Molecular detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection in three geo-political zones of Nigeria: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: sequel to the emergence of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its subsequent spread to all continents of the world, humans have continued to experience severe devastation to their health and economies. To control the spread of this virus, it is important to detect the infection in recently infected and asymptomatic individuals who are capable of infecting others. This study was designed to detect ongoing SARS-CoV-2 Infection among asymptomatic individuals in open markets across three geopolitical zones in Nigeria.

Survey of the perceived treatment gap in status epilepticus care across Sub-Saharan countries from the perspective of healthcare providers.

Background: Status epilepticus (SE) is a serious condition disproportionately affecting Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. Little is known about healthcare provider experiences. This study investigated the healthcare provider perspective of SE care.

Detection of novel paramyxoviruses in Chaerephon bat species in Nigeria and phylogenetics of paramyxoviruses co-evolution with bats in Africa.

Bat paramyxoviruses (PmV) are a diverse group of viruses and include zoonotic viruses such as henipaviruses. Members of this group in other continents have been associated with severe respiratory and neurological infections in animals and humans. Furthermore, despite the richness of diverse bat species that can transmit this virus in African countries like Nigeria, there is very scanty information as to the presence and co-evolution of paramyxoviruses in bats.

Adherence to Medication among Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Infection Attending a Tertiary Hospital in South Western Nigeria.

Introduction: Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is an international public health problem. Treatment reduces its morbidity, mortality and infectivity. The aim of this study was to determine adherence among CHB infected patients on Tenofovir and the reasons for non-adherence.

Microglial Implications in SARS-CoV-2 Infection and COVID-19: Lessons From Viral RNA Neurotropism and Possible Relevance to Parkinson's Disease.

Since December 2019, humankind has been experiencing a ravaging severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak, the second coronavirus pandemic in a decade after the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) disease in 2012. Infection with SARS-CoV-2 results in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is responsible for over 3.1 million deaths worldwide.

Surveillance of Pretreatment Drug Resistance Among HIV-Infected Children in Ibadan, Nigeria.

There are about 2.1 million children infected with HIV globally and about 120,000 deaths annually. Nigeria has one of the highest rates of pediatric HIV infection globally.

Profiles of mutations in hepatitis B virus surface and polymerase genes isolated from treatment-naïve Nigerians infected with genotype E.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the leading cause of hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HBV genotype E (HBV/E) is the predominant genotype in West Africa and has been linked epidemiologically with chronic and occult HBV infections as well as development of HCC. Mutations in the surface and polymerase genes of HBV have been associated with occult infection, drug resistance, vaccine escape, as well as HCC.

New infections and HIV-1 subtypes among febrile persons and blood donors in Oyo State, Nigeria.

Purpose: There were approximately 37.9 million persons infected with HIV in 2018 globally, resulting in 770,000 deaths annually. Over 50% of this infection and deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa, with countries like Nigeria being seriously affected.

Non-synonymous Substitutions in HIV-1 GAG Are Frequent in Epitopes Outside the Functionally Conserved Regions and Associated With Subtype Differences.

In 2019, 38 million people lived with HIV-1 infection resulting in 690,000 deaths. Over 50% of this infection and its associated deaths occurred in Sub-Saharan Africa. The West African region is a known hotspot of the HIV-1 epidemic.

Evolution and genetic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 in Africa using whole genome sequences.

Background: The ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic was introduced into Africa on 14th February 2020 and has rapidly spread across the continent causing a severe public health crisis and mortality. We investigated the genetic diversity and evolution of this virus during the early outbreak months, between 14th February to 24th April 2020, using whole genome sequences.

Methods: We performed recombination analysis against closely related CoV strains, Bayesian time scaled phylogeny, and investigation of spike protein amino acid mutations.

Early geography of the coronavirus disease outbreak in Nigeria.

An understanding of the COVID-19 spread is growing around the world, yet little is known of Africa. This paper explores the time-space geographies of COVID-19 infection focusing on Africa and Nigeria especially. We appraise the global-to-local situation of confirmed cases, deaths and recoveries as well as measures engaged in response to the pandemic.

Home Assessment of Indoor Microbiome (HAIM) in Relation to Lower Respiratory Tract Infections among Under-Five Children in Ibadan, Nigeria: The Study Protocol.

