Rapid screening for co-infection of HIV and HCV in pregnant women in Benin City,Edo State,Nigeria

Background

Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) are both major global health concerns as they cause high mortality and morbidity in the developing countries. However, while data exists for the co-infection in other countries, little or no information can be found with regard to the sero-prevalence of HIV and HCV co-infection in Nigeria, albeit in pregnant women attending antenatal care clinics in Benin City, Nigeria.

Objective

The objective of the study was to determine the sero-prevalence of HIV and HCV among pregnant women seeking antenatal care in Benin City.

Methods

In determining the sero-prevalence in a cross-sectional study, 200 pregnant women, aged between 15 and 49 years were screened for HIV and HCV using rapid screening test kits. Using closed ended structured questionnaires; the respondents volunteered socio-demographic information associated with risk factors of HIV and HCV acquisition.

Results

Results indicated sero-prevalence of HIV and HCV in the sampled population was 3% and 5% respectively. Thirty three percent of the pregnant women that were HCV positive were co-infected with HIV-1 infection. HIV sero-prevalence was highest in the age group, 25–29 representing 5.1%, while HCV sero-prevalence was noted highest among the women in the age group 30–34 years, representing 7.9%. Two percent of the pregnant women had equivocal (ambivalent) HIV-1 results.

Conclusion

The study has shown a prevalence of HIV-HCV co-infection among the tested pregnant women in Benin City and more epidemiological surveys are needed in larger scale to decipher the prevalence in other states of Nigeria.     

Elective re‐intubation to treat complete left lung collapse following Tetralogy of Fallot repair in a very young child

An 18‐month‐old boy weighing 6 kilograms developed complete collapse of left lung following total correction of Tetralogy of Fallot on the next day of extubation. He received extensive chest physiotherapy, along with lung recruitment maneuver by using bubble CPAP, which failed to show any improvement in lung expansion in 2 days. He was then electively intubated on 3rd postoperative day (POD3) for the purpose of suctioning tracheobronchial secretions and maintaining positive airway pressure to open up the left lung. Good results were obtained immediately after intubation, and he was extubated 9 h later. His lung showed complete aeration afterward. He was transferred out of ICU on POD5 and discharged home on POD10.