Showing papers by "University of Nigeria, Nsukka published in 2004"

Socio-economic differences and health seeking behaviour for the diagnosis and treatment of malaria: a case study of four local government areas operating the Bamako initiative programme in south-east Nigeria

Abstract: Malaria is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in Nigeria. It is not known how user fees introduced under the Bamako Initiative (BI) system affect healthcare seeking among different socio-economic groups in Nigeria for diagnosis and treatment of malaria. Reliable information is needed to initiate new policy thrusts to protect the poor from the adverse effect of user fees. Structured questionnaires were used to collect information from 1594 female household primary care givers or household head on their socio-economic and demographic status and use of malaria diagnosis and treatment services. Principal components analysis was used to create a socio-economic status index which was decomposed into quartiles and chi-square for trends was used to calculate for any statistical difference. The study showed that self diagnosis was the commonest form of diagnosis by the respondents. This was followed by diagnosis through laboratory tests, community health workers, family members and traditional healers. The initial choice of care for malaria was a visit to the patent medicine dealers for most respondents. This was followed by visit to the government hospitals, the BI health centres, traditional medicine healers, private clinics, community health workers and does nothing at home. Furthermore, the private health facilities were the initial choice of treatment for the majority with a decline among those choosing them as a second source of care and an increase in the utilization of public health facilities as a second choice of care. Self diagnosis was practiced more by the poorer households while the least poor used the patent medicine dealers and community health workers less often for diagnosis of malaria. The least poor groups had a higher probability of seeking treatment at the BI health centres (creating equity problem in BI), hospitals, and private clinics and in using laboratory procedures. The least poor also used the patent medicine dealers and community health workers less often for the treatment of malaria. The richer households complained more about poor staff attitude and lack of drugs as their reasons for not attending the BI health centres. The factors that encourage people to use services in BI health centres were availability of good services, proximity of the centres to the homes and polite health workers. Factors deterring people from using BI centres should be eliminated. The use of laboratory services for the diagnosis of malaria by the poor should be encouraged through appropriate information, education and communication which at the long run will be more cost effective and cost saving for them while devising means of reducing the equity gap created. This could be done by granting a properly worked out and implemented fee exemptions to the poor or completely abolishing user fees for the diagnosis and treatment of malaria in BI health centres.

Inequalities in purchase of mosquito nets and willingness to pay for insecticide-treated nets in Nigeria: Challenges for malaria control interventions

Abstract: Objective To explore the equity implications of insecticide-treated nets (ITN) distribution programmes that are based on user charges.

Antimicrobial Activities Of Methanolic Extracts Of Trema guineensis (Schumm And Thorn) And Morinda lucida Benth Used In Nigerian

Abstract: Extracts obtained from the leaves, stem-bark and roots of two ethnomedicinal plants: Morinda lucida Benth and Trema guineensis Schumm and Thorn were screened for antimicrobial activities against eleven test organisms (five bacteria and six fungi) namely: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, Bacillus subtilis, Candida albicans, Trichopyton tonsurans, T. rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, Basidobolus haptosporus and Aspergillus niger . The agar plate, cup-plate and broth dilution methods were used for the antimicrobial analysis. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and the minimum biocidal concentrations (MBC) of the extracts were determined in vitro.The results showed that most of these extracts posses in vitro antimicrobial activities against the tested clinical isolates of bacteria and fungi. These antimicrobial activities have been attributed to the presence of some or all of the following secondary plant metabolites: alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, steroids and glycosides. Key Words: Plant extracts, antimicrobial activities, medicinal plants, methanol. Bio-Research Vol.2(1) 2004: 39-46

Community satisfaction with the quality of maternal and child health services in southeast Nigeria.

