African Journal of Parasitology Research

African Journal of Parasitology Research ISSN 2756-3391 Vol. 13 (10), pp. 001-008, October, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Molecular characterization of Schistosoma mansoni among schoolchildren in Côte d’Ivoire

Kpongbo Etienne Angora^1,2, Akoua Valérie Bedia-Tanoh², Maurine Aline N’guiachi¹, Vincent Djohan², Abibatou Konaté-Touré², Jean Tenenan Coulibaly^4,5, William Yavo², Eby Hervé Menan², Jérôme Boissier³

¹Medical Biology service, University Hospital of Angré, BP 54378 Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
²Parasitology and Mycology Department, Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences Training Research Unit, University of Félix Houphouët Boigny, BPV 34 Abidjan Côte d’Ivoire
³IHPE, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, Univ. Perpignan Via Domitia, 66860 Perpignan, France
⁴Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
⁵Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d ’ Ivoire, 01 BP 1303, Abidjan 01, Côte d ’ Ivoire.

Abstract

Received 29 August, 2025; Revised 17 September, 2025; Accepted 18 September, 2025; Published 10 October, 2025

Schistosomiasis remains a great public health problem in several tropical and subtropical countries. Recently in Côte d’Ivoire, we have investigated hybrids between S. haematobium and S. bovis in human urine samples. Moreover, S. haematobium x S. mansoni hybrid has recently been identified in a French hospital in a migrant boy originated from Duekoué, western part of the country. The aim of this project was to molecularly characterize Schistosoma mansoni among schoolchildren in Côte d’Ivoire. A cross-sectional study was conducted in two localities of Côte d'Ivoire (Agboville and Duekoué). Stool samples were collected from schoolchildren and examined by Kato-Katz method to identify Schistosoma eggs. Miracidia were individually isolated and stored on Whatman® FTA card. We analyzed miracidia from stool samples using a Cox1 gene multiplex PCR. Nuclear ITS gene has not been analyzed. A total of 661 schoolchildren was included in this study. More boys than girls (61.9% vs. 38.1%) were included and the highest proportion of children was included in Agboville. The overall prevalence of S. mansoni infection was 9.8% (95% CI: 4.8-13.5%). Of the 239 miracidia molecularly analyzed, 166 yielded positive PCR signal (82.5% in Agboville and 17.5% in Duekoué). Only one case of S. haematobium Cox1 has been identified in Agboville. This case should be hybrid S. haematobium x S. mansoni. Our study reports that intestinal schistosomiasis remains prevalent even if the infection rate was low. Only one case of S. haematobium Cox1 was identified, suggesting the presence of S. haematobium x S. mansoni hybrids at very low prevalence.

Keywords: Schistosoma mansoni, Multiplex PCR, Cox1 gene, Côte d’Ivoire.
 

African Journal of Parasitology Research ISSN 2756-3391 Vol. 13 (9), pp. 001-007, September, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Knowledge and practices towards toxoplasmosis among blood donors in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire

Bosson-Vanga Abo Henriette 1,2, Essy Kossia Jemima2, Assi Marie Alane 3, Angora Kpongbo Etienne, Bonouman-Ira Ama Valérie 2, Bedia-Tanoh Akoua Valérie1, Koné Estelle Gnanyo Massafoma.1, Konaté-Touré Abibatou1, Kassi Kondo Fulgence1, Kiki-Barro Pulcherie Christiane Marie1, Djohan Vincent.1, Yavo William.1, Menan Eby Ignace Hervé1 & Dembele Bamory4

1Departement of parasitology, University Félix Houphouët Boigny, Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences Training and Research Unit, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
2Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, Pasteur Institute of Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
3Central Pharmacy of Cocody University Hospital, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
4Laboratory of the National Blood Transfusion Center, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.

Abstract

Received 20 July, 2025; Revised August 2, 2025; Accepted 3 August, 2025 and Published 05 September, 2025

Toxoplasma gondii transmission occurs mainly through consumption of contaminated food or water, from mother to fetus during pregnancy, and after reactivation of the parasite in seropositive individuals who become immunocompromised. Toxoplasmosis can also occur during blood transfusions. Considering the risk of blood donors for susceptible recipients (immunosuppressed people and pregnant women), it is important to evaluate blood donors’ knowledge and identify their practices regarding toxoplasmosis to determine the associated risk factors. From January 2022 to October 2023, 1275 donors were included in this study. Their knowledge and practice data regarding toxoplasmosis were collected using a questionnaire. The survey results were statistically analyzed to determine correlations between knowledge and practices and factors such as age, sex, and education level. Most of them were men, aged approximately 38 years. Only 9.6% of them knew toxoplasmosis and its modes of transmission. 14.1% and 27.6% of them were cat owners and gardeners, respectively, this status increased the risk of parasite exposure. This study showed a low rate of knowledge about prevention; thus the importance of integrating toxoplasmosis education into blood donation programs. This measure will reduce the risk of toxoplasmosis transmission among blood donors. 

