Adedayo Omotayo Faneye

Seroprevalence of transfusion transmissible infections (TTI), in first time blood donors in Abeokuta, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND Transfusion transmissible infections, such as HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis are on the rise and pose a threat to blood safety. OBJECTIVE To determine prevalence and demographic profiles of TTIs among first time blood donors in Abeokuta, Nigeria. METHODS The study was conducted between February to November 2013; 130 first time blood donors were tested for the presence of HIV, HBsAg, HCV antibodies and Treponema palidium antibodies using EIA based rapid immunochromatographic kits. Data analysis was done using SPSS with a level of significance of p<0.05. RESULTS Prevalence rates to HIV, HBsAg, HCV antibody, were 6.2% (n=8), 10% (n=13) and 1.5% (n=2), there was 0% prevalence to Treponema palidium antibodies. Group specific prevalence rates revealed that educational status was associated with HBsAg positivity (p = 0.028), donors with a history of previous blood transfusion was also statistically associated with HIV sero-reactivity (p = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS High levels of HBsAg and HIV were observed, there is need to revise the donor testing algorithm in Nigeria in line with the prevalence of TTIs. We also advocate that a National surveillance system for TTIs be established through our National blood transfusion service (NBTS) program, a second serological test is also suggested to reduce the risk of occult HBV infection in Nigeria.

Seasonal abundance and molecular identification of West Nile virus vectors, Culex pipens and Culex quinquefasciatus (diptera: culicidae) in Abeokuta, South-West, Nigeria

BACKGROUND West Nile virus (WNV) infection, is an arbovirus infection with high morbidity and mortality, the vector responsible for both human and animal transmission is Culex pipens complex. OBJECTIVE To determine the species distribution and seasonal abundance of Culex pipens and Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes in Abeokuta, Nigeria. METHODS Mosquitoes belonging to the Culex pipens complex were captured in three different locations located within Abeokuta Metropolis between March 2012 and January 2013. Individual species were identified using morphometric methods. Amplification of the Ace2 gene by PCR confirmed morphormetric identification of the mosquitoes. RESULTS A total of 751 mosquitoes were captured. Culex quinquefaciatus recorded the highest distribution of vectors with 56.6% and Culex pipens 43.4% (P > 0.05). Idi aba community recorded the highest distribution of mosquito vectors with 42.9% (n=322) and Culex quinqueaciatus was more abundantly distributed with 183 mosquitoes. Aro community recorded 32% (n=240) of captured mosquitoes with Culex quinquefaciatus having a higher level of abundance and lastly Kemta with a distribution of 25.1% (n=189). CONCLUSION Results from this study show that potential vectors of WNV abound within Abeokuta, putting residents at high risk of West Nile infection. We advocate for introduction of routine testing of WNV in Abeokuta and Nigeria.

Seroprevalence Rates of Hepatitis C Virus (Hcv) Antibody And Hepatitis B Virus Surface Antigen (Hbsag) in Blood Donors in A Southwestern Nigerian City

Hepatitis B and C have been identified as major causes of Transfusion transmitted infections, in Nigeria. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) in prospective blood donors in Abeokuta, Nigeria. 305 blood donors were screened for the presence of Hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) and HCV using a rapid immunochromatographic kit (DiaSpot®). Demographic information was also collected. Males constituted 96.4%, singles were the majority with 65%. Prevalence of HBsAg was 9.8%, HCV 1.3%, and dual positivity 0.3%. Prevalence of HBsAg and HCV among males was 10.2% and 1.4%, while females recorded 0.0% for HCV and HBsAg. Dual positivity was recorded in a male (0.33%). Analysis of the study variables revealed that only educational status was statistically associated with positivity of HBsAg , HCV prevalence was highest in the illiterate group it was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). We report the prevalence rates of anti-HCV Ab and HBsAg in blood donors from Ogun State, Nigeria. Our results reveals higher rate of HBsAg and evidence of co-infection with both viruses, illiteracy was the only variable associated with HBV infection. We advocate for the inclusion of anti-HBc or HBeAg in donor screening in our environment.

