Erectile Dysfunction: Prevalence, and Pattern among Adult Male Patients Attending the General Out-Patient Clinic of Federal Medical Centre Bida, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is usually underestimated in many developing countries, Nigeria inclusive. INTRODUCTION: ED is associated with stigma and poor health seeking behaviour and is assumed not to be life-threatening. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of ED and the pattern among adult males. METHODS: The study was a cross-sectional hospital-based survey among 360 sexually active men aged 18 years and above seen in the GOPC of Federal Medical Centre, Bida. Self-reported ED was obtained using a structured questionnaire administered by an interviewer. The prevalence and severity of ED was obtained using the International Index of Erectile Function-5 Questionnaire (IIEF-5). RESULTS: The age range of respondents was 22-75 years with a mean age of 42.06(11.35) years. The prevalence of ED was 56.4%, with 29.4% having mild ED, 24.2% had mild-moderate ED and 2.8% had moderate ED. The prevalence of ED was noted to increase with increasing age as ED was more prevalent (100%) among men aged 70-79 years and least common among the younger (20-29) subjects (30.9%). Most of the respondents 198 (54.9%) had sexual intercourse at least thrice a week, while only 158 (43.9%) of respondents were extremely satisfied with their sexual life. About 175 (48.6%) of the respondents had experienced embarrassment over sexual performance, while a greater proportion of the respondents 239 (66.4%) had used performance-enhancing drugs. Despite this, only 20 (5.6%) of the respondents had ever complained of ED in the hospital. Traditional and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs were the commonest source of performance-enhancing drugs 106 (44.4%). CONCLUSION: Erectile dysfunction is a common medical and social problem in our environment. Physicians should routinely ask their patients about their sexual health and erectile dysfunction.

CONTEXTE: La dysfonction érectile (DE) est généralement sousestimée dans de nombreux pays en développement, le Nigeria inclus. INTRODUCTION: La DE est associée à la stigmatisation et à un comportement médiocre en matière de recherche de soins de santé et est supposée ne pas mettre la vie en danger. Cette étude a été entreprise pour déterminer la prévalence de la DE et son profil chez les hommes adultes. MÉTHODES: L'étude était une enquête transversale en milieu hospitalier auprès de 360 hommes sexuellement actifs âgés de 18 ans et plus, vus dans la GOPC du Centre médical fédéral de Bida. La DE auto-déclarée a été obtenue à l'aide d'un questionnaire structuré administré par un enquêteur. La prévalence et la gravité de la DE ont été obtenues à l'aide du questionnaire International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5). RÉSULTATS: La tranche d'âge des répondants était de 22 à 75 ans, avec un âge moyen de 42,06 (11,350) ans. La prévalence de la DE était de 56,4 %, avec 29,4 % présentant une DE légère, 24,2 % une DE légère à modérée et 2,8 % une DE modérée. La prévalence de la DE a été notée pour augmenter avec l'âge croissant, car la DE était plus fréquente (100 %) chez les hommes âgés de 70 à 79 ans et moins courante chez les sujets plus jeunes (20-29 ans) (30,9 %). La plupart des répondants, 198 (54,9 %), avaient des rapports sexuels au moins trois fois par semaine, tandis que seuls 158 (43,9 %) étaient extrêmement satisfaits de leur vie sexuelle. Environ 175 (48,6 %) avaient ressenti de l'embarras quant à leur performance sexuelle, et une proportion plus importante des répondants, 239 (66,4 %), avaient utilisé des médicaments améliorant les performances. Malgré cela, seulement 20 (5,6 %) s'étaient déjà plaints de la DE à l'hôpital. Les médicaments traditionnels et en vente libre étaient la source la plus courante de médicaments améliorant les performances, avec 106 (44,4 %). CONCLUSION: La dysfonction érectile est un problème médical et social courant dans notre environnement. Les médecins devraient régulièrement interroger leurs patients sur leur santé sexuelle et la dysfonction érectile. MOTS-CLÉS: Dysfonction érectile, Homme, Profil, Prévalence.

