Environmental Factors Affecting Malaria Parasite Prevalence in Rural Bolifamba, South- West Cameroon

The impact of some environmental factors on malaria parasite prevalence was investigated in rural Bolifamba, Cameroon. The study population comprised 1454 subjects aged 0 \u2013 65 years. Malaria parasite prevalence was higher in the rainy (50.1%) than in the dry season (44.2%) with a significant difference (P=0.001) in mean parasite density between seasons. Individuals <15 years old, had significantly higher malaria parasite prevalence (55.5%) than those >15 years (37.4%). Malaria parasite prevalence (P=0.001) and parasite density (P=0.03) were higher in the individuals of wooden plank houses than those of cement brick houses. Inhabitants of houses surrounded by bushes or garbage heaps and swamps or stagnant water showed higher malaria parasite prevalence and densities compared with those from cleaner surroundings. Anopheles gambiae (63.8%) and A. funestus (32.8%) were associated with perennial transmission of malaria. Our data indicates that poor environmental sanitation and housing conditions may be significant risk factors for malaria parasite burden in Bolifamba

Microscopy is more reliable than questionnaire-based methods in the diagnosis of malaria in school children

No abstract available [Afr. J. Health Sci. 2002; 9: 147-152

Current patterns of genetic diversity in indigenous and introduced species of land snails in Cameroon reflect isolation by distance, limited founder size and known evolutionary relationships

<p>The aim of this study was to gain molecular insights into patterns of genetic diversity in indigenous and introduced land snails in Cameroon. These species, <i>Archachatina marginata</i> and <i>Achatina fulica,</i> form an important source of protein in Cameroon, but widespread utilization may possibly impact natural patterns of genetic diversity of the indigenous species, while the introduced species may display signs of genetic drift. The evolutionary relationship between the indigenous and introduced species was also studied. Specimens were collected from seven sites in Cameroon. Genetic analyses using COI mitochondrial DNA data suggest that gene flow among the <i>Ar. marginata</i> populations screened follows a model of isolation by distance, and genetic diversity estimates for this species did not provide support for the hypothesis of loss of genetic diversity in areas of intense harvesting. Diversity in the introduced species was much lower, which is likely the signature of an introduction involving limited numbers.</p

Woogeng et al. Snail ms Supp Tables

The information in this submission is supplemental data for the paper by Woogeng et al entitled:<b> Current patterns of genetic diversity in indigenous and introduced species of land snails in Cameroon reflect isolation by distance, limited founder size and known evolutionary relationships</b><b></b