Attending Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Research Articles

Detection of Aerobic Vaginitis and Antibiogram of its Implicating Bacteria among Women with Suspected Cases of Vaginitis in Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics, Ahmadu Bello Teaching Hospital, Shika, Zaria-Nigeria

Aerobic vaginitis (AV) is a condition caused by aerobic bacteria, posing significant risks to women's health, particularly during pregnancy. Misdiagnosis and treatment challenges stem from widespread multidrug-resistant bacteria. This study aimed to diagnose aerobic vaginitis (AV) and assess antibiotic susceptibility patterns of the implicated bacteria in vaginitis among women attending Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital's Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics in Zaria, Nigeria. A total of 100 high vaginal swab (HVS) samples were collected and subjected to bacterial isolation, identification, and antibiotic susceptibility testing using cultural and biochemical methods, and the agar disc diffusion method, respectively. Results indicated 23% positivity for AV, with the highest prevalence observed in the 41-50 age group (50.0%) and the lowest in the 21-30 age group (7.3%), revealing a significant association between age and AV (p<0.05). While third-trimester pregnant women displayed a higher AV rate (32.0%) than those in their second trimester (0%), no significant association was found between gestational periods and AV (p>0.05). Symptomatically, painful intercourse correlated with a 28.0% AV rate, while vaginal itching showed an 18.5% rate, though lacking a symptom-AV relationship (p>0.05). Notably, condom use during sexual intercourse exhibited a higher AV rate (63.6%) than non-users (18.0%). AV prevalence was notably higher among women with a history of miscarriage (62.5%) compared to those without (15.5%), showing a significant association between risk factors and AV (p<0.05). Klebsiella species (47.8%) and Escherichia coli (30.4%) were the primary AV-associated bacteria, with Klebsiella spp. showing high resistance to Ceftriaxone and Ampicillin (100%). These findings underscore the importance of accurate AV diagnosis to avert adverse outcomes like miscarriage and postpartum complications and highlight the need to reconsider Ceftriaxone and Ampicillin usage in AV treatment.

The Prevalence of Malaria Infection Among Blood Donors Attending Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, Kaduna, Nigeria

The Prevalence of Malaria Infection Among Blood Donors Attending Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, Kaduna, Nigeria

Attitude, Perception and Acceptability of Medical Students’ Involvement in Patient Management among Patients Attending Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria

The involvement of medical students in patient clerkship, whether in outpatients or inpatients wards, is an important aspect of the training of medical students. During clinical clerkship, students extend their medical knowledge, practice procedural and communication skills, and develop clinical thinking to build their clinical proficiency. However, this is only possible if there are healthy, consensual, and professional patient–student interactions and when patients show a positive attitude towards student participation. This study aimed to determine the attitude, perception, and level of acceptability of medical students’ involvement in patient management among in-patients of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria. A cross sectional hospital-based study was conducted among 185 patients of ABUTH, Zaria using an interviewer administered questionnaires. One hundred and eighty-five consented respondents aged ≥15 years were enrolled and administered with the doctors during the ward round time questionnaire. Data collected were presented in frequency and percentages. Most of the respondents 169 (91.4%) reported to have history of previous contact with medical students in their previous hospitalization, and 125 (67.6%) showed good attitude, perception and high acceptance level toward involvement of medical student in their clinical management. However, 40 (23.5%) patients raised their concern towards informing them before involving medical students in their clinical care. Hence, it was recommended that patients should be informed and agreed before medical students are allowed to be involved in their care in ABUTH Zaria.

A Cross-Sectional Study of Sialic Acids Level in Breast Cancer Patients Attending Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Zaria, North-Western Nigeria: Preliminary investigations and Implications on Disease Subtypes, Grade and Chemotherapy Courses

