African Journal of Parasitology Research

African Journal of Parasitology Research ISSN 2756-3391 Vol. 11 (4), pp. 001-004, April, 2l023. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Schistosoma haematobium infection-related immunoglobulin profiles in some Nigerians

O.  P. G. Nmorsi¹*, N. C. D. Ukwandu², C. Isaac¹, A. O. Egwunyenga³ and N. H. Olague¹

¹Tropical Diseases Research Unit, Department of Zoology, Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, Nigeria.

²Department of Medical Microbiology, Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, Nigeria.

³Department of Zoology, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.

Accepted 13 December, 2022

Abstract

The preliminary investigation revealed the prevalence of 138(46.9%) out of 294 volunteers screened for the ova of Schistosoma haematobium in their urine samples. Of these, 84(28.6%) had light infection (50 ova/10 ml urine), while 54(18.4%) had heavy infection (> 50 ova/10 ml urine). This difference was statistically significant at ( ² = 6.52, p > 0.05) . The mean immunoglobulin status were as follow: IgE (2141.6 ± 143.7 ng/dL), IgG (13.6 ± 3.53 mg/dL), IgA (3.72 ± 0.149 mg/dL), IgM (2.82 ± 0.48 mg/dL) and IgD (0.12 ± 0.04 mg/dL) . The relationship between the IgM, IgE and the intensities of infection were positively correlated (r = 0.27 and r = 0.65, respectively) . IgG, IgA and IgD showed negative correlation with the intensities of infection (r = -0.65, r = -0.39 and r = - 0.18, respectively). IgG and IgA can be used as markers of light infection, while IgM and IgE can be used as markers for heavy infection. We deduced that the levels of IgG, IgA and IgM, which were depleted in the infected volunteers, compared to the control subjects, which lacked significant protective effects in these infected volunteers. These low levels of IgA, IgG and IgM and high level of IgE may be involved in maintenance of S. haematobium infection in our study area.

Key words: IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, IgM, Schistosoma haematobium, Nigerians.

African Journal of Parasitology Research ISSN 2756-3391 Vol. 11 (4), pp. 001-009, April, 2l023. © International Scholars Journals

Review

Similarities and variances in the antigenic diversity of pathogenic microorganisms

Dietmar Steverding

BioMedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, Health Policy and Practice, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK. E-mail: [email protected].

Accepted 13 December, 2022

Abstract

Antigenic variation is a process by which pathogenic micro-organisms escape the immune response of their mammalian hosts. By convergent evolution, protozoal, fungal and bacterial pathogens have developed similar genetic mechanisms for true antigenic variation. In this review article, the biology, the surface antigens and their encoding genes, and the molecular mechanisms of antigenic variation of the protozoa Trypanosoma brucei, Plasmodium falciparum, Babesia bovis, Giardia lamblia, the fungus Pneumocystis carinii, and the bacteria Borrelia hermsii, Anaplasma marginale, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma bovis and Campylobacter fetus are compared.

Key words: Antigenic variation, pathogens, micro-organisms, molecular mechanisms, immune evasion.

African Journal of Parasitology Research ISSN: 2756-3391 Vol. 11 (3), pp. 001-011, March, 2023. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Artemether-Lumefantrine and Artesunate-Amodiaquine in routine use for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Senegal: Open randomized efficacy trial

Khadime Sylla*, Cheikh Binetou Fall, Souleye Lelo, Isaac Akhenaton Manga, Doudou Sow, Magatte Ndiaye, Kuaku Folly, Roger C.K Tine and Babacar Faye

Department of Parasitology-Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odontology, University Cheikh Anta DIOP of Dakar (UCAD).

 Received 30 November, 2022; Accepted 20 March, 2023                                                                                       

Abstract

Background: Prompt treatment of malaria attacks with artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) is an essential tool for malaria control. Several ACTs are currently being used in Senegal. A surveillance system aimed at monitoring antimalarial drug efficacy is established. This study was conducted to assess the efficacy of Artemether-Lumefantrine (AL) and Artesunate-Amodiaquine (ASAQ) under routine conditions. Methods: An open randomized trial was carried out during three malaria transmission seasons (2014 to 2016) in five malaria sentinel sites. The 2009 WHO protocol for antimalarial drug efficacy was used. The study end points included (i) PCR corrected adequate clinical and parasitological response (ACPR) at day 28, (ii) parasites and fever clearance time. Intention to treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analysis were done. Results: Overall, 1118 patients with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria were randomized to receive either AL (n=553) or ASAQ (n=565). In ITT analysis, PCR corrected ACPR at day 28 was at 96.1% [95%CI (88 – 99.9)] in the AL arm and 95.6% [95% CI (87.7 - 99.9)] in the ASAQ arm (p=0.7). PP analysis at day 28 showed 99.4% efficacy for both groups. Parasite clearance time and fever clearance time remained constant over the three transmission seasons and were obtained at 72 hours in both arms of the trial. Conclusion: Under operational conditions in Senegal, AL and ASAQ are still highly effective for the treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria. However, it’s crucial to continue monitoring the efficacy of the drugs to further guide malaria treatment policy.

