Age and Sex Distribution of Intestinal Parasitic Infection Among HIV Infected Subjects in Abeokuta, Nigeria

Intestinal parasitic infection has been a major source of disease in tropical countries especially among HIV patients. The distribution of intestinal parasite among two hundred and fifteen (215) subjects with mean age of 32 years, comprising of 35 HIV-seropositive and 180 HIV seronegative patients was carried out using microscopic method to examine their stool specimens for presence of trophozoites, ova, cysts, larvae and oocysts of intestinal parasites. Overall parasitic infection rate was 28.4%. Infection rate among HIV seropositve subjects (42.9%) was statistically higher than that among HIV seronegative subjects (25.6%) (P<0.05). Although helminths infection rate (31.4%) was higher than that of protozoa (20%) among HIV-seropositive subject, the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the parasitic infection between HIV-seropositive males and females and among the various age groups (P>0.05). Adequate treatment, proper health education and good hygiene will help in reducing intestinal parasitic infectio

SURVEY OF INTESTINAL SCHISTOSOMIASIS AND SOIL-TRANSMITTED HELMINTHIASIS AMONG PUPILS IN IFELODUN, KWARA STATENIGERIA

Schistosomiasis and Soil Transmitted Helminths (STHs) are among the mainly prevalent suffering of human who live in areas of poverty in the developing world. The diseases caused by STHs and Schistosoma mansoniare most commonly associated with poor hygiene practice and improper excreta disposal. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of infections with STHs, Schistosoma mansoniand the associated risk factors among school children in Ifelodun, Kwara State. It was a cross sectional study that recruited school children from 3 randomly selected primary schools in the Local Government Area aged from 3 to 18 years. A well structured questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-demographic data and possible associated risk factors. A single stool sample was processed using Kato Katz thick smear technique and examined for eggs of geohelminths and S. mansoniinfections.The only prevalent helminth seen wasAscaris lumbricoides6.3% (n=160). In all, female pupils had more infestation with prevalence of 4.4%(7/160) than their male counterpart 1.9% (3/160). Eighty percent of the infected pupils had heavy infection while 20% had light infection (P< 0.05). Thus, none of the infected pupils had moderateinfection. The study confirmed absence of Intestinal Schistosomiasis among pupils in the study are

Prevalence and associated factors of Plasmodium falciparum and soil transmitted helminth infections among pregnant women in Osun state, Nigeria

Background: Plasmodium falciparum and soil transmitted helminth (STHs) infection are widespread in sub-Sahara Africa, where co-infection is also common. This study assessed the prevalence of these infections and their risk factors among pregnant women in Osogbo, Nigeria.Methods: A total of 200 pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic were recruited. Plasmodium falciparum was detected using thick and thin film methods, while formol ether concentration method was used for STHs detection. A questionnaire was used to investigate the possible risk factors associated with acquisition of malaria and helminth infections.Results: The prevalence of P. falciparum, STHs and their co-infection was 29.5%, 12% and 5% respectively. P. falciparum, STHs and P. falciparum + STHs co-infection was significantly higher in primigravidae (52.5% vs 58.3% vs 80%) than in secongravidae (18.6% vs 25.0% vs 20%) and multigravidae (28.8% vs 16.7% vs 0%) (p=0.02). Prevalence associated factors identified for P. falciparum was age (p=0.0001) while gravidity (p=0.02) was identified for P. falciparum + STHs co-infection.Conclusion: High prevalence of P. falciparum and helminth infections was observed among the pregnant women with primigravidae being the most susceptible to co-infection. There is an urgent need to implement an effective malaria and STHs preventive method for this high risk population.Keywords: P.falciparum, STHs, Co-infection, pregnant women, Nigeria

Prevalence and associated factors of Plasmodium falciparum and soil transmitted helminth infections among pregnant women in Osun state, Nigeria

Background: Plasmodium falciparum and soil transmitted helminth (STHs) infection are widespread in sub-Sahara Africa, where co-infection is also common. This study assessed the prevalence of these infections and their risk factors among pregnant women in Osogbo, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 200 pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic were recruited. Plasmodium falciparum was detected using thick and thin film methods, while formol ether concentration method was used for STHs detection. A questionnaire was used to investigate the possible risk factors associated with acquisition of malaria and helminth infections. Results: The prevalence of P. falciparum, STHs and their co-infection was 29.5%, 12% and 5% respectively. P. falciparum, STHs and P. falciparum + STHs co-infection was significantly higher in primigravidae (52.5% vs 58.3% vs 80%) than in secongravidae (18.6% vs 25.0% vs 20%) and multigravidae (28.8% vs 16.7% vs 0%) (p=0.02). Prevalence associated factors identified for P. falciparum was age (p=0.0001) while gravidity (p=0.02) was identified for P. falciparum + STHs co-infection. Conclusion: High prevalence of P. falciparum and helminth infections was observed among the pregnant women with primigravidae being the most susceptible to co-infection. There is an urgent need to implement an effective malaria and STHs preventive method for this high risk population

Prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum Parasitaemia and Its Correlation with Haematological Parameters among HIV-Positive Individuals in Nigeria

