Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Research Articles

Malaria and Typhoid Co-Infection among Children under 5 Years of Age at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

This study sheds light on the prevalence of malaria and typhoid in children below the age of five in a hospital in Nigeria. This study aimed to determine the presence of malaria, typhoid and malaria-typhoid co-infection in children less than five years of age. In this community-based descriptive, quantitative and cross-sectional hospital-based survey, the blood samples of 125 children between 0 to less than 5 years (68 males and 57 females) were examined for the presence of malaria parasites and typhoid infection. Blood samples were collected using venepuncture. The malaria parasitaemia was detected using malaria microscopy on a thick blood film. Typhoid fever infection was detected using the Widal Agglutination Test. The chi-square test was used to compare the prevalence of malaria, typhoid fever and malaria/typhoid co-infections between male and female infected and uninfected participants and between children below 1 year and those 1 year and above. P-values less than 0.05 were considered significant. A prevalence of 47.2%, 32% and 16% were recorded for malaria, typhoid and malaria/typhoid co-infection respectively. A mean malaria parasite intensity of 56.8475 (±3.30177) was recorded. There was no significant difference between the prevalence of malaria, typhoid and malaria/typhoid co-infection between the genders and age groups. Also, there was no significant difference between the mean PCV of the infected (33.1610 (±0.80748) and uninfected (34.6667 (0.48441) (P> 0.05). These results underscore the importance of continued efforts to combat these diseases and improve the health and well-being of children in the region.

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.

Survey of Man-biting Mosquitoes in Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital Awka, South-Eastern Anambra, Nigeria

Mosquitoes are responsible for transmission of several harmful diseases. Their identification is therefore crucial for effective vector control strategies. This study was carried out between March and May, 2023 at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka-South L.G.A., Anambra State, to determine mosquito species biting on the hospital premises. The human Landing Catch and CDC light traps were used for adult mosquito collection. A structured questionnaire was distributed to the patients to obtain information on mosquito bites in the hospital. Data were analyzed using Pearson Chi-square test. The findings revealed a diverse array of manbiting mosquito species including Aedes aegypti, Ae. albopictus, Anopheles gambiae, Culex quinquefasciatus and Cx. tigripes. In total, 17 adult mosquitoes were collected outdoors using the Human Landing Catch method of which 52.94% were Culex quinquefasciatus, 41.18% were Aedes aegypti and least dominant was Aedes albopictus with 5.88%. One hundred and sixteen adult mosquitoes were collected indoors using Human Landing Catch method and these include Cx. quinquefasciatus (87.8%), An. gambiae (9.4%), Cx. tigripes (2.2%) and Ae. albopictus (0.7%) while 23 mosquitoes comprising Cx. quinquefasciatus 18(78.29%), An. gambiae 2(8.69%) and Ae. albopictus 1(4.35%) were collected using CDC light trap. Questionnaire results revealed complaints of severe mosquito bites on the hospital premises. The result of this study showed that Cx. quinquefasciatus was the most abundant man-biting mosquito in the study area. Control measures should be taken to reduce mosquito bites in the hospital through public awareness and adequate vector control measures.

Retinitis Pigmentosa in Awka, Nigeria: A Survey Study

Background: Retinitis pigmentosa which causes irreversible blindness and affects all gender is usually inherited.
 Objectives: To describe the incidence and pattern of retinitis pigmentosa at the Eye Unit of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital Awka, Nigeria.
 Materials and Methods: The case files of all the new patients seen at the Eye Unit of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital Awka between January 2014 to December 2021 were reviewed. Those with clinical diagnosis of Retinitis Pigmentosa were selected and information bordering on age, sex, occupation, disease duration. associated morbidity and fundus findings were extracted and analyzed using descriptive statistics.
 Results: Out of the 5461 new patients seen at the Eye Clinic within the study period, 29(0.5%) were diagnosed of Retinitis Pigmentosa. Of the 29 patients 18 (62.1%) were males and 11(37.9%) females, with male to female ratio of 1.6:1. The age range was 7 years to 69 years. Thirteen patients (44.8%) were between 16 years and 44 years. Median age was 33 years while the mean age was 34. 8+15. 2 years. Nine (31.0%) patients were students. The most common complaints of the patients were poor vision, 27(93.1%) and refractive error 8(27.68). Seven patients (24.18) were blind at presentation while retinal pigmentation was the most frequent fundus finding 29 (100%).
 Conclusion: Retinitis Pigmentosa is a cause of visual impairment and blindness which reduces the quality of life of affected persons. Early diagnosis and visual rehabilitation should be encouraged.