Abstract Due to the challenges associated with breast cancer prognosis, this study examined sialic acid levels based on subtypes, grades and therapeutic courses among breast cancer patients presenting at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) in North-Western Nigeria between June 2019 and December 2020. This was a cross-sectional study. Sociodemographic characteristics, total sialic acid (TSA), free sialic acid (FSA), bound sialic acid (BSA) and haematological parameters were determined. The mean age of the respondents was 47.46 ± 10.71 years, and the modal age range was 41-50 years. About 40% of the patients had triple-negative breast cancer subtype, and 83.1% had invasive carcinoma. There was an association between breast cancer grade and body mass index (χ2= 26.306, P= 0.001). The TSA, FSA and BSA concentrations were significantly (P<0.05) higher in luminal A and triple-negative breast cancer patients when compared to apparently healthy controls and were highest in stage IV patients. The TSA correlated with the third and sixth chemotherapy courses. Significant (P<0.05) decrease was observed in PCV and Hb among the breast cancer patients irrespective of subtype compared to healthy control. The results suggest that TSA, FSA and BSA were higher in breast cancer patients, necessitating further research on their possible prognostic implications.

Detection of IgG Antibodies to Glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) as a Biomarker of Immune Status to Plasmodium species

Finding new ways to eliminate malaria is critical and this would greatly be influenced by developing indicators of exposure as well as distribution of effective vaccines against Plasmodium. This study was aimed at detecting Immunoglobulin G(IgG) antibodies, to glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) as a biomarker of immune status to Plasmodium species. In this study, blood samples were gotten from apparently healthy individuals and patients having symptoms of malaria attending Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria. Thick and thin blood smears were prepared and stained with Giemsa stain. The smears were observed microscopically. Parasite densities were estimated on positive slides. Samples positive and some negative for Plasmodium were further tested to detect IgG antibodies to GPI among both the Asymptomatic and Symptomatic participants using ELISA. The prevalence of Plasmodium infection among both asymptomatic and symptomatic participants in this study was 18.9% and the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria was 15.6%. There was a significant association between the level of parasitemia and concentration of IgG antibodies to GPI among the asymptomatic participants and a no significant association among symptomatic participants. Type of housing amongst other risk factors was the only factor significantly associated with malaria in this study. This study suggests PGPI as a biomarker of immunity to Plasmodium and may be a vaccine candidate for programs of malaria control.

Pattern of spousal support and communication among family planning clients in a tertiary care centre in north western Nigeria

Background: Globally, there has been the recognition of the importance of male involvement in family planning and providers sees their support as an effective way of reducing barrier to accessing Family Planning services. Aim: Assess the pattern of spousal support and communication for family planning. Methodology: This was a mixed study design. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information from Family Planning client, attending Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital’s Reproductive Health clinic and Ahmadu Bello University Medical Centre. An in-dept. interview (with FP providers) and FGDs (with clients) were also conducted. Result: A total of 280 clients that were served with questionnaire across the two facilities within three months. Of the 280 respondents only 65% had tertiary level of education. Prior discussion of family planning with spouse was found in 82.5% of respondents and in 80.3% of the respondents said their spouses were aware of the chosen method. However, it was only in 39.5% of clients that, the chosen method was influenced by their spouses. Financial support by spouse was found in 69% of respondents. In 90% of respondents, there was the influence of the spouse on the intended duration of the chosen method. However, it was only in 33.5% of the respondents that the spouse influenced the discontinuation of previous method. Conclusion: Couple communication and spousal support were present in over two-third of family planning clients in Zaria, Northern Nigeria. Targeting men in behavioral change communication will improve the uptake of family planning services and improve the continuation of use of long-term contraceptives.

Abstract PO-156: Emerging demographic changes of first eighteen (18) most common cancers among West Africans in Zaria Nigeria (1972 – 2019)

