Background: In Plasmodium falciparum-infected children, the relationships between blood cell histopathology, blood plasma components, development of immunocompetence and disease severity remain poorly understood. Blood from Nigerian children with uncomplicated malaria was analysed to gain insight into these relationships. This investigation presents evidence for circulating neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and antinuclear IgG antibodies (ANA). The presence of NETs and ANA to double-stranded DNA along with the cytokine profiles found suggests autoimmune mechanisms that could produce pathogenesis in children, but immunoprotection in adults.

Background: Intestinal parasites are very common in developing countries including Nigeria. There are diverse ways of their transmission; the study attempts to determine the level of intestinal parasitic contamination on vegetables sold in Jos. Methods: Sample of 200 each of Tomatoes (Lycopersium sativus), Letus (Loctus satival) Carrot (Davcus carota L) Cabbage (Brassica Denceal) and Green leafy vegetables were analyzed using standardized Centrifugal-floatation technique methods. Results: Of the 1250 samples of vegetables examined, 450 (36.0%) were positive for intestinal parasites, cabbage recorded the highest prevalence of 64% while tomatoes had the least prevalence of 20%. Conclusion: Vegetables in Jos are heavily contaminated with intestinal parasites and there is need for public enlightenment campaign on the danger of consuming inadequately washed and prepared vegetables. Key words: Intestinal parasite, vegetable, contamination RésuméContexte: Les parasites intestinaux sont très communs dans les pays en voie de développement y compris le Nigéria. Il y a différents moyens de transmission; le but de cette étude est de déterminer le niveau de contamination intestinale des parasites à partir des légumes vendus à Jos. Méthode: 200 échantillons de chaque légume à savoir: les tomates (lycopersium saticus), la laitue (Loctus satival), les carrottes (Davcus carota L), les choux (Brassica Denceal) et les légumes verts furent analysés grâce à l'utilisation des méthodes standardisées Centrifugal-floatation. Résultats : Des 1250 échantillons de légumes examinés, 450 (36%) étaient positifs en parasites intestinaux, la choux a révélé la fréquence la plus haute avec 64% contamination tandis que la tomate a révélée la fréquence la plus faible avec 20% de contamination. Conclusion: Les légumes à Jos sont hautement contaminées par des parasites intestinaux et il y a besoin de sensibiliser le public sur le danger de leur consommation dans le cas ou ces légumes ne sont pas bien lavés ou bien cuits.

Background: The burden of healthcare-associated infection (HAI) is 2 to 18 times higher in developing countries. However, few data are available regarding infection prevention and control (IPC) process indicators in these countries. We evaluated hand hygiene (HH) facilities and compliance amongst healthcare workers (HCW) in a 600bed healthcare facility in Northcentral Nigeria providing tertiary care service for a catchment population of about 20 million. Methods: An in-house facility assessment tool and the World Health Organization (WHO) direct observation method were used to assess the HH facilities and compliance, respectively. Factors associated with good compliance were determined by multivariate analysis. Results: The facility survey was carried out in all 46 clinical units of the hospital. 72% of the units had no poster or written policy on HH; 87% did not have alcohol-based hand rubs; 98% had at least one handwash sink; 28% had flowing tap water all day while 72% utilized cup and bucket; and 58% had no hand drying facilities. A total of 406 HH opportunities were observed among 175 HCWs. The overall compliance was 31%, ranging from 18% among ward attendants to 82% among medical students. Based on WHO "5 moments" for HH, average compliance was 21% before patient contact, 23% before aseptic procedure, 63% after body fluid exposure risk, 41% after patient contact and 40% after contact with patients' surrounding. Being a medical student was independently associated with high HH compliance, adjusted odds ratio: 13.87 (1.70-112.88). Conclusions: Availability of HH facilities and HCW compliance in a large tertiary hospital in Nigeria is poor. Our findings confirm that HCWs seem more sensitized to their risk of exposure to potential pathogens than to the prevention of HAI cross-transmission. Inadequate HH facilities probably contributed to the poor compliance. Specific measures such as improved facilities, training and monitoring are needed to improve HH compliance.

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