Rivers State University Teaching Hospital Research Articles

Pre-Hospital use of Paracetamol in the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital Paediatric Outpatient Clinic

Background: Paracetamol is a medication that is often procured over the counter in many nations including Nigeria. It is therefore prone to abuse/misuse with consequences. Objective of the Study: To determine the prevalence of pre-hospital use of paracetamol, preferred formulation, appropriateness of dosing and factors associated with its use. Methodology: An observational study involving 401 caregiver/child pair seen at the Paediatric clinic of the RSUTH over 6 months. Data on demography, clinical symptoms, weight of the children as well as pre-hospital paracetamol use were obtained using a semi-structrured questionnaire. Informed consent was obtained from the caregivers. Results: A total of 401 caregivers/child pairs participated in the research with male predominance. The average age of the children was 28.26 ± 3.80months. Most of the parents were aged 30-40 years, traders/businessmen with tertiary level of education. About 40% of children received paracetamol before presentation at the hospital with fever being the most common reason. Syrup was the preferred formulation while 0.6% received injection paracetamol. The most common reason for formulation type was the age of the child followed by available paracetamol formulation at home. Most parents gave paracetamol twice daily, for less than seven days and based on past experiences. The most common diagnosis among parents that gave paracetamol was malaria. A quarter of children received underdose and 5.4% overdose medication. Conclusion: Pre-hospital paracetamol self-medication is common with syrup paracetamol being the most common formulation used. There was a high abuse of paracetamol thus education of the populace on appropriate pre-hospital paracetamol use would help reduce this menace.

Blood Transfusion Burden Of General Surgical Diseases At The Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Blood Transfusion Burden Of General Surgical Diseases At The Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Public Health Implications of Cholera- a Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Related Infectious Disease in the Era of Climate Change: The Nigeria Experience

Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) play key roles in management of infectious diseases like cholera and other waterborne diseases; given that millions of people globally have no access to safe water. This cross-sectional study, conducted in 7 communities of Ogoni region (Khana, Gokana, Tai and Eleme LGAs), Orashi region (Abua/Odual, Ahoada West, Ahoada East and Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni LGAs) and Obolo region (Andoni LGA) all in Rivers State, Nigeria, enrolled 274 inhabitants comprising 164 females and 110 males. These included persons passing watery stools accompanied with vomiting, abdominal cramps and those with such prehistory. Questionnaires were used to obtain socio-demographic data. A total of 274 faecal samples were collected and transported in Cary-Blair stool culture transport medium to Rivers State University Teaching Hospital laboratory; and inoculated on Thiosulphate sulphate citrate bile salt-sucrose agar. Gram staining and biochemical tests were performed using standard procedures. Among the 274 subjects, 40 were infected giving a prevalence rate of 14.6%, including 26(15.9%) females and 14(12.7%) males though this was statistically insignificant, (U=8738.000, p=0.474). On educational levels, those who attended secondary schools had the highest prevalence rate (26.3%), compared with others and it was statistically significant, (p=0.00). WASH perceived predisposing factor showed the prevalence rate among those without access to safe water was 33(21.6%) against those with access to safe water 7(5.8%) and was statistically significant, (p=0.00). Subjects engaged in routine environmental sanitation and hygiene practices had lower prevalence 7(7.6%) than their counterparts, 33(18.1%), p=0.02. Respondents who think climate change had a positive impact on cholera transmission had prevalence of 34(23.3%) against those who disagreed, 6(4.7%), which was statistically significant. The study deduced that unavailability of safe drinking water, climate change, and unhygienic practices were major predisposing factors to cholera infection. Provision of safe water is advocated as greater percentage of the communities lacked access to safe drinking water. Routine environmental sanitation exercise should be revisited and enforced.

