Aim: The study aimed at evaluating the seroprevalence of H. pylori infection and its associated risk factors in a cross-section of asymptomatic adult population in Niger-Delta, Nigeria. Methodology: 408 apparently healthy volunteers, aged between 18 -87 years were recruited for this study. Blood samples were collected from participants and analyzed for H. pylori antibody (IgG) qualitatively with Combo rapid kits and quantitatively with Accu-Bind ELISA Kits. Results: The overall prevalence of Helicobacter pylori colonization in 408 asymptomatic adults was 52.5% (n = 214) and 48.3% (n = 197) by qualitative (Combo rapid kits) and quantitative (Accu-Bind ELISA Kits) serological test methods respectively. H. pylori infection did not differ statistically between genders (p = 0.962) and among age groups (p = 0.185). In addition, multivariate logistic regression indicated that sex and age were not associated with risk of H. pylori. However, participants from Delta Central were at greater risk (OR = 1.89; p = 0.014) of H. pylori infection compared with those from Delta South, but those from Delta North were not at greater risk of infection compared with those from Delta South (p = 0.476). Conclusion: This study indicated an intermediate seroprevalence of H. pylori among asymptoHow to cite this paper: Omosor, K.I.,

Background: Blood-urea nitrogen, creatinine, uric acid and electrolytes are important biomarkers of renal function which could be considered as suitable prognostic indicators of renal dysfunction. Aim: The aim of this work was to assess renal biomarkers of renal function in commercial automobile workers in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Methodology: A total of 158 males within the ages of 18-60 years participated in this study, 50 of which are control subjects. They were recruited for this study from various workshops in Benin City, while controls are unexposed volunteers. Results: It was observed that serum uric acid, urea, creatinine, chloride and bicarbonate levels in all the exposed groups were significantly higher (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01 or p < 0.001) compared with the non-exposed group. Apart from blood urea, the values of all the other biomarkers of renal function fell within normal reference range. However, there were no significant differences in all the renal biomarkers when compared among all the exposed groups. Conclusion: This study indicated greater levels of some renal biomarkers in automobile workers compared with the controls. In addition, blood urea levels were elevated above normal range of values. These findings suggest that the occupationally exposed automobile workers may be at risk of renal diseases. This calls for urgent need for policy formulation that will prevent the vulnerable groups from kidney damage.

Background: Viruses of the Herpes viridae family infect 90% of the Earth's population. Humans are the hosts of at least nine unique herpes viruses. Aim: This study is aimed at evaluating the seroprevalence of type specific herpes simplex virus infection and the associated risk factors in a cross-section of asymptomatic healthy women of childbearing age in Kogi state, Nigeria. Methodology: A total of 330 females of child bearing age (15-49 years) participated in this study. They were recruited from various local government areas of three Senatorial districts of Kogi state. Blood samples were collected from participants and analyzed for HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies (IgG) quantitatively with ELISA kit. Results: The overall prevalence of HSV was 76.7%. Data further show that majority (96.4%) of the population studied had HSV-1, while 77% had HSV-2 infections. Results also showed that the young adults indicated prevalence of 95.7% for HSV-1 and 74.7% for HSV-2, while in the middle aged, the prevalence were 98.6% for HSV-1, and 84.9% for HSV-2. 99.2% of the married women were positive for HSV-1, while 86.

Aim: We demonstrated the risk of developing islet autoantibodies-Insulin Autoantibodies (IAAs) and Islets cell Autoantibodies (ICAs)-in type-1 diabetic relatives and newly diagnosed type-1 patients compared to non-diabetic controls. We also aimed to determine the predictive strengths of both autoantibodies in the development of type-1 diabetes mellitus, and which of the two autoantibodies is a better predictive marker of type-1 diabetes mellitus among Nigerian adults. Methodology: A total number of four hundred and fifty five (455) subjects (211 (46%) males, and 244 (54%) females) aged between 35 -76 years were recruited for the study. IAA and ICA levels were estimated using ELISA reagents from Biomerica Inc. Other parameters such as fasting blood sugar, urine glucose, and urine protein were assessed using standard biochemical techniques. Results: Relatives of type-1 diabetic patients and newly diagnosed type-1 diabetic patients were at greater risk (p < 0.05) of testing positive for more than one autoantibody (ICA and IAA) compared to non-diabetic controls. In addition, IAAs appeared to be better predictors or markers of type-1 diabetes mellitus compared to ICAs. Conclusion: The present study indicated a greater risk of autoimmune destruction of the insulin producing beta cells of the How to cite this paper: Adejumo, B.I.,