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Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Background: Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are a major health concern for children in developing countries. This study assesses the prevalence and intensity of STHs among pupils in private nursery and primary schools in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Methods: The study was conducted in Ife Central LGA, Osun State, Nigeria, involving preschool and school-aged children from two private schools. A total of 55 samples, from 22 male and 33 female pupils, were analyzed for intestinal parasite ova to determine the prevalence of helminth infections among the children. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institute of Public Health, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Consent was secured from parents or guardians. Samples were processed using the modified Kato-Katz technique and examined microscopically for soil-transmitted helminth (STH) eggs. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Among the 55 fecal samples collected, the overall prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections was 78.2%. Ascaris lumbricoides were the most prevalent helminth (76.4%), followed by Trichuris trichiuria (14.5%) and hookworms (5.5%). Females had a higher infection rate (81.8%) than males (68.2%). The prevalence of STH infections was highest among pupils aged ≥10 years (81.8%) and lowest among those aged 2-3 years (66.7%). Conclusion: This study highlights a significant burden of STH infections, particularly A. lumbricoides, among schoolchildren in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The high prevalence necessitates targeted deworming and improved sanitation interventions to reduce the burden of these infections among children in this region.
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Gisrdiasis in the elderly is a very complicated condition. Comorbidities have a major influence on the course, management, and outcomes of giardiasis in elderly individuals. Immunologic, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, renal and gastrointestinal disorders, neurological and respiratory ailment, and nutritional deficits all interact with giardiasis, resulting in severe clinical symptoms and additional difficult therapy. A complete, multidisciplinary approach is required for the efficient management of giardiasis in elderly patients with comorbidities, with an emphasis on personalised medications, supportive care, and preventative initiatives.
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
In this study we analysed campylobacteriosis cases in a tertiary care hospital of India to find out this is an isolated disease or an allied disease with comorbidities in elderly people. In all the four elderly cases, acute gastroenteritis by Campylobacter appears to be a contributory condition of the disease besides other associated diseases. Perceptive the link between this disease and comorbidities is crucial for effective prevention, early detection, and thorough care, in elderly populations with underlying health problems.
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
This study evaluate the effectiveness of Musa Paradisiaca Peels extract in the trapping of mosquitoes. The objective was to apply Musa Paradisiaca Peels extract as a way of controlling mosquito’s infestation that cause malaria among study population in Otuogidi community in Ogbia, Bayelsa state. The experimental design adopted for this study was five (5) samples (A, B, C, D and E) of small basins were collected with different concentration of Musa Paradisiaca Peels extract (4ml, 6ml, 8ml, 10ml and control variables) in different locations within Otuogidi community. The study took five (5) days for the examination, each day with different results. Data was analyzed using ANOVA and presented in frequency distribution tables. The results obtained from the study within the periods (5) days are as follows: 4ml was able to trapped 10 mosquitoes, 6ml trapped 15 mosquitoes, 8ml trapped 18 mosquitoes and 10ml trapped 25 mosquitoes compared with the control that trapped none. According to results obtained, it was concluded that, Musa Paradisiaca has lethal properties capable of trapping mosquitoes at increased dosages. Therefore, we recommend that individuals and communities should adopt the simple method of Musa Paradisiaca to trap mosquitoes as a simple way of curbing the morbidity and mortality death rate cause by malaria parasites in Bayelsa state.
ABSTRACT
In our intestine, there is an interface between immunity and intestinal pathogens, which is important for maintaining homeostasis and influencing the other. Maintaining health seems to depend on the human body's gut microbiota being balanced. Protozoans and helminths are two types of intestinal parasites that interfere with the microbial atmosphere altering the host stability. However, the microbiota of the gut is a special constituent that could seriously impede the infection pathophysiology. Probiotics can be supportive in lowering the many parasite pathogenicity, in addition commensal microbiota of the gut play a significant role in helping many parasite occurance, such as the synthesis of nutritious particles. For these reasons, there is a rising interest in elucidating the logic behind potential relationships between: intestinal parasites, inflammation immune response, and microbiota.
ABSTRACT
Cystic Hydatid disease is a parasitic infection with a worldwide distribution. Even in endemic areas, including Morocco, cardiac involvement by hydatidosis is very rare but remains serious due to its life-threatening complications. We report a rare case involving a 21-year-old Moroccan man, residing in a rural area, with no previous medical history, who presented to the emergency department with pain in the right hypochondrium. CT-scan and transthoracic echocardiography revealed a cystic mass in the interventricular septum, with the radiological description suggesting the potential presence of hydatidosis. Additionally, two hepatic cystic lesions were concomitantly identified. The imaging-based diagnosis of the hydatid cysts was supported by positive hydatid serology using both techniques: ELISA and Western blot. Subsequently, the patient underwent surgery for resection of the cardiac cyst. Parasitological examination of the surgical samples confirmed the diagnosis of hydatid cyst.
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
The pandemic coronavirus SARS‐CoV‐2 in the world has caused a large infected population suffering from COVID‐19. To curb the spreading of the virus, WHO urgently demanded an extension of screening and testing; thus, a rapid and simple diagnostic method is needed which is non-invasive. Use of self-collected saliva can minimize healthcare worker exposure and expand testing capabilities for symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. The main aim of this study was to document the ability of patients to self-collect sufficient saliva specimens for SARS-CoV-2 in the quantitative detection by Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) in asymptomatic patients by themselves under observation by a healthcare provider. The researcher recorded whether the patients were confident and the suitability of the specimen for laboratory testing that would inform clinical decision making. Seventy-one patients aged from 13 years and above were included between December 2020 and July, 2021. Saliva samples and Nasopharyngeal samples were taken from each patient. Quantitative PCR was performed to detect SARS-CoV-2 viral load in the nasopharyngeal samples and qualitative Reverse Transcriptase Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) was used to detect the presence of the virus in saliva samples. Results of saliva vs. nasopharyngeal samples testing using the two different methods were compared. Statistical analyses were performed. Out of the 350 samples tested, 314 samples were found to be Covid 19 positive. Result of the test was validated by the RT-PCR test. This showed that only 314 samples were tested both by saliva rapid test and PCR test while the rest 36 samples were not tested using RT-PCR method but were tested using saliva test. Thus, the salivary test based on pure oral saliva samples easily obtained by noninvasive techniques using RT-LAMP has the same agreement with the nasopharyngeal technique using RT-PCR one in asymptomatic COVID-19 patients.