Abstract: Objectives: To assess community perception, practices and satisfaction with the quality of maternal and child health services and the willingness and ability to pay for the services, after the introduction of the Bamako initiative programme. Design: A cross sectional study using pre-tested questionnaire and focus group discussions was undertaken in May 1999. Variables explored were rating of quality of services, level of satisfaction with the services and willingness to pay for quality improvements as well as ability to pay for services. Setting: Oji-river local government area of Enugu State, Nigeria. Subjects: A random sample of 405 households from a sample frame of primary health care house numbers and another purposive sample of women and males were involved. Results: Most respondents (90.6%) rated the services to be at least good. Another 95.9%, 94.3% and 95.8% of the respondents were, satisfied with the childhood immunisation, antenatal care and childbirth services respectively. Eighty nine percent of respondents were willing to pay for health services if drugs were readily available, while 92.4% would pay if there is overall improvement in quality. Majority of them were also able to pay for services. However, long waiting queues, providers' behaviours and lack of doctors militated against the utilisation of maternal and child health services. Conclusion: Bamako initiative programme improved drug availability and physical appearance of the health centres thereby leading to high levels of consumer satisfaction and people are willing and able to pay for primary health care services if there are quality improvements, as the Bamako initiative achieved. Continuous improvement of services, especially constant drug availability would motivate people to pay for services. East African Medical Journal Vol.81(6) 2004: 293-299

Current epidemiology of atopic dermatitis in south-eastern Nigeria.

Abstract: Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common pruritic, eczematous skin disorder that runs a chronic and relapsing course. In Nigeria, it is currently on the increase, particularly amongst infants, and has created cost burdens for families. It occurs in association with a personal or family history of asthma, allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis. Major and minor criteria exist as guidelines for arriving at a diagnosis of AD, and surveys from Western countries have shown that these features, in particular the minor features, vary with ethnicity and genetic background and can be used to aid diagnosis. African dermatologists have also voiced concern that the much used Hanifin criteria for diagnosis of AD may need some adaptation for use in Africa. Objective To document the features and disease outcomes of AD seen amongst dermatology hospital patients in Enugu, south-eastern Nigeria, with a view to reflecting current features amongst Nigerian Blacks. Methods A prospective study of AD patients seen over a 2-year period at a tertiary referral dermatology clinic (University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria) was carried out. A total of 1019 patients aged between 4 weeks and 57 years were included in the study. Results The prevalence of AD was 8.5%, which is much higher than the prevalence of AD reported in various parts of Nigeria 15 years ago. AD occurred before the age of 10 years in 523 (51.3%) patients, whilst 250 (24.5%) had onset after 21 years. The earliest age of onset in infants was in the first 6 weeks of life, and this was found in 129 patients (12.7%). Education and occupation of household heads were the most significant (P < 0.001) factors associated with seeking proper health care for the child's AD. Four hundred and forty-one (43.3%) patients presented with subacute atopic eczema and 326 (32%) patients with severe impeteginized eczema. Four hundred and twenty-five patients (41.7%) had at least one first-degree family member with AD (16.7%), allergic rhinitis (10.3%), asthma (14.6%) and allergic conjunctivitis (2.1%), while 55 (13.3%) of controls had a positive family history (P < 0.01) of allergy. A personal history of AD only, without concomitant respiratory allergies, was seen in 486 (47.7%) patients. The face was affected in 431 (42.3%) patients. Inverse distribution of a flexural rash was observed over the extensor aspect of the joints: the elbow in 502 patients (49.3%), the wrist joint in 183 patients (17.9%) and the knee joints in 354 patients (34.7). The commonly observed minor features included xerosis in 719 patients (71%), papular lichenoid lesions in 547 patients (54.1%), infraorbital folds in 498 patients (49.2%), palmar hyper linearity in 524 patients (51.8%) and raised peripheral blood eosinophils in 519 patients (51%), particularly for those with severe AD. Fissured heels, forehead lichenification, orbital darkening, nail pitting, sand paper-like skin lesions on the elbows/knees/lateral malleolli, knuckle dermatitis of the hands, palmar erythema and pitted keratolysis occurred more uncommonly as minor features. Infective complications were very common and included bacterial infections (folliculitis, impetiginized dermatitis and pyodermas) in 425 (41.7%) patients, fungal infections in 377 (37%) patients, parasitic infections (scabies) in 90 (8.8%) patients and viral infection (herpes simplex and molluscum contagiosum) in 29 (2.9%) patients. Thirteen of these atopics were also HIV positive. Aggravating factors most commonly reported included heat intolerance, excessive sweating, humidity, grass intolerance, thick woollen clothing and drug reactions. Only three patients had food intolerance. Three hundred and ten patients (30.4%) recalled their AD being worse in the hot humid periods and 383 (37.6%) could not recall any periods of relief or remission. Conclusions The prevalence of AD amongst south-eastern Nigerian Blacks is on the increase, as in other areas, although it is still lower here than in other parts of the world. Many conventional minor features were found, but some occurred less frequently than in other countries, which may be attributed to ethnicity. Further studies will be required to confirm the ethnic differences in these features of AD amongst Nigerians and other Africans, to clarify the features of AD that are peculiar to Africans.