Pattern of IVU among patients presenting with flank pain at a tertiary hospital in Rivers State

Background: Intravenous urography (IVU) is a contrast based radiological procedure for the investigation and imaging of the urinary system. It was the gold standard, not until the last two decades when CTU (computed tomography urography) took over. The latter is better because of its improved accuracy in the diagnosis of urinary tract pathologies. Flank pain is a sensation of discomfort or distress in the part of the body below the rib and above the ilium. The possible organs in the flank to be affected include kidney and ureter. Aim This study is aimed at finding out the IVU findings in patients presenting with flank pain in a tertiary hospital in the southern part of Nigeria. Study design and settings: A retrospective study was conducted in the Radiology Department of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) from 1st February 2021 to 10th February 2023. Data Analysis: Data was analyzed using SPSS 20.1 version. The level of statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: A total of 100 data was analyzed. Patients between the age of 5 years and 76 years with a mean age of 39.72 + 14.33 years was used for this study. Majority of the age group was greater than 41years of age with an equal male to female distribution. That is the ratio of female to male in this study is 1:1. The study shows that more patients had abnormal IVU patterns than normal. More females had normal IVU patterns while abnormal IVU patterns were more common in males. The study also shows that the ureters were more affected than the kidneys because we had more abnormal IVU pattern in the ureter than the kidney. Conclusion: The age group with the highest abnormal IVU pattern is the greater than 41years group, probably because they were more in number in the study population and again may be, we can say the frequency of diseases increases with increasing age.

Prevalence and Outcome of Paediatric Domestic Accidents in a Tertiary Health Facility in Rivers State, Nigeria

Background: Unintentional injuries occurring in or within the vicinity of the home resulting in temporary or permanent health impairment are largely preventable. However, they are contributors to childhood morbidity and could lead to mortality in severe cases.
 Objectives: This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence, pattern and outcome of domestic injuries among children admitted into the Children’s Emergency Room (CHER) in Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH).
 Methods: This was a 5-year retrospective study of 179 children with domestic injuries admitted into the children’s emergency unit from January 2017 to December 2021. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, cause, type and outcome of domestic injuries were collected from their medical records and analyzed with SPSS version 23.
 Results: A total of 3987 children aged < 18 years were admitted into CHER. Out of these, 179 (4.48%) children had injuries from domestic accidents. Majority of them 89 (46.9%) were under-fives and males 108 (60.3%). Three commonest causes of home accidents were falls 52 (29.1%), burns 44 (24.6%) and mechanical trauma 32 (17.8%). Common domestic injuries observed in the study were burns (24.6%), head injuries (20.7%), ingestion of poisonous substances (13.4%) and lacerations (11.7%). Burns injuries were significantly more prevalent among females and poisoning among males. Incidents of poisoning was significantly more prevalent among under-fives (21.4%) and animal bites (13.7%) among older children, (p value < 0.05). The mean duration of admission in the emergency room was 1.27 ± 1.90 days. Three children (1.7%) died in the emergency room and all mortalities occurred within 48 hours of admission.
 Conclusion: Although the prevalence of domestic injuries among children in this study was low, parents, caregivers and the government can institute measures to further curb its incidence.

An Assessment of the Viability of Haematological and Haemostatic Parameters of Blood under certain Storage Conditions at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital Blood Bank in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Introduction: Despite significant advances in transfusion medicine, concerns about the inherent risks of blood transfusion persist, even under optimal temperature and duration of storage. This makes the evaluation of blood viability a global task (1). Maintenance of adequate temperature is considered a key factor in the viability and quality of stored blood in healthcare institutions. Evaluating the haematological and haemostatic functionality of blood elements at different storage temperature and duration is therefore imperative for improving patient care and resource utilization in Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) blood bank in Port Harcourt.
 Methods: In this cohort study design, a total of sixteen (16) male and female blood donors in equal proportion of sex and ABO blood groups were randomly selected from the Port Harcourt blood donors' population and recruited as study subjects for this research. A well-structured questionnaire and the immunoassays were used to assess the donors' health and serological status respectively. Also the sample obtained were analayzed by automation and data statistically analyzed using ANOVA.
 Results: The results of this study shows a statistically significant decrease in white blood cell count from 4.93×109/L ± 0.33 to 2.79×109/L ± 1.68 (p=0.00) and platelet count from 227.38×109/L ± 32.17 to 153.75×109/L ± 58.39 (p=0.00) at day 7. Also, a significant decrease in platelet count from 227.38×109/L ± 32.17 to 141.50±60.92 at day 14. A significant decrease in Fibrinogen from 340.75mg/L±18.69 to 281.2575 mg/L ±46.41 at day 1 and day 14 respectively, and rise in PT and aPTT from 17.02s ±1.28 to 24.31s ±6.67 and 41.25s±3.23 to 46.63s±6.28 at day 14th to day 21 respectively (p=0.00).
 Conclusion and Implications for Translation: Pooled plasma at 4-60C contain clinically significant amount of coagulation factors up to day 21 in storage. The WBC and platelet is lost within seven day of storage at 4-60C. Lower temperatures, especially freezing at -60°C accelerate the loss of haematological viability of blood especially the depletion of white blood cells and platelets (p=0.00). Antihaemophilic factor and fibrinogen is maintained in FFP at 180 day in storage at -600C.

