International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health

Metabolic Shifts Induced by Helminth Infections and Their Contribution to Stunting in Vulnerable Populations

2024-10-05T07:42:12+00:00

Aims: to revisit the condition of chronic metabolic shifting caused by immunomodulatory sequence facilitated by helminth infection together with other deteriorating condition such as persistent exposure to infection which contributes to stunting formation.

Discussion: During dynamic interaction between active helminth infection and the host, the helminth and its excretory/secretory products induce and arouse the type 2 immune response which drives host tolerance and plays an important role in promoting tissue repair. Helminths also activates M2 Macrophages and induce a metabolic shift, even metabolic reprogramming towards reliance on oxidative phosphorylation, lipid oxidation and amino acid metabolism. Helminth-induced activation and metabolic reprogramming of macrophages precede the improvement in overall whole-body metabolism, denoted by improved insulin sensitivity, body mass in response to high-fat diet and atherogenic index in mammals. Contributions of altered nutrient uptake, adipose tissue function and/or the intestinal microbiota with the ability of helminths to alter metabolic status play a pivotal role in increased metabolism rate and may lead to wasting and even stunting formation.

Conclusion: Helminth drives the type 2 immunity and activates its cell line which is responsible for metabolic shifting and reprogramming.

Assessment of the Challenges towards COVID-19 Testing among Final Year Medical Students in Enugu State, Nigeria

2024-09-14T11:50:42+00:00

Background: Health infrastructure manned by trained personnel is very limited in sub-Saharan African countries, Nigeria inclusive due to various factors. Testing for SARS-COV-2 met with this limitation hence causing a sub-optimal level of testing for the infection. Efforts to procure reliable testing kits have been limited by various factors with medical students also being among those affected.

Objective: This study was aimed at assessing the knowledge level and challenges of the final year medical students towards COVID-19 testing in Enugu, a state in the Southeastern part of Nigeria.

Methods: A descriptive and inferential cross-sectional study of 137 medical students in Enugu state, Nigeria, was done. Ethical approval was obtained from the Health, Research and Ethical committee of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, UNTH, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu state, Nigeria. Data was collected using validated self-administered virtual questionnaires and a descriptive and inferential analysis were done using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS).

Results: A total of one hundred and thirty-seven (137) responses were received; 86.8% who had symptoms suggestive of Covid-19 never got tested. As regards to reasons for not being tested, 36.9% affirmed to perceived discomfort of the testing method; 36 % said delay at testing centers; 33.5% inadequate testing centers; 31.4% lack of knowledge of available testing centers; 31.4% unavailability of PCR testing kits; 10% percent indicated fear of result as their reason for not been tested, 8.3% indicated some levels of religious basis for not being tested. In terms of knowledge, 61.8% were aware of PCR as a testing method, and 33.6% aware of the serology tests. Females were more likely not to get tested for COVID-19 when symptomatic. Unlike the males, most of the females also did not agree that there are sufficient numbers of COVID-19 testing centres in Enugu state; although analysis of both result was not statistically significant. (p-value- 0.49; p-value- 0.18 respectively).

Conclusion: COVID-19 diagnostic testing among medical students in Enugu state, Nigeria is sub-optimal and may result in an under-reporting of infections in Enugu state, Nigeria. Hence, the need for mass diagnostic testing and re-orientation cannot be overemphasized at both state and national level.

Recommendation: We recommend the provision of more affordable and reliable testing options by the Government. Increased sensitization on the availability of COVID-19 testing centers to medical students in Enugu state and the public in general would also be needed.

Determinants of Infertile of Infertile Women Requesting Assisted Reproduction Techniques in a Low Resource Setting in Western Nigeria

2024-09-17T12:33:55+00:00

Background: Infertility is an important gynaecological condition with psycho-social, cultural, economic, religious, demographic, and clinical consequences. Although the prevalence of couples having problems with conception has remained relatively stable worldwide, there has been an increase in the proportion of couples seeking fertility services. This substantial increase might reflect the improvement in the advancements in fertility care, improved success rates, increased availability of specialists and or involvement of insurance firms in infertility treatment. Paradoxically, countries in Africa with high infertility burden still lags in fertility care. This study was therefore aims to investigate the types and causes of infertility in patients attending fertility care in an assisted conception Centre in a public tertiary hospital in southwest Nigeria.

Methods: This was a retrospective study of patient records who attended Assisted fertility centre (AFC) of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), from January 1st, 2015, to December 31st, 2023. Categorical variables were analysed using percentages while continuous variables were analysed using mean and standard deviation and the association between categorical variables was analysed using chi-square test. The statistical significance level was set at p-value < 0.05.

Results: The mean age and mean duration of infertility of the participants in the study was 40.89±6.8, and 8.14±3.5 respectively. About 72.9% had more than secondary education while almost two thirds of the participants had secondary infertility, 36.1% had previous pelvic surgeries, 11.4% had chronic pelvic pain and menstrual abnormality. Secondary infertility was more prevalent in women who has chronic pelvic pain, or those who has had previous pelvic surgery, previous infertility or previous abortion.

Conclusion: In conclusion our analysis suggests that Secondary infertility is the commonest cause of inability to conceive in our facility. It also revealed that most of our women present late for fertility care at an advanced maternal age.

Vaccination Hesitancy and Zero-Dose Children in Borno State, Nigeria: Comparative Analysis of Urban Priority and Non-priority LGAs and their Implications for Immunization Coverage

2024-09-27T08:24:56+00:00

Background: This study delves into the multifaceted landscape of childhood immunization within urban settings, focusing on vaccine refusal, non-compliance (including partial compliance or defaulter households), and their impacts on immunization coverage. The research, conducted as a case study in communities situated in both Zero-Dose priority LGAs (Local Government Areas) of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) and Jere and non-priority LGAs of Konduga and Mafa in Borno State, aims to comprehensively understand the perspectives shaping immunization decisions.

Methods: The method involves an extensive quantitative analysis of socio-demographic factors, electronic media ownership, and parental characteristics. Data were collected through household surveys collected from 173 participants, analyzing vaccination records, and assessing immunization coverage rates for period of twelve months. Statistical methods, including chi-square tests, are utilized to explore relationships between settlement types, parental levels of education, and vaccine-related behaviors.

Results: Results indicate significant associations between vaccine refusal, non-compliance, and specific socio-demographic factors. Parental education levels and the gender of the household head emerge as pivotal determinants impacting immunization status and vaccination card retention. Electronic media ownership, particularly radios and handsets, is identified as potential channels for targeted health communication strategies.

Conclusion: The findings underscore the need for tailored, context-specific interventions to enhance immunization coverage, awareness, and acceptance in urban settings. By addressing educational disparities, gender dynamics, and settlement-specific challenges, the study aims to contribute to the development of effective strategies in achieving comprehensive immunization coverage and mitigating the risks associated with vaccine refusal and non-compliance. Ultimately, this research provides valuable insights into the dynamics of childhood immunization, informing public health policies and interventions in the specified LGAs of Borno State.