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MOLECULAR DETECTION PROTOCOL OF SARS-COV-2 THROUGH SELF-COLLECTED SALIVA SPECIMENS VERSUS NASOPHARYNGEAL SWABS
Full text linkBackground : Various detection methods, based on specific nucleotide sequences of SARS-CoV-2, were rapidly developed and used as emergency laboratory applications. The most common diagnostic method for detecting SARS-CoV-2 infection is real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).
Aims: Here, we carried out to assess the sensitivity and specificity of using saliva self-collected from adult and pediatric patients, as a biological sample for RT-PCR diagnosis.
Methods: We compared the sensitivity and specificity of RT-qPCR from 85 samples of adult and pediatric patient, including nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS) and saliva.
Results: Our RT-qPCR results provide that saliva samples showed the highest sensitivity followed by a nasopharyngeal swab for symptomatic as well as for asymptomatic adult patients. On the other hand, samples from symptomatic patients showed a higher sensitivity as compared to asymptomatic patients, while a cycle threshold (Ct) value exhibited a higher sensitivity as compared to higher Ct value. Together, including symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects, the overall agreement between the saliva sample and the nasopharyngeal is about 84%.
Conclusion: The sensitivity of saliva samples remains acceptable; it may still be a viable option in locations where laboratory facilities are lacking for diagnostic purposes in the early phase of the disease
EFFECT OF PENICILLIUM SPECIES ON THE ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE PROFILE OF ALCALIGENES FAECALIS
Full text linkBackground: Infectious diseases due to antibiotic resistant pathogens are a global public health problem, with the impact been particularly pronounced in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed at determining the potential effect of bacterial–fungal interaction on the antibiotic susceptibility profile of Alcaligenes faecalis.
Materials and Method: Alcaligenes faecalis was isolated from water samples. The isolate was identified using the conventional biochemical tests and the 16S rRNA molecular sequencing technique. Additionally, Penicillium species was isolated and identified based on colony morphological characteristics and microscopic features. Standardized isolates were co-cultured cultured in broth medium. Antibiotic susceptibility evaluation of the Alcaligenes faecalis from the co-culture and the original Alcaligenes faecalis was carried out using the Kirby bauer disk diffusion method.
Results: The antibiotic susceptibility profile of Alcaligenes faecalis before and after co-culture remained largely unchanged except in the case of chloramphenicol, were the isolate showed reduced susceptibility. Molecular analysis of resistance gene revealed the absence of tested gene encoding antibiotic resistance, including the streptomycin resistance (str) genes (STRA and STRB) and the erythromycin resistance methylase (ERM) gene.
Conclusion: Further research involving a wide spectrum of microorganisms and their interactions should be conducted to acquire a thorough understanding of the influence of microbial interactions on antibiotic susceptibility profiles in order to pave way for novel strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance
TOXICITY PROFILING REVEALED BENEFICIAL EFFECTS OF THE ETHANOL STEM BARK EXTRACT OF ADANSONIA DIGITATA (MALVACEAE) AT LOW DOSE
Full text linkBackground: The increasing patronage of Adansonia digitata for medicinal and cosmetics values makes it a potential source of indiscriminate uses. This study aims at establishing the toxicity potential of the ethanol stem bark extract with a view to providing scientific evidence for the safe use of the plant.
Materials and Methods: The stem bark of Adansonia digitata was identified, collected, dry, milled to powder, extracted in absolute ethanol, filtered and concentrated in vacuo with rotary evaporator at 45oC. The oral median lethal dose (LD50) was determined using Lorke’s method. Male and female rats (100–140g) were used in this study. Toxicity effects on haematological and plasma biochemical indices, as well as histopathological effect in the selected organs was done using single (1000, 3000 and 5000 mg/kg) and repeated dose (250, 500 and 1000mg/kg) toxicity profiling, and in silico toxicity profiling of its selected phytoconstituents.
Results: The oral LD50 was greater than 5000 mg/kg, suggesting non-toxic potential. Our results show varying degree of significant alterations in heamatological, biochemical and histopathological indices following single and repeated doses. These alterations were dose and sex dependent, more pronounced at doses ≥ 1000 mg/kg and correlated well with in silico toxicity profiling. Though some of the phytoconsituents were predicted to show some elements of toxic potentials, our in silico toxicity profiling revealed that none has potential for mutagenicity, genotoxicity, nor inhibit major P450 cytochrome enzymes.
Conclusion: The study concluded that the extract may be more beneficial at lower repeated doses than high doses with toxic potential.
 
CLINICAL PROFILES AND OUTCOMES OF ADMISSIONS FOLLOWING COVID-19 ADMISSIONS DURING THREE WAVES OF THE PANDEMIC: EXPERIENCE OF A TERTIARY HOSPITAL IN THE EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE OF SOUTH AFRICA
Full text linkBackground: South Africa was the country worst affected by the Covid-19 pandemic in Africa. There is a paucity of data on the clinical characteristics and mortality of Covid-19 from the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. We report on the demographic and clinical characteristics as well as the mortality of patients admitted to the Covid-19 ward of Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital (NMAH), Mthatha, during three waves of the Covid-19 pandemic in South Africa.
