Publications by authors named "Mabel Aworh"

Objective: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a global threat driven by factors such as improper antimicrobial use in humans and animals, is projected to cause 10 million annual deaths by 2050. For behavior change, public health messages must be tailored for diverse audiences. Generative AI may have the potential to create culturally and linguistically suited AMR awareness messages.

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Article Synopsis
  • HBV poses a significant health risk in Nigeria, with over 8% prevalence and a need for greater awareness and vaccination efforts.
  • A study conducted in Abuja assessed HBV prevalence among 3,245 individuals, finding that 4.3% tested positive, with the highest rates in males aged 20-39.
  • Although initial vaccination rates were high, there was a notable drop-off for subsequent doses, highlighting gaps in long-term vaccine adherence.
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Surveillance is essential in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), to monitor the extent of resistance, inform prevention, control measures, and evaluate intervention progress. Traditional surveillance methods based on phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility data offer important but limited insights into resistance mechanisms, transmission networks, and spread patterns of resistant bacterial strains. Fortunately, genomic technologies are increasingly accessible and can overcome these limitations.

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Objective: To determine the ability of bacteria commonly isolated from equine limb wounds to survive in saltwater obtained from an equine hydrotherapy unit at different salinity concentrations and temperatures.

Methods: Saltwater samples were obtained over a 2-week period (January 22, 2024 to February 2, 2024) from an equine hydrotherapy unit used for clinical patients, kept at either full salinity per manufacturer recommendations or diluted to half salinity to mimic the dilution that likely occurs in the clinical setting between cases when holding tanks are replenished with tap water only. Samples were then autoclaved to eliminate preexisting bacterial contamination before individual inoculation with Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus zooepidemicus.

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Introduction: Salmonella is considered one of the most significant pathogens in public health since it is a bacterium that is frequently linked to food-borne illnesses in humans. Some Salmonella serovars are responsible for outbreaks that are connected to the consumption of animal products. Cattle are connected to humans through a shared environment and the food chain as a significant source of animal protein.

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Background: Escherichia coli is commonly used as an indicator for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in food, animal, environment, and human surveillance systems. Our study aimed to characterize AMR in E. coli isolated from retail meat purchased from grocery stores in North Carolina, USA as part of the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS).

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Background: The Global Typhoid Genomics Consortium was established to bring together the typhoid research community to aggregate and analyse serovar Typhi (Typhi) genomic data to inform public health action. This analysis, which marks 22 years since the publication of the first Typhi genome, represents the largest Typhi genome sequence collection to date (n=13,000).

Methods: This is a meta-analysis of global genotype and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) determinants extracted from previously sequenced genome data and analysed using consistent methods implemented in open analysis platforms GenoTyphi and Pathogenwatch.

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Background: In Nigeria, there have been reports of widespread multiple antimicrobial resistance (AMR) amongst Salmonella isolated from poultry. To mitigate the impact of mortality associated with Salmonella on their farms, farmers resort to the use of antimicrobials without sound diagnostic advice. We conducted this study to describe the AMR patterns, mechanisms and genetic similarities within some Salmonella serovars isolated from different layer farms.

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Background: Cholera, a diarrheal disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, transmitted through fecal contamination of water or food remains an ever-present risk in many countries, especially where water supply, sanitation, food safety, and hygiene are inadequate. A cholera outbreak was reported in Bauchi State, North-eastern Nigeria. We investigated the outbreak to determine the extent and assess risk factors associated with the outbreak.

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Background: Commensal Escherichia coli residing in the guts of humans and animals are reservoirs of multidrug resistance (MDR) genes, including quinolone resistance genes, in humans and poultry. This study aimed to characterize quinolones resistance in E. coli recovered from poultry workers, chickens, and poultry farm/market environments in Abuja, Nigeria.

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Infections caused by multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli cause significant morbidity and mortality especially in developing countries. In this study, we describe the molecular characteristics of E. coli isolated from clinical specimens and the patients' outcomes.

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Arboviruses are important public health threats in many regions of the world. Nigeria has experienced outbreaks of arboviruses over the past decades, leading to concerns of widespread endemicity, which are frequently misdiagnosed. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of dengue virus (DENV) (a flavivirus) and chikungunya virus (CHIKV) (an alphavirus) infections in three major population centers of Nigeria.

