African Journal of Parasitology Research

African Journal of Parasitology Research | Vol. 14, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 733–740

DOI: 10.46882/AJPR/140733

Article Type: Full Length Research Paper

Title: Molecular characterization and risk dynamics of Cryptosporidium parvum subtypes among dairy calves and livestock handlers in the peri-urban sectors of Bamako, Mali

Names of Authors: Amadou T. Diarra¹, Ousmane M. Traoré¹, Fatoumata B. Keita²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Institut National de Recherche en Santé Publique, Bamako, Mali. ²Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie, Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako, Bamako, Mali.

Abstract: Cryptosporidiosis is a significant diarrhoeal disease that causes severe gastrointestinal distress in young livestock and has considerable zoonotic potential for farmers. This cross-sectional molecular survey investigated the prevalence, risk components, and subtype distribution of Cryptosporidium species among 520 pre-weaned dairy calves and 180 livestock handlers across peri-urban farming systems in Bamako, Mali. Fecal specimens were analyzed using modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining, followed by nested PCR sequencing of the small subunit rRNA and gp60 genes to identify specific genotypes. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium was 22.5 percent (n = 117) in calves and 8.3 percent (n = 15) in human handlers. Genotyping confirmed Cryptosporidium parvum as the main species in both populations, accounting for 74.2 percent of calf infections and 86.6 percent of human cases. Subtype analysis of the gp60 gene revealed the dominant presence of the hyper-transmissible, zoonotic IIaA15G2R1 subtype in 12 matching calf-handler pairs. Multivariable logistic regression associated calf infection with high animal crowding in pens (odds ratio = 3.42, 95 percent confidence interval [1.88 to 6.22]) and unboiled water usage (odds ratio = 2.44, 95 percent confidence interval [1.31 to 4.54]). The identification of identical zoonotic subtypes in calves and handlers provides clear molecular evidence of direct cross-species transmission, highlighting the need for better veterinary sanitation and personal protective measures on these farms.

Keywords: Cryptosporidium parvum, Zoonotic transmission, gp60 subtyping, Dairy calves, Public health, Mali

Manuscript Timeline: Received: 15 June 2026; Revised: 12 July 2026; Accepted: 02 August 2026; Published: 16 August 2026

African Journal of Parasitology Research | Vol. 14, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 725–732

DOI: 10.46882/AJPR/140725

Article Type: Full Length Research Paper

Title: Efficacy of integrated vector management strategies against pyrethroid-resistant Culex quinquefasciatus populations in urban drainage systems of Cotonou, Benin

Names of Authors: Marcel K. Adjovi¹, Félicien A. Gbaguidi¹, Clarisse S. Houndénou²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Centre de Recherche Entomologique de Cotonou, Cotonou, Benin. ²Département de Zoologie, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université d'Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin.

Abstract: Rapid urban expansion without adequate drainage systems creates heavily polluted microhabitats that encourage the breeding of insecticide-resistant vectors. This field-based study evaluated the efficacy of combining biological larviciding (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) with mechanical channel clearing to control pyrethroid-resistant Culex quinquefasciatus across 24 urban drainage networks in Cotonou, Benin. Standard WHO bottle bioassays confirmed widespread resistance to deltamethrin (0.05 percent) and permethrin (0.75 percent), with 24-hour adult mortality rates staying below 18.5 percent. Biochemical profiling linked this resistance to elevated levels of non-specific esterases and monooxygenases (P < 0.001). Following a coordinated intervention combining mechanical clearing and weekly biological larviciding, larval densities dropped by 84.6 percent within 30 days. Furthermore, the mean indoor resting density of adult mosquitoes dropped from 42.5 to 6.8 mosquitoes per room per night in communities near the treated drains. Multivariate regression showed that structural blockages and plastic waste accumulation in the drains were major risk factors for vector breeding (odds ratio = 4.12, 95 percent confidence interval [2.31 to 7.42]). These findings prove that relying only on chemical sprays is ineffective due to metabolic resistance mechanisms, demonstrating that integrated environmental management combined with biological larvicides is necessary to control urban vectors in West Africa.

