Background: Published data on HIV, HBV, and HCV in correctional facilities in Nigeria is scarce. We set out to establish the seroprevalence, co-infection, and risk factors for these infections for the first time among prison inmates in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Methodology: In a cross-sectional study conducted between April and May, 2007, blood samples were collected from 300 male prisoners of a mean age of 29.2 years, in the state’s four medium-security prisons (overall population: 587). Prior to the study, ethical clearance and informed consent were obtained and structured questionnaires were administered. Samples were analyzed for HIV, HBsAg, and HCV using anti-HIV 1+2-EIA-avicenna, ShantestTM-HBsAg ELISA, and anti-HCV-EIA-avicenna, respectively. Specimens initially reactive for HIV were retested with vironostika microelisa. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 13.0. P values ≤ 0.05 were considered significant. Results: Of the 300 subjects, 54 (18.0 %), 69 (23.0 %), and 37 (12.3 %) tested positive for HIV, HBV, and HCV, respectively. Co-infections were eight (2.7 %) for HIV/HBV and two (0.7 %) for HBV/HCV. Those aged 21-26 years were more likely to be infected with HIV and HBV, while those aged 33-38 years had the highest HCV infection. Associated risk factors included duration in prison, previous incarceration (for HIV, HBV and HCV), intra-prison anal sex, multiple sex partners (for HIV and HBV), ignorance of transmission modes, blood transfusion, and alcohol consumption (for HBV and HCV). No inmate injected drugs. Conclusions: The overall outcome represents the need for prison-focused intervention initiatives in Nigeria. Injected drug use is an unlikely major transmission mode among Nigerian inmates.

Background: Infection with Herpes Simplex Virus Type-2 (HSV-2) is the primary cause of genital herpes and the most common cause of genital ulcer disease (GUD) worldwide. There is little information on the prevalence of HSV-2 in Nigeria. Methodology: Specimens were collected from 162 volunteers attending Jos University Teaching Hospital and tested for HSV-2 antibodies using HSV-2 Type specific IgG EIA test kit (Globalemed LLC Alexandria VA, USA). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 13.0. P values ≤ 0.05 were considered significant. numbr Results: Out of the 162 individuals tested, 141 (87.0%) were HSV-2 positive. Infected individuals were more likely to be male than female (92.8% versus 86.4%; P > 0.05). There were high rates of infection in all age groups, and the prevalence increased with age. However, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that HSV-2 prevalence was not significantly associated with increasing age, sex, marital status, occupation, educational status, and number of sex partners (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The results highlight the potential public health impact of HSV-2 in Nigeria where anti-HSV-2 testing is not generally performed in all populations, especially considering the risk of neonatal transmission and the attendant complications at birth.

Introduction: Previous sentinel surveys of HIV in Nigeria studied pregnant women attending antenatal care, thereby omitting other important high-risk groups. We therefore investigated the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in low-and high-risk populations in the state of Plateau, Nigeria. Methodology: Blood samples were collected by venepuncture from 5,021 adults aged ≥15 years between August and October 2008. At least one major town and one rural community were selected in each Local Government Area (LGA). Samples were initially screened with a rapid HIV testing kit; reactive samples were further tested using Stat Pak. Discordant samples were confirmed using Genie-II. Results: Of 5,021 subjects screened, 245 (4.88%) were seropositive. Local Government prevalence ranged from 0.68% in Bassa to 16.07% in Jos North. On average, LGAs in the Southern Senatorial Zone had higher rates. Most (over 80%) positive cases were younger than 40 years. Females had a significantly higher (6.85%) prevalence than males (2.72%). Age-specific prevalence was higher among females aged 25 to 29 years (2.09%). Risk factors identified for acquisition of HIV infection were previous history of STDs (6, 16.28%); men having sex with men (2, 11.76%); having multiple sexual partners (97; 10.49%); intravenous drug use (10, 7.58%); sharing of sharp objects (20, 4.82%); and history of blood transfusion (21, 3.65%). Conclusion: The seemingly higher prevalence recorded in this survey could be attributed to the inclusion of high-and low-risk groups in the general population, unlike previous reports which studied only antenatal care attendees. This survey provides useful baseline information for further studies.

