Haematological Correlates of Helicobacter pylori Infection Amongst Children Receiving Care in a Private Setting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State

Helicobacter pylori is a spiral-shaped, gram-negative bacterium that basically colonizes the digestive tract of humans. It is an established cause of anaemia, leucopenia and thrombocytopenia and affects 70-95% of children in developing countries. We carried out a retrospective study of 140 children, presenting with abdominal discomfort and/or vomiting in a private hospital in Port Harcourt, South-South, Nigeria. Positive serology for H.pylori was established using IgG test kit and Full blood counts were done with an autoanalyzer. Sixty-four (45.7%) of the children studied were serologically positive for H.pylori infection, while 54.3%(76) were negative. H.pylori has been detected in virtually all age groups of children studied. Ten (15.6%) of the children with H.pylori positive serology had anaemia, 3.1%(2) had leucopenia and 12.5%(8) had leucocytosis. None of these was statistically significant. The overall seroprevalence of H.pylori in the children studied was high. Similarly, there was a high prevalence of haematologic derangements in the children with positive H.pylori assay compared to those children with negative serology for H.pylori. This was however not statistically significant. Routine screening of children with symptoms of abdominal discomfort for H.pylori and commencement of treatment for those with positive serology results is not recommended without a confirmatory test.

Operating Room Drugs and, Consumables Distribution Systems: Knowledge, Attitude and, Practice among Operating Room Workforce in a Tertiary Hospital in the Developing World

Drug and consumables distribution system in the operating room is key to the smooth running of the operating room in any hospital. Technological advancements have led to the development of newer and more efficient distribution systems. We aim to assess the knowledge, attitude and, practice of drug and consumable distribution systems among operating room workforce of a tertiary hospital in Nigeria. The study was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study among the various categories of professionals of the operating room workforce. Two sets of questionnaires with structured questions on the knowledge, attitude and practice of operating room drug and consumables distribution system were administered one after the other on the operating room personnel. 282 of 363 operating room workforce consented and responded to the questionnaires. The workforce is made up of surgeons 198 (70%), physician anaesthetists 28 (10%), nurse anaesthetists 25 (9%) and, perioperative nurses 31 (11%). Their mean age was 42.61+8.74 years, 175 (64%) aged between 30 and 49 years with male to female ratio of 2.9:1. The majority 243 (86%) of respondents did not know the meaning of an operating room drug and consumable distribution system. After explanation, it was discovered that 228 (81%) had experienced the individual prescription order system with its associated wastages 195 (69%), medication errors 130 (46%,) and, delay or scheduling of cases 183 (65%). This study revealed poor knowledge of drug and consumables distribution system among operating room workforce in our institution. The study centre uses individual prescription order system with significant untoward effects. We recommend improved awareness of the theatre workforce on drug and consumable distribution systems.

Radiation Safety Knowledge and Practice Amongst Doctors in a Teaching Hospital in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

It is important that doctors of the various specialties in a health facility requesting for radiological examinations are knowledgeable about the effect of ionizing radiation. When referring doctors know the amount of radiation their patients receive there will be justification for such investigations in line with the guiding principle of radiation protection – As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) - to minimize risk to the patient. The objective of this study is to assess the knowledge and practice of radiation protection and safety amongst doctors in a Teaching Hospital in the Niger Delta, Nigeria. This is a cross-sectional descriptive study using a self-administered structured questionnaire among 131 doctors in Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH), Oghara. Data was analyzed using the IBM SPSS v.21. Eighty-eight (67.2%) respondents had a good knowledge of radiation safety while 49 (37.4%) of respondents had a good practice of radiation protection and safety. There was an association between the department of respondents (p=0.009), awareness of body parts sensitive to radiation (p=0.005) and their knowledge of radiation safety. Also, there was an association between the department of respondents (p=0.016), their years of experience (p=0.016) and the practice of radiation safety. Knowledge of radiation safety was high while the practice of radiation protection and safety was low amongst respondents. Gender, department of doctor and awareness of body parts that are sensitive to radiation were associated with good knowledge; while department and years of experience was associated with good practice. It is recommended that doctors receive regular updates on radiation hazards, risks and protection in order to reduce the risk of exposure of patients and health workers to unnecessary ionizing radiation.

