AJOL Abstract: The outbreak of the new coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) in December 2019 in China spread worldwide or globally developing into an emergency of primary international concern. SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to groups of severe respiratory disease similar to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus. Human-to-human transmission through droplets, contaminated hands or surfaces has been described, with incubation times of 2 to 14 days. Early diagnosis, quarantine, and supportive treatments are essential to cure patients. This paper reviews the literature on all accessible information about the epidemiology, currently applied laboratory diagnosis, as well as therapeutical management and vaccines to prevent, treat and control further outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 infection
In plasma, homocysteine (Hcy) is majorly bound to protein, and have been significantly associated with adverse obstetric outcomes such as placental abruption or placental infarction, unexplained recurrent fetal loss, and pre-eclampsia among others; including the possibility of predicting women at risk of these conditions.Estimated Hcy levels have been observed to vary significantly with age, sex, lifestyles, hereditary factors, and ethnicity among several other confounding factors. However, the evaluation of homocysteine-protein ratio (Hcy/Pro) may provide a more reliable biomarker by adjusting for variations in serum proteins. The aim of the study was to determine the pattern of Hcy/Pro among pregnant Nigerian females and evaluate possible associations with some haematological variables (Haemoglobin-Hb; Mean cell volume-MCV; Mean cell haemoglobin concentration-MCHC; White blood cell count-WBC and Platelet count-PLT).This study was an observational, hospital based, Cross-Sectional study comprising 130 pregnant women (cases) and 130 non-pregnant women (controls). The participants were recruited from the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).Structured questionnaires were applied to obtain demographic, medical, socio-economic, and nutritional histories. Plasma Hcy was evaluated using Enzyme linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), and Plasma protein was evaluated using a fully automated Beckman Synchron LX20 by Beckman Coulter, Inc., 250 S. Kraemer Blvd. Brea, CA 92821, USA. Statistical analyzes were performed using SPSS version 23. Reference range for Hcy/Pro for non-pregnant females was estimated to be 0.050 – 0.098µmol/g. Homocysteine-protein ratio was observed to decline progressively throughout pregnancy (F=36.565; p=0.0001). The mean Hcy/Pro of control group participants (0.074 ± 0.012 µmol/g) was significantly higher than the 0.057 ± 0.019 µmol/g reported for the study group (p=0.001). Homocysteine-protein ratio correlated negatively with gestational age (GA) of study group participants (r= - 0.364; p=0.003).The Hcy/Pro showed a progressive decline throughout pregnancy, compared to total plasma Hcy pattern, and may be a truer reflection of plasma homocysteine pattern in pregnancy. Keywords: Homocysteine-protein ratio, homocysteine, pregnancy, proteins
AJOL Abstract: COVID-19 is a systemic disease that often involves the respiratory system. The majority of patients manifest with mild disease, while others progress to viral pneumonitis and develop acute respiratory distress syndrome. Some patients present with gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. The speed and extent of transmission of COVID-19 in the ongoing pandemic has prompted ongoing research and review of the transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 other than airborne or respiratory droplets. The viral load of SARS-CoV-2 in the gastrointestinal tract has been shown to be greater and last longer than that in the respiratory system. Viable SARS-CoV-2 has also been detected in environmental samples taken from the surface of toilet bowl and sink in infection isolation rooms, providing further insight for the viral transmission through contaminated fomites. Demonstration of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in both stool and gastrointestinal mucosa of patients raises the possibility that it may also be an enteric virus. However additional research is needed to examine the potential extent of transmission via fecal-oral route. The persistence of positive polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) fecal detection long after respiratory samples have turned negative among COVID-19 patients raises the possibility of fecal-oral transmission in addition to droplet transmission. SARS-CoV-2 virus isolated from stool could be infectious, therefore detection and shedding of viral RNA in stool has provided insight into additional route of transmission, and an opportunity to develop stool-based diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2 infection