Keywords: Culex quinquefasciatus, Pyrethroid resistance, Integrated vector management, Biological larvicides, Urban drainage, Benin

Manuscript Timeline: Received: 10 June 2026; Revised: 05 July 2026; Accepted: 28 July 2026; Published: 12 August 2026

African Journal of Parasitology Research | Vol. 14, No. 9, August 2026 | pp. 717–724

DOI: 10.46882/AJPR/140717

Article Type: Full Length Research Paper

Title: Seroepidemiology and risk characterization of Coxiella burnetii and Toxoplasma gondii co-infections among small ruminants in the pastoral zones of northeastern Namibia

Names of Authors: Johannes K. Mwaningange¹, Petrina N. Shivute¹, Andreas M. Kambueshe²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia. ²Directorate of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Katima Mulilo, Namibia.

Abstract: Dual infections with zoonotic pathogens pose severe threats to reproductive health in small ruminants and compromise public health safety in pastoral communities. This cross-sectional survey evaluated the seroprevalence, risk factors, and co-infection rates of Coxiella burnetii (Q fever) and Toxoplasma gondii among 840 small ruminants (520 goats and 320 sheep) across extensive pastoral networks in northeastern Namibia. Serum samples were collected from randomly selected pastoral herds and screened using commercial indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits optimized for multi-species detection. The overall seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii was determined at 24.5 percent (n = 206), while anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies were detected in 16.8 percent (n = 141) of the sampled animals. Concurrent seropositivity for both zoonotic agents occurred in 5.2 percent (n = 44) of the livestock population. Goats displayed significantly higher seroprevalence for Coxiella burnetii (28.1 percent) compared to sheep (18.8 percent) (P < 0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis associated co-infection risk with dense flock confinement overnight (odds ratio = 3.42, 95 percent confidence interval [1.88 to 6.22]) and historic herd records of unclassified abortions or stillbirths (odds ratio = 4.15, 95 percent confidence interval [2.31 to 7.45]). The high exposure metrics of these zoonotic pathogens highlight a major reproductive drag on indigenous small ruminant assets, requiring targeted veterinary health extension campaigns and integrated farm biosecurity upgrades.

Keywords: Coxiella burnetii, Toxoplasma gondii, Seroepidemiology, Small ruminants, Zoonotic co-infection, Namibia

Manuscript Timeline: Received: 20 July 2026; Revised: 18 August 2026; Accepted: 03 September 2026; Published: 18 September 2026

African Journal of Parasitology Research | Vol. 14, No. 9, August 2026 | pp. 709–716

DOI: 10.46882/AJPR/140709

Article Type: Short Communication

Title: Detection and genotyping of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in asymptomatic school-aged children in rural communities of the Okavango Delta, Botswana

Names of Authors: Thabo O. Lekgowe¹, Kabelo M. Motshudi¹, Neo C. Mmoloki²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana. ²Okavango Research Institute, University of Botswana, Maun, Botswana.

Abstract: Microsporidia are emerging opportunistic pathogens capable of causing persistent gastrointestinal disease, yet their baseline occurrence in asymptomatic populations living near wildlife-livestock interfaces remains under-studied. This short communication reports on the prevalence and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) genotype distribution of Enterocytozoon bieneusi among 310 asymptomatic school children (aged 6 to 12 years) across rural settlements in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. Fecal specimens were analyzed using nested PCR amplification of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region followed by direct bidirectional sequencing. The molecular screening revealed a baseline Enterocytozoon bieneusi infection rate of 7.4 percent (n = 23). Sequence analysis identified three distinct genotypes: the zoonotic genotype D was the most prevalent (52.2 percent, n = 12), followed by genotype Type IV (30.4 percent, n = 7) and a host-adapted avian lineage genotype Peru6 (17.4 percent, n = 4). No significant statistical correlations were observed between microsporidian infection and participant age or gender (P > 0.05). However, risk assessment modeling linked genotype D positivity to households utilizing unfiltered surface water collected directly from floodplains shared with wild herbivores and livestock (odds ratio = 3.24, 95 percent confidence interval [1.48 to 7.09]). These findings highlight low-level environmental contamination with zoonotic microsporidia genotypes in the Okavango ecosystem, demonstrating the need for improved point-of-use water purification strategies for remote rural communities.

