Malaria in Africa and the Historical Perspective: The Journey so Far

This is a review on the definition of malaria in Nigeria, historical concept and the journey so far. Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease of humans and other animals caused by eukaryotic protists (a type of microorganism) of the genus Plasmodium. The protists first infect the liver, then act as parasites within red blood cells, causing symptoms that typically include fever and headache, in severe cases progressing to coma or death. The disease is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions in a broad band around the equator, including much of Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Five species of Plasmodium can infect and be transmitted by humans. Severe disease is largely caused by P. falciparum while the disease caused by P. vivax, P. ovale, and P. malariae is generally a milder form that is rarely fatal. Malaria is prevalent in tropical regions because the significant amounts of rainfall, consistently high temperatures and high humidity, along with stagnant waters in which mosquito larvae readily mature, provide them with the environment they need for continuous breeding. Disease transmission can be reduced by preventing mosquito bites by distribution of mosquito nets and insect repellents, or with mosquito-control measures such as spraying insecticides and draining standing water. The World Health Organization is working hard to reduce the burden of malaria in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. Keywords: Malaria, Plasmodium species, Public health implication, Contro

AETIOLOGIC AGENTS OF DIARRHOEA IN CHILDREN UNDER FIVE YEARS OF AGE IN OSOGBO, OSUN STATE

A survey of the aetiological agents of diarrhoea in children under 5 years of age was carried out in Osogbo, Osun State. A total of 135 patients visiting the outpatient and children emergency units of LAUTECH Teaching Hospital were examined. Strains of Shigella isolated were tested for antibiotic sensitivity. Consideration of the distribution showed that Escherichia coli was more prevalent in children aged between 3 to 5 years (57%) and was the most encountered of the organisms isolated (present in 77.8% of all samples) while Shigella spp was found in 16.3% of samples, Vibrio cholerae 0.7% and other coliforms 5.2%. Statistical analysis showed that E. coli was significantly associated with diarrhoea in the patients aged 3-5 years (P< 0.05). Shigella spp was shown to show some resistance to tetracycline and high sensitivity to ofloxacin. (Af J Clinical & Exp Microbiology: 2003 4(2): 62-66