Specialist Hospital Sokoto Research Articles

Diagnosis of Malaria among Children in Sokoto: A Comparison of Microscopy and Rapid Diagnostic Tests

Study’s Novelty/Excerpt This study compares the utility, sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of microscopy with that of Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) in diagnosing malaria among children in Specialist Hospital Sokoto. The novelty lies in its focus on a specific pediatric population in a resource-limited setting, providing valuable data on the comparative effectiveness of these diagnostic methods in real-world clinical practice. The findings highlight the higher positivity rate of microscopy, advocating for its continued use alongside RDTs to ensure accurate malaria diagnosis and optimal patient care in similar environments. Full Abstract Malaria is a life-threatening disease primarily found in tropical countries, and it is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children. Diagnosis of malaria depends largely on clinical presentations and laboratory diagnosis. Microscopy is the gold standard for laboratory malaria diagnosis but requires adequate training and time compared to Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs). The study compared the utility, sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values between microscopy and RDTs in diagnosing malaria among children accessing care in Specialist Hospital Sokoto. A total of 367 blood samples of consented children who met the study inclusion criteria were examined. All samples were screened for malaria using RDT thin and thick blood films. Of the 367 samples assessed, RDT was positive for 202 (55.0%) and negative for 165 (45.0%), while microscopy was positive for 235 (64.1%) and negative for 132 (35.9%), a non-statistically significant (χ2 = 0.090, P = 0.922) difference was observed when both positive tests were compared. The Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) showed a sensitivity of 85.95% and a specificity of 83.33%. This study confirms the higher positivity rate of microscopy to RDTs in diagnosing malaria. As such, RDTs are useful for rapid malaria diagnosis, especially in resource-limited settings; microscopy should be encouraged as much as possible for children to avoid missing any positive cases.

Plasmid Curing of Bacteria Isolated from Upper Respiratory Tract Infections among Patients Attending Specialist Hospital Sokoto

Study’s Novelty/Excerpt This study focuses on curing plasmid-mediated antibiotic resistance in bacteria associated with upper respiratory tract infections in patients at Specialist Hospital Sokoto, an area previously underexplored in this context. It uniquely demonstrates the successful reversal of antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa through plasmid curing experiments, highlighting the significant role of plasmids in resistance mechanisms. Additionally, the study underscores the potential for plasmid-mediated resistance to be transferred among bacterial populations, presenting a critical concern for antimicrobial resistance management in the region. Full Abstract Presences of resistant plasmids (R-plasmids) in microorganisms make the cells avert the effect of antibiotics and complicates chemotherapy of infections. This study aimed to cure the plasmid of antibiotic-resistant bacteria associated with upper respiratory tract infections among patients attending Specialist Hospital Sokoto by reassessing their susceptibility to antibiotics that were previously resistant. One hundred (100) throat swab samples were collected and analysed. The isolates were isolated and identified using standard methods (Gram staining, biochemical and serological tests). The susceptibility of the isolates to various beta-lactam antibiotics was evaluated, and resistant bacteria were subjected to plasmid curing experiments followed by further susceptibility testing to reassess their susceptibility to the erstwhile resistance. Bacteria isolated were Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with the frequency of occurrence of 20 (57.2%), 9 (25.7%), and 6 (17.1%), respectively. The result of antibiotic susceptibility tests before plasmid curing showed that Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa resisted Cloxacilline, Cefuroxime, Cloxacillin and Augmentin. Susceptibility results after curing showed that almost all bacteria have reverted to sensitivity to all antibiotics except Cloxacillin and Augmentin. This research implies that the resistance possessed by the bacterial isolates is plasmid-mediated and may easily be transferred to other non-resistant bacteria, which may lead to an alarming rate of antimicrobial resistance in the study area.

Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Infection among People Living with HIV/AIDS Attending Specialist Hospital Sokoto, Nigeria

Study’s Novelty/Excerpt This study assesses HIV/HCV coinfection and associated risk factors among patients at Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, highlighting the seroprevalence of HCV among HIV/AIDS reactive individuals. The novelty lies in its detailed demographic analysis, revealing significant age, gender, tribal, educational, and occupational disparities, with a notably high seropositivity among people who inject drugs. These findings underscore the necessity for targeted HCV screening and intervention strategies in HIV/AIDS patients, particularly in demographic subgroups identified as having higher seroprevalence, to improve early diagnosis and management. Full Abstract The Hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a large healthcare burden. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and HCV coinfection are major global health concerns worldwide. This study aimed to assess the HIV/HCV coinfection and the potential risk factors among people attending Specialist Hospital, Sokoto. A cross-sectional seroprevalence survey of HCV infection was carried out on 77 HIV/AIDS reactive subjects attending Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, from 30th March 2021 to 4th May 2021. Serum samples were tested for anti-HCV antibodies using immunochromatographic test. Of the 77 study participants, the overall anti-HCV antibody prevalence was 5.2%. The 36-40 age group revealed the highest seropositivity of 18.18%, followed by 51-55 years (14.29%) and the least (11.11%) among 26-30 years. Females had the highest seropositivity of 6.25% and males least (3.45%). The highest seropositivity was seen among the Hausa tribe (7.14%), while the least in Fulani (5.56%). The highest seropositivity was recorded among people with no formal education (6.82%), while people with formal education had the least (5.88%). The highest seropositivity was seen in self-employed individuals (6.52%) regarding occupational status, while employed individuals had the least (4.17%). Married individuals had the highest seropositivity of 7.69%, while the divorced and widow/widower had 5.26% and 4.76% respectively. People who injected drugs recorded the highest seropositivity of 33.33%, with multiple sex partners at 6.90%, while people who shared sharp objects had the least (6.67%). There were no significant differences statistically in HCV seroprevalence among the different age categories, gender, tribe, education, occupation, marital and risk factors (p>0.05). The HCV prevalence rate (5.8%) observed in this study underscored the need to intensify HCV screening among people living with HIV/AIDS for early diagnosis and management of cases.

Optimization of shielding barriers for feasible exposure to medical X-ray radiation

Despite the importance of X-ray facilities in medical practices, adequate shielding is required to reduce exposure to patients, workers and members of the general public. The importance of adequate shielding barriers in attenuating the intensity of X-rays to recommended limits thus cannot be over-emphasized. An evaluation of the shielding barrier in a public hospital was carried out with the aim of optimizing radiation protection of the general radiology department of specialist hospital Sokoto with the X-ray facility unit of the department as a case study. XRAYBARR software was used to evaluate the primary and secondary barriers using the X-ray tube Specification, distance of the various occupied areas, workload distribution, and use factor. An area survey was carried out using thermoluminescence dosimeters (TLD). Values from XRAYBARR and measured values from TLDs, the ratio of the software calculated to the designed barrier thickness and the ratio of measured to the designed dose were all compared. The ratio of the software calculated barrier thickness to designed barrier thickness was greater than 1 except in 4 positions. Results of the study also indicated that the ratio of the measured to design dose was greater than 1 for all the positions. This indicates that the barrier put in place except at 4 positions is not adequate to protect individuals from harmful effect of radiation. The result also shows that radiation dose beyond the barrier is greater than the design dose limit at all positions. Therefore, the need for reinforcement of the existing shielding barrier.

Factors Influencing Position Choice among Women Attending Antaenatal Clinic in Specialist Hospital Sokoto

The study focuses on Factors Influencing Position Choice among Women Attending Antaenatal Clinic in Specialist Hospital Sokoto. The level of utilization of different positions in labour among pregnant women in antenatal clinic and the factors responsible for positions used by women during labour. The relevant literatures related to the topic under studied were used, also descriptive research design was used and simple random sampling was used to administer questionnaire to a sample size of 260. Analysis was done using frequency distribution table and percentages, responses were retrieved and used for the study. The study shows that the respondents have good knowledge of women on choice of position used during labour, the level of utilization of different positions in labour among pregnant women in antenatal clinic and the factors responsible for positions used by women during labour. In view of the above findings of the study; the following recommendations were made with the view of promoting the choice of position to be used by pregnant women during labour in order to avoid complications during labour. It is therefore recommended that there is need for public awareness on various types of position to be used during labour by pregnant women. It also recommended that Hospital delivery should be encouraged in order to educate the women about the various positions used during labour.

