African Journal of Parasitology Research

African Journal of Parasitology Research | Vol. 14, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 637–644

DOI: 10.46882/AJPR/140637

Article Type: Full Length Research Paper

Title: Genomic monitoring of Plasmodium falciparum hrp2 and hrp3 gene deletions among symptomatic patients in the western regions of Madagascar

Names of Authors: Rado H. Rakotomalala¹, Fitiavana N. Andrianarivelo¹, Lucia R. Ramananjanahary²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Malariology Unit, Antananarivo, Madagascar. ²Ministère de la Santé Publique, Direction de la Lutte contre les Maladies Transmissibles, Antananarivo, Madagascar.

Abstract: The emergence of Plasmodium falciparum parasites lacking the histidine-rich protein 2 (pfhrp2) and histidine-rich protein 3 (pfhrp3) genes threatens rapid malaria diagnostics. This surveillance program evaluated the prevalence of these genetic deletions among 680 symptomatic malaria patients presenting at health facilities in western Madagascar. Patients were tested using HRP2-based rapid diagnostic tests alongside Giemsa-stained reference microscopy. Discordant samples (microscopy-positive but rapid diagnostic test-negative) were analyzed using multiplex PCR to confirm pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 status. Genotyping confirmed that 6.4 percent (n = 44) of true Plasmodium falciparum infections lacked the pfhrp2 gene, while dual deletions of both pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 occurred in 2.1 percent (n = 14) of isolates. Patients infected with deleted strains showed high geometric mean parasite densities (3400 parasites per microliter). Logistic regression revealed that the frequency of these gene deletions was significantly higher in remote coastal areas with historical over-reliance on single-target HRP2 rapid diagnostic tests (odds ratio = 3.14, 95 percent confidence interval [1.62 to 6.08]). This molecular proof of diagnostic-evading parasites across western Madagascar highlights the urgent need to replace single-target rapid tests with combination rapid diagnostic tests that detect alternative antigens like parasite lactate dehydrogenase.

Keywords: Plasmodium falciparum, pfhrp2 deletion, Diagnostic evasion, Rapid diagnostic tests, Surveillance, Madagascar

Manuscript Timeline: Received: 18 May 2026; Revised: 20 June 2026; Accepted: 18 July 2026; Published: 14 August 2026 

African Journal of Parasitology Research | Vol. 14, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 629–636

DOI: 10.46882/AJPR/140629

Article Type: Full Length Research Paper

Title: Spatio-temporal modeling of urinary schistosomiasis transmission risks near emerging small-scale irrigation dams in the Savannah region of Togo

Names of Authors: Koffi M. Agbognigan¹, Yao A. Ameyapoh², Mablé E. Lawson¹

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Faculté des Sciences, Université de Lomé, Lomé, Togo. ²Laboratoire de Microbiologie et de Contrôle de Qualité des Denrées Alimentaires, Lomé, Togo.

Abstract: Anthropogenic hydrological changes are primary drivers of parasitic disease distribution in West African savannah ecosystems. This study investigated the micro-spatial distribution and temporal transmission dynamics of Schistosoma haematobium near three newly built small-scale agricultural dams in northern Togo. A cohort of 950 school children (aged 6 to 15 years) was monitored over a 12-month period using urine filtration and macroscopic analysis. Malacological surveys were also conducted to evaluate intermediate snail host density. The overall baseline prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis across the villages was 36.8 percent (n = 350). The mean microfilarial egg intensity reached 45 eggs per 10 milliliters of urine. Snail tracking confirmed high seasonal density peaks of Bulinus globosus inside irrigation channels during the early dry season (November to January), with a cercarial shedding rate of 3.8 percent. Multivariate spatial regression showed that children living within 1.5 kilometers of an irrigation dam faced a significantly higher risk of infection (odds ratio = 4.25, 95 percent confidence interval [2.81 to 6.44]) compared to those living further away. Haematuria was detected in 24.6 percent of parasitaemic individuals. These findings prove that micro-dams dramatically amplify localized schistosomiasis transmission, highlighting the need for structural snail-proofing of irrigation infrastructures alongside routine school-based praziquantel distribution.