Malaria and HIV are the two most important health challenges of our time. Haematologic abnormalities are features in Plasmodium falciparum infection, and anaemia is a well-known outcome. The prevalence and haematological impact of P. falciparum parasitaemia were determined among HIV-infected individuals in Nigeria. Parasite detection was carried out using microscopy and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Haemoglobin concentration was determined using an automated machine while CD4+ Tcells count was analyzed using flow cytometer. Thirty-seven (18.5%) out of the 200 HIV individuals enrolled had malaria parasites detected in their blood. All the positive cases were detected by PCR while only 20 (10%) were detected by thick blood microscopy. The mean haemoglobin concentration and packed cell volume (PCV) of HIV individuals with malaria parasitaemia were lower compared to those without malaria parasitaemia but the difference was not statistically significant. Also no significant difference was observed in malaria positivity in respect to sex and mean CD4+ cell count. The study highlights the effects of P. falciparum parasitaemia on the haematologic and immune components of HIV individuals

Prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum

Malaria and HIV are the two most important health challenges of our time. Haematologic abnormalities are features in Plasmodium falciparum infection, and anaemia is a well-known outcome. The prevalence and haematological impact of P. falciparum parasitaemia were determined among HIV-infected individuals in Nigeria. Parasite detection was carried out using microscopy and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Haemoglobin concentration was determined using an automated machine while CD4+ T-cells count was analyzed using flow cytometer. Thirty-seven (18.5%) out of the 200 HIV individuals enrolled had malaria parasites detected in their blood. All the positive cases were detected by PCR while only 20 (10%) were detected by thick blood microscopy. The mean haemoglobin concentration and packed cell volume (PCV) of HIV individuals with malaria parasitaemia were lower compared to those without malaria parasitaemia but the difference was not statistically significant. Also no significant difference was observed in malaria positivity in respect to sex and mean CD4+ cell count. The study highlights the effects of P. falciparum parasitaemia on the haematologic and immune components of HIV individuals

Prevalence of Dihydrofolate reductase gene mutations in Plasmodium falciparum isolate from pregnant women in Nigeria

We assessed the prevalence of <em>Plasmodium falciparum</em> and the frequency of the dhfr triple mutation that is associated with antifolate drug resistance among P. falciparumisolates obtained from pregnant women in Ilorin, Nigeria. The study included 179 women in the second and third trimester of pregnancy who have been exposed to intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) with sulfadoxinepyrimethamine. Thick and thin blood films and PCR were used for malaria parasite detection. Blood group and hemoglobin concentration were also determined. Mutations in <em>P. falciparum </em>dhfr were analyzed by sequencing DNA obtained from blood spots on filter paper. Prevalence of <em>P. falciparum</em> in the population (PCR corrected) was 44.1% (79/179) with 66.7% and 33.3% in the second and third trimester, respectively. Primigravide (51.3%) were more infected than multigravide (48.7%) but the difference was not statistically significant. Women in blood group A had the highest <em>P. falciparum </em>malaria infection (30.8%). The mean hemoglobin concentration was lower among those infected with malaria parasite. Also, more women with the malaria parasite (38.4%) had anemia compare to those without (21.4%). The prevalence of the P. falciparum dhfr mutant alleles was 64.1%, 61.5%, 38.5%, and 12.8% for I51, R59, N108 and T108, respectively. None of the samples had the L164 mutation. The combined triple dhfr mutation (51 + 59 + 108) in the population was 17.9% (7 of 39). Also, the prevalence of the triple mutant alleles was not significantly associated to the number of doses of SP taken by the women. These findings highlight the need for a regular assessment of IPTp/SP efficacy, and evaluation of possible alternative drugs

PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF METHANOL EXTRACT OF RUSSELIA EQUISETIFORMIS AGAINST PARACETAMOL-INDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY IN WISTAR RATS