Distribution of ABO and Rhesus ‘D’ Blood Groups among Pregnant Women in a Tertiary Hospital in Rivers State, Southern Nigeria

Background: In recent times, the role of ABO and Rhesus grouping in clinical practice has increased widely. There is a paucity of literature on blood group distribution, and its distribution has not been studied in our centre. This study aimed to determine the distribution of ABO, Rh D blood groups and haemoglobin genotype among pregnant women initiating antenatal care in Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH). Methods: This was a cross-sectional study among antenatal clinic attendees in RSUTH, over 6 months. At booking 3ml of venous blood was collected in Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) vacutainer from the pregnant women, and ABO and Rh D typing was done by tile methods forward and reverse grouping methods and confirmed by microscopy. Haemoglobin genotype was done by electrophoresis. Data collected were analyzed using IBM Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS), version 25.0 (Armonk, New York). Results: One thousand one hundred and forty -seven patients were recruited for the study. Their mean age and mean gestational age at booking were 31.6 SD 4.6 years (95% CI: 31.3,31.8), and 21.1 SD 18.6 weeks respectively. Modal parity was para 1. The predominant blood group among pregnant women at the RSUTH was O [667 (58.2%)], followed by A [286 (24.9%)], B [171(14.9%)], and AB [23(2%)]. The prevalences of Rhesus D positive and Rhesus D negative blood group were 95.2% and 4.8% respectively. Concerning genotype, the most predominant was AA 898 (78%) followed by AS [245 (21.4)], SS [4 (0.4%)], and AC [2 (0.2%]. Conclusion: The predominant blood group and genotype among pregnant women in our centre is O Rh D positive and AA respectively. The findings from this study would help plan transfusion services antepartum and post-partum. This will be relevant in transfusion and coagulation management of obstetric haemorrhage.

Sero-Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis among HIV Patients and Healthy Female Volunteers in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Background: Chlamydios is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is the most prevalent bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) known to cause damage to a woman’s reproductive organs. The study was undertaken to determine the sero-prevalence of chlamydiosis among HIV patients and Healthy female volunteers in Port-Harcourt.  The prevalence of chlamydiosis was investigated among 250 (150 HIV patients, and 100 Healthy volunteers) consented women of reproductive age attending Rivers State University Teaching Hospital in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State. Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent assay technique was performed to detect Chlamydia trachomatis IgG antibodies. The overall sero-prevalence of C. trachomatis in the among healthy volunteers was 10%, while that of HIV patents was 12.7%. HIV patients who were above 35 years accounted for 16% of the disease distribution. When prevalence was evaluated with the subgroups, there was no significant difference of Chlamydia trachomatis IgG antibodies across the subgroups (P>0.05). There was no association between socio-demographic factors and sero-prevalence of chlamydiosis. The possible risk factor for chlamydiosis base on life style was lack of screening for Chlamydia trachomatis (P<0.05) as a result of limited awareness of the infection by majority of the participants. Chlamydiosis is largely under diagnosed in the population. Therefore every sexually active woman irrespective of age is expected to undergo screening for chlamydia infection.