A case study of hospital contraceptive waste management practices in Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka, Anambra State

Background: Effective management of hospital waste is a critical component of a hospital’s infection control program and is central to occupational safety for healthcare workers. Thus, this study focused on the assessment of hospital contraceptive waste management practices at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH) Awka, Anambra state, Nigeria. Methods: A cross sectional analytical study was carried out among healthcare workers selected using multistage sampling technique in 6 categories of healthcare workers in COOUTH. Data was collected using a pre-tested semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and a World Health Organization (WHO) checklist and analyzed using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 22. Associations and correlations between variables were tested at the bivariate level using Chi-square and t-test. Results: A total of 86 healthcare workers were surveyed. The majority of the respondents were females, nurses with RN qualification. The mean knowledge score of the respondents was 94.8%. The attitude of healthcare workers towards segregation of hospital contraceptive waste at source point was 71% while the usage of gloves in handling hospital waste was 95.3%. The major factor affecting contraceptive waste management practices in the facility was the respondent’s cultural beliefs. The lack of funds to finance standard waste disposal methods was noted to be a significant barrier to optimum waste management practices. Conclusions: This study showed that despite the high level of knowledge of healthcare workers on hospital contraceptive waste management practice in COOUTH, the hospital contraceptive waste management practice is not functioning optimally in Anambra state. Hence, the need to reform the hospital waste management practice to achieve functional results.

Phenotypic and genotypic detection of antibiotic resistance among Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from orthopedic wounds from Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (Coouth), Awka Anambra Nigeria

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is well known orthopedic wounds-associated bacterial pathogen, responsible for prolonged wound treatment, due to its resistance, mediated by different types of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL). The present study was undertaken to find the prevalence of extended-spectrum β lactamase (ESBL), Metallo-β lactamase (MBL), and AmpC β lactamase in P. aeruginosa isolated from orthopedic wound samples. Wound swabs were processed and P. aeruginosa was identified by standard protocols. The Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method was used in ascertaining the antibiotic sensitivity of the isolates. Special screening and confirmatory tests were performed for the phenotypic and genotypic detection of resistance. The resistance rate to gentamicin, ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin and ceftazidime were 2.6%, 2.6%, 2.6, and 5.1% respectively. P. aeruginosa expressed very high resistance to amoxicillin (97.4%), nitrofurantoin (100%), and two of the 3rd generation cephalosporins: cefuroxime (100%), and cefixime (100%). The aminoglycoside and the quinolones were the most effective drugs against the P. aeruginosa isolates with susceptibilities of 97.4% and 94.9% respectively. Out of the 38 isolates of P. aeruginosa, 11 (28.9%) and 14 (36.8%) were ESBL and MBL positive, respectively. The blaTEM genes were the only prevalent genes detected in all 38 (100%) isolates and mediated the phenotypic and genotypic resistance observed. MBL production was observed in 14 (36.8%) while AmpC and co-expression of genes were not observed. The blaTEM genotypic resistance was observed to be common among the isolates. This calls for great concern and continuous monitoring of antimicrobial resistance with the implementation of stringent mediation practices toward infection prevention and control.

Neutrophil-Lymphocyte, Platelet-Neutrophil, and Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratios as Indicators of Sickle Cell Anaemia Severity.

Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) imposes a substantial healthcare burden, affecting millions of people worldwide. Understanding the determinants influencing SCA severity is crucial for enhanced disease management and optimized patient outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Platelet-Neutrophil Ratio (PNR), Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR), and SCA severity. A cohort of 45 children diagnosed with SCA and undergoing treatment at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka, was included in this study. Demographic and clinical data, along with laboratory measurements of the aforementioned ratios, were collected. The severity of SCA was assessed using numerical scoring. The analysis revealed that PNR and PLR emerged as significant predictors of SCA severity, irrespective of the level of adiposity. In contrast, NLR demonstrated no predictive value in relation to SCA severity. The findings challenge the conventional notion that neutrophils alone play a central role in the pathogenesis of sickle cell crises. These results contribute to a deeper understanding of the disease and provide insights into possible alternative mechanisms underlying SCA severity. Further research is warranted to explore the intricate interplay between platelets, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and other biological factors within the context of SCA. Ultimately, this knowledge may pave the way for targeted interventions and improved management strategies for individuals living with SCA.

