African Journal of Malaria and Tropical Diseases

African Journal of Malaria and Tropical Diseases ISSN 2736-173X Vol. 12 (6), pp. 001-005, July, 2024. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Distribution, Abundance, and Vector Competence of Anopheles Species Across Six Regions in Lagos, Nigeria

Okwa OO*, Rasheed A, Adeyemi A, Omoyeni M, Oni L, Fayemi A, and Ogunwomoju A.

Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Lagos State University, P.M.B. 001, LASU post office, Nigeria.

Accepted 18 March, 2024

Malaria is a problem in Nigeria and the risk exists throughout the country. Anopheles mosquitoes have been incriminated as the major malaria vectors. Vectors competence, however, differs from one species to another and from place to place. The present study reports the species abundance, composition and vectoral competence of Anopheles species in six areas of Lagos in Nigeria. The human blood index (HBI) and sporozoite rates (SR) were the components of vectoral competence. Human landing catches was used in collection. Species identification morphologically and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried out on mosquitoes. Enzyme linked immuno- arsorbent assay (ELISA) was used to examine – sporozoite infected Anopheles and their blood meal origin. Anopheles gambiae s.s. was found to be most widespread and competent vector in all the six areas. The highest proportions of female Anopheles caught were from Alimosho area (49.8%), but they were mainly with no blood meal (47.9%). In Ajeromi, 85.7% of the female Anopheles had blood meals. Anopheles in Agege area, however, had the highest HBI. Sporozoite rate was highest in Mushin but lowest in Agege. The other Anopheles species were less relatively competent compared to Anopheles gambiae s.s, Anopheles funestus s.s was the second predominant and competent vector in all the areas. Anopheles moucheti nigeriensis was collected from Ajeromi and Amuwo Odofin areas alone and carried sporozoites in the two areas. Ojo area was identified as the most endemic because of the HBI 61.6% and SR of 62.9%. The present study has provided baseline data for formulating control programmes in Lagos State, Nigeria.

Key words: Anopheles Species, vectoral competence, mosquitoes, malaria, Lagos–Nigeria, Human blood index, sporozoite rate.
 

African Journal of Malaria and Tropical Diseases ISSN 2736-173X Vol. 12 (6), pp. 001-005, June, 2024. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Molecular Cloning and Characterization of the Tpn I Gene in Bombyx mori

Zhao Yuan1, 2, Yao Qin1, Tang Xudong1, Wang qiang1, Yin huijuan1, Hu Zhigang1, Lu Jian1 and Chen Keping1*

1Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang 212013, P. R. China.
2    Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 212018, China.

Accepted 16 February, 2024

The troponin complex is composed of three subunits, Troponin C (the calcium sensor component) and Troponin T and I (structural proteins). Tpn C is encoded by multiple genes in insects, while the Tpn T and Tpn I proteins are encoded by single genes. Tpn I binds to actin and Tpn T binds to tropomyosin. We cloned and sequenced the Tpn I (AY873787) gene from Bombyx mori that encodes 225 amino acids and contains a conserved motif seen in Drosophila virilis and Anopheles gambiae. Bioinformatic analysis suggests that its deduced amino sequence shares 81.3 and 78.7% homology with the Tpn I genes of A. gambiae and D. virili, respectively.

Key words: Tpn I, Bombyx mori, troponin, homology.
 

African Journal of Malaria and Tropical Diseases ISSN 2736-173X Vol. 12 (5), pp. 001-005, June, 2024. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Evaluating the Larvicidal Efficacy of Lepidagathis alopecuroides and Azadirachta indica Against Anopheles gambiae and Culex quinquefasciatus

Obomanu , F. G.1*, Ogbalu, O. K.2, Gabriel, U. U.3, Fekarurhobo, G. K.1, And Adediran, B. I.1

1Department of Chemistry, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
2Entomology Unit, Department of Applied and Environmental Biology, Rivers State University of Science and
Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

3Department of Fisheries, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Accepted 11 March, 2024

Comparative analysis of the larvicidal properties of aqueous extracts of leaves of Lepidagathis alopecuroides and Azadirachta indica (neem) was carried out on Anopheles gambiae and Culex quinquefasciatus. Assays showed that L. alopecuroides was more toxic to both larvae, while C. quinquefasciatus was more susceptible to extracts of both plants. For extracts from 500 mg of leaves in 1 L of water, the lethal time (LT50) for C. quinquefasciatus and A. gambiae with L. alopecuroides extract was in the ratio 1:4.5, while it was 1:21.8 with neem extract. No mortality was recorded in A. gambiae exposed to neem at all the concentrations until the emergence of the adult. The results suggest that L. alopecuroides is more potent than neem and could be developed as a cheap, effective and renewable resource that could be incorporated into the Roll Back Malaria program in Nigeria and other countries.

Key words: Lepidagathis alopecuroides, Azadirachta indica, Culex quinquefasciatus, Anopheles gambiae, larvicide.

African Journal of Malaria and Tropical Diseases ISSN 2736-173X Vol. 12 (4), pp. 001-008, April, 2024. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Integrated Control of Cutaneous Neglected Tropical Diseases: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Study in Benin

Parfait DJOSSOU1*, Ghislain Emmanuel SOPOH2, Ronald Sètondji GNIMAVO2, Esaï Gimatal ANAGONOU3, Zoulkifl Salou BACHIROU1, Franck Zinsou Maurille MIGNANWANDE1, Horace DEGNONVI1, Flora Sylvie HOUNDJREBO4, Jean Gabin HOUEZO3, Akpéédjé Carolle WADAGNI3, Yves Thierry BAROGUI3 and Roch Christian JOHNSON1

1Centre Interfacultaire de Formation et de Recherche en Environnement pour le Développement Durable,
Université d’Abomey-Calavi, Bénin.
2Institut Régional de Santé Publique-Comlan Alfred QUENUM, Ouidah, Université d’Abomey-Calavi, Bénin.
3Programme National de Lutte contre la Lèpre et l’Ulcère de Buruli, Ministère de la Santé, Bénin.
4Laboratoire d’Anthropologie Médicale Appliquée, Université d’Abomey-Calavi, Bénin.