Factors Associated With the Timing of First Antenatal Care by Pregnant Women Attending Specialist Hospital, Sokoto

This study therefore aimed to explore the factors associated with the timing of first antenatal care attendance by pregnant women in specialist hospital, Sokoto, Sokoto state, Nigeria.Three objectives with three corresponding research and questions guided the study. This is a health facility-based cross-sectional study conducted in specialist hospital Sokoto in Sokoto State, North-West Nigeria. Two hundred and seventy nine Pregnant women presenting at the ANC booking clinic were used in this study. Sample size was calculated using Cochran’s formula. A simple random sampling technique was used in selecting respondents using a structured questionnaire. The data analysis was done using SPSS. Pregnant women who initiated ANC early were (42.3%). Majority of the respondents (42.7%) were 25-34 year old. Women with at least secondary level of education were twice likely to commence ANC early compared to those with primary education or no formal education (OR: 2.07, 95% CI: 093-4.58). Nulliparous women were almost twice likely to initiate ANC early compared to primiparous and multiparous women (OR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.10-1.55). Similarly, Primigravid women were 1.6 times more likely to start ANC early compared to multigravid women (OR: 1.55, 95% CI: 0.93-2.57). Women with planned pregnancy were (6%) more likely to register for ANC early compared to those with unplanned pregnancy (OR: 1.06, 95% CI: 0.59-1.90). Early initiation of ANC was (50%) higher in women from low-income household compared to those from high income household (OR: 1.50, 95% CI: 0.83-2.72). This study shows that less than half of the women commenced ANC early. The WHO ANC model recommendation on early commencement of ANC has not been fully met. Therefore, there is need for Sokoto state government in collaboration with the Federal.

Attitude and Perception on Exclusive Breast Feeding Among Nursing Mothers Visiting Specialist Hospital Sokoto

The primary purpose of this research is to examine the experiences of mothers who are currently breastfeeding their children. The findings were discussed based on the research objectives and research questions. The population consisted of A total of 250 mothers in the target population who live in or regularly visit the target population’s specialist hospital in Sokoto . The sample for the study consisted of one hundred breast feeding mother with babies from 0 – 1year old visiting ANC clinic in Specialist Hospital Sokoto. Self-structured questionnaire was used. Testretest was used to validate the instrument. Each individual in the population has a probability that is greater than zero of being selected for this sample. Each unit was selected at random with the same chance. The research found that children who were breastfed exclusively for at least six months and two years had better cognitive abilities, were less likely to be stunted or wasted, and were less likely to develop obesity and its related health problems. Breastfeeding exclusively has been shown to improve infant health, which in turn may increase a baby’s lifespan, drastically decrease under-5 mortality, and decrease maternal mortality (less diarrhoea, better tooth and gum development, lower lung infection risk, and fewer breast problems). (day or night). Midwives recommend exclusive breastfeeding for at least two years, with the introduction of complementary foods starting around the six-month mark.

Comparative Assessment of Routine Haemostasis Parameters of Diabetics with or Without Hypertension Attending Sokoto Specialist Hospital, Nigeria

Background: The pathological events during diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN) could induce hyper-vascular injuries and coagulopathies in affected patients. Thus, this prospective comparative study aims to assess the prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time with kaolin (PTTK) and international normalized ratio (INR) as biomarkers of potential coagulopathies in diabetics with hypertension (test group) and those without hypertension (control group) at Specialist Hospital Sokoto, North-western Nigeria. Materials and methods: Whole blood samples were obtained from 74 diabetic patients with hypertensive and 37 diabetic patients without hypertension and analysed for the PT, PTTK and INR values using commercially available kits. The sociodemographic variables of the enrolled participants were collated and statistically analysed against the coagulometric values using suitable tests. Results: Participants between 50-59 years (39.2%) were the most frequently enrolled participants, followed by 40-49 years (29.73%). Females comprised 56.8% while males were 43.2% of the participants. The PT, PTTK and INR were not statistically significant between diabetes with hypertension and diabetes without hypertension which were (9.22 ± 1.78, 30.27 ± 18.18 and 0.70 ± 0.15) and (9.51 ± 1.85, 36.57 ± 17.17 and 0.72 ± 0.14) respectively (p = 0.532, p = 0.061 and p= 0.575). The age group of the subjects showed a significant increase in PTTK when compared with PT and INR (p = 0.392, p = 0.002 and p = 0.467). There were increases but statistically non-significant in PTTK when compared with PT and INR based on occupation (p =0.833, p = 0.000 and p = 0.779) respectively. Conclusion: Findings from this study showed no significant variation in PT, PTTK and INR of diabetics and diabetics with hypertension. However, future studies could be done to focus on platelet factors and other highly sensitive biomarkers of the coagulation system of these populations. Nevertheless, monitoring the PTTK in older diabetic patients with diabetes mellitus is important to prevent hypercoagulation.