Predictors of Anaemia among Pregnant Women Booking for Antenatal Care at Federal Medical Centre, Bida, Niger State, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Maternal anaemia results in morbidity and mortality in both the mother and the unborn child. INTRODUCTION: Several factors have been found to determine anaemia among pregnant women but vary from place to place depending on the population and setting of the study. We thus set out to determine predictors of anaemia among pregnant women at booking in FMC, Bida. METHODS: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out over a period of three (3) months among 248 pregnant women booking for Antenatal Care (ANC) at the ANC Clinic of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Bida, Niger state. RESULTS: The mean haemoglobin concentration was 10.2 ±1.0g/dl and 72.6% of all the women were anaemic (haemoglobin concentration < 11g/dl). Anaemia was significantly related to Religion (Islam) (p <0.001), Ethnicity (Yoruba) (p <0.001), the Gestational age (second trimester) at booking (p= 0.013), Interpregnancy interval (< 2 years) (p <0.001), microcytic red blood cell (p <0.001) and hypochromic red blood cell (p <0.001) morphology and absence of fever (p = 0.043) in index pregnancy. In the final analysis at the multivariate level hypochromic red blood cells (OR = 0.049, p = 0.001, CI = 0.008-0.307), Gestational age (second trimester) at booking (OR = 3.465, p = 0.011, CI = 1.323-9.077) and Religion (Islam) (OR = 4.309, p = 0.006, CI = 1.520-12.215) remained significant independent predictors of anaemia. CONCLUSION: Anaemia in pregnancy is still a frequent finding, and it's linked to diets poor in iron and folate, booking in the second trimester, and religion. The prevalence and severity of anaemia in pregnancy will be considerably reduced by early booking, and iron/folate nutritional interventions.

CONTEXTE: L'anémie maternelle entraîne la morbidité et lamortalité de la mère et de l'enfant à naître. INTRODUCTION: Plusieurs facteurs ont été trouvés pour déterminer l'anémie chez les femmes enceintes, mais ils varient d'un endroit à l'autre en fonction de la population et du cadre de l'étude. Nous avons donc entrepris de déterminer les facteurs prédictifs de l'anémie chez les femmes enceintes au moment de la réservation dans le FMC de Bida. MÉTHODES: Il s'agit d'une étude transversale descriptive menée sur une période de trois (3) mois auprès de 248 femmes enceintes qui ont pris rendez-vous pour des soins prénataux (ANC) à la clinique ANC du Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Bida, dans l'État du Niger. RESULTATS: La concentration moyenne d'hémoglobine était de 10,2 ± 1,0g/dl et 72,6% de toutes les femmes étaient anémiques (concentration d'hémoglobine < 11g/dl). L'anémie était significativement liée à la religion (Islam) (p <0.001), à l'ethnie (Yoruba) (p <0.001), à l'âge gestationnel (deuxième trimestre) lors de la réservation (p= 0.013), à l'intervalle entre les grossesses (< 2 ans) (p <0.001), à la morphologie des globules rouges microcytaires (p <0.001) et hypochromes (p <0.001) et à l'absence de fièvre (p= 0.043) au cours de la grossesse de référence. Dans l'analyse finale au niveau multivarié, les globules rouges hypochromes (OR = 0.049, p = 0.001, CI = 0.008-0.307), l'âge gestationnel (deuxième trimestre) lors de la réservation (OR = 3.465, p = 0.011, CI = 1.323-9.077) et la religion (Islam) (OR= 4.309, p = 0.006, CI = 1.520-12.215) sont restés des prédicteurs indépendants significatifs de l'anémie. CONCLUSION: L'anémie pendant la grossesse est encore fréquente, et elle est liée à des régimes pauvres en fer et en folate, à la réservation au cours du deuxième trimestre, et à la religion. La prévalence et la gravité de l'anémie pendant la grossesse seront considérablement réduites par une prise en charge précoce et des interventions nutritionnelles à base de fer et de folate. Mots clés: Anémie, Anc, Grossesse, Prédicteurs.

