using two set of consensus primers (PGMY09/11 and degenerate GP-E6/E7). Fifty-five samples were positive to HPV DNA giving a prevalence of 18.6%. Risk factors such as lack of formal education (P-value: 0.003), divorcee (P-value: 0.019), polygamy (P-value: 0.027), unemployment (P-value: 0.023), low income earnings (P-value: 0.018), younger age (<18years) at sexual debut (P-value: 0.039) and passive smoking (P-value: 0.017) were significantly associated with HPV infection. High HPV prevalence and associated risk factors observed in this study shows the continuous transmission of the virus in Southwest Nigeria. Hence, enlarged monitoring including intense public awareness and cervical cancer screening is urgently needed for prevention and control strategies.

Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Subtypes A and B Infection Among Children Attending Primary and Secondary Health Care Facilities in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) causes high morbidity and mortality in infants and young children. Although a high prevalence of HRSV has been reported in Nigeria, the subtype of the virus circulating in the country is not known. This crosssectional study was therefore designed to determine the subtypes of HRSV circulating among children in Ibadan. Two hundred and thirty-one nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs were collected from children presenting with respiratory infections in Secondary Health Facility (SHF) as well as those attending immunization centers in Primary Health Centers (PHCs) in Ibadan, Nigeria. Viral RNA was extracted directly from the clinical specimen and used for HRSV detection with a pair of primers that targets the conserved region of the viral matrix gene. HRSV-positive samples were subtyped using subtype-specific primers targeting the second hypervariable region of the G gene. The prevalence of HRSV infection was 8.7% and 34.6% among children attending the PHCs and SHF respectively. Both subtypes of HRSV were detected (co-circulating) among the study population. None of children was co-infected with of HRSV A and B. Overall, HRSV-A was the predominant subtype detected among children presenting with respiratory infection at the SHF while subtype B was predominant among participants attending PHCs for routine immunization. Higher disease severity scores were associated with HRSV-A infection than infection with HRSV-B. Only HRSV subtype A was detected from those diagnosed of bronchopneumonia and bronchiolitis. In conclusion, subtypes A and B co-circulating among children in Ibadan, with HRSV-A being the predominant subtype. Additional study including samples collected from other parts of the country over a longer period that will cover both wet and dry season will be done to determine the pattern of HRSV circulation in Nigeria.

High rate of Hepatitis B virus infection among hairdressers in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health problem for over two billion people infected globally. Occupationally exposed persons are at high risk of HBV infection and, apart from medical personnel, there is dearth of information concerning the prevalence and awareness of HBV among this population in Nigeria. This study was designed to determine the levels of HBV awareness and prevalence of HBV infection among hairdressers in Ibadan, Nigeria. Hairdressers and teachers (unmatched controls) in four local government areas in Ibadan were tested for HBV infection using ELISA technique. Dried blood spot (DBS) samples were collected from 171 participants. DBS elutes from the samples were tested for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg). The rate of HBV infection was higher (p = 0.005) among the hairdressers (13.0%) than teachers (4.8%). However, teachers were better informed about HBV (38%) compared to hairdressers (13%; p = 0.0001). Differences in HBV awareness and occupation type were found to be significant (P = 0.001). Hairdressers are at high risk of HBV infection and may constitute a major source of HBV spread among urban dwellers, especially in areas where awareness is low. Routine HBV screening and appropriate interventions for hairdressers are recommended to interrupt HBV transmission.

Detection and isolation of 2009 pandemic influenza A/H1N1 virus in commercial piggery, Lagos Nigeria.