While menstruation may be perceived as a sign of femininity, fertility, youth, or purification of the body, it could also be linked with vulnerability and pollution; sometimes with attitudes of disgust and shame. These perceptions vary, and are affected by factors, which include but not limited to; culture, religion and societal beliefs. In this study we assessed for women's perception of menstruation, menstrual characteristics and misconceptions. It was a prospective cross-sectional household survey with multi-staged cluster sampling design in which 230 randomly selected; consenting women in September and October 2018 were assessed about their menstrual pattern and perception using a structured questionnaire. The mean age of the study population was 32.87 ± 10.8years. The mean age at menarche of the respondents was 14.34 ± 2.05 years. About 37% of the women reported a regular 28-day menstrual cycle length. Almost 40% of the women reported they enjoyed their period in every way, 7.3% felt embarrassment when they had to talk about menstruation or purchase menstrual products while 22.5%observe various restrictions during menstruation for religious reasons. The desire to completely stop menstrual flow was highest among women aged 35–44 years (11.1%) and divorced or widowed women (18.2%) but least desired by single women (6.8%). Therefore a significant proportion of women perceived menstruation to be a normal physiologic process and an index of fertility but still exhibit socio-cultural and religious based restrictions during menstruation. Key Words: Menstruation Perceptions, Misconceptions
Despite substantial gain in infertility treatment with the advent of assisted reproduction technique, the psychological and social aspects of infertility management is still often overlooked. To investigate marital satisfaction in infertile women and the factors affecting it. The Index of Marital Satisfaction (IMS) Scale was used to assess the level of marital satisfaction among infertile women in a cross-sectional survey. Comparative analysis was performed to determine significant difference between groups as well as predictors of marital satisfaction. Two hundred and sixty respondents were interviewed. The total mean IMS score of the participants was 28.3 ± 14.2. From the IMS scale, majority (64.2%) of infertile women were satisfied while 35.8% were dissatisfied with their marital relationship. Significant predictors for marital dissatisfaction were low educational status, secondary infertility, male and female factor infertility, infrequent sexual intercourse and previous failed in-vitro fertilization. Infertile women are at increased risk of reduced marital satisfaction. Fertility specialists should adopt a comprehensive psycho-social approach in fertility treatment to include routine screening for marital satisfaction using proxy socio-clinical predictors. Couple therapy and counseling aimed at improving sexual, marital satisfaction as well as quality of life in infertile couple is recommended.
Staff retention is closely related to employee satisfaction which in turn is intertwined with salaries and benefits. Secondary health care facilities in low resource settings are finding it difficult to retain their staff. This is more difficult for Faith based not- for-profit hospitals where the cost of services is kept at the barest minimum. This was a cross-sectional survey of health care workers using the Linda Powells (Mountains State Group Inc) self-administered questionnaire. The long-term retention rate was found to be 78.0%. Bivariate analysis showed that being married, health maintenance support staff, supervisory issues and training and salary issues had a significant association with long term retention intentions. Multinomial logistic regression showed that health management support staff (OR = 8.33; 95% CI 2.13 – 32.56) rather than Health Service Providers, and non-permanent staff (OR = 3.75; 95% CI 1.08 – 13.03) rather than permanent staff were more likely to have long term retention intentions. Surprisingly, staff who were not satisfied with training and salary issues (OR = 7.69; 95% CI 1.70 – 34.76) were more likely than those who were satisfied to have long term retention intentions. More than three quarters of the staff plan to continue to work in the hospital in the long term. Health management support staff, non-permanent staff and staff who were not satisfied with the level of training and salary were more likely to continue working in the hospital in the long term. This calls for long term retention strategies which pay attention to employee factors.
Hepatitis infection among suspected Intravenous Drug Users (IDU), continue to be on the rise with frequent complications of more than 10 to 20 times as observed in the general population; this has been attributed to high risk behavior among IDU, tattooing with non-sterile equipments and Syringes. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of Hepatitis B and C co-infections among suspected IDU attending Neuro-psychiatric Hospital in Maiduguri. A total of 150 samples were tested with the overall prevalence rate of 5.3% and 1.3% for hepatitis B and C respectively. The prevalence among male (n = 142) was 5.6% for hepatitis B and 1.4% for hepatitis C while among female (n=8) 0.0% was obtained for both hepatitis B and C. A higher prevalence rate of 14.2% were observed for both hepatitis B and C among age group of (26 – 30 years). Similarly, sero-prevaelence distribution of 9.4% and 2.4% for hepatitis B and C respectively were among married individuals. While no case of hepatitis B and C were detected among single individuals. Government should create awareness on the prevention of these viruses especially in correctional facilities and psychiatric hospitals.