A Genome-Wide Search for Type 2 Diabetes Susceptibility Genes in West Africans The Africa America Diabetes Mellitus (AADM) Study

Abstract: The incidence of type 2 diabetes is growing rapidly, not only in developed countries but also worldwide. We chose to study type 2 diabetes in West Africa, where diabetes is less common than in the U.S., reasoning that in an environment where calories are less abundant, incident cases of type 2 diabetes might carry a proportionately greater genetic component. Through the Africa America Diabetes Mellitus (AADM) study, we carried out a genome-wide linkage analysis of type 2 diabetes in a cohort of 343 affected sibling pairs (691 individuals) enrolled from five West African centers in two countries (Ghana: Accra and Kumasi; Nigeria: Enugu, Ibadan, and Lagos). A total of 390 polymorphic markers were genotyped, and multipoint linkage analysis was conducted using the GENEHUNTER-PLUS and ASM programs. Suggestive evidence of linkage was observed in four regions on three chromosomes (12, 19, and 20). The two largest logarithm of odds scores of 2.63 and 1.92 for chromosomes 20q13.3 and 12q24, respectively, are particularly interesting because these regions have been reported to harbor diabetes susceptibility genes in several other populations and ethnic groups. Given the history of forced migration of West African populations during the slave trade, these results should have considerable relevance to the study of type 2 diabetes in African Americans.

A Comparative Study Of The Phytochemical And Anti-Microbial Properties Of The Eastern Nigerian Specie Of African Mistletoe (Loranthus micranthus) Sourced From Different Host Trees

Abstract: A comparative study of the phytochemical and anti-microbial properties of leaves of Loranthus micranthus harvested from six host trees, namely, Irvingia gabonensis, Pentaclethra macrophylla, Kola acuminata, Baphia nitida, Persea americana and Azadirachta indica , was carried out using standard methods. The result showed marked variations in phytochemical constituents and anti-microbial activities of the extracts from the different host trees, both kind and in degree. The extracts from K. acuminata, P. americana and to lesser extent, I. gabonensis showed marked broad-spectrum activities against bacteria and fungi. When compared with standard antibiotics (amoxycillin and ketoconazole) as controls, some of the extracts were found to be significantly more active than the control. The extract from P. americana exhibited significant anti-pseudomonal activity (P I. gabonensis, P. macrophylla and A. indica all showed significant activity (P Staph. aureus when compared to amoxycillin. Alkaloids were found to be most abundant in K acuminata; P. americana and I. gabonensis The preponderance of alkaloids in the extracts from K. acuminata, P. americana and I. gabonensis as compared to the extract from the other host plants could be suggestive of a relationship between alkaloidal content and the antimicrobial activity. Hence, during the preparation of Pharmaceutical /herbal formulation for the treatment of non- specific infections, mistletoe may be preferentially sourced from K. acuminata and P. americana . Keywords: Mistletoe, host-tree variation, antimicrobial activity, phytochemical contents, Loranthus micranthus, comparative study. Bio-Research Vol.2(1) 2004: 18-23

Carbohydrates and aggregation in lowland soils of Nigeria as influenced by organic inputs