Abstract The African continent is facing enormous challenges from cancer crisis, and the lack of reliable population database on cancer incidence and mortality hinders high quality decision on prevention and management modalities. The objective of this study is to analyze the trend of malignant tumors in a population of rural Africans attending Ahmadu Bello University Teaching (ABUTH) Hospital Zaria, Nigeria with particular emphasis on the first eighteen (18) frequently diagnosed cancers over a period of 46 consecutive years (1972 - 2019) excluding the year 1988. Histologically diagnosed cancers from the population-based cancer registry of the ABUTH Zaria were included in this study. There were 19, 884 histologically diagnosed cancers over 46 years in ABUTH Zaria with the following in descending order: Cervical cancer 2,335 (12%, [squamous cell carcinoma = 1, 809; others = 529]), Breast cancer 1,982 (10% [invasive ductal carcinoma = 1,589; others = 393]), Lymphoma 1,927 (10% [non–Hodgkin’s lymphoma = 1,335; Hodgkin’s lymphoma = 492]), Sarcomas 1,177 (6% [Kaposi sarcoma = 296; Rhabdomyosarcoma = 172; Osteosarcoma = 166; Dermatofibrosarcoma = 102; Fibrosarcoma = 83; others = 358]), Prostate cancer 1,073 (5%), Colorectal cancer 816 (4% [other adenocarcinomas = 666, mucinous adenocarcinoma = 93; signet ring cell adenocarcinoma =14, others = 43]), Non- melanoma skin cancer 717 (4%), Eye/ Orbit cancer 537 (3% [retinoblastoma = 302; squamous cell eye cancer = 153; others = 82]), Bladder cancer 515 (3%), Liver cancer 481 (2% [primary liver cell carcinoma = 399; others = 79]), Salivary gland cancer 398 (2%), Melanoma 394 (2%), Ovarian cancer 278 (1%), Nasopharyngeal cancer 235 (1%), Kidney cancer 201 (1% [nephroblastoma = 113; renal cell carcinoma = 77; others = 11]), Esophageal cancer 145 (1%), Thyroid cancer 122 (1%), Pancreatic cancer 60 (0.29%) and Others 7,053 (33%). This total, exclude referred cancer cases to oncology department of ABUTH from other hospitals across the country which makes up 60% of cancer cases treated in institution and a handful of clinically diagnosed cases. The results show unusual change in trend with: 2 fold increase for cervical cancer, 6 fold increase for Breast cancer, 8 fold increase for Prostate cancer, 3 fold increase for colorectal cancer; 6 fold increase for Pancreatic cancer, 13 fold increase for Nasopharyngeal cancer and 16 fold increase for Oesophageal cancer when comparing incidence of cancer from 2011-2019 with 1972-1980. However, the results show 12 fold decrease for Liver cancer and 3 fold decrease each for Lymphoma and Non-melanoma skin cancer when comparing cancer cases from 2011-2019 with 1972 - 1980. Understanding the phenomenon behind the rapid change in trend of different cancer types in sub Saharan Africa may contribute to addressing cancer challenges and better policy decision on cancer in the continent. Citation Format: Faruk Mohammed, Abdulmumini Hassan Rafindadi, Sani Ibrahim, Yawale Iliyasu, Sirajo Mohammed Aminu, Ahmed Adamu, Adamu Abdullahi, Aishatu Maude Suleiman, Abdullahi Mohammed, John Idoko, Abdulkadir Lawal Rafindadi, Danladi Amodu Ameh, Bello Kumo, Ahmad Bello, Abdullahi Jubril Randawa, Usman Mohammed Aminu, Muhammad Manko, Tajudeen Olasinde, Mohammed Dauda Maigatari, Ahmed Mai, LMD Yusuf, Abdullahi Alfa Mohammed, Yahaya Ukwenya, Oguntayo Olanrewaju Adekunle, Maitama Yusuf Hussaini. Emerging demographic changes of first eighteen (18) most common cancers among West Africans in Zaria Nigeria (1972 – 2019) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: Thirteenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2020 Oct 2-4. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(12 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-156.

Abstract B71: First ten malignancies by ranking from a population of rural Africans in Zaria, Nigeria: A fourteen years review and report

