Pattern of intestinal helminth infections among school children in an urban community in Ibadan,Nigeria

Despite a substantial reduction in the incidence and prevalence of parasitic diseases in the industrialized world, they continue to be an important public health problem in many developing African countries,including Nigeria. However,estimates of the prevalence of such infections among school age children,who bear the greatest health burden due to these diseases,are hard to come by.The objective of this study was therefore to determine the prevalence and type of intestinal helminth infections among primary school pupils.The study was cross-sectional in design.The participants included 266 pupils recruited from three government primary schools in the Mokola area of Ibadan,Nigeria.The pupils were interviewed and their stool samples examined for eggs of common helminths.The mean age of the pupils was 9.8±2.6 years,and 128(48.1%) were males.Nineteen pupils(7.1%) had intestinal helminth infestations.Ascaris lumbricoides was found in 17 pupils(6. 4%) and was the most prevalent helminth among the children,while Trichuris trichiura was found in only two subjects(0.8%).Previous infestations and the use of public toilets were found to be significantly associated with current infections(P【0.05).This study demonstrated that the prevalence of intestinal infections was low among the pupils studied,and that Ascaris infection was the commonest infestation.

Hospital-based care for people living with HIV/AIDS in Ibadan,South Western Nigeria

Objective:To describe the pattern of admission-defining ailments and outcomes of care among people living with human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) /acquired immune deficiency syndrome(AIDS)(PLWHA) who presented for treatment at a tertiary health care institution in Nigeria.Methods:We reviewed the hospital records of all patients admitted for AIDS and AIDS-related illnesses at the University College Hospital,Ibadan, Nigeria,from January 2005 to January 2006.Results:Seventy-two PLWHA were admitted during the study period.There were 39 females(54.2%) and 33(45.8%) males.Sixty-seven(95%) PLWHA presented with AIDS.Only 12(17%) were already receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy before admission.Forty -three patients(60%) commenced antiretroviral(ARV) therapy on admission.Thirty-three patients(46%) had pulmonary tuberculosis,10(14%) had extrapulmonary tuberculosis,21(29.1%) had diarrhoea-related illnesses,20(28%) had anaemia,and nine(12.5%) presented with coma.Twenty-nine patients(40.3%) were discharged home,and 43(59.7%) died before discharge.Sixty-nine patients(95.6%) were judged to be indigent,and required financial support.The contributory causes of death included pulmonary tuberculosis in 21(48.8%),diarrhoeal diseases in five(11.6%),anaemia in five(11.6%),coma in nine(20.9%), and pneumonia in three(7.1%).Conclusion:Tuberculosis was the major admission-defining ailment among PLWHA.

Small-scale outbreak of measles in the Irewole local government area of Osun State in Nigeria

Objective:An investigation of an outbreak of measles in a district in Nigeria was initiated following confirmation of the outbreak.The objectives of the study were to assess the size and determine the cause of the outbreak. Methods:Visits were made to health facilities and affected communities.Cases were line-listed using specified forms and descriptive epidemiology carried out on collected data.Results:A total of 18 cases and 0 deaths were identified over a period of six weeks.Two of the cases(11%) were 【 9 months of age.The proportion of zero-dose children was 39%.Conclusion:Low herd immunity was suggested as the cause of the outbreak.