Assessment of Biosafety Practices in Clinical Laboratories in Khartoum State, Sudan

Background: Several related accidents occur in the laboratories due to insufficient regulation, inappropriate implementation of safety measures or unawareness attitude and practice toward safety precaution. Biosafety is a tool through which we are managing safety and security related to any kinds of hazards that may be either to the human, animals, plants and environment as well. We can implement good laboratory practice to minimize the risk while performing any kind of test procedures, either handling to the samples like blood and other body fluids which is playing important role for infections and transmissible diseases. If we will provide facilities and training to the lab personnel, then we can protect public, agriculture, and the environment from which is leading cause of infections as well as hazards such as biological, chemical, electrical and glassware. For achieving effective and necessary biosafety and security, it should make sure that any unauthorized person is not able to handle, process, transport to minimize loss and misuse of the any kind of hazards especially biohazards. Therefore, it’s highly recommended to make an international system to avoid any kind of biosafety related issues. Objective: Because biosafety is an important element in quality management system (QMS) and it is a fundamental tool for compliance with accreditation and certification standards, the aim of this study was to assess the practices of lab personnel towards biosafety measures in their laboratories. Method: The study was cross-sectional study that conducted among 70 laboratories by use of structured questionnaire. Data analysis was done by using statistical package for social science (SPSS). Result: Among 70 laboratories, 2 (3%) were appointing a biosafety officer, 16 (23%) have fire detection system and fire alarm system, and 20 (29%) of all laboratories were provided by fire extinguisher. Among provision of personnel protection, 56 (80%) always wearied lab coat and gloves, 35 (79%) wearied masks (surgical mask) with low availability of safety goggles and eye shield. Vaccination for hepatitis B virus identified in 40 (57%) of the laboratories. In 41 (59%) of laboratories, the cleaning personnel were not aware about optimal handlers of biohazard in the laboratory. 20 (29%) of all laboratories have exit door and 43 (61%) were used biological safety cabinet. Availability of sharp container and color-coded biohazard bags were found in about 60% (86%), 55 (79%);safe disposal policies were found in 49 (70%) of laboratories. Discussion: Biosafety measures and practices in Sudan need to be restructured if we target to achieve good laboratory practices as well as safe environmental testing for clinical human samples. Recommendation: There are a great need to establish and implement biosafety precaution program included in government and private clinical laboratory in Sudan.

Evaluation of Plasma Malondialdehyde among Sudanese Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Background and objectives: Diabetes is a chronic multifactorial disease which requires a variety of strategies to reduce its epidemic. Type 2 diabetes (T2MD) is the most common form of diabetes which results from inefficiency of insulin secretion or resistance to insulin action, both of which lead to chronic hyperglycemia. Lipid peroxidation is an oxidative stress process that involve in T2DM complications. This study aimed to 1) determine plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as a biomarker for lipid peroxidation in Sudanese patients with T2DM, and 2) assess the associations between MDA and diabetes-related variables. Material and Methods: This case-control study was conducted from November 2022 to June 2023 at the National University, Sudan. It included 100 participants, of whom 50 were T2DM patients and 50 were healthy controls. Data on demographics, clinical characteristics, and biochemical markers (FBS, HbA1c, and MDA) were collected. The NycoCard HbA1c method and the GOD-POD Method were used for HbA1c and glucose measurement, respectively. MDA was determined by the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances method. The data were analyzed using SPSS Version. Results: Significant differences were observed between T2DM patients and healthy controls in FBS (P = 0.000), HbA1c (P = 0.000), and MDA (P = 0.010), with T2DM patients exhibiting higher levels. The study revealed a strong positive correlation between MDA levels and the duration of diabetes (r = 0.69, P = 0.00), while other variables, including age, BMI, and glucose control, did not significantly correlate with MDA levels. Conclusion: Findings revealed elevated MDA levels in Sudanese T2DM patients, with a positive correlation between MDA and diabetes duration. These findings emphasize the importance of oxidative stress in T2DM pathogenesis and call for the need for targeted strategies to mitigate oxidative damage and improve diabetes care.