Keywords: Schistosoma haematobium, Bulinus globosus, Agricultural dams, Spatial regression, Transmission dynamics, Togo

Manuscript Timeline: Received: 12 May 2026; Revised: 14 June 2026; Accepted: 15 July 2026; Published: 10 August 2026

African Journal of Parasitology Research | Vol. 14, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 629–636

DOI: 10.46882/AJPR/170552

Article Type: Full Length Research Paper

Title: Prevalence, clinical manifestations, and molecular confirmation of Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis infestations among blepharitis patients in Accra, Ghana

Names of Authors: Emmanuel K. Mensah¹, Derrick O. Asare², Priscilla A. Appiah¹

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Optometry and Visual Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. ²Eye Clinic, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana.

Abstract: Ocular demodicosi is an underdiagnosed parasitic infection linked to chronic blepharitis and dry eye syndrome. This study assessed the prevalence, clinical correlations, and molecular profiles of Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis among 420 patients presenting with symptomatic blepharitis at specialized eye clinics in Accra, Ghana. Epilated eyelashes were examined via light microscopy for parasitic identification and quantification, followed by corroborative real-time polymerase chain reaction assays targeting the 18S rRNA gene sequence. Ocular Demodex infestation was confirmed in 58.6 percent (n = 246) of the clinical population. Demodex folliculorum was found in 42.3 percent of positive cases, Demodex brevis in 18.7 percent, and mixed infestations in 39.0 percent. Statistical analysis revealed a strong correlation between high mite densities (greater than 3 mites per eyelash) and cylindrical dandruff at the eyelash base (odds ratio = 5.24, 95 percent confidence interval [3.12 to 8.78], P < 0.001). Furthermore, severe meibomian gland dysfunction and tear film instability were significantly more prevalent in patients harboring Demodex brevis infestations. Slit-lamp evaluation linked infestation severity with the regular use of oil-based cosmetics and infrequent eyelid hygiene. These clinical findings highlight the key role of Demodex mites in chronic ocular surface inflammation, showing the need for routine microscopic screening of blepharitis cases alongside targeted acaricidal regimens like tea tree oil formulations.

Keywords: Demodex folliculorum, Demodex brevis, Blepharitis, Ocular demodicosis, Meibomian gland dysfunction, Ghana

Manuscript Timeline: Received: 28 June 2026; Revised: 24 July 2026; Accepted: 06 August 2026; Published: 31 August 2026

African Journal of Parasitology Research | Vol. 14, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 597–604

DOI: 10.46882/AJPR/170548

Article Type: Full Length Research Paper

Title: Microgeographic genetic structure and subpopulation connectivity of Schistosoma haematobium in high-transmission zones of the Lake Victoria basin, Kenya

Names of Authors: Collins O. Omondi¹, Agnes C. Kiprop², Bernard N. Ndinya¹

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya. ²School of Sciences and Aerospace Studies, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya.

Abstract: Sustained urogenital schistosomiasis transmission in lakeside communities challenges traditional elimination strategies. This study mapped the microgeographic genetic diversity and population structure of Schistosoma haematobium within high-endemic transmission zones along the Lake Victoria basin in western Kenya. A total of 1450 parasite miracidia were isolated from urine samples of 220 infected primary school pupils across eight coastal villages. DNA specimens were genotyped using a panels of 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci alongside sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene. Genetic diversity indices demonstrated high overall allelic richness (mean number of alleles = 8.4 per locus), accompanied by a low genetic differentiation index among villages separated by distances less than 15 kilometers (Fst = 0.024). This high level of genetic homogeneity suggests significant gene flow and parasite mixing across the region. Reconstructed sibling relationships among miracidia demonstrated that over 34.0 percent of children shed parasites belonging to multiple distinct paternal lineages, indicating frequent re-infection from diverse environmental transmission points. Genetic analysis confirmed that 4.2 percent of the miracidia possessed mitochondrial profiles characteristic of Schistosoma bovis, indicating natural introgressive hybridization between human and bovine schistosomes. These findings suggest high parasite connectivity driven by human mobility and livestock interaction, emphasizing that schistosomiasis interventions must shift from single-village mass drug administration to integrated watershed-wide environmental controls.