Background: Toxoplasmosis, one of the TORCH infections in pregnancy is caused by Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite which can cause severe complications for an infected mother if the primary infection was acquired during pregnancy. Aim: This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies and the associated risk factors in pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Jos-North, Plateau State, Nigeria. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study was undertaken involving a total of 158 consenting pregnant women visiting health facilities in Jos from March to June 2020. Data regarding socio-demographics and associated factors were gathered using questionnaire. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was deployed to test for anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies. Results: The seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG was 26.6% while that of IgM was 5.7%. Seven (4.4%) women were seropositive for both IgG and IgM anti-Toxoplasma antibodies. Amongst all the socio-demographics assessed, only occupation was significantly associated with prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies (p = 0.035). Amongst the risk factors, regular contact with soil and source of drinking water were significantly associated with T. gondii infection (p = 0.028 and p = 0.002 respectively). Conclusion: Serological evidence showed that pregnant women in the current study had moderate exposure to Toxoplasma gondii while 72.2% of the study subjects have not any previous exposure are at risk of toxoplasmosis. Hence, regular screening for T. gondii infection is recommended during pregnancy and antenatal care.

Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) has today become a major public health threat. Despite several ongoing clinical trials, there is as yet no specific treatment for this disease. This study evaluated the effects of 3 polyherbal mixtures (CoV-1, CoV Pla-2 and CoV Pla-3) on some electrolyte and haematological parameters in laboratory animals. The parameters evaluated were PCV, HGB, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RBC, WBC, neutrophils and lymphocytes counts, including Na+, Cl-, HCO3-, K+.  Treatment was per oral with doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg for the 3 polyherbal mixtures. Control group had 0.1 mL of distilled water per oral. The extract was safe up to 5000 mg/kg. An insignificant (P>0.05) decrease in RBC was observed at all doses except for 200 mg/kg for CoV Pla-3 which was significant (P<0.05) compared to control. When compared to control, an insignificant increase in the mean lymphocyte values in all extracts was observed. WBC in CoV Pla-1 and CoV Pla-3 increased, compared to control, as well as MCV, MCH for all polyherbal mixtures. Neutrophils increased in the rats administered the highest doses of Cov Pla-1 (200 and 400 mg/kg) and CoV Pla-3 (100 and 200 mg/kg) extracts. An insignificant difference (P>0.05) in serum levels of Na+, K+, Cl- and HCO3- were observed in all test animals, compared to control. The results obtained in this study indicate that the extracts did not cause significant changes in haematological parameters evaluated, which implies it is non-toxic.

The coronavirus disease COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2) has presented unprecedented challenges to the healthcare systems in the world. There are no definite effective therapeutic agents or vaccines against the virus currently. However clinical management of the infection includes prevention, control measures, supportive care and repurposed drug therapy based on pathophysiology of the virus and manifestation of the disease condition thereby using antiviral agents such as remdesivir, lopinavir and favipiravir. Herbal preparations are being promoted for the management of Covid-19. Some selected Nigerian medicinal plants are hereby investigated by In-silico studies of the plant constituents. When compared with the listed therapeutic agents, the phytochemical constituents of the selected plants have better binding affinity to several Covid-19 viral target proteins. Also they were found to be safe for human use with LD50 of >2000 mg/Kg for the plant extracts. Some of the plants also contained phytochemicals that can be employed for the symptoms of covid-19.

Background: Late December 2019, an unknown incidence of Pneumonia was observed among some residents of Wuhan city, China. The disease named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and declared as a pandemic by the WHO on the March 11th, 2020 by the World Health Organization (WHO) has resulted to the death of million people across the globe. Prior to the current COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), two other outbreaks of coronaviruses namely severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) have been experienced within the last few decades. This review looks at the unique characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 to the other coronaviruses (SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV) and its significance(s) in the control strategies including diagnostics. Materials and Methods: Using the keywords “coronavirus mutation”, “nucleotide substitution”, “coronavirus evolution”, “SARS-CoV-2”, “COVID-19” published literatures on coronaviruses and SARS-CoV-2 were retrieved from MEDLINE and reviewed for gaps and current knowledge as it relates to evolution of SARS-CoV-2. Results: In comparison with seasonal flu, investigations revealed that SARS-CoV-2 mutates less rapidly which provides an edge in the possible development of a long-lasting vaccine to combat the spread of the virus. Though, several mutations in the genome of the virus with dire consequences on the diagnostics have been identified. Conclusions: The unique importance of mutation as a mechanism of survival for viruses cannot be overemphasized. Several mutations have been observed in SARS-CoV-2 genome whose implications as regards diagnostics and control measures have been highlighted herein.

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