Abstract: We evaluated the influence of several organic matter management practices on the characteristics of carbohydrates in water-stable aggregates and soil aggregate stability at three Nigerian locations (Abakiliki, Nsukka and Umudike) where forests had been converted to arable farming. The effect of management practices to enhance aggregate stability was site-specific. The highest aggregate stability was obtained with Gliricidia sepium at Abakiliki, with Cajanus cajan followed by rice mill wastes (RW) at Nsukka and with the forested soil at Umudike. While none of the treatments at all sites was able to enhance the C and N contents of the soils to the levels obtained in the forested sites, a net improvement in carbohydrate and organic carbon (OC) content was found for some management practices. The carbohydrate status increased with G. sepium at Abakiliki, and with Dactylodenae bacteriialone or in combination with Pentaclethra species at Umudike, while at Nsukka all organic inputs increased carbohydrate content over the control and forested soils. However, neither total OC nor the carbohydrate content were significantly correlated to the variability in aggregate stability of these soils. The δ 13 C values found for acidic hydrolysates were constant within the soil aggregate sizes and generally distributed around −29 to −30‰, suggesting that the OC from these sites originated from C3 plants. Our results indicate that in these tropical Nigerian soils, aggregate stability and OC content are generally preserved by alley-cropping in well structured soil, whereas treatments with organic wastes are sustainable management practices in more fragile soils. © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory activity of the leaf extracts of Culcasia scandens P. Beauv (Araceae).

Abstract: The mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory activity of the leaf extracts of Culcasia scandens P. Beauv were evaluated. The methanol leaf extract (CE) of C. scandens was subjected to bioactivity-guided separation to obtain fraction C as the most active anti-inflammatory fraction. Further activity-guided fractionation of fraction C led to the isolation of an anti-inflammatory principle, CS-1, identified as sitosterol. Phytochemical analysis of CE indicated the presence of carbohydrates, glycosides, alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, sterols and terpenoids. Fraction C tested positive for flavonoids, sterols and terpenoids while CS-1 tested positive for sterols. Acute toxicity test on CE in mice established an intraperitoneal (i.p.) and oral (p.o.) LD50 of >5 g/kg. The isolated compound, CS-1, inhibited topical edema in the mouse ear while CE and fraction C were devoid of any such activity. The methanol extract (CE), fraction C and CS-1 suppressed paw edema in rats with inhibitory order of magnitude: CS-1>fraction C>CE. The methanol extract (CE), fraction C and CS-1 caused gastrointestinal irritation in rats to varying extents and reduced neutrophil and lymphocyte counts while CE and fraction C reduced total leukocyte count (TLC). The methanol extract (CE) was effective in inhibiting heat-induced hemolysis of human red blood cells (RBCs) but exhibited no inhibitory effect on hypotonicity-induced hemolysis. However, fraction C and CS-1 inhibited both heat- and hypotonicity-induced hemolysis. These results suggest that the leaf extract of C. scandens has a good anti-inflammatory profile, indicating a nonspecific mechanism of action.

An antimalarial extract from neem leaves is antiretroviral

Abstract: An acetone-water neem leaf extract with antimalarial activity was evaluated in vitro at 5 microg/ml for inhibition of adhesion of malaria parasite-infected erythrocytes and cancer cells to endothelial cells, and at 10 microg/ml for protection of lymphocytes against invasion by HIV. The extract was also evaluated in 10 patients with HIV/AIDS at 1000 mg daily for 30 d. The mean binding of infected erythrocytes and cancer cells per endothelial cell was 15 and 11 respectively in the absence of the extract, and 0 and 2 respectively in with the extract. In the absence and presence of the extract, 0% and 75%, respectively, of lymphocytes were protected. In the treated patients, haemoglobin concentration, mean CD4+ cell count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, which were initially 9.8 g/dl, 126 cells/microl and 90 mm/h respectively, improved to 12.1 g/dl, 241 cells/microl and 49 mm/h. Mean bodyweight and platelet count, initially 57 kg and 328 x 10(3)/mm3 respectively, increased to 60 kg and 359 x 10(3)/mm3. No adverse effects were observed during the study. The extract showed antiretroviral activity with a mechanism of action that may involve inhibition of cytoadhesion. The results may help in the development of novel antiretroviral and antimalarial drugs.

