Nigerian Journal of Parasitology最新文献

{"title":"Effect of mangostin on the functional activity and integrity of the Plasmodium falciparum infected and Uninfected red blood cells membrane","authors":"Z. Ibraheem, R. A. Majid, S. M. Noor, M. D. Farook, R. Basir","doi":"10.4314/njpar.v45i1.19","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/njpar.v45i1.19","url":null,"abstract":"Mangostin is a natural xanthanoid obtained from various parts of the mangosteen tree Garcinia mangostana with diverse medicinal effects, such as; antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer and anti- inflammatory. This study aimed at exploring its impact on the integrity, and the physiological function of both Plasmodium falciparum-infected and uninfected red blood cells (RBCs). This was achieved by studying its impact on the RBCs morphology, integrity and osmotic fragility. On the one hand, its effect on the plasmodium-infected cells was achieved by screening its impact on the parasite-induced new permeation pathways (NPPs) and the plasmodial invasiveness to the RBCs and these were related to its growth inhibitory effect against the parasite. On the other hand, its molecular characteristics were determined using the In Silico Molispiration simulation software and its anti-oxidant activity was measured using conventional in vitro tests and the anti-lipid peroxidation assay. The results showed that mangostin had a good growth inhibitory effect against Plasmodium falciparum with a moderate selectivity as compared to its effect against RBCs. Furthermore, it showed a good inhibitory effect against merozoite invasion and the plasmodium-induced new permeation pathway at concentrations less than the cytotoxic dose against RBCs and the parasite. Besides it succeeded in hampering the oxidative stress- induced RBCs damage without affecting the RBC fragility when it was added at low doses. Overall, the results suggest that their anti-plasmodium effect is not related to their impact on the RBCs membrane. Further studies are recommended to explore their precise mechanism of action.","PeriodicalId":19206,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Journal of Parasitology","volume":"111 20","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140370401","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Host immune response, nutrition, and metabolism in Schistosoma parasite-host interactions","authors":"K. C. Onyekwelu, A. A. Eze","doi":"10.4314/njpar.v45i1.26","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/njpar.v45i1.26","url":null,"abstract":"Human schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease affecting millions of people, mainly in sub-Saharan Africa, is caused by a parasitic worm of the Schistosoma genus that resides in the veins of its host for many years. In parasite-host interactions, there is competition for survival between the parasite and its host because the parasite depends completely on the host for the maintenance of homeostasis. The host must protect itself from the harm caused by parasites in the process of obtaining food and shelter by attacking parasites with a strong immune defence system. Parasites have evolved strategies to survive in these unfavourable conditions created by the host. In this review, we examined the host immune response in Schistosoma parasite infection, the immune evasion mechanisms of Schistosoma parasites, nutrients, and the metabolic dependency of the parasite on the host.","PeriodicalId":19206,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Journal of Parasitology","volume":"21 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140372354","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The prevalence of Trypanosoma species in cattle in Calabar Metropolis of Cross River State in Southern Nigeria","authors":"S. Akpan, A. A. Bob, M. Mbah","doi":"10.4314/njpar.v45i1.16","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/njpar.v45i1.16","url":null,"abstract":"This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Trypanosoma species in cattle due to the increasing movement of animals within the metropolis. Blood specimens were collected from 1200 cattle during slaughter at four abattoirs (Bogobiri, Nasarawa, Ibesikpo, and Ikot Eneobong) between February and May 2022. Dry universal containers were positioned in the stream of blood oozing from the cut neck of each cow. From these containers, 4 mL of blood was aspirated into an ethylenediamine- tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) bottle using a 5 mL syringe. Blood specimens were processed for microscopy at the Parasitology Laboratory of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital. Wet preparation of each specimen was performed and examined for motile haemoparasites. Triple centrifugation was performed on 2 mL of each blood specimen at increasing speeds of 1000, 1500, and 3000 revolutions per minute for 5 min. During each centrifugation process, the resulting plasma was harvested and re-centrifuged. Finally, the resulting buffy coat layer and deposit were resuspended and used to prepare smears on clean microscope slides. After drying in air, blood smears were stained with 3% Giemsa solution for 30 min. The microscopy results showed that 570 stained blood specimens were positive for Trypanosoma species, which morphologically resembled Trypanosoma brucei because of their long free flagellum. The overall prevalence of trypanosomes in cattle was 47.5%. Of the total number of infected cattle, 330 were males and 240 were females. Theprevalence rates in