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Introduction: Beef cattle, one of the food-producing animals, are linked to humans through a shared environment and the food chain as a major source of animal protein. Antimicrobial drugs are readily accessible for use in food animal production in Nigeria. Beef cattle and abattoir environments harbor pathogenic bacteria such as () which have developed resistance to antimicrobial agents used for prophylaxis or treatment.

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Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has recently gained worldwide recognition, as the emergence of multi-drug resistant organisms has led to increased mortality and economic burden. This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices of veterinarians towards rational antimicrobial prescribing and identify factors influencing use.

Methods: We interviewed veterinary doctors in Abuja, Nigeria using a 50-point questionnaire distributed via WhatsApp mobile application.

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Background: Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus (HIV) remains one of the world's significant public health challenges. Viral suppression is the key indicator for treatment success in People living with HIV (PLHIV). We determined the level of viral suppression, and its associated factors among PLHIV attending Federal Medical Centre Katsina (FMC Katsina), Nigeria.

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The increasing occurrence of antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli in human and animal population has become a global public health problem that requires immediate intervention. We aimed to investigate prevalence and risk factors for faecal carriage of drug-resistant E. coli among slaughterhouse workers.

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Background: Globally, chicken is known to be a reservoir for the spread of antimicrobial resistance genes to humans. In Nigeria, antimicrobial drugs are readily accessible for use in poultry production, either for preventive or therapeutic purposes. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing (ESBL-EC) are transmissible to humans because of their zoonotic potentials.

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Background: Inappropriate use of antimicrobial agents in animal production has led to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in foodborne pathogens. Transmission of AMR foodborne pathogens from reservoirs, particularly chickens to the human population does occur. Recently, we reported that occupational exposure was a risk factor for multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli (E.

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Introduction: Nigeria is among the countries with high Tuberculosis (TB) burden by global rating signifying the relevance of TB surveillance system evaluation in improving performance and capacity of the existing system. Hence, this evaluation was conducted in order to determine the gaps and proffer solution to enhance the TB surveillance system performance.

Methods: questionnaires were administered to eight key informants using face-to-face interview method; data obtained was analyzed.

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Background: Antimicrobial resistance has emerged as a global health threat. Antimicrobial resistant Escherichia coli infections are associated with high morbidity and expenditure when compared with infections caused by susceptible strains. In Nigeria, antimicrobial drugs are readily available over-the-counter with potential for indiscriminate use by poultry farmers and eventual development of drug resistance.

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Introduction: In November 2015 a measles outbreak was detected in several clustered settlements during the Northern Measles Supplementary Immunization Activities (SIAs) campaign in Gwagwalada, Nigeria, a measles outbreak was detected. Six weeks later another outbreak with 17 cases was reported in a different settlement in the same area council in December 2015 and January 2016. An outbreak investigation was initiated to characterize the outbreak in terms of time and person and implement prevention and control measures.

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Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a global health threat, which has elicited a high-level political declaration at the United Nations General Assembly, 2016. In response, member countries agreed to pay greater attention to the surveillance and implementation of antimicrobial stewardship. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control called for a review of AMR in Nigeria using a “One Health approach”.

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Background: Brucellosis, a neglected tropical food-borne zoonotic disease, has a negative impact on both animal and human health as well as tremendous socio-economic impact in developing countries where rural income relies largely on livestock breeding and dairy products. It is endemic in the animal population in Nigeria and is a recognized occupational hazard. This work was done to establish the sero-prevalence and predisposing factors of food animals in Abuja, Nigeria to Brucella infection.

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Introduction: In May 2010, lead poisoning (LP) was confirmed among children <5years (U5) in two communities in Zamfara state, northwest Nigeria. Following reports of increased childhood deaths in Bagega, another community in Zamfara, we conducted a survey to investigate the outbreak and recommend appropriate control measures.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey in Bagega community from 23rd August to 6th September, 2010.

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Introduction: Brucellosis, a neglected debilitating zoonosis, is a recognized occupational hazard with a high prevalence in developing countries. Transmission to humans can occur through contact with infected animals or animal products. Brucellosis presents with fever.

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