Species A Rotavirus (RVA) Isolated from Sewage in Nigeria, 2014: Close Genetic Relatedness of Partial G, P, and NSP4 Gene Sequences Encoding G1 with Cogent Genes of Other Asian and African Rotaviruses

Rotavirus has been identified as a major cause of gastroenteritis in Nigeria. There is limited information on the intragenotype diversity of Nigerian rotavirus isolates. We therefore investigated the molecular characteristics of some rotavirus gene sequences detected in sewage from Nigeria. Seven sewage samples, out of a total of 68, tested positive for rotavirus RNA (10.3%). Genotype G1P[4] was the most common genotype (5 isolates) and one isolate for genotypes G1P[8] and G3P[6]. Phylogenetic analysis of the partial VP7 gene of 3 G1P[4] isolates analyzed identified them as genotype G1 Lineage 2 along with Chinese strains with 99.1% to 100% amino acid similarity. Amino acid substitutions D-97→E and S-147→D/N were observed within the 7-1a and 7-2 domains of VP7 gene among the study G1P4 isolates in reference to vaccine strain RotaTeq®. Phylogenetic analysis of the G3P[6] study isolate identified it as genotype G3 Lineage 3, forming a monophyletic cluster with 100% bootstrap value with other West African strains G3 isolates. Phylogenetic analysis of GIP[4] VP4 genes identified them as P4 Lineage 5, while 3 NSP4 gene sequences belonged to genotype E1, while 1 belonged to E2. The results from this study represent phylogenetic analysis of partial gene sequences of environmental group A rotavirus (RVA) isolates from Nigeria.

FIRST MOLECULAR DETECTION AND VP7 (G) GENOTYPING OF GROUP A ROTAVIRUS BY SEMI-NESTED RT-PCR FROM SEWAGE IN NIGERIA

SUMMARY Rotavirus is the leading cause of viral gastroenteritis worldwide, and sewage is a major source of the virus dissemination in the environment. Our aim was to detect and genotype rotaviruses from sewages in Nigeria. One hundred and ninety sewage samples were collected between June 2014 and January 2015. The two phase concentration method using PEG 6000 and dextran was used to concentrate sewage samples following WHO protocols. Molecular detection was performed by RT-PCR, and VP7 genotyping by semi-nested multiplex PCR. A total of 14.2% (n = 27) samples tested positive. Monthly distribution showed that June to September had a lower rate (3.7% to 7.4%), while October to January recorded 11% to 26%. Genotype G1 predominated followed by G8, G9, G4 and lastly G2, 7.4% (n = 2) of isolates were nontypeable. This is the first report of rotavirus detection in sewages from Nigeria. Genotype G1 remains the most prevalent genotype. This observation calls for an effort by the governmental authorities to implement a molecular surveillance, both clinical and environmental, in order to provide vital information for the control and the vaccine efficacy not only in Nigeria, but globally.

CD4 Decay Rate as an Indicator of the Time Interval between Initial Infection and First Diagnosis among Drug-Naïve Human Immunodeficiency Virus Seropositive Individuals in Lagos, Nigeria

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the time interval between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and the first diagnosis among drug-naïve individuals in Badagry, Nigeria. Subjects and Methods: A sample of 213 subjects who tested HIV positive for the first time were enrolled in this study. The HIV diagnosis was performed using Startpak® and Determine® kits, and a CD4 count was carried out using a FACS Count® flow cytometer. The mean CD4 values were determined by gender and age groups. The time interval between initial HIV infection and first testing was calculated based on the average CD4 decay rate per calendar year, and data analysis was performed using SPSS software. Results: At diagnosis, the mean CD4 values showed that females recorded 270 cells/µl and males 244 cells/µl. By age range, individuals <25 years recorded 437 cells/µl, those between 25 and 40 years of age had 237 cells/µl, and those aged ≥41 years had 192 cells/µl. There was a significant difference between CD4 cell categorization and age range (p < 0.001). Subjects aged between 25 and 40 years recorded the highest distribution of all CD4 cell counts. The time interval between infection and testing for females was 8.1 years and for males 6.7 years. Within the age group <25 years the interval was 5.1 years, whilst it was 8.1 years for those aged ≥41 years. Conclusion: Most of the population presented for testing during the advanced stages of infection. We suggest an upscaling of HIV voluntary counseling and testing to encourage early detection and better treatment outcomes.

