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Purpose To formulate and evaluate microspheres of the antiretroviral drugs maraviroc and tenofovir intended for a candidate vaginal microbicide and assess its effect on the vaginal lactic acid bacteria microflora. Methods Ionic gelation technique was used to formulate maraviroc and tenofovir microspheres with subsequent characterization. The effect of varying concentrations of the polymer, crosslinking agent and the curing time on the outcome variables viz: particle size, mucoadhesion and encapsulation efficiency were investigated. Lactic acid bacteria were isolated from the vagina of healthy women using standard microbiologic methods. The analysis of their 16S rRNA sequence data identified Lactobacillus fermentum and Enterococcus faecalis strains which were assigned GenBank accession numbers. The efficacy of the microspheres on HIV-1BaL strain was evaluated using TZM-bl indicator cells. Results The optimal maraviroc and tenofovir microspheres had particle sizes of (434.82 µm and 456.18 µm), mucoadhesion of (93.3% and 90%) and encapsulation efficiency (92.80% and 78.9%) respectively. Maraviroc release kinetics followed a zero-order model and tenofovir was released via Higuchi model. The assay of a 1 mg/mL suspension of the microspheres on the strains of Lactobacillus fermentum and Enterococcus faecalis showed a viability of 93.9% and 89.7%, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the mean absorbance readings of the test agent and that of the positive control (P = 0.001). The microspheres elicited a progressive decline in HIV infectivity until at a concentration of 1 μg/mL. Conclusion The antiretroviral drugs loaded in the microspheres, had good mucoadhesion which is a potential for prolonged residence time in the vagina. The antiretroviral drugs were adequately released from the microspheres and showed efficacy against the HIV-1 BaL virus strain. There was no significant disruption in the growth of the lactic acid bacteria which constitute valuable bacteria microflora of the vagina., Video abstract Point your SmartPhone at the code above. If you have a QR code reader the video abstract will appear. Or use: https://youtu.be/63jGK8WOibE

Demographic and health surveys provide household level data on population dynamics and health-related issues. Findings from a well characterized community can be used by relevant stakeholders to plan appropriate and acceptable health interventions for the benefit of the citizens. This project aimed to characterize Ijede community in Ikorodu LGA of Lagos State, Nigeria in preparation for a more appropriate Demographic and Health Surveillance System (DHSS) in the community. The study carried out a cross-sectional study in Ijede community in Lagos State. Buildings and structures in the community were mapped, a census of the community taken, socio-demographic details of household heads obtained, availability of water, sanitation and hygiene, and other facilities assessed. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis of data. The population of the community was 8,208 persons in 2,171 households with a male-female ratio of 1:1. About half of the populations (47.4%) were aged less than 20 years. Majority of household heads were males (72.4%), aged 40-59 years (43.0%), retail traders (25.8%), and married (68.8%). Multifarious tenement buildings constituted majority of buildings. The major source of water supply is the borehole (59.6%) and the water is not purified in 60.0% of cases. The flush toilet constitutes majority of toilet facilities but 15.4% are still uncovered pit latrines. Ijede community has been characterized, with a population of 8,208 and key demographic parameters obtained, thus providing required baseline for the establishment of a DHSS in this community. Key words: Mapping, demographic, surveillance, health, population.

Objectives: Tardive dyskinesia (TD) unlike acute dystonia may be irreversible. This study investigated the effects of oral cannabidiol (CBD) on haloperidol-induced vacuous chewing movement (VCM) mo...