Abstract Every environment is noted for its variability in incidences of various malignancies and subtypes. The objective of this study is to analyze the trend of malignant tumors in a population of rural Africans attending Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Zaria, Nigeria with particular emphasis on the first ten most frequently diagnosed cancers over a period of 14 consecutive years (2001-2014). Histologically diagnosed cancers in the various cancer registries of the ABUTH Zaria were included in this study. The ten most commonly presenting cancers were extracted and their demographic characteristics and other relevant clinical data documented using a standardized questionnaire. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS software version 20.0. There were 6,553 histologically diagnosed cancers over 14 years in Ahmadu Bello Unibersity Teaching Hospital Zaria with the following in descending order: Cervical cancer 1042 (15.90%), Breast cancer 788 (12.02%), Prostate cancer 496 (7.56%), Colorectal cancer 360 (5.49%), Lymphoma 306 (4.66%), Eye/orbit cancer 170 (2.59%), Bladder cancer 169 (2.45%), Nasopharyngeal cancer 139 (2.12%), Ovarian cancers 94 (1.43%), and Liver cancer 52 (0.79%). Cervical cancer tops the list as the most frequently diagnosed cancer however, this should be noted that it is a cancer exclusive to females so also breast cancers though rarely males may present with breast cancer. Prostate cancer is a male exclusive disease therefore the percentage would have been higher if the diagnosis would have excluded the females. Of the ten most frequently diagnosed cancers, liver cancer is the tenth despite the fact that complications of viral hepatitidis are known to facilitate liver carcinogenesis and the prevalence of hepatitis C and B in the Nigerian population is 5 and 20 respectively. Citation Format: Abdulmumini Hassan Rafindadi, Surajo Mohammed Aminu, Mohammed Faruk, Yawale Iliyasu, Abdullahi Mohammed, Sani Ibrahim, Ahmed Adamu, Mohammed Sani Shehu, Abdullahi Jubril Randawa, Adamu Abdullahi, Saad Aliyu Ahmed, Maitama Yusuf Hussaini, Danladi Amodu Ameh, Ukwenya Yahaya, John Idoko, Oguntayo Olanrewaju Adekunle, Almustapha Aliyu Liman, Abdulkadir Lawal Rafindadi, Aisha Maude Suleiman, Jigo Dangude Yaro, Ahmad Bello, Bello Kumo. First ten malignancies by ranking from a population of rural Africans in Zaria, Nigeria: A fourteen years review and report. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Ninth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2016 Sep 25-28; Fort Lauderdale, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2017;26(2 Suppl):Abstract nr B71.

Prevalence and Healthcare Costs Associated with the Management of Diabetic Foot Ulcer in Patients Attending Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are non-traumatic lesions of the skin on feet of diabetic patients. DFU require appropriate investigations, dietary placement and clinical management. These constitute huge healthcare costs in DFU care. This study sought to determine the prevalence of DFU in relation to clinical, socio-demographic variables and healthcare costs expended. This was a retrospective study. Hence, medical records and healthcare costs of 1573 DFU-diagnosed patients who visited the diabetic clinic and medical wards of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria were reviewed and analyzed for relevant data. The prevalence of DFU in patients with diabetic mellitus (DM) was 6.0% with more cases in men (67.2%) than women (32.8%). The prevalence of DFU in relation to type of DM was 6.5% and 0% for DM type-II and DM type-I respectively. The distribution of DFU in relation to clinical stages was 40%, 25.7%, 17.1% and 11.4% for stages-IV, III, II and I. Patients in the age group 51-60 years had the highest frequency of DFU (28.6%), but there was no DFU in those 10-20 years and > 80 years. It required an average of 1808 US$ to successfully treat patients with DFU stage IV, while 1104 US$ and 556 US$ was required to treat DFU stage III and II respectively. Cost of procuring drugs covered the highest burden of total healthcare cost in managing DFU (35%-46%). The prevalence of DFU in DM patients attending ABUTH was high. Healthcare costs associated with DFU especially cost of drugs procurement contributed the highest financial burden in managing DFU.

Seroprevalence of Epstein-Barr Virus IgM Antibodies among HIV-Patients and Apparently Healthy Blood Donors Attending Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika-Zaria, Nigeria

Seroprevalence of Epstein-Barr Virus IgM Antibodies among HIV-Patients and Apparently Healthy Blood Donors Attending Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika-Zaria, Nigeria

Plasmid Profile of Antibiotics Heteroresistant Escherichia coli Isolates from Diarrhoeic Children Attending Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, Zaria, Nigeria