Determinants of atopic dermatitis among children in a general out-patient clinics of a tertiary hospital in North central, Nigeria.

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, inflammatory, and itchy skin condition that develops in early childhood in the majority of cases. Aim: The objective of this study is to determine factors associated with atopic dermatitis among children aged 6 months to 14 years seen at the General Out-Patients Clinics of a tertiary hospital in north central Nigeria as well as predictors of having AD. Patients and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 490 eligible children recruited using the systematic random sampling technique. The data collected were analyzed using statistical package for social sciences, version 22. Descriptive and inferential statistics was performed to determine the relationship between independent variables and having AD. Results: The factors significantly associated with AD from this study include: male sex (χ = 4.78, P = 0.029), Being in nursery school (χ = 77.60, P = 0.000), Nupe ethnicity (χ = 49.06, P = 0.000), mothers and fathers Educational level (χ = 27.80, P = 0.000), having personal or family history of atopy (χ = 31.30, P = 0.000). After all variables that are significant was adjusted; Nursery level of education (OR = 4.076, 95% CI = 1.679-9.891, P = 0.002), Mother's Level of education (OR = 0.664, 95% CI = 0.442-0.998, P = 0.049), and personal or family history of atopy (OR = 5.585-E12, 95% CI = 5.585-E12-5.585-E12, P = 0.000) were independent predictors of AD. Conclusion: Our data suggest that AD has a specific pattern of inheritance in children and this was predicted by: nursery level of education, mother's level of education, and family or personal history of atopy. Knowledge of this will provide a better caring strategy for predicting and preventing AD earlier in at risk children.

Anthropometric Indices for Predicting Hypertension among General Outpatient Clinic Attendees of Federal Medical Centre, Bida, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: The literature is replete with overwhelming evidence that being obese is a predictor of hypertension risk. Obesity can be defined by anthropometric indices, such as Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist Circumference (WC), waist-hip ratio (WHR), and waistheight ratio (WHtR). Despite wide use of BMI as indicator of obesity, it does not reflect central fat distribution, whereas WC, WHR, and WHtR are used as surrogate markers for body fat centralization. A central distribution of body fat has been shown to be strongly associated with hypertension. Controversies, however, remain regarding the best predictor of hypertension risk. We determined the prevalence of hypertension and assess its association with the four obesity-related indices above. We evaluated which anthropometric measurement most closely relates to high blood pressure risk among adult patients 18 years and above in Bida. METHODS: This is an analytical cross-sectional hospital-based study of 210 systematic randomly selected adults. Participants were administered a standardized questionnaire and had anthropometric measurements taken along with their blood pressure. RESULTS: The percentage of people with high blood pressure was 38.6% (33.7% for males and 42.4% for females). WC (p-value <0.001), WHR (p-0.001), WHtR (p-value <0.001) and BMI (p-0.016) were all statistically significantly associated with hypertension. At the multivariate analysis level; waist circumference (OR= 3.635, p= 0.002, CI = 1.613-8.189) and waist-height ratio (OR= 7.183, p-value <0.001, CI = 2.661-19.389) remained strong predictors of hypertension risk. Analysis of the receiver operated characteristics curve showed that waist circumference (0.842) and waist-height ratio (0.838) were the best predictors of hypertension risk. CONCLUSION: The central obesity indices WC, and WHtR were better than BMI for the prediction of hypertension in adults >18 years. Therefore, WHtR or WC is recommended as a screening tool for the prediction of hypertension in our clinics, as a means of prevention and early detection of hypertension to halt or slow down the rising burden of hypertension.

