Abia State University Teaching Hospital Research Articles

Tuberculin Skin Test Reactivity among Health Care Workers in the Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba South-east Nigeria

Background Tuberculosis is one of the infections targeted for eradication and is still under surveillance. Hospital workers in Nigeria take little or no precautions against tuberculosis while attending to patients. Objectives This research aimed to study the prevalence of the reactivity of positive Tuberculin Skin Tests among healthcare workers in a Nigerian University Teaching Hospital. Methods Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained from the participants. Two hundred and ten consented participants were recruited for this study, while 185 contributed till the end. The Tuberculin Skin Test was conducted following the standard operating procedures. The chi-square test was used to compare the variable at a significant level of P < 0.05. Of those who received a BGC vaccine < 3 years, 4.8% were excluded from the analyses. Results Mean ± SD of participants’ age was approximately 30 ± 8 years. Participants comprised 87 (47%) males and 98 (53%) females. The modal age group was 21-25 years. Most participants were clinical medical students, 93(50.3%), while doctors, 7 (3.8%), were second to least. The prevalence of positive reactivity to the Tuberculin Skin Test was 29.9%. There was no significant difference observed regarding sexes and positive reactivity. A significant difference was found in reactivity ≥ 10 mm between those who didn’t receive BCG and those who received BCG vaccine ≥ 10 years before the study. Conclusion Healthcare workers can be potential active TB patients and reservoirs. We recommend highly sensitive and specific periodic TB screening, prophylactic treatment, and re-vaccination of Health Care Workers in Nigeria.

Effect of methanol stem bark extract of Ochna schweinfurthiana (Ezeata) on liver enzymes in Wistar rats

1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Clinical Medicine, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka. Anambra State. Nigeria. 2 Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli campus. Anambra State. Nigeria. 3 Department of General Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Medicine, Royal Bournemouth Hospital (University Hospital Dorset NHS Foundation Trust) Bournemouth, England, BH7 7DW United Kingdom. 4 Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Clinical Medicine, Royal Bournemouth Hospital (University Hospital Dorset NHS Foundation Trust) Bournemouth, England, BH7 7DW United Kingdom. 5 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Clinical Medicine, Abia StateUniversity Teaching Hospital, Aba. Abia State. Nigeria.

Evaluation of Heavy Metals in Auto Mechanics in Aba Metropolis, South East, Nigeria Who Were Exposed to Petrol and Petroleum Products

Background: Every day, humans come into contact with heavy metals in the environment. These metals are widespread throughout the world and are known to affect and create specific biological changes that may be detrimental to the body. Auto mechanics are known to come in contact with these hazardous substances during vehicle maintenance and repair activities, which may lead to the release of heavy metals into the body as well as the environment. Aim: To evaluate the levels of heavy metals that auto mechanics are exposed to from petroleum and petroleum products in mechanic workshops in Aba Metropolis. Study Design: A cross sectional study with a total of 204 participants, 123 of whom were auto mechanics and 81 of whom were non auto mechanics (controls), had blood samples taken from them. Place and Duration of Study: The blood samples were taken from auto mechanic working in mechanic workshop spread around four locations of Aba Metropolis during the period of May 2022 to November, 2022. Samples were analyzed at Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba, Abia State and Laboratory Department, JAROS Inspection Services Limited, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Methods: The levels of heavy metals (Pb, Hg, Cd, Cr, and As) in blood were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The Statistical Analysis System (SAS), STAT 15.1 was used to analyse the data from the study. Results: The serum concentration of heavy metals in reducing order, were Cr > Pb > As > Hg > Cd in the exposed individuals while in the control subjects, the order from the highest concentration was; Cr > Pb >As > Cd > Hg. The blood of auto mechanics had a significantly higher level of Pb and Hg than that of non-auto mechanics (p<0.05). Duration of exposure of the auto mechanics to petrol and its product showed an adverse effect from the results gotten in this study. Conclusion: Heavy metal contamination still poses a threat to health and well-being of the auto mechanics in Aba Metropolis.