Alterations in some haematological parameters, ascorbic acid and pantothenic acid levels among pregnant women with plasmodium parasitaemia in Sokoto, Nigeria

Malaria in pregnancy is a major contributor to adverse maternal and prenatal outcome. In hyper endemic areas like ours, it is a common cause of anaemia and the haematological abnormalities. This case-control study evaluated the full blood count, ascorbic acid and pantothenic acid level of sixty (60) malaria parasitized pregnant women. Participants were recruited from Antenatal Clinic of Specialist Hospital Sokoto. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain some socio-demographic characteristic and blood samples were collected and examine for malaria parasite, some haematological parameters (HCT, HGB, WBC, RBC and platelet count) were measured using the HA6000 auto-haematology analyzer (Perlong Medical Equipment Company). Ascorbic acid levels were assayed by a standard chemical method and pantothenic acid levels was analyzed using the ID-VIT pantothenic acid ELISA kit. Malaria parasitaemia and parasite load was confirmed by the examination of a Giemsa- stained thin blood film. Data generated was analyzed using SPSS 22.0 statistical package. A p- value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant in all statistical comparisons. The HCT, HGB RBC and Platelet counts of the parasitized subjects were significantly lower compared with the controls (p<0.05). Also, the ascorbic acid level of parasitized subjects was significantly lower compared to that of controls. There was a strong correlation between ascorbic acid and platelet count (r= 0.413 and p= 0.00). The mean parasite count among the parasitized subjects was 5.93 ± 2.72 × 103/ìL. Findings of this study has shown that malaria in pregnancy causes decrease in vitamin C and some of the haematological parameters. There is need to routinely monitor the vitamin C and full blood count should among parasitized pregnant women. We advocate that vitamin C and pantothenic acid be included in the guidelines of multivitamin supplementation particularly among plasmodium parasitized pregnant women.

TIME-TO-OPTIMAL CONTROL OF HYPERTENSION USING KAPLAN-MEIER ESTIMATOR, COX PROPORTIONAL HAZARD AND WEIBULL MODEL

Hypertension is a worldwide public health challenge. The study investigated the time it takes to attain an optimal control of hypertension and the major factors that influence the control in Specialist Hospital, Sokoto.
 A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving 300 patient records. The population consisted all hypertensive patients on follow-ups at Specialist Hospital Sokoto from1st February, 2015 to 1st February, 2021.Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20 and R software were used for descriptive, Kaplan-Meier estimator, Cox Proportional Regression (CPH) Model and Weibull Regression Model analyses.
 Hypertensive patients attain an optimal control after a median survival time of 40.43 (at 95% CI: 33.67- 47.19) months (3.37 years) and mean survival time of 44.18 (CI: 37.24-51.12) months (3.68 years). The CPH analysis revealed that the factors that influenced an optimal control of hypertension were body mass index (BMI) (P <0.001), number of anti-hypertensive drugs (P <0.001), place of residence (P = 0.030). similarly, the Weibull model revealed that the factors that affected an optimal control of hypertension were BMI (P <0.01), number of anti-hypertensive drugs (P <0.001), place of residence (P = 0.042) and educational status (P = 0.036).
 In conclusion, BMI, number of anti-hypertensive drugs, Place of residence, Educational status. should be watched out during management of hypertensive patients. This also call for an extension of this study through a prospective design to be able to measure the effect of other factors in the achievement of optimal control of hypertension

Antibiogram and detection of mecA gene among MRSA at Specialist Hospital Sokoto

Antibiogram and detection of mecA gene among MRSA at Specialist Hospital Sokoto

Seroprevalence of Herpes Simplex Virus Type Two in Patients Attending General Outpatient Clinic in Sokoto