When children eyes are exposed to trauma, imaging modalities including ultrasonography can be used to establish diagnosis, type, and extent of injury. To evaluate the usefulness of ultrasonography in the management of children with eye injuries as well as find out the pattern of lesions found in the pediatric age group. This was a retrospective study of all the children aged 17years and below that attended the emergency or eye clinic and or referred from private health facility around a tertiary Health facility south West Nigeria and were referred to Radiology Department for ultrasound assessment over a two year period.There was a lot of overlap of sonographic findings in the examined eyes. Cataract (38.5%) and Vitreous Hemorrhage (25.6%) were the most frequent findings, followed by choroidal (17.9%) and retinal detachments (17.9%), lens rupture (5.1%) and subluxation (5.1%) respectively. The pattern of findings in children is different from the adult pattern. The findings were found to influence the management in the various cases and post traumatic cataract was the most frequent complication found. Increased awareness is to be mounted in health talks to parents/guardians as well as school teachers on the safe mode of discipline of a child to avoid eye injuries following canning.
A 67 year old accountant with no history of smoking that presented with chronic cough of 14 months, weight loss and difficulty with breathing of three months. Features and investigations at early presentation were diagnosed initially as interstitial lung disease and later tuberculosis and was so treated in peripheral hospitals. Worsening of symptoms prompted patient to self-refer and further investigations with bronchoscopy showed he had adenocarcinoma of the lungs. There is the need to include bronchoscopy in investigating patients with chronic cough and early referrals made where not available so that early diagnosis of cancer of the lungs can be made and therefore early treatment and better prognosis.
The concepts of social connectedness in the context of patient-providers relationships tends to focus on relationships from a healthcare provider's perspective; the patient's experience with the social relationship with their providers are inadequately described. This study examined patients' perspectives in terms of satisfaction with the perceived providers' attributes of social connectedness displayed during clinic encounter. This was a descriptive cross sectional study conducted between September and October 2019. A multistage sampling technique was used to select respondents and data was collected with the aid of a seven (7) items questionnaire on health care providers' social attributes of connectedness developed from the service quality (SERVIQUAL) questionnaire. The data was analyzed with the aid of SPSS 21.0 and statistical significance was set at a P value 0.05. Satisfaction was reported by 60.4% to 89.8% of patients with regard to the perceived health care providers' attributes of connectedness except for providers' support for which only 43.4% of the patients express satisfaction. Majority (89.8%) of patients were satisfied with the perceived providers' cooperation during clinical encounter. There was a significant association between patient satisfactions and all the perceived attributes.(p-value<0.001) The results of our study were encouraging, showing that the patients were generally satisfied with the perceived health care providers' social attributes. However, there is the need for improvement in social support given by the health care providers to their patients. Key words: Connectedness, Patients satisfaction, Patient-provider relationship, Social attributes, Outpatients
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an illness caused by a virus that can be transmitted by human contact. After the first infections in China at the end of 2019, COVID-19 has continued to spread across the world. No continent has been able to escape this virus. In Nigeria, the first case of COVID-19 was detected on 27th February 2020 in Lagos State; an Italian visitor on a business trip to Ewekoro cement plant, Ogun State, this did not lead to an immediate outbreak in the state, however, series of immediate interventions were put in place by the government of Ogun state and the Federal Republic of Nigeria in response to COVID-19. At the time of preparing this manuscript the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) reported a total infected cases of 25,133 people, with 9,402 recoveries and total death of 573 cases. In this article, the daily number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 were obtained from publicly available outbreak situation report of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Ogun State Ministry of Health a preliminary epidemiological analysis of COVID-19 outbreak in Ogun state between 27th February and 28th June, 2020 and a breakdown of the disease in the local governments of the state is provided. A total of 774 confirmed cases and 18 COVID-19 deaths were recorded in nineteen local government areas out of twenty local government areas in Ogun state, Nigeria. 342 (43.7%) of the infected cases seen were detected in the Ado Odo Ota local government area, and the Sagamu local government area with about 206 (26.3%) infected cases which are border towns to Lagos state the most infected state in Nigeria. 78.6% of the infected cases were in the middle age group, specifically the 25-34, 35-44 and 45-54 age categories. The number of men infected with COVID-19 in Ogun state is 3 times that of women infected implying that Men are more at risk for worse outcomes and death, irrespective of age, with COVID-19. This study thus provides an insight into the COVID-19 current situation in Ogun state and serve as a reminder to policymakers, health officers, disease control agencies and the general public, that although the number of confirmed cases may be relatively low in Ogun state, the risk is still very high and potentially, there could be many asymptomatic cases in the state, Ogun State Keywords: COVID-19, virus, cases.
