A comparative study of the oral microbiome compositions of healthy postmenopausal, premenopausal, and prepubertal Nigerian females, using 16s rrna metagenomics methods.

INTRODUCTION: There is a paucity of information on the oral microbiome compositions of Nigerians, mostly due to lack of appropriate molecular techniques. In this pilot study, we sought to determine and characterize the oral bacterial compositions of "healthy" females. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Oral samples were collected from three randomly selected females aged 56, 28, and 8 years. DNA was extracted and 16S rRNA V4 region was amplified using custom-barcoded primers before sequencing with Illumina MiSeq platform. Quantitative Insights into Microbial Ecology pipeline was used for 16S rRNA recognition. Distribution of taxonomic categories at different levels of resolution was done using the ribosomal RNA similarities to entries in the REFseq protein database. Diversity score was calculated based on the inverse Simpson's index. RESULTS: The inverse Simpson's diversity index for the postmenopausal, premenopausal, and prepubertal was 7.74, 6.95, and 7.42 respectively. A total of 12 phyla, 70 genera, and 85 species were detected. Firmicutes followed by Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Fusobacteria dominated the oral microbiome of the subjects. Streptococcus thermophilus (33.19%) was the most abundance species in subject 1, while subject 2 was highly predominated by Haemophilus parainfluenzae (80.65%), and subject 3 was predominated by Haemophilus influenzae (23.05%). CONCLUSION: The study has revealed that bacteria with varying diversities colonized the subjects and it highlighted the importance of metagenomics in deciphering the oral bacterial compositions from females of different age groups. More studies are needed using metagenomics approach, to appreciate these bacterial organisms that are associated with health and disease in our environment.

Rapid screening for co-infection of HIV and HCV in pregnant women in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) are both major global health concerns as they cause high mortality and morbidity in the developing countries. However, while data exists for the co-infection in other countries, little or no information can be found with regard to the sero-prevalence of HIV and HCV co-infection in Nigeria, albeit in pregnant women attending antenatal care clinics in Benin City, Nigeria. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine the sero-prevalence of HIV and HCV among pregnant women seeking antenatal care in Benin City. METHODS: In determining the sero-prevalence in a cross-sectional study, 200 pregnant women, aged between 15 and 49 years were screened for HIV and HCV using rapid screening test kits. Using closed ended structured questionnaires; the respondents volunteered socio-demographic information associated with risk factors of HIV and HCV acquisition. RESULTS: Results indicated sero-prevalence of HIV and HCV in the sampled population was 3% and 5% respectively. Thirty three percent of the pregnant women that were HCV positive were co-infected with HIV-1 infection. HIV sero-prevalence was highest in the age group, 25-29 representing 5.1%, while HCV sero-prevalence was noted highest among the women in the age group 30-34 years, representing 7.9%. Two percent of the pregnant women had equivocal (ambivalent) HIV-1 results. CONCLUSION: The study has shown a prevalence of HIV-HCV co-infection among the tested pregnant women in Benin City and more epidemiological surveys are needed in larger scale to decipher the prevalence in other states of Nigeria.

Probiotic products in Canada with clinical evidence: what can gastroenterologists recommend?

Probiotics, defined as 'live microorganisms, which when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host', are finally becoming an option for gastroenterologists in Canada, after being available for many years in Japan, Europe and the United States of America. Unfortunately, Health Canada and the US Food and Drug Administration have not controlled the use of the term 'probiotic' or put into place United Nations and World Health Organization guidelines. The net result is that a host of products called 'probiotics' are available but are not truly probiotic. The aim of the present review was to discuss the rationale for probiotics in gastroenterology, and specifically examine which products are options for physicians in Canada, and which ones patients might be using. It is hoped that by clarifying what probiotics are, and the strengths and limitations of their use, specialists will be better placed to make recommendations on the role of these products in patient care. In due course, more clinically documented probiotics will emerge, some with therapeutic effects based on a better understanding of disease processes.

Knowledge of, and attitudes to, acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) among traditional birth attendants (TBAs) in rural communities in Cross River State, Nigeria.

AIM: To survey knowledge of, and attitudes to, HIV/AIDS held by traditional birth attendants (TBAs) in rural communities in Cross River State, Nigeria. BACKGROUND: As the HIV/AIDS epidemic continues to spread, undermining development, reversing health gains and exacerbating poverty, TBAs in rural communities in Cross River State, Nigeria are still less informed about this dreadful disease. METHODS: A survey consisting of structured questionnaires was used with 140 randomly selected TBAs to assess their knowledge of HIV/AIDS, source of information on HIV and protective practices. FINDINGS: Results revealed that 62 (44.3%) of the TBAs had no formal education. Forty-four (31.4%) had primary education, while 19 (13.6%) had secondary education. On knowledge of HIV and sources of information, 49 (35.0%) of respondents reported knowing what HIV means. While 26.4% indicated that they received information about HIV from the government health centres, 23.6% had no information about the disease. There was a great disparity between male (73.7%) and female (28.9%) respondents on knowledge about HIV. On the use of protective safety procedures during delivery, 61 (43.6%) used sterilized blades, while 10.7% admitted wearing protective clothes and gloves. Only three (2.1%) of the respondents said that they were aware of the HIV status of their clients prior to delivery. CONCLUSIONS: This survey has demonstrated that few TBAs in the communities studied in Cross River State are informed about HIV/AIDS, and this has revealed the urgency of starting a programme specifically designed for TBAs in rural communities towards a massive educational campaign on HIV/AIDS.

