African Journal of Parasitology Research

African Journal of Parasitology Research | Vol. 14, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 613–620

DOI: 10.46882/AJPR/170550

Article Type: Short Communication

Title: Molecular detection and multi-locus genotyping of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in synanthropic rodents trapped in urban food markets of Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire

Names of Authors: Koffi A. N'Goran¹, Yao B. Kouadio¹, Awa C. Toure²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹UFR Biosciences, Universite Felix Houphouet-Boigny, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire. ²Departement de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Institut Pasteur de Cote d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire.

Abstract: Synanthropic rodents living in densely populated urban markets act as structural reservoirs for microsporidian pathogens. This study identified the prevalence, genetic diversity, and zoonotic transmission dynamics of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in wild rodents captured across major open-air food markets in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. Trapping operations over a four-month period captured 240 rodents, morphologically and molecularly verified as Rattus rattus (62.5 percent) and Mastomys natalensis (37.5 percent). Fecal DNA extracts were processed using nested polymerase chain reaction assays targeting the internal transcribed spacer region of the ribosomal RNA gene. The overall prevalence of Enterocytozoon bieneusi was determined at 18.3 percent (n = 44). Multi-locus sequence genotyping identified five distinct internal transcribed spacer genotypes, including known zoonotic strains Type IV (n = 18), D (n = 12), and Peru6 (n = 6), alongside two novel host-specific genotypes designated as Abid-R1 and Abid-R2. Group IV and D strains were detected in rodents captured near meat and fish stalls, suggesting localized environmental contamination risks. Bivariate risk analysis showed no statistically significant difference in infection rates between host species or seasons (P > 0.05). The high prevalence of zoonotic genotypes indicates that urban market rodents are key contributors to foodborne and waterborne microsporidiosis pathways, requiring enhanced sanitation and rodent control policies.

Keywords: Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Synanthropic rodents, Genotyping, Urban food markets, Zoonotic transmission, Cote d'Ivoire

Manuscript Timeline: Received: 22 June 2026; Revised: 19 July 2026; Accepted: 04 August 2026; Published: 28 August 2026

African Journal of Parasitology Research | Vol. 14, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 621–628

DOI: 10.46882/AJPR/170551

Article Type: Full Length Research Paper

Title: Epidemiology and molecular tracking of Fasciola gigantica infections in pastoral cattle herds across the Lake Chad basin, northern Cameroon

Names of Authors: Bello M. Saibou¹, Hamidou D. Alhadji¹, Gaston P. Ngassam²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹School of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences, University of Ngaoundere, Ngaoundere, Cameroon. ²Institute of Agricultural Research for Development, Wildlife and Fisheries Division, Maroua, Cameroon.

Abstract: Fascioliasis causes extensive liver damage, production loss, and financial setbacks in pastoral livestock operations across sub-Saharan wetlands. This epidemiological investigation examined the prevalence, risk dynamics, and genetic lineages of Fasciola gigantica infesting cattle within seasonal pastoral grazing networks along the Lake Chad basin in northern Cameroon. A cohort of 840 cattle from nomadic herds was examined using sedimentational coprological profiling and confirmatory enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays targeting circulating fluke antigens. The overall infection prevalence was determined at 34.6 percent (n = 291). Quantitative fecal egg counts demonstrated a mean burden of 245 eggs per gram (range 50 to 1150 eggs per gram). Genetic characterization of recovered adult flukes based on sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene confirmed Fasciola gigantica as the sole species, showing a 99.4 percent sequence homology with reference strains from West and Central Africa. Multivariate logistic regression linked high infection risk with communal grazing inside seasonal floodplains during the dry-season retreat (odds ratio = 4.88, 95 percent confidence interval [2.95 to 8.04]). Haematological profiling of infected cattle revealed a significant reduction in mean packed cell volume (21.4 percent ± 2.6 percent versus 31.2 percent ± 3.1 percent in uninfected controls, P < 0.001) alongside marked eosinophilia. These findings show intense transmission risks driven by seasonal reliance on wetland pastures, highlighting the need for strategic anthelmintic treatments prior to herd migration.