Pressure ulcers are quite distressing, and they cut across all age groups. Aside from increasing mortality, it results in protracted hospital stay and an upsurge in the consumption of healthcare resources Pressure ulcers are considered to be essentially preventable, but in order to prevent them it is important to identify the people most at risk and deliver timely preventative care. In case of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), as in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affected patients, prone position and invasive ventilation improve the clinical status of this group of patients. This form of therapy is associated with an increased risk of facial pressure ulcers. When pressure ulcer occurs, appropriate documentation of each ulcer and staging of the ulcer are essential for good wound assessment.Treatment involves, assessing the nutritional needs of the patient, management of infections, removal of necrotic tissue, maintenance of a moist environment for wound healing, and possibly surgery. Keywords: Pressure Ulcer, Pressure Injury, Wound Dressings, Debridement, Nutrition.
Connective tissue diseases are thought to be rare in Nigeria though cases are being reported now. Our experience in Jos points to their not being so rare at least in women. Systemic lupus erythematosus is one of them with multi-system presentation. The case of a young lady with acute coronary syndrome initially missed is hereby reported to show that it is not so rare; and could present with coronary artery disease manifestation. A case of a young lady presenting with features of unstable coronary syndrome but ignored due to absence of traditional risk factors; until she consulted the author is reported. Her history proved suggestive of a connective tissue disease and full evaluation confirmed systemic lupus erythematosus. Her presentation with cardiac symptoms suggestive of coronary artery disease and relative youth led to suspicion of a connective tissue disease. Her electrocardiogram showed transient ischaemia in the inferior leads. Urinalysis showed haematuria and proteinuria suggestive of lupus nephritis; and a rheumatology panel confirmed lupus syndrome. Disease modifying drug treatment got her symptoms resolving. Connective tissue diseases, among which is systemic lupus erythematosus are not as rare in our environment as previously thought. Systemic lupus erythematosus manifests in all symptoms of the body and can present in various ways. Clinicians in our environment should improve their index of suspicion; as prognosis is good if detected early and availed of treatment. Key Words: Systemic lupus erythematosus, Acute coronary syndrome, Nigeria, Female
There are difficulties in determining children with iron deficiency anaemia in developing countries due to cost of serum ferritin estimation. We sought to determine the relationship between red cell indices and serum ferritin among pre-school children. A random sample of 89 apparently healthy children was recruited. Serum ferritin was measured by ELIZA while red cell indices were determined by auto-analysis.Correlations analysis was performed to test the relationship between serum ferritin and the red cell indices. Also validity testing of red cell indices as screening tools was performed using the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values. Weak significant positive correlations were seen between serum ferritin and MCV, and MCH irrespective of the anaemic status of study subjects anaemia status (p = 0.020, and 0.040 respectively). Following stratification according to presence or absence of anaemia, a significant positive correlation was seen between serum ferritin and MCV among subjects with anaemia. None of the red cell indices were found to reach significant correlation levels with the red cell indices in non-anaemic study subjects. There were notable difference between sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values using MCV compared with MCH in the anaemic children. MCV was observed to be a useful surrogate for predicting iron deficiency state in pre-school children with anaemia where serum ferritin is not readily available. Keywords: Children, Surrogate, Iron deficiency anaemia, Red cell indices
A spate of pneumonia cases caused by A novel Coronavirus called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) was observed in Wuhan, Hubei province of China in late 2019. The outbreak termed COVID-19 has spread rapidly almost throughout the world with a case fatality of approximately 6.9%. The disease spreads by droplet infection from person to person. Early diagnosis is the key for prompt management of cases and control of the spread of the virus. Currently, real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT- PCR) for the detection of unique sequences of the viral genome is the gold standard for COVID-19 testing where the N, E, S and RdRp (RNA-dependent RNA polymerase) genes are targeted using upper and lower respiratory tract specimens. The rRT-PCR is labor intensive, severely constraining the capacity for quick turnaround time (TAT) from sample collection to results transmission particularly in resource limited settings. Consequently, laboratory testing of suspected cases might be characterized by long wait periods. The exponential increase in demand for tests, coupled with inherent shortage or scarcity of laboratory resources dictates the need to provide for all that is required for effective diagnosis in the laboratory. Also, whether other materials, such as blood, urine, stools, saliva and throat washing, will become valid alternatives has not been unequivocally defined so far. The development and availability of serological assays and point of care molecular testing assays are potentially viable opportunity for purposes of diagnostics and epidemiologic surveillance, although more information is needed on accuracy and reliability of these portable immunoassays as non has been licensed for use in the country according to the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). Majority (80%) of these infections remains asymptomatic and are the major drivers of the spread of the infection around the world. With the perception of our experiences in recent months, it is clear that COVID-19 may have come to stay and we might be living together with this virus for quite a long time. Thus, our level of surveillance (using laboratory testing) and responsiveness against the emergence over burdened local outbreaks must be maintained at the highest possible levels with mitigation strategies to limit the spread of the disease.
