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Viral hepatitis, especially those caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV),

Background The high genetic diversity of HIV-1 has been shown to influence the global distribution, disease progression, treatment success, and the development of an effective vaccine. Despite the low HIV prevalence in Cameroon, all the major HIV subtypes alongside several circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) and unique recombinant forms (URFs) have been reported in Cameroon. To date, HIV-1 diversity in some parts of Cameroon has been largely studied however, information on circulating HIV-1 subtypes in the Northwest region (NWR) of Cameroon is dearth. Therefore the aim of this study was to determine the current circulating HIV-1 subtypes among adults in the NWR of Cameroon. Methods The genetic analysis of the reverse transcriptase region of the po l gene was performed on 81 samples. The samples were collected from drug naïve patients aged between 18 and 61 years residing within the rural and urban towns in the NWR during the period between February and April 2016. Viral RNA was extracted from plasma, reverse-transcribed, further amplified by nested-PCR before sequencing using an in-house protocol. Generated sequences were then phylogenetically analyzed together with references using MEGA 7. Results Phylogenetic analysis revealed a broad viral diversity including CRF02 _AG (74.1%), F2 (7.4%), D (7.4%), G (3.7%), A1 (1.2%), CRF22_01A1 (2.5%), CRF06_cpx (1.2%), CRF09_cpx (1.2%), CRF11_cpx (1.2%). Three close epidemic clusters were found among F2 (1) and CRF02_AG (2) variants. For the first time we are reporting the CRF22_01A1 subtype in this region. Conclusion Our findings update HIV-1 subtypes information in Cameroon and uphold previous studies that CRF02_AG is the most prevalent subtype. This CRF02_AG subtype may have important public health, research, and clinical consequences.

Background: Mother to child transmission (MTCT) of HIV constitutes a major source of new pediatric infections in Cameroon. Objective: The aim of this implementation research was to assess outcomes and effectiveness of providing lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV-positive pregnant and breastfeeding women (Option B+). Methods: From October 2013 to July 2014, HIV-positive pregnant and breastfeeding women, not on antiretroviral (ARV) prophylaxis and ART, were recruited from 22 purposefully selected health facilities in the Northwest and Southwest regions for a prospective, observational cohort evaluation. Option B+ was offered to participants and outcome indicators were measured. Results: Out of 680 women eligible for this assessment, 669 (98%) were initiated on Option B+. Retention-in-care was 90% (95% CI, 87.85-92.61) and 79% (95% CI, 75.20-81.88), and loss to follow up (LTFU) was 7% (95% CI: 4.95-8.90) and 15% (95% CI: 12.06-17.56) at 6 and 12 months respectively. Maternal mortality at 12 months after ART initiation was 2% (13). As of March 2015, 538 HIV exposed infants

Orthodox medical practice depends greatly on the use of high throughput (HTP) pure pharmaceutical new chemical entities, with a purity that can easily be evaluated and whose efficacy and toxicity can show a dose-dependent, clear structure-activity relationships (SAR). On the contrary, natural products contain mixtures of natural bioactive metabolites that have not undergone any chemical analyses and whose mechanism of action is not known. Medicinal mushrooms have been used throughout the history of mankind for the treatment of various diseases including cancer. Nowadays they have been intensively studied and generated research interest in an attempt to reveal the chemical nature and mechanisms of action of their bioactive molecules. Targeted treatment of diseases, non-harmful for healthy tissues, has become a major objective in recent times and metabolites of fungal origin provide a vast reservoir of potential new chemical entities. There are many examples of mushrooms common for use globally that demonstrate the complex nature of their pharmaceutical potential This review paper attempts to show that some aspects of fungotherapy of the disease have been well studied. We also give an insight into the role of mushroom metabolites for treatment of diseases types that are especially susceptible to the fungal treatments.