Materials and Methods: We conducted a single centre retrospective observational study of patients admitted for Covid-19 in a tertiary hospital in the rural Eastern Cape of South Africa. Data were collected from patient files, electronic databases and the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) database. The outcomes were duration of admission and in-hospital mortality.
Results: There were 371 patients admitted across all three waves with a mean age of 52.2 + 16.3 years. The proportion of females across the three waves is 61.2%. The commonly associated comorbidities, irrespective of the wave, were hypertension, diabetes and HIV infection. The median duration of admission was six days, with an overall mortality of 31%. The mortality for first, second and third wave were 29.3%, 31.5% and 37.9% respectively.
Conclusion: Admissions for Covid-19 were predominantly in females and middle-aged. One third of the admitted patients died. Diabetes, hypertension and HIV infection were the most commonly associated comorbidities.
GLO GERM AND COVID-19: ILLUMINATING HYGIENE AND PROMOTING TRANSMISSION AWARENESS
Full text linkBackground: Maintaining effective surface hygiene and preventing contamination is of paramount importance. Our study introduces Glo Germ, a versatile product available in various forms, which possesses the unique ability to reveal hidden truths under ultraviolet light, enhance understanding of hygiene, and spread awareness of COVID-19 transmission and preventive measures.
Materials and Methods: A comprehensive study was conducted to assess different surface cleaning techniques' effectiveness. Glo Germ, containing a fluorescent dye activated by ultraviolet light, was used to visualize germ spread and compare disinfectant cleaners' efficacy. The study encompassed diverse surfaces and materials, aiming to identify optimal cleaning techniques for each context. Furthermore, a small illustrative study was conducted during a COVID-19 awareness presentation involving students. Glo Germ was applied to hands, revealing its subsequent spread to faces and surfaces. This visual experiment effectively emphasized hand hygiene and mask-wearing importance.
Results: Results indicated that while water alone achieved satisfactory cleaning results, using detergent and the appropriate cleaning tools further improved efficacy. Notably, adhering to consistent patterns and applying pressure during cleaning proved essential. The student demonstration showed how contaminants spread quickly, highlighting hand hygiene's significance and the potential extent of contamination through sneezing.
Conclusion: Glo Germ inclusion in these experiments highlights its potential in educating about surface cleaning and microbial transmission, offering an interactive and engaging approach to promoting personal hygiene and fostering illness prevention awareness
MODIFIABLE AND NON-MODIFIABLE RISK FACTORS FOR TUBERCULOSIS AMONG ADULTS IN INDONESIA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS
Full text linkBackground: Controlling tuberculosis (TB) determinant factors in Indonesia is one way TB control in the community. A review is needed to explore risk factors for TB in Indonesia as the key strategies for accelerating the TB preventive program.
Aim: The purpose of this review was to determine modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for TB among adults in Indonesia.
Methods: A meta-analysis was undertaken to review current studies related to modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for TB among adults in Indonesia. A search of PubMed, ProQuest, and Google Scholar for related articles published (January 2000 until December 2023). The Pooled Odds Ratio (POR) from the acquired data was calculated with a 95% CI. The fixed and random effects analysis was performed. The results were presented as forest plots, and Egger's test was used to examine study bias. Review Manager (RevMan) 5.4 and Stata 14.2 were used to process and analyze all of the data.
Results: This study results revealed the POR of non-modifiable risk factors (family history of TB) for TB among adults in Indonesia was 6.08 (95% CI 2.99-12.34). Based on modifiable risk factors, it is known household contact has the highest POR (6.01, 2.57-14.04), followed by malnutrition (5.86, 2.50-13.69), inappropriate ventilation (5.57, 1.74–17.86), diabetes mellitus (4.92, 3.04-7.96), smoking behavior (3.24, 2.22-4.72), and low-income level (2.34, 1.42-3.87).
Conclusion: Based on significant factors that are related to TB incidence, the results of this review may be valuable to the government in identifying the optimal strategy for TB prevention among adults
MINIMAL CHANGE DISEASE IN PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV: A CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE
Full text linkHI
DETECTION OF NEW HIV CASES UNDER EPIDEMIC CONTROL - WHEN IS IT THE RIGHT TIME TO REVIEW HIV TESTING ALGORITHMS FOR COUNTRIES NEARING THE 95-95-95 MILESTONES? CASE STUDY -BOTSWANA
Full text linkBackground: Accurate diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is dependent on using established national HIV testing algorithm. The purpose of this study was to review published articles to identify, and apply lessons learned to determine factors affecting transition of HIV testing algorithm for countries that have attained HIV epidemic control.