Seroprevalence, Type-Specific of Herpes Simplex Virus and Associated Risk Factors among Women of Child Bearing Age in Kogi State, Nigeria

Background: Viruses of the Herpes viridae family infect 90% of the Earth’s population. Humans are the hosts of at least nine unique herpes viruses. Aim: This study is aimed at evaluating the seroprevalence of type specific herpes simplex virus infection and the associated risk factors in a cross-section of asymptomatic healthy women of childbearing age in Kogi state, Nigeria. Methodology: A total of 330 females of child bearing age (15 - 49 years) participated in this study. They were recruited from various local government areas of three Senatorial districts of Kogi state. Blood samples were collected from participants and analyzed for HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies (IgG) quantitatively with ELISA kit. Results: The overall prevalence of HSV was 76.7%. Data further show that majority (96.4%) of the population studied had HSV-1, while 77% had HSV-2 infections. Results also showed that the young adults indicated prevalence of 95.7% for HSV-1 and 74.7% for HSV-2, while in the middle aged, the prevalence were 98.6% for HSV-1, and 84.9% for HSV-2. 99.2% of the married women were positive for HSV-1, while 86.9% were positive for HSV-2. 94.5% of the unmarried women were positive for HSV-1, while 70.5% were positive for HSV-2. The risk of HVS-1 or VS-2 infections was not associated with age, age of first sexual exposure and number sex partners before marriage. Married women were at greater risk for HSV-1 (p = 0.03) and HSV-2 (p ≤ 0.001) infections compared to the unmarried women. Conclusion: The prevalence of the HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections was high among asymptomatic healthy women of childbearing age in Kogi state, Nigeria. Efforts should be made to increase the awareness of HSV infection among the child bearing populace.

The Risk of Islet Cell and Insulin Autoantibodies and Their Predictive Strength as Markers of Type-1 Diabetes in a Cross-Section of Nigerian Population

Aim: We demonstrated the risk of developing islet autoantibodies-Insulin Autoanti-bodies (IAAs) and Islets cell Autoantibodies (ICAs)-in type-1 diabetic relatives and newly diagnosed type-1 patients compared to non-diabetic controls. We also aimed to determine the predictive strengths of both autoantibodies in the development of type-1 diabetes mellitus, and which of the two autoantibodies is a better predictive marker of type-1 diabetes mellitus among Nigerian adults. Methodology: A total number of four hundred and fifty five (455) subjects (211 (46%) males, and 244 (54%) females) aged between 35 - 76 years were recruited for the study. IAA and ICA levels were estimated using ELISA reagents from Biomerica Inc. Other parameters such as fasting blood sugar, urine glucose, and urine protein were assessed using standard biochemical techniques. Results: Relatives of type-1 diabetic patients and newly diagnosed type-1 diabetic patients were at greater risk (p < 0.05) of testing positive for more than one autoantibody (ICA and IAA) compared to non-diabetic controls. In addition, IAAs appeared to be better predictors or markers of type-1 diabetes mellitus compared to ICAs. Conclusion: The present study indicated a greater risk of autoim-mune destruction of the insulin producing beta cells of the pancrease of the type-1 relatives and newly diagnosed type-1 patients and suggests the need for periodic re-cruitment of individuals in the general population, siblings and relatives of type-1 diabetic patients for planned intervention trials. In addition, IAAs appeared to be better autoimmune markers of type-1 diabetes compared to ICAs.