Keywords: Toxoplasmosis, Knowledge and practise, blood donors, Côte d’Ivoire.

African Journal of Parasitology Research ISSN 2756-3391 Vol. 13 (8), pp. 001-005, August, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Evaluation of the test relab essentials toxoplasma latex® in the biological diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in Abidjan (Cote D’Ivoire)

Gonat Serge Pacôme DOU^1,2, Mariétou TAMBOURA^1,2, N’da Angbeletchi David AKA^1, Guy Landry ADJO^2, Olivia NASSOUE^2, Hyacinthe Tokpa DAHIO^2, Arthur ANZARA^1, Kouadio BROU^1, Séraphin KOUADIO¹ and Koffi Daho ADOUBRYN³

¹University Félix Houphouët-Boigny of Abidjan, 01 BPV 34 Abidjan, Cocody.
²Cocody University Hospital, BPV 13 Abidjan.
³University Alassane Ouattara of Bouaké, BPV 18 Bouaké.

Abstract

Received 28 March, 2025; Revised 28 July, 2025 ; Accepted 28 July, 2025 and Published 21 August, 2025

Screening for toxoplasmosis during pregnancy is vital for child protection. However, the associated tests are still expensive and borne by households in Côte d'Ivoire. It is therefore necessary to provide the healthcare system with reliable and accessible tests. The aim of this study was to evaluate the test Relab Essentials Toxoplasma agglutination Latexâ in the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in Abidjan. From 4 october to 4 november 2023, a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the parasitology-mycology laboratory of the teaching hospital of Cocody. A serum bank of 369 non-pregnant girls aged between 5 and 18 years was examined. For each serum stored at -20°C, toxoplasma serology was carried out by agglutination using the Relab Essentials Toxoplasma Latexâ and by immunoenzymatic test, considered to be the reference method, using the Mini Vidasâ device, in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions. The diagnostic performance of this test was evaluated on the basis of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), and the Youden index. The mean age of the 369 girls was 10.8 years (+/- 3.96), with a predominance of girls with secondary education. The seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis using the ELISA technique was 13.8%, compared with 5.9% for the agglutination test. The test Relab Essentials Toxoplasma Latexâ had a relatively low sensitivity of 33.3% and a good specificity of 98.4%. The positive and negative predictive values were 77.7% and 90.2% respectively. In addition, the Youden index, which reflects the accuracy of the test, was 0.32, indicating that the Relab test was not effective. The Relab Essentials Toxoplasma test Latexâ performed unsatisfactorily. It cannot be recommended for the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in Côte d'Ivoire. 

Keywords: Diagnosis of toxoplasmosis - Rapid test - Relab Essentials Toxoplasma Latexâ - Côte d’Ivoire.
 

African Journal of Parasitology Research ISSN 2756-3391 Vol. 13 (8), pp. 001-009, August, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Polymorphism of the Pfmdr1 and Pfk13 genes of Plasmodium falciparum isolates in the cities of Abengourou, San Pedro, and Man

Gohoun WCZ^1,2*, Kipre GR¹, Konate-Toure A², Gnagne AP², Bedia-Tanoh AV², Yavo W²

¹Biology and Health Laboratory, Felix Houphouët Boigny University, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
²Malaria Research and Control Center (MRCC) of the National Institute of Public Health of Côte d'Ivoire (INSP), Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

Abstract

Received 16 June, 2025; Revised 10 July, 2025; Accepted 17 July, 2025; Published 14 August, 2025

