African Journal of Virology Research

African Journal of Virology Research ISSN 2756-3413 Vol. 20 (6), pp. 001-014, June, 2026. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus in the Republic of the Congo: a systematic review of epidemiology and prevention challenges

Dimitry Moudiongui Mboungou Malanda^1,2,3, Archange Michel Emmanuel Mboungou Malonga1, Shekina Jessica Dioukamba Darlla¹, Paola Candyse Tsimba Lemba^1,3, Bredin Roch Bissala Nkounkou1,3, Laure Stella Ghoma Linguissi^1,4, Anicet Luc Magloire Boumba^1,3

¹Faculty of Health Sciences, Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo. ²Department of Anatomy and Cytopathology, Brazzaville University Hospital, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo. ³Research Unit in Virology and Molecular Biology at the FSSA, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo. 4National Institute for Health Sciences Research, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo.

Abstract

Accepted 06 June, 2026

Introduction: Hepatitis B virus infection is a major public health problem, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) is a key driver of endemicity. Objective: To review the epidemiology and modes of mother-to-child transmission of HBV in the Republic of the Congo to identify prevention challenges and strengthen perinatal surveillance. Methodology: A systematic literature review was conducted using international databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, AJOL and SpringerLink). Studies published up to May 2026 addressing HBV prevalence, MTCT, and perinatal prevention were included. A total of 25 articles were selected based on methodological quality and contextual relevance. No standardized risk of bias tool (e.g., ROBIS or the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist) was applied, which constitutes a methodological limitation. Predefined criteria included study design, case definitions, use of validated diagnostic methods such as HBsAg serology and PCR, sample size, and transparency of methods and results. Results: No national study has directly measured the risk of HBV mother-to-child transmission in the Republic of the Congo. Available Congo-specific and regional African studies reported plausible MTCT risk estimates ranging from 2.5% to 3.5%. However, the risk of transmission is substantially increased among HBeAg-positive mothers with high viral loads who do not receive prophylaxis. Transmission may occur in utero, during delivery, or during the early postnatal period, although peripartum transmission appears to predominate. Infant vaccination has improved prevention outcomes, but birth-dose coverage remains insufficient, particularly in rural areas and in cases of home delivery. Limited access to prenatal screening, HBV immunoglobulin (HBIG), molecular diagnostics, and structured surveillance systems remains a major challenge. Conclusion: Mother-to-child transmission of HBV remains a major contributor to HBV endemicity in the Republic of the Congo. Strengthening prenatal screening, neonatal vaccination within 24 hours of birth, antiviral prophylaxis with tenofovir for high-risk pregnant women, and integrated perinatal surveillance systems is essential to sustainably reduce transmission and support WHO elimination targets by 2030.

Keywords: Prevalence; hepatitis B virus; mother-to-child transmission; Republic of the Congo.

African Journal of Virology Research ISSN 2756-3413 Vol. 20 (6), pp. 001-007, June, 2026. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Antifungal Properties and Characterization of Silver Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized via the Artocarpus heterophyllus Peel Mediated Method 

Velu Manikandan1, Pyong-In Yi2, Palanivel Velmurugan1, Palaniyappan Jayanthi3, Sung-Chul Hong2, Seong-Ho Jang2, Jeong-Min Suh2 and Subpiramaniyam Sivakumar2*

¹Division of Biotechnology, Advanced Institute of Environment and Bioscience, College of Environmental and Bioresource Sciences, Chonbuk National University, Iksan, Jeonbuk 54596, South Korea.
²Department of Bioenvironmental Energy, College of Natural Resource and Life Science, Pusan National University, Miryang-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, 627-706, Republic of Korea.
³Department of Environmental Science, Periyar University, Salem, 636011, Tamil Nadu, India.

Accepted 16 May, 2026

For the first time, the phytochemical fabrication of noble silver oxide nanoparticles was reported using Artocarpus heterophyllus rind extract as well as their characterization. The UV-vis absorption spectrum of the phytochemical-mediated reduced reaction mixture showed a surface plasmon peak at 428 nm, which confirmed the presence of silver nanoparticles. The silver nanoparticle production was ideal at pH 9 with 2.0 mL jackfruit rind extract, Ag+ 1.0 mM and 180 min of reaction time. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis indicated the presence of acids, esters, alcohols, pyrazine, etc. which can act as capping agents around the nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the face-centered cubic crystalline and the oxygen structure of metallic silver nanoparticles. The average diameter of silver nanoparticles is ~17 nm via high resolution transmission electron microscopy, which agrees with the average crystallite size (24.2 nm) calculated from X-ray diffraction analysis and selected area electron diffraction pattern. Of the five tested phytopathogens, the pathogens Phytophthora capsici, Colletotrichum acutatum and Cladosporium fulvum showed 8, 11 and 16 mm zones of inhibition against synthesized silver oxide nanoparticles at 200 μg/well, respectively.