Keywords: Fasciola gigantica, Pastoral cattle, Coprology, Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1, Lake Chad basin, Cameroon

Manuscript Timeline: Received: 25 June 2026; Revised: 22 July 2026; Accepted: 05 August 2026; Published: 29 August 2026

African Journal of Parasitology Research | Vol. 14, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 57–64

DOI: 10.46882/AJPR/100008

Article Type: Full Length Research Paper

Title: Intestinal protozoan infections and nutritional indices among primary school children in rural communities of plateau state, Nigeria

Names of Authors: Lami D. Pam¹, Doris S. Bot¹, Emmanuel C. Okon²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Zoology, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria. ²Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.

Abstract: Pathogenic intestinal protozoa are principal contributors to chronic diarrhoeal disease and growth faltering in paediatric populations. This investigation assessed the prevalence of intestinal protozoan parasites and their impact on physical growth parameters among 740 primary school children aged 6 to 12 years in rural Plateau State, Nigeria. Stool samples were examined via direct saline-iodine smears and formal-ether sedimentation techniques. An overall protozoan infection prevalence of 45.4 percent was documented. Entamoeba histolytica / dispar accounted for 21.6 percent, Giardia duodenalis for 16.2 percent, and Blastocystis hominis for 7.6 percent. Multiple protozoan infections occurred in 5.8 percent of pupils. Age-specific comparison showed no significant variance across age brackets (P > 0.05). Anthropometric evaluation using WHO AnthroPlus software revealed a stunting prevalence of 28.4 percent and underweight prevalence of 22.1 percent. Children positive for Giardia duodenalis exhibited significantly lower weight-for-age Z-scores (mean -1.48 versus -0.82, P = 0.003) and impaired cognitive task completion times compared to parasite-free peers. Multivariate regression linked infection directly to consumption of unboiled well water (odds ratio = 3.08, 95 percent confidence interval [1.91 to 4.97]) and open-air food vending at school premises (odds ratio = 2.14, 95 percent confidence interval [1.39 to 3.29]). The findings confirm that waterborne protozoal pathogens are major correlates of chronic malnutrition in rural Nigerian school children, necessitating safe drinking water provision and school sanitation upgrades.

Keywords: Intestinal protozoa, Giardia duodenalis, Entamoeba histolytica, Malnutrition, School children, Nigeria

Manuscript Timeline: Received: 03 May 2010; Revised: 03 June 2010; Accepted: 05 July 2010; Published: 09 August 2010

African Journal of Parasitology Research | Vol. 14, No. 7, July 2026 | pp. 49–56

DOI: 10.46882/AJPR/100007

Article Type: Full Length Research Paper

Title: Vector bionomics, host-feeding preferences, and entomological inoculation rates of Anopheles mosquito populations in rural cotton-growing areas of Burkina Faso

Names of Authors: Issoufou P. Somda¹, Salifou B. Compaore², Abdoulaye K. Guindo¹

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Sante, Direction Regionale de Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. ²Department of Animal Biology and Ecology, University of Ouagadougou, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

Abstract: Intensive agricultural pesticide deployment in West African cotton belts influences malaria vector dynamics and biting behaviour. Longitudinal entomological surveillance was undertaken over a six-month rainy season across three rural cotton-farming villages in western Burkina Faso. Mosquito collections using human landing catches and pyrethrum spray catches yielded 3840 female Anopheles specimens. Morphological and molecular identification established the presence of Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto (64.2 percent), Anopheles funestus (21.8 percent), and Anopheles arabiensis (14.0 percent). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay blood-meal analyses of blood-fed vectors revealed human blood index values of 0.82 for Anopheles gambiae and 0.89 for Anopheles funestus, indicating high anthropophilic tendencies. Circumsporozoite protein enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay testing demonstrated overall Plasmodium falciparum infection rates of 6.4 percent in Anopheles gambiae and 4.8 percent in Anopheles funestus. The cumulative monthly entomological inoculation rate reached an average of 42.5 infective bites per person per month, peaking sharply in August during heavy seasonal rainfall. Insecticide susceptibility assays demonstrated emerging resistance phenotypes against pyrethroid compounds (permethrin mortality rate 78.4 percent) but sustained susceptibility to organophosphates. These dynamic entomological metrics reveal intense seasonal malaria transmission potential in agricultural agroecosystems, demanding continuous resistance monitoring and combination vector control measures.