CONTEXTE: La littérature regorge de preuves irréfutables que l'obésité est un facteur de prédiction du risque d'hypertension. L'obésité peut être définie par des indices anthropométriques, comme l'indice de masse corporelle (IMC), le tour de taille (TT), le rapport taille-hanche (RTH) et le rapport taille-hauteur (RTH). Bien que l'IMC soit largement utilisé comme indicateur de l'obésité, il ne reflète pas la distribution centrale de la graisse, alors que le tour de taille, le WHR et le WHtR sont utilisés comme marqueurs de substitution pour la centralisation de la graisse corporelle. Il a été démontré qu'une distribution centrale de la graisse corporelle est fortement associée à l'hypertension. Cependant, des controverses subsistent quant au meilleur prédicteur du risque d'hypertension. Nous avons déterminé la prévalence de l'hypertension et évalué son association avec les quatre indices liés à l'obésité ci-dessus. Nous avons évalué quelle mesure anthropométrique est la plus étroitement liée au risque d'hypertension chez les patients adultes âgés de 18 ans et plus à Bida. MÉTHODES: Il s'agit d'une étude analytique transversale menée en milieu hospitalier auprès de 210 adultes sélectionnés de manière systématique et aléatoire. Les participants ont reçu un questionnaire standardisé et des mesures anthropométriques ont été prises en même temps que leur tension artérielle. RÉSULTATS: Le pourcentage de personnes ayant une pression artérielle élevée était de 38,6 % (33,7 % pour les hommes et 42,4 % pour les femmes). Le tour de taille (valeur p <0,001), le WHR (p-0,001), le WHtR (valeur p <0,001) et l'IMC (p-0,016) étaient tous associés de manière statistiquement significative à l'hypertension. Au niveau de l'analyse multivariée, le tour de taille (OR= 3,635, p=0,002, CI = 1,613-8,189) et le rapport taille-hauteur (OR= 7,183, pvalue <0,001, CI = 2,661-19,389) sont restés des prédicteurs forts du risque d'hypertension. L'analyse de la courbe des caractéristiques opérées par le récepteur a montré que le tour de taille (0,842) et le rapport taillehauteur (0,838) étaient les meilleurs prédicteurs du risque d'hypertension. CONCLUSION: Les indices d'obésité centrale WC, et WHtR étaient meilleurs que l'IMC pour la prédiction de l'hypertension chez les adultes de plus de 18 ans. Par conséquent, le WHtR ou le tour de taille est recommandé comme outil de dépistage pour la prédiction de l'hypertension dans nos cliniques, comme moyen de prévention et de détection précoce de l'hypertension pour arrêter ou ralentir l'augmentation du fardeau de l'hypertension. Mots clés: IMC, Hypertension artérielle, Tour de taille, Rapport taillehauteur.

Bullous Pemphigoid Masquerading as Erythrodermic Psoriasis.

Bullous Pemphigoid occurs more commonly in the elderly with a rare occurrence in infancy, childhood and adolescence. The uniqueness of this presentation in the adolescents warrants this report. Both Erythrodermic Psoriasis and Bullous Pemphigoid are autoimmune skin disorders that differ in presentation though some of the symptoms may overlap. While Erythrodermic Psoriasis presents with massive scaling, Bullous Pemphigoid presents with vesiculo-bullous lesions and blisters which heal and keep spreading leaving burn-like areas. Bullous Pemphigoid is the most frequent subepidermal autoimmune bullous skin disease and could have a polymorphic presentation. At presentation there was massive scaling with intense itching however in the course of treatment, vesicles, blisters and bullae became apparent and the histology result was consistent with the diagnosis of Bullous Pemphigoid. Bullous Pemphigoid was therefore masquerading as Erythrodermic Psoriasis.

