Attending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital Research Articles

Outcome and barriers to cervical cancer screening amongst human immunodeficiency virus-positive women attending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano State, Nigeria

Sub-Saharan Africa carries the overwhelming share of the global burden of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and of HIV-associated cervical cancer. Screening is an effective strategy for the prevention, early diagnosis and prompt management of cervical precancerous lesions among HIV-positive women. This study assessed the outcome and barriers to cervical cancer screening among HIV-positive women attending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano. Using a cross sectional study design, a pro forma was used to collect data and screen 740 HIV-positive women. Screening was done using visual inspection with acetic acid and Lugol’s iodine and the data were analysed using SPSS version 24.0. The age of the patients ranged from 25 to 49 years with a mean age of 30.7 ± 2.4 years. Majority (n=698; 94.3%) were  30 years and married (n=592; 80.0%). Almost half (n=362; 48.9%) had secondary level of education and many (n=520; 70.3%) were unemployed. A few (n=42; 5.7%) had positive results on visual inspection with acetic acid and a lesser proportion (n=26; 3.5%) had positive screening results on visual inspection with Lugol’s iodine. Lack of awareness of screening services for cervical cancer was found to be a barrier to cervical cancer screening and treatment among two-thirds (n=565; 76.4%) of the patients while a substantial proportion (n=592; 80.0%) reported that their personal belief which was strengthened by their religion prevented them from accessing cervical cancer screening services. Also, two-thirds (n=493; 66.6%) agreed that their culture which considers cervical screening a taboo was a barrier to screening. There is a need for targeted and enhanced education with counselling to optimize the uptake of screening for cervical cancer among HIV-positive women in HIV treatment centers. The generated data can guide in the provision of evidence-based policy and decision-making.

Prevalence and Pattern of Psychiatric Morbidity among People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Kano

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus/ Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), has remained a disease of public health concern, with the largest burden being found in sub Saharan Africa. The advent of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) has significantly reduced the mortality of the disease, thereby transforming it to a chronic disorder, with significant co-morbid psychiatric sequalae.
 Objectives: To determine the prevalence and pattern of psychiatric morbidity among PLWHA attending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano.
 Materials and methods: This was a cross sectional study of adult patients with HIV/AIDS attending outpatient clinic at the S.S. Wali Virology Centre of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital who gave informed consent. Systematic random sampling technique was used.Patients aged 18years and above who had been on ARV drugs for at least one year were included, while those who had a medical emergency and needed immediate attention were excluded.Socio demographic characteristics were obtained using a socio-demographic questionnaire and psychiatric morbidity was assessed with the MINI International Neuropsychiatry Interview.
 Results: A total of 420 participants were recruited in the study with a male to female ratio of 1:1.5 and mean age of 40.4±10.0 years. The prevalence of a psychiatric disorder was 22.1% out of whom 5.0% had more than one psychiatric diagnosis. Major depression was the most common (11%) psychiatric disorder. Generalized Anxiety disorder, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol abuse accounted for 7.6%, 5.5%, 2.4% and 1.7% of psychiatric disorders respectively.
 Conclusion: Psychiatric disorders are common in PLWHA, with major depression being the commonest.

Prevalence of Non-Typhoidal Salmonella and Aerobic Bacteria Causing Bacteraemia among HIV/AIDS Seropositive Patients Attending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano State

The study aimed at determining the prevalence of non-typhoidal Salmonella and aerobic bacteria causing bacteraemia among HIV/AIDS seropositive patients attending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, the relationship between the CD4 cell counts and prevalence of these bacterial infections among the study population. Two hundred and sixty (260) HIV patients of 77 (29.6%) males and 183 (70.4%) females of 22-75 years were enrolled for the study. Socio-demographic and clinical history were obtained. The CD4 cell counts were enumerated using Cytoflometer. Bacteriological blood culture, isolation, identification and characterization of isolates were carried out using standard microbiological methods. The Salmonella isolates identified were further subjected to biochemical reactions using Enterosystem 18R test kits. Data were analysed using Chi-squared method. P-value < 0.05 was taken as the level of significance. The overall prevalence of Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) was 5.7% (n=2) with male and female having the same prevalence of 1 (2.9%) each. Other bacteria isolated were Staphylococcus aureus 19 (54.1%), Klebsiella spp 6(17.1%), Escherichia coli 3(8.6%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 3(8.6%), Salmonella typhi 2(5.7%). Staphylococcus aureus had good sensitivities to vancomycin, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin and amikacin but were resistant mainly erythromycin (68%). The Gram-negative organisms isolated also showed 100% resistance to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, colistin and trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole while being highly sensitive to meropenem, amikacin, and ciprofloxacin .Though the association of NTS and bacteraemia among HIV infected patients was low in this study (13.5%), there is need for increased public enlightenment on the subject-matter to limit the spread of this infectious agents to reduce associated morbidity and mortality.