Structural, electronic, and optical properties of beryllium monochalcogenides

Abstract: The results of first-principles theoretical study of the structural, electronic and optical properties of beryllium monochalcogenides BeTe, BeSe and BeS, performed using the full potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method are presented. The calculated structural parameters and band gaps compare very well with previous theoretical results. The trends of the band gap pressure coefficients and volume deformation potentials for these II-VI compounds are investigated. The linear pressure coefficients for the $\Gamma - $ X and $\Gamma - \Gamma$ band gaps increase with decrease in anion atomic weight. The dependence of the direct and indirect band gaps on the relative change of lattice constant are found to follow almost the same type of trends in each of these compounds. The volume deformation potential ( $a_{v}^{\alpha}$ ) for the direct ( $\alpha = \Gamma - \Gamma$ ) and indirect ( $\alpha = \Gamma - L$ ) gaps are positive, but negative for the indirect ( $\Gamma - {\rm X}$ ) gap. Furthermore, $a_{v}^{\alpha}$ , for $\alpha = \Gamma - {\rm X}$ transitions decreases with increase in anion atomic number whereas $a_{v}^{\Gamma-\Gamma}$ , increases. The optical properties have also been calculated. From the reflectivity spectra, the compounds will be useful for optical applications. The variation of the band gaps with respect to the application of pressure and the origin of some of the peaks in the optical spectra are discussed in terms the calculated electronic structure.

Sharia and control over territory: conflicts between ‘settlers’ and ‘indigenes’ in Nigeria

Abstract: Introducing Islamic laws is a means of setting up claims over territory in which the will of Muslims reigns supreme. This has led to violent conflicts, especially in parts of the Middle Belt of Nigeria, where Muslim 'settlers' from the north, most of them Hausa and Fulani, have clashed with indigenous ethnic groups which are largely Christian and 'traditionalist'. The call for Sharia is popular among the migrants, as it provides them with a divine mission: they have to assume supremacy over the local nonMuslim population in order to shape public institutions according to what they see as the will of God. The 'indigenes', however, have little interest in a religious confrontation. As 'sons of the soil', they want to defend their ancestral land against 'foreign tribes'; they therefore emphasize ethnic, not religious, antagonisms. THE CONTROVERSY OVER SHARIA IS INTERWOVEN WITH A DEBATE over the nature of Nigerian democracy. Many Muslims hope to establish popular control over corrupt politicians by subjugating them to a divine law which cannot be changed or manipulated.' Debates about this religious project are seen, by followers of Islam, as an internal affair in which the interference of infidels is not appreciated. By defining political self-determination in religious terms and excluding others from determining central aspects of public legislation, Muslims redefine the demos that is entitled to rule. The exclusion of non-Muslim citizens became obvious when the government of Zamfara State, in the far north of the Nigerian Federation, declared that its introduction of Sharia, in January 2000, was 'the unanimous wish of the people'.2 Among Muslims, who are in the majority in northern Nigeria, the revival of religious traditions was indeed very popular. When the government of Kano State celebrated the proclamation of a new Islamic penal Johannes Harnischfeger was a Senior Lecturer at the University of Nigeria in Nsukka from 1994 to 1996. He is now at the Institut ffir Afrikanistik, Universitilt Frankfurt. For critical comments on an earlier version of this article, he is grateful to J6rg Adelberger, Werner Fricke and Ulrich Kleinewillingh6fer. 1. This aspect of Sharia, which will not be covered in this article, is analyzed by Murray Last, 'La Charia dans le Nord-Nigeria', PolitiqueAfricaine 79 (October 2000), pp. 141-52. 2. Hotline Magazine (Kaduna), 3 June 2000, p. 23.

An Assessment of the Phytochemical and Nutrient Composition of the Pulverized Root of Cissus Quadrangularis