Pattern of Amputations at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Pattern of Amputations at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Trichomoniasis and Associated Socio-Demographic Factors among Women in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Human trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by an anaerobic flagellated protozoan parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis that infects the human urogenital tract. The study is aimed that assessing the association between trichomoniasis and demographic parameters in women attending Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH). The cross-sectional study was made up of 650 randomly selected women, 450 of them were tested for trichomoniasis using urine sample while the other 200 were tested using high vagina swab (HVS). With the aid of a well-structured questionnaire, consenting participants provided their socio-demographic data. The results showed that there was an association between educational status and prevalence of trichomoniasis (p<0.05) in both cases of samples. Also, there was association between age and prevalence of trichomoniasis in HVS tested sample (p<0.05). There was no association between trichomoniasis and occupational and marital statuses (p>0.05). This study has revealed that education and age can impact on the dynamics of trichomonial infection among women.

Association between Risk Factors and Trichomoniasis among Women in Port Harcourt Rivers State, Nigeria

Historically, the presence of T. vaginalis has been viewed to be associated with certain risk factors. This study is focused on assessing the association between selected risk factors and trichomoniasis. The cross-sectional study was composed of 650 women, 450 of them were tested for trichomonas infection using urine samples while the remaining 200 were tested for trichomonas infection using a high vagina swab (HVS). These women were randomly selected among pregnant women, women with HIV, Out-patient, and healthy volunteers.  After consenting to participate in the study, data concerning their exposure to selected risk factors were gathered through a filled questionnaire. The results revealed that there was an association between “engaging in unprotected sex” and trichomoniasis (p<0.05). Similarly, there were associations between the prevalence of trichomoniasis and “wearing air-tight underwear” (p<0.05), “repeating underwear” (p<0.05), “knowledge of trichomoniasis” (p<0.05) and “source of information” (p<0.05). This study has shown that engaging in unprotected sex, wearing air-tight underwear, repeating underwear, knowledge of trichomoniasis and source of infection are significant risk factors of trichomoniasis among women in Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH).

Comparison of Sensitivity and Specificity of Direct Microscopy and Culture Methods as Diagnostic Tool for for Diagnosing Trichomoniasis among Females of Reproductive Age, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted parasitic disease caused by Trichomonas vaginalis and is distributed worldwide. This study was a comparison of direct microscopy and culture methods in diagnosis of trichomoniasis in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study was adopted involving the detection of Trichomonas vaginalis using culture and direct microscopy techniques among females attending Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), Port Harcourt after ethical approval was sought and obtained. Samples were analyzed using direct wet preparation and culture technique. Sociodemographic data were obtained using well-structured questionnaires. A total of 650 specimens were examined, 450 were urine samples and 200 were high vaginal swab (HVS) samples which were examined directly under the microscope and cultured in Trichomonas medium (Oxoid CM0161) at 37ºc for 7 days.  Out of 450 urine specimens examined, 4 were positive using direct microscopy with a prevalence of 0.9% (P>0.05), while 22 were positive using culture technique with a prevalence of 4.9% (P<0.05). 5 out of 200 HVS were positive using direct microscopy with a prevalence of 2.5% (P>0.05), while 18 were positive using culture technique with a prevalence of 9% (P<0.05). Direct microscopy and culture techniques recorded a moderate agreement (κ=0.412) and was statistically significant (P<0.05). Culture of HVS recorded the highest sensitivity of 94.44% with specificity of 99.45%, while direct microscopy of HVS recorded a sensitivity of 80% with specificity of 99.49%. Culture of urine recorded a sensitivity of 90.91% with specificity of 99.53%, while direct microscopy of urine recorded a sensitivity of 75% with specificity of 99.78%.
 Conclusion: It is recommended that culture should be incorporated as an additional method for routine testing of Trichomonas vaginalis in our health care centres for improved monitoring and control of the disease.

Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion Sequence: A Case Report and Literature Review

Twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence (TRAPS) is one of the complications of monochorionic twin gestation. It is characterised by large intertwined arterial-arterial anastomosis in which blood flows from one twin (pump twin) to the other twin (perfused twin) in a retrograde pattern.
 We report a case of monochorionic diamniotic twin gestation complicated by TRAPS in a 38-year-old G4P3 trader who was referred to the antenatal clinic of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital on account of unusual abdominal distension of one-week duration at 31 weeks gestational age. Ultrasound scan done at presentation showed a monochorionic diamniotic twin with the first twin in a transverse lie with an estimated foetal weight of 1.7kg, foetal heart rate of 150beats per minute, and Twin 2, had no foetal head, no cardiac pulsation with significant tissue swelling. A diagnosis of TRAPS was made for which she was admitted and delivered by emergency caesarean section. The pump twin was admitted into the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) and succumbed to cardiac failure 24 hours after delivery.
 Monochorionic pregnancy complicated by TRAPS is associated with poor foetal outcomes. Early diagnosis and adequate management will enhance clinical outcomes. The diagnosis of TRAPS requires a high index of suspicion. Clinicians and radiologists need to be aware of the features in order to make prompt diagnosis and take appropriate action which may include early referral to the fetal medicine unit for appropriate intervention and improved outcome for the pump twin.

The impact of socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics on the prevalence of major depression in the antenatal population in the core Niger delta

Background: Antepartum depression (APD) is also of immense concern because of its grave consequences on the mother, pregnancy outcomes, child development and the family. Its prevalence is under the influence of several factors. Aim: To determine the impact of patients’ socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics on the prevalence of major antenatal depression in Rivers State University Teaching hospital, Nigeria. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 163 pregnant women who were recruited via systematic random sampling in the antenatal clinic of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital over a period of 4 months. Data on socio-demographic and obstetrics characteristics of the patients were obtained with the aid of semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Screening for and diagnosis of depression was done using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Data collected was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 statistical software. Descriptive analysis of all the variables in the study was carried out using frequency tables and bar charts. The associations between depression during pregnancy and the independent variables (socio-demographic, gestational and obstetric characteristics) were assessed using Chi-square test or a Fisher’s exact test when the expected cell count was less than five in at least twenty percent of the cells. Level of significance was set at p<0.05. Results: The mean age of the participants was 29.1±4.53 years with an age range of 20-40 years. Majority of the participants were married (87.1%) from monogamous families (73.6%) and had tertiary level of education (67.5%), Majority were within high social class (56.4%), and did not experience intimate partner violence (92.6%). The prevalence of depression was 44.8%. Educational level showed significant statistical relationship with antepartum depression (X2=9.773, p<0.009). APD was not shown to have significant association with the age of the mothers (X2=4.60, P<0.203) and marital status (X2=0.847, p <0.738). Furthermore, there were no statistically significant differences in the prevalence of major depression among women in the three different trimesters of pregnancy. Conclusion: The prevalence of antepartum major depression at the RSUTH, Port Harcourt in Nigeria was high. There was statistically significant differences in the prevalence of major depression among different educational categories.

Coinfection of HCV among HIV-infected patients: Across-sectional study in rivers State, Nigeria

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has emerged as the cause of the second major epidemic of viral infection after human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) within the past two decades. HCV is the cause of more than three-quarters of liver-relate deaths in HIV-seropositive individuals and it is remarkable that today approximately one-quarter of HIV-infected individuals Aim: this study aimed at determining the prevalence of coinfection patterns of HCV among HIV infected individual in Rivers State, Nigeria. Materials and methods: A retrospective survey conducted on 350 HIV infected individual attending ART clinic at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Sociodemographic data were collected based on interviewer-based questionnaire, and clinical history was obtained from participants' medical records. Antibody analyses for HCV were done using ELISA method. Results: The prevalence of hepatitis C virus coinfection among HIV positive individual was 6(4.0%), The prevalence of HCV and HIV positive individual with regards to age was high within the age of 21 -40 5(2.4%). Prevalence based on gender was females 4(1.1%) and males 2(1.4%), prevalence of HIV/HCV co-infection with respect to marital status was high among the single 6(4.9%), prevalence of HIV/HCV co-infection with respect educational status was high with tertiary 3(3.5%) than the secondary 3(1.6%). The prevalence among the different occupational groups, business had the highest co-infection rate (1.1%) followed closely by Working class (0.8%). Higher HIV/HCV co-infection was observed among those with CD4 cell count 350-499 cells/μl (4.6%). Conclusion: However, the low burden of this hepatotropic virus coinfection calls for continued need to screen for HCV among individual infected with HIV before the start of ART.