Incidence and risk of anemia in type-2 diabetic patients in the absence of renal impairment

Aim: To determine the incidence of anemia in type-2 diabetic patients with normal renal function and assess the association of other factors related to diabetes with the risk of anemia. Methods: The study group comprised 72 patients with type-2 diabetes. Patients were divided into groups according to glycemic control, gender and age. Serum creatinine, hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of subjects were measured. The presence of anemia was defined by a he- moglobin level 7.5%) compared to those with controlled diabetes (≤7.5%) and in patients of age ≥ 60 yrs compared to those of age < 60 yrs (p < 0.05). The odds of anemia was similar in males and females (p = 0.26). Conclusion: This study indicated that poor glycemic control and old age are associated with the incidence of anemia in type-2 diabetics with normal renal function. Our findings suggest that treatment criteria for diabetes should include routine hematological tests and take into consideration the inevitable consequences of ageing, and poor glycemic control.

Overview of genetic causes of recurrent miscarriage and the diagnostic approach

Recurring miscarriage(RM)is a frustrating reproductive complication with variable etiology.Numerous genetic defects have been known to play a crucial role in the etiology of RM.Chromosomal abnormalities are frequently detected,while other genetic defects cannot be diagnosed through routine research,such as cryptic chromosomal anomalies,single nucleotide polymorphism,single-gene defect,and gene copy number variation.Diagnostic laboratories have recently used variable advanced techniques to detect potential genetic abnormalities in couples with RM and/or in products of conception.Here we aim to summarize the known genetic causes of RM,with a focus on the new diagnostic techniques.Knowledge of the genetic profile of miscarriages is important for prognosis and potential counseling planning,as well as the prenatal diagnostic strategy in subsequent pregnancies.

COMPARISON OF AMINOLEVULINIC ACID AND ITS METHYL ESTER MEDIATED PHOTOCYTOTOXICITY ON HUMAN NASOPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMA CELLS

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC)is a prevalent cancer in some areas of southern Asia.To explore the potential of photodynamic therapy(PDT)for the treatment of NPC,a small molecule prodrug 5-aminolevulinic acid(ALA)and its methyl ester(MAL)mediated PDT was studied in vitro.The results showed that human NPC cells were sensitive to both ALA-and MAL-mediated PDT.However,ALA was more effective than MAL,possiblly due to a higher efficiency of ALA on producing endogenous protoporphyrin(PpIX)in NPC cells.Neither ALA nor MAL caused any significant genotoxicity.The ALA-based PDT might be a useful modality in the treatment ofNPC.

The Level of CD4⁺T Cell Count among Reproductive Age Women Coinfected with Human Immune Virus, Hepatitis Surface Antigen and Herpes Simplex Virus in Kogi State, Nigeria

Background: There are pockets of evidence to show the existence of co-infections of viral particles in humans. Aim: The study aimed at evaluating the CD4+ T cell count among women of reproductive age co-infected with human immune virus, hepatitis surface antigen and herpes simplex virusin Kogi state, Nigeria. Methodology: 342 females of reproductive age within the ages of 15 - 49 years participated in this study. They were recruited from various local government areas of three Senatorial districts of Kogi state. Blood samples were collected from participants and analyzed for HSV1/HSV2, HIV, HBsAg and CD4 using different scientific methods and procedures. Results: There was no significant differences in mean CD4+ T cell counts between subjects who tested positive and those who tested negative for only HSV1 (p = 0.61), HSV2 (p = 0.95), HIV (p = 0.48) and co-infection for HSV1, HSV2, HIV (0.68). In contrast, mean CD4+ T cell count was significantly higher in those who tested positive compared with those who tested negative for HBsAg alone (p = 0.03) and those co-infected with HSV1, HSV2, HBsAg (p = 0.01). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated no significant differences in CD4+ T cell counts among the different classes of infections. Conclusion: This study shows no decline in the count of CD4+ T cell on the co-infections of HSV1, HSV2 and HIV, but higher significant difference in those co-infected with HSV1, HSV2 and HBsAg was recorded among the women of child bearing age in Kogi state.