Abstract: The phytochemical and nutrient composition of the pulverized dried root of Cissus quadrangularis (an edible Nigerian vegetable) were determined. Phytochemical tests on the plant revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides with the absence of cyanogenic glycosides. Proximate analysis showed II 0.01% moisture content, 3.33 0.58% fat, 7.50 0.17% crude protein, 68.89 1.16% carbohydrate, 3.33 0.10% ash, 5.97 0.1% fibre, and 335.50 3.43 kcal/100g energy content. The root powder also constituted a rich source of mineral elements (mg/100g dry matter): Potassium 67.5, calcium 39.5, zinc 3.0, sodium 22.5, Iron 7.5, lead 3.5, cadmium 0.25, copper 0.5, magnesium 1.15, chromium 0, cobalt 0. Analysis of the toxicants also revealed that the oxalate, tannin, phytate, saponin contents were 135, 0.3, 20, 0.16 mg/100g dry matter, while hydrocyanic acid was not detected. The results are discussed in terms of the nutritive value as well as the public health implication of having this vegetable as part of the diet. Key words: Cissus quadrangularis, nutritional evaluation. Bio-Research Vol.1(1) 2003: 63-68

Types of anaemic crises in paediatric patients with sickle cell anaemia seen in Enugu, Nigeria

Abstract: Background: Anaemic crises in paediatric patients with sickle cell anaemia are major causes of morbidity and mortality. Some children admitted to hospitals' emergency rooms or paediatric wards of the hospitals with severe anaemia die before blood transfusion. Aims and Methods: A total of 108 episodes of anaemic crises were prospectively evaluated in 108 patients with sickle cell anaemia attending the paediatric sickle cell clinic of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria. Results: Hyper-haemolytic crises were the commonest types of anaemic crises in the patients studied. The mean haemoglobin concentration of 44.66 (SD 6.42) g/l in crises was significantly lower than the mean steady state level of 78.69 (SD 8.50) g/l. Reticulocytes, unconjugated serum bilirubin concentrations, and the presence of nucleated red blood cells were also increased. About 4.6% of patients were not jaundiced at presentation even though they were profoundly anaemic. Their haematological indices gradually returned to normal without marked changes in their serum bilirubin concentrations. These patients were probably in the early recovery phase of aplastic crises. The classical presentation of acute splenic sequestration crisis with a rapidly enlarging spleen and hypotension was not observed. This was probably because of its precipitate nature and accompanying circulatory collapse, which carried a high mortality rate. Minor forms of sequestration crises may have occurred in the liver and spleen. Conclusions: Malaria appeared to have played a role in precipitating some of the hyper-haemolytic episodes. Further studies to elucidate this role are required so that appropriate recommendations regarding malaria prophylaxis can be made in patients with sickle cell anaemia.

Stated and actual altruistic willingness to pay for insecticide-treated nets in Nigeria: validity of open-ended and binary with follow-up questions.

Abstract: Objectives: To determine whether the binary with follow-up (BWFU) or open-ended (OPED) contingent valuation question format would yield better valid estimates of altruistic willingness to pay (WTP) and examine the feasibility of using intra-community altruistic contributions to procure insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) for the poor in Nigeria. Methods: Structured questionnaires were used to elicit stated altruistic WTP from a random sub-sample of respondents that had either the OPED or BWFU used to elicit WTP in Southeast Nigeria. One month after the survey the respondents were asked to redeem their WTP pledges. Construct validity was determined using econometric analyses while phi correlation was used to determine criterion validity. Findings: More than 57% of the respondents were hypothetically willing to pay for altruism in both BWFU and OPED groups. Altruistic WTP was positively related to respondents WTP for own nets (p<0.01) and nets for other household members (p<0.05) in both groups. A total of 27.0% and 33.1% of the respondents with positive hypothetical WTP in the BWFU and OPED actually contributed. Phi correlation coefficient was 0.23 (95%CI 0.20-0.29) in BWFU and 0.49 (95%CI 0.44-0.54) in OPED. The money realized was used to buy some ITNs which were presented to poor people selected by community leaders. Conclusion: The OPED elicited better valid estimates of altruistic WTP than BWFU. The potential for more capable people to contribute for the poor in ITNs programmes actually exist and malaria control programmes should explore altruistic contributions as a means to increase net coverage. (authors)

