Opportunistic protozoans parasitic infection occur frequently in individuals with weakened immune system including people with HIV/AIDS. The study sought to determine the prevalence of opportunistic intestinal protozoan infection in HIV/AIDS patients in Jalingo metropolis. The procedure of wet mount technique and faecal concentration techniques processed the faeces collected. The CD4+ count of patients were determined using the Partee Cyflow Counter, which determines the percentage of CD4+ cells of individuals. A total of eight hundred and fifty (850) faecal samples were collected from sero-positive and sero-negative HIV/AIDS persons in Jalingo metropolis. Out of the 850 subjects 650 (76.47%) were sero-positive while 200 (23.53%) were sero-negative (Control). The sero-positive subjects showed higher prevalence of 118 (18.15%) of opportunistic parasitic protozoan infection according to the following hospital locations: Government House, 12 (25.71%); Ummah Clinic, 8 (21.82%); Taraba State Specialist Hospital, 50 (18.18%) and Federal Medical Centre, 38 (15.20%). The prevalence was higher among female positives, 68 (l9.60%) than the male, 50 (16.50%) with no significant difference (p>0.05). The infection based on age groups revealed that the age group 10-15 years had the highest prevalence of 27 (48.21%) while the age group 41-45 years had the least prevalence of 2 (2.63%). Subjects involved in farming had higher prevalence 30 (46.15%) while the least was found among those of trading/business, 33 (13.86%) with no significant difference in infection (p>0.05). C. parvum had the highest prevalence, 46 (24.46%) among the sero-positive individuals while E. coli the highest among sero-negative, 9 (60.00%). It is recommended that clinicians caring for HIV/AIDS patients should request for routine stool examination for the specific diagnosis of opportunistic intestinal parasites infections.
Opportunistic intestinal protozoan parasites are the major contributors affecting HIV/AIDS patients. This study determined the association between intestinal protozoan infection and some predisposing factors among HIV/AIDS patients. Samples were collected from both male and female HIV/AIDS patients and stool samples were also collected from non-HIV/AIDS patients to serve as control. The procedure of wet mount technique and faecal concentration methods processed the faecal materials collected. The CD4+ count of patients were determined using the Partee Cyflow Counter, which determines the percentage of CD4+ cells of individuals. A total of eight hundred and fifty (850) faecal samples were collected from sero-positive and sero-negative HIV/AIDS persons in Jalingo metropolis. Out of the 850 subjects, 650 (76.47%) were sero-positive while 200 (23.53%) were sero-negative (Control). The sero-positive subjects showed higher prevalence of 118 (18.15%) of opportunistic parasitic infection according to the follow-up of hospital locations: Government House, 12 (25.71%); Ummah Clinic, 8 (21.82%); Taraba State Specialist Hospital, 50 (18.18%) and Federal Medical Centre, 38 (15.20%). The prevalence was higher among female positives, 68 (l9.60%) than the male, 50 (16.50%) with no significant difference (p>0.05). The infection based on age groups revealed that the age group 10-15 years had the highest prevalence of 27 (48.21%) while the age group 41-45 years had the least prevalence of 2 (2.63%). There was no significant relationship between age, gender and occurrence of opportunistic intestinal protozoan infection among HIV sero-positive and HIV sero-negative subjects (p>0.05). Analysis on risk factors associated with intestinal protozoan infection revealed that patients whose source of water was from stream are likely to get infected with intestinal protozoans (OR=2.95) than those who used tap water (OR=0.78). Based on method of waste disposal, those who practiced open defaecation are at higher risk of infection with intestinal protozoa (OR=1.02) than those who used water closet system (OR=0.30). Similarly, those who did not wash hands after toilets are prone to infection (OR=2.46) than those who frequently was their hands after toilets (OR=0.14). The public health division in Jalingo metropolis should continue to emphasize the importance of environmental and personal hygiene and collaborate with other Government agencies to provide quality drinking water, good waste management systems, good/faecal disposal systems amongst others to help alleviate the burden of intestinal parasite infections.
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the immune system. Opportunistic intestinal protozoans are among the major contributors to the global intestinal parasite load. This study investigated the danger and complication due to intestinal protozoans’ infection among HIV/AIDS patients in Jalingo metropolis. The study also compared the prevalence of opportunistic intestinal protozoa infection and CD4+ T-Cell count between HIV/AIDS and non HIV patients. The procedure of wet mount technique and faecal concentration methods were employed. The CD4+ count of patients were determined using the Partee Cyflow Counter, which determines the percentage of CD4+ cells of individuals. The prevalence of opportunic intestinal protozoan parasites was higher among female positives, 68 (l9.60%) than the male, 50 (16.50%) with no significant difference (p>0.05). The infection based on age groups revealed that the age group 10-15 years had the highest prevalence of 27 (48.21%) while the age group 41-45 years had the least prevalence of 2 (2.63%). The prevalence of intestinal parasites was highly significant among the study participants with CD4+ count <200 cells/μl. Cryptosporidium spp was significantly associated with HIV positive subjects who had CD4+ count of less than 200 cell/μl. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was highly significant among the study participants with CD4+ count <200 cells/ul. The implications of these findings are discussed and solution proposed to curb opportunistic infections among HIV/AIDS patients.
Introduction: Sickle cell disease (SCD) poses significant health challenges, particularly in regions like sub-Saharan Africa where its prevalence is high. Malaria, a prevalent infectious disease in this region, exacerbates the complications associated with SCD. Understanding the epidemiology and risk factors of malaria among SCD patients is crucial for effective management and control strategies. Aim: To evaluate the prevalence and risk factors associated with malaria transmission among sickle cell anaemia patients in urban communities of Taraba State, Northeastern Nigeria. Methods: The study involved the screening of sickle cell anaemia patients in selected health facilities in Taraba State from December 2022 to December 2023. Data on demographic characteristics, risk factors, and malaria status were collected using structured questionnaires and blood samples. Parasitological examination was conducted to determine malaria prevalence, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0. Results: The study revealed a malaria prevalence of 12.9% among sickle cell anaemia patients, with higher rates observed in Takum compared to other communities. Malaria infection was more common among males, children aged 1-10 years, non-educated individuals, and those engaged in specific occupations like farming and trading. Risk factors such as stagnant water around residences, presence of bushes, lack of insecticidal nets, and use of indigenous herbs were associated with higher malaria transmission rates. Conclusion: The findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions to mitigate malaria burden among sickle cell anaemia patients, including educational campaigns, access to preventive measures such as insecticidal nets, and improvement in environmental hygiene practices. Implementing these strategies is crucial for reducing malaria-related morbidity and mortality in affected communities.
Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in December 2019, substantial attention has been devoted to combating the infodemic that has come to characterize it with the potential to prevent its effective containment. This is undoubtedly a very difficult task, especially in Nigerian rural communities that are characterized by severe lack of the requisite facilities to access information on modern media platforms, compounded by high illiteracy and poverty rates. This study presents a case for the utilization of people-oriented, traditional communication systems in combatting the infodemic at the grassroots level. It contends that, given the peculiarities of the country's rural settlements, traditional communication systems present suitable alternatives that could be harnessed and leveraged upon to carry everyone along in the fight against the pandemic. Using data from secondary sources, the study argues that the fight against COVID-19 infodemic can be more effective if stakeholders recognize and optimize the opportunities offered by traditional communication systems and channel them towards mobilizing and sensitizing rural dwellers to disregard the myriad conspiracy theories and myths about the pandemic, and instead adopt positive behaviors that would help to curtail its spread. This will go a long way in filling the information gap that exists at the grassroots and more effectively help contain the pandemic. To achieve this, the study recommends the need for a robust health intelligentsia to be trained and equipped with skills and competencies in using these communication channels for effective mobilization and sensitization of the people at the grassroots.
Malaria infection is one of the most common disease of public health importance afflicting millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa. This study investigated haematological derrangement among malaria infected and non-infected patients attending some Primary Health Centres in Ardo-Kola LGA, Taraba State, Nigeria. 585 blood samples were collected and examined for Plasmodium falciparum infection. Packed Cell Volume (PCV) was done by microhaematocrit and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) using Westergen methods. The overall result showed a prevalence of ESR by Westergern method. It was found that malaria with low intensity of parasitaemia infection, 217 (37.09%) was more than medium and high intensity of parasitaemia with no significant difference (χ2=9.34; P≥0.05). The mean value of haematological parameters of parasitized subjects were 0.29 for PCV and 124.3655 for platelets which were significantly lower than those of non-parasitized subjects, PCV=0.4577 and Platelets=198.7698 respectively. Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) was higher (33.0852) in parasitized subjects than non-parasitized (20.0504). The result of this study could be useful in identification of high-risk malaria population. This will target intervention and assessment of impact based on changes in haematological parameters associated with P. falciparum infection. Futhermore, preventive strategies like chemoprophylaxis, provision of iron supplementation and insecticide treated nets could be employed in the study area to curb the upsurge in transmission.
Malaria infection is one of the most common disease of public health importance afflicting millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa. Malaria diagnosis and surveillance rely predominantly on rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). This study investigated the performance of Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) against microscopy of stained blood for Plasmodium falciparum of patients attending some Primary Health Centres in Ardo-Kola LGA, Taraba State. Five hundred and eighty five (585) blood samples were collected and examined for Plasmodium falciparum on the microscope. Rapid Diagnostic Tests were also used for examination. The overall result showed a prevalence of 446 (76.23%). The infection found female, 199 (82.23%) to be more exposed to malaria than male, 247 (72.01%) with no significant difference (χ2=4.381; P≥0.05). With regards to age, females aged ≥51 years were more infected than other age groups, while male aged 21-30 years were more infected with malaria than the other age groups. There was no significant difference with malaria infection between the age groups (χ2=2.207; P≥0.05). The performance of RDTs against microscopy showed that RDT used had a sensitivity of 66.91% and specificity of 58.52%. The positive predictive value of 33.45% and negative predictive value of 85.02% were found for the RDT used. The present study demonstrated that RDTs can act as diagnostic tool to manage malaria in resource poor settings with limited, access to expert microscopy as they are easy to use and perform better than microscopy. It is recommended that malaria Rapid Diagnosis Tests can be used in endemic areas in Nigeria.
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