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Artemisinin drug resistance and monitoring: a narrative review

*1Iwuafor, A. A., 1Ogban, G. I., 1Emanghe, U. E., 2Erengwa, P. C., 2Offiong, A. B.,      2Nsor, G. E., and 2Owai, P. A.

1Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, University of Calabar, Nigeria

2Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: tonyiwuafor@unical.edu.ng; +2348033441539; ORCID ID: 0000-0001-6796-3870

 

Abstract:

Artemisinin drug resistance is one of the major reasons for malaria treatment failures in the sub-Saharan African countries where artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) is the first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria. The occurrence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) is found to correlate with antimalarial drug resistance. With artemisinin, the SNPs occurs at the Kelch 13-propeller gene locus on chromosome 13. The artemisinin drug resistance surveillance strategy involves continuous monitoring of Kelch 13-propeller biomarker to detect emergence of mutations which could herald drug resistance in the region. In this narrative review paper, we examined existing literature to bridge the knowledge gap and accentuate the importance of routine surveillance for artemisinin resistance in sub-Saharan Africa. We conducted our search on PubMed database and Google Scholar to identify peer-reviewed articles, reports, and abstracts on artemisinin drug resistance using the following keywords; ‘artemisinin drug resistance’, ‘antimalarial drug resistance’, ‘artemisinin-based combination therapy’, ‘Kelch 13-propeller’, ‘K13propeller gene’, and ‘K13 molecular marker’. The review provided pertinent information on artemisinin derivatives, artemisinin-based combination therapy, molecular action of artemisinin, definition of artemisinin resistance, genetic basis of artemisinin drug resistance and discovery of Kelch 13, and the importance of artemisinin resistance surveillance. Molecular surveillance can provide healthcare policy makers a forecast of impending threats to malaria treatment. This is more so when drugs are in combination therapy, for instance, molecular surveillance can give a hint that one drug is failing despite the fact that in combination, it is still apparently clinically effective. Continue reading “Artemisinin drug resistance and monitoring: a narrative review”

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A review of the current diphtheria outbreaks

1Medugu, N., 2Musa-Booth, T. O., *1Adegboro, B., 3Onipede, A. O., 4Babazhitsu, M., and 5Amaza, R.

 1Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria

21928 Woodlawn Drive, Woodlawn, Maryland 21207, USA

3Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria 

4Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria

5Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC), Jabi, Abuja, Nigeria  

*Correspondence to: boazadegboro@gmail.com; boaz.adegboro@nileuniverity.edu.ng

Abstract:

Corynebacterium diphtheriae is responsible for both endemic and epidemic diphtheria. The predisposing factor for this disease is the failure to immunize during childhood. Humans are the only hosts of the organism and is present in the upper respiratory tract. The organism is transmitted via airborne route and can cause respiratory obstruction and heart failure because of the exotoxin it produces. There is presently a resurgence of diphtheria outbreaks in Nigeria. The Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) was notified of suspected diphtheria outbreaks in Lagos and Kano States, Nigeria, in December 2022 and has been issuing monthly reports since that time. This review of the diphtheria outbreaks following online database searches on PubMed and Google Scholar as well as the NCDC/WHO websites and grey literatures, describes the current trend of the outbreaks globally, elucidated the different strains of Corynebacterium responsible for the outbreaks, identified the recent vaccine formulation developed to tackle the outbreaks, and provide information on vaccine delivery and efficacy studies in the country and globally. Continue reading “A review of the current diphtheria outbreaks”

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A review of the recent advances on Lassa fever with special reference to molecular epidemiology and progress in vaccine development

1Medugu, N., *1Adegboro, B., 2Babazhitsu, M. S., 3Kadiri, M., and 4Abanida, E. A.

1Departments of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria

2Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria

3Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria 4Epidemiology Unit, World Health Organization, Harare, Zimbabwe                                             

*Correspondence to: boazadegboro@gmail.com

Abstract:

Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus (LASV), is endemic in West Africa and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. At least three of the four proposed seven lineages of LASV are found in Nigeria, where the multimammate rat, Mastomys natalensis, serves as the primary reservoir. Endemic countries report approximately 200,000 infections and 5,000 deaths annually, with Nigeria experiencing thousands of infections and hundreds of deaths including healthcare workers. The aim of this review is to provide scientific information for better understanding of the evolutionary biology, molecular epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and prevention of Lassa fever in Nigeria and other endemic regions worldwide, which can lead to improved control efforts and reduce morbidity and mortality from recurrent epidemics. To achieve this aim, observational studies such as case series, cross-sectional and cohort studies published between December 2017 and September 2022 were searched for on various online databases including Google Scholar, Africa Journals Online (AJOL), Research Gates, PubMed, PMIC, NCDC, and WHO websites. Although the origin and evolutionary history, and the transmission dynamics of Lassa virus have been revealed through recent molecular epidemiological studies, the factors that drive the evolution of the virus remain unclear. Genetic changes in the viral genome may have enabled the virus to adapt to humans. Diagnosis of Lassa fever has also advanced from basic serological tests to more sophisticated methods such as quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and sequencing, which are particularly useful for identifying outbreak strains. Several vaccines, including recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (rVSV), virus-like particle (VLP), and DNA-based vaccines, have shown promise in animal models and some have progressed to phase 2 clinical trials. Preventing and controlling Lassa fever is critical to safeguard the health and well-being of affected communities. Effective measures such as rodent control, improved sanitation, and early detection and isolation of infected individuals are essential for reducing transmission. Ongoing research into the genetic and ecological factors that drive the evolution of Lassa virus is necessary to reduce the impacts of Lassa fever. Continue reading “A review of the recent advances on Lassa fever with special reference to molecular epidemiology and progress in vaccine development”

