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There is a general recognition of homosexuality being responsible for the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS among inmates in Nigerian prisons. However, the use of condoms which is an evidenced-based preventive measure is critical in the prison setting because of socio-cultural reasons. Due to the dynamic nature of the prison population, interventions targeting the prisons will have a significant effect on the general population. This study assessed condom acceptability for the prevention of HIV infection among male inmates in a convict prison in north-western, Nigeria in order to provide supplementary information that will corroborate some findings from quantitative methods. A qualitative study was conducted in Zaria prison between 18th December, 2012 and 8th January, 2013. Purposive sampling identified 48 inmates who had Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) and In-depth Interviews (IDIs). Common trends and variations in the responses were identified and reflected as appropriate and presented as narratives with relevant quotations. Majority of the respondents agreed that homosexuality exists among the inmates, but all the inmates scowled at the distribution of condoms to inmates in prison. Majority were of the opinion that condom distribution will promote homosexuality which is prohibited by Nigerian laws and controlling HIV transmissions in Nigeria prisons can be effectively done through behavioral modifications that are geared towards total abstinence.

Objectives: Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection, both in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection and hepatitis B virus (HBV)-mono-infection, is associated with a risk of progression to chronic liver disease. In Nigeria, there is a paucity of data on transient elastography (TE) in HIV/HBV and HBVmono-infected patients. This study aimed at assessing liver fibrosis using TE in relation to liver function biomarkers and HBV deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) among HIV/HBV and HBV-mono-infected patients on long-term antiviral therapy. Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study among HBV-HIV and HBV-mono-infected adult's patients receiving a tenofovir-containing antiretroviral and mono-tenofovir =12 months at three selected tertiary hospitals in Jos Metropolis from February 2018 to May 2019, after obtaining ethical approval from the Institutional Review Boards and informed consents. The patients' HBV DNA, platelet count, hematological, and biochemical parameters were assessed, and liver stiffness was measured by TE in kilopascals (kPa), and valid TE measurements were interpreted as: normal (F0-1 0-4), minimal fibrosis (F2 5-7.4), moderate (F3 7.5.9.4), and severe fibrosis and cirrhosis (F4 =9.5). Results: A total of 101 (50 HIV/HBV and 51 HBV-mono-infected) were enrolled during the study period, comprising 42.6% males and 57.4% females. The median age interquartile range among HIV/HBV coinfected was 40.5 years (36.0-45.3) and HBV-mono-infected was 41.0 years (35.0-49.0). The median platelet count was low in the HBV-mono-infected group 195 × 109/L (168-257), P = 0.034. The overall prevalence of severe liver fibrosis (=9.5 kPa) was 13/101 (13.0%), and among HIV/HBV-coinfected and HBV-mono-infected patients, the prevalence was 4/50 (8.0%) and 9/51 (17.6%), respectively. The plasma HBV DNA was <20 copies/mL in 38/50 (76.0%) HIV/HBV coinfected individuals and in 30/51 (58.8%) of HBV-mono-infected patients. In addition, 10/50 (20.0%) HIV/HBV coinfected and 19/50 (37.3%) HBV-mono-infected patients had plasma HBV DNA levels of 20-20,000 copies/mL. In the case of HIV/HBV coinfection, the prevalence of severe fibrosis (=9.5) was 4/50 (8.0%), while in HBV-mono-infected patients, the prevalence was was 9/51 (17.6%). The overall prevalence of thrombocytopenia was observed in 4/101 cases (3.9%): 1/50 (2.0%) in HIV/HBV coinfected individuals and 3/51 (5.9%) in HBV-mono-infected patients. Conclusion: Severe liver fibrosis as observed among HIV/HBV-coinfected and HBV-mono-infected patients in this study affirmed the necessity of routine HBV screening in clinics and it highlights the immense potentials of tenofovir therapy in the treatment of CHB patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of human papilloma virus (HPV) is a necessary measure in curtailing delayed diagnosis and poor control practices. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices vis-à-vis HPV infection, cervical cancer and vaccination among women. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at 15 selected health-care facilities in Otukpo metropolis and it involved 168 pregnant women. The data were collected using structured questionnaire, and analysed for descriptive and analytical statistics using Epi Data Version 3.1 and SPSS statistical package Version 21. RESULTS: Most of the respondents (75.0%) have heard of human papilloma virus and their information source were mostly the health-care providers. In total, 132(78.6%) agreed to take the vaccine if offered for free but 152(90.5%) stated that it is imperative to seek the opinion of health providers before vaccine uptake. However, only 27(16.1%) have undergone recommended checkup for human papilloma virus/cervical cancer and 23(13.7%) have taken at least a vaccine dose. Some respondents 66(39.3%) had good knowledge while 95(56.6%) demonstrated positive attitude. However, most respondents 161(95.8%) demonstrated poor practices. CONCLUSIONS: There is enormous need to improve HPV sensitization especially in women due to cervical cancer associated risks. Healthcare personnel are therefore encouraged to create more awareness on HPV infection and screening of cervical cancer (CC) via counseling sessions and communications tool like the new media. KAP approach is a critical tool towards successful CC screening and HPV control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) has increased greatly and continues to be impacted by co-infection with HIV/AIDS. Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of TB and rifampicin-resistant M. tuberculosis among inmates. Methods: A total of 90 male and female inmates of age 18 years and above from the Nigerian Correctional Services Centre attending Faith Alive Foundation Hospital Jos, Nigeria were randomly recruited for the study. Sputum samples were collected in a large mouth transparent close cap container. Samples were analyzed using the Zheil-Neelsen staining technique and then confirmed using the Gene-Xpert technology. Data obtained were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 21 software. Results: The overall prevalence of rifampicinresistant M. tuberculosis was 0(0.0%) while that of M. tuberculosis was 11(12.2%), with a male and female prevalence of 8(11.4%) and 3(3.3%) respectively. The prevalence of M. tuberculosis was highest amongst participants between ages 51-60 years, 3(75%), who have tertiary education, 3(27.3%), with a positive HIV status, 6(30%), and who were non-smokers, 8(17.4%). There was a statistically significant relationship between the presence of M. tuberculosis and participants' age group (p = 0.016), and HIV status (p = 0.023). Conclusion: Although there was no positive case of RIF/MTB, the findings indicate the presence of TB therefore, there is a need for continued advocacy on proper treatment and management of TB among inmates to forestall the emergence of rifampicin-resistant TB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae is among the most frequent opportunistic pathogens causing wide range of infections and the emergence and spread of carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae are problems currently threatening global health. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and to detect carbapenem resistance genes in Jos, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 19 clinical specimens were collected from Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and National Veterinary Research Institute Vom, Jos, Nigeria. Klebsiella pneumoniae was identified by cultural and biochemical methods. Antibiotic susceptibility test was performed using modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique. Carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were tested for carbapenemase production and blaKPC, blaVIM, and blaNDM genes using Modified Hodges Test and multiplex PCR respectively. Results: Of the 19 clinical specimens examined, 8(42.10%) were positive for Klebsiella pneumonia and most of the isolates were recovered from urine 5(62.50%), followed by sputum 2(25.00%) and isolates from wounds swab recorded the lowest occurrence, 1(12.50%). Antibiotic susceptibility test showed that isolates were highly resistant to gentamicin (62.50%), ceftriaxone (50.00%), amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (62.50%), ciprofloxacin (37.50%), cefepime (62.50%), clarithromycin (50.00%) and meropenem 3(37.50%). Polymerase chain reaction screening for blaKPC, blaVIM, and blaNDM genes which code for carbapenemases among the 3 meropenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were not detected. Conclusion: The expression of high phenotypic antibiotic resistance recorded in this study could be suggestive of other resistance genes which this study was limited for. Therefore, monitoring of carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae with the aim of screening other antibiotic resistance genes is strongly recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary infections (Pls) cause mortality in elderly patients that have comorbidities. These infections are life-threatening in the younger population, especially in infants and children. Co-infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Streptococcus pneumoniae occurring concurrently may lead to undiagnosed Streptococcus pneumoniae leading to inadequate treatment. Aim: The study investigates the co-infection and antimicrobial resistance profile of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Streptococcus pneumoniae in Makurdi, Nigeria. Materials and methods: A total of 273 sputum samples were collected from patients with pulmonary infection attending chest clinics in tertiary health institutions in Makurdi and analysed. Genexpert was used for Mycobacterium tuberculosis while Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates were identified using Gram-staining reaction, optochin and bile solubility tests. The susceptibility test for Streptococcus pneumoniae was performed using Kirby-Bauer method. Results: Out of the 273 sputum samples, the percentage occurrence of mono-infections with Mycobacterium tuberculosis was 14(5.13%) while that with rifampicin resistance was 1(0.37%). The occurrence of mono-infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae was 11(4.03%). The resistance profile showed trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole (septrin) with the highest resistance 6(54.55%) and vancomycin 5(45.45%) while amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and ceftriaxone had zero resistance (0.0%). There was the occurrence of co-infections in 3(1.10%) out of the 273 patients sampled. There was no significant association (p > 