Evaluation of the Types and Drug Sensitivity Patterns of Bacterial Isolates from Patients with Eye Discharge at Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba, Nigeria

This study aimed to evaluate the types and drug sensitivity patterns of bacterial isolates from patients with eye discharge at the Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), Aba, Nigeria. A total of 100 samples were collected, with the most prevalent bacterial isolates being Staphylococcus aureus (26%) and Coagulase-negative Staphylococci (21%), while no bacterial growth was reported in 42% of samples. In terms of patient demographics, a significant proportion of the patients were females (64%) aged between 61-70 years. In relation to contact lens use, a high percentage (97%) of the bacterial isolates were detected in patients who did not use contact lenses. An occupational distribution analysis revealed that bacterial isolates were more frequent in farmers and traders compared to students and retirees. Antimicrobial sensitivity testing of the bacterial isolates showed varying degrees of resistance, with significant resistance observed against Erythromycin, Ciprofloxacin, and Perfloxacin. In contrast, higher sensitivity was noted towards Chloramphenicol and Gentamycin. The findings underscore the importance of regular microbiological evaluation and sensitivity testing in patients presenting with eye discharges to guide effective antimicrobial therapy. These findings could guide the selection of empiric antibiotics for treating ocular infections in this region and suggest the need for routine microbiological surveillance to monitor and guide antibiotic prescription to mitigate against antibiotic resistance.

Evaluation of Some Hematological Parameters in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Attending Abia State University Teaching Hospital Aba Based on Socio-Demographic Characteristics

The evaluation of lipid profile and some hematological parameters in diabetic patients attending Abia State Teaching Hospital Aba, was carried out. Venous blood samples were collected from 150 participants who gave consent. This comprises 100 diabetic patients as test and 50 healthy subjects as control. The plasma glucose and hemoglobin levels were determined using spectrophotometric methods. Data from this study were analyzed using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS). Result shows that, platelet (395.44±72.11x109/l), prothrombin time (13.63±0.95secs) levels were higher in study population compared with control (176.18±25.26x109/l, 11.85±0.63secs, respectively) (p<0.05 in each case). The hemoglobin (124.83±15.01g/l) was lower in diabetic patients compared with control (131.66±10.45g/l) (p<0.05). From the findings, management of conditions related to cardiovascular disease, artherosclerotic disease, anemia and stress in diabetics may benefit patients if some hematological parameters are included as part of their routine laboratory investigations. Keywords: hematological parameters, coagulation, platelets, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus

Assessment of practice of handwashing as Covid-19 preventive measure among medical students of Abia State University Teaching Hospital, (ABSUTH) Aba, Abia State, Nigeria

Background: Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) is a communicable disease which is causing morbidity and mortality globally. Hand washing, wearing of a facemask and social distancing are preventive measures that have been options available in our country, Nigeria. The practice of hand washing includes cleansing of hands by rubbing both hands together using and alcohol-based hand sanitizer or washing both hands with soap and water to prevent microbial growth. Objective: This study aimed at assessing the practice of hand washing as a covid-19 preventive measure amongst medical students of ABSUTH, Aba. Method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out among medical students in ABSUTH, Aba, Abia State, A self-administered semi-structured questionnaire was adopted and used to obtain information from the 430 students. Numerical variables were summarized using mean and standard deviation, categorical variables were summarized using frequency and proportions. Association was tested at p-value of 0.05%. Result: There was a non-response rate of 50 (13.8%) as 380 students participated. Mean age of the participants was 24 ± 5.94. Two hundred and eighty-one (73.9%) constituted the majority and was found among the 21 – 25 age range. Female was in majority as 230 (60.5%) of them participated. The level of practice of handwashing was 195 (51.3%). Majority of the students scored above 52% in all the different aspects of handwashing practices and there was statistically significant association between all the hand washing practices and medical students’ participation at a p-value of 0.05%. Conclusion: Medical students showed a good level of practice towards infection and control measures. Social media was major source of information. Some misconceptions were noted regarding minimum duration of handwashing with soap and water and level of practices.

