Screening for Salmonella typhi Serum Antibodies and Stool Antigen among Undergraduate Students of Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria

Background: Salmonella typhi infection is endemic in Nigeria with varied morbidity and mortality rates.

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence rate of Salmonella typhi infection among the undergraduate Students of Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State using rapid diagnostic method.

Study Design: This is a descriptive-epidemiological survey.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria, between April and June, 2018.

Materials and Methods: Blood and stool specimens were randomly collected from 200 consenting undergraduate Students and screened using Solid Rapid Diagnostic Typhoid (United Kingdom) and Accu-Chek S. typhi antigen (India) Test Kits, respectively according to the manufacturer instruction.

Results: Out of the 200 participants screened, 7(3.5%) were positive for S. typhi serum immunoglobulin M antibody (IgM Ab), 68 (34.0%) were positive for S. typhi serum immunoglobulin G antibody (IgG Ab), while 18 (9.0%) were positive for S. typhi stool antigen (SAg). Percentage sero-positivity for S. typhi serum IgG antibody was significantly (P < 0.05) higher among participants who were male (29.0%), 16-20 years (17.0%) and Occupants of Hall 15 (8.0%). Risk factors associated with the occurrence of Salmonella typhi infection in this study include: lack of Typhoid fever vaccination, past history of typhoid fever, drinking of unsafe water and raw cow milk, consumption of beef, poultry and street vended food, as well as poor toilet hygiene.

Conclusion: The outcome of this study show that Salmonella typi infection exist among undergraduate Students of Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State; therefore, prompt treatment of all identified cases, in addition to a sustainable implementation of preventive measures is needed to halt the cycle of transmission.