Journal of Current Biomedical Research

Predictors of treatment outcomes among hospitalized multidrug-resistant tuberculosis patients in Nigeria: A retrospective analysis

Kingsley Nwosu, Ifeoma Nduka, Mercy Nwaodu, Opeyemi Opayemi, Sunday Nduka — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Despite concerted efforts to end the tuberculosis epidemic by 2030, increasing cases of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) have warranted up-to-date data to inform targeted policy actions needed to battle this health issue. This study evaluates treatment outcomes and associated factors among patients admitted to different multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) specialized treatment centres in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. This was a retrospective, hospital-based, cohort study conducted in twelve (12) MDR–TB specialized treatment centres in Nigeria between January 2012 and December 2018. Data was extracted from the medical records of 832 patients using a structured proforma. Treatment outcomes were categorized as successful (cured, treatment completed) or unsuccessful (non-adherent, treatment failure or death). Relevant bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were done to assess the factors associated with treatment outcomes as well as predictors of successful treatment outcomes. All data analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. In the treatment centres, a calculated successful treatment outcome of 85.9% was achieved. The analysis revealed strong associations between treatment outcomes and various factors, including age (p < 0.001), HIV status (p = 0.038), presence of comorbidities (p < 0.01), and treatment history (p = 0.023). Notably, age, geopolitical zone of treatment, and the presence of comorbidities emerged as significant predictors of successful treatment outcomes.

Cryptosporidium infection among HIV positive and HIV negative out-patients attending selected HIV care hospitals in Gboko, Benue state, Nigeria

Sun, 30 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Globally, Cryptosporidium infection continues to be of significant public health importance and one major causal organism of diarrhoea in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals. This cross-sectional study was carried out to survey the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection among HIV positive and HIV negative subjects attending selected hospitals in Gboko Township. A total of 300 stool samples comprising 200 from HIV positive and 100 from HIV negative subjects were collected and analyzed using formol ether oocyst concentration technique and modified Ziehl Neelsen technique. Other information concerning demography and risk factors were obtained with the aid of structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using chi-square test and P≤0.05 were considered significant. Overall, 122 samples comprising 88 from HIV positive patients and 34 from HIV negative patients were positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts with an overall infection prevalence of 40.7%. Males recorded the highest prevalence of 42.9% while age group 50-59 had 50.0%. Patients who presented with watery stool had the highest Cryptosporidium infection rate of 81.8% while those who do not wash their hands and others who only wash occasionally after going to the toilet revealed the highest prevalence of 43.8%. Civil servants as well as patients who normally drink water from river/streams had higher prevalence of 45.8% and 60.0% respectively (P>0.05) when compared with their counterpart. Cryptosporidium infection was significantly associated with the consistency of the stool samples (P < 0.001). Hence, watery stool is strongly implicated as a sign of Cryptosporidium infection among HIV positive and HIV negative subjects in Gboko. Thus, improved sanitation and good personal hygiene should be adopted to avoid infection.

Neuroprotective effect of Andrographis paniculata (burm.f.) leaf extract in aluminum chloride-induced alzheimer’s disease in mice

IMAOBONG ETTI — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0100

The socio-economic burden and poor quality of life associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD), coupled with the high cost of available treatment options, prompted the search for alternatives from plants. This study investigated the neuroprotective effect of Andrographis paniculata in Aluminum chloride- induced Alzheimer’s disease in mice model. Thirty female mice were randomly allocated into six groups (n=5) following the 14-day induction of groups 2-6 with aluminum chloride (AlCl₃). Group 1 (AD free) received only distilled water while groups 2 to 6 were orally treated with distilled water, 1 mg/kg donepezil, 125 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of Andrographis paniculata extract respectively. T-maze and Morris water maze experiments were utilized to investigate the cognitive behaviors of the mice. A. paniculata treated mice showed an improved dose dependent and significant (p≤0.05) alternation between the two arms of the T maze when compared to the poor alternation observed with group 2(AD positive) but untreated group. The results also showed that treatment with A. paniculata significantly (p≤0.05) reduced the time taken to reach the Morris water maze escape platform dose-dependently. The AD model group, however sluggishly roamed the water and failed to reach the escape platform within the stipulated time despite the intensive prior trainings. A. paniculata thus, has a promising neuroprotective potential against aluminum chloride-induced Alzheimer’s disease.