Survey for Carbapenem Resistant Klebsiella Pneumoniae among Patients Attending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria

Carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae is becoming a more significant pathogen because of the grave clinical risk it poses which affects patient’s treatment outcome. This study aimed to survey for carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) among patients attending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano State, Nigeria. A total of 600 clinical samples including urine, sputum and swabs were collected and screened. Klebsiella pneumoniae were isolated and confirmed using culture, microscopy and biochemical test according to standard microbiological techniques. Phenotypic carbapenem resistant and carbapenemase production were detected using meropenem discs diffusion method and modified Hodge test respectively. Genotypic carbapenemase productions were confirmed by detecting the presence of blaKPC genes using PCR and Gel electrophoresis. Antibiotics susceptibility profiles of the CRKP isolates were evaluated using disc diffusion method and interpreted using CLSI protocols. The study revealed the incidence of Klebsiella pneumoniae infection as 14% with the highest occurrence in sputum (18%) and the lowest in swab (10%). Of the total number of isolated K. pneumoniae, 14.3% were found to be carbapenem resistant. Up to 75% of CRKP isolates were found to produce carbapenamase and harbor blaKPC genes. Antibiotic susceptibility profile of these isolates revealed colistin and tigecycline as the most active antibiotics in vitro (92%).The isolates were found to be generally resistant to cefepime, ceftriaxone, cefuroxime, cotrimoxazole and ciproflaxin (100%). Up to 8% of the isolates were sensitive to Gentamicin and Nalidixic acid, 25% to Nitrofurantoin, 50% to Minocycline and 17% to Amikacin. This study verifies the existence of carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates that are highly resistant to other antibiotics in patients attending AKTH Kano which is an indication of increase in drug resistance. This requires the need for newer tactics in infection control to prevent the spread of carbapenem resistant isolates.

A Two-Phase Survey of Psychiatric Morbidity among Females with Infertility in a Tertiary Hospital in North-Western Nigeria

ABSTRACT Background: The inability of couples to conceive or infertility has been identified as a major source of psychiatric morbidity. In several studies in sub-Saharan Africa, the psychological burden, often higher among females, is mostly assessed through screening measures and hardly by diagnostic instruments. This study evaluated the prevalence and clinical pattern of psychiatric morbidity among adult female patients attending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) infertility clinic using the two-phase survey method. Methods: In the first phase, 281 respondents were assessed using sociodemographic, clinical, and the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). The second phase was by using the World Health Organization Schedule for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (SCAN) to interview all probable cases on the GHI-12 with a score of 3 or more, and 10% of non-cases. Psychiatric diagnosis was made in accordance with the diagnostic criteria of the 10th edition of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). Results: The point prevalence of psychiatric morbidity in this study was 29.2% with a weighted prevalence rate of 64.8% projected onto the infertile population seeking medical help within the 3-month study period. Depression (21%) was the most occurring diagnosis. Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Somatisation were diagnosed in 6% and 2% respectively. There was a significant relationship between psychiatric morbidity and age, educational status, religion, and the duration of marriage (p<0.05). Conclusion: About one-third of infertile women in this study had psychiatric morbidity with depression being the most prevalent diagnosis. Psychiatric morbidity was significantly associated with increasing age, high educational attainment, religion and longer duration of marriage. The study demonstrated the need to include Consultation-Liaison Mental Health Practitioners in the management of women with infertility in order to meet their unmet mental health needs.

