Browsing by Author "Odari, E.O"

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    Evaluation of an Antigen-Antibody “Combination” Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay For Diagnosis Of Hepatitis C Virus Infections
    (2014-10) Budambula, N.L.M; Nitschko, H.; Odari, E.O
    BACKGROUND: Development of “combination” assays detecting in parallel, within a single test, Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) antigens and antibodies, not only reduces the window period in HCV-infection but also costs. Reduction of costs is important for developing countries where money and personal resources are limited. METHODS: We compared the Monolisa® HCV Antigen-Antibody Ultra (Bio-Rad Laboratories Limited, Marnes La Coquette, France) with the AXSYM HCV version 3.0 (Abbot Diagnostics, Germany)-the latter assay detecting only antibodies to HCV. Seventy three HCV-PCR positive and negative samples were tested. RESULTS: Although the two assays showed comparable results, two samples from a bone marrow transplant (BMT) patient of viral loads 7.8 x 105 and 8.9 x 106 IU/mL could not be detected by the Monolisa® HCV Antigen-Antibody Ultra assay. Failure to detect the two samples with viral loads considered above threshold of detection for antigen proteins suggested a lack of sensitivity by this assay to discover viral capsid protein in patient samples. Genotyping of these samples revealed genotype 1b, a HCV-subtype which is widespread and should thus be easily detected. CONCLUSION: We conclude that although this assay depicts high sensitivity and specificity in detecting antibodies to HCV, it seems not to add further benefit in our study population to detect HCV infections by enhanced sensitivity due the potential contingency to trace viral capsid antigens. KEY WORDS: Ag-Ab Combination assay, Hepatitis C Virus, ELISA, Monolisa HCV Ag-Ab Ultra
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    Laboratory surveillance of cholera in Nyanza Province.
    (2014) Budambula, N. L. M.; Odhiambo, S. G.; Odari, E.O
    Cholera continues to be an important cause of morbidity and mortality in many areas of the world, and there is currently a high frequency of new outbreaks in Africa. Following a confirmed cholera outbreak in Siaya, Kisumu, Bondo and Nyando districts, Nyanza province in western Kenya between April and July 2007, a laboratory surveillance study was conducted at the New Nyanza Provincial General Hospital’s Microbiology Laboratory. The study aimed at isolating and identifying the strain of Vibrio cholerae, Identifying the mean age of the patients and monitoring the susceptibility patterns to major antibiotics. It further aimed at determining effectiveness of empiric management of cholera. A total of 219 samples were processed out of which a total of 85 samples (39%) were found positive for Vibrio cholerae 01 sero‐type Inaba. The mean age recorded was 19 years (1 ≤ 80). The modal ages recorded were 8, 20 and 25. 55% (47) of the recorded cases were females while 45% (38) were males. Generally, V.Cholerae 01 sero‐type Inaba showed antibiotic resistance to trimethoprimsulfamethoxazole, nalidixic acid, sulfasoxazole, streptomycin and furazolidone. Tetracycline a commonly used antibiotic for empiric management was 100% effective on all isolates and remains the drug of choice. Samples obtained for case‐control study did not yield any cholera isolate. No prior exposure to any antibiotic was recorded among all the subjects. The study confirmed the effectiveness of empirical therapy on cholera and further identified the need of proper hygiene, water treatment, proper waste management and proper eating habits as means of controlling morbidity and mortality of cholera.