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Determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance amongst doctors practising in Cross River State, Nigeria

1Iwuafor, A. A., 1Ogban, G. I., 1Ita, O. I., 2Offiong, A. B., 2Owai, P. A., 1Udoh, U. A., and 3Elem, D. E.

1Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, University of Calabar, Nigeria

2Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria

3Department of Internal Medicine, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: tonyiwuafor@unical.edu.ng; +2348033441539; ORCID ID: 0000-0001-6796-3870

Abstract:

Background: COVID-19 vaccine is one of the most effective public health intervention approaches for prevention of COVID-19. Despite its well-known efficacy and safety, significant proportion of frontline COVID-19 healthcare workers remain hesitant about accepting the vaccine for whatever reasons. This study aimed to determine acceptance rate and determinants of vaccine refusal among doctors in Cross River State, Nigeria. Continue reading “Determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance amongst doctors practising in Cross River State, Nigeria”

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Comparative HPV genotype distribution among women with normal and abnormal cervical cytology in Yaoundé, Cameroon

*1Mbimenyuy, C. M., 1Cho, J. F., 2Mugyia, A. E., 3Ikomey, G. M., 4,5Tebit, D. M., and 6Nota, D. A.

1Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, P. O. Box 63, Buea, University of Buea, South West Region, Cameroon

2Department of Virology Centre Pasteur Du Cameroun

3Centre for Studies and Control of Communicable Diseases (CSCCD), FMBS-University of Yaoundé 1, Box 8445, Yaoundé, Cameroon

4HIV/AIDS and Global Health Research Program, and Department of Microbiology, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa

5Global Biomed Scientific LLC, P.O. Box 2368, Forest, VA 24551, USA

6Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bamenda, North West Region, Cameroon

*Correspondence to: cmbimenyuy@yahoo.com

 

Abstract:

Background: The epidemiology of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and the pattern of HPV genotype distribution are parameters needed to assess the risk of cervical cancer. Oncogenic HPV types are well-known pathogen for lower genital tract neoplasias, representing the primary cause of cancer death in Africa and the second in Cameroon. This study was conducted to identify the various genotypes particularly the high-risk HPV types in normal and abnormal cervical cytology from women in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Methodology: This was a hospital-based, analytical cross-sectional study carried out on 226 symptomatic women wherein cervico-vaginal samples were obtained during gynaecological examination for Pap smears, HPV-DNA and genotype detection with linear array HPV strip, conducted from November 2019 to January 2021. Continue reading “Comparative HPV genotype distribution among women with normal and abnormal cervical cytology in Yaoundé, Cameroon”

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Awareness of and willingness to use pre-exposure prophylaxis to prevent HIV infection among female sex workers in Anambra State, south-eastern Nigeria

1Nwagbo, E. C., 2Ekwunife, O. I., 3Mmeremikwu, A. C., and *4Ojide, C. K.

1Department of Pharmacy, Medical Services, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

2Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

3Department of Pharmacy, Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria

4Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria *Correspondence to: edomann2001@yahoo.com; +2348052534844

Abstract:

Background: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective preventive measures against HIV infection but its success is strongly based on adherence, which in turn depends on willingness to use. This study is aimed at assessing the level of awareness and willingness to use PrEP to prevent HIV infection among female sex workers (FSWs) in Anambra State, Nigeria, and to identify factors that influence willingness to use PrEP. Continue reading “Awareness of and willingness to use pre-exposure prophylaxis to prevent HIV infection among female sex workers in Anambra State, south-eastern Nigeria”

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Comparative gender analysis of the seroprevalence of varicella zoster virus among HIV-infected individuals receiving care at Offa, north-central Nigeria

*1Udeze, A. O., and 2Odebisi-Omokanye, M.

1Virology Unit, Department of Microbiology, University of Ilorin, P.M.B 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria

2Infectious Disease, Environmental Health and Toxicity Research Group, Department of Microbiology, University of Ilorin, P.M.B 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria            *Correspondence to: udeze.ao@unilorin.edu.ng; austok90@yahoo.com; +2348135586003

ORCiD: 0000-0002-5492-4925

Abstract:

Background: Varicella zoster virus (VZV) infections are common and contribute substantially to morbidity and mortality among HIV-infected patients. This study was conducted to determine the level of exposure, compare the gender distribution pattern and correlate with CD4 count, history of chicken pox and demographics among HIV patients.