Evaluation of Interleukin 10 Levels among Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients Attending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano

Despite medical advances, tuberculosis is responsible for over one billion deaths in the last 200 years. This study was carried out to determine interleukin 10 levels in serum of tuberculosis patients attending Aminu Kano Specialist Hospital, Kano (AKTH). A total of 330 subjects were enlisted for this study. The subjects were grouped into: Group A (30 control) and Group B (300 subjects). DNA sequences specific for Mycobacterium tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance were detected using Gene Xpert MTB/RIF assay. 5mls of blood were aseptically collected from subjects using standard venipuncture procedure into plain tubes for HIV and Interleukin 10 assay. TB patients co-infected with HIV were excluded from this study. The Interleukin 10 level was measured using commercial Sandwich ELISA kits. The result revealed that there was significant difference (p<0.05) between the interleukin 10 levels of the test (11.30±3.79) and control group (9.38±4.39). Furthermore, the result showed that there was no significant difference (p>0.05) between the interleukin-10 levels of rifampicin resistant (11.80±3.87) and non-rifampicin resistant patients (11.65±3.55). Interleukin 10 was also found to be higher among patients aged 30-39 (12.33±3.31) and female patients (11.95±3.50) than in male patients (11.45±3.65). Furthermore, Interleukin 10 level was found to be higher in TB patients before anti TB treatment (12.54±3.82) than in patients after treatment (9.86±3.59). The findings of the study showed that interleukin 10 is a viable biomarker in the pathogenesis of TB infection and can be used as prognostic marker for management of TB patients.

Molecular studies on extra-pulmonary tuberculosis among patients attending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Kano State, Nigeria

In 2010 World Health Organization reported that, one third of the World population had tuberculosis, and it is among the infectious disease with significant morbidity and mortality. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a successful pathogen that has evolved several mechanisms to manipulate the host immune response. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of extra-pulmonary TB in patient that visited DOTs clinic, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano Nigeria for treatment. A prospective cross-sectional laboratory based study that involved the use of questionnaire and consent/assent form prior to sample collection. Extra pulmonary tuberculosis samples were tested by MTB/RIF assay using GeneXpert. Descriptive statistics was used to analyzed the data obtained and results were given in charts and tables. Out of 71 samples analyzed along with positive control (H37RV) and molecular grade water as a negative control, 3 (4.2 %) samples had extra-pulmonary TB, among which 2 (2.8 %) were from urine samples and 1 (1.4 %) from acetic fluid. This study shows the existence of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis in the study area; and the tuberculosis was sensitive Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is therefore important to make screening of patients with sign and symptoms of extra pulmonary tuberculosis using Xpert MTB/RIF assay as regular method for extra pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosis. This will be achieved through enlightenment of the clinicians in our health facilities, our States and local governments should strengthen the laboratory capacity for diagnosis and make the services available and reachable to the patients who need them.

Sero – Prevalence of Rubella Virus Igm among Pregnant Women Attending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital Kano, Nigeria

The 96 well micro-titer plate was first secured in the holder, a data sheet with sample identification was prepared, leaving one well for blank, one hundred micro- liter of negative control was added to the next 3 wells, then 100μL of positive control to the following 2 wells. One hundred micro - liter of the sample diluents was added into each of the test wells which were followed by adding 10μL of specimen into each of the wells containing sample diluents. 300 pregnant women screened for the rubella IgM antibody, a total of 12(4.0%) were positive, in the young adults category of 15-24 years 88 pregnant women were screened with 5(1.7%) testing positive. One hundred and forty four were within 25-34 age group with 4(1.3%) seropositive. Three (1.0%) 0f the 68 women in 34-44 age group were positive. The highest prevalence was found in the young adult’s category of 15-24 age groups. The research provided an evidence of relatively low prevalence and a high percentage of susceptible population which is an evidence that many in the population are susceptible to rubella virus infection. The findings of an immune response in first trimester of pregnancy indicates 90% chances of passage to the feotus with serious complications. There is need for awareness creation on rubella virus and congenital rubella syndrome with increase in disease surveillance nationwide. With high level of susceptible population coupled with no immunization policy on rubella in the country underscores the need for initiating organized routine screening and vaccination among healthcare workers, children, adolescents and women of child bearing age as well as ascertaining the potency of vaccines prior to recommendation for vaccination.
 Keywords: Sero – Prevalence, Rubella Virus, Pregnant Women