La pemphigoïde bulleuse se produit plus souvent chez les personnes âgées, mais rarement chez les nourrissons, les enfants et les adolescents. Le caractère unique de cette présentation chez l'adolescent justifie ce rapport. Le psoriasis érythrodermique et la pemphigoïde bulleuse sont des troubles cutanés auto-immuns dont la présentation diffère, bien que certains symptômes puissent se chevaucher. Alors que le psoriasis érythrodermique se manifeste par une desquamation massive, la pemphigoïde bulleuse présente des lésions vésiculo-bulleuses et des cloques qui guérissent et s'étendent en laissant des zones semblables à des brûlures. La pemphigoïde bulleuse est la maladie cutanée bulleuse auto-immune sous-épidermique la plus fréquente et peut avoir une présentation polymorphe. Au moment de la présentation, il y avait une desquamation massive avec des démangeaisons intenses, mais au cours du traitement, des vésicules, des cloques et des bulles sont apparues et le résultat de l'histologie était cohérent avec le diagnostic de la pemphigoïde bulleuse. La pemphigoïde bulleuse se faisait donc passer pour un psoriasis érythrodermique. Mots clés : Psoriasis érythrodermique, pemphigoïde, bulles, signe d'Auspitz.

Anaemia among Pregnant Women: Prevalence and Pattern at Booking Clinic of a Tertiary Health Care Facility in North Central Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Anaemia in pregnancy is an important reproductive health problem associated with increased maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Despite the use of iron and folate supplementation, anti-helminthic and anti-malarial prophylaxis for pregnant women in Nigeria's antenatal policy, the prevalence of anaemia is still high. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence, and pattern of anaemia among pregnant women at booking for antenatal care at Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Bida. SUBJECT AND METHODS: This is a cross- sectional studycarried out over a period of three (3) months among pregnant women booking for Antenatal Care (ANC) at FMC, Bida. Two hundred and forty eight (248) pregnant women were recruited using systematic sampling method. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS Version 20. RESULTS: The mean age group of the respondents was 27.49±5.5 years with age range of 16 to 40 years. About half of the respondents had secondary education, (49.2%) and about a third of the respondents were Traders (34.6%) whose husbands earn

CONTEXTE: L'anémie pendant la grossesse est une important problème reproductive de santé associé à une augmentation de morbidité et mortalité maternelle et périnatal. Malgré l'utilisation de fer et supplémentation de folate, prophylaxie anti-helminthique et antipaludique pour les femmes enceintes dans la politique prénatale du Nigéria, la prévalence de l'anémie est encore élevée. L'objectif de cette étude est de déterminer la prévalence et le modèle de l'anémie chez les femmes enceintes lors de la réservation de soins prénatals à Centre Médical Fédéral (FMC), Bida. SUJET ET MÉTHODES: Il s'agit d'une étude transversale réalisé esur une période de trois (3) mois chez les femmes enceintes réservant pour les soins prénatals (ANC) à FMC, Bida. Deux cent quarantehuit (248) femmes enceintes ont été recrutées à l'aide d'un méthode systématique d lén échantillonnage. Les données recueillies ont été analysées à l'aide de la version 20 du SPSS. RÉSULTATS: Le groupe d'âge moyen des répondants était de 27,49 ±5,5ans avec une gamme d'âge de 16 à 40 ans. Environ la moitié des répondants avaient fait des études secondaires (49,2 %) et environ un tiers des répondant sétaient des commerçants (34,6 %) dont les maris gagnaient

Prevalence and Pattern of Atopic Dermatitis among Children Aged 6 Months to 14 Years seen in General Out-Patient Clinic of Federal Medical Centre, Bida.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, inflammatory, itchy skin condition that develops in early childhood in the majority of cases. It is typically an episodic disease of exacerbations and remissions, except for severe cases where it may be continuous. In children younger than one, the face and extensor surfaces of the hands and legs are typically involved, and in some case the trunk as well. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, pattern, and sites of atopic dermatitis among children aged 6 months to 14 years, as well as document the full blood count picture with emphasis on the eosinophil count as a correlate in predicting atopic dermatitis. METHODS: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 490 eligible children recruited using the systematic random sampling technique. The data collected was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences, version 22 (SPSS 22 Chicago, Illinois, USA). RESULTS: The prevalence of AD from this study was 9.8% using the Hanifin and Rajka criteria, with the age group <5 years having the highest prevalence of 47.9% and it was more common in males than in females 64.6% and 35.4% respectively. The commonest site of affectation was the face and extensor surface (100.0%; 95.8% respectively). In terms of the severity of AD using the TIS score, majority were in the moderate category (81.3%). Mean Eosinophil count was 8.75% ±5.90. There was a statistical significant association between absence of AD and elevated absolute eosinophil count (P=0.015). CONCLUSION: The study highlights that the prevalence of atopic dermatitis among children 6 months to 14 years based on major Hanifin and Rajka Criteria is 9.8%. Individuals with AD are unlikely to have elevated absolute eosinophil count.

