Correlates of Food Contamination by Heavy Metals in Northwest Nigeria.

Background: The increasing cases of chronic kidney disease is a global public health concern. The potential link between consumption of food contaminated with heavy metals and development of end stage renal disease is becoming an emerging challenge. This study aimed to identify heavy metal contaminants in food and environmental risk factors for development of chronic kidney disease in Nigeria.

Magnitude of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in Saudi Arabia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), due to its potential for causing morbidity and disability from foot ulcers and amputations, is increasingly becoming a source of concern in Saudi Arabia and worldwide. However, wide variability exists in the prevalence of DPN reported in previous studies in Saudi Arabia, limiting the utility of existing data in national public health policy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the magnitude of DPN in patients living with DM in Saudi Arabia in order to inform policymakers during the implementation of appropriate preventive and treatment strategies for DPN.

Prevention of Mother-to-child HIV Transmission in Nigeria: Six Years' Experience from a Tertiary Institution.

Background: In line with global standards and progress made in Prevention of Motherto- Child Transmission (PMTCT), an assessment of the outcome of Early Infant Diagnosis in northern Nigeria is necessary to evaluate progress towards zero Human immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection among children.

Objectives: This study assessed the infection rate and risk factors for mother-to-child HIV transmission among HIV-exposed children in Kano, northwest Nigeria.

Methods: Using a retrospective cohort design, pregnant HIV-positive women and their exposed infants were recruited over a period of six years (2010 to 2016).

HIV-associated nephropathy: Protocol and rationale for an exploratory genotype-phenotype study in a sub-Saharan African population.

Background: HIV-positive persons of African descent are disproportionately affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD). Deterioration to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) also occurs in this population at a higher frequency. There remains a lot to learn about the genetic susceptibility to CKD in HIV positive patients, and the pathophysiology of progression to ESKD.

Occupational Exposure to Blood and Body Fluids and Knowledge of HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis among Medical and Allied Health Students in Northern Nigeria.

Background: Clinical students are at increased risk of exposure to blood-borne pathogens. However, little has been documented about their exposure to blood and body fluids and their knowledge of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in high-HIV burden settings, such as Nigeria.

Objective: To determine the prevalence and predictors of BBF exposure and knowledge about PEP among medical and allied health students in northern Nigeria.

Community Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses (C-IMCI) and Key Household Practices in Kano, Northwest Nigeria.

Introduction: Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses (IMCI) is a holistic approach to reducing under-five morbidity and mortality and improving growth and development of children. This study compared key household and community practices in IMCI implementing and non-implementing communities in two local government areas (LGAs) of Kano State, Nigeria.

Methodology: A cross sectional study was employed with multistage cluster sampling selection of caregivers of children 0-59 months of age and their index children (=400).

Rapid detection and quantitation of hepatitis B virus DNA by real-time PCR using a new fluorescent (FRET) detection system.

Background: The diagnosis of hepatitis B virus (HBV) has until recently been based on traditional serologic methods targeting viral antigens and antibodies to viral proteins. The development of molecular methods allowing for the quantitation of HBV DNA is proving clinically valuable for monitoring therapy and detecting early treatment failures.

Objectives: Here we report a new real-time (LightCycler) quantitative PCR for the detection of HBV DNA based on sequence specific hybridisation probes (designed in-house), targeting the HBV surface antigen.