Comparative Studies of the Methods of Detecting Rifampicin Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis among Tuberculosis Patients Attending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano

This study was conducted to compare the specificity and sensitivity of GeneXpert MTB/Rif and Lowenstein-Jensen (LJ) Proportion methods of detecting rifampicin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis among Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) positive patients attending the Directly Observed Treatment (DOT) Centre of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital Kano. A total of 150 AFB positive samples were collected and processed according to the guideline given by National TB and Leprosy Control Program (2015) and WHO (2012), The result revealed that rifampicin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (RR-TB) from the samples was very high; 66.7% and 60.8% for GeneXpert MTB/Rif and Lowenstein-Jensen (LJ) Proportion methods respectively. Cohen’s Kappa (interrater reliability) statistical analysis indicated a substantial agreement between GeneXpert and LJ Proportion specificity and sensitivity (Kappa value = 0.73).

Dyslipidaemia-related cardiovascular risk among pregnant women attending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital Kano: A longitudinal study

ObjectiveMaternal dyslipidaemia and atherogenic lipid profiles have undesirable effects on maternal and foetal well-being throughout gestation. This study investigates the changes in serum lipid profiles, the prevalence of dyslipidaemia, and the risk of cardiovascular disease among pregnant women attending the antenatal care unit of the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano. MethodsA total of 112 pregnant women visiting AKTH in their second trimester were recruited and followed up within their third trimester. The demographic characteristics, daily dietary consumption patterns, and lipid profiles of all women were assessed using standard methods. ResultsThe results revealed that the mean age and gestational age of the pregnant women were approximately 29 ± 6 years and 20 ± 3 weeks, respectively. Most pregnant women were multiparous (76) and multigravida (93). Regarding daily dietary consumption patterns, 20.5%, 63.4%, 13.4%, and 8.0% of the pregnant women consumed nuts, palm oil, butter, and sardines at least one to three times, respectively. Moreover, the serum lipid profiles revealed that the prevalence of dyslipidaemia, hypercholesterolaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia, increased low-density lipoprotein levels, and decreased high-density lipoprotein levels among pregnant women during the second trimester were 69.6%, 19.6%, 36.6%, 18.8%, and 49.1%, respectively. All these parameters significantly increased to 91.8%, 54.1%, 75.3%, 40.0%, and 62.4%, respectively, in the third trimester. Pregnant women showed a high risk of cardiovascular disease in both the second (81.0%) and third (85.0%) trimesters. ConclusionProgression from mid-pregnancy to delivery is associated with an increased risk of maternal dyslipidaemia and cardiovascular diseases among pregnant women.

Assessment of CXCL-16 Chemokine and Body Mass Index in Patients with Renal Impairment Attending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital Kano

Assessment of CXCL-16 Chemokine and Body Mass Index in Patients with Renal Impairment Attending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital Kano

Studies on <I>Streptococcus pneumoniae </I>associated with pulmonary infection among HIV clients attending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH)

Respiratory infection is highly prevalent in HIV-infected patients and S. pneumoniae was a leading cause. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify Streptococcus pneumoniae associated with pulmonary infection among HIV Clients Attending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH). A total of 300 samples comprising sample from 180 HIV seropositive patients and 120 HIV seronegative patients as a (control) were enrolled in this study.) For the 180 HIV seropositive patients, 105(58.3%) were females, and 75(41.7%) were males. Among the HIV negative subjects 64(53.3%) were males and 56(46.7%) were females. The incident of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates associated with pneumonia in HIV/AIDS seropositive patients in relation to age group in this study showed the higher prevalence of 15(51.72%), among the age groups of 30-39, had the highest of prevalence of 15(51.72%), which occur more common in HIV infected patients while for HIV seronegative patients age group 10-19 had the highest incidence of 7(29.17%).Result showed no significant difference in the prevalence of S .pneumoniae among the HIV seropositive and seronegative patients (P > 0.05) .Antimicrobial susceptibility showed that Ciprofloxacin 25(86.2%), was found to be most active invitro against the isolates followed by Oxacillin 21(72.4%), Augmentin19 (65.5), Chloramphenicol 15(51.7%). Tetracycline, 14(48.3%), Clindamycin 14(48.3) and Erythromycin 10(34.5%). Result showed no significant difference in the levels of antibiotic susceptibilities and resistance observed (p > 0.05). The CD4 cells counts for the HIV seropositve patients were 161(89.4%) 350 cells/ml and 19(10.6%) <350 cells/m recorded as normal and low respectively. There was significant difference (p <0.05) for the CD4 cells counts of the study population with the prevalence of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates among the HIV seropositive patients (P 0.000 <0.05). PCR amplification for Streptococcus pneumoniae penicillin resistance genes showed that Only 2(33.3%) out of 6 resistant isolates possed the pneumococcal pbp2b resistance gene. According to the findings, the pbp2b gene can play a role of fundamentalimportance in the resistance of S. pneumoniae. Modify heterogeneity in antibiotic use, which several antibiotics are taken in a rotation against taking just 1 antibiotic such that isolates resistant to 1 antibiotic are killed when the subsequent antibiotic is taken.
 Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Streptococcus Pneumoniae, Antibiotic Resistance, Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Pbp2b CD4 cells count.