Introduction: The herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection is a common sexually transmitted illness with a large disease burden, with the largest disease burden in Sub-Saharan Africa. Researchers and policymakers can benefit from a source of detailed data on the prevalence of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2). Objective: This study determined the seroprevalence of HSV-2 infection among patients presenting with fever at the specialist hospital Sokoto. Methodology: Commercial HSV type-1&-2 specific IgG Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kits were used to analyse serum samples from 92 randomly selected patients. The association between infection and socio-demographic characteristics was determined using the Chi-square test using SPSS version 22 (IBM, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results: The seroprevalence of HSV-2 was found to be 54.3% (n=50); antibodies to the virus were found in all of the patients. Male patients 21(67.7%) and single patients 23(63.9%) had a higher HSV-2 prevalence than married individuals who constituted 48% of the patients having seropositive HSV (P= 0.141). Those who did not practice protective sex had a higher seroprevalence of HSV-2 (52.8 %: 28/53). Conclusion: HSV-2 infection was found in more than half of the patients. It is therefore recommended that comprehensive, large nationally surveys should be carried out to guide policy and planning. Keywords: Sero-prevalence, HSV-2, Sokoto

Identification of HPV16's E6 gene in suspected cases of cervical lesions and docking Study of its L1 protein with active components of Echinacea purpurae.

HPV 16 is the primary etiologic agent of cervical cancer and the presence of L1 and E6 oncoproteins are largely responsible for its virulence. It was the objective of this study to identify HPV16 isolates from suspected cases of cervical cancer at Specialist Hospital Sokoto and Sir Yahaya Memorail Hospiatal Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria and also to identify potent HPV16's L1 protein inhibitor using in silico analysis. A total of 144 cervical samples consisting of 21 low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, 6 high grade lesion and 117 negative pap smears were collected. The samples were subjected for molecular detection using PCR targeting E6 gene of the virus. Data generated for the molecular prevalence was statistically analyzed using Chi-square method. AutoDock Vina was used to carry out the molecular docking between 2hr5 and Chicoric acid, curcumin and Echinacoside. Out of the 144 samples, 24 samples were positive for the PCR representing 16.9% molecular prevalence rate. There is statistically significant association between cyto-diagnoses and presence of HPV16 (P < 0.05). Docking analysis showed that the Chicoric acid components of Echinacea purpurae have strong binding affinity (-8.7 kcal/mol) to the L1 protein of the HPV. This study provides data on HPV 16 epidemiology in northern Nigeria, and also provides novel evidence for consideration on certain interacting residues, when synthesizing Anti-HPV compounds in the wet lab.

Comparative Study of Malaria Diagnosis: Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDTs) Against Microscopy among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Specialist Hospital, Sokoto

Background: Malaria is an infectious disease caused by a protozoan parasite of the genus Plasmodium. It was estimated that 219 million cases of malaria occur in 87 countries, with an estimated death of 435,000 in 2017 among pregnant women. Other species include P. ovale, P. vivax, and P. malariae is a blood parasite of human and is one of the major public health burdens in developing countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is estimated that about 3.5 billion people globally and 450 million people are thought to be ill as a result of such infections, the majority being children.&#x0D; Aims: This study was aimed at comparing RDTs against microscopy in the detection of malaria parasite among pregnant women. Samples were collected and analyzed following cross-sectional comparative study design. It was conducted between Septembers to November 2019.&#x0D; Study Design: This was a cross-sectional, comparative study&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted among patients attending Specialist Hospital Sokoto, Sokoto State, between March and November, 2019.&#x0D; Methodology: A total of 106 participants were enrolled for the study. Standard parasitological examination was carried out on blood samples using microscopy followed by Rapid Diagnostic test (RDTs).&#x0D; Results: Finding revealed, in this study, CareStart kit had sensitivity of 77.7%, specificity of 100s%. It is expected that any RDT used for malaria diagnosis should have a high sensitivity of 95% and specificity 97% (WHO, 2003); this is in contrast with the RDTs results in this study.&#x0D; The false negative (FN) Carestart and SD-Bioline kits in this study were 10% and 21%, respectively using microscopy as the gold standard due to lack of sensitivity of RDTs at low parsitaemia compared to microscopy.&#x0D; The false positive rate in this study for the Carestart and SD-Bioline kits are 0% and 0% respectively. Out of 106 patients screened, 35% and 24% tested positive for Plasmodiumfalciparum using Carestart and SD-Bioline RDTs respectively, while 45% were positive to malaria by microscopic examination. There was high prevalence of malaria parasite among age group 18-23 which is 42.2%.&#x0D; Conclusion: It can be concluded that using microscopy is more time consuming compared to RDTs due to the fact that the time taken to read the results for RDTs is within five minutes and that of microscopy is higher compared to RDTs. Over all prevalence of malaria by microscopy was 42.5% while the prevalence of malaria by Carestart and SD-bioline was 33% and 22.6% respectively. Conventional microscopy remains the gold standard compared to RDTs according to this study with the level of its sensitivity and specificity which is higher than RDTs.