Determinants of Proper Disposal of Plastic Waste among Health Workers at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Amaka, Awka, Anambra State

Improper disposal of plastic waste has being a huge global environmental issue over time. With the emergence of COVID-19 and high prevalence of various infectious diseases, production of single use personal protective equipment escalated. And they are mostly made of plastic, making plastic waste from healthcare services increase tremendously. These plastic wastes from the hospital may contain infectious or toxic substances that pose a significant threat to health workers, waste handlers and to the public at large for those that will come in contact with the waste if improperly disposed. The drastic increase in medical plastic waste is overwhelming the environment and so, has been tagged a major environmental burden. As a result, medical facilities are called upon to look into their waste management protocol to ensure they are safely disposing their waste to avoid infection of the public and waste handlers and also to ensure environmental safety. This study is to determine the proper disposal of healthcare waste among healthcare workers in Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka, Anambra State. This study was carried out using a sample size of 712 staff. Simple random sampling without replacement was used in other to avoid obtaining a bias response. The association and predictability of the dependent variables by independent factors were determined statistically using Chi-square and regression methods, respectively. From the findings of the study, it was observed that 302(42.4%) of the total respondents used and disposed of their plastic wastes properly, whereas 410 (57.6%) disposed of their plastic waste improperly. Improper disposal of medical waste could be as a result of unavailability of proper means of waste disposal, bad or no healthcare management policy on waste management and other factors. Healthcare workers are advised to make use of proper means of plastic waste disposal so as to avoid the negative effect.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards Hepatitis B among Clinical Medical Students at Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital

Hepatitis, a term used to describe liver inflammation has 5 identified strains (A, B, C, D and E). Hepatitis B infection, a disease caused by hepatitis B virus, is a major cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinomas. It is a highly infectious disease that is responsible for numerous deaths worldwide. It is transmitted through contact with infected body fluids like blood, semen, vaginal fluid and mucus membrane. This makes unprotected sex, blood transfusion and perinatal transfusion, the major means of transfusion. Medical students, who are part of health workers, are at greater risk of the infection than the general public. So, this research is to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Medical students’ towards hepatitis B. Sample size was estimated based on the findings of knowledge regarding hepatitis B among Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital clinical medical students. A self-administered questionnaire that was written in English was used as instrument for data collection in this study. Descriptive analyses followed by normality test using statistical tests like Chi-square and Spearman’s correlation were used to analyze the data. The overall response rate was 86.91%. Out of 352 respondents, 199 (56.5%) were males and the 153 (43.5%) were females, all of which were within the ages of 20 and 40 years. There were significant positive correlation between knowledge and practice towards hepatitis B were 0.81 with P value <0.001 and 0.225 with P value <0.001 respectively. Correlation between attitude and practice towards hepatitis B is 0.312 p-value <0.004, thus, showing that more respondents have more knowledge of hepatitis B. The results showed that the percentages of medical students who knew more about hepatitis B were generally typical. A little over half of the respondents have a good attitude towards the disease.

Reasons Patients Seek Ophthalmic Medical Certificates/ Reports at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital Amaku, Awka, Nigeria

Background: Medical certificates or medical reports are often requested by patients for varying reasons which include permission to absent from work, school or certain duties or as evidence of ill health or ocular injury.
 Aim: To explore the reasons patients seek medical certificate/medical report at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka, Nigeria.
 Methods: This is a retrospective hospital based study conducted at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital Awka. The case files of new patients seen at the Eye Unit of the hospital from January 2016 to December 2021were examined. Those who requested for medical certificates/reports were identified and relevant information were extracted for the study. The results were analyzed and presented with frequency tables.
 Results: Out of the 4407 new patients seen, 290(6.6%) requested ophthalmic medical certificate. Among the 290 patients, 170 (58.6%) were males while 120 (41.4%) were females, with male to female ratio of 1.4:1. The age range was 9 years to 75 years, while the mean age was 35.9years. Obtaining tinted vehicle wind shield permit 49 (16.9%) was the most common reason for seeking ophthalmic medical certificate followed by voluntary retirement. Civil servants 75 (25.2%) constituted the most common group, followed by students/pupils 57(26.2%). Among those that applied, 214 (73.8%) were granted while 76 (26.2%) were not granted. Ninety seven (33.4%) cases had ocular morbidities of which assault cases 19(19.6%) were responsible for most of the ocular morbidities. Refractive error was the commonest diagnosis and some people had more than one diagnosis. Most patients 221 (96.2%) had presenting visual acuity of 6/6 – 6/18. Four patients had presenting visual acuity of <3/60 in both eyes.
 Conclusion: Ophthalmic medical certificates/reports are requested for many reasons by patients. While some reasons are genuine, others are not. It behooves the certifier to obtain proper information about the patient. The certificate/report should be accurate, not misleading and devoid of sentiments.