Hepatitis B virus infection among sexually active individuals in Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

Introduction Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major health challenge in sub-Saharan African countries. Chronic HBV infection is a risk factor for severe disease progression. Perinatal and sexual transmissions of Hepatitis B virus are the main routes of infection in HBV endemic countries like Nigeria. However, there is paucity of data as regards the major contributory route of transmission to chronic HBV infection in this region. Also, in Nigeria, not everyone at high risk of the infection has been identified. Therefore our study investigated the prevalence of HBV infection among sexually active individuals in Nigeria. Methods Blood samples collected from 463 participants (360 sexually active individuals and 103 teenagers) recruited from health institutions across the country were tested for the presence of HBsAg, and HBV nucleic acid related antigen (HBVNRAg) by ELISA. Positive samples were further tested for the presence of HBeAg and antiHBe by ELISA. Data were analyzed using Chi-square and binary logistic regression at p = 0.05. Results HBsAg and HBVNRAg were detected in 10.4% and 7.6% of the participants respectively. STI clinic attendees had the highest prevalence for HBsAg (17%; p = 0.002). Teenagers had the lowest HBsAg (1.9; p = 0.002) and HBVNRAg (2.9%; p = 0.0001) prevalence rates. Male gender (p = 0.01) and reproductive age group (p=0.009) were the major predictors of chronic HBV infection. Conclusion Sexual transmission was identified as the major contributor to chronic HBV infection. Sexually active individuals especially those with STIs are high risk groups for chronic HBV infection. Interventions targeted at this group is therefore recommended.

Epidemiology of Rotavirus A in Nigeria: Molecular Diversity and Current Insights

Rotavirus induced acute gastroenteritis AGE has been a major disease burden in Nigeria, since it was first reported in 1985. Prevalence rates have increased with severe public health consequences particularly among children. The vaccine Rotarix® has been introduced and is commercially available in Nigeria. However routine rotavirus vaccination is yet to be introduced into the National Immunization Program. Molecular epidemiology of rotavirus in Nigeria has shown the presence of various genotypes, with genotype G12P[8] being the most recent introduction. There are however gaps in molecular data on rotavirus in Nigeria. We therefore reviewed molecular data on rotavirus isolated in Nigeria and also analyzed VP4 and VP7 genes of Nigerian rotavirus strains in Genbank. We have shown that there is a distinct trend in rotavirus molecular epidemiology in Nigeria, with new genotype introductions occurring after the year 2010. We also observed from our analysis the emergence of genotype G12 Lineage III as a dominant genotype. This information elucidates rotavirus molecular epidemiology in Nigeria and gives insight to the expanding landscape of rotavirus genotypes. We recommend the institution of molecular surveillance country wide, before considering the inclusion of rotavirus vaccination into the National Immunization Program in Nigeria, in other to monitor evolution of divergent or recombinant strains.

DYNAMICS OF CD4 CELL COUNT AMONG HIV INFECTED INDIVIDUALS IN LAGOS, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection leads to progressive loss of CD4 T cells. Antiretroviral therapy has been able to inhibit this process, resulting in significant level of immune recovery and function. Our aim is to investigate the dynamics of CD4 recovery among HIV patients in Lagos, Nigeria. A total of 213 HIV-positive individuals were enrolled between October 2007 and May 2008, and followed up for 9 months based on CD4 count. CD4 analysis was done by flow cytometry at enrollment and after every 3 months. Data were grouped according to age range, antiretroviral treatment (ART), and time between infection and diagnosis. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used for data analysis. There was a significant difference in CD4 count between antiretroviral (ART) naïve and ART experienced subjects (P < 0.001). About 50% of the ART experienced population was identified to show poor CD4 reconstitution unable to achieve a CD4 of 500 cells/µl after 9 months of therapy. Time interval between infection and therapy was also identified to contribute to poor CD4 restoration. Further studies need to be done to classify immunological nonresponders among HIV patients in Nigeria. We also recommend introduction of programs that will facilitate early detection of HIV infection.