Discharge against medical advice in the neonatal unit of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria: a two-year prospective study

Background: Discharge against medical advice (DAMA) is a silent contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. Parents' autonomous decision to discontinue medical care of their babies admitted remains an ethical contention that is frustrating for pediatricians and portends poor neonatal outcomes. DAMA remains a challenge arising from an interplay of parental and hospital-related factors. Hence, epidemiologic data are needed, where none previously exists. Aim of the study was to determine the prevalence, neonate and family sociodemographic characteristics, morbidity pattern and reasons for DAMA among neonates admitted to the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted among neonates admitted from April 2021 to March 2023. Results: Of 1830 neonatal admissions, 87 were discharged against medical advice giving a DAMA prevalence of 4.8%, of which 48 (55.8%) were females. Most, 66 (75.9%) were born at term, 51 (58.6%) had normal birth weight, 38 (43.7%) admitted at <2 hours of life and (41.4%) were above 2nd birth order. Forty-seven (54%) of mothers, 41 (47.1%) of fathers had tertiary education and 61 (70.1%) were of low/middle socioeconomic class. Neonatal sepsis (61.2%) and neonatal jaundice (31.8%) were the commonest morbidities. Most, 65 (74.7%) of DAMA cases occurred in the 1st week of life and the father 63 (73.3%) was the main requestor of DAMA. The commonest reason for DAMA was financial constraints 50 (57.5%). Conclusions: The prevalence of DAMA was 4.8%. Neonatal sepsis and neonatal jaundice were the commonest morbidity with financial constraints being the main reason for DAMA. The father was the requestor for DAMA in the majority of the cases.

Prevalence of Depression and Patterns among Adult Hypertensive Patients Attending a Primary Care Clinic in South-South, Nigeria

Depression is a chronic mental illness, an important health problem and a leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide. Depressed patients present with a depressed mood, loss of interest in pleasurable activities, decreased energy, feelings of low self-worth or guilt, appetite or sleep disturbances, and poor concentration. Depressive symptoms are common in chronic medical illnesses like hypertension but are not recognized and treated. This study evaluated the prevalence and pattern of depression among hypertensive patients in a primary care clinic in South-South, Nigeria. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study involving 312 adult hypertensive patients attending the Family Medicine clinic of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt selected by a systematic random sampling method. A specially designed questionnaire was used to record participants' characteristics and Patient Health Questionnaire 9 was used to evaluate for depressive symptoms. The data collected were analysed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20. The study lasted for 3 months and ethical approval was obtained from the ethical committee of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital. The study showed that the prevalence of depression was 26.6%. The respondents with ages ranging between 50 – 59 years had the highest frequency of depression, 30.1% (25). More female respondents 71.1% (59) were depressed. The highest proportion of the respondents that were depressed 42.2% (35) had secondary education. More than half of the depressed respondents were married 57.8% (48). More than half of the respondents, 62.7% (52) had a monthly income below ₦50,000.