male and female cattle were 27.5% and 20 %. There was no statistical difference in the occurrence of trypanosomes in the male and female cattle (X2 = 9.41; p > 0.05). However, the findings suggest that male cattle tend to forage more into the bush and are thus more likely to be exposed to bites of infected Glossina flies than their female counterparts. The high prevalence of trypanosomes in cattle, as shown in this study, may have major epidemiologic significance, considering the increasing rate of open grazing by cattle within residential areas in major cities all over Nigeria.","PeriodicalId":19206,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Journal of Parasitology","volume":"51 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140368800","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Preliminary assessment of Moringa oleifera seed as a flocculation agent for purification of drinking water","authors":"K. C. Irikannu, A. C. Umeh, J. K. Okenu, C. C. Nwagbo, C. I. Nzeukwu, C. B. Chukwubude, C. Nwadike, C. O. Aniefuna, I. E. Obiefule, I. Nnatuanya","doi":"10.4314/njpar.v45i1.3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/njpar.v45i1.3","url":null,"abstract":"Sachet and borehole water are the major sources of drinking water for many in Nigeria. However, there are still concerns about drinking water purity in Nigeria. This study was conducted to determine the parasites associated with sachet and borehole drinking water and to determine the efficacy of Moringa oleifera seed in the flocculation treatment of sachet and borehole water. A total of 75 sachet water from 15 brands, and 10 different borehole water samples were collected from the study area. Moringa seed was processed and maceration was done to extract the active ingredients. Of the 75 sachet water samples from 15 brands examined, none had any parasites. However, all the brands contained varying degrees of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). Brand N had the highest (147.1mg/L), while Brand G had the least (4.62mg/L). After treatment, the TDS values of all the water samples were reduced by more than 50% in each of the brands. There was no significant association in the particle load among the sachet water brands (P>0.05, P=0.141). All 10 borehole water samples examined also contained varying degrees of TDS. The highest level of TDS in the study (635.4mg/L) and Ova of Ascaris lumbricoides was observed in sample E. After treatment, the TDS values of all the water samples were reduced. Also, ova of A. lumbricoides was no longer observed in the sample E. In this study, M. oleifera seed has demonstrated a high level of efficacy as a flocculation agent for the purification of drinking water. Therefore, we recommend further studies to determine how the seed could be used safely as a household and industrial water flocculant.","PeriodicalId":19206,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Journal of Parasitology","volume":"1 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140369040","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparative assessment of malaria diagnostic techniques updates","authors":"K. Sahira, A. Al-Abboodi","doi":"10.4314/njpar.v45i1.18","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/njpar.v45i1.18","url":null,"abstract":"Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites that enter the bloodstream via insect vectors, such as mosquitos. The disease has devastated parts of Africa and the wider human population throughout human periods and thus remains a significant global health challenge due to the difficulty in the procurement of a vaccine and the nature of its spread. While many have turned towards preventative methods, the first thing that must happen is a timely and accurate diagnosis of malaria. This is crucial for the effective management and control of the disease. However, the current diagnostic methods have various limitations, including cost, availability, and accuracy. This review aims to unmask the challenges of malaria diagnosis by exploring existing diagnostic techniques and shedding light on emerging technologies that show promise in improving malaria detection. Furthermore, it examines the potential of innovative approaches, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and molecular diagnostics, in transforming malaria diagnosis and contributing to global efforts toward malaria elimination.","PeriodicalId":19206,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Journal of Parasitology","volume":"131 16","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140369732","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Urinary schistosomiasis among female secondary school students in Ndokwa East Local Government Area in Delta State, Nigeria: Knowledge, risk factors and prevalence","authors":"C. E. Onwuma, O. Ochei, N. S. Awunor, A. B. Aremu, E. C. Ucho","doi":"10.4314/njpar.v45i1.24","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/njpar.v45i1.24","url":null,"abstract":"x`Undiagnosed and untreated cases of urinary schistosomiasis in females usually lead to severe gynaecological complications, collectively known as Female Genital Schistosomiasis. Periodic assessment of schistosomiasis in vulnerable endemic communities will prevent late diagnosis and treatment. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence, knowledge, and risk factors of urinary schistosomiasis among female secondary school students in Ndokwa East Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria. A Cross-sectional research design and multi-stage sampling technique were used to select 401 female secondary school students in the Ndokwa East Local Government Area. Participants’ urine samples were obtained and examined for Schistosoma haematobium eggs. A questionnaire was administered to collect information on the knowledge of schistosomiasis and exposure to known schistosomiasis risk factors from each participant. Urinary schistosomiasis was not detected in any of the analysed samples. Most students were uneducated (8% had good knowledge) regarding the infection. The absence of egg- patent prevalence in the samples may be due to mass administration of praziquantel to control the disease in the LGA. Knowledge about the disease was low. None of the independent variables was a significant predictor of knowledge about urinary schistosomiasis.","PeriodicalId":19206,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Journal of Parasitology","volume":"119 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140370034","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Geohelminthiases: Soil contamination and associated physicochemical parameters favouring ova dispersion in public schools in Ondo State, Nigeria.","authors":"A. L. Adeyekun, W. Akintayo-Adeyekun, M. Oniya, E. T. Hassan, O. S. Ajisogun, G. R. Olominu, J. O. Olusegun, M. B. Duyilemi, O. G. Akindele","doi":"10.4314/njpar.v45i1.23","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/njpar.v45i1.23","url":null,"abstract":"Geohelminth infections are common diseases in sub-Saharan Africa and are a major contributor to setbacks in the socioeconomic and health status of people. This study assessed parasite ova/larvae dispersion in public schools and the associated physicochemical parameters in Akungba Akoko, Ondo Statestate, Nigeria. A total number of five hundred and sixteen (516) soil samples were collected from all the public primary schools (6) in the study area and examination was done in triplicate in all the primary schools in the community using standard procedures, a total of six thousand and twenty-eight (6,028) parasites were recovered after laboratory analyses; hookworm larvae n=2210 (36.66%), followed by Trichuris trichiura n=1572 (26.08%), hookworm ova, n= 1001 (16.61%), Strongyloides stercoralis ova, n= 636 (10.55%) and Ascaris lumbricoides ova, n= 600 (9.95%). The physico-chemical parameters of soil samples at different cardinal points within and around the study area revealed the highest pH (7.82 and the highest electrical conductivity (612.54mS/cm, soil temperature ranged from 22.61 and 26.08 and the highest total dissolved solid was 337.72ppm. Correlation analyses carried out on the recovered parasites with physicochemical parameters revealed that hookworm larvae showed a positive correlation with temperature, with a weak negative correlation with electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids, and Trichuris trichiura had a significant negative correlation with pH and total dissolved solids. The other parasites also showed varying correlations with the physicochemical parameters. Based on these findings, environmental modifications are recommended as an effective preventive measure. Harnessing the results of the physicochemical parameters in relation to the parasites, mass chemotherapy of schoolchildren, health education campaigns, improved sanitary conditions, provision of toilet facilities, and personal hygiene are equally recommended.","PeriodicalId":19206,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Journal of Parasitology","volume":"130 41","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140369572","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ameliorative effect of Quercetin and Omega-3 Fatty Acids on haematological and liver function impairment induced by mosquito coil smoke in male Wistar rats","authors":"E. Aribo, S. U. Uquetan, S. U. Phillip, A. O. Uduak","doi":"10.4314/njpar.v45i1.14","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/njpar.v45i1.14","url":null,"abstract":"The use of mosquito coils is one method adopted to control malaria Inhalation of the coil smoke causes adverse effects, including hepatic and haematological toxicities associated with oxidative stress. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of phytochemical antioxidants (Quercetin and Omega-3) on mosquito coil smoke-induced haematological and hepatic impairments. Twenty male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups viz control, mosquito coil-only (MC), mosquito coil+Quercetin (MC+Q) and mosquito coil+Omega-3 (MC+OM3) groups of five rats each. Quercetin and Omega-3 were administered daily at 20mg/kg and 600mg/kg respectively. The duration of daily exposure and treatment was 42 days after which blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture for determination of relevant haematological and hepatic parameters. The RBC count was significantly reduced in the MC group compared with the control (P<0.05) but was higher in the MC+Quercetin group than in the MC group. Haemoglobin was decreased in the MC and MC+Omega-3 groups compared with the control (P<0.05). White blood cell count was higher in the MC group than in the control group (P<0.05) but lower in the MC+OM3 and MC+Q groups than in the MC group (P<0.05). The lymphocyte count was higher in the MC group than in the control group (P<0.05). Serum aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase were significantly increased (P<0.05) in the MC group compared with the control group but were reduced (P<0.05) in the MC+OM3 and MC+Q groups compared with