African Journal of Parasitology Research

African Journal of Parasitology Research ISSN 2756-3391 Vol. 13 (12), pp. 001-008, December, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Histological and molecular identification of Sarcocystis sp. species from pig carcasses slaughtered at abattoirs in Dakar, Senegal

GBATI Oubri Bassa¹, *N’DA Kacou Martial¹, KOFFI Marcel², DAHOUROU Laibané Dieudonné³, MUSABYEMARIYA Bellancille¹, NSOUARI Stève Hermane Sadry¹, EKOU Chérita Dora¹, BAKOU Serge Niangoran 4, BONFOH Bassirou², SALIFOU Sahidou⁵, PANGUI Louis-Joseph¹

¹Department of Public Health and Environment, Ecole Inter-Etats des Sciences et Médecines Vétérinaires (EISMV), Dakar, Sénégal.
²Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques (CSRS), Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
³Institut des Sciences de l’Environnement et du Développement Rural, Université de Dédougou, BP 176, Dédougou, Burkina Faso.
⁴Université Nangui Abrogoua, Laboratoire de Biologie et Cytologie Animales, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
⁵Ecole Polytechnique d’Abomey-Calavi (EPAC), Cotonou, Bénin.

Abstract

Received 06 October, 2025; Revised 05 November, 2025; Accepted 06 November, 2025; Published 30 December, 2025

Sarcosporidiosis is a cosmopolitan protozoan disease caused by Sarcocystis, which is present in the form of cysts in the muscle tissue of several animal species, including pigs. Often asymptomatic, this disease can only be detected at the slaughterhouse, as its diagnosis relies on histological, enzymatic and molecular techniques. This study aimed to identify the Sarcocystis species present in the carcasses of pigs slaughtered at slaughterhouses in Dakar, Senegal. Samples were taken from different muscles (oesophagus, masseter, diaphragm, myocardium, gluteal) of 300 pig carcasses. These samples were subjected to histological sectioning techniques stained with haematoxylin and eosin (HE) on the one hand, and molecular biology analyses on the other, in order to precisely identify the species concerned. According to the results obtained by histology, the prevalence of Sarcocystis infection in pigs was 91.7%. The most infested muscle was the oesophagus. Molecular biology enabled us to identify Sarcocystis miescheriana in pigs for the first time in Senegal. In this context, strengthening measures against parasitic diseases in pigs in Senegal and improving health control in abattoirs is essential for public health. New, easy-to-use techniques for researching and identifying the parasite must therefore be developed in order to significantly reduce the risk of disease transmission to human populations.

Keywords: Slaughterhouses - identification - molecular - pigs – sarcosporidiosis.

African Journal of Parasitology Research ISSN 2756-3391 Vol. 13 (11), pp. 001-009, November, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Knowledge of patients and interest of Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RTDs) for uncomplicated malaria efficient management in community pharmacies of Côte d’Ivoire

Kpongbo Etienne Angora^1,2*, Pulchérie Chritiane Kiki- Barro¹, Abo Henriette Vanga-Bosson¹, Sébastien Assohoun Miézan¹, Estelle Massafoma Koné¹, Valérie Akoua Bédia-Tanoh¹, Jean Baptiste Levy¹, Sylvain Konan Yao¹, Orphée Sanga¹, Fulgence Kondo Kassi¹, Abibatou Konaté-Touré¹, William Yavo¹, Hervé Menan¹, Vincent Djohan¹

¹Parasitology and Mycology Department, Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences Training Research Unit, University of Félix Houphouët Boigny, BPV 34 Abidjan Côte d’Ivoire.
²Medical Biology service, University Hospital of Angré, BP 54378 Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

Abstract

Received 17 October, 2025; Revised 01 November, 2025; Accepted 02 November, 2025; Published 24 November, 2025

For better management of malaria, WHO recommends early biological diagnosis for rapid treatment. In Côte d'Ivoire, due to difficulties associated with the use of microscopy in primary health care facilities, the biological diagnosis of malaria relies mainly on RDTs. Private pharmacies play an important role in the outpatient healthcare using RDTs to diagnose malaria. The aim of this study was to determine knowledge of patients and frequency of malaria cases using RDTs among patients in private pharmacies of Côte d’Ivoire. This cross-sectional survey was carried out from June to November 2020 among patients in three private pharmacies. Questionnaire was administered to individuals after informed consent to assess knowledge and collect sociodemographic data. Blood samples were taken from patients and the "ABON™ Plus Malaria P.f /Pan" RDT was performed on each sample. Of 450 subjects sampled, 33.3% (150/450) were RDTs positive. Plasmodium falciparum was the only species identified. The majority of the population (93.4%) revealed that the mode of transmission of malaria is mosquito bites. The main symptom of patients was fever (85.6%). The main ways of malaria prevention mentioned by patients were the use of insecticides (80%) and mosquito nets (73.5%). The majority of patients (74.6%) justified biological confirmation by detecting parasite in blood. This study shows the importance of confirming suspected cases of malaria in all contexts, in order to avoid misuse of anti-malarial drugs in pharmacies.