Assessment of Renal Biomarkers of Renal Function in Commercial Automobile Workers in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

Background: Blood-urea nitrogen, creatinine, uric acid and electrolytes are important biomarkers of renal function which could be considered as suitable prognostic indicators of renal dysfunction. Aim: The aim of this work was to assess renal biomarkers of renal function in commercial automobile workers in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Methodology: A total of 158 males within the ages of 18 - 60 years participated in this study, 50 of which are control subjects. They were recruited for this study from various workshops in Benin City, while controls are unexposed volunteers. Results: It was observed that serum uric acid, urea, creatinine, chloride and bicarbonate levels in all the exposed groups were significantly higher (p Conclusion: This study indicated greater levels of some renal biomarkers in automobile workers compared with the controls. In addition, blood urea levels were elevated above normal range of values. These findings suggest that the occupationally exposed automobile workers may be at risk of renal diseases. This calls for urgent need for policy formulation that will prevent the vulnerable groups from kidney damage.

The effect of age, gender, level of adiposity and diabetes duration on glycated hemoglobin reduction after anti-diabetic therapy in type-2 diabetic patients

Background: It is established that glycemic control measures involving diet and oral medication reduce glycated hemoglobin concentration (HbA1c) in type-2 diabetic patients. Aim: We aimed to determine whether HbA1c reduction after diabetic treatment is affected by age, gender, level of adiposity and diabetes duration in type-2 diabetic patients. Methods: One hundred and four type-2 diabetic patients participated in a 20-week diabetic control therapy involving oral medication (metformin) and lifestyle intervention (diet). We compared the HbA1c reduction after treatment between the elderly and non-elderly;males and females;overweight/obese and non-overweight/obese;and long-standing and newly diagnosed patients. Results: After the treatment, participants had mean HbA1c reduction of 1.1 ± 1.31% and weight loss of 2.46 ± 1.79 kg. Forty-six (44.2%) of the patients had acceptable HbA1c level of p p p < 0.001), respectively. HbA1c reduction did not indicate significant sex differences. Conclusion: The present findings suggest that treatment criteria for type-2 diabetes should account for the age, level of adiposity and diabetes duration of the patient in order to make optimal therapeutic decisions for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in adults.

An in vitro investigation of photodynamic efficacy of FosPeg■ on human colon cancer cells

Photodynamic therapy(PDT)is a novel therapeutic approach for combating various cancers.PDT involves the administration of a photosensitizer which generates singlet oxygen after light activation.FosPeg■ is the liposomal formulation of mTHPC.In this in vitro study,the photodynamic efficacy of FosPeg■ on a human colon cancer cell line(HT29)was investigated via studying the cellular uptake of FosPeg■,FosPeg■ PDT mediated photocytotoxicity and the cell death mechanism were triggered.FosPeg■ PDT demonstrated its antitumor effect in a drug and light dose-dependent manner in HT-29 cells.Lethal dose(LD50)was achieved with 0.4
g/mL of drug and 3 J/cm^(2) of light dose.FosPeg■ PDT triggered apoptotic cell death via activating caspase cascade and regulating cell cycle progression.In conclusion,FosPegr-PDT is an effective measure to combat human colon cancer cells.

DNA Gene Expression to Study Immunologic Mechanisms for the Long-Term Cure of Malaria in Babies and Children in South-Western Nigeria

Malaria infection has been a very serious public health problem in Nigeria and most parts of Africa. Development of antimalarial treatments capable of providing a permanent cure for malaria has been a herculean task for drug researchers. A trial of a novel, proprietary blend formulation (TriantimalTM) in gel caps for children (n = 112) and water-soluble, 18.51 nm diameter, NutraNanoSphereTM encapsulated TriantimalTM drops for babies (19.9 Months ± 8.7 SD, n = 15) was conducted in Osogbo, Nigeria. The enrolled subjects were screened for malaria, treated with TriantimalTM for 16 consecutive days and sera collected on days 0, 5, 10, 16, 30, 60, and 730. Also, 31 of the children donated buffy coat samples for the gene expression studies when sera were collected. The children showed 90.2% parasite-free at 60 days and 85.1% at 730 days. The babies revealed 93.3% parasite-free at 60 days. These data show for the first time a real possibility for a cure of malaria in Nigeria. The one-time, low dose, extended treatment and synergism of the natural components minimize the ability of the parasites to develop resistance, while boosting the immune system. Indeed, the DNA amplification data showed that all aspects of the humoral, innate, and innate defensin immunity are involved in the long-term immunity against P. falciparum in which may be termed a type of “in vivo immunization”.

