Detection of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis IgM and IgG Antibodies and Associated Risk Factors Among Apparently Healthy Undergraduate Students of a Private University in South-West Nigeria

Seyi Samson Enitan; Morenikeji Hannah Adeniyi; Surajudeen Alim Junaid; Ernest Chibuike Ohanu; Nwachi Idume Ogbonna; Effiong Effiong Joseph; Grace Eleojo Itodo; Oluyemisi Ajike Adekunbi; Joan Osamouyi Odigie; Ayomide Ruth Olabanji

doi:10.30560/mhs.v4n2p6

Seyi Samson Enitan Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Nigeria
Morenikeji Hannah Adeniyi Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Nigeria
Surajudeen Alim Junaid Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Federal University, Lafia, Nigeria
Ernest Chibuike Ohanu Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
Nwachi Idume Ogbonna Department of Education, Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, FCT-Abuja, Nigeria
Effiong Effiong Joseph Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Nigeria
Grace Eleojo Itodo Department of Medical Microbiology, Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja, Nigeria
Oluyemisi Ajike Adekunbi Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Nigeria
Joan Osamouyi Odigie Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Nigeria
Ayomide Ruth Olabanji Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Nigeria

DOI: https://doi.org/10.30560/mhs.v4n2p6

Keywords: Mycobacterium tuberculosis, antibodies, risk factors, students, South-West Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) is frequent among Nigerians. Many people are infected without realizing it (asymptomatic) and thus provide a risk of transmission to others. Not only will early treatment prevent TB complications, but it will also help to break the infection cycle in a community.

Objective: The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis IgM and IgG antibodies and associated risk factors among apparently healthy undergraduate Students of Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State.

Methodology: The serum samples of 100 consenting participants were collected randomly and screened for TB antibodies using Aria TB IgG/IgM Combo Rapid Antibody Test Cassette (CTK Biotech Inc. Poway, CA 92064, USA). A structured questionnaire was administered to consenting students to obtain information on their bio-data (e.g, the age, sex, study level etc.), as well as clinical information regarding their health (History of TB, history of BCG vaccination, use of anti-TB medications, alcohol consumption, smoking habits etc.).

Results: The outcome of this study shows that 15 (15%) out of the 100 participants screened, were positive for TB IgG antibody, while, only 1 (1%) person was positive for TB IgM antibody. There was no significant association (P>0.05) between percentage TB IgG positivity and the socio-demographic characteristics of the study participants (gender, age, study level and tribe), except for religion. The percentage of TB IgG positivity among the study participants was found to be significantly higher than of TB IgM positivity (P<0.05). None of the 15 participants who tested positive to TB IgG indicated any of the signs and symptoms (persistent cough, chest pain, nausea, fever, chills, loss of appetite, fatigue and night sweat) associated with TB), however the only person who tested positive for TB IgM indicated all, except night sweat. Identified risk factors associated with the occurrence of TB IgM include history of TB, lack of BCG vaccination, history of diabetes and physical unfitness.

Conclusion: The findings of this study show that asymptomatic and latent tuberculosis infection exists among the study participants, and that if left untreated, it will progress to active tuberculosis with all of its associated complications, including death. This emphasizes the importance of ongoing public health education, BCG vaccination, and periodic screening to detect asymptomatic cases in the study population in order to break the infection cycle.

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