Studies have demonstrated the role of sputum as a site of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARSCoV-2) transmission. However, there is limited literature on the virucidal efficacy of oral antiseptics against SARS-CoV-2 virus. This study investigated the virucidal efficacy of three oral-antiseptics compared to a placebo-control in the sputum of SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals.A pilot study of adults with SARS-CoV-2 positive results, as determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of7 days. The oral antiseptics investigated were: Hexetidine (0.1% w/v); Thymol (0.063% w/v) and H2O2(1.5%) compared to de-mineralized sterile water (Placebo-control). The primary outcome measure was the proportion of negative RT-PCR results at 15-mins, 30-mins, 1-hour, 2-hours and 4-hours After Oral antiseptics Interventions (AOI) compared to the placebo-control. Statistical analysis was done using STATA 15.0 software with p-values of0.05 considered statistically significant.Data from a total of 66 participants that were RT-PCR SARS-CoV-2 positive at baseline (0-min) was analysed. At 15-mins AOI, the highest proportion of negativation from sputum samples was observed in the Hexedine group, with 69.2% of the baseline PCR positive cases converting to negative compared to 46.7% in the placebo-control group. In addition, H2O2 demonstrated efficacy at 2-hours AOI compared to placebo-control (62.5% vs 37.5% respectively) and other oral-antiseptics. Across all time-points, the oral-antiseptic groups compared to the placebo-control group, there was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of sputum samples which converted to a negative status (p0.05).The findings in this study suggest there was no significant difference in the proportion of participants who converted to a negative sputum status across the treatment groups at various time points. Future studies could compare the cycle threshold (ct) viral titre values of sputum samples to determine quantitative differences.Des études ont démontré le rôle des expectorations comme un site de transmission du syndrome respiratoire aigu sévère-coronavirus- 2 (SRAS-CoV-2). Cependant, il existe peu de documentation sur l’efficacité virucide des antiseptiques oraux contre le virus du SRASCoV-2. Cette étude a examiné l’efficacité virucide de trois antiseptiques oraux par rapport à un contrôle placebo dans les expectorations de personnes infectées par le SRAS-CoV-2.Une étude pilote menée auprès d’adultes dont les résultats sont positifs pour le SRAS-CoV-2, tels que déterminés par la réaction en chaîne de la polymérase par transcription inverse (RT-PCR) pendant 7 jours. Les antiseptiques oraux étudiés étaient : Hexetidine (0,1% p/v) ; Thymol (0,063% p/v) et H2O2 (1,5%) par rapport à l’eau stérile déminéralisée (Placebo-contrôle). Le principal critère d’évaluation était la proportion de résultats RT-PCR négatifs 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 heure, 2 heures et 4 heures après les interventions antiseptiques orales (AOI) par rapport au contrôle placebo. L’analyse statistique a été réalisée à l’aide du logiciel STATA 15.0, les valeurs p de0,05 étant considérées comme statistiquement significatives.Les données d’un total de 66 participants qui étaient positifs à la RT-PCR SARS-CoV-2 au départ (0 minute) ont été analysées. Au bout de 15 minutes, la plus forte proportion de négativation des échantillons d’expectoration a été observée dans le groupe Hexedine, 69,2 % des cas positifs au départ par PCR devenant négatifs, contre 46,7 % dans le groupe témoin placebo. En outre, l’H2O2 a démontré son efficacité à 2 heures après l’apparition de la maladie par rapport au groupe placebo (62,5 % contre 37,5 % respectivement) et aux autres antiseptiques oraux. Pour tous les points temporels, les groupes d’antiseptiques oraux comparés au groupe placebo n’ont pas présenté de différence statistiquement significative dans la proportion d’échantillons d’expectoration qui sont devenus négatifs (p0,05).Les résultats de cette étude suggèrent qu’il n’y a pas de différence significative dans la proportion de participants qui sont passés à un statut négatif d’expectoration dans les groupes de traitement à différents moments. Les études futures pourraient comparer les valeurs du titre viral au seuil de cycle (ct) des échantillons d’expectoration afin de déterminer les différences quantitatives.SRAS-CoV-2, antiseptiques oraux, hexétidine, peroxyde d’hydrogène.

The development of resistance to some synthetic antimalarial drugs and the spread of counterfeit antimalarial drugs, has become a global problem. It has affected effective malaria treatment, making the development of new drugs exigent. Certain medicinal plants contain potent ingredients such as alkalloids, flavonoids, glycoside and volatile oils, which suppress the spread of plasmodial infections, and are widely used within the tropics for treatment of malaria. This study was designed to investigate the antiplasmodial activities of the combined aqueous extract of Morinda lucida, Phyllantus amarus, Vernonia amygdalina and Newbouldia laevis at variable doses in Swiss albino mice infected with Plasmodium berghei (NK65). Fifty mice were randomized into ten groups which were divided equally for suppressive and curative test. Four days suppressive and 5 days curative test were used to assess the antiplasmodial activities of the extract in mice infected with chloroquine sensitive P. berghei at concentration of 200mg/kg, 400mg/kg and 800mg/kg body weight. Furthermore the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphate (ALP), urea and creatinin were determined by standard procedural methods to evaluate impact of extracts on hepatic and kidney function. The results of the 4 days suppressive test revealed that the test extract achieved percentage suppression of 9.8%, 58.3% and 60.2% for 200mg/kg, 400mg/kg and 800mg/kg concentration respectively. The curative test achieved the highest parasitaemia reduction with 800mg/kg (29.5±29.1 x 103) which was comparable to the standard antimalarial drug, chloroquine. There were significant elevation in the values of AST and ALT at 400mg/kg and 800mg/kg respectively suggesting hepatic dysfunction. However, ALP and urea showed no significant different (P>0.05), but creatinin showed significant difference (P

We report a possible spontaneous case of oxalate nephrosis in an African fruit bat (Epomops franqueti), incidentally observed in Ibadan, South-West Nigeria, in an anatomical and serological survey of the species. Wild caught bats underwent sedation, intracardial perfusion, necropsy and histopathology. All 15 wild-caught African fruit bats were apparently healthy. However, light microscopy revealed mild oligofocal tubulonephrosis with intraluminal deposition of polarizing crystals interpreted as subclinical oxalate nephrosis in one case. In summary, we suggest a dietary aetiology, based on seasonal availability of high ascorbic acid or oxalate containing fruits. However, exposure to anthropogenic contaminants cannot be completely ruled out.

Heliconias are cut flowers used for beautification of homes, offices and during celebrations. Clients get better value when their shelf life is extended. This experiment was conducted at the Floriculture laboratory, National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), Ibadan, Nigeria (7°25”N; 3°52”E) to investigate the effect of inorganic vase solutions on the longevity of cut Heliconia flowers. Treatments included salicylic acid (100, 200, 300 mg L(-1)) and CaCl(2).2H(2)O (1000, 2000, 3000 mg L(-1)) plus or minus 4% (w/v) sucrose, respectively, and tap water as control. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with four replicates. Data were collected on the number of opened bracts and sepals, fresh weight, relative water content and quality rating of flower freshness. The highest number of wilted sepals and bracts occurred with salicylic acid at 200 and 300 mg L(-1