Methodology: Blood samples were collected from 273 randomly selected HIV-positive patients (93 males and 180 females) receiving care and management at the General Hospital Offa, Kwara State, Nigeria, between September 2019 and March 2020, after obtaining informed consent. Sera were separated from the blood samples and tested for the presence of VZV-specific IgG antibodies using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Continue reading “Comparative gender analysis of the seroprevalence of varicella zoster virus among HIV-infected individuals receiving care at Offa, north-central Nigeria”

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Phylogenetic variants of Mycoplasma hominis from pregnant women and women presenting with infertility in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria

 1Chukwuka, C. P., 2Emele, F. E., 3Agbakoba, N. R., *1Ezeagwuna, D. A., and 4Oguejiofor, C. B.

 1Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria

2Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria

3Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria

4Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: dorrezeagwuna@gmail.com; 08037745700 & 07088454383; ORCID-0000-0003-2259-720X

 

Abstract:

Background: Much controversies have been associated with the pathogenicity of Mycoplasma hominis but little has been done to unravel the mystery behind the different views. This study aimed at investigating the genetic variants abounding within M. hominis and the distribution of the virulent genes among the variants.

Methodology: Twenty (20) M. hominis isolates from high vaginal swabs of women (11 from pregnant women and 9 from women presenting with infertility) attending the Obstetrics and Gynaecology clinics of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Nigeria, were sequenced using 16S rRNA universal gene target for the purpose of phylogenetic analysis and epidemiological typing. The isolates were also screened for the presence of M. hominis variable adherence antigen (vaa) and p120 virulent genes using primer constructs from the respective genes in a conventional PCR protocol. Continue reading “Phylogenetic variants of Mycoplasma hominis from pregnant women and women presenting with infertility in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria”

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Prevalence and risk factors associated with canine dermatophytoses among dogs in Kwara and Osun States, Nigeria

1Adesiji, Y. O., 2Oluwayelu, D. O., and 3Aiyedun, J. O.

1Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria              2Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria  3Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: yoadesiji@lautech.edu.ng

Abstract:

Background: Dermatophytosis (ringworm) is a zoonotic fungal skin infection caused predominantly by Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum and Trichophyton spp. It is highly transmissible and, while normally self-limiting, could be problematic due to its potential to cause disease in certain human populations. The occurrence and associated risk factors of dermatophytoses in dogs presented at three veterinary clinics in Osogbo, and Ilorin, Nigeria between July and November 2019 were investigated in this study.

Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 325 dogs with lesions suggestive of dermato- phytosis, selected by simple random sampling from three veterinary clinics in Osogbo and Ilorin, purposively selected for the study due to high patronage of the veterinary hospitals by dog owners. Using conventional mycological sampling techniques, plucked hairs and skin scrapings were obtained the dogs. The samples were emulsified in 10% potassium hydroxide, examined microscopically for fungal elements and cultured using standard mycological procedures. Information on dog demographic characteristics and risk factors for dermatophytosis were collected using structured questionnaire. The association between risk factors and demographic variables with the occurrence of dermatophytoses was determined using Chi-square test (with Odds ratio and 95% confidence interval) and p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Continue reading “Prevalence and risk factors associated with canine dermatophytoses among dogs in Kwara and Osun States, Nigeria”

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Bacteriological assessment of crab (Pachycheles pubescens) and dog whelk (Nucella lapillus) shellfishes from mesotidal estuarine ecosystem

*1Nkanang, A. J., 1Abraham, N. A., 1Udoh, D. I., 1Udosen, C. I., [1]Udofa, E. J., and 1Anene, S. K.

1Department of Microbiology, University of Uyo, Nigeria

2Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: abigailnkanang@yahoo.com; 08063279192; ORCiD: //orcid.org/0000-0002-5757-2996

Abstract:

Background: Shellfishes are susceptible to a wide variety of bacterial pathogens, most of which are capable of causing disease in humans but are considered to be saprophytic in nature. Bacteriological diversity of shellfishes depends on the fishing grounds, habitats and environmental factors around them. This study assessed the bacteria associated with shellfishes, Pachycheles pubescens (crab) and Nucella lapillus (dog whelk) harvested from mesotidal estuarine ecosystem.

Methodology: The bacteriological assessment of crab (Pachycheles pubescens) and dog whelk (Nucella lapillus) harvested from Okwano Obolo estuary in Eastern Obolo local government area (LGA), Akwa Ibom was evaluated. The density of heterotrophic and potential pathogens was determined using standard analytical procedures. The pure bacterial isolates were grouped into recognizable taxonomic units and characterized to their generic level. Continue reading “Bacteriological assessment of crab (Pachycheles pubescens) and dog whelk (Nucella lapillus) shellfishes from mesotidal estuarine ecosystem”