WHO declared pandemic of A/H1N1 influenza in 2009 following global spread of the newly emerged strain of the virus from swine. Presently there is a dearth of data on the ecology of pandemic influenza H1N1 required for planning of intervention measures in sub Saharan Africa. Herein we report isolation of 2009 pandemic influenza A/H1N1 in an intensive mega piggery farms operation in South West Nigeria. Sentinel surveillance was carried out in a cohort of intensively reared pigs over a period of two years. Nasal swab specimens were collected at monthly interval from observed clinical cases of influenza like illness in pigs and pig handlers. Samples were analyzed by real time RT-PCR and isolation in chicken embryonated eggs. A total of 227 clinical cases of influenza like illness were observed among pigs out of which 31 (13.7%) were positive for influenza A matrix gene by real time RT-PCR. Virus isolation yielded 29 (12%) isolates out of which 18 (18%) were identified as influenza A/H1N1 by Heamaglutination Inhibition test using H1 antisera. RT-PCR positive samples were subtyped as 2009 pandemic A/H1N1 with subtype specific primers and probes. This is the first report of detection and isolation of pandemic influenza H1N1 from pigs in Nigeria. Continuous circulation of this virus in pigs may cause reassortments with seasonal influenza or mutations and substitutions in the gene that may result in the emergence of novel or pandemic influenza virus of economic and public health importance. Nigeria is considered a geographical hotspot of zoonotic diseases, which necessitate active surveillance and monitoring of emerging pandemic threats.

Tissue culture isolation of lyssa viruses from apparently healthy unvaccinated dogs in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: There have been previous reports of inapparent infection and intermittent secretion of rabies virus in the saliva of apparently healthy dogs in some African countries, including Nigeria. OBJECTIVE: The study was therefore aimed at examining the carrier status of rabies in apparently healthy Nigerian dogs in the settlement areas studied. METHODS: Ninety-two swabs samples from oral mucosae of domestic dogs (mongrels) without vaccination history were assayed for lyssaviruses by tissue culture isolation test in Vero cells. RESULTS: Rabies or rabies-related viruses were recovered from eighteen, representing 19.6% of the samples. The study showed that lyssaviruses were present in 4 out of the 6 settlements of the study areas. Among the areas where the viruses were present, the rate of isolation ranged from 11.1% to 66.7%. Female dogs had a little higher infection rate (12.0%) than their male counterparts (7.6%). Among age groups, the highest rate of infection (66.7%) was detected in dogs aged one to 3 years while the rate of 3.7% was found in dogs aged less than one year. CONCLUSION: The results of this study agree with the carrier state of rabies in domestic dogs, the common reservoir hosts of its etiologic agents in Nigeria and the rest of Africa andAsia; this is a serious threat to humans in these settlements. Although the load of infective virus in saliva is lower than that in brain, saliva collection for rabies diagnosis is simple, safer, faster and cheaper. Thus we suggest that saliva samples could be used as an alternative to brain specimens for rabies virus antigen testing in dogs, especially, when it is not practicable to obtain brain specimen.

Diverse genetic subtypes of HIV-1 among female sex workers in Ibadan, Nigeria

Genetic diversity is the hallmark of HIV-1 infection. It differs among geographical regions throughout the world. This study was undertaken to identify the predominant HIV-1 subtypes among infected female sex workers (FSWs) in Nigeria. Methods: Two hundred and fifty FSWs from brothels in Ibadan Nigeria were screened for HIV antibody using ELISA. All reactive samples were further tested by the Western Blot Techniques. Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) were separated from the blood samples of each subject. Fragments of HIV Proviral DNA was amplified and genetic subtypes of HIV-1 was determined by direct sequencing of the env and gag genes of the viral genome followed by phylogenetic analysis . Results: The age of the FSWs ranged from 15 to 55 years old (Mean = 25.8years; SD =3.74). Majority were Nigerians while others (1.6 ) were from neighboring West Africa countries. Four ( 1.6 ) of the FSWs were active for less than one year as sex workers; and the mean length of sex work was 2.80 years ( Range = 1.0 - 15.0 years ). Sixty-four (25.6) of the 250 CSWs were positive for HIV-1 while 7 (2-8) had dual infections to HIV-1 / HIV-2. Among the 34 HIV-1 strains characterized by sequencing; 19 (55-9) were subtype G; 9 (26.5) CRF02_A/G; 3 (8.8) CRF06_cpx while 1 (2.9) each were identified as subtype C; CRF01_A/E and CRF09_cpx respectively. Nineteen (55.9) of the FSWs with subtype G had been active in the sex work for between one to five years. The youngest of the HIV -1 infected FSWs with sexual activity of less than a year had subtype G strain. There is a significant probability that infection with this subtype occurred with a short incubation period (p 0.05). Conclusion: This study showed a wide range of HIV- 1 subtypes among FSWs in Nigeria. The situation poses serious challenge for the design of HIV vaccine candidate for use in Nigeria