Autopsy Pathology of Invasive Lobular Carcinoma of the Breast: A Case Report

The cause of death can be determined by performing an autopsy. This study reviewed the autopsy pathology performed on a 54 year old woman who died of invasive lobular carcinoma of the breast. The autopsy was performed at Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba, Nigeria. She presented with fever and generalized body weakness of one week duration and was being treated for malaria and typhoid fever. Her condition deteriorated in two days of hospitalization despite the treatment given and she later passed away. Autopsy findings revealed that the breasts were symmetrical and the overlying skin was grossly normal. There was no area of ulceration or change in the skin. The nipples were not retracted. Cut sections of both breasts showed diffuse white fibrous tissue in areas and no obvious lymphadenopathy was noted. Histologic sections of the breast tissue showed uniform small bland cells with round nuclei and inconspicuous nucleoli invading a fibrotic fibrocollagenous stroma and adipocytes in single files. There was poor attempt at tubule formation. Histological section of the lungs showed infiltration by malignant epithelial cells similar to ones seen in the breast. There were haemorrhages, congestion and edema in the alveolar interstitium, and some of the alveolar were filled with fibrinous material. Also seen were numerous mixed inflammatory cell infiltrates. The final diagnosis was invasive lobular carcinoma of the breast, with widespread metastasis to the lungs, pleural and peritoneum. The cause of death was ruled as invasive lobular carcinoma of the breast. A thorough autopsy of deaths of women of postmenopausal age was recommended in other to identify associated pathologies. Keywords: Breast cancer, Invasive lobular carcinoma, Invasive ductal carcinoma, Autopsy

Evaluation of Some Thyriod Hormones in Diabetics Attending Abia State University Teaching Hospital

The evaluation triiodothyronine, thyroxine, thyrotropin, c-reactive protein, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factorα in diabetic patients attending Abia State Teaching Hospital Aba, was carried out. Venous blood samples were collected from 150 participants who gave consent. This comprises 100 diabetic patients as test and 50 healthy subjects as control. The serum Triiodothyronine, thyroxine, thyrotropin was determined using Fincare™ quantitative assay method. Data from this study were analyzed using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS). Result shows that thyroxine (8.97±1.28µg/dl), thyrotropin(2.08±0.85µiu/ml) respectively) (p<0.05 in each case). The serum triiodothyronine (0.89±0.38ng/ml), was lower in diabetic patients, compared with control (1.04±0.33ng/l) (p<0.05). From the findings, management of conditions related to cardiovascular disease, atherosclerotic disease, anemia and stress in diabetics may benefit patients if thyroid hormones are included as part of their routine laboratory investigations. Keywords: thyroid hormones, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerotic disease

Autopsy Pathology of Diabetic Nephropathy with Hypertensive Cardiovascular Disease and Anemic Heart Failure

An autopsy was performed at Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba, Nigeria on a 58 year old woman who was known to be diabetic and hypertensive. Results of autopsy findings showed that the external description was cachectic, severely pale, cyanosed and jaundiced. The thorax, abdominal and pelvic organs were in their normal anatomic position. The trachea mucosa was hyperemic. The bronchi contained frothy fluid. The parietal pleural was shiny and smooth. The heart was enlarged and flabby. The parietal pericardium was smooth and shiny and not attached to the visceral pericardium. The tongue was pale, furred and have prominent papillae. The esophageal mucosa was hyperaemic. The cut sections of the liver showed a nutmeg appearance. The thymus was vestigial. The cut surfaces were cream colored and solid. The thyroid was grossly normal in size. The cut surfaces were brownish and showed colloid in areas. Both kidneys were grossly normal. The cut sections showed loss of corticomedullary differentiation. There were bilateral multicystic swellings on both ovaries. The cranium was intact with no fracture in the skull. The cerebral vessels showed few fatty streaks but no aneurysmal dilatation. Histologic section of the kidney showed numerous glomeruli with varying degree of sclerosis, and capillary basement membrane thickening. The cause of death was anemic heart failure, metastatic serous cystadenocarcinoma, and diabetic nephropathy with hypertensive cardiovascular disease. Thorough autopsies on all deaths of heart failure to study other associated pathologies was recommended. Keywords: Autopsy, Anemic Heart Failure, Hypertensive Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetic Nephropathy, Histology