Mental health disorders were reported to pose significant problems for students of higher institutions. The prevention of mental health disorders and promotion of psychological well being among students of tertiary institutions remain a challenge for low and middle-income countries. This study assessed the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress and their relationships with selfesteem among polytechnic students. A total number of 495 students of the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria completed the version 21 of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale and Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale. The mean scores of the DASS-21 were 12.22, 14.0 and 12.50 respectively and 56%, 42% and 47% of the students were diagnosed for probable depression, anxiety and stress respectively. The mean score of self-esteem was 22.5, SD = 19.02 (range =20-40). The results also showed that 53%, 32% and 13% of the participants had low, moderate and high self-esteem respectively. There were negative and significant correlations between self-esteem and depression (r=-.345, p=0.002), anxiety (r= -.687, p=.004) and stress (r= -.825, p=0.002).Females and more senior participants had higher scores in all the variables. The surveyed students experienced high levels of probable depression, anxiety, stress and low self-esteem. Self-esteem also negatively correlated with depression, anxiety and stress. These negative emotional experiences could lower the academic achievements and overall success of students. It is therefore necessary that the polytechnic educational authorities frequently evaluate the mental health status of students and also design psychological intervention programmes to alleviate any observed psychological distress.Keywords: Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Self-esteem, Polytechnic, Nigeria
The aetiology of hypertension and the effectiveness of drugs for the treatment are key areas of research. Most clinical reports are on Caucasians and/or Blacks residing in other parts of the world. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of some antihypertensive medications as monotherapy among newly diagnosed black hypertensives attending a tertiary hospital in Nigeria. The study involved 25 treatment-naive newly diagnosed hypertensives aged 20-60 years. They were randomly selected and allotted to five treatment groups ( n =5) consisting of ramipril, amlodipine, atenolol, hydrochlorothiazide (administered at recommended therapeutic doses); and lifestyle modification groups. The treatment groups were each matched for sex and age with controls ( n =5). A questionnaire was used to obtain basic data about subjects. Blood pressure, body mass index (BMI) and lipid profile were measured before and four weeks after the commencement of treatment. The mean systolic pressure (SP) of the hypertensives was reduced from 142.8 ± 19.9 to126.6 ± 12.7 mmHg ( P <0.001). Their mean diastolic pressure (DP) was also significantly ( P <0.001) reduced from 87.6 ± 11.3 to 78.7 ± 6.4mmHg. Ramipril and hydrochlorothiazide significantly reduced SP ( P <0.03; P <0.006 respectively) and DP ( P <0.02; P <0.005 respectively). Amlodipine was significantly ( P <0.04) effective in reducing DP while the reductions in SP and DP by atenolol and lifestyle modification were not significant. The medications and lifestyle modifications had no significant effects on low density lipoproteins (LDL) and high density lipoproteins (HDL) even though there were tendencies to reduce the former and increase the latter. This study has shown that monotherapy with ramipril, amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide but not atenolol is effective among the studied population at least within four weeks of commencing treatment. Addition of lipid lowering drugs could enhance reduction in lipid levels. Keywords: Effectiveness, Antihypertensive drugs, blood pressure, Lipid profile, newly diagnosed hypertensives
Melkersson Rosenthal Syndrome (MRS) is a rare neurological disorder characterized by swelling of the face, particularly one or both lips (granulomatous cheilitis), facial muscle weakness (palsy) and a fissured tongue. We present a patient with Melkersson Rosenthal Syndrome, highlighting the clinical triad of symptoms and management. A74-year-old Nigerian male presented to the Oral Medicine Clinic of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital for evaluation of right-sided facial numbness, inability to close the right eye, left facial deviation suggestive of a lower motor neuron type facial palsy of 4 days, and painless swelling of the upper and lower lips for seven days. On examination, he was found to have swelling of the upper and lower