Asian Journal of Research in Infectious Diseases

Organ Function and Mortality Observed in Patients with Sepsis of Pulmonary Origin in Southeastern Mexico

Eunar Enrique López Camargo — 2026-01-20

Background: Sepsis is one of the leading causes of hospital admission worldwide, with a mortality risk of 10-40%. In severe cases, organ dysfunction and mortality are common. Cases of sepsis of pulmonary origin are frequent in hospital settings.

Aim: To know the organic function and mortality observed in patients with sepsis of pulmonary origin in southeastern Mexico.

Methods: The study was descriptive and retrospective in patients of both sexes hospitalized between June and December 2023, aged 40-75 years, with a confirmed diagnosis of sepsis of pulmonary origin. Data were collected on clinical, hematological, and biochemical indicators, as well as observed mortality. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 statistical software.

Results: 230 clinical records were reviewed. Men represented 52.2%; The mean age was 66.1 ± 7.1 years. All patients presented with SOFA ≥ 2; C-reactive protein ≥ 0.3 (mg/L); erythrocyte sedimentation rate > 20 (mm/h); leukocytes > 10 (x 10³/mm³); oxygen saturation < 95 (%); and partial pressure of oxygen < 75 mmHg. 56.5% had Glasgow Coma Scale scores of 3-8; 91.3% body temperature > 37 (°C); 69.6% heart rate > 100 bpm; 13% systolic blood pressure > 120 (mmHg); 39.1% hemoglobin < 10 (g/dL); 52.2% platelets < 150 (x 10³/mm³); 78.3% bicarbonate < 22 (mEq/L); 39.1% serum sodium < 135 (mEq/L). 52.2% serum lactate > 1.5 (mmol/L); 87% BUN > 25 (mg/dL); 69.6% serum creatinine > 1.3 (mg/dL); 47.8% ALT > 36 (U/L); 56.5% AST > 33 (U/L); 39.1% INR > 1.2; 73.9% albumin < 3.4 (g/dL); and 87% serum glucose > 110 (mg/dL). The observed mortality rate was 26.1%.

Conclusion: Impaired organ function is common in patients with sepsis of pulmonary origin in southeastern Mexico. The prevailing epidemiological context increases the risk of associated mortality.

Awareness and Knowledge of Intermittent Preventive Treatment of Malaria among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics at Igbeti, Oyo State, Nigeria

Olabode Paul Ayilara — 2026-01-22

Background: The effectiveness of pregnant women to avoid malaria, especially in areas where malaria is endemic, knowledge of intermittent preventative therapy in pregnancy (IPTp) is essential. Raising awareness entails educating women on the advantages, security, and requirements of IPT.

Aims: The study aimed to assess the awareness and level of knowledge of intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at Igbeti, Oyo state, Nigeria.

Study Design: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was employed.

Place and Duration of Study: 7 Primary Healthcare and 1 secondary healthcare were selected as the location between October 2024 to November 2024.

Methodology: This study utilized a multistage sampling technique, the sampling was carried out in stages. A simple random sampling was used to pick Igbeti out of the 33 towns in Oyo State. Also, a simple random sampling was used to pick of 7 Antenatal clinics out of 17 in the town. Chi-square was used to examine the association between the socio-demography and level of awareness and knowledge of IPT among pregnant women. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS v25 and P value was set at p < 0.05.

Results: All 404 respondents (100%) were aware of IPT, primarily through healthcare providers (55.9%). While 63.6% correctly identified the medication, only 57.4% knew the correct dosing schedule, and 56.2% lacked knowledge regarding side effects. The overall knowledge level was moderate (Mean = 3.40 ±1.04). A significant association was found between ethnicity and medication awareness (X²= 31.613, p = 0.001). However, educational status did not significantly influence knowledge of IPT purpose (X² = 10.437, p = 0.24). Despite high general awareness, gaps remain in specific knowledge areas like side effects and guidelines.

Conclusion: The study reveals a paradox in the maternal health landscape of Igbeti, Oyo State, through universal awareness among pregnant women, significant knowledge gaps exist regarding side effects (56.2% unaware) and dosing schedules (42.6% unaware). Despite healthcare providers being the primary information source (55.9%), a strong correlation between ethnicity and awareness (X²= 31.613, p = 0.001) indicates that current outreach may not reach all cultural groups effectively. Overall, universal awareness has not yet resulted in the comprehensive knowledge necessary for optimal malaria prevention.