Molluscum contagiosum virus infection amongst PLWHA in Ibadan, Nigeria

Background: Molluscum contagiosum (MC) infection is caused by a pox virus and the virus is probably passed on by direct skin-to-skin contact which may affect any part of the body. There is anecdotal evidence associating facial lesions with HIV-related immunodeficiency. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of Molluscum contagiosum infection among PLWHAs attending ART clinic at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional survey of 5,207 patients (3519 female and 1688 males) attending ART clinic between January 2006 and December 2007. Physicians performed complete physical and pelvic examinations. Diagnosis of Molluscum Contagiosum infection was based on the clinical findings of typical lesions on the external genitalia, perianal, trunk, abdominal and facial regions. Results: The mean age of the patients was 34.67 yrs. ± 9.16). About 10% (542) had various sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The male to female ratio was 1: 4.2. One hundred and twenty seven subjects (23.4%) had no formal or primary education with 247 (45.6 %) beingtreatment naïve while 295 (54.4 %) were treatment experienced. Of the 542 PLWHAs with STIs, 3.3 % had undetectable viral load (< 200 copies/ ml) while 272 (50.1 %) had low CD4 count (< 200 cells / mm3.) and The Mean log10 viral load was 5.02 + 0.94. Molluscum Contagiosum infection was diagnosed in 13 patients (0.024%; 8 females and 5 males). Vaginal Candidiasis was the commonest genital infection diagnosed in 223 (41.1%) of the patients with STIs. MC patients had higher viral load, lower CD4 count and more likely to be treatment experienced".Conclusions: Molluscum Contagiosum infection is not uncommon among the HIV-infected patients, but underreported. Awareness of this cutaneous manifestation should be known to Physicians in AIDS care

Correlation of cag-A serological status with histological parameters of chronic gastritis among dyspeptic patients in south western Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the sero-prevalence of Cag-A strains of Helicobacter pylori in both dyspeptic and non-dyspeptic individuals and also correlate the serological status of Gag-A strain of H. pylori with the various graded histological variables of chronic gastritis in the dyspeptic patients. METHODS: Using helicobacter p120 Cag-A enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, Cag-A serology test was carried out on 65 dyspeptic patients and 65 age and sex matched non-dyspeptic controls. The gastric biopsies of the patients were also histologically examined to ascertain the presence, nature and degree of the following histological variables of gastritis: colonisation by H. pylori; inflammation, intestinal metaplasia and mucosal atrophy. The CagA serological status was then correlated with the graded variables. RESULTS: A prevalence of 46.2% and 58.8% seropositivity for Cag-A strain of H. pylori was found among dyspeptic patients and control individuals respectively. Cag-A seropositive patients accounted for nine(81.8%) of the 11 cases with moderate to severe activity and 75% of both cases with mucosal atrophy and cases with intestinal metaplasia. CONCLUSION: Infection with Cag-A positive Helicobacter pylori was equally prevalent among both dyspeptic patients and control subjects studied. CagA seropositivity, however, appeared to be associated with higher inflammatory activity in the mucosa of patients with chronic gastritis and may be associated with intestinal metaplasia and mucosal atrophy in H. pylori-induced chronic gastritis.