Autopsy Pathology of Hypertensive Cardiovascular Disease: Case Reports

An Autopsy is performed on a dead body primarily to determine the cause of death. Two autopsies of death from hypertensive cardiovascular disease were performed at Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba, Nigeria. The first autopsy was on a 51 year old man diagnosed about 12 years before his death with hypertension. Autopsy report after his death revealed pan-valvular dilatation, benign nephrosclerosis, chronic pyelonephritis, hepatomegaly with chronic passive congestion of the liver, splenomegaly, pleural effusion, pulmonary edema, ascites and moderate cerebral edema. The cause of death was ruled as congestive cardiac failure and hypertensive cardiovascular disease. The second autopsy was on a 60 year old woman who died after a 5 day history of headache and a day history of loss of consciousness. Autopsy report after her death revealed massive intracerebral and intraventricular haemorrhage, pontine haemorrhage, laryngotracheobronchitis, pulmonary edema, and congested liver and spleen. The cause of death was ruled as hypertensive cardiovascular disease with massive intracranial haemorrhage. A thorough autopsy of deaths from hypertensive cardiovascular disease to reveal other associated pathologies was recommended. Keywords: Autopsy, Hypertensive cardiovascular disease, Intracranial haemorrhage, Congestive cardiac failure, Hypertension

Pattern of Complications Following Prostrate Biopsies: A Five Year Review in Abia State University Teaching Hospital Aba, South Eastern Nigeria

Prostate Cancer is the most common cancer among Nigeria men. Prostrate Biopsy remains the single most important investigation for establishment of prostate cancer diagnosis. Even though simple to perform and basically an outpatient procedure, often times, complications occur, some of which may be mild and self-limiting, while others may require hospitalization and other severe measures to deal with. The aim of this study is to analyze the rate and types of complications following biopsies done at Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba. Between January 2016 and December 2020 involving 198 men, 198 biopsies were done, out of which complications occurred in 55 cases (27.78%). Hemorrhage was the commonest cause with 28 cases (14.18%) followed closely by perianal pain with 11 cases (5.58%). Other complications seen included: vasovagal attack with 5 cases (2.28%), acute urinary retention with 4 cases (2.028%), lower urinary tract symptoms (luts) with 4 cases (2.028%) and sepsis with 3 cases (1.518%). Hemorrhagic complications were the most common complications found in Abia State University Teaching Hospital Aba.

Awareness Assessment of Treatment Target Goals for Persons Living with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Accessing Care in a Tertiary Health Facility, Southeast Nigeria

Background: Diabetes clinic visits by persons living with type 2 diabetes mellitus (PLWDM) afford the healthcare professionals (HCPs) opportunities to assess their achievements of the recommended treatment targets for glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), lipid profile, blood pressure (BP), and body mass index (BMI). Meeting these targets significantly affect treatment outcome in diabetes mellitus (DM). Awareness of the treatment targets by PLWDM attending the diabetes clinic of Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), Aba, Southeast Nigeria, is not known. This study, therefore, set out to bridge this gap in knowledge. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study in which consenting PLWDM attending the diabetes clinic of ABSUTH, Aba, were consecutively recruited. Interviewer-administered questionnaire was filled for each subject to assess their knowledge and awareness of the treatment target goals for HbA1C, BP, lipid profile, and BMI. Data obtained were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23.0 software. Results: A total of 165 persons living with DM, 60 (36.4%) males and 105 (63.6%) females, participated in the study. Majority of them (89.1%) were ignorant of HbA1C and its implications while awareness of their treatment target goals for HbA1C, BP, lipid profile, and BMI was very low at 1.8%, 16.4%, 1.8%, and 0%, respectively, despite their formal educational levels. Conclusion/Recommendation: Awareness of treatment target goals for HBA1C, BP, lipid profile, and BMI was very low among PLWDM in Aba, southeast Nigeria. It is strongly recommended that the HCPs step up their games in diabetes education programs.