In this study, 100 Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolates were obtained from the stool of 222 diarrhoeic children attending Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, Zaria. Out of the 100 isolates of E. coli obtained, five (5) were found to be heteroresistant to different antibiotics. The isolation and biochemical identification were performed using standard microbiological procedures. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing and the determination of the heteroresistance were performed using modified Bauer-Kirby sensitivity testing technique. The isolation of plasmid DNA was performed using the protocol described in the plasmid extraction kit (Thermo Scientific, UK). Original Research Article Sani et al.; BMRJ, 9(1): 1-10, 2015; Article no.BMRJ.17640 2 Multiplex PCR assay was performed to identify the different diarrhoeagenic groups of the antibiotics heteroresistant E. coli isolates. The results of antimicrobial susceptibility testing shows that 5 (100%) of the isolates are resistant to amoxicillin, 4 (80%) to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, 2 (40%) to ciprofloxacin and chloramphenicol, 1(20%) to gentamicin and none was resistant to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and ceftriaxone. Multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) indexing of the E. coli isolates in this study showed that 80% have MAR index above 0.2, at such a MAR index, there is a significant level of misuse of these antibiotics within a particular environment. Among the five (5) heteroresistant E. coli isolates, 2 (40%) were found to be β-lactamase positive while 3 (60%) were found to be β-lactamase negative. The plasmid analysis showed that, four (4) of the five (5) E. coli isolates were found to harbor plasmids. However, there was no correlation between βlactamase production and possession of plasmid by the antibiotics heteroresistant E. coli isolates. Following the Multiplex PCR assay, none of the antibiotics heteroresistant E. coli isolates harbor the virulence gene for any of the diarrhoeagenic E. coli.

Prevalence of Escherichia coli Pathotypes among Children with Diarrhoea in Zaria, Nigeria

Diarrhoea is one of the foremost public health problems worldwide especially among Children under five years in developing countries. Only few studies have investigated the epidemiology and virulence of Escherichia coli pathotypes in South-Eastern and South-Western Nigeria leaving the Northern part of the country unstudied. In this study, a total of 100 isolates of E. coli (45%) were obtained from the stool of 222 diarrhoea patients who were children below five (5) years attending Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, and Institute of Child Health, Banzazzau; an annex of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika-Zaria, Nigeria. The isolation and Original Research Article Sani et al.; BJMMR, 7(1): 17-24, 2015; Article no.BJMMR.2015.303 18 biochemical identification of the E. coli isolates were performed using standard microbiological procedures. A multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was used to differentiate the five (5) major diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli pathotypes (EHEC, ETEC, EPEC, EIEC and EAEC) in one reaction condition, by using different diarrhoeagenic E. coli primers for different virulent genes found in E. coli. From the result obtained, only one (1) percent of the isolates was found to harbor the virulence gene out of the 100 E. coli isolated from the diarrhoea stools of children employed in this study.

Antibiotics Susceptibility of Some Uropathogenic Bacterial Isolates from Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Zaria, Nigeria

Urinary tract infection is an infection anywhere in the urinary tract. 300 samples of urine were collected from male and female patients of different age groups with symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection attending Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Zaria, Nigeria. The samples were screened for bacteriuria using bacteriological methods. Five types of uropathogens were identified namely Escherichia coli (E.coli), Proteus Species, Pseudomonas species, Klebsiella and Staphylococcus aureus. Urine samples of 181 females examined showed that 51 (28.2%) were infected and from 119 males, 31 (26.1%) were infected. E. coli had the highest occurence seen in 42 (51%) of 82 (27. 3%) infected cases. Out of this 42 samples with E.coli, 25 (59.5%) were from females. E. coli was highly sensitive to Nitrofurantion (97.6%), and highly resistant to cotrimoxazole(76.1%). This study shows that the commonest microorganism causing UTI in this community is E. coli and drug of choice is Nitrofurantoin. Keywords: Antimicrobial agents, bacteriuria, E.coli, Patients, Urinary Tract Infection

Prevalence of Hypertension and Impaired Renal Function in Diabetic Patients Attending Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (Abuth), Shika, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Prevalence of Hypertension and Impaired Renal Function in Diabetic Patients Attending Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (Abuth), Shika, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Evaluation of Factors Influencing Medication Adherence in Patients with Epilepsy in Rural Communities of Kaduna State, Nigeria