Despite efforts to control malaria, the disease remains a major public health problem, especially in Côte d'Ivoire, where it is the leading cause of morbidity. One of the factors limiting the efficacy of treatments is the emergence and spread of Plasmodium falciparum resistance to antimalarial drugs, including artemisinin-based combinations. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of resistance markers in the Pfmdr1 and Pfk13 genes in Côte d'Ivoire. Samples were collected from October 2021 to August 2022 from individuals who presented a thick drop positive for Plasmodium falciparum at Man, San-Pedro, and Abengourou. Plasmodial DNA was extracted using the ZYMO Quick DNA kit, followed by nested PCR amplification and Sanger sequencing. Of the 300 samples, successful sequencing rates were 91% (273/300) for Pfmdr1 and 86.3% (259/300) for Pfk13. Analysis of sequencing data showed a high prevalence of the Pfmdr1 184F mutation (60.22%), while the 86Y mutation was infrequent (1.9%). For the Pfk13 gene, no mutations associated with resistance to artemisinin derivatives as observed in Southeast Asia were detected. However, 14 mutations were identified (5.4%); of which 8 were synonymous mutations (3.1%) and 6 were non-synonymous mutations (2.3%). This study shows a decrease in the prevalence of mutant allele 86Y and a high prevalence of mutant allele 184F of the Pfmdr1 gene. For the Pfk13 gene, no known artemisinin resistance-conferring mutations were observed. Their high frequency could compromise the long-term effectiveness of currently recommended treatments. In terms of research, these results call for continued molecular surveillance to prevent the emergence of new resistance. From a policy perspective, this situation requires regular reassessment of treatment protocols.

Keywords:  Plasmodium falciparum, Molecular monitoring, Pfmdr1, Pfk13.
 

African Journal of Parasitology Research ISSN 2756-3391 Vol. 13 (8), pp. 001-010, August, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Phenotypic and Molecular Characterization of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus (Koch, 1844) from Cattle in Zaria, Northwestern Nigeria

¹Raymond*, D., ¹George, B.D.J., ¹Lawal, I.A., ²Rabiu, M.

¹Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, Ahmadu Bello University, P.M.B 06 Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.
²Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, University of Ilorin, P.M.B 1515 Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Received 27 March, 2024; Revised 23 April, 2024; Accepted 16 February, 2025 and Published 06 August, 2025

Purpose: Hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) are important ectoparasites of cattle and other domestic livestock serving as vectors of pathogenic microorganisms. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Ixodid ticks and genetically identify Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus sampled from cattle in Zaria, Kaduna State in Northwestern Nigeria. Methods: A total of 384 cattle were sampled from June 2018 to October 2018 to determine the prevalence and true identity of ixodid ticks of cattle in the region and 439 ticks (Ixodidae) were collected from 335 infested cattle. Results: Three genera of ticks comprising five species were found infesting cattle in Zaria.  Amblyomma variegatum constitutes the highest percentage of ticks collected from the sample sites (47.8%; 210/439), followed by Rhipicephalus (B) decoloratus (31.0%; 136/439). Hyalomma species had the least percentage of infestation, with Hyalomma truncatum having (18.5%; 81/439) infestation. Hyalomma impeltatum had (1.8%; 8/439) and Hyalomma rufipes had (0.9%; 4/439) infestation respectively. The presence of Rhipicephalus (B) decoloratus was identified molecularly from all the sampling sites with accession numbers (MK501835, MK501836, and MK501837). Conclusion: This finding was confirmed for the first time in Zaria, Kaduna State, in Northwestern Nigeria using a molecular technique targeting the ITS-2 region of the ticks. This study confirms the presence of Rhipicephalus (B) decoloratus in Zaria, Kaduna State in Northwestern Nigeria in addition to other tick species. This finding implies that there may be an additional economic burden to livestock farmers due to the increased cost of tick control as well as disease management.

Keywords: Morphological, Molecular, Rhipicephalus (B) decoloratus, Cattle, Zaria.
 

African Journal of Parasitology Research ISSN 2756-3391 Vol. 13 (7), pp. 001-006, July, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Review

Exploring the Pharmacological and Nutritional Benefits of Ginger

Najim A. Jabir Al-Awwadi

College of Pharmacy, Thi-Qar University, Iraq.

Accepted 9 April, 2025

Ginger has been known for its several scientific properties and valued for the last 2500 years in different parts of the globe. Ginger has rich phytochemistry and several health promoting perspectives. In ginger family, Zingiber officinalis is one of most widely used species and it is found in several foods and beverages. Ginger has been used commonly to treat diarrhea, stomach upset, indigestion and nausea. It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Ginger constituents are 80% moisture, 2% protein, 2% fiber, 1% mineral, 0.9% fat, and 12% carbohydrate. The chemistry of ginger is well documented with the respect to the oleoresin and volatile oil. It is concluded that, ginger has potential to treat numerous disorders including cancer due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. It is also useful in controlling the process of aging. This scientific review favors ginger due to its rich phytochemistry; however, due to some ambiguities, it is recommended to conduct clinical trials of ginger with sound protocol design before claiming its efficacy.

Key words: Ginger, Zingiber officinalis, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant.