SARS CoV-2 Seroprevalence in Selected States of High and Low Disease Burden in Nigeria.

Importance: The global impact of COVID-19 has led to an increased need to continuously assess disease surveillance tools. The utility of SARS-CoV-2 serologic tools in determining immunity levels across different age groups and locations in helping to quickly assess the burden of COVID-19 with significant health policy implications is unknown. Objective: To determine the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies with respect to the age group and sex of participants. Design, Setting, and Participants: A cross-sectional survey of 4904 individuals across 12 states with high and low COVID-19 disease burden in Nigeria was carried out between June 29 and August 21, 2021. Main Outcomes and Measures: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used for the detection of specific SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M antibodies, such as the nucleocapsid protein-NCP and spike protein S1. Interviewer-administered questionnaires provided information on participants' history of disease and associated risk factors. Results: A total of 4904 individuals participated in the study (3033 were female [61.8%]; mean [SD] age, 26.7 [6.51] years). A high seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 (78.9%) was obtained. Seropositivity was consistent across the states surveyed, ranging from 69.8% in Lagos to 87.7% in Borno. There was no association between sex and seropositivity (female, 2414 [79.6%]; male, 1456 [77.8%]; P = .61); however, an association was noted between age and seropositivity, with the peak prevalence observed in participants aged 15 to 19 years (616 [83.6%]; P = .001). Similarly, loss of appetite (751 [82.3%]; P = .04) and smell (309 [84.4%]; P = .01) were associated with seropositivity. Conclusions and Relevance: In this cross-sectional study, a high SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was obtained among the study population during the low level of vaccination at the time of the survey. Thus, there is a need for both an efficacy and antibody neutralization test study to ascertain the efficacy of the antibody detected and the potential for herd immunity in Nigeria.

Knowledge and attitudes of physicians relating to reporting of adverse drug reactions in Sokoto, north-western Nigeria.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are important causes of morbidities. Voluntary reporting of ADR is important in safety surveillance of medicines already in the market. This study was, therefore, conducted to appraise the current documentation of ADR in Sokoto, to analyze the extent to which clinicians appreciate factors that could affect reporting ADRs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four hospitals within Sokoto metropolis were selected by convenient sampling. Pre-validated questionnaires containing questions on demographic and professional characteristics, and questions that evaluate attitudes as listed in the so-called "deadly sins" of Inman were self-administered by physicians. Data from respondents were analyzed by logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 61 physicians interviewed, 43 (70.5%) had encountered potential ADRs in the 12 months before the study but only 3 (7.0%) of these were reported. Fifty eight (95.1%) of the respondents were not aware that an ADR reporting system was available in Sokoto but all the 3 respondents who were aware of the existence of a reporting system had reported an ADR. Generally, there was no significant relationship between demographic and professional attributes and scores obtained on each of the Inman's attitude measured except that more experienced physicians tend to believe that ADRs are not impossible to identify and female physicians were more reluctant to engage representatives of pharmaceutical companies on ADRs related to their drugs. Additional attitudes that may influence ADRs reporting were identified. CONCLUSION: Adverse drug reactions are under-reported in Sokoto. Lack of physicians' awareness of channels for reporting appears to be the major cause.

Is chloroquine better than artemisinin combination therapy as first line treatment in adult nigerians with uncomplicated malaria?-A cost effectiveness analysis.

The current case management and drug policy of malaria in Nigeria recommended by the Federal ministry of health may not be appropriate for all age categories. This suspicion was tested by running a cost effectiveness analysis of two possible and alternative strategies: Artemisinin Combination Therapy (ACT) or Chloroquine and ACT only if CQ fails (CANACT), in adult non pregnant Nigerians aged 20-45yrs. The result confirms that ACT is indeed more effective but also more costly with an incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER) of #2,546,527.00 per QALY that is much higher than the estimated upper limit of #25,000.00 that either patients or provider may be willing to pay. The CANACT strategy may be the most cost effective strategy in this subgroup of Nigerian patients and also provides better value for money.