Keywords: Rapid diagnostic tests - uncomplicated malaria – private pharmacies.
 

African Journal of Parasitology Research ISSN 2756-3391 Vol. 13 (10), pp. 001-008, October, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Molecular characterization of Schistosoma mansoni among schoolchildren in Côte d’Ivoire

Kpongbo Etienne Angora^1,2, Akoua Valérie Bedia-Tanoh², Maurine Aline N’guiachi¹, Vincent Djohan², Abibatou Konaté-Touré², Jean Tenenan Coulibaly^4,5, William Yavo², Eby Hervé Menan², Jérôme Boissier³

¹Medical Biology service, University Hospital of Angré, BP 54378 Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
²Parasitology and Mycology Department, Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences Training Research Unit, University of Félix Houphouët Boigny, BPV 34 Abidjan Côte d’Ivoire
³IHPE, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, Univ. Perpignan Via Domitia, 66860 Perpignan, France
⁴Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
⁵Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d ’ Ivoire, 01 BP 1303, Abidjan 01, Côte d ’ Ivoire.

Abstract

Received 29 August, 2025; Revised 17 September, 2025; Accepted 18 September, 2025; Published 10 October, 2025

Schistosomiasis remains a great public health problem in several tropical and subtropical countries. Recently in Côte d’Ivoire, we have investigated hybrids between S. haematobium and S. bovis in human urine samples. Moreover, S. haematobium x S. mansoni hybrid has recently been identified in a French hospital in a migrant boy originated from Duekoué, western part of the country. The aim of this project was to molecularly characterize Schistosoma mansoni among schoolchildren in Côte d’Ivoire. A cross-sectional study was conducted in two localities of Côte d'Ivoire (Agboville and Duekoué). Stool samples were collected from schoolchildren and examined by Kato-Katz method to identify Schistosoma eggs. Miracidia were individually isolated and stored on Whatman® FTA card. We analyzed miracidia from stool samples using a Cox1 gene multiplex PCR. Nuclear ITS gene has not been analyzed. A total of 661 schoolchildren was included in this study. More boys than girls (61.9% vs. 38.1%) were included and the highest proportion of children was included in Agboville. The overall prevalence of S. mansoni infection was 9.8% (95% CI: 4.8-13.5%). Of the 239 miracidia molecularly analyzed, 166 yielded positive PCR signal (82.5% in Agboville and 17.5% in Duekoué). Only one case of S. haematobium Cox1 has been identified in Agboville. This case should be hybrid S. haematobium x S. mansoni. Our study reports that intestinal schistosomiasis remains prevalent even if the infection rate was low. Only one case of S. haematobium Cox1 was identified, suggesting the presence of S. haematobium x S. mansoni hybrids at very low prevalence.

Keywords: Schistosoma mansoni, Multiplex PCR, Cox1 gene, Côte d’Ivoire.
 

African Journal of Parasitology Research ISSN 2756-3391 Vol. 13 (9), pp. 001-007, September, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Knowledge and practices towards toxoplasmosis among blood donors in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire

Bosson-Vanga Abo Henriette 1,2, Essy Kossia Jemima2, Assi Marie Alane 3, Angora Kpongbo Etienne, Bonouman-Ira Ama Valérie 2, Bedia-Tanoh Akoua Valérie1, Koné Estelle Gnanyo Massafoma.1, Konaté-Touré Abibatou1, Kassi Kondo Fulgence1, Kiki-Barro Pulcherie Christiane Marie1, Djohan Vincent.1, Yavo William.1, Menan Eby Ignace Hervé1 & Dembele Bamory4

1Departement of parasitology, University Félix Houphouët Boigny, Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences Training and Research Unit, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
2Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, Pasteur Institute of Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
3Central Pharmacy of Cocody University Hospital, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
4Laboratory of the National Blood Transfusion Center, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.

Abstract

Received 20 July, 2025; Revised August 2, 2025; Accepted 3 August, 2025 and Published 05 September, 2025

Toxoplasma gondii transmission occurs mainly through consumption of contaminated food or water, from mother to fetus during pregnancy, and after reactivation of the parasite in seropositive individuals who become immunocompromised. Toxoplasmosis can also occur during blood transfusions. Considering the risk of blood donors for susceptible recipients (immunosuppressed people and pregnant women), it is important to evaluate blood donors’ knowledge and identify their practices regarding toxoplasmosis to determine the associated risk factors. From January 2022 to October 2023, 1275 donors were included in this study. Their knowledge and practice data regarding toxoplasmosis were collected using a questionnaire. The survey results were statistically analyzed to determine correlations between knowledge and practices and factors such as age, sex, and education level. Most of them were men, aged approximately 38 years. Only 9.6% of them knew toxoplasmosis and its modes of transmission. 14.1% and 27.6% of them were cat owners and gardeners, respectively, this status increased the risk of parasite exposure. This study showed a low rate of knowledge about prevention; thus the importance of integrating toxoplasmosis education into blood donation programs. This measure will reduce the risk of toxoplasmosis transmission among blood donors. 

Keywords: Toxoplasmosis, Knowledge and practise, blood donors, Côte d’Ivoire.