Hepatitis B (HB) and Hepatitis C (HC) are a leading cause of liver enzyme elevations in patients (LEE). This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of LEE among patients with hepatitis syndrome. This study enrolled 192 participants presenting with signs and symptoms of hepatitis in the Northwest Region of Cameroon from August 2015 to May 2016. Venous blood samples were collected for the diagnosis of HBV and HCV. Enzymatic measurement of ALT and AST was done using a biochemical analyzer. ALT and AST were categorised using standardized toxicity grade on upper limit of normal.The age ranged of the patients was 2-98years with a mean(SD) age of 41.42(±18.04). Of the 192 patients 97(50.5%) were female, HBV and HCV prevalences were 100(52.1%) and 0(0.0%) respectively. The prevalences of HBV were insignificantly (p=>0.05) higher in female 54(56.8%) and in the age range<30years 31(58.5%). ALT and AST activities showed significant (p <0.05) higher values 76.9±10.6 and 106.7±14.4, respectively in HBV positive than in HBV negative individuals. The prevalence of elevated ALT and AST enzymes were 68(35.4%) and 85(44.3%) respectively. Age and gender-wise prevalances showed high prevalence in >50years and in male. Elevated and significant transaminase activities were found in HBV positive compared to negative subjects. Alcoholic liver disease was common in HBV negative patients while chronic liver disease was higher among HBV positive patients (P =0.012). Elevated ALT and AST levels are common in both HBV positive and HBV negative subjects indicating multifactorial causes. As such effective management of hepatotoxicity requires accurate diagnosis. Materials and Methods Study design, site and populationThis study was carried out in the Northwest region of Cameroon from August 2015 to May 2016. It was a hospital based crosssectional study which enrolled participants who presented with signs and symptoms of hepatitis in the outpatient department of Mezam Polyclinic and Regional Hospitals. The exclusion criteria were participants who refused to be part of the study, patients who were known to be seropositive for HBV or HCV and those with known HIV positive status. Sample size was calculated based on Raosoft online calculator using the level of significance of 0.05 and power of 80% assuming that the expected prevalence is 10%.[17] A total of 192 patients of both sexes exceeded the minimum required sample size of 97. Ethical considerationEthical clearance was obtained from the institution ethical review boards. Clients above 18 years and guardians of children 18 years and below were verbally consented. The aims of the study and procedure to be taken were explained to them and their confidentiality ensured prior to sample collection. Laboratory procedureAfter venous blood collection, samples were allowed to clot and centrifuged at 3000 rmp for 3mins. HBV and HCV were diagnosed using HBV and HCV Diaspot strips (Jakarta, Indonesia) which detect HBsAg or HCV respectively from the patient serum. ALT and AST were measure enzymatic...

Background: Gastrointestinal parasitic infections remain a public health problem in tropical and subtropical countries. This study aimed at assessing the prevalence and density of gastrointestinal parasites and to identify the risk factors of their transmission. Methodology: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out from June to October 2020, on outpatients visiting the Djeleng Sub divisional medical centre in Bafoussam II. All consenting participants provided a stool sample and completed an open-ended questionnaire. Stool samples were examined simultaneously as fresh wet mounts, formal-ether concentration technique and modified Zieihl Neelsen staining technique. Data was analysed using SPSS version 20.0. Results: Results obtained from this study revealed that the overall prevalence and mean intensity of parasite infection was 29.1% (94/323) and 1464±314 ppg respectively. Parasites recovered were: Entamoeba histolytica 54.26% (51/94), Trichomonas intestinalis 21.28% (20/94), Entamoeba coli 19.15% (18/94), Cryptosporidium spp 3.19% (3/94) and Trichuris trichiura 2.13% (2/94). Prevalence was slightly higher in males 31.76% (27/85) than females 28.15% (67/238) and the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.364). The prevalence was higher among individuals aged 21-30 years 35.22% (31/88). Most infected individuals resided in Djemoun 40.0%(4/10) and this prevalence was significant (p=0.025). Hair dressers harboured the highest rate of intestinal parasites 60.0% (6/10) and the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.235). Hand washing practices, washing of fruits, walking bare footed, toilet cleaning, screening of houses, pet possession, and frequency of nail trimming were not identified as risk factors associated with gastrointestinal parasitic transmission (p>0.05). Conclusion: Provision of health education, improving personal and communal hygiene, and community based deworming with addition of antiprotozoal drugs should be of major focus to prevent and control these infections.

Aim: This study, aimed to identify the seroprevalence of T. gondii and HIV-1 co-infection in pregnant women in the Northwest Region of Cameroon. Study Design:  This cross-sectional study was conducted among 606 pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in the Northwest region of Cameroon. Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out at the Bamenda Regional Hospital from May 2017 to December 2017. Methodology: Venous blood samples were collected for the detection of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies using rapid test kits while HIV was determine using Alere Determine™HIV-1/2 test kit and OraQuick HIV 1/2 Rapid Antibody Test kit for confirmation. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 statistical package. P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean (SD) age was 27.3 (5.3) years. The prevalence of T. gondii and HIV-1 was 139 (22.9%) and 70(11.6%) respectively, while that of T. gondii and HIV-1 co-infection was 31(5.1%). With the exception of age group and gestational age that was significant (p<0.05) for HIV, socio-demographic and obstetrical characteristics of T. gondii, HIV-1 and T. gondii and HIV-1 co-infection prevalence did not show any significant differences (p>0.05). Conclusions: The high prevalence of T. gondii and HIV-1 co-infection seen in this study demonstrates the need for routine antenatal screening for both infections. In addition, data from this study will be useful in designing control and prevention strategies against these diseases. Furthermore, the result will also be used as baseline data for further research on T. gondii and HIV-1 co-infection.