Key words: Silver oxide, nanoparticle, antifungal, plant pathogen, optimization.
 

African Journal of Virology Research ISSN 2756-3413 Vol. 20 (6), pp. 001-009, June, 2026. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Variety-Specific Vulnerability to Aflatoxin Contamination in Groundnuts (Arachis hypogaea) Across Homa Bay County, Kenya

Ndisio Boaz*, Peter Wachira, Victor Kagot and Sheila Okoth

School of Biological Sciences, University of Nairobi, Chiromo P. O. Box 30197, GPO, Nairobi, Kenya.

Accepted 14 January, 2026

Groundnut is one of the staple foods in many parts of the world. Due to its high nutrient content, the nuts are liable to colonization by aflatoxigenic fungi and subsequent aflatoxin accumulation. This study was aimed at determining susceptibility of locally grown groundnut varieties to Aspergillus flavus in Homa Bay County, Western Kenya. A pretested questionnaire was used to survey agronomic practices on groundnut cultivation in 75 randomly selected households in the study site. From each household farm, 100 g soil samples and 500 g of groundnuts were collected at harvest and A. flavus isolated on Modified Rose-Bengal Agar and identified. Aflatoxin was then extracted from each of the groundnut samples and quantified using direct competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Red Valencia was the most cultivated among the 8 varieties identified. Farmers (66%) obtained the planting seeds from the local market and most (92%) did not use fertilizers with majority (94%) having no knowledge of aflatoxins. There was no significant inter-variety difference in aflatoxin accumulation (p=0.744, F=0.581, Df=6, 61). A highly significant association (t = 2.652; P = 0.010) was found between storage state of the groundnuts and aflatoxin levels, with 94% of the samples stored unshelled having aflatoxin levels below 10 ppb. Overall, only 6.7% of kernels sampled from all the divisions did not meet the EC aflatoxin limit of ≤4 ppb while 4% did not meet the KEBS limit of ≤10 ppb. Though the agronomic practices were poor, aflatoxin levels were predominantly low in the region suggesting that the aflatoxin accumulation is likely influenced by agro-ecological zoning as other studies have also been indicated.

Key words: Groundnuts, Aflatoxins, Aspergillus flavus.
 

African Journal of Virology Research ISSN 2756-3413 Vol. 20 (6), pp. 001-005, June, 2026. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Comparative Susceptibility of Capsicum annuum and Capsicum frutescens to Post-Harvest Fungal Infections

Yahaya S. M.1*, Mukhtar D.1, Ali M. U.1, Lawan M.1, Ibrahim A. M.2, Amina L. A.2, Tasiu A. M.2, Sadiya A. B.2, Maimuna M. D.2 and Musa M. J.2

1Department of Biology, Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil, P. M. B. 3244 Kano State, Nigeria.
2Department of Biochemistry, Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil, P. M. B. 3244 Kano State, Nigeria.
Accepted 28 April, 2026

Experiment was carried out to compare the susceptibility of Capsicum annuum and Capsicum frutescens on sale to fungal infection at Sharada and Rimi markets in Kano metropolitan area. A total of four fungal species were isolated from samples of C. annuum and C. frutescens collected from the two markets. Out of the colonies isolated, the most abundant colony was A. niger (84, 39.25%). This was followed by R. stolonifer (71, 33.17%) and A. fumigatus (37, 17.28). The least occurring colony was A. flavus (22, 10.28). The difference between the four species was statistically significant at P < 0.001. On the basis of location, more colonies were isolated from samples collected from Sharada market (126, 58.87%) than Rimi market (88, 41.12%). The results indicate that hot or sweet features have no influence on the fungal infection of the sample from the two locations. More isolates were counted on Mondays (133, 62.1%) while 81 (37.9%) were counted on Thursdays. The differences between Mondays and Thursdays exposure was statistically significant at P<0.05.

Key words: Capsicum annuum, Capsicum frutescens, fungi, Rimi, Sharada.