Anaemia and thrombocytopenia among pregnant women attending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano State, North Western Nigeria.

Pregnancy induces a number of physiologic changes either directly or indirectly that affect the haematologic parameters. The most frequent haematologic complication associated with pregnancy is anaemia and thrombocytopenia. The aim of this case-control study was to investigate the prevalence of anaemia and thrombocytopenia among one hundred and twenty consecutively-recruited pregnant subjects and sixty age-matched non-pregnant controls. Socio-demographic and clinical data were obtained using a questionnaire. Three milliliters of blood were obtained from both the pregnant subjects and non-pregnant controls and distributed into EDTA and used for full blood count was determined using the fully automated Mythic 18 3-part differential haematology analyzer. The socio-demographic distribution among the subjects showed that the age group 25-29 years had the higher number of participants 41 (34.2%) followed by 30-34 years 39 (32.5%). Distribution based on socio-demography indicated that majority of the subjects were of Hausa ethnic group 47 (78.3), had no formal or Islamic education 53 (44.2%) and predominantly housewives 74 (61.7%). Distribution based on obstetric variables indicated that majority of the subjects were multiparous 86 (71.7%), had no problem in their previous pregnancies 99 (82.5%) and are not having problem in this current pregnancy 109 (90.8%). The HBG and HCT were significantly lower among the pregnant subjects compared to controls (p= 0.05 and 0.0308) respectively. The prevalence of anaemia and thrombocytopenia among the pregnant subjects was 75% and 6.7% respectively. The prevalence of anaemia (80%) and thrombocytopenia (8.0%) was higher among pregnant women in the second trimester compared to those in the first and third trimesters. The values obtained from this research showed an increase in prevalence of anaemia and thrombocytopenia among pregnant women compared to the non-pregnant controls. It is vital to routinely monitor the indices of anaemia and thrombocytopenia among pregnant women to reduce the incidence of these diseases and of their complications.

Some hemostatic parameters of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis infection attending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital Kano, Nigeria

Objective: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health problem in Nigeria. This study was aimed at providing information on pattern of some hemostatic parameters of pulmonary TB (PTB)-infected patients. Materials and Methods: This is a comparative cross-sectional study of 102 participants comprising 51 TB-infected individuals and 51 healthy individuals as control. Five milliliters of blood were drawn from each subject and 3 ml was transferred into 0.3 ml of trisodium citrate (3.8%) anticoagulant plastic tube for the analysis of prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin time using standard techniques while the remaining 2 ml was then transferred into an ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid container (of what concentration) for platelet count and morphology. Result: The median interquartile range of the PLC, platelet morphology, prothrombin time (PT), and APPT was determined and comparative analysis using Chi-square was made and found to be statistically significant (P = 0.001, 0.001, and 0.001, respectively). There was no statistically significant association between hemostatic parameters (PT, activated partial thromboplastin time with kaolin [APTTK], and platelet count) and body mass index. A Kruskal–Wallis H test showed that there was a statistically significant difference in PT, APTTK, and platelet count between the different categories of patient’s Mycobacterium tuberculosis load (P < 0.005). Chi- square statistics revealed the association between APTTK and platelet count, with anti-TB drugs regimen to be statistically significant. However, there was no statistically significant association between PT and anti-TB drug regimen. Conclusion: This study revealed that PTB affects hemostasis by prolongation of PT and APTTK, it is also associated with giant platelet formation and intravascular platelet aggregation.