High Mortality and Clinical Challenges in Tuberculosis-COVID-19 Co-infection: A Multicenter Study from Senegal

Alassane Sarr — 2026-01-29

Background: The syndemic interaction between tuberculosis (TB) and COVID-19 remains poorly characterized in high TB-burden African settings. This study investigates the clinical and epidemiological features of TB–COVID-19 co-infection in Senegal.

Methods: We conducted a multicenter retrospective observational study from March 2020 to March 2022, enrolling hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 (RT-PCR) and active TB (positive smear microscopy or GeneXpert). Demographic, clinical, and outcome data were systematically collected and analyzed.

Results: Among 19 co-infected patients (mean age 48±20 years, 63.2% male), TB preceded COVID-19 diagnosis in 78.9% of cases. Common presentations included chronic cough (84.2%), fever (84.2%), and radiological findings of ground-glass opacities (52.6%). Notable laboratory abnormalities included lymphopenia (84.2%) and elevated inflammatory markers (CRP >12 mg/L in 100%). The case fatality rate reached 26.3%, with severe COVID-19 present in 36.8% of cases.

Conclusion: Our findings show that active TB was associated with severe COVID-19 presentations and a high observed in-hospital mortality in this Senegalese cohort. These results underscore the need for integrated screening and management strategies in TB-endemic regions.

Isolation, Characterization and Antimicrobial Resistance Profile of Bacteria from Bed Linens Used by Tertiary Students in Hostels

Ngozika. O. Achukwu — 2026-02-07

Bed sheets and pillowcases are not often regarded as a source of pathogenic microorganisms with severe health implications. The purpose of this study was to isolate and identify bacteria from the hostel of tertiary students' bed sheets and pillowcases. A total number of 160 bed sheets and pillowcases from male and female students, 40 and 120, respectively, were swabbed aseptically using a sterile swab stick moistened with peptone water and immediately transported to the laboratory. A serial dilution was made to enumerate and isolate the organisms present. Gram staining and a series of biochemical tests were used to identify the isolates. Antimicrobial sensitivity was done using a disc diffusion test. Of the 160 samples collected, the bed sheet and pillowcase yielded 230 bacteria in total. The highest bacteria isolated was Bacillus spp (26.19%), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15.48%), and the least Enterobacter spp. 2.38%. Both pillowcases and bed sheets contain poly-microbial contamination, but there is more in the bed sheet (72.62%), and it is statistically significant. The mean microbial count ranges from 3.6 x 10^5 to 7.23x 10^8 CFU/ML. Most of the isolates demonstrated very high multiple-drug resistance. The findings showed that contaminated bed sheets and pillowcases are a probable route of microbial transmission and a health risk to users.

Prevalence and Risk Factors to Hepatitis B Virus Infection among Pregnant Women Attending Ante-Natal Care at Taraba State Specialist Hospital Jalingo, Taraba State Nigeria

M.I. Mbah — 2026-02-21

Back ground: HBV in pregnancy is relatively more difficult to manage. The pooled prevalence rates of HBV among pregnant women in Africa was reported as 5.89%. and 6.77%.in the year,2024.

Aim: This study was aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors to HBV infection among pregnant women in Jalingo.

Settings and Design: It was an experimental design whereby an invitro diagnostic assay was carried out on the participants. The questionnaire was utilized to obtain information on the demographic characteristics and risk factors to HBV among the participants. The participants were recruited by simple random sampling.

Method: A self structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographics, socio-economic and health risk factors to HBV among pregnant women who consented to participate in the study. Observing aseptic techniques, 5ml of blood was collected and HBV was detected using the in vitro diagnostic assay.

Results: The mean age of the 200 participants was 28.33 years, the minimum and maximum were respectively 16 and 42 years with the standard deviation of 5.69years and mode,30 years. The prevalence of HBV among the pregnant women was10% with the age group 18-22 having the highest prevalence (11.11%) as well as those who were in their second trimester (10.33%) and the single ladies (12%) and secondary school leavers (10.8%).

Conclusion: Blood transfusion, needle prick, tribal marks, exchange of needles, educational level, occupation and annual income influence the prevalence of HBV. Therefore, there is the need to enlighten the women on the risk factors to HBV. Also, it is necessary for every/female to be vaccinated.