Background and Objective: Adherence to medication is the backbone to effectiveness of a therapy. In the absence of a definitive curative therapy, antiepileptic therapy is a key intervention aimed at prolonging and improving the quality of life of patients with epilepsy (PWE) who suffer from a disease known for its stigmatization with many cultural misconceptions. The aim of the study is to assess the level of, and factors influencing adherence to antiepileptic therapy among patients in rural communities attending the outpatient clinics in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria and Jicon Hospital, Kaduna, Northern Nigeria. Materials and Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study design was used. Interviewer-administered, structured questionnaires were administered to a sample of 272 PWE attending Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital/Jicon Hospital Kaduna, who had been on antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) for at least one year. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select the patients. Information was obtained on their knowledge of epilepsy and adherence to antiepileptic therapy regimen as well as factors influencing adherence to AED regimen. Results: The level of knowledge of epilepsy based on signs and symptoms was high as 57.8% and 25.9% of the PWE had excellent and good knowledge respectively. Also, most of the PWE (78.6%) had adequate knowledge of antiepileptic therapy, however only 32.6% of the patients were adherent to treatment. There was a significant association between knowledge of AED therapy and adherence to therapy (p = 0.00385) but there was no association between age (p = 0.067), sex (p = 0.182) educational status (p = 0.688), income (p = 0.519) religion (p = 0.69), place of residence (p = 0.157) with AED adherence. The reasons for non-adherence included forgetfulness, drug-induced fatigue and being away from home. Conclusion: This study showed that patients with epilepsy had adequate knowledge of epilepsy and its treatment. Medication adherence was demonstrated to be low due to forgetfulness, fatigue and being away from home. We therefore recommend adherence counseling in the clinic and health educational interventions to improve adherence in our rural communities. Further exploration of the relationship between clinical outcomes and other non-drug self-management strategies is needed.

Sero-prevalence of hepatitis b surface antigen (hbsag) among blood donors attending ahmadu bello university teaching hospital (Abuth), Zaria, Nigeria

A study on the sero-prevalence of Hepatitis B surface Antigen among 100 blood donors attending Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Shika, Zaria, Kaduna Nigeria was carried out in June, 2008 using hepatitis B surface Antigen latex. Higher prevalence rate was observed between the age range of 30 – 39years. No prevalence was observed between 15 – 19 and 45-54years. The findings revealed high prevalence in males as compared to females (p < 0.05).

Antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of &lt;i&gt;Aeromonas hydrophila&lt;/i&gt; among patients presented with diarrhea attending two teaching hospitals in northern, Nigeria

A total of one hundred and twenty eight (128) stool samples were collected from patients attending Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Zaria and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital Kano, and screened for the presence of Aeromonas hydrophila infection. Out of the one hundred and twenty eight samples analyzed 4 (3.12%) were found positive for Aeromonas hydrophila infection. Antibioticsusceptibility testing of Aeromonas hydrophila isolated showed that all the 4 (100%) isolates were sensitive to Colistin and Ceftazidime, 3 (75%) to Augmentin and 2(50%) to Gentamicin and Cefuroxine. All the isolates (100%) were however resistant to Cotrimoxazole, Tetracycline, Sulphatriad, Streptomycin, Cephalothin and Ampicilin. This study confirmed that Aeromonas hydrophila as a sole enteropathogen could be responsible for diarrhea and should be considered amongst the causative agents of diarrhea. Key words: Aeromonas, diarrhoea, antibiotic, susceptibility testing, ABUTH, AKTH.

Sero-prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen among pregnant women attending Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria

The sero-prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection study was conducted among pregnant women attending the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna State. Of the 120 serum samples screened, 10 (8.3%) were sero-positive. The highest prevalence was recorded among the 30-34 years age-group (18.2%) followed by the 25-29 years’ age-group (9.1%) with the least in the 20-24 years’ age-group (6.3%). There were no significant differences between prevalence recorded and agegroups but these were significant associations between risk factors namely tribal marks/tattooing, types of marriages and prevalence of hepatitis infection. The prevalence of hepatitis B antigen among pregnant women suggests that vertical transmission of the virus has public health significance. It is therefore recommended that hepatitis B vaccination should be incorporated in the childhood immunization programme in Nigeria. Keywords : hepatitis B, sero-prevalence, pregnant women, Zaria. Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Parasitology Vol. 29 (1) 2008 pp. 38-41