Nurses Attitude towards Documentation in Specialist Hospital Sokoto

Nurses Attitude towards Documentation in Specialist Hospital Sokoto

Prevalence and risk factors for hepatitis c virus co-infection among human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients and effect of hepatitis c virus infection on acquired immunodeficiency syndrome cases at baseline.

Background:Hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) exists as both viruses have the common routes of transmission. HIV infection has adverse effect on the natural history of HCV infection; however, the effect of HCV infection on the natural history of HIV infection is unclear.Materials and Methods:This study was cross-sectional comprising of treatment-naïve adult HIV-infected patients attending clinics at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto and Specialist Hospital Sokoto. The study participants were screened for HCV anti]body and assayed for transaminases and CD4+ T-lymphocytes count levels. The symptoms of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-defining illnesses were asked among the study participants. The questionnaire was used for the collection of data, and SPSS software version 20 was used for the analysis of data. Student's t-tests, Pearson’s, Chi-square, and Fisher's exact tests were used for the statistical analysis, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:The prevalence of HIV/HCV co-infection was 20.6%. Self-intravenous drugs usage was not statistically significant (P = 0.210). HIV mono-infected patients had significantly lower alanine aminotransferase levels compared to HIV/HCV co-infected study participants (P = 0.048). AIDS status at the baseline was comparable between HIV mono-infected and HIV/HCV co-infected study participants. (P = 0.227; 0.200; 0.130).Conclusion:Moderately high prevalence of HIV/HCV co-infection was observed in the current study. HCV co-infection had no effect on AIDS status at baseline. There is a need for routine screening of HCV infection in HIV-infected individuals.

Vancomycin Resistance Among Clinical Isolates of Staphylococcus aureus Obtained from Selected Hospitals in Sokoto Metropolis

The decreased vancomycin susceptibility and subsequent emergence of vancomycin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) strains is a major public health problem. This study was aimed at detecting the prevalence of vancomycin resistant Staphylococcus aureus among clinical isolates obtained from patients attending Specialist Hospital Sokoto and Maryam Abacha Women and Children Hospital Sokoto. A total of 80 S. aureus clinical isolates were obtained from the medical microbiology laboratories of the selected hospitals. Antibiotic sensitivity testing of the isolates was carried out using the agar dilution method and isolates were screened for vancomycin resistance using vancomycin agar screen method. Of the 80 S. aureus isolates studied, 69 (86.0%) were identified as vancomycin susceptible S. aureus (VSSA) with MIC value of ≤2 µg/ml, 11 (13.8%) were identified as vancomycin intermediate S. aureus (VISA) and had MIC value of 4-8 µg/mL (VISA) and none of the isolates was identified as vancomycin resistant aureus (VRSA). The study detects high prevalence rate of VISA in the study area and identifies the need for increased public awareness on the danger associated with the presence of drug resistant bacteria. Emphasis should be directed at discouraging practices such as the use of over the counter medications which increase the rate of development of drug resistant organisms.&#x0D;

Prevalence of some hepatitis B virus markers among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Specialist Hospital Sokoto Nigeria.