African Journal of Parasitology Research ISSN 2756-3391 Vol. 13 (8), pp. 001-005, August, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Evaluation of the test relab essentials toxoplasma latex® in the biological diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in Abidjan (Cote D’Ivoire)

Gonat Serge Pacôme DOU^1,2, Mariétou TAMBOURA^1,2, N’da Angbeletchi David AKA^1, Guy Landry ADJO^2, Olivia NASSOUE^2, Hyacinthe Tokpa DAHIO^2, Arthur ANZARA^1, Kouadio BROU^1, Séraphin KOUADIO¹ and Koffi Daho ADOUBRYN³

¹University Félix Houphouët-Boigny of Abidjan, 01 BPV 34 Abidjan, Cocody.
²Cocody University Hospital, BPV 13 Abidjan.
³University Alassane Ouattara of Bouaké, BPV 18 Bouaké.

Abstract

Received 28 March, 2025; Revised 28 July, 2025 ; Accepted 28 July, 2025 and Published 21 August, 2025

Screening for toxoplasmosis during pregnancy is vital for child protection. However, the associated tests are still expensive and borne by households in Côte d'Ivoire. It is therefore necessary to provide the healthcare system with reliable and accessible tests. The aim of this study was to evaluate the test Relab Essentials Toxoplasma agglutination Latexâ in the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in Abidjan. From 4 october to 4 november 2023, a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the parasitology-mycology laboratory of the teaching hospital of Cocody. A serum bank of 369 non-pregnant girls aged between 5 and 18 years was examined. For each serum stored at -20°C, toxoplasma serology was carried out by agglutination using the Relab Essentials Toxoplasma Latexâ and by immunoenzymatic test, considered to be the reference method, using the Mini Vidasâ device, in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions. The diagnostic performance of this test was evaluated on the basis of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), and the Youden index. The mean age of the 369 girls was 10.8 years (+/- 3.96), with a predominance of girls with secondary education. The seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis using the ELISA technique was 13.8%, compared with 5.9% for the agglutination test. The test Relab Essentials Toxoplasma Latexâ had a relatively low sensitivity of 33.3% and a good specificity of 98.4%. The positive and negative predictive values were 77.7% and 90.2% respectively. In addition, the Youden index, which reflects the accuracy of the test, was 0.32, indicating that the Relab test was not effective. The Relab Essentials Toxoplasma test Latexâ performed unsatisfactorily. It cannot be recommended for the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in Côte d'Ivoire. 

Keywords: Diagnosis of toxoplasmosis - Rapid test - Relab Essentials Toxoplasma Latexâ - Côte d’Ivoire.
 

African Journal of Parasitology Research ISSN 2756-3391 Vol. 13 (8), pp. 001-009, August, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Polymorphism of the Pfmdr1 and Pfk13 genes of Plasmodium falciparum isolates in the cities of Abengourou, San Pedro, and Man

Gohoun WCZ^1,2*, Kipre GR¹, Konate-Toure A², Gnagne AP², Bedia-Tanoh AV², Yavo W²

¹Biology and Health Laboratory, Felix Houphouët Boigny University, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
²Malaria Research and Control Center (MRCC) of the National Institute of Public Health of Côte d'Ivoire (INSP), Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

Abstract

Received 16 June, 2025; Revised 10 July, 2025; Accepted 17 July, 2025; Published 14 August, 2025

Despite efforts to control malaria, the disease remains a major public health problem, especially in Côte d'Ivoire, where it is the leading cause of morbidity. One of the factors limiting the efficacy of treatments is the emergence and spread of Plasmodium falciparum resistance to antimalarial drugs, including artemisinin-based combinations. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of resistance markers in the Pfmdr1 and Pfk13 genes in Côte d'Ivoire. Samples were collected from October 2021 to August 2022 from individuals who presented a thick drop positive for Plasmodium falciparum at Man, San-Pedro, and Abengourou. Plasmodial DNA was extracted using the ZYMO Quick DNA kit, followed by nested PCR amplification and Sanger sequencing. Of the 300 samples, successful sequencing rates were 91% (273/300) for Pfmdr1 and 86.3% (259/300) for Pfk13. Analysis of sequencing data showed a high prevalence of the Pfmdr1 184F mutation (60.22%), while the 86Y mutation was infrequent (1.9%). For the Pfk13 gene, no mutations associated with resistance to artemisinin derivatives as observed in Southeast Asia were detected. However, 14 mutations were identified (5.4%); of which 8 were synonymous mutations (3.1%) and 6 were non-synonymous mutations (2.3%). This study shows a decrease in the prevalence of mutant allele 86Y and a high prevalence of mutant allele 184F of the Pfmdr1 gene. For the Pfk13 gene, no known artemisinin resistance-conferring mutations were observed. Their high frequency could compromise the long-term effectiveness of currently recommended treatments. In terms of research, these results call for continued molecular surveillance to prevent the emergence of new resistance. From a policy perspective, this situation requires regular reassessment of treatment protocols.

Keywords:  Plasmodium falciparum, Molecular monitoring, Pfmdr1, Pfk13.