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Microbes & Immunity Viral, bacterial, and protozoal diseases

qualitatively detects HBsAg in human blood. It is an in vitro two organisms is not significant and indicates probable
diagnostic technique with a sensitivity and specificity of contamination.
92.2% and 99.3%, respectively. The test was performed and
interpreted according to the manufacturer’s specifications. 2.10. Statistical analysis
Briefly, one drop (approximately 25 μL) of the whole blood The data generated in this study was analyzed using
aliquot sample was drawn into the specimen pad of the the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software
test strip, and one drop of buffer (approximately 40 μL) version 17.0 for Windows. In addition, one-way analysis of
was added. A positive result was indicated by two visible variance was employed where appropriate to determine the
lines on both the test and control regions between 10 and level of statistical significance. A P < 0.05 was considered
15 min. significant.

2.7. Assay for typhoid 3. Results
The study employed the Widal Kit (Rapid Labs Diagnostic, 3.1. Distribution of infectious diseases among
United Kingdom) for the Widal agglutination test. Briefly, patients attending the Ore General Hospital
eight drops of each serum prepared above were dispensed HIV accounted for a prevalence of 40% (400/1,000),
in each of the eight circles on the test card. To each circle, malaria was 35% (700/2,000), HBsAg was 20% (80/400),
a drop of polyvalent Salmonella O (somatic antigen) H. pylori was 6.3% (20/300), HVS was 45% (90/200), and
and H (flagellar antigen) antiserum was added. Using a UTI was 10% (60/600) (Table 1).
disposable stirrer, the content of each circle was stirred to
mix and spread over the entire ring of the circle in the test 3.2. Age distribution of some infectious diseases in
card. A mechanical rotator was used to rock the test card for Ore
4 min, and agglutination was recorded thereafter at various Ages 31 – 40 years showed higher infection rates with HIV
ratios (1:20, 1:40, 1:80, 1:160, and 1:320), depending on the (45.5%) and HBV (25%) than the other age categories
concentration of the agglutination reaction. Any serum (Table 2). Malaria was more prevalent among ages 0
with antibody titer >1/40 for Salmonella specimen somatic – 10 years (40%), while ages 61 – 70 years had the least
(O) or (H) antigen was considered positive for Salmonella prevalence (30%). Typhoid bacteria and UTI accounted for
infection. However, individual serum with a titer <1/40 43.8% and 12.5%, respectively, in ages 11 – 20 years, while
was considered negative for Salmonella infection. ages 0 – 10 years with 0% prevalence were the least. Except

2.8. Assay for H. pylori for malaria, patients that were aged 0 – 10 years generally
recorded the least prevalence of infectious diseases, and
The procedure for the Wampole H. pylori assay (Cortez the difference was significant (P < 0.05) (Table 2).
Diagnostic, China) was performed at room temperature.
The test sera obtained after the separation above were 3.3. Sex distribution of infectious diseases in Ore
diluted, as well as the cutoff calibrator and control sera 1:21 The prevalence of HIV was 25% in males and 50%
(e.g., 10 μL + 200 μL) in serum diluent. Six control/cutoff in females. Statistically, the difference was significant
calibrators’ determination was allowed (a reagent blank, a (P < 0.05). Malaria positives were 26.7% in males and 40%
negative control, a positive control, and a cutoff calibrator
run in triplicate). Patients are run in singlicate. The unused
strips were returned properly to the pouch with desiccant. Table 1. Distribution of infectious diseases among patients
attending General Hospital Ore, Ondo State, Nigeria
An adequate wash solution was prepared for the run
(dilution of 1 part concentrate + 19 parts deionized water). Diseases Number Number Prevalence (%)
All calibrators’ controls and specimens were tested at the screened positive
same time and run in duplicate. Human 1,000 400 40
immunodeficiency virus
2.9. Assay for UTIs Malaria 2,000 700 35
A urine specimen was collected through midstream or Typhoid 400 150 37.5
in-and-out catheter. This was collected before antibiotic Hepatitis B virus 400 80 20
treatment was started. The urine sample, refrigerated, was Helicobacter pylori 300 20 6.3
submitted to the laboratory within 24 h of collection. After High vaginal swab 200 90 45
urine culture, a bacterial count greater than or equal to 103
CFU/L with typical signs and symptoms compatible with Urinary tract infections 600 60 10
UTI was considered significant. The presence of more than Total 4,900 1,500 30.6

Volume 1 Issue 2 (2024) 60 doi: 10.36922/mi.3283