Prevalence of Hepatitis D Virus among Hepatitis B Positive Blood Donors in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Introduction: The Prevalence of Hepatitis D Virus among Blood Donors   in Port Harcourt, Nigeria is a maiden epidemiological study of   Hepatitis D or delta hepatitis among the donors’ population in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Hepatitis D (Hepatitis Delta) is a disease caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV). It is considered to be a sub viral satellite because it can propagate only in the presence of the hepatitis B virus. The prevalence of HDV in Port Harcourt has not been reported; hence this study, bridge that knowledge gap.
 Methods: Using a qualitative cross sectional study design, a general serological screening test was performed on a total of 300 blood donors recruited; 222(74.00%) males and 78 (26.00%) females, all within 20-59years. Of this number, 86(28.70%) were positive for HBV while 214(71.30%) Hepatitis B negative served as control. Samples collected were analysed at blood bank unit of the Haematology Department of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt (RSUTH). Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and anti-hepatitis D antibodies (anti-HDV) for the presence of HBV and HDV infections were detected by one step Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in serum, and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of HDV as described by the www.elabScience.com (16).
 Results: Of the 300 subjects, 86(28.6%) were positive for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Of these HBV positive subject, 9(10.4%) were positive for Hepatitis D virus (HDV). Age and gender of the study participants were not found to be risk factors for its prevalence (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the PCV of those infected when compared with the non infected group. Using Pearson correlation analysis, HDV was not found to associate significantly with PCV (r = 0.2849, p > 0.05). This study recorded HDV prevalence rate of 10.4% among the HBsAg positive blood donors.
 Conclusion and Implications for Translation: There is a 10.4% prevalence of HDV among the HBsAg positive blood donors. To increase the safety level of blood products, the screening process should therefore be extended to the HDV. 

Antibiogram of Staphylococcal Isolates and Molecular Characterisation of Coagulase Negative Staphylococci Obtained from a Hospital in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Difficulty in the treatment and eradication of bacterial infections as a result of the development of resistance to antibiotics has in recent time remained a serious problem confronting public health. This study investigated the antibiogram of Staphylococcal isolates and molecular characterisation of Coagulase Negative Staphylococci (CoNS) obtained from female patients visiting Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. A total of 103 clinical samples were collected and processed using the standard laboratory procedures. Antibiotic susceptibility test of the isolates was performed using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, following Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Molecular characterisation as well as screening for the detection of antibiotics resistance MecA gene was carried out using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) dependent molecular techniques. From the study, 22.3% S. aureus and 1.9% CoNS were recovered. The 16SrRNA gene sequencing revealed two species of CoNS namely S. saprophyticus and S. arlettae. The antibiotics susceptibility test results revealed that all the Staphylococcus aureus isolates were 100% resistant to six of the antibiotics tested: Ampicillin, Augmentin, Ceftazidime, Cefuroxime and Cephalexin (β- lactams), 78.3% resistant to Tetracycline and Cotrimoxazole, 73.9% to Vancomycin, 65.2% to Ciprofloxacin, 56.5% to Gentamicin and 47.8% to Erythromycin but 52.2% sensitive to Erythromycin, followed by Gentamicin (34.8%), Ciprofloxacin (17.4%), Vancomycin and Cotrimoxazole (13%) and Tetracycline (8.7%). All (100%) of the Coagulase negative Staphylococci species were resistant to every antibiotics tested. Data obtained from the study showed all the isolates displayed multidrug resistance, with MAR indices greater than 0.2 and Methicillin (MecA) gene was detected in 66.6% of the isolates. The study has reported the presence of Coagulase Negative Staphylococci showing resistance to all the tested antibiotics, hence indicating alarming public health threats. Strict regulation of antimicrobial usage is therefore vital.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgM antibodies among HIV-infected patients at a teaching hospital in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is an important pathogen in HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) patients, as it could drive accelerated disease progression leading to increased morbidity and mortality in the population. This cross-sectional study analyzed plasma samples from 93 HIV positive participants in the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria, to investigate the magnitude and associated factors of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Plasma samples were screened serologically for the presence of specific CMV IgM antibodies using microwell ELISA kits. Demographic and behavioural risk factors were collected by the use of a structured questionnaire. Chi-square test was used to assess the statistical significance of different demographic and behavioural risk factors to CMV acquisition. Of the 93 subjects 3(3.2%) were seropositive for CMV IgM antibody. No statistical association existed between the prevalence of CMV IgM antibodies and the socio-demographic factors studied. Higher prevalence of CMV IgM antibody was found in age group 21-40 years (3.2%), female sex (3.9%), single marital status (6.0%), tertiary education (10.0%), students (6.7%) and Christians (3.7%). The observation from this study necessitates the need for serological evaluation in all HIV patients for CMV IgM antibodies for early diagnosis and preventive strategies.