Seroprevalence of <i>Helicobacter pylori</i>Infection and Risk Factors among Asymptomatic Subjects in Delta State, Nigeria

Aim: The study aimed at evaluating the seroprevalence of H. pylori infection and its associated risk factors in a cross-section of asymptomatic adult population in Niger-Delta, Nigeria. Methodology: 408 apparently healthy volunteers, aged between 18 - 87 years were recruited for this study. Blood samples were collected from participants and analyzed for H. pylori antibody (IgG) qualitatively with Combo rapid kits and quantitatively with Accu-Bind ELISA Kits. Results: The overall prevalence of Helicobacter pylori colonization in 408 asymptomatic adults was 52.5% (n = 214) and 48.3% (n = 197) by qualitative (Combo rapid kits) and quantitative (Accu-Bind ELISA Kits) serological test methods respectively. H. pylori infection did not differ statistically between genders (p = 0.962) and among age groups (p = 0.185). In addition, multivariate logistic regression indicated that sex and age were not associated with risk of H. pylori. However, participants from Delta Central were at greater risk (OR = 1.89;p = 0.014) of H. pylori infection compared with those from Delta South, but those from Delta North were not at greater risk of infection compared with those from Delta South (p = 0.476). Conclusion: This study indicated an intermediate seroprevalence of H. pylori among asymptomatic adults in Delta state, Nigeria. The prevalence of H. pylori infection was linked to geographical regions but not with sex and age.

Association between Liver Enzymes and Dyslipidemia in Yemeni Patients with Type Two Diabetes Mellitus

The correlation between liver enzymes and lipid profile in T2D patients in the Yemeni population has been evaluated. This is a case-control study comprising 142 T2D patients and 142 healthy control subjects were carried out at the outpatient clinics of Ibn-Sina hospital, Mukalla, during the period from January to May 2020. Serum fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) were analyzed using the Cobas Integra Plus 400 autoanalyzer. Also, anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were taken from each participant. Independent sample T-test and Pearson correlation coefficient were used. T2D patients had significantly higher FBG (P ≤ 0.0001), total cholesterol (P ≤ 0.0001), LDL-C (P ≤ 0.0001), and GGT (P ≤ 0.0001) while HDL-C was significantly lower in T2D patients (P = 0.021). In correlation analysis, serum GGT was positively associated with FBG (r = 0.216;P ≤ 0.0001), total cholesterol (r = 0.196;P = 0.0001), triglyceride (r = 0.123;P = 0.038), and LDL-C (r = 0.209;P ≤ 0.0001). Also, serum ALT was positively associated with FBG (r = 0.145, P = 0.014) and triglyceride (r = 0.172, P = 0.004). In conclusion, higher levels of ALT and GGT are used as the predictive biomarkers for NAFLD in T2D patients with hyperlipidemia. Thus, routine screening of liver enzymes and lipid profile in T2D patients is recommended for the early detection of liver abnormalities and diminish diabetes complications.