Keywords: Malaria vectors, Anopheles gambiae, Bionomics, Entomological inoculation rate, Insecticide resistance, Burkina Faso

Manuscript Timeline: Received: 05 April 2010; Revised: 04 May 2010; Accepted: 07 June 2010; Published: 12 July 2010

African Journal of Parasitology Research | Vol. 14, No. 6, June 2026 | pp. 41–48

DOI: 10.46882/AJPR/100006

Article Type: Full Length Research Paper

Title: Seroprevalence and risk evaluation of Toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Kumasi, Ghana

Names of Authors: Kofi A. Owusu¹, Nana Y. Mensah², Evelyn A. Boakye¹

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. ²Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kumasi, Ghana.

Abstract: Congenital toxoplasmosis presents severe foetal consequences when primary maternal infection occurs during gestation. A hospital-based cross-sectional investigation was conducted to determine the seroprevalence and associated socio-environmental risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies among 620 consenting pregnant women attending antenatal care services in Kumasi, Ghana. Serum samples were screened for anti-Toxoplasma gondii specific IgG and IgM antibodies using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Overall seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies was established at 51.3 percent (n = 318), while acute active infection indicated by positive IgM antibodies was detected in 3.2 percent (n = 20) of participants. Stratified analysis by gestational age showed no statistically significant difference in seropositivity across first, second, and third trimesters (P > 0.05). Multivariable logistic regression identified significant statistical associations between IgG seropositivity and history of consuming undercooked meat (odds ratio = 2.45, 95 percent confidence interval [1.62 to 3.71]), close domestic contact with stray or pet cats (odds ratio = 2.12, 95 percent confidence interval [1.38 to 3.25]), and unwashed raw vegetable consumption (odds ratio = 1.78, 95 percent confidence interval [1.19 to 2.66]). The high baseline seroprevalence indicates widespread environmental exposure, yet a substantial proportion of women remain susceptible during pregnancy. These outcomes call for standardized antenatal health education emphasizing dietary hygiene and cat waste avoidance to prevent congenital complications.

Keywords: Toxoplasma gondii, Seroprevalence, Pregnancy, Antenatal screening, Risk factors, Ghana

Manuscript Timeline: Received: 04 March 2010; Revised: 06 April 2010; Accepted: 05 May 2010; Published: 14 June 2010

African Journal of Parasitology Research | Vol. 14, No. 5, May 2026 | pp. 33–40

DOI: 10.46882/AJPR/100005

Article Type: Full Length Research Paper

Title: Efficacy of ethanolic extracts of Azadirachta indica and Carica papaya against gastrointestinal nematodes in West African Dwarf goats

Names of Authors: Ibrahim K. Bello¹, Ousmane S. Diallo², Fatouma B. Traore¹

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, University of Nouakchott, Nouakchott, Mauritania. ²Ecole Inter-Etats des Sciences et Medecine Veterinaires, Dakar, Senegal.

Abstract: Anthelmintic resistance among small ruminant nematodes necessitates the exploration of phytotherapeutic alternatives. This controlled in vivo trial evaluated the faecal egg count reduction and packed cell volume restoration efficacy of crude ethanolic leaf extracts of Azadirachta indica (neem) and Carica papaya (pawpaw) administered to 50 West African Dwarf goats naturally infected with mixed gastrointestinal strongyles (Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus species). Caprine subjects were randomized into five experimental groups (n = 10 per group): positive control (albendazole 5 milligrams per kilogram), negative control (distilled water), low-dose plant extract combination (200 milligrams per kilogram body weight), high-dose plant extract combination (400 milligrams per kilogram body weight), and single high-dose neem extract (400 milligrams per kilogram body weight). Treatments were administered orally for five consecutive days. Faecal egg counts performed on day 7, 14, and 21 post-treatment demonstrated peak faecal egg count reduction of 84.6 percent in the high-dose combination group and 79.2 percent in the single high-dose neem group, compared to 98.1 percent in the albendazole reference group. Packed cell volume improved significantly in the treated groups from 21.4 percent pre-treatment to 28.6 percent by day 21 (P < 0.05). Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of tannins, saponins, and flavonoids as active anthelmintic principles. These findings validate the ethnoveterinary application of these plant extracts as viable complementary control options.

Keywords: Ethnoveterinary medicine, Azadirachta indica, Carica papaya, Gastrointestinal nematodes, Anthelmintic efficacy, Goats

Manuscript Timeline: Received: 02 February 2010; Revised: 03 March 2010; Accepted: 01 April 2010; Published: 10 May 2010