Prevalence and Nature of Adult Hematological Malignancies Using Bone Marrow Aspiration Cytology in a Tertiary Health Facility: A Seven Year Retrospective Review

Bone Marrow Aspiration (BMA) is a procedure that is often used to evaluate patients with haematological disorders including haematological malignancies (HMs) which account for about 6.5% of all cancers worldwide. There is paucity of data on the prevalence and pattern of HMs from BMA cytology in Nigeria. We carried out a retrospective review to determine the prevalence and distribution of HMs among adult patients who had BMA cytology at Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) from June 2012 to July 2019. A total of 158 BMA reports extracted from the marrow and clinic medical records were reviewed. Out of 158 adult BMA cytology reports, HMs accounted for 78(49.4%) of all haematological disorders. There was no significant gender difference. The Male 38(48.7%) to Female 40(51.3%) ratio (M:F) was 1:1.1. Their ages ranged from 16 to 85 years with the median age of 54.0 years. Out of the 78 HMs, Lymphoid neoplasms were the most prevalent 47(60.3%), the leukaemias were higher 53/78(67.9%) compared to the non-leukaemic neoplasms. Of the 53 leukaemias, those of chronic lymphoid types were more 24/53(45.3%), followed by the chronic myeloid 15/53(28.3%). Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) was the predominant leukaemia 24/53(45.3%) as well as the most prevalent HM 24/78(30.8%), followed by chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) 19.2%(15/78). Others were myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) 11.5%(9/78), acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) 10.3% (8/78), multiple myeloma (MM) 10.3%(8/78), acute myeloblastic leukaemia (AML) 7.7%(6/78), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) 6.4%(5/78), Small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) 2.6%(2/78) and Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) 1.3%(1/78). In conclusion, we established high prevalence of HMs among patients who had BMA cytology evaluation at BSUTH with the preponderance of lymphoid malignancies. We advocate for inclusion of HMs in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) for full implementation and to prioritise provision of modern diagnostic equipment and treatment options for quality and optimal management of leukaemias in the center.

Sexual Activity and Contraceptive use among University Female Undergraduates in Makurdi, North-Central Nigeria

High sexual activity with low contraceptive use among young women could give rise to complications such as unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. This study was aimed at determining sexual activities and contraceptive usage among female undergraduate students. It was a cross-sectional study using pretested self -administered questionnaires to collect data on socio-demographic variables, sexual activities and contraceptive use. Out of the four hundred and thirty one (431) students studied, three hundred and four (70.5%) were sexually active. The average age of sexual debut was 19.5 years. One hundred and twenty-seven (41.8%) had more than one sexual partner. Money was the reason for sex in more than one- third (37.4%). Contraceptive awareness and usage among the respondents was (96.1%) and (85.0%) respectively. The male condom was the commonest (52.4%) contraceptive used. Majority (65.9%) of the respondents believed contraceptive use could prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. There was a significant relationship between awareness of contraception and level of study (P =0.003). The study showed a high level of sexual activity, contraceptive knowledge and usage. There was a significant relationship between contraceptive awareness and academic level; as well as usage and protection against STD. Girl child education, provision and promotion of utilization of reproductive health services should be sustained to safeguard the sexual health of young women.

Indoor Air and Surface Fungal Contamination in the Special Care Baby Unit of a Tertiary Hospital in Jos, Nigeria

Fungi frequently contaminate the indoor air as well as surfaces of hospital equipment and furniture. This pose a significant risk for neonates in the Special Care Baby Unit. This study aimed to determine the rate of fungal contamination of indoor air and surfaces of the special care baby unit of a tertiary health facility in Jos, Nigeria. The study was carried out at the special care baby unit of the Jos University Teaching Hospital. Indoor air samples were obtained using sedimentation method whereas samples from surfaces were collected using sterile pre-moistened cotton tipped swab sticks. The swab sticks were inoculated onto sabouraud dextrose agar plates which were incubated along with indoor air culture plates for seven days. Univariate analysis was carried out using STATA (version 14IC). Fungal contamination rate of the special care baby unit was 20.2%. Aspergillus species (29.6%) was the most predominant fungus isolated. Most of the fungi were isolated from the outborn term and outborn preterm rooms of the special care baby unit. The fungi isolated include Aspergillus spp, Candida spp, Penicillium spp, Cladosporium spp, Curvularia spp, Fusarium spp, Paecillomyces spp, Alternatia spp, and Rhodotorulla spp. Fungi are a major cause of indoor air as well as surface contamination in special care baby unit of the hospital. Routine cleaning and disinfection will lead to a reduction in the fungal load.

Current Status of Intestinal Parasites among Pre School Children in Eke, Okpokwu Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria

Intestinal parasitic infection is a disease of public health importance in developing countries like Nigeria. Conducive environmental factors in developing countries accelerate parasitic growth and development. The aim of this study is to determine the current status of parasitic infection of preschool children in Benue State. A cross sectional study design was used in this study and computer generated table of random numbers was used to select the respondents. Univarate and bivarate analysis were computed using SPSS version 23. In bivarate analysis variables with p value <0.05 were considered statistically significant. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasite was 16.2% and the mean age of the children was 27.8 months. Fifty eight of the children were infected and Ascarislumbricoides was the most prevalent parasites. Families using pit latrine had the heighest prevance of parasitic infestation with the prevalence of 69.2%.There was a statistically significant association between methods of waste disposal and parasite infestation. Methods of water treatment were also statistically significant with intestinal parasitic infestation

Unexpected Low Covid-19 Mortalities Across Africa: What Could have Happened?

COVID-19 mortalities have continued to be surprisingly low across Africa against all the earlier predictions. This has baffled the global scientific community and several hypotheses and theories have been propounded to explain the underlying factors for this unexpected occurrence. We found out that none of the theories is free of technical flaw, no matter how as plausible as it may appear it does not fully explain this phenomenon. Hence, we conclude that the mystery behind COVID-19 on African soil is yet to be unraveled. Meanwhile preventive measures already on ground should be sustained to keep the disease permanently low.

Double Sides of COVID-19 Pandemic: African Countries should Break Grounds or be Permanently Broken

COVID-19 crept into the world December, 2019, and within a short time, has gone round the whole world and still infecting, affecting and afflicting the all regions of the world. The effect on Africa is grave, not in terms of the morbidity and the mortality, but in terms of its economic impact and the apparent exposure of the weak health system in many parts of Africa. It is hoped that this event will set the governance of the continent right so that the governments will effectively ensure a stronger and more economically vibrant nations emerge after the pandemic.

Mosquitoes and their Medical Importance

Mosquitoes are vectors of many biologic agents of infection that range from bacteria, viral and parasitic infection. They cause diseases with high rate of morbidity and mortality. Plasmodium species are transmitted by the female anopheles genus and is the etiologic agent of malaria which is the major cause of absenteeism from work, school, reduced productivity, reduction in labour supply, illness and death in the tropics. Burkitts lymphoma is a malignancy that is higher in malaria endemic region. The genus culex and mansonia are the vectors of nematodes in the filariodea family. They cause spectrum of diseases ranging from eosinophillia, allergic lymphadenitis, lymphoedema and persistent infection could cause “elephantiasis”. The vector of zika virus is Aedes species. It is responsible for microcephaly in fetus of pregnant women infected in pregnancy. Yellow fever is a viral haemorrhagic fever caused by a flavivirus and transmitted also by the aedes species. Vector control with proper cleaning of the environment, individual use of insecticide treated net, use of prophylactic and prompt treatment of diseases caused by them are methods that have been suggested to reduce the mortality associated with the diseases caused by these mosquitoes.