Keywords: Schistosoma haematobium, Genetic structure, Microsatellites, Introgressive hybridization, Lake Victoria, Kenya

Manuscript Timeline: Received: 15 June 2026; Revised: 12 July 2026; Accepted: 30 July 2026; Published: 24 August 2026

African Journal of Parasitology Research | Vol. 14, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 589–596

DOI: 10.46882/AJPR/170547

Article Type: Full Length Research Paper

Title: Serological profiling and molecular characterization of Leishmania donovani strains among visceral leishmaniasis patients in border areas of eastern Sudan

Names of Authors: Ahmed S. Al-Agib¹, Amna B. Abdel-Rahman¹, Mustafa Z. El-Hassan²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Tropical Medicine Research Institute, National Centre for Research, Khartoum, Sudan. ²Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Gedaref, Gedaref, Sudan.

Abstract: Visceral leishmaniasis remains a highly fatal parasitic disease in the Horn of Africa, driven by migratory instability along border regions. This cross-sectional surveillance program assessed the seroprevalence and genetic profiles of Leishmania donovani strains among 540 displaced persons presenting with prolonged febrile illnesses across temporary settlements in eastern Sudan. Initial screening utilized the direct agglutination test and rK39 rapid diagnostic strips, followed by internal transcribed spacer 1 polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis on bone marrow or lymph node aspirates. Serological testing confirmed active visceral leishmaniasis in 31.2 percent (n = 169) of the clinically suspect population. Molecular validation confirmed Leishmania donovani sensu stricto as the sole etiological agent across all positive isolates. Genetic characterization identified a predominant conservation (84.6 percent) of the East African Leishmania donovani genotype, while 15.4 percent of samples exhibited divergent polymorphic restriction profiles matching distinct strains native to neighboring highland areas. Severe clinical presentation, characterized by massive splenomegaly and pancytopenia, was significantly associated with polymorphic strains (odds ratio = 3.22, 95 percent confidence interval [1.68 to 6.14]). Packed cell volume dropped below 22.0 percent in 42.1 percent of these cases. These molecular and serological findings indicate active trans-border parasite transmission, highlighting the need for cross-border surveillance strategies and unified clinical therapeutic protocols.

Keywords: Leishmania donovani, Visceral leishmaniasis, Seroprevalence, Internal transcribed spacer 1, Border migration, Sudan

Manuscript Timeline: Received: 10 June 2026; Revised: 08 July 2026; Accepted: 28 July 2026; Published: 22 August 2026

African Journal of Parasitology Research | Vol. 14, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 541–548

DOI: 10.46882/AJPR/170541

Article Type: Full Length Research Paper

Title: CRISPR-based genomic surveillance of target-site mutations among Anopheles gambiae populations following localized gene-drive field trials in western Burkina Faso

Names of Authors: Moussa T. Diallo¹, Ousmane Z. Traore¹, Clarisse K. Sanon²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Sante, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. ²Department of Entomology, Universite Nazi Boni, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.

Abstract: The deployment of genetic vector control strategies requires real-time monitoring of target-site resistance. This study evaluated the emergence of micro-evolutionary sequence variations in Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto populations following controlled, localized releases of self-limiting gene-drive constructs in western Burkina Faso. A total of 1500 wild-caught female vectors were collected across a 20-kilometer radius surrounding the release zones over a six-month period. High-throughput amplicon sequencing of the target locus within the female fertility gene fle was performed. Genomic analysis revealed a baseline target-site mutation frequency of 2.4 percent (n = 36), characterized predominantly by small non-functional insertions or deletions (indels) measuring between 1 to 5 base pairs. Bivariate modeling indicated that these target-site mutations did not confer fitness advantages or alter vector longevity under natural conditions. The entomological inoculation rate in the surveillance area remained suppressed at 3.1 infective bites per person per month, compared to a historical baseline of 18.4 infective bites per person per month (P < 0.001). Furthermore, multiplex polymerase chain reaction assays confirmed that the drive construct maintained high homing efficiency (94.8 percent) among heterozygous progeny. These empirical data demonstrate that while resistance alleles emerge at low rates, the operational integrity of the gene drive system remains stable, underscoring the validity of scale-up biosafety frameworks for malaria elimination in sub-Saharan Africa.

Keywords: Malaria vector, Gene drive, CRISPR-Cas9, Resistance monitoring, Next-generation sequencing, Burkina Faso

Manuscript Timeline: Received: 14 May 2026; Revised: 18 June 2026; Accepted: 10 July 2026; Published: 05 August 2026