0.05) between Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, their co-infections and the variables analyzed. Conclusion: The occurrence rate of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Mycobacterium tuberculosis co-infections is low among suspected pulmonary infection cases with an occurrence rate of 1.10%. Early detection and proper management of co-infections are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intestinal helminth infections in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals have been widely reported to play an important role in HIV progression. Aim: The study provides data on the prevalence of intestinal helminths among HIV-positive individuals. Methods: A total of 169 consenting HIV-positive individuals were recruited for the study. Stool specimens from the HIV-positive individuals were analyzed for the presence of intestinal helminths using wet mount and formalin-ether concentration methods. Results: The overall prevalence of infection was 21.9% with 5 types of parasites detected. The Intestinal helminth that occurred with the highest prevalence was Ascaris lumbricoides (37.8%), followed by Hookworm (16.2%), Taenia spp. (16.2%) and Strongyloides stercoralis (13.5%) with Trichuris trichiura (8.1%) being the least prevalent. However, there was more single (91.9%) than mixed infections (8.1 %). Concerning socio-demographic factors, there was no significant association (p > 0.05) between intestinal helminths and gender (X2 (1, N = 169) = 1.239, p = 0.266), although, the parasites were found to be more prevalent among males than females. Infection was reported in 16.1% of those on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and 53.8% of those that were HAART-naïve indicating that there was a significant association (X2 (1, N = 169) = 18.346, p = 0.001**) between intestinal helminth and HAART status. Conclusions: This study reported a low burden of intestinal helminths among HIV-infected individuals on HAART while a higher burden was recorded in the HAART naïve patients. Regular check-up for intestinal parasites, good personal hygiene, and effective therapy for HIV/AIDS positive persons is hereby advocated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prostate cancer is one of deadliest cancers in the universe especially in Africa. A lot of work has been done on the treatment and control of breast cancer, colon/colorectal cancer, skin cancer, etc. Only a few works on prostate cancer has been published in literature. The conventional method of treatment used is almost not affordable by many cancer patients due to high cost of drugs and therapy. Also, the cumulative side effects arising from the treatment is enormous to patients. Hence, there is need to exploit local herbs that contain active anticancer ingredients that are readily available and affordable with little or no side effects. The present review was carried out to evaluate published works on medicinal plant species used for treatment and control of prostate cancer in Africa for twenty years (2001-2021). A total number of 48 plant species with 40 families were retrieved from database using ScienceDirect, Google scholar, Web of Science, Springerlink, Scopus, PubMed, and BioMed. All the plant species were reported to possess cytotoxic activity against prostate cancer cell lines in vitro and in vivo. The most cited plant species according to literature sources are Hypoxis hemerocallidea, Plumbago zeylanica, Gongronema latifolium and Mangifera indica. Plant families that were used more in treating prostate cancer were Apocynaceae, Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Cucurbitaceae, Bignoniaceae, Lamiaceae. We conclude that more research be carried out on the medicinal plants' usage on the treatment of prostate cancer and further bio-prospecting drugs from the enlisted plants should explored by the pharmaceuticals in Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies in Nigeria have reported the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype E and the availability of immune escape mutants. There is a paucity of data on chronic patients on long-term antiviral therapy for HBV infection. Objective: This study assessed HBV genotypes and drug resistance variants among patients with chronic HBV infection receiving tenofovir in Jos, Nigeria. Methods: This cross-sectional study consecutively enrolled 101 patients (51 with HIV/HBV co-infection and 50 with HBV infection only) on antiviral therapy from February 2018 to May 2019 at four hospitals in Jos, Nigeria. DNA quantification of HBV was performed on all samples; 30 samples with detectable viral load were selected for genotyping using Sanger sequencing by targeting the full-length sequences of reverse transcriptase gene of the HBV genome. Phylogenetic analysis was performed with reference sequences from GenBank. Escape mutant and drug resistance analysis were performed using HBV drug resistance interpretation and Geno2pheno. Results: Only 30 (29.7%) of the 101 study participants had detectable HBV DNA. Of these, six (20.0%) isolates were successfully amplified and sequenced. The identified genotype was E, including escape mutations L127R (16.7%) and G145A (16.7%). Conclusion: This study revealed exclusive dominance of genotype E in Nigeria. The S gene mutations G145A and L271R are known to be associated with modified antigenicity and impaired serologic assays, which may cause false negatives in the detection of anti-HBV surface antigen. The presence of mutants that are associated with vaccine immune escape may also have diagnostic and vaccine immune response implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]