Neonatal Malaria Prevalence Among Infant Aged 1-28 Days Adamitted in Chukwuemeka Odumaegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital Amaku Awka

A study of neonatal malaria infection was conducted between 1^st April 2021 to 30^th October 2021 to determine the prevalence of neonatal malaria among infant admitted in Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOHT) Amaku Awka Anambra State South Eastern Nigeria. Four Hundred and Twenty (420) neonates admitted at the General Outpatient Department (GOPD) of the Paediatrics unit. Two hundred 200 (47%) of the population were randomly selected and enrolled for the study after informed consent was sort and obtained from their mothers before enrolling them in the study The mean age of the subject is Mean (±SD) 6.86±8.51 days. One hundred and eight 108 (54%) of the subject were male and 92 (46%) female. Neonate less than 7days were 125 (62%); neonate 7-14 days of age were 50 (25%) and 14-28 days were 25 (12.5%) respectively. Thick and thin blood films were prepared from the blood specimens obtained for the neonate persevered in Ethylene Diamine Tetracetic Acid (EDTA) on a microscopic slide stained with Giemsa solution and screened for malaria parasite under a microscope following the golden rule observing all the necessary precaution in the procedure. Grading parasitemia was done using Standard measure. The result showed an overall prevalence of malaria among neonates was 74 (37.0%), and 53 (26.5%) of the <i>Plasmodium </i>were negative while 73 (36.5%) of the screening test was not accessed (attrition). Recommendations were made and conclusion drawn.

Stressors among Healthcare Workers during Covid-19 Era Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital Awka Anambra State Nigeria

The research on stress, its effect, sources and management cannot be over emphasized. The purpose of the study is to determine the stressors among healthcare workers at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka. Six research questions were posited and four hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The cross sectional survey research design was used for the study. The multi stage sampling technique was used to draw a sample of 267 out of 772 Healthcare workers (HCWs). The instrument for data collection was a researcher’s designed questionnaire. The instrument was subjected to reliability test using the pilot test method. The data collected were analyzed using frequency and percentages for research questions (1-6) while the null hypotheses were tested using Chi – square statistics. The result revealed ten stressors to healthcare workers during covid-19 era which were demanding workload which was endorsed by 96.2% of the respondents, Time pressure (84.5%), sleep deprivation (66.8%), role ambiguity and conflicts (54.3%), home/work interconnection (71.3%), emotional exhaustion (87.5%), limited break periods (78.5), fear of exposure to infection (95.8%), physical and psychological abuse (56.2%), and concerns about children not being taken care of properly when you are away (60.8%). Based on the findings and conclusions, the researcher recommended among other things that the demanding workload of the healthcare professionals can be reduced by employing more workers hereby reducing stress. Also, Annual leave, maternity leave, casual leave and break periods amidst work, etc should not be denied any job category in the healthcare system to avoid break down in health of the HCWs.

Stressors among Healthcare Workers during Covid-19 Era at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital Awka Anambra State Nigeria

Stressors among Healthcare Workers during Covid-19 Era at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital Awka Anambra State Nigeria

Stressors among Healthcare Workers during Covid-19 Era Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital Awka Anambra State Nigeria

Stressors among Healthcare Workers during Covid-19 Era Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital Awka Anambra State Nigeria

Acceptability rate and barriers to COVID-19 vaccination among healthcare workers in Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku-Awka, Nigeria