Hepatitis B and E viral infections among Nigerian healthcare workers.

BACKGROUND: There is dearth of information on Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection and its co-infection with HBV among Nigerian healthcare workers (HCWs). Hence, there is the need to determine the rate of HEV infection and its association with HBV among HCWs who are at greater risk of nosocomial infections. METHODOLOGY: Sera from 88 HCWs and 44 non-HCWs healthy adults as controls were tested for the presence of antibody to HEV (anti-HEV). The HCWs were also tested for HBsAg and antibody to Hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) using commercially available ELISA kits. RESULTS: The prevalence of anti-HEV obtained among the HCWs and controls were 43% and 94% respectively (p<0.005) while those of HBsAg and anti-HBc in HCWs were respective 13% and 56%. Overall among HCWs, the prevalence of HBV infection was 65.9%, higher than HEV infection (p<0.005) with only anti-HBc greater among the male participants (p<0.005) while co-infection of HBV with HEV was 27.3%. HEV infection was least among the Paediatricians (18%) and highest among the Surgeons (55%) while HBV infection was similar in all the different occupational groups of HCWs (44-59%) except among the Gynecologists and Obstetricians (80%). CONCLUSION: Infection with HEV is high among Nigerian HCWs but lower than the rate among non-HCWs. It is also co-infected with HBV especially among the different groups of the HCWs and could occur with the diverse clinico-serological patterns of HBV infection.

HIV-1 drug resistant mutations in chronically infected treatment naive individuals in the pre-ARV era in Nigeria.

In Nigeria the Federal Government rolled out antiretroviral drugs for the management of HIV infection in year 2002. This study was carried out to determine the circulating antiviral drug mutations among ARV naïve patients with chronic HIV infection during the pre-ARV roll out era in the country. DNA was extracted from stored whole blood samples collected from 75 HIV positive patients attending the Medical outpatient clinic between December 1996 and November 2001. The Reverse transcriptase (RT) and the protease (PR) regions of the viral genome were amplified by nested PCR and then sequenced by cycle sequencing and analyzed using the ABI 3100 DNA sequencer to determine the mutations associated with protease inhibitors (PI), nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI) and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI). Ten of the 64 (15.6%) samples with positive PCR had mutations for PR inhibitors (PI) including R8D, I 15V, G16E, M36I, M46L, L63P and H69K, while 5 of 63 harbored RT inhibitor (NRTI/NNRTI); V179I, A98T, V179E and A98S. Detection ofARV drug resistant mutations when ARV was not known to be in use in Nigeria calls for caution in the interpretation of drug resistance profile of HIV-1 from infected persons on treatment ARVs in the country.

HBV infectivity among Nigerians.

The study involved 60 (non-immunized), 14 (immunized against HBV), healthy Nigerian adults and 28 Nigerian patients with hepatitis. Their sera were tested for HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBe, anti-HBc, anti-HBs and anti-HCV while only 15 subjects with chronic hepatitis had HBV DNA assay by PCR. The subjects aged 21 to 72 years and comprised 75 male and 27 female adults. The prevalence of HBV infection by HBsAg and/or anti-HBc sero-positivity was 55.9%. Only HBsAg and anti-HBs were detectable in 21% each among immunized while HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBe, anti-HBc, anti-HBs were present in 58%, 20%, 6%, 32%, and 42% respectively in the non-immunized subjects. HBV DNA was positive in 86.7% of the 15 subjects. About fifty five percent of all subjects were infectious of HBV with 13.7%, 3.9%. 32.3% and 4.9% accounting for high, medium, low and very low infectivity respectively while 44.1% and 1% of the subjects were susceptible and naturally immuned to HBV respectively. Coinfection with HCV tends to favour HBV infectivity. In conclusion, the infectivity of HBV among Nigeria is varied but high and a great proportion of the population is susceptible.