the MC group. Serum alkaline phosphatase was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the MC group than in control (P<0.05) but significantly lower (P<0.05) in the MC+OM3 group than in the MC group. Serum total bilirubin was significantly elevated in the MC group compared to that in the control group (P<0.05). The serum concentration of direct bilirubin was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the MC group than in the control group. We conclude that Omega-3 and Quercetin ameliorate haematological and hepatic function impairments in Wistar rats exposed to mosquito coil smoke.","PeriodicalId":19206,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Journal of Parasitology","volume":"101 13","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140370822","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular Evaluation of Entamoeba gingivalis and Trichomonas tenax isolated from orthodontic patients in Maysan Province, Iraq.","authors":"E. Mushtaq, A. Al-Abboodi","doi":"10.4314/njpar.v45i1.9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/njpar.v45i1.9","url":null,"abstract":"Entamoeba gingivalis (E. gingivalis) and Trichomonas tenax (T. tenax) are two species of parasitic protozoans that inhabit the human buccal cavity. Poor hygiene increases infection with these parasites. There has recently been a need to use orthodontics, despite its benefits, but the damage caused by orthodontics cannot be overlooked. The current study aims to assess the prevalence of oral parasites among individuals who use orthodontic appliances (fixed and mobile). The study included 200 participants, 100(76 females and 24 males) orthodontics patients, and 100(75 females and 25 males) nonorthodontics participants (control). Gathered one pair of swabs from each participant for microscopic analysis, culture, and implementation of the nested PCR method. Chi-square and Fisher’s tests were conducted to identify any statistically significant connection between parasitic infections and orthodontic treatments. The findings indicated that orthodontic patients had elevated infection rates with these parasites. Specifically, the infection rate of E. gingivalis in orthodontic patients was more infected (47%) than in non-orthodontic subjects (25%) which were the control. The prevalence of T. tenax was only 2.0% in the orthodontic patients while it was 1.0% in the control group. The prevalence rates of both parasites (E. gingivalis and T. tenax) in the orthodontic patients exhibited the highest prevalence of 19% and 16% respectively among the control subjects. The study found a significant correlation between infection and orthodontic applications at P= 0.01. The effects of other factors on oral parasite infection such as (sex, age, and orthodontic type) were also studied and compared between the two groups.","PeriodicalId":19206,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Journal of Parasitology","volume":"85 14","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140371231","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Animal parasitic diseases and treatment strategies at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Ibadan","authors":"P. Odeniran, I. O. Ademola, D. A. Oyelade","doi":"10.4314/njpar.v45i1.10","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/njpar.v45i1.10","url":null,"abstract":"The epidemiology and management of parasitic diseases are essential in its strategic control. A 20-year retrospective study of parasitic diseases among dogs, ruminants, and wildlife at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH), University of Ibadan, Nigeria from January 1997 to September 2016 was analysed. Case files totaling 3,013 were retrieved from small animal clinics, University of Ibadan farm and the zoological garden units, respectively were examined. The VTH and client’s locations were determined using qGIS. The prevalence of parasitic diseases in dogs examined revealed 20.6% (95% CI: 19.2- 22.2) with a peak prevalence of 76.5% (95% CI: 50.1-93.2) in 2002. Puppies (≤ 6 months) had significantly higher (P < 0.05) parasitic diseases compared to adult dogs. The ruminant case files revealed a total prevalence of 53.9% (95%CI: 43.0-64.6) with large ruminants having significantly higher (P = 0.013) prevalence compared to small ruminants. Total prevalence of 63.3% (95%CI: 46.8-81.4) was observed in animals from the zoological garden. The prevalence of parasitic diseases between 2001-2004 was the highest with 41.9%, while the least prevalence was between 2009-2012 with 14.9%. Records for large animal units were highest between 2009-2012 with a prevalence of 85%, while university zoological gardens records showed the highest prevalence (88.9%) of parasitic diseases between 2009-2012. In all the units, infection with helminth was significantly higher as observed in the importance index when compared to other parasitic diseases. For helminthosis, the common drugs administered were levamisole, ivermectin and piperazine in that order depending on the species and age of animals. Regular deworming, public health education and proper prophylactic treatment are recommended for dog owners while improved management practices and engagement of veterinarians are advocated in the farm and zoological garden as efficient ways of controlling parasitic diseases.","PeriodicalId":19206,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Journal of Parasitology","volume":"4 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140372595","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}