Background: Healthcare workers were at the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic. The acceptability and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines among healthcare workers was an important strategy in halting the spread of the virus as well as the antecedent implications on global health and the world economy. Objectives: This study aims to determine the acceptability rate and barriers to COVID-19 vaccination of frontline healthcare workers in Awka, Nigeria. Design: This is an analytical cross-sectional study. Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted from February 2022 to April 2022 to obtain the data for this study. One hundred healthcare workers were studied. Acceptability rate and barriers to uptake of COVID-19 vaccination were outcome measures. Results: The COVID-19 vaccination rate was 45.0% among healthcare workers in study area of Awka metropolis. Ages 30–39 years had the highest acceptance rate of COVID-19 vaccination, 19 (47.5%; p = 0.262) with a more female preponderance of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance compared to males [26 (41.3%) vs 16 (42.2%), p = 0.721]. The place of residence of respondents (urban vs rural) and their marital status (married vs single) appeared not to influence the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination [(38 (42.2%) vs 3 (33.3%); p = 0.667; 25 (36.8% vs 17 (54.8%); p = 0.433)]. Years of work experience (&lt;10 years vs &gt;10 years) significantly affected COVID-19 vaccine acceptance [27 (45.8%) vs 12 (52.2%); p = 0.029]. Educational status and monthly income appeared not to influence vaccine uptake ( p &gt; 0.05, for both). A significant number of respondents were not sure why they should or should not take the COVID-19 vaccine [49 (92.5%) vs 35 (83.3%); p = 0.001]. Conclusion: The COVID-19 vaccination rate is still poor among healthcare workers in Awka metropolis. The majority of respondents do not know why they should or should not take COVID-19 vaccine. We therefore recommend robust awareness campaigns that will explain in clear terms the essence and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccination in order to improve vaccine acceptance.

Pattern of Neurological Disorders among Children Presenting at the Neurology Unit of Tertiary Hospital in Awka

Background: Many children in Nigeria suffer from detrimental, debilitating and lifelong neurologic disorders, many of which are highly preventable using simple, cost-effective interventions. Objective: To examine the pattern of neurological disorders among children presenting at the neurology unit of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital Amaku, Awka, Nigeria. Methods: A retrospective review of the hospital records of children who presented at the Paediatric Neurology Unit between 1st March 2020 and 31st March 2022 was carried out. Data were abstracted using a proforma and analyzed using SPSS Version 21. Results: A total of 138 children aged 0 to 15 years were seen in the unit during the period under review. 115 (83.35%) of these children were diagnosed with chronic neurological disorders. Those with chronic neurological disorders had a male:female ratio of 1.9:1, and the majority (65%) of them were below 5 years of age. The most common presenting complaints were delayed milestones (43.4%), seizures (23.8%), and speech disorders (17.2%). The most typical diagnosis was cerebral palsy (CP) (34.7%), seizure disorder (29.8%) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (8.9%). Perinatal asphyxia (47.7%), neonatal jaundice (17.0%) and central nervous system infections (CNS) infections (12.5%) were identified as the major risk factors responsible for these neurologic disorders. Conclusion: Cerebral palsy and seizure disorders constitute the major neurological disorders among children seen in our institution. Efforts should be intensified at reducing the incidence and impact of perinatal asphyxia, neonatal jaundice and CNS infections, identified as the major culprits, to curb the menace of these debilitating lifelong neurologic sequelae.

DETERMINATES OF UPTAKE OF INTERMITTENT ANTI-MALARIA DRUGS AMONG WOMEN ATTENDING ANTE-NATAL CLINIC AT CHUKWUEMEKA ODUMEGWU OJUKWU UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, AWKA, ANAMBRA STATE

Malaria is a major public health that passes a huge threat to the world at large. The general public is at risk of malaria infection; however, pregnant women are at greater risk than others. This is because malaria in pregnancy is a threat to both mother and child. Malaria in pregnancy accounts for high rate of mortality of both mothers and neonates. As such, there is need to curb, if possible, eliminate malaria in pregnancy. To this effect, intermittent preventive treatment was introduced in the healthcare system. This treatment regime involves pregnant women being treated for malaria with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine, not minding if they have the ailment or not. The study’s participants involved expectant mothers using the antenatal clinic at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka, Anambra state. A standard questionnaire was used to obtain information from the participants, who were mostly between the ages 20 and above. The variables were reported using descriptive statistics namely Chi-square test, mean and standard deviation with a significance of p&gt;0.05 and 95% confidence range. From the result, it was shown that respondents who did not take ITP drugs for malaria had greater prevalence of malaria in pregnancy than their colleagues who did. Out of the 523 women, 127 (24.3%) reported to have taken at least one dose of IPTp-SP, 209 (38.0%) all three doses and 53 (10.1%) double doses. Of the 171 (32.7%) who did not receive IPTp, reasons were due to medical complications and allergic reactions. Uptake of ITPp is a means of achieving zero mortality in pregnancy from malaria. As such, expectant mothers are advised to take the doses, which can only be done during visits to the antenatal clinics. This can only be possible with increased number of visits to the antenatal clinics. Therefore, expectant mothers are advised to be faithful and regular in their visits to the antenatal clinics and also to make use of clinics with adequate facilities, so, they can have access to ITPp. Keywords: Intermittent Anti-Malaria Drugs; Ante-Natal Clinic; Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/104-06 Publication date: November 30 th 2022