Prevalence of intestinal helminth infection among human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome patients attending Aminu Kano teaching hospital

Background: Helminth and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections have a major effect on the host immune system, and coinfection is widespread. About 17%–66% of the world populations are infected with helminth and approximately 24% of the world's population is infected with intestinal helminth. The majority of this infection occurs in resource-limited settings like sub-Saharan Africa which includes Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Stool samples were collected from 297 participants comprising 150 HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-infected individuals as test group and 147 HIV/AIDS-uninfected individuals as control group attending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital. The samples were examined using direct wet mount and formol-ether concentration techniques. Results: The overall prevalence of intestinal helminth infection was 18.0% for the test group and 2.7% for the control group. Hookworm was found to be the most prevalent intestinal helminth parasite detected with 7.07%, followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (2.69%) and Fasciola species (0.67%), respectively. Some protozoan parasites were also detected, namely Entamoeba coli (3.4%) and Entamoeba histolytica (2.7%). Six of the participants had multiple infections with hookworm and E. histolytica (3 [1.0%]), A. lumbricoides and E. coli (2 [0.7%]), and A. lumbricoides and E. histolytica (1 [0.3%]). A statistically significant association was observed between the type of toilet used, animal rearing, handwashing, and intestinal helminth infection (P 0.02, 0.003, and 0.000). No statistical association exists between sources of water, walking barefooted, and intestinal helminth infection (P 0.211 and 0.942). Conclusion: This study revealed an increased prevalence of intestinal helminth infection among the test group than the control group, as such stool examination should be part of the routine laboratory investigations for HIV/AIDS patients to have effective and proper management of the patients.

Phenotypic and genotypic detection of malaria parasite among patients attending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Northwest Nigeria

Introduction: Malaria parasite (Plasmodium species) is one of the most important parasitic infections affecting people of all age groups throughout tropical countries wherever suitable hosts are found. The parasites are transmitted to man by the malaria vector, the female Anopheles mosquito during blood meals. Among all the members of the genus Plasmodium, Plasmodium falciparum is the most prevalent and common malaria species worldwide, especially in Africa and other developing countries. Aims and Objective: The present study aimed at the phenotypic and genotypic detection of malaria parasite among patients attending the General Outpatient Department of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Northwest Nigeria. Material and Method: A total of 456 samples were collected from patients that voluntarily consent to participate in the study. Blood samples were randomly collected by trained personnel by vein puncture; and thick and thin smear was made on a clean glass slide and left to air dry. The smear was stained with Giemsa stain and observed under × 100 microscopic objective lens. A total of 41 (9.0%) positive malaria parasite smears were obtained with 0–9 years. Result: From 41 positive malaria parasite smears obtained by microscopic examination, 15 were randomly selected and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and ten were selected from negative microscopic smears. Eight (53.3%) out of the 15 positive smears and 3 (30.0%) from the negative smears were confirmed to be PCR positive. Conclusion: The finding of the study confirmed the presence of malaria parasite among the patient group in the study area using both phenotypic and genotypic detection techniques.

Assessing the Clinical Utility of Haptoglobin to Creatinine Ratio as a Test for Detecting Nephropathy among Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Diabetic nephropathy is the leading cause of diabetic complications and end-stage renal disease worldwide, especially in Nigeria. This study assessed the clinical utility of urine Albumin to Creatinine ratio (UACR) and urine Haptoglobin to Creatinine ratio (UHCR) in detecting nephropathy among type 2 diabetic patients attending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital. Eighty (80) type 2 diabetic patients attending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital were recruited for this study after excluding those with overt proteinuria. Blood sample was collected for quantitative determination of serum creatinine using Jaffe's method while the Urine sample was received for quantitative determination of urine albumin and urine haptoglobin levels. Linear regression model revealed a unit change in urine albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) and urine haptoglobin to creatinine ratio (UHCR) with a significant reduction in estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) by 2.197ml/min and 27.969 ml/min respectively (p<0.05) when used while logistic regression model demonstrated that UHCR have 91.7% sensitivity, 95% specificity, 98% positive predictive value and 79% negative predictive compared to UACR with 83.3% sensitivity, 75% specificity, 91% positive predictive and 60% negative predictive. Based on these findings, UHCR is a good marker for detecting nephropathy in diabetic patients.