Keywords: Artemether–Lumefantrine, Artesunate–Amodiaquine, Efficacy, Plasmodium falciparum, Malaria, Senegal.

African Journal of Parasitology Research ISSN 2756-3391 Vol. 11 (2), pp. 001-003, February, 2023. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

A study of upshot of blood group with handedness

Muhammad Imran Qadir and Sidra Zafar*

Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan

Accepted 30 December, 2022

Abstract

Blood is the main element of our body. There are a lot of researches which have been done on the blood. In the ABO blood group system there are four types of blood groups A,B,AB,O. Karl Landsteiner found out the blood group system. The handedness is the natural phenomena occurring in the homo sapiens only. It is defined as the ability of the person to do most of the tasks like writing, waving, playing games, eating either with the left or the right hand. To check the type of blood group the blood samples were taken from the different subjects. The process of checking the blood group involved taking the blood sample by pricking the needle in the finger tip of the subject. The real goal of the research was to harmonize the blood group with the marvel of handedness. The subjects were students of the University named in Bahuddin Zakirya University Multan, Pakistan. The researches based on this topic have been done in the Nigeria. It was concluded from the present study that O+ female has the maximum right handedness.

Keywords: Blood type, Handedness, Project analysis

African Journal of Parasitology Research ISSN 2756-3391 Vol. 11 (1), pp. 001-009, January, 2023. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Genetic Characterization of Campylobacter jejuni Isolated from Boiler Flocks

H. Abo Al-Yazeed¹, Amani M. Marwan¹, Attia, A. M.², A. Samir¹, Ammar, A. M³

¹Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.

²Department of Bacteriology, Animal Health Research Institute, Dokki, Giza.

³Microbiology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt.

Accepted 05 October, 2022

Abstract

Campylobacter is a worldwide infection which has been estimated it as the most significant economic burden by EFSA and ECDC in 2016. It caused mainly by either Campylobacter jejuni or Campylobacter coli. Poultry are a natural reservoir for Campylobacter species, although it is insignificant for poultry health and is a leading cause of gastroenteritis for humans in developed and developing countries. The disease is endemic in Egypt and is a major cause for diarrhea in children. Good understanding of epidemiology and surveillance of Campylobacter will help in elimination and prevention of it among animals and humans. Many molecular typing techniques used to track the source of infection and reduce Campylobacter infection rate. To achieve that, 290 samples were collected from broiler flocks and slaughter market from Cairo governorate, Egypt. Bacteriological and molecular identification have been implemented based on genus and species level for C. jejuni then phylogenetic tree analysis of flaA gene to correlate the genetic relatedness and emphasize that chicken is the major source of infection.

Keywords: Campylobacter jejuni, genotyping, flaA gene, short variable region, chicken, Human.

African Journal of Parasitology Research ISSN 2756-3391 Vol. 11 (1), pp. 001-004, January, 2023. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Clostridium difficile infection- an overview on recurrences over two years

Alexandra Lacatusu^1*, Ioana Iordan¹, Carmen Manciuc^1,2

¹Sf. Parascheva” Infectious Diseases Hospital Iasi, Romania.

²Grigore T. Popa ”University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi, Romania.

Accepted 20 November, 2022

Abstract

Introduction: Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is the leading infectious cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. The annual rate of the recurrences can be over 100.000 cases and the costs per episode can be over 10.000 euros. Despite the prevention programs implemented in many countries, the rate of the infection continues to increase Purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate the rate of recurrence of CDI in the patients admitted in “Sf Parascheva” Infectious Diseases Hospital from Iasi, Romania over a period of 2 years (January 1^st 2017 to December 31^st 2018). Results: Of all the patients addmited in our hospital for CDI in 2017 and 2018, 30,56% were hospitalized for the recurrence of the infection. After analyzing the number of recurrence of the infection 64,89 % of the patients were at the first recurrence, over 19% had a second recurrence of the CDI and the rest, had a 3^rd to 6^th recurrence. Conclusion: CDI is still a big problem that causes a major burden on the healthcare system and also on the patient. Over 65% of the patients included in the study presented for the first recurrence of CDI, and the rest for second to sixth episode.

Keywords: Clostridium difficile infection, recurrence, treatment