Review of the Pattern of Prostate Cancer Aggressiveness Using the Gleason Scoring System among Men Attending Abia State University Teaching Hospital Aba, South Eastern, Nigeria

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among African – American men and the second most common cause of death in the western world. It is the most common cancer among Nigerian men with increasing incidence, morbidity and mortality. The morbidity and mortality depend on the tumor aggressiveness. The three most important prognostic parameters for this disease include Tumor pathologic stage Tumor histologic differentiation (gleason score) Level of prostate specific antigen (PSA) These factors are needed in stratifying patients into risk groups. The gleason grading system , both in needle biopsy and radical prostatectomy specimens remains one of the most significant factors in the clinical decision making process. Key Challenges of the biopsy based determination of prostate cancer aggressiveness include Tumor heterogeneity Biopsy sampling error and variations in biopsy interpretations The resulting uncertainty in risk assessment leads to significant over treatment with associated cost and morbidity.

A 5 Year Review of Prostate Biopsies Taken from Men Attending Abia State University Teaching Hospital Aba, South Eastern Nigeria

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among African-American men. It is the second most common cause of cancer death in the Western world. Prostate cancer is rarely diagnosed before the age of 50 years, but the incidence and mortality from the disease increases exponentially thereafter. This increased incidence has been attributed mainly to the introduction of screening techniques, especially (the estimation of serum prostate-specific antigen) PSA. There is a great variation in the geographic epidemiology of the disease, and environmental factors appear to be significant contributors to this difference. However, African-American men have higher incidence and mortality than white men. Within the African continent prostate cancer ranks in the top 10 and usually the top 5 for male cancers. Male relatives of prostate cancer patients have an increased risk of developing the disease. Heredity, however, appears to play a prominent role having a small percentage of prostate cancer cases (mostly early-onset disease) with the majority of patients falling in the category of sporadic cancer. Occupation and lifestyle is significant, especially when there is association between high dietary intake of animal fat. Heavy metal exposure (cadmium in particular) plays a role. The most consistent factor is hormone concentration and metabolism. Testosterone levels have been shown to be higher in African-American men than white men.

Glomerular Filtration Rate Decline and increased Serum Creatinine Concentration in Abia State University Teaching Hospital Aba

Glomerular filtration Rate (GFR) is essentially the most reliable index of kidney function in health. A decrease in GFR is a pointer to decline in Kidney function and persistent or progressive GFR decline is a specific diagnostic criterion for chronic kidney disease (CKD). In defining CKD, we consider GFR of less than 60ml/min/1.73m 2 for three months or more. Markers of Kidney function test assess the normal function of kidneys. These markers may be biochemical or even radioactive. They assist in measuring GFR, as well as the concentrating and diluting property (tubular function) of kidneys. One of such biochemical markers is Serum Creatinine. An increase or decrease in the serum level of these biomarkers can be of help in determining the efficiency of kidney function. Endogenously produced creatinine is an accepted biomarker of kidney function. It is produced from the metabolism of skeletal muscle creatine. It is released into the plasma in a stable rate in normal subjects, and freely filtered at the glomerulus. However, creatinine is secreted into the urine in the proximal tubule which can occasionally overestimate GFR by 10- 20 %.A number of GFR estimating equations have been developed to overcome some of the limitations of estimating GFR from serum creatinine. The CG equation (Cockcroft Gault) was developed in 1973 and is used widely. A new equation Modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) study equation was developed in 1999 and has since been validated in a number of populations. The MDRD equation was used in estimating GFR in this study.