Mosquito species composition, diversity and relative abundance in Science Village, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

Obiageli Okeke, Obiageli — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Mosquitoes species diversity and abundance was studied at Science village, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. To the best of our knowledge, no previous studies have been conducted on the species composition and abundance of mosquitoes in the study area. Given that mosquitoes can act as vectors for various diseases, including malaria, yellow fever, and dengue fever, understanding the species composition of mosquitoes in the study area is crucial in assessing the potential public health implications associated with each species present. The objectives of this study were to identify different species of mosquitoes and determine their abundance and diversity in the study area. The study adopted a descriptive survey and was carried out from March to June 2023. The area was divided into two sampling sites for convenience; site 1 and Site 2. Four methods were used to collect mosquito samples namely an ovitrap (for egg collection), light trap, human landing catch and knock-down method (Spray sheet collection method). The mosquitoes were identified using morphological methods and experts. Mosquito diversity was determined using Shannon Weiner indices, dominance was determined by Simpson's dominance indices and species richness was determined using the Margalef species richness. A total of 440 mosquitoes comprising 5 species: Anopheles gambiae, Culex quinquefasciatus, Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus and Aedes luteocephalus, were identified during the study period. Out of the 5 species, C. quinquefasciatus was the highest (190/43.2 %) collected species followed by Ae. aegypti (111/25.2%), An. gambiae (s.l) (84/19.1 %), Ae. albopictus (54/12.3 %) and Ae., luteocephalus (1/0.2 %). Mosquito diversity was higher in site 1 (1.2779) than in site 2 (1.2313). The high rate of C. quinquefasciatus mosquito species is of utmost concern in this study because it is the vector of many pathogens to man and some domestic animals. It is, therefore, recommended that control measures aimed at eliminating the breeding sites and reducing their contact with the students and staff should be embraced and practised to minimize disease transmission among the students.

The role of knowledge and perception of hypertension in adherence to drug therapy among hypertensive adults in Lagos, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

Ukamaka Okafor, Pharmacist, Dr. — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Hypertension is the most common risk factor for both chronic illnesses and mortality. Numerous studies have assessed adults' perceptions and comprehension of hypertension among hospital patients in urban Nigeria. Nevertheless, there is little data on such studies and their influence on adherence to anti hypertensive drug therapy in rural communities. This study assessed knowledge and perception of hypertension among hypertensive adults in a rural community in Lagos, Nigeria, and how they affect their adherence to anti-hypertensive medication therapy.

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 65 purposively selected patients in nine randomly selected community pharmacies in Lagos, Nigeria, using a well-structured, in-person, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Questionnaire reliability was assessed with standardized Cronbach's alpha. The chi-square test and descriptive statistics were conducted using SPSS version 23, at a 0.05% level of significance.The Cronbach's alpha test gave > 70% threshold value. Respondents have high knowledge that hypertension is more common in older persons (98.5%), the illness's effects on the organs (83.1%), and its treatment (83.1%). About 50.8% of respondents forget to take their medications, 43.1% take them carelessly, 67.7% stop taking them when they occasionally feel better, and only 43.1% stop taking them when they feel worse. There was no correlation between respondents' knowledge and perceptions and their adherence to anti-hypertensive medication therapy.

Adequate knowledge and positive perception did not translate to a high level of adherence to anti-hypertensive medication therapy. Further studies are recommended to investigate reasons for poor adherence and explore innovative approaches that will improve adherence.