Materials and methods: We systematically searched peer-reviewed articles from online scientific databases; PubMed and Google Scholar from January 2019 to March 2024, using defined search phrases to extract articles. The defined search terms targeted articles focusing on issues of attained epidemic control and transitioning of HIV testing algorithm. Descriptive analysis was used to develop themes to answer the research question.
Results: The findings show that countries should consider the following areas before changing their HIV testing algorithm: (i) evaluate the current national HIV testing algorithm to determine the Positive Predictive Value (PPV), which should be ≥99%, (ii) evaluate test kits bearing both CE and FDA certification and are WHO pre-qualified (iii) 4th generation Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) are less sensitive than laboratory-based 4th generation assays, (iv) pilot the proposed algorithm before country-wide roll-out, (v) country specific policies, and framework are required to guide transition, and (vi) a combination of 4th and 3rd generation RDTs can achieve desired PPV.
Conclusion: Transitioning HIV testing algorithm for countries reaching HIV epidemic control is a multistep process which considers the PPV of the current algorithms, considers policies and framework to guide the process and, evaluates a combination of 4th and 3rd generation RDTs
The ANTIPLASMODIAL AND Β-HEMATIN INHIBITORY POTENTIAL OF THE EXTRACT AND SOLVENT FRACTIONS OF NEPHROLEPIS UNDULATA
No full textBackground: The beta-hematin-inhibitory potential of the extract and the partitioned fractions of Nephrolepis undulata have not been determined, neither the likely constituents responsible for the observed in vivo antiplasmodial activities identified, hence this study.
Materials and Methods: The methanol extract of N. undulata (MNU), was evaporated in vacuo and subsequently partitioned to give HNU (n hexane), DNU (dichloromethane), ENU (ethyl acetate) and ANU (aqueous phase) which were investigated in vivo in mice at 0-800mg/kg against chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium berghei berghei using Peter’s four-day test. The Beta hematin inhibition assay was carried out on the extract and the fractions as well as Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy for identification of the chemical constituents. Normal saline and chloroquine (10mg/kg) were negative and positive controls, respectively. All the results were subjected to statistical analysis using ANOVA with Student Newman Keul’s as post hoc test.
Results: The partitioned fractions elicited comparatively lower percentages chemosuppression/inhibition and higher effective doses/inhibitory IC50 compared to NU in both experiments respectively suggesting that the constituents were acting synergistically. The GC-MS analysis revealed a total of eleven compounds in MNU partitioned into HNU: Neophytadiene, Hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, N--Hexadecanoic acid, 10 octa decenoic acid methyl ester and Methyl stearate, DNU: 2 ethyl acridine, ENU: Benzoic acid methyl ester and ANU: Benzoic acid methyl ester, 2 ethyl acridine while additional five compounds found in MNU were not detected in any of the fractions.
Conclusion: The constituents of the antimalarial MNU seem to be acting synergistically to inhibit haemozoin formation in the parasite.
METABOLIC SYNDROME: IN VITRO ANTIOXIDANT, ANTICANCER, ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITIES OF DISSOTIS ROTUNDIFOLIA (SM.) WITH PHYTOCHEMICAL AND NUTRITIONAL COMPONENTS
Full text linkBackground: Dissotis rotundifolia (Sm.) Triana is a prostrate herb of the family Melastomataceae. It is used for the treatment of obesity, hypertension, circulatory problems and metabolic syndrome (MS). This study evaluated the antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory.and antimicrobial activities of the whole plant of D. rotundifolia to validate its therapeutic potential in the management and treatment of MS.
Materials and Methods: The plant was screened for proximate, mineral, vitamin and phytochemical components, as well as antioxidant activities using standard laboratory techniques. The anticancer activities of the ethanol plant extract were against kidney (VERO) and breast (MCF-7) cancer cells. The anti-inflammatory activity of the extract was determined using nitric oxide production inhibition assay and the antimicrobial activity was evaluated against five pathogenic organisms. All data were subjected to statistical analysis.
Results: The plant was rich in carbohydrate (47.87%), protein (22.5%), crude fibre (9.57%), Na (206.67mg/100g), Ca (183.33mg/100 g), vitamin C(25.53mg/100g), flavonoids (685.00mg/100g), alkaloids (616.67 mg/100g) and saponins (471.67 mg/100 g) contents. The extract exhibited considerable and varied antioxidant activities. The plant extract was very active against VERO and MCF-7 cells at low concentrations (0.145 mg/ml and 0.141 mg/ml respectively) compared to doxorubicin. It also exhibited significant anti-inflammatory action against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW macrophage. The extract was active against all test organisms. Overall, D. rotundifolia displayed significant antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities.
Conclusion: The observed bioactivities of the plant could be attributed to its phytocontents and are indications of its potential as an agent for the management and treatment of metabolic syndrome.