Inflammatory Markers in Workers Occupationally Exposed to Petrol and Petroleum Products

Place and Duration of Study: Sample: Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba, Abia State and Laboratory Department, JAROS Inspection Services Limited, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, between April 2018 and June 2018.
 Methodology: A total of 204 samples comprising of 123 auto-mechanics and 81 non -auto-mechanics were assayed. Detailed information of the bio-data of the subjects including age, gender, medical history, health information and lifestyle were obtained from each participant. Blood samples were collected from for the analysis of inflammation markers, IL-6, TNF-α and CRP were determined using standard methods and techniques. The effect of age and duration of exposure on the inflammation parameters were considered. Statistical Analysis System (SAS), STAT 15.1, developed by SAS Institute, North Carolina State University, USA was used for statistical analysis. Data were presented as Mean ± SEM, comparison of means of groups that are more than two was done using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and the Tukey test of multiple comparison was used to test for variance within and across groups.
 Results: There was significant increase in the means of IL-6, TNF-α and CRP in the exposed subjects (p <0.05) compared with the control subjects There was no significant difference (p >0.05) in the means of IL-6, TNF-α and C-reactive protein (CRP) between the age groups of the exposed and the control subjects. Similarly, there was no significant difference between the groups, based on duration of exposure. This suggests that the toxic effect does not depend on the age or duration of exposure but on other factors for the automechanics in Aba. 
 Conclusion: This study shows that the exposure of automechanics may significantly increase the serum IL-6 TNF-α and Hs-CRP levels. Increase in the serum levels of the inflammation markers is predictive of the danger of future pathology in automechanics compared with non automechanics in Aba metropolis. Age and duration did not influence significant variation in the automechanics.

Common Presenting Complaints and Predisposing Factors among Adult Ophthalmic Patients with Low Vision and Blindness in Aba

Aim: To determine the common complaints and predisposing factors of low vision and blindness among adult ophthalmic patients in Abia State University Teaching Hospital, (ABSUTH), Aba, Nigeria.
 Study Design: A retrospective, descriptive study.
 Methodology: An institutional-based study involving 457 patients who attended Abia State University Teaching Hospital eye clinic between April and September 2018 was undertaken. The patients’ biodata, clinical history, ophthalmic examination findings, and results of ancillary investigations were obtained from patients’ hospital records within the period under study and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25.0. AP-value of < 0.05 was taken to be statistical significant.
 Result: A total of 457 patients comprising of 206 males and 251 females, aged 18-85 years were seen in the study period. Based on World Health Organization (WHO)’s definition of low vision and blindness, two hundred and eighty-four (62.1%) patients had normal vision, 25(5.5%) patients had low vision while 32(7%) patients were blind. The most common complaint was blurring of vision, 136 (23.5%) followed by itching of the eye, 91 (15.7%) and tearing, 86 (14.9%). Forty percent of the respondents’ complaints had lasted for over 12 months before presentation at the clinic. Common predisposing factors for low vision and blindness observed in this study were hypertension (24.1%), previous drug use (5%), previous use of traditional medication (1.3%) and family ocular history (3.7%). No statistically significant association was found between diagnostic data and family ocular history, previous use of traditional medication and previous drug use. Statistically, significant relationship was found between diagnostic data and blood pressure (P< 0.001).
 Conclusion: There are various presentations of low vision and blindness in Aba. Routine eye check, early referral and appropriate treatment is advocated for the populace.

Prevalence and Causes of Low Vision and Blindness among Adult Patients Attending Eye Clinic in a Tertiary Hospital in South East, Nigeria

Background: Low vision and blindness are significant public health issues worldwide. They result in educational, occupational, and social challenges in the affected persons. Their care givers/ families are also severely affected. There is however limited data on the magnitude of visual impairment in Aba, South East Nigeria.
 Objective: To determine the prevalence and causes of low vision and blindness among adult patients attending eye clinic in a tertiary hospital in South East Nigeria.
 Materials and Methods: This was an institutional-based retrospective, descriptive study involving 457 patients who attended Abia State University Teaching Hospital eye clinic between April and September 2018. Data was obtained from patient’s hospital records within the period under study and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25.0. Statistical significance was set at a P-value of < 0.05.
 Results: Data of 457 ophthalmic patients who met the inclusion criteria for this study were analyzed. Mean age of respondents was 48.5 ± 17.7 years. A total 5.4% of the patients had bilateral low vision, while 30.2% and 7% had monocular and bilateral blindness respectively. Cataract-related diagnosis, refractive errors and glaucoma (28.4%, 28.2% and 14.7%) respectively were the major causes of low vision and blindness among the patients. Statistically significant association was found between respondent’s diagnosis and age as well as occupation (P<0.001).
 Conclusion: Results from this study will aid in planning low vision & blindness preventive programs and improving eye care services.