lips, multiple fissures on the tongue, right facial paresthesia, and an isolated right-sided facial nerve paralysis. He was empirically managed with 50mg prednisone daily for seven days, which was tapered over two weeks and neurobion 1 tablet daily for a month. This resulted in remission of lip swelling, however fissured tongue remained. Two months later, facial deviation had become less apparent. Patient is being followed up in the outpatient clinic. Melkersson Rosenthal Syndrome is a rare disorder with features of facial swelling, facial nerve palsy and fissured tongue. Some affected individuals may have all three of these features and others may have only one or two. The diagnosis of MRS can be made clinically when there is a complete triad of symptoms as reported in our patient.Keywords: Melkersson Rosenthal Syndrome, clinical symptoms, management
A widely held belief is that failure to acknowledge pain and its under-detection/diagnosis among elderly patients is common, and that clinicians often face challenges in managing pain among patients with cognitive impairment. This paper reviews pain assessment tools, and guidelines and practices for pain management in patients with impaired cognition. Using keywords including 'dementia, 'pain assessment', 'physiotherapy intervention, 'modalities; and 'elderly population, PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for studies on pain assessment tools and its management amongst patients with impaired cognition and dementia. Available studies that met the relevant criteria were retrieved and were analysed to synthesise the best practices regarding pain assessment and management in people with dementia. Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia Scale has the best psychometric properties and is preferred over other scales. As a guideline, it is recommended that clinicians may first determine the existence of and/or the extent of cognitive impairment using Mini-Mental Status Examination, identify possible causes of pain, observe patients behaviour and seek information from caregivers, before using any pain assessment tools. A clinician should consider non-pharmaceutical management of pain in this population with electrical stimulation standing out in this means of intervention. Managing pain in the elderly that cannot self-report pain requires an interdisciplinary approach, comprehensive assessment and adherence to clinical guidelines for effective pain management. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve and cranial nerve stimulation are potent adjunctive and perhaps choice modality over others in managing pain in dementia
This study aimed at investigating the circulating Rotavirus strains in Maiduguri, Borno State, Northeastern Nigeria. A total of 404 stool samples were collected from children with clinical presentation of diarrhea. All samples were screened using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kit produced by Diagnostic Automation/Cortez Diagnostics, USA, REF 8306-3), for the presence of Rotavirus antigen. The Rotavirus positive samples were further analyzed by Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (PAGE), to determine their RNA electropherotypes, Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to determine their VP7 (G) and VP4 (P) Genotypes and nucleotide sequencing. A total of 154 stool samples (38.1%) were Rotavirus positive with peaks observed in cold dry season, among male children and 0-5 years age group. A total of 88 selected Rotavirus positive samples were subjected to Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (PAGE), with only 25 (28.4%) were positive, given 16 (57.1%) with long pro?les and 12 (42.9%) with short profiles. Among the 25 Rotavirus positive samples subjected to RT-PCR and PCR genotyping, all the samples (100%) were positive for RT-PCR. The samples exhibited mixed G and Ptypes. The most commonly detected VP7 type was G2 (36%), followed by G12 (27%), G1 (18%), G9 (12%) and G3 (7%). The most commonly detected VP7 type was G2 (36%), followed by G12 (27%), G1 (18%), G9 (12%) and G3 (7%). For VP4 type detected, the most common types were P8 (36%) and P4 (32%) followed by P6 (32%). The P/G combinations circulating in Borno State are G12P[8] (29%), G2P[4] (29%), G2P[6], G1P[6][8], G1P[6], G3P[6] , G9P[6] and G2,3P[6][8] gave 7%. The sequence of the VP4 gene of Maiduguri, Borno State P[4], P[6] and P[8] strains were compared with other published VP4 gene sequences. Strains from Maiduguri sequenced were similar (97-99%) to others in Ghana, Cameroun, Mali, Ethiopia and United State of America strains. A safe and effective rotavirus vaccine is urgently needed in Nigeria, particularly in Borno State.Keywords: Diversity, Rotavirus, Maiduguri, children