Interference by Malaria in the diagnosis of typhoid using Widal test alone

Abstract: A total of 270 febrile patients (130 males and 140 females) aged between 15 and 59 were screened using thick and thin blood film stains for malaria, bacteriologic culture and Widal test for enteric fevers. Sixty (22%) were positive for malaria while 38 (14%) were positive for enteric fevers out of which 16(26.6%) concomitantly had malaria parasite. Cases without malaria parasite (MP) or enteric fever organism were 172 (63.7%) and classified as pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO). Forty-four were strictly malaria cases out of which 36 (82%) were due to Plasmodium falciparum, and all had antibody Widal titres > 160 to 0 antigen while 4 (9%) were due to Plasmodium malariae, 3(6.8%) were due to P. ovale and 1(2.3%) was due to P. vivax. Twenty (52.6%) of the 38 patients with enteric fever had typhoid, all had Widal titres > 160 to 0 antigen. In all, antibody reaction Widal titres to H antigen were 0.05] between Widal titres of malaria and typhoid cases. Hence using Widal test alone, one cannot differentiate typhoid fever from malaria. In another 250 healthy adults, of equal sex distribution, used as controls 12(4.8%) had malaria parasite and 4(1.6%) had enteric fever organisms. While only 4(1.6%) gave Widal titre of 80 to 0 antigen the rest had antibody titres of Keyword: Typhoid, Malaria, Widal test Resume Au total, 270 malades febriles (130 hommes et 140 femmes) âges entre 15 et 59 ont ete passes par un test de depistage tout en utilisant la tâche de sang epaisse et mince pour le paludisme, la culture bacteriologique et le test de widal pour des fievres typhoides. Soixante soit 22% etaient positifs pour le paludisme tandis que 38. soit 14% etaint positis pour des fievres typhoides parmi lesquels 16 soit 26,6% avaient le parasite du paludisme concomitant. Des cas sans le parasite du paludisme (AP) ou organisme de la fievre typhoide etaient 172 soit 63,7% et classes comme pyrexie d'origine inconnue (POI). Quarante-quatre sont des cas puremet du paludisme parmi lesquels 36 soit 82% etaient cause par P. vivax. Vingt soit 52,6% des 38 patients atteints des fievres typhoides avaient la typhoide, tous avaient titres Widal >/ 160 a 0 antigene. Dans l'ensemble, l'effet d'anticorps titres widal par rapport a H antigene etaient II n'ya aucune difference statistiquement importante (x2 = 327,2, P>0, 05) entre titres Widal de paludisme et cas typhoides. Donc, a travers l'utilization du test widal seulement, on ne peut pas differencier les fievres typhoides de paludisme. Chez des autres 250 adultes bien portants d'une distribution egale en matiere du sexe, utilise comme controles 12 soit 4,8% avaient le parasite du paludisme et 4 soit 1,6% avaient des organisms de fievres typhoides. Tandis que 4 soit 1,6% seulement avaient donne titre widal de 80 a 0 antigene, les autres avaient titres d'anticorps de West African Journal of Medicine Vol.22(3) 2003: 250-252

HIV/AIDS awareness and sexual practices among undergraduates in Enugu, Nigeria.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To assess the knowledge of HIV/AIDS among Nigeria undergraduates and to determine how the knowledge has influenced their sexual behaviour. MATERIALS AND METHODS A pre-tested self - administered questionnaire survey of a random sample of undergraduates of two University Campuses in Enugu, Nigeria. RESULTS All the 505 respondents had heard of HIV/AIDS. The respondents exhibited a high knowledge of HIV/AIDS. For the 348 (68.9% ) respondents who had ever had sexual intercourse, the mean number of sexual partners, which they had before and after they became aware of HIV/AIDS did not differ significantly 93.2+ 1.7 versus 2.9+1.5; p = 0.3). However, there was a significant tendency towards a more consistent condom use after the respondents became aware of HIV/AIDS. On univariate logistic regression, being married (OR=2.8, <0.001), previous risky sexual behaviour (OR= 2.5, <0.0001) and being more than 20 years old (OR=1.4, p < 0.02) (but not respondents' level of knowledge of HIV/AIDS etc) were significant predictors of risky sexual behaviour after the respondents became aware of HIV/AIDS. On multivariate logistic regression - previous risky sexual behaviour (OR =2.5, <0.00001) and being married (OR = 2.1, p< 0.001) remained significant. CONCLUSION High knowledge of HIV/AIDS has no correlation with subsequent sexual behaviour among Nigerian undergraduates.