Serum Antioxidant Enzymes, Haematological Values and Uric Acid Concentrations in Prostatic Disease Patients: An Investigative Study

Aim: In this study, the haematology, serum antioxidant enzymes, and uric acid concentrations in prostatic disease patients attending the Nephrology Department of Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba were evaluated.
 Methodology: A total of one hundred and ten (110) adult males (aged 40-80 years) comprising of sixty (60) prostatic disease patients and 50 normal subjects were recruited. The prostatic disease patients comprised of 30 prostatitis, 20 Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), and 10 prostate cancer patients. Haematological parameters, antioxidant enzyme levels, and uric acid concentration were determined on blood samples collected from the subjects between January 2017 and December 2019.
 Results: Results obtained following analysis indicated a significant fall in red blood cell count, haematocrit levels and haemoglobin concentrations in all the prostatic disease patients when compared with control subjects (p<0.05) but no significant difference was observed between the values of these parameters in the three categories of patients studied (p>0.05). Leukocyte and lymphocyte counts in the patients also did not significantly differ from those of the control subjects (p>0.05) but platelets counts were significantly lower (p<0.05). Significant elevations were observed in monocytes and granulocytes counts of prostatitis and prostate cancer patients (p<0.05). Serum antioxidant enzymes activities including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were lower in the prostatic disease patients than in the control (p<0.05) with SOD and GPx levels being lowest in prostatitis and prostate cancer patients respectively while serum uric acid concentration was only higher than control in the prostatitis patients (p<0.05).
 Conclusion: We, therefore, conclude that complications and deaths due to prostatic diseases may be due to the systemic effects of anaemia and fall in the body’s antioxidant defense line accompanying the conditions.

‘Fast’ Strategy of TB Infection Control: Comparative Knowledge and Attitude of Health-Workers in Tertiary Health Institutions in Abia State, Nigeria

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) though a long existent disease still constitutes a major public health problem in Nigeria. TB burden in Nigeria is one of the highest in the world (318 per 100,000) but case detection rate (16 %) is one of the lowest globally. A key strategy for active case finding and TB infection control (TBIC) is the ‘FAST’ strategy. FAST stands for Finding (TB cases), Actively, Separating and Treating. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 148 health-workers in the two tertiary health institutions in Abia state (Federal Medical Centre Umuahia (FMCU) and Abia State University teaching Hospital (ABSUTH)) Aba. Seventy-four consenting health workers from each facility were proportionately selected through stratified random sampling. Pretested self-administered questionnaires were administered on them. Knowledge scores were computed using 16 parameters while attitude was computed using 6. Knowledge and attitude were classified as good or poor. Data was analysed using SPSS version 22. Results: Among ABSUTH staff, 56(75.7%) had poor knowledge (across cadres of health-workers). Health-workers at FMCU had statistically significant higher knowledge (p= 0.01) than ABSUTH staff though majority; 47(63.5%) also had poor knowledge of the FAST strategy. For attitude towards the strategy, overall, 56(75.7%) of health workers in ABSUTH had good attitude similar to that of FMCU; 57(77.0). Previous attendance at a TB training was found to be a predictor of good knowledge aOR 2.81; 95% CI (1.01-7.99) while age was found to be associated with good attitude aOR 9.68; 95%CI (1.01-92.8). Conclusion/ Significance: Despite the relevance of the ‘FAST’ strategy to TB case detection and TBIC, the study demonstrated poor knowledge among these health workers. The need for health-workers training and re-training on TB is imperative.