Patients' satisfaction with the healthcare services at a north central Nigerian tertiary hospital.

BACKGROUND: This study sought to determine the level of satisfaction of patients with the healthcare services at Federal Medical Centre, Bida (FMCB) Nigeria and the factors associated with patients' satisfaction. METHODS: The study utilized exit interview of 480 patients, sampled at the 9 service points of the Centre. The questions covered socio-demographic factors and the 3 core elements of healthcare service delivery namely quality, access and interpersonal issues. The evaluation of satisfaction on the 5 point Likert scale were categorized into dissatisfied {very dissatisfied, dissatisfied and Neutral} and satisfied {satisfied and very satisfied}, setting the threshold for satisfaction at a relatively higher level. RESULTS: On the overall, 78.5% of them were satisfied with the hospital services and 78.3% had their expectations met. Satisfaction was lowest (72.7%) at the revenue section and highest (96.1%) at the maternity section. Nine of every 10 respondents (91.7%) would recommend the facility to a friend. The patients' satisfaction had significant positive correlation with promptness of staff, communication level of staff, staff relationship with patients, environmental cleanliness and comfort facilities. Cost of services and delay in obtaining services had negative but relatively weak correlation with satisfaction. CONCLUSION: The observed level of patients' satisfaction at FMC Bida is high. This can be maintained and enhanced by improvement in waiting time, sustenance of the satisfactory hospital ambiance and staff attitude/aptitude. However, enlightenment of the hospital patients on the status of the hospital and the nature of services offered is necessary.

Knowledge, attitudes and practice of confidentiality of patients' health records among health care professionals at Federal Medical Centre, Bida.

BACKGROUND: The quality of information shared with health care professionals depends on their ability to keep it confidential especially in this information technology age when unguided access is imminent. In view ofthis, the study described knowledge, attitude and practice of confidentiality of patients' health records amongst health care professionals at Federal Medical Centre Bida, Nigeria. METHODS: A semi-structured self-administered.questionnaire on the subject was administered to 313 health professionals chosen by stratified random sampling in the hospital. RESULTS: Majority (161, 66.8%) of the participants were less than ten years in practice. Virtually, all (232, 96.3%) have heard about confidentiality mostly from schools (134, 55.6%), on-the-job (61, 25.3%) and from multiple sources (18, 7.5%). On responsibility for confidentiality; only 35 (14.5%) knew it is the responsibility of every health professional, while the majority; 117 (48.5%) felt it was exclusively meant for health information management professionals. Responses to issues on confidentiality range from 58.1% (revelation of documented next of kin to relatives of dead patients by staff) to 94.2% (employing the service of untrained interpreter). Very few (28, 11.6%) argued that confidentiality and privacy are not synonymous. Recommendations given to improve the practice of confidentiality include among others, observance of good health records practice by all professionals/stakeholders, continuing sensitisation of all staffandsanction against erring staff. CONCLUSIONS: Although, most professionals were aware of confidentiality, there appears a gap of in-depth knowledge and lack of awareness of respective responsibility towards it. However, they will do better if given the enabling environment and continuing education on the subject.

Prevalence of dermatophytosis among primary school children in Oke-Oyi community of Kwara state.