African Journal of Virology Research ISSN 2756-3413 Vol. 20 (5), pp. 001-011, May, 2026. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Norovirus Epidemiology in Africa: A Review

 Fulgence Raymond Amona¹, Luc Magloire Anicet Boumba^1,2,3,4, Ghislain Loubano-Voumbi^1,3, Archange Michel Emmanuel Mboungou Malonga¹, Edith Sophie Kombo Bayonne^1,5, Donatien Moukassa^1,6, Ange Antoine Abena^1,7

¹Faculty of Health Sciences, Marien NGOUABI University, Brazzaville, Congo 
²Pointe-Noire Research Area, National Institute for Health Sciences Research, Brazzaville, Congo
³National Institute of Biology and Public health surveillance, Pointe-Noire, Congo
⁴Microbiology and Molecular Biology Department, LOANDJILI General Hospital, Pointe-Noire, Congo
⁵Dermatology and Internal Medicine Department, Talangaï Reference Hospital, Brazzaville, Congo
⁶Brazzaville University Hospital Center, Brazzaville, Congo
⁷Denis SASSOU N’GUESSO University, Brazzaville, Congo

Received 13 February, 2026; Revised 29 March, 2026; Accepted 31 March, 2026; and Published 13 May, 2026

Noroviruses are leading etiological agents of acute gastroenteritis worldwide and represent a major but underrecognized public health burden in Africa, particularly among children under five years of age, leading to inadequate funding and insufficiently adapted intervention strategies. This study aimed to synthesize current evidence on the epidemiology, genetic diversity, transmission dynamics, diagnostic approaches, and control challenges of norovirus infections across the African continent in order to inform context-appropriate prevention strategies. A systematic review of the literature published between 2010 and December, 2025 was conducted using PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and SpringerLink, with studies selected based on relevance, methodological rigor, and RT-PCR–based detection. Among 155 articles identified, 35 were retained for integrative analysis. The findings indicate an overall norovirus prevalence of approximately 20.3% in Africa, with substantial regional variability and a clear predominance of the GII.4 Sydney genotype, alongside the emergence of recombinant and non-GII.4 strains, which complicate epidemiological surveillance and may impact vaccine effectiveness. Transmission is driven by fecal–oral, foodborne, waterborne, and nosocomial routes, exacerbated by poor sanitation, overcrowding, seasonal factors, and limited access to clean water. Molecular diagnostics have improved detection and surveillance, yet remain unevenly accessible, while management relies largely on rehydration and preventive hygiene measures in the absence of approved antivirals or vaccines. In conclusion, noroviruses constitute a significant and persistent health threat in Africa, underscoring the urgent need for strengthened surveillance, improved sanitation, expanded molecular diagnostic capacity, and the development of vaccines and control strategies adapted to the continent’s epidemiological and socio-economic context.

Keywords: Norovirus, Epidemiology, Prevalence, Genetic diversity, Gastroenteritis, RT-PCR, Africa. 
 

African Journal of Virology Research ISSN 2756-3413 Vol. 20 (5), pp. 001-007, May, 2026. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Review

Smallholder Palm Oil Quality in Cameroon: Causes of High Acidity and Traditional Processing Effects

Likeng-Li-Ngue Benoit Constant^1,2, Ntsomboh-Ntsefong Godswill^1,2, Ngando-Ebongue Georges Frank², Ngalle-Bille Hermine¹, Nyouma Achille¹ and Bell Joseph Martin¹*

¹Laboratory of Genetics and Plant Improvement, Department of Plant Biology, University of Yaounde 1, Yaounde, Cameroon.
²Lipids Analysis Laboratory, IRAD Specialized Centre for Oil Palm Research of La Dibamba, Douala, Cameroon.

Accepted 10 October, 2025

Crude palm oil from the mesocarp of Elaeis guineensis Jacq fruits is one of the most consumed vegetable oil in the world. The quality of palm oil assessed mainly by its free fatty acids (FFA) content and impurities, varies between the artisanal and industrial extraction and supply systems. The objective of this paper is to highlight the main parameters that influence the acidity or FFA content of crude palm oil produced by the smallholder artisanal sector. Three parameters examined are: crude palm oil production and extraction methods, microbial activity and oil palm genotype. These three parameters strongly increase lipase activity and hence palm oil acidity. In addition to endogenous lipase in fruit mesocarp, microorganisms found in palm oil are also involved in lipase activity e.g. Aspergillus sp, Mucor sp, Penicillium and Candida for fungi; and bacteria such as Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Micrococcus, Staphylococcus and Enterobacter. To improve the quality of palm oil, smallholders must first seek oil palm progenies with low acidity oil and respect the standard cultural practices for palm oil production.

Keywords: Elaeis guineensis Jacq, palm oil acidity, microorganisms, production systems, genotype.