Received 24 May, 2023; Accepted 19 November, 2023

The integrated approach is the new recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO) for the control of neglected tropical diseases. The goal of this cross-sectional study was to implement this approach in 4 municipalities with a high prevalence of leprosy in Benin from September 2019 to August 2020. Mobile medical consultations were organized in these municipalities following the mobilization and sensitization of the populations. In the 4 municipalities, 6416 people were examined. The mean age was (27.3 ±19.8) years. Women represented 52.7% of people examined. Among the 6416 people examined, 1230 (19.2%) had skin conditions. The most common skin conditions were pityriasis versicolor (421 cases; 34.2%); eczema (203 cases; 16.5%); ringworm (159 cases; 12.9%); pruritus sine materia (81 cases; 6.6%); acne (62 cases; 5.0%); epidermophytia (37 cases; 3.0%); achromic nevus (35 cases; 2.8%); keloids (28 cases; 2.3%); chronic ulcers (27 cases; 2.2%) and depigmentation stigmata (24 cases; 2.0%). 8 new leprosy cases (0.7%) were detected. This study proves the efficiency of the integrated approach in the control of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) with cutaneous manifestations in Benin.

Key words: Neglected tropical disease, leprosy, skin disease, integration, disease control, Benin.

African Journal of Malaria and Tropical Diseases ISSN 2736-173X Vol. 12 (3), pp. 001-007, March, 2024. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Molecular and Resistance Profiles of Vibrio cholerae O1 Strains Isolated in Benin, 2020: A Study of Public Health Significance

Yves Eric Denon1,2*, Désirée Metodakou1, Mathieu Odoun1, Alidehou Jerrold Agbankpe3, Victorien Dougnon3, Rolande Assogba1, Pascaline Mevodjo1, Germaine Whannou1 and Honoré Bankolé1,3

1National Health Laboratory, Ministry of Public Health, 01 P. O. Box, 418 Cotonou, Benin.
2Beninese Center for Scientific Research and Innovation, Cotonou, Benin.
3Research Unit in Applied Microbiology and Pharmacology of Natural Substances, Research Laboratory in Applied Biology, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 P. O. Box, 2009 Cotonou, Benin.

Received 21 July, 2023; Accepted 23 November, 2023

This study aims to carry out a bacteriological characterization and determine the resistance profile of Vibrio cholerae O1 strains isolated during the epidemiological season of 2020 in Benin. To achieve this goal, 43 diarrheal stool samples were analyzed. The samples were taken during the epidemic period of 2020. Bacteriological analyses consisted of enrichment of the samples in buffered peptone water followed by culture on SBCT agar. Then the characteristic colonies were subjected to microscopy, biochemical identification (oxidase, seeding and reading of TSI agar and API 20 E gallery), serotyping, and antibiotic sensitivity tests using the diffusion technique in agar medium according Kirby-Bauer method. The median age of the patients included in this study was 25 years (IQR: 15-40) with predominantly female patients. Individuals aged 11 to 25 were the most represented. Of the 43 stool samples analyzed, 22 were culture positive for V. cholerae and belonged to serogroup O1. The clinical manifestations observed in patients with cholera were watery diarrhea, vomiting and severe dehydration before admission to hospital. It should be noted that all of V. cholerae O1 strains isolated were multidrug resistant with a strong resistance to erythromycin (81.13%), ampicillin (79.96%), chloramphenicol (79.06%), and cotrimoxazole (78.12%).

Key words: Bacteriological analyses, Vibrio cholerae O1, antimicrobial resistance, Benin.
 

African Journal of Malaria and Tropical Diseases ISSN 2736-173X Vol. 12 (3), pp. 001-006, March, 2024. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Plasmodium falciparum Resistance to Chloroquine in Southern Nigeria: A Multi-Community Analysis

Patrick O Erah*, Gertrude Arienmughare and Augustine O Okhamafe

Pharmacotherapy Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.

Accepted 29 September 2023

Chloroquine is still a first-line antimalarial drug in uncomplicated falciparum malaria. Increasing resistance to chloroquine has been reported in many parts of Nigeria. Clinical and parasitological responses and classes of resistance to chloroquine in falciparum malaria in five communities in Delta region, southern Nigeria were assessed. Chloroquine was administered to 218 patients with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria. The levels of parasitemia, clinical response and classes of resistance were monitored for 7 days. High levels of therapeutic failures of chloroquine in P. falciparum malaria were recorded in the region. The frequencies of clinical and parasitological failure of chloroquine were 25.7% and 55%, respectively. These frequencies were significantly lower in children below 5 years than older people. R2 and R3 resistance occurred in 37.2% and 17.4% of the patients, respectively. The therapeutic failure of chloroquine was not gender dependent. We conclude that chloroquine is still effective in the treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in some communities in Delta region of Nigeria. However, resistance to chloroquine is likely. These results may be used as an important indicator of the significant level of therapeutic failure of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria to chloroquine in Nigeria.

Keywords: Chloroquine, falciparum malaria, resistance, clinical failure, parasitological failure.