RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is not uncommon among persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Severity of HBV infection and treatment outcome are associated with specific HBV genotypes. No study has reported the types of HBV genotypes circulating among HIV-infected subjects in Nigeria. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of HBV, as well as its genotypic distribution among HIV-infected subjects in Benin City, Nigeria. METHODS: Whole blood was collected from a total of 564 HIV-infected and 250 apparently healthy HIV-negative subjects. Serodiagnosis of HBV infection was done using an immunochromatographic kit. Detection of HBV-DNA and sequencing of amplicons were done using standard molecular techniques. RESULTS: HIV status was not significantly associated with HBV seroinfection (HIV vs. non-HIV: 4.6% vs. 4.0%; odds ratio = 1.168, 95% confidence interval = 0.550, 2.444, and P = 0.854). HIV-infected subjects were observed to have an insignificantly (P = 0.645) higher prevalence of true HBV infection than their non-HIV-infected counterparts (HIV positive vs. HIV negative: 23.1% vs. 10.0%). All patients with true HBV infection were found to harbor HBV genotype E, which did not cluster around other HBV genotype E. CONCLUSION: This study reports novel strains of HBV genotype E circulating in Nigeria.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: A good proportion of pregnant women patronize traditional birth homes in Nigeria for ante-natal care. This study aimed at determining the prevalence, risk factors, and susceptibility profile of etiologic agents of urinary tract infection among ante-natal attendees in a traditional birth home in Benin City, Nigeria. METHODS: Clean-catch urine was collected from 220 pregnant women attending a traditional birth home in Benin City, Nigeria. Urine samples were processed, and microbial isolates identified using standard bacteriological procedures. A cross-sectional study design was used. RESULTS: The prevalence of urinary tract infection among pregnant women was 55.0%, significantly affected by parity and gestational age (P<0.05). Mixed infection was recorded among 13(10.7%) pregnant women, and was unaffected by maternal age, parity, gravidity, gestational age, and educational status. Irrespective of trimester Escherichia coli was the most prevalent etiologic agent of urinary tract infection, followed by Staphylococcus aureus. The flouroquinolones were the most effective antibacterial agents, while Sulphamethoxazole-trimetoprim, Amoxicillin, Nalidixic acid, and Nitrofurantoin had poor activity against uropathogens isolated. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of urinary tract infection among pregnant women was 55.0% and significantly affected by gestational age and parity. The most prevalent etiologic agent observed was Escherichia coli. With the exception of the flouroquinolones, aminoglycoside, and Amoxicillin-cluvanate, the activity of other antibiotics used on uropathogens were poor. Health education of the traditional birth attendant and her clients by relevant intervention agencies is strongly advocated.