Objectives: Liver diseases are among the health challenges facing many people and health care providers worldwide. In their search for solution to these problems, researchers are increasingly advocating the use of herbal preparations with proven efficacy in protecting against hepatic disorders. They also investigate medicinal plants with the aim of developing new drugs.&nbsp; Russelia equisetiformis is a plant which contains phytoconstituents that were reported to have biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and membrane-stabilizing properties. In this study, the effect of methanol extract of R. equisetiformis (MEREQ) on paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity was investigated in rats. Method: Rats were pretreated orally with graded doses (100 – 400 mg/kg b.w) of MEREQ for 7 days. On the 8th day, hepatotoxicity was induced in the pretreated rats with a single intraperitoneal injection of paracetamol (2 g/kg b.w). Rats were sacrificed on the 15th day; blood samples were taken for biochemical analysis, and the liver was excised for histopathological study. Biochemical parameters analyzed are alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein, albumin, and bilirubin. Results: Administration of paracetamol in the rats resulted in significant increase (p&lt;0.05) in the serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP, and bilirubin compared with the control. Treatment with MEREQ significantly reduced (p&lt;0.05) the levels of these parameters in a dose-dependent manner, compared with the untreated rats. No significant changes were observed in the serum levels total protein and albumin. Histopathological examination showed that administration of paracetamol caused distortions in the architecture of the liver, but the degree of degeneration of hepatocytes was reduced in the MEREQ-treated rats. Conclusion: From the results obtained in this study, it is concluded that methanol extract of R. equisetiformis has protective effect on paracetamol-induced hepatic injury. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Peer Review History: Received 8 November&nbsp; 2020; Revised 14 Decembe; Accepted 3 January, Available online 15 January 2021 Academic Editor: Prof. Cyprian Ogbonna ONYEJI,&nbsp;Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, [email protected] UJPR follows the most transparent and toughest ‘Advanced OPEN peer review’ system. The identity of the authors and, reviewers will be known to each other. This transparent process will help to eradicate any possible malicious/purposeful interference by any person (publishing staff, reviewer, editor, author, etc) during peer review. As a result of this unique system, all reviewers will get their due recognition and respect, once their names are published in the papers. We expect that, by publishing peer review reports with published papers, will be helpful to many authors for drafting their article according to the specifications. Auhors will remove any error of their article and they will improve their article(s) according to the previous reports displayed with published article(s). The main purpose of it is ‘to improve the quality of a candidate manuscript’. Our reviewers check the ‘strength and weakness of a manuscript honestly’. There will increase in the perfection, and transparency. Received file:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.0/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 8.0/10 Reviewer(s) detail: Dr. Gehan Fawzy Abdel Raoof Kandeel, Pharmacognosy Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, 12622,&nbsp; Giza, Egypt, [email protected]&nbsp; Prof. Dr. Ali Gamal Ahmed Al-kaf,&nbsp; Sana'a university, Yemen,&nbsp;[email protected] Similar Articles: ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANTI-OXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF METHANOL EXTRACT OF BAPHIA NITIDA ANTI-HYPERGLYCEMIC AND ANTI-OXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF METHANOL EXTRACT OF GONGRONEMA LATIFOLIUM EFFECTS OF RAW AND COOKED AQUEOUS AND METHANOL EXTRACTS OF PHASEOLUS VULGARIS (KIDNEY BEANS) ON RENAL FUNCTION IN ALBINO WISTAR RAT

Cryptosporidiosis In Hiv Infected Patients With Diarrhoea In Osun State Southwestern Nigeria

Aim: Although cryptosporidiosis is said to be rare among adult HIV patients in certain parts of Nigeria, there are no documented studies on the occurrence of this parasite among HIV patients in Southwestern Nigeria. Methods: We conducted a cross sectional study involving 150 patients (100 HIV infected and 50 HIV negative) with diarrhoea from two tertiary and one secondary health institutions in Southwestern Nigeria. Concentrated stool sample from each patient was screened for cryptosporidium oocysts with the modified cold Ziehl Neelsen method while direct sample was screened for other enteric parasites. Results: The overall parasite prevalence rate in the diarrhoea patients is 79.3% (119/150) with Cryptosporidium parvum 52.7%, Ascaris lumbricoides 11.3%, Hookworm 3.3%, Trichuris trichura 2% and Entamoeba histolytica 10%. The parasite prevalence rate in HIV infected patients is 97% while in HIV-negative patients, the rate is 44%. The rate is significantly higher among HIVinfected patients with diarrhoea than among HIV-negative patients with diarrhoea (OR=41.152, 95%CI=11.467-147.68, P<0.0001). However this difference is attributed to Cryptosporidium which was found exclusively among HIV-infected patients. When Cryptosporidium prevalence was excluded from analysis, the parasite prevalence rates between the two groups was not significantly different (X2=0.8002, df=3, P=0.8494). Conclusion: Contrary to a previous report of apparent rarity of cryptosporidium infections in certain parts of Nigeria, this study revealed a high prevalence of this parasitosis among HIV infected patients in Southwestern Nigeria

Assessment of Clinical Diagnosis, Microscopy, Rapid Diagnostic Tests, and Polymerase Chain Reaction in the Diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum in Nigeria

This study compares the performance of clinical diagnosis and three laboratory diagnostic methods (thick film microscopy (TFM), rapid diagnostic test (RDT), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)) for the diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum in Nigeria. Using clinical criteria, 217 children were recruited into the study out of which 106 (48.8%) were positive by TFM, 84 (38.7%) by RDT, and 125 (57.6%) by PCR. Using a composite reference method generated from the three diagnostic methods, 71 (32.7%) patients were found to be truly infected and 90 (41.5%) truly uninfected, while 56 (25.8%) were misidentified as infected or noninfected. When each of the 3 diagnostic methods was compared with the composite reference, PCR had sensitivity of 97.3%, specificity of 62.5%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 56.8%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 97.8%; microscopy had sensitivity of 77.2%, specificity of 72%, PPV of 66.9%, and NPV of 81.1%, while RDT had sensitivity of 62.3%, specificity of 87.4%, PPV of 67.7%, and NPV of 84.5%. PCR test performed best among the three methods followed by TFM and RDT in that order. The result of this study shows that clinical diagnosis cannot be relied upon for accurate diagnosis of P. falciparum in endemic areas