Assessing the Clinical Utility of Haptoglobin to Creatinine Ratio as a Test for Detecting Nephropathy among Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Diabetic nephropathy is the leading cause of diabetic complications and end-stage renal disease worldwide, especially in Nigeria. This study assessed the clinical utility of urine Albumin to Creatinine ratio (UACR) and urine Haptoglobin to Creatinine ratio (UHCR) in detecting nephropathy among type 2 diabetic patients attending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital. Eighty (80) type 2 diabetic patients attending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital were recruited for this study after excluding those with overt proteinuria. Blood sample was collected for quantitative determination of serum creatinine using Jaffe's method while the Urine sample was received for quantitative determination of urine albumin and urine haptoglobin levels. Linear regression model revealed a unit change in urine albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) and urine haptoglobin to creatinine ratio (UHCR) with a significant reduction in estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) by 2.197ml/min and 27.969 ml/min respectively (p<0.05) when used while logistic regression model demonstrated that UHCR have 91.7% sensitivity, 95% specificity, 98% positive predictive value and 79% negative predictive compared to UACR with 83.3% sensitivity, 75% specificity, 91% positive predictive and 60% negative predictive. Based on these findings, UHCR is a good marker for detecting nephropathy in diabetic patients.

Assessing the Clinical Utility of Haptoglobin to Creatinine Ratio as a Test for Detecting Nephropathy among Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Diabetic nephropathy is the leading cause of diabetic complications and end-stage renal disease worldwide, especially in Nigeria. This study assessed the clinical utility of urine Albumin to Creatinine ratio (UACR) and urine Haptoglobin to Creatinine ratio (UHCR) in detecting nephropathy among type 2 diabetic patients attending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital. Eighty (80) type 2 diabetic patients attending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital were recruited for this study after excluding those with overt proteinuria. Blood sample was collected for quantitative determination of serum creatinine using Jaffe's method while the Urine sample was received for quantitative determination of urine albumin and urine haptoglobin levels. Linear regression model revealed a unit change in urine albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) and urine haptoglobin to creatinine ratio (UHCR) with a significant reduction in estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) by 2.197ml/min and 27.969 ml/min respectively (p<0.05) when used while logistic regression model demonstrated that UHCR have 91.7% sensitivity, 95% specificity, 98% positive predictive value and 79% negative predictive compared to UACR with 83.3% sensitivity, 75% specificity, 91% positive predictive and 60% negative predictive. Based on these findings, UHCR is a good marker for detecting nephropathy in diabetic patients.

Correlation of chlamydiatrachomatis infection with tubalblockage among infertile women attending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria

Background: Genital Chlamydia trachomatis is a common bacterial cause of sexually transmitted infection worldwide which is associated with significant morbidity and has a great impact on human reproduction and fertility. Infertility is a major health problem in Nigeria with a prevalence of between 20, -40% compared with global prevalence of 15%.Objective: To correlate genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection with tubal blockage among infertile women and to compare with women attending family planning clinic in AKTH.Materials and Methods: This is a cross sectional prospective study that was carried out among 142 women with tubal infertility attending the gynaecological clinic and 142 fertile women from family planning clinic of AKTH. Endocervical swab and blood samples were collected and tested using Eugene Chlamydial Rapid test Device and ELISA IgG Chlamydia antibody kits following manufacturer’s instruction.Results: The prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis IgG antibodies in infertile women was 63(44.4%) while among the family planning women is 40(28.2%) and that of the Chlamydia trachomatis antigen is 21(14.8%) in the infertile women and 7( 4.9%) in the control group. These differences were found to be statistically significant when compared (X2=8.059, P<0.05, X2=7.766, P<0.05). The prevalence of the Chlamydia trachomatis IgG antibodies was highest (33.0%) among age group 25-29years; while that of the antigen was highest (39.2%) among age group 30-34 years of the study population.Conclusion: The study showed that the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection was higher among women with infertility. There is need for routine screening of Chlamydia trachomatis in sexual transmitted infection clinics to prevent infertility.