Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in Kwal, a rural distriction of Plateau-Nigeria.

Toxoplasma gondii infection has become a major public health concern in recent times due to the ravaging HIV/AIDS pandemic. The seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was determined in Kwal, a rural district of Plateau-Nigeria using IgG-ELISA. Epidemiological assessment was also conducted for the purpose of establishing the infection dynamics. Antibodies to T. gondii were detected in 30 (20.8%) of the 144 individuals studied. The prevalence of infection was slightly higher amongst the males (22.0%) than the females (20.0%), individuals of age group 21-30 years had the highest prevalence of 33.3% while the least (7.4%) occurred amongst the 41-50 years age group. No significant difference was noted (p < 0.05). The seroprevalence of Toxoplasma antibodies was significantly higher amongst individuals who handle/eat rodents (29.6%) and those who constantly had contact with soil (21.2%). These were the predominant risk factors of T. gondii infection in the area. Consequently, the infection occurred most amongst farmers (25.0%). This study contributes to the development of guidelines for the prevention and management of toxoplasmosis. Results were discussed in relation to the T. gondii epidemiological factors inherent within the population studied.

Public health implication of bacteriuria and antibiotic susceptibility of bacteria isolates in schistosoma haematobium-infected school pupils in Southeast Nigeria.

Schistosoma haematobium infection prevalence of 57% was observed among primary school pupils, with males more infected than females (60.3% vs. 49.5%). Light infection (78.9%) was higher than heavy infection (21.1%). Prevalence of bacteriuria was 88.4% in infected individuals. Escherichia coli (20.5%), Salmonella spp (16.1%), and Staphylococcus aureus (16.1%) were major isolates. A 100% bacterial susceptibility to ciprofloxacin and taravid, was observed and up to 100% resistance with tetracycline, cotrimoxazole and nitrofuratoin. Systematic schistosomicidal/antimicrobial treatment advocated.

Seroprevalence of acquired toxoplasmosis in HIV-infected and apparently healthy individuals in Jos, Nigeria.

Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibody seroprevalence was studied in two different populations of 219 HIV-infected patients and 144 apparently healthy individuals (AHIs). Clinical toxoplasmosis was assessed among the HIV-infected patients. Antibodies to T. gondii were detected in 85 (38.8%, 95% CI: 32.36%-45.26%) of the HIV-infected patients and in 30 (20.8%, 95% CI: 14.20%-27.46%) of the AHIs. Among the AIHs, males represented 22.0% of infections compared to females (20.0%) and individuals within age group 21-30 years accounted for the highest prevalence of 33.3% (95% CI: 11.56%-55.10%). There was no significant difference in the trend (Chi-square, P < or = 0.05). Assessment of epidemiological factors showed higher seroprevalence of Toxoplasma antibodies among those who eat rodents (29.6%) and those who constantly have contact with the soil (21.2%). Among the HIV-infected, individuals 31-40-years-old had the highest T. gondii seroprevalence (36.5%). Evaluation of the clinical findings of patients with concomitant toxoplasmosis and HIV infection greatly implicated fever (63.5%), headache (44.7%), rashes (41.2%) and anorexia (34.1%). This study contributes to the development of guidelines for the prevention and management of toxoplasmosis in HIV-infected patients and in apparently healthy individuals in a resource scarce setting.

Typhoid fever: clinical diagnosis versus laboratory confirmation.

BACKGROUND: Recently there has been an increase in the clinically diagnosed typhoid fever in various parts of Nigeria with subsequent increase in public fear of possible epidemics of the disease. In this study the accuracy of clinically diagnosed typhoid fever were investigated. METHODS: Blood and stool specimens from 260 patients clinically diagnosed typhoid fever were investigated using Widal test and bacteriological culture methods respectively. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-four (51.5%) of the cases investigated were positive and that there was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between the clinically diagnosed and bacteriologically confirmed typhoid fever cases. Causative organisms were Salmonella typhi 46 (34.3%); S paratyphi B 34 (25.4%); S paratyphi A 24 (17.9%); S paratyphi C 20 (14.9%); other Salmonella spp 10 (7.5%). Young adults and males were predominantely affected. CONCLUSION: Most of the clinically diagnosed typhoid cases were misdiagnosis and the hue and cry by the general public on the epidemic of typhoid fever could not be justified. It is recommended that careful detailed history taking, meticulous clinical examination and prompt bacteriological culturing of specimens from suspected typhoid cases will improve the accuracy of clinically diagnosed typhoid fever.