Using of Color Model and Contrast Variation in Wavelet Ideology for Study <i>Megaloblastic Anemia Cells</i>

Processing and analyzing of medical images is one of the priority research areas. At the same time, the processing of images of cells occupies a special place. This is due to the fact that such studies allow for a comprehensive diagnosis of the state of human health, identify and prevent the development of diseases in the early stages. We investigate the effectiveness of using wavelet analysis in color models, taking into account the preliminary change in the contrast of the input image. We consider the HSV color model and the image contrast modification procedure, which is based on the histogram change in the specified range with gamma correction. As a criterion for choosing parameters for changing the contrast of the image, we consider the entropy of the image. We also showed the advisability of using the value of the entropy index for the subsequent improvement of image analysis based on the wavelet ideology. We examined the general sequence of action for the analysis of image of megaloblastic anemia cells. This sequence is based on the choice of parameters for changing the contrast of the image and application of wavelet ideology.

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy Typing an <i>Enterococcus</i>sp.

Enterococcus species are one of the leading causes of nosocomial infections, which are difficult to treat specially with the rise of its Vancomycin resistant. Studies of Enterococcus isolates are essential for epidemiological investigation. Typing Enterococci is often based on the traditional phenotypic as well as genotypic methods. In this study Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is used as a novel phenotypic approach to the typing of Enterococci. FTIR spectroscopy results compared to antibiotic susceptibility testing and PCR amplification of Vancomycin gene results;the analysis showed that, 6 isolates were positive for Van gene (4 of VanA, 1 of VanB and 1 VanA plus VanB). Three of VanA and VanA plus VanB were resistant to all antibiotic tested (Ampicillin, Teicoplamin and Vancomycin) and VanB was found to be sensitive. FTIR spectroscopy (first derivatives) divided the isolates into 8 groups. 3 groups of VanA (4 isolates), one of VanB (one isolate), one of VanA plus VanB (one isolate) and the other 13 Enterococcus isolates were divided into 3 clusters. The study demonstrated that FTIR spectroscopy has good discriminative capacity and high reproducibility as compared to other techniques.

Serum Levels of Prostate Specific Antigen Parameters among Male Patients with Lepromatous Leprosy in Edo State, Nigeria

Aim: This study is aimed at determining the total PSA (tPSA), free PSA (fPSA) concentrations and free to total PSA ratio (f/tPSA) and their utility in prostate cancer (PCa) risk stratification among male lepromatous leprosy patients in Edo state, Nigeria. Methods: Forty participants and thirty controls participated in this study. A structured questionnaire was administered to each participant to elicit details such as their personal data, age, sex, residence, medications, alcohol consumption, smoking habit, length of time of diagnosis, sexual activities, as well as the history of any other underlying diseases. Blood samples were collected from the participants. Total and free PSA concentrations in the samples were measured using ELISA method. Results: Significantly (p = 0.042) higher serum fPSA among the leprosy patients (0.22 ± 0.12 ng/ml) compared with the healthy controls (0.17 ± 0.09 ng/ml). There were no significant (p = 0.055) difference in the mean tPSA between the leprosy patients (2.69 ± 2.25 ng/ml) compared with the control (1.95 ± 0.69 ng/ml). Similarly, no significant (p = 0.548) difference was observed in PSA ratio between the control (0.08 ± 0.04) and the leprosy patients (0.09 ± 0.03). Conclusion: Our study indicated no significant differences in tPSA and f/tPSA between the leprosy patients and their healthy control. Elevated tPSA as well as f/tPSA levels that fell within the high risk zones of PCa were more prevalent among patients aged ≥ 70 years, not married, who rarely had sexual intercourse and those with longer disease duration.

HIV Infection among 50 Years and above Attending HIV Counseling and Testing (HCT) in Nnewi, Nigeria

Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) has afflicted persons of all ages leading to increase spread of the virus. This study attempts to determine the prevalence of HIV infection among 50 years of age and above over the five years of study in Nnewi, Nigeria. Methods: Males and females who were 50 years and above who underwent HCT in Nnewi between January 2008 to November 2012 were counseled and tested for HIV antibodies after giving an oral consent. Results: Of the 57,090 clients offered HCT, 4384 (7.7%) were 50 years and above while 52,706 (92.3%) were 15 - 49 years of age. The crude HIV prevalence was 8.2%. HIV infection in the 50 - 59 years of age was 2.4 times higher than that in the 60 years of age and above. A higher prevalence was observed in females (8.8%) compared with 7.8% in males in our study. No female 75 years and over was found to have HIV infection in our study (0%) while males in the same age group had a prevalence of 3.0%. The prevalence in our study was higher compared to the 2010 ANC sentinel survey (8.7%) in Anambra state. Conclusion: Our findings show that offering HCT routinely is feasible and may increase linkage to HIV care and treatment for many individuals with HIV infections. Routine HCT should be an integral component of any expansion in HIV prevention, care and treatment services in Africa and other settings where the prevalence of HIV is high. House to house HIV testing will improve uptake of testing among older population in developing countries.

The Prevalence of Dengue Virus and Malaria Co-Infection among HIV-Infected Patients within South Eastern Nigeria

Background: Dengue and malaria are infections of great public health concern, especially in tropical countries like Nigeria where the burden of HIV infection is high. This study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of dengue virus and dengue/malaria coinfection among febrile HIV-infected patients attending the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital and Nnamdi Azikiwe University teaching university both in the southeastern region of Nigeria. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, blood samples from 338 consenting HIV-infected patients were collected and tested for plasmodiasis and DENV using malaria microscopy and ELISA, respectively. Interviewer-based questionnaires were used to assess subjects’ sociodemographic variables and dengue risk factors. This study was conducted within the peak period of the dry season (January-February 2016). Results: Of the 338 screened participants, 13.02% were seropositive for DENV, whereas 55.8% were positive for Plasmodium spp. About 2.7% were positive for both dengue virus and Plasmodium spp. The overall seroprevalence of dengue virus by NS1 antigenemia, IgM and IgG antibodies was 9.5%, 5.6% and 8%. Conclusion: The high prevalence of malaria and DENV indicates the need to strengthen vector control and dengue surveillance programs.

Hot aqueous leaf extract of Lasianthera africana(Icacinaceae) attenuates rifampicin-isoniazid-induced hepatotoxicity

Objectives： The aim of this study is to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of Lasianthera africana （lcacinaceae） against isoniazid （INH） and rifampicin （RlF）-induced liver damage in rats. Methods： The hepatoprotective effects of hot aqueous L. africana （HALA） leaf extract （0.1-1 g/kg） and sily-matin （50 mg/kg） were assessed in a model of oxidative liver damage induced by RIF and INH （100 mg/kg each） in Wistar rats for 28 days. Biochemical markers of hepatic damage such as alanine aminotrans- ferase （ALT）, aspartate aminotransferase （AST） and alkaline phosphatase （ALP） were assessed. The antiox- idant statuses of plasma glutathione peroxidase （GSPx）, glutathione reductase （GSH）, catalase （CAT） and superoxide dismutase （SOD） and lipid peroxidation were evaluated. Results： The pretreatment of INH and RIF decreased hematological indices and the antioxidant levels （P〈 0.001） and increased the levels of liver marker enzymes （P〈 0.001）. However, pretreatment with HALA extract and silymarin provoked significant elevation of hematological indices. The levels of AST, ALT, and ALP were depressed （P 〈 0.001 ）. Total triglycerides, total cholesterol, total bilirubin and low-density lipoprotein were decreased （P 〈 0.001）. However, high-density lipoprotein, bicarbonate, and electrolytes like chloride and potassium were elevated （P 〈 0.001）, but sodium was depressed （P 〈 0.05）. Additionally, GSH, GSPx, SOD and CAT were elevated （P 〈 0.01） and malondialdehyde was depressed （P 〈 0.001 ） when compared to the R1F-INH-treated rats. Histopathological evaluations support hepatoprotective activity. Conclusion： This study demonstrated that HALA leaf extract attenuated RIF-INH-induced hepatotoxicity. L, africana could be exploited in management of RIF-INH-induced hepatitis.