SEROEPIDEMIOLOGY OF HBV ANTIGEN AND ANTI-HCV AMONG GENERAL POPULATION IN A RURAL LOCAL IN BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA.

Background: HBV and HCV infections are a significant public health issue in developing countries with weak healthcare systems, high poverty rates, illiteracy, low HBV immunization coverage, and low public health education. A study assessed the sero epidemiology of HBV antigen, anti- HCV markers, biochemical and heamatological indices of 559 participants in Dambam local government during hepatitis day. A structured questionnaire was administered to assess demographic information and risk factors. Rapid latex immunochromtographic kits were used for HBV, HCV, and HBV Combo serological markers, with positive and negative control included in each batch analysis. Descriptive statistics analysis was conducted on the data. Results: The 559 study participants, had a mean age of 35.5+10.9years, majority within the age- group, 18-39years 279(49.04%), female accounted for 291(52.1%) compared to male 268(47.9), educational background, tertiary 244(43.6%), married, 356(68.7%) and student were 254(45.4%). Seroprevalence of HBsAg was 10.7%, serological markers as follows, HbsAb 1.7%, HbeAg 13.3%, HbeAb 60.0% HbcAb 95.0% and Anti-HCV of 3.4%. Gender breakdown(M vs F) of HBV(13.4% vs 8.2%) and HCV(3.0% vs 3.8%). Significant association was observed in the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV with age-group, gender, marital status and occupation(<0.05). No significant difference was observed with the risk factors of HBV and HCV. Biochemical and heamatological indices showed a significant difference between seropositive and negative study participants(<0.05). Conclusion: The study's findings affirmed the endemicity of HBV infection and the increasing trend of HCV infection in Bauchi state, posing serious public health concerns. HBV serological markers suggest a low HBV immunization coverage rate and exposure of participants to the viral etiology in the community. Strengthening immunization coverage and population-based surveillance is strategic in the prevention and control of viral hepatitis in Bauchi state.

Use of Chloroquine in Uncomplicated Falciparum Malaria Chemotherapy: The Past; the Present and the Future

Chloroquine is a 4-aminoquinoline discovered over five decades ago for treatment of uncomplicated malaria. It was widely used as first line treatment and prophylaxis for individuals going into malaria endemic regions. It was initially highly effective against the four Plasmodium species (P. falciparum; P. malaria; P. ovale and P. vivax) infecting human. It is also effective against gametocytes except those of P. falciparum. Resistance of P. falciparum to chloroquine is widespread and led to discontinuation of chloroquine in malaria treatment by most countries. In recent times; evidences are emerging for chloroquine to probably secure its original place in treatment of acute uncomplicated falciparum malaria. This would be a welcome idea since chloroquine is readily available; relatively safer and cheaper than most currently use antimalarial drugs. Thus; researchers should intensify efforts on periodic in vitro monitoring of chloroquine efficacy; clinicians should further discourage use of chloroquine until efficacy is remarkably restored and pharmaceutical industries should look into potential chloroquine and chloroquine-resistance reversal fixed and non-fixed doses combinations