Keywords: Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Microsporidia, ITS genotyping, Asymptomatic infection, Surface water, Botswana

Manuscript Timeline: Received: 18 July 2026; Revised: 14 August 2026; Accepted: 01 September 2026; Published: 15 September 2026

African Journal of Parasitology Research | Vol. 14, No. 9, August 2026 | pp. 701–708

DOI: 10.46882/AJPR/140701

Article Type: Full Length Research Paper

Title: Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of Hepatozoon canis in domestic dogs and Rhipicephalus sanguineus vectors from urban Monrovia, Liberia

Names of Authors: Rufus K. Tokpa¹, Augustine J. Kollie¹, Blessing M. Saydee²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Central Agricultural Research Institute, Livestock Research Division, Suakoko, Liberia. ²Department of Biological Sciences, University of Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia.

Abstract: Canine hepatozoonosis is an important tick-borne hemoprotozoan disease that compromises the health of domestic dogs in tropical urban centers. This molecular epidemiological survey determined the prevalence, vector correlation, and genetic lineages of Hepatozoon canis infecting 360 domestic dogs presented at veterinary health checkpoints and rescue facilities in Monrovia, Liberia. Peripheral blood films and whole blood samples were collected alongside 1420 adult ixodid ticks gathered from the animal hosts. DNA extracts from both blood and tick tissue pools were screened using nested PCR assays targeting the 18S rRNA gene region. Microscopic examination identified Hepatozoon canis gamonts in 12.5 percent of blood smears, while molecular sequencing revealed a significantly higher diagnostic positivity rate of 26.4 percent (n = 95) in dogs. Tick identification verified Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato as the exclusive vector, with 18.2 percent of processed tick pools testing positive for Hepatozoon canis DNA. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that the Liberian isolates shared high sequence identity (99.4 to 100 percent) with reference strains from West and Central Africa, forming a monophyletic cluster distinct from European lineages. Multivariable logistic regression associated active infection with severe tick infestation (odds ratio = 4.15, 95 percent confidence interval [2.32 to 7.42]) and free-roaming status (odds ratio = 2.88, 95 percent confidence interval [1.51 to 5.46]). These findings confirm widespread endemic transmission of Hepatozoon canis in Monrovia, showing the need for continuous companion animal vector control.

Keywords: Hepatozoon canis, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, 18S rRNA, Canine health, Molecular surveillance, Liberia

Manuscript Timeline: Received: 12 July 2026; Revised: 10 August 2026; Accepted: 28 August 2026; Published: 10 September 2026

African Journal of Parasitology Research | Vol. 14, No. 9, August 2026 | pp. 693–700

DOI: 10.46882/AJPR/140693

Article Type: Full Length Research Paper

Title: Efficacy of targeted pulse-dosing praziquantel regimens against persistent Schistosoma mansoni infections in commercial sand-mining cohorts along the Shire River, Malawi

Names of Authors: Chisomo M. Banda¹, Limbani D. Phiri¹, Tiwonge K. Manda²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi. ²College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi.

Abstract: Occupational exposure to high-velocity riverine systems exposes sand-mining laborers to intense, repeated cercarial penetration, frequently resulting in high parasitic burdens that display poor clearance under standard chemotherapy. This open-label randomized trial evaluated the cure rate and egg reduction efficiency of a dual-dose pulse praziquantel regimen (40 milligrams per kilogram administered on days 0 and 14) compared to standard single-dose therapy among 420 male sand miners along the Shire River, Malawi. Stool specimens were processed using duplicate Kato-Katz smears at baseline and 28 days post-intervention. Baseline intestinal schistosomiasis prevalence was 58.3 percent (n = 245), with 34.2 percent of positive subjects presenting heavy intensity burdens (greater than 400 eggs per gram of faeces). The pulse-dosing cohort achieved a significantly higher cure rate of 86.4 percent (n = 108/125) compared to 61.6 percent (n = 74/120) in the single-dose control group (P < 0.001). The geometric mean egg reduction rate reached 96.8 percent in the pulse-dosing arm versus 78.4 percent in the reference arm. Mild, transient abdominal discomfort (12.4 percent) and dizziness (8.6 percent) were the primary reported adverse effects, which resolved within 36 hours. These results show that standard single-dose regimens are insufficient under conditions of extreme occupational exposure, demonstrating that a two-dose pulse strategy provides a highly effective curative alternative for high-risk demographic groups.

Keywords: Schistosoma mansoni, Praziquantel, Pulse-dosing, Occupational health, Sand miners, Malawi

Manuscript Timeline: Received: 05 July 2026; Revised: 02 August 2026; Accepted: 22 August 2026; Published: 05 September 2026