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Serological Evidence of Past Infections of Zika Virus among Pregnant Women Attending a Tertiary Hospital in Rivers State, Nigeria

¹Nwachukwu, D., ¹Chukwu, A. O., ²Okonko, B. J., ¹Okerentugba, P. O. & ¹Okonko, I. O.

¹Virus & Genomics Research Unit, Department of Microbiology, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Nigeria.

²Medical Microbiology & Epidemiology Research Unit, Department of Microbiology, Madonna University Nigeria, Elele, Rivers State, Nigeria

Corresponding author’s email address: David_nwachukwu@uniport.edu.ng

ABSTRACT: Pregnant women constitute a significant demographic greatly impacted by the Zika virus, posing a substantial public health challenge necessitating prompt and thorough investigation. The focus of this research is to ascertain the serological epidemiology of the Zika virus specifically among pregnant women in Rivers state, Nigeria. To achieve this, plasma samples from 93 confirmed pregnant women receiving care at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital in Rivers State were analyzed for the presence of antibodies targeting the Zika Virus utilizing an IgG ELISA assay. The findings revealed an overall prevalence rate of 63.4% (59 out of 93) in terms of ZIKV IgG-specific antibodies. Notably, the study highlighted the highest seropositivity rates among individuals aged 0-26 years (70.0%), civil servants (87.9%), single participants (71.0%), those with a primary educational background (80.0%) and  those in their second trimester (45.0%). This underscores the importance of targeted interventions and heightened awareness campaigns, particularly within these demographics, to mitigate the impact of the Zika virus. Expanding on these results, it becomes evident that specific demographic factors play a crucial role in the prevalence of Zika virus antibodies. For instance, the high seropositivity rate among civil servants could be attributed to potential occupational exposures, while the prevalence among younger participants might indicate greater susceptibility or exposure in certain age groups. Moreover, the elevated prevalence among individuals with primary education underscores the importance of tailored educational initiatives to enhance awareness and prevention strategies. In conclusion, these findings shed light on the intricate dynamics of Zika virus prevalence among pregnant women in Rivers State, emphasizing the need for targeted public health interventions and further research to effectively combat this pressing issue.

[Nwachukwu, D., Chukwu, A. O., Okonko, B. J., Okerentugba, P. O. and Okonko, I. O. Serological Evidence of Past Infections of Zika Virus among Pregnant Women Attending a Tertiary Hospital in Rivers State, Nigeria. Cancer Biology. 2026;16(3):1-6]. ISSN: 2150-1041 (print); ISSN: 2150-105X (online). http://www.cancerbio.net 01. doi:10.7537/marscbj160326.01

Keywords: Antibodies; IgG; Zika Virus; Rivers State.

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Serological Evidence of HBV Prevalence and Socio-Demographic Features of HIV-Infected Individuals attending Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Igweze-Ezepue, N. E., Cookey, T. I.  and Okonko, I. O.

Virus & Genomics Research Unit, Department of Microbiology, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

nkiruezepue@gmail.com

Abstract: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a significant public health concern among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), as coinfection accelerates liver disease progression and complicates treatment outcomes. This study assessed the prevalence of HBV and its socio-demographic distribution among HIV-infected individuals attending Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), Port Harcourt, Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 88 HIV-positive adults receiving care at the ART clinic. Socio-demographic data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and blood samples were analyzed for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) using the Monolisa ELISA kit (Bio-Rad, France). Results: HBV/HIV coinfection was identified in 3 participants (3.4%). Infection was detected among individuals aged 21–40 years (4.6%) and 41–60 years (3.0%), with higher prevalence in females (3.9%) compared to males (2.8%). HBV was slightly more common among singles (4.4%), participants with no formal education (7.7%), and the employed group (6.1%). By religion, HBV infection occurred only among Christian participants (3.9%), with no cases among other religious affiliations. HBV prevalence among HIV-infected individuals at RSUTH is relatively low but varies across socio-demographic groups. The findings highlight the need for routine HBV screening, targeted health education, and vaccination programs within HIV care services to reduce liver-related morbidity and optimize patient outcomes.

[Igweze-Ezepue, N. E., Cookey, T. I. and Okonko, I. O. Serological Evidence of HBV Prevalence and Socio-Demographic Features of HIV-Infected Individuals attending Rivers State University Teaching Hospital in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Cancer Biology. 2026;16(3):7-12]. ISSN: 2150-1041 (print); ISSN: 2150-105X (online). http://www.cancerbio.net 02. doi:10.7537/marscbj160326.02

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细胞凋亡与观控相对界

----人工智能研究细胞凋亡

科孝文

摘要：用人工智能研究细胞凋亡，存在观控相对界，这是一种生命的标准线、偏离这条标准线，或小或大都有不正常成分; 而对偏离这种“观控相对界”的或小或大的观察，就有过程，也有观察与控制的相对性。

[科孝文. 细胞凋亡与观控相对界----人工智能研究细胞凋亡. Cancer Biology. 2026;16(3):13-19]. ISSN: 2150-1041 (print); ISSN: 2150-105X (online). http://www.cancerbio.net 03. doi:10.7537/marscbj160326.03

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