BACKGROUND: Dermatophytic infections have been known to impact negatively on health and well-being of children. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence, clinical types as well as the etiologic organisms of dermatophyte infection among primary school children aged 5-16 years in Oke-Oyi community in Kwara state. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 4-months descriptive cross-sectional survey was carried out among 602 children aged 5-16 years in Oke-Oyi community, in Kwara state. RESULTS: The prevalence of clinically suspected dermatophytoses lesion was 29.9% (180/602). Dermatophyte accounted for 5.0% (30/602) on Sabouraud dextrose agar culture, while non-dermatophyte molds represent majority of isolate i.e., 15.4% (93/602). Tinea capitis is the commonest clinical type, followed by Tinea coporis and then Tinea pedis. Multiple infections are noted in nine respondents. Three species of dermatophytes belonging to only two of the three genera of dermatophytes were responsible for human infection in the area studied, of which Trichophyton mentagrophyte is the commonest, followed by Microsporum audouinii and Trichophyton verucossum. Among the non-dermatophytes, Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans predominate. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the prevalence of dermatophytoses in the school studied was significant. Control efforts should target this vulnerable group to reduce its prevalence.

Prevalence of dermatophytosis among primary school children in Oke-Oyi community of Kwara state

Background: Dermatophytic infections have been known to impact negatively on health and well-being of children. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence; clinical types as well as the etiologic organisms of dermatophyte infection among primary school children aged 5-16 years in Oke-Oyi community in Kwara state. Materials and Methods: A 4-months descriptive cross-sectional survey was carried out among 602 children aged 5-16 years in Oke-Oyi community; in Kwara state. Results: The prevalence of clinically suspected dermatophytoses lesion was 29.9(180/602). Dermatophyte accounted for 5.0(30/602) on Sabouraud dextrose agar culture; while non-dermatophyte molds represent majority of isolate i.e.; 15.4(93/602). Tinea capitis is the commonest clinical type; followed by Tinea coporis and then Tinea pedis. Multiple infections are noted in nine respondents. Three species of dermatophytes belonging to only two of the three genera of dermatophytes were responsible for human infection in the area studied; of which Trichophyton mentagrophyte is the commonest; followed by Microsporum audouinii and Trichophyton verucossum. Among the non-dermatophytes; Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans predominate. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the prevalence of dermatophytoses in the school studied was significant. Control efforts should target this vulnerable group to reduce its prevalence

Superficial fungal infections seen at a tertiary health centre: clinical and mycological studies.

BACKGROUND: Superficial fungal infections are common in the tropics, partly due to the climate, relatively poor hygiene, and lifestyle of the people. OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical forms and aetiological agents of superficial fungal infections as seen among skin cases in the north- central part of Nigeria. METHODS: All consecutive new patients seen at the skin clinic of the General Out-patient Department of the Federal Medical Centre, Bida from July 2006 to December 2007 were included in this prospective study. Participants were examined for superficial fungal lesions. Samples of skin scrapings for microbiological investigations were obtained from suspicious lesions. RESULTS: A total of 381 patients attended the Skin Clinic during the period of study. Superficial fungal infections constituted 89(23.4%) of all skin cases seen. The commonest clinical type of fungal infection was Tinea corporis, followed by Tinea unguium. Male to female ratio of clinical lesions was 1: 1.5. A total of 41 samples grew fungal organisms on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar culture, of which dermatophytes were the isolates in 22(53.7%), while non-dermatophytes accounted for the rest. Seven species of dermatophytes, dominated by Trichophyton spp. 15 (68.2%), followed by Microsporum gypseum 4(18.2%), and Epidermophyton floccosum 3(13.6%) were the main isolates. The most commonly recovered species were T. mentagrophytes (36.4%). CONCLUSION: These data show the continued predominance of dermatophytes as the principal pathogen in superficial fungal infection. Trichophyton spp. is the predominant class of which T. mentagrophyte is the most prevalent.