Hepatitis B virus infection is a global public health problem. The virus has infected more than one-third of the global population. It has been estimated that 360million chronic carriers are living around the world with a high risk for developing cirrhosis, hepatic carcinoma and hepatic failure. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of some hepatitis B markers among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Sokoto Specialist Hospital, Nigeria. The hepatitis testing was carried out using the Skytec-Rapid Diagnostic HBV-5 rapid kit (Skytec-Rapid Diagnostic, USA). The kit is based on lateral flow chromatographic immunoassay for the qualitative detection of HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBeAb, and HBcAb in human serum or plasma. Panel format can conveniently test for five targets at once and utilizes all markers to help distinguish between acute and chronic infections. Out of 117 pregnant women tested, 15 were positive for HBsAg (12.8%), 6 positive for HBsAb (5.1%), 1 for HBeAg (0.9%), 14 tested positive for HBeAb (12.0%), and 14 tested for HBcAb (12.0%). The prevalence of HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBcAb and HBcAb was compared based on ethnicity. HBsAb was significantly higher among the Hausa ethnic group (p= 0.001). The prevalence of HBsAb, HBeAg, HBcAb and HBcAb was not affected by ethnicity (p> 0.05). The prevalence of HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBcAb and HBcAb was compared based on age. Infection by the hepatitis B virus markers was higher among young adult and middle age groups. The difference was however not statistically significant (p> 0.05). The prevalence of HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBcAb and HBcAb was compared based on the educational status, previous history of blood transfusion, jaundice, employment status and previous history of still births among the pregnant subjects. There were no statistically significant differences in the prevalence of Hepatitis B virus markers (p> 0.05). The study observed a high prevalence of various hepatitis B viral markers among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Specialist Hospital Sokoto. There is need for routine screening of all pregnant women and infants born to hepatitis B positive mothers. Government and non-governmental organizations should intensify efforts to enlighten the general population on the public health importance of the disease and the importance of hepatitis screening. There is also need for the development of a treatment protocol for the management of pregnant women positive for hepatitis B to prevent mother to child transmission. There is an urgent need for the implementation of evidenced-based best practice of providing universal vaccination against hepatitis B for all hepatitis B negative women of child bearing age in particular and all Nigerians in general.

Coagulation Parameters among Women with Obstetric Complications in Specialist Hospital Sokoto, Nigeria

Background and Aim: Obstetric complications are part of the leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of complications on the Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and platelet count (PLC). Women with obstetric complications were recruited as subjects). Pregnant women without complications were included as controls.&#x0D; Study Design: This is a case-control study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The study took place in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of Specialist Hospital Sokoto and the duration was six months.&#x0D; Methodology: Pregnant women aged 18–41 years (mean age 29.5 years) were recruited for the study. The determination of PT and APTT was done by manual methods using commercially prepared Agappe reagent kits, whereas PLC was done by manual methods using a haemocytometer (Improved Neubauer counting chamber). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.&#x0D; Results: The results of PT and APTT were significantly higher among women with obstetric complications (14.26±0.23 seconds and 31.32±0.70 second) compared to normal pregnant women (13.00 ± 0.13 seconds and 29.66±0.33) (P&lt;0.05). The PLC was significantly lower among women with obstetric complications compared to women without obstetric complications (P&lt; 0.05).Obstetric complications in subject show a significant association when compared with PT and APTT (P&lt; 0.05). The age group of subjects shows a significant association when compared with APTT (P&lt; 0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: Findings from this study have shown that obstetric complications causes decrease in platelet count and prolongation in PT and APTT. There is need to assess the PT, APTT and Platelet count routinely for pregnant women to improve the ante-natal care in Specialist Hospital Sokoto.

Distribution of ABO, Rhesus D and Subgroups of ABO among Blood Donors in Sokoto, North Western Nigeria

ABO, Rhesus D and subgroups of ABO are highly immunogenic and are the common cause of antibody production in mismatched blood transfusions, haemolytic transfusion reaction and maternal alloimmunization. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of ABO, Rh D and subgroups of ABO among blood donors attending Specialist Hospital Sokoto, Nigeria. ABO, Rhesus D and subgroups of ABO antigen status of 176 blood donors with mean age of 30.44 ± 8.210 years attending Specialist Hospital Sokoto were determined using tile method for ABO and Rh D and conventional tube method for anti- A1, anti- H reagents for ABO subgroups respectively. Among the 176 subjects tested, blood group O+ was the most frequent group with 93 (52.8%), 39 (22.2%) were blood group B+, 37(21.0%) were blood group A+, 5 (2.8%) were blood group AB+, 2 (1.1%) were blood group O-. No data was obtained for A-, B- and AB- blood groups. Out of 37 A blood groups obtained, 31 (83.8%) had A1 antigens and 6 (16.2%) had A2 antigens. Out of the 5 AB blood groups, all had A1B antigens. The study also shows that there was statistically significant difference between blood group A and ethnic groups (Hausa, Fulani and Yoruba) (p&lt;0.05). Blood group O was found to be the most frequent followed by B, A and AB except among Hausa which revealed a pattern of O&gt; A&gt; B&gt; AB. ABO, subgroups shows majority had A1 followed by A2 and A1B respectively.