Multidrug Resistance Tracing by Plasmid Profile Analysis and the Curing of Bacteria from Different Clinical Specimens

Human-pathogenic bacteria resistant to one or multiple antibiotics have dramatically increased worldwide in the past decades. These bacteria possess great danger, have become a global issue, and it is now impossible to avoid developing strategies for the restoration of treatment options against infections caused by them. This research aims at profiling plasmids of multidrug-resistant bacteria from various clinical specimens such as ear exudate, sputum, urethral swab, wound swab, urine from the catheter, urine, nasal swab, high vaginal swab, stool, eye swab, and blood at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria. Our investigation used the agar diffusion method for susceptibility tests and identification of multidrug-resistant bacteria before plasmid extraction and gel electrophoresis. A plasmid curing test was performed with 10% sodium dodecyl sulphate. Of the 860 bacteria whose resistance profile was determined, only 42 were multidrug-resistant. These bacteria include Pseudomonas aeruginosa 16 (38.10%), Staphylococcus aureus 12 (28.57%), Escherichia coli 9 (21.43%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae 5(11.90%). The molecular weight of their plasmids ranges between 20.884 kbp and 187.50 kbp. As indicated by the plasmid bands, some bacteria had similar molecular weight while others had no plasmid. The bacterial pattern of the postcuring sensitivity test showed that the bacteria with plasmid bands were cured as they became susceptible to the drugs they were previously resistant to, while the bacteria without plasmid bands remained resistant to the antibiotics. This implies that the latter’s multidrug resistance is nonplasmid mediated. Our analyses highlight the relationship between plasmids and multidrug resistance as well as the role of plasmids in the transmission of drug resistance across bacteria. Thus, in order to lessen the burden that multidrug-resistant bacteria cause and to improve bacterial infections treatments, there should be continued surveillance and periodic research on antibiotic resistance patterns of bacteria from various clinical settings.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Self Medication amongst Medical Students in Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Self Medication amongst Medical Students in Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka

Prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis in Urine Samples of Women Attending Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka, Southeastern Nigeria

Trichomonas vaginalis is transmitted sexually in humans affecting both male and female genital tracts. A cross sectional study to determine the prevalence of T. vaginalis infection among women attending Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH) Awka, Anambra State was conducted between November 2021 and January 2022. A total of 200 apparently healthy women between the ages of 19 – 42 years volunteered and participated in the study. The study participants included pregnant and non-pregnant women, married, singles and widows from various occupations. Their urine samples were collected, centrifuged and examined under the microscope within 2 hours of collection. Diagnosis was made by detection of T. vaginalis in the wet preparation of urine deposits. An overall prevalence of 3.0% was observed among the study participants. Prevalence of T. vaginalis was highest (5.9%) among the age group 25-30 years and no infection was observed among the age group 37-42 years. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of infection among the age groups (P&gt;0.05). Highest prevalence of 3.2% was observed among pregnant women while the least (2.7%) was observed in non-pregnant women. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of infection between pregnant and non-pregnant groups (P&gt;0.05). The highest prevalence (7.5%) was observed among the students while no infection was observed among the civil servants. There was also no significant difference in the prevalence of infection among the occupational groups (P&gt;0.05). Married women recorded the highest prevalence (3.3%) and no infection was observed among the widows. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of infection in different marital status (P&gt;0.05). Asymptomatic T. vaginalis infection is common in pregnant women. Routine screening for this infection during pregnancy is recommended in order to reduce potential adverse pregnancy outcomes.