African health sciences
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African health sciences · Jun 2019
ReviewDengue fever - an update review and implications for Nigeria, and similar countries.
In the last five decades, dengue has emerged as one of the most important infectious diseases, following a 30-fold increase in global incidence throughout tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. The actual numbers of dengue cases are under-reported and many cases are misclassified. ⋯ This article provides practical suggestions for strengthening the dengue virus control programme in Nigeria. The Nigerian health system shares similarities with health systems in many other sub-Saharan countries. Therefore, the practical suggestions provided at the end of this review are likely to be applicable to many other African countries.
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African health sciences · Jun 2019
Meta AnalysisModifiable and non-modifiable risk factors in ischemic stroke: a meta-analysis.
Stroke is a heterogeneous, multifactorial disease regulated by modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors like total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipid-cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipid-cholesterol (LDL-C) and glucose and non-modifiable factors like age. Evaluation of these risk factors for ischemic stroke may contribute to more effective prevention. ⋯ Meta-analysis revealed that levels of triglyceride and glucose are the predisposing factors for ischemic stroke in the Asian population.
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Neurological disorders in HIV infection are a common cause of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this paper is to provide a narrative overview of up to date information concerning neurological disorders affecting HIV infected persons in Africa. ⋯ Neurological disorders are common in HIV in Africa and the main CNS opportunistic infections result in high mortality rates. Strategies aimed at reducing their high burden, morbidity and mortality include early HIV diagnosis and anti-retroviral therapy (ART), screening and chemoprophylaxis of main opportunistic infections, improved clinical diagnosis and management and programme strengthening.
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African health sciences · Jun 2019
Seroprevalence of HBV among people living with HIV in Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria.
Co-infection of HBV with HIV is associated with significant morbidity and mortality globally. In spite of increasing reports of HIV/HBV co-morbidities in Nigeria, little or no data exists on this subject in Anyigba. Therefore, we determined the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigenemia among HIV positive patients on anti-retroviral treatment programme in Anyigba, Kogi State, North-Central Nigeria. ⋯ Our findings underscore the importance of routine screening for HBV in the HIV infected populations especially in developing countries where the infection is endemic. We advocate for public enlightenment programmes on routes of virus acquisitions with a view to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated HIV/HBV co-infection.
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African health sciences · Jun 2019
Seroprevalence and determinants of Helicobacter pylori infection among asymptomatic under-five children at a Tertiary Hospital in the South-Western region of Nigeria.
The epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection among under-five children in the South West Nigeria remains largely understudied. There is no data on the subject from the study area. ⋯ The seroprevalence of H. pylori infection in under -five children is high, increasing as the age of the children increased. This may suggest that instituting preventive measures at young age, targeting identified factors may be effective in reducing the burden of H. pylori infection.