Mapping Trachoma in Kaduna State,Nigeria: Results of 23 Local Government Area-Level,Population-Based Prevalence Surveys

ABSTRACT

Introduction: To prepare for global elimination of trachoma by 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends mapping of trachoma at district-level to enable planning of elimination activities in affected populations. The aim of our study was to provide data on trachoma for each local government area (LGA) of Kaduna State, Nigeria, as such data were previously unavailable.

Method: As part of the Global Trachoma Mapping Project (GTMP), a population-based cross-sectional trachoma survey was conducted in each of the 23 LGAs of Kaduna State, between May and June 2013. The protocols of the GTMP were used.

Results: The prevalence of trachomatous inflammation – follicular (TF) in children aged 1–9 years was between 0.03% and 8% across the LGAs, with only one LGA (Igabi) having a TF prevalence ≥5%. The LGA-level prevalences of trichiasis in persons aged 15 years and older were between 0.00% and 0.78%. Eleven LGAs had trichiasis prevalences of 0.2% and over in adults; a threshold equivalent to 1 case per 1000 total population. The LGA-level proportion of households with access to improved water sources ranged from 9% to 96%, while household access to latrines ranged from 5% to 99%.

Conclusion: Kaduna State has generally hypoendemic trachoma, but a few trichiasis surgeries are still required to attain the WHO elimination targets. Better access to improved water and sanitation is needed.     

Nigerian medical students are at risk for hepatitis B infection

Medical students are exposed to blood and body fluids. This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection amongst medical students of the Lagos State University College of Medicine, Ikeja, Nigeria. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire and through blood analysis for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B 'e' antigen (HBeAg) as well as antibodies to the core (anti-HBc), surface (anti-HBs) and 'e' (anti-HBe) antigens. Three hundred and thirteen of 325 students (96%) participated. The mean age was 24.3+/-3.98 years; 231 (74%) were pre-clinical students and 82 (26%) were in the clinical years of study. Only 8 (2.6%) had received three doses of vaccination against HBV. Eighty-one (26%) tested positive for anti-HBc, 10 (3.2%) were positive for HBsAg and 56 (17.9%) had anti-HBs antibodies. A significant relationship was found between students who had a positive history of hepatitis B in the family and anti-HBc (P=0.03). Age was also significantly associated with HBsAg (P=0.012). Two hundred and twenty-five (72%) students were susceptible to the infection and required vaccination. Most students at this medical school are susceptible to HBV infection and should be vaccinated.     

Fungal skin infections among prison inmates in Abakaliki, Nigeria

Of 402 prison inmates screened for fungal skin lesions, 79 (19.7%) showed skin lesions, which proved mycologically positive by microscopy and culture. Dermatophytes were responsible for skin lesions in 61 (77.2%) of the inmates, while non-dermatophytes accounted for 18 (22.8%) of the lesions. The dermatophytes recovered were mostly anthropophilic and included Trichophyton rubrum 33 (41.8%); T. mentagrophytes var. interdigitale 3 (3.8%); T. tonsurans 3 (3.8%); T. violaceum 2 (2.5%); Epidermophyton floccosum 10 (12.7%). A zoophilic dermatophyte, Microsporum canis, was recovered from 10 (12.7%) cases. The non-dermatophytes were Candida albicans 15 (19%) and Candida spp. 3 (3.8%). Trichophyton rubrum was the most frequently recovered dermatophyte (41.8%) and caused infections in a variety of sites. The groin was the most common site of infection being infected in 50% of the cases by both the dermatophytes and non-dermatophytes. Younger inmates (17-24 years) recorded the highest prevalence of infection (45.6%). Newer inmates (>2 years) were found to be more infected than older ones.