The association between household air pollution and lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) among children under five years of age has been well documented; however, the extent to which the microbiome within the indoor environment contributes to this association is uncertain. The home assessment of indoor microbiome (HAIM) study seeks to assess the abundance of indoor microbiota (IM) in the homes of under-five children (U-5Cs) with and without LRTI. HAIM is a hospital- and community-based study involving 200 cases and 200 controls recruited from three children's hospitals in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Early HIV infection is associated with reduced proportions of gamma delta T subsets as well as high creatinine and urea levels.

Renal dysfunctions are major predictors of co-morbidities and mortality in HIV-infected individuals. Unconventional T cells have been shown to regulate kidney functions. However, there is dearth of information on the effect of HIV-associated nephropathies on γδ and DN T cells.

Phylogeography and evolutionary analysis of African Rotavirus a genotype G12 reveals district genetic diversification within lineage III.

Group A rotavirus (RVA) genotype G12 has spread globally and has become one of the most prevalent genotypes of rotavirus in Africa. To understand the drivers for its genetic diversity and rapid spread we investigated the Bayesian phylogeography, viral evolution and population demography of Rotavirus G12 in Africa. We downloaded and aligned VP7 gene sequences of Rotavirus genotype G12, from thirteen African countries (n = 96).

Detection of Dengue viruses among febrile patients in Lagos, Nigeria and phylogenetics of circulating Dengue serotypes in Africa.

Dengue fever, a mosquito borne viral disease, is caused by Dengue virus. This virus and its vector is endemic in most tropical countries including Nigeria. Dengue presents with febrile symptoms and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in affected countries.

Virus genes and host correlates of pathology are markedly reduced during respiratory syncytial and influenza virus co-infection in BALB/c mice.

Globally, influenza A virus (IAV) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection remain very high. There is also a high burden of IAV and RSV co-infection in developing countries. To develop universally protective vaccines against these infections, it is imperative that viral genes and immune correlates of pathology are elucidated.

Hepatitis B virus infection among sexually active individuals in Nigeria: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major health challenge in sub-Saharan African countries. Chronic HBV infection is a risk factor for severe disease progression. Perinatal and sexual transmissions of Hepatitis B virus are the main routes of infection in HBV endemic countries like Nigeria.

Serological detection of human T-cell lymphotropic virus types I and II among pregnant women in Ilorin, Nigeria.

Human T-cell lymphotropic virus types I/II (HTLV-I/II) is endemic in some parts of the world including Nigeria. Reported prevalence rates in Nigeria have largely focused on blood donors. This study aims at determining the prevalence of HTLV infection among pregnant women in Ilorin North-central Nigeria.

Prevalence and Genotypes of Parvovirus B19 Among HIV Positive Children in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.

Human Parvovirus B19 (B19V) is a global infection with over 50% of infected children residing in sub-Saharan Africa. It causes persistent anaemia under immuno-compromised states such as HIV infection, thereby complicating the course of HIV infection. This study was therefore designed to determine the prevalence and genotypes of B19V among HIV positive children.

Occult HBV Infection in Nigeria.

Occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI) is manifested by presence of HBV-DNA in the absence of detectable Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) with or without anti-HBV antibodies. Hence it is a potential threat in blood transfusion medicine. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of OBI as well as evaluate the effectiveness of using Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) marker alone in the diagnosis of HBV infection among HBsAg negative blood donors in Ilorin, Nigeria.

Early HIV infection among persons referred for malaria parasite testing in Nigeria.

Persons in the early stages of HIV infection are the major drivers of new infections. These individuals may also develop renal dysfunctions at this time. Nigeria, as other African countries, has one of the highest prevalence of newly diagnosed HIV infections.

Dynamics of CD4 cell count among HIV-infected individuals in Lagos, Nigeria.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection leads to progressive loss of CD4 T cells. Antiretroviral therapy has been able to inhibit this process, resulting in significant level of immune recovery and function. Our aim is to investigate the dynamics of CD4 recovery among HIV patients in Lagos, Nigeria.

Proportions of circulating follicular helper T cells are reduced and correlate with memory B cells in HIV-infected children.

Introduction: HIV causes defects in memory B cells in children, but the mechanisms of those defects have not been fully elucidated. One possible mechanism is the lack of T-cell help to B cells during immune reactions. However, few studies have assessed the effect of HIV on follicular helper T cells (TFH cells) in children.

High rate of Hepatitis B virus infection among hairdressers in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health problem for over two billion people infected globally. Occupationally exposed persons are at high risk of HBV infection and, apart from medical personnel, there is dearth of information concerning the prevalence and awareness of HBV among this population in Nigeria. This study was designed to determine the levels of HBV awareness and prevalence of HBV infection among hairdressers in Ibadan, Nigeria.