Organisms associated with bacterial vaginosis in Nigerian women as determined by PCR-DGGE and 16S rRNA Gene Sequence

Background: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a condition with diverse etiology.This condition predisposes women to increased susceptibility to sexually transmitted diseases; including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections and preterm birth. The diagnostic methods currently adopted in the evaluation of patient samples for BV are arguably Amsel criteria; and Nugent score that require microscopy and expert interpretation.These two methods are still subjective. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the organisms present in the vagina of 34 HIV negative Nigerian women diagnosed as having bacterial vaginosis by using molecular techniques. Methods:The vaginal samples were subjected to DNA extraction; and amplified with eubacterial primers via PCR.The PCR products were separated using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Bands were excised; re-amplified; purified and sequenced. Sequence identification was performed using the BLAST algorithm and Genbank data base. Results: Mycoplasma hominis (12/34; 35) was the most common isolate and 9 (26) contained one of two clones of an unusual Rainbow Trout intestinal bacterium; while unculturable Streptococcus sp; and other bacteria made up the remaining isolates. Con-clusions:The findings indicate further diversity in the etiological agents associated with BV; and raise the question as to whether diagnosis and management of this condition needs to be re-evaluated in countries like Nigeria.There is some controversy over the clinical importance of BV; as it was once regarded as a disease caused by Gardnerella and presenting as an odourous discharge condition; but is now diagnosed without necessarily the presence of these organisms or signs. With the incidence of BV aligned to an increased risk of HIV in a country ravaged by this virus; the effective eradication of BV can only be achieved if appropriate therapies are delivered

The trend of pulmonary tuberculosis in patients seen at DOTS clinics in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria.

We evaluated the pattern of sputum smear positivity and assessed the effects of directly observed treatment short course (DOTS) among tuberculosis (TB) patients at the DOTS clinics in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. In total, 1391 patients were seen at six microscopy and treatment centres across the FCT between January and December 2003. Their sputa were screened microscopically for the presence of acid-fast bacilli (AFB) using the Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique. In total, 296 (21.3%) patients were smear positive; 201 (67.9%) were new cases and 95 (32.1%) were follow-up cases. The highest incidence of sputum smear positivity (24.8%) was found in those aged 21-30 years and the lowest incidence (6%) was found in those aged 71 years and above. No incidence of smear positivity was recorded in children aged 0-10 years. In total, 160 of the men screened were AFB positive (75% new cases, 25% follow-up cases). In comparison, 136 women were AFB positive (59.6% new cases, 40.4% follow-up cases). During the 1-year study period, two deaths were recorded. Men pose a serious threat to public health as most of the follow-up cases result in the tubercle bacilli developing resistance to available anti-TB drugs. This study demonstrated a high prevalence of infectious TB in the population screened, and therefore underlines the need for capacity building through a multisectoral approach in the fight against the disease. Cohort analysis should be the cardinal management strategy in evaluating the effectiveness of TB control through systemic follow-up and reporting of certain indicators in treatment progress and success.

Diagnosis and Management of Chancroid in Nigeria.

There is a broad group of venereal disease that is referred to as the "Tropical Venereal Disease". They are so-called because they are most frequently seen in the tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world. Among them are conditions like chancroid, lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV or climatic bubo) and granuloma inguinale (chronic venereal sores). Chancroid is variously called "soft sore" or "soft chancre" because it bleeds easily and "ulcus moile".1 It is an acute infection and auto-innoculable disease. The extent of chancroid genital ulceration in Nigeria is greater in the Northern partly due to permissive sexual practices especially for men.

Isolation of enterobacteria from diarrhoeic West African dwarf goats.

An investigation was undertaken to determine Enterobacteriaceae from faecal swabs of West African dwarf goats suffering from diarrhoea in the Nsukka area of Anambra State, Nigeria. In one academic year a total of 37 enteric bacteria were successfully recovered aseptically from 35 faecal swabs from caprine species. The predominant enterobacteria pathogens isolated from diarrhoeic goats and their relative percentage frequency of isolation were: 27 Escherichia (73%), 7 Proteus (19%) and 3 Shigella (8%). Of the total isolates 73% were Escherichia coli, 13% were Proteus morgani, 3% Proteus mirabilis, 3% Proteus vulgaris and 8% Shigella sonnei. Further work is required to elucidate the precise aetiologic role of these organisms in the pathogenesis of caprine diarrhoea in West African dwarf goats.