Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Intestinal Parasitosis in HIV/AIDS Patients on HAART in the Ndop Health District, North West Region, Cameroon
Sangwe Bertrand Ngwa,
Asongalem Emmanuel Acha,
Ngwa Fabrice Ambe,
Tanyi Pride Bobga,
Jude Tsafack Zefack,
Neba Lawrence,
Ngengang Venslas Mohmoh,
Nsagha Dickson Shey
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 1, March 2022
Pages:
1-10
Received:
20 May 2021
Accepted:
7 June 2021
Published:
25 January 2022
Abstract: Background: Intestinal parasites induce an immunological alteration that favors progression from HIV to AIDS. These enteric parasitic agents vary from patient to patient and from country to country depending on endemicity, seasonal variation of pathogens, and also the immune status of the patient. Therefore, studies are required to evaluate the spectrum of these parasites in specific locations to better plan their control. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with intestinal parasitosis in HIV/AIDS patients on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART). Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out from the month of March to July 2018 on HIV patients on HAART in the Ndop Health District, Cameroon. Three centers were selected for this study using a two-stage stratified sampling technique. Stool and blood were collected from 347 participants. Stool was examined for intestinal parasites using direct microscopy, fomol-ether concentration technique, and modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique. Blood collected was analyzed using a Pima Alere CD4+ T cell counter. A structured questionnaire was administered to collect socio-demographic and clinical data. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 20 and p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Three hundred and forty-seven (347) consented individuals were recruited into the study. The ages of study participants ranged between 22-78 years. The mean (±SD) age of the study participants was 42 (±10) years. Among the 347 participants, 67 (19.3% (CI = 15.3%-23.9%)) were infected with at least one intestinal parasite. Forty-two (12.1% (CI =8.9%-15.9%)) of study participants were infected with protozoan while 28 (8.1% (CI= 5.2%-11.0%)) were infected with helminths. Intestinal parasites identified included; Ascaris lumbricoides, Hookworm, Taenia spp, Schistosoma mansoni, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, Cryptosproridum spp, Blastocystis hominis, Cyclospra spp, Isospora belli, Gardia intestinalis, and Entamoeba coli. Low CD4+ T lymphocyte cell counts were significantly associated (P< 0.01) with intestinal parasitic infection in HIV/AIDS patients on HAART. Conclusion: Intestinal parasites are a problem to HIV/AID patient on HAART. Screening for intestinal parasites in HIV/AIDS patients on HAART must be highlighted and awareness created among HIV/AIDS patients.
Abstract: Background: Intestinal parasites induce an immunological alteration that favors progression from HIV to AIDS. These enteric parasitic agents vary from patient to patient and from country to country depending on endemicity, seasonal variation of pathogens, and also the immune status of the patient. Therefore, studies are required to evaluate the spe...
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Optimization of Amylase Production from Lactobacillus plantarum CS by Submerged Fermentation Using Agro Wastes Substrates
George-Okafor Uzoamaka Ogechi,
Nwachukwu Ujunwa Felicia,
Ezeme-Nwafor Amara
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 1, March 2022
Pages:
11-18
Received:
5 January 2022
Accepted:
24 January 2022
Published:
9 February 2022
Abstract: Amylases are known to be of great importance worldwide. Most of their production using refined carbon and nitrogen substrates are expensive, resulting in the production of expensive goods which are not easily affordable by end users in our country Nigeria. This necessitates the call for the use of cost-effective substrates under optimized condition for maximum amylase yield. Hence, the present study was focused on the optimization of amylase production from Lactobacillus plantarum CS using agro wastes from local substrates. The parameters assayed were carbon and nitrogen substrates from agro wastes, fermentation period (24-168h), pH (3.5-11) and temperature (30°C-70°C). Others included solvents for preparation of fermentation medium and metal ions of Mg2+, Mn2+, K+, Na+, Hg2+, Fe2+, Cu2+ and Pb2+ as supplements. The amylase produced via shake-flask fermentation was assayed using Dinitro salicylic acid method. The result revealed 3% sweet potato and 1% bambara nut wastes as the best carbon and nitrogen components of the required fermentation medium of pH 6.5. The optimal amylase produced (38.6U/ml) was achieved within 48h at 35°C with 1% inoculum and Mn2+/ Mg2+ as a co-factor. Relatively, Cu2+, Pb2+ and Hg2+ reduced the amylase yield to < 68.13% as against Mn2+ and Mg2+ which enhanced the production to 121.66% and 101.09% respectively. Natural rain water used as solvent for the preparation of fermentation medium significantly enhanced amylase production (24.65 U/ml) in relation to other test waters at P>0.05. Comparatively, there was a significant increase in amylase produced under optimized condition than not. Conclusively, the obtained results which revealed high amylase yield with available and cost effective agro-wastes is promising for industrial application in Nigeria.
Abstract: Amylases are known to be of great importance worldwide. Most of their production using refined carbon and nitrogen substrates are expensive, resulting in the production of expensive goods which are not easily affordable by end users in our country Nigeria. This necessitates the call for the use of cost-effective substrates under optimized condition...
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