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Prevalence, molecular characteristics and antibiotic susceptibility of clinical isolates of Clostridioides difficile in southeastern Nigeria

*1,2Oghonyon, 1,3Ugwu, M. C., 1,3Esimone, C. O., and 2Onah, A. I.

 [1]Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

[2]Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

[3]TETFUND Centre of Excellence for Biomedical, Engineering and Agricultural Translational studies, Nnamdi

Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: oghonyonei@dufuhs.edu.ng, eddisonioghonyon@gmail.com; +2348038469094

 

Abstract:

 Background: Clostridioides difficile is a major contributor to healthcare-associated infections, exhibiting global variations in its prevalence and resistance. There is an absence of data on its molecular characteristics and antibiotic susceptibility of C. difficile in southeastern Nigeria. This study aims to evaluate its prevalence, molecular features, and resistance patterns to enhance treatment and control strategies.  Continue reading “Prevalence, molecular characteristics and antibiotic susceptibility of clinical isolates of Clostridioides difficile in southeastern Nigeria”

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Molecular screening for Plasmodium falciparum resistance markers for artemisinins in Mbita, Kenya

LN Wangai, M Geoffrey, S Omar, G Magoma, FT Kimani, JM Mwangi, MW Burugu, N Maina

 

Abstract

Artemisinins-based combination therapies (ACTs) are being recommended against uncomplicated malaria in endemic areas of Africa. However, in these areas data on their long term usefulness is limited. It has been demonstrated that ACTs resistance may be due to single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the chemotherapeutic target, the SERCA-type ATPase protein (PfATPase6). This study analyzed PfATPase6 mutations in asymptomatic infections from samples collected from Mbita, a malaria endemic region in Kenya. Mutations in A623E and S769N residues were screened with gene specific primers followed by sequencing. The study demonstrates that there is no mutation in Mbita, Kenya because neither A623E nor S769N PfATPase6 mutations were detected. Resurgence of infections in this area could be due to re-infections and not drug failure. The study recommends that other sites be assessed for PfATPase 6 mutations to verify the long-term usefulness of ACT and monitor any emergency of resistance.

Keywords: ACT (Artemisinins-based Combination Therapy), Molecular, Mutations, PfATPase 6

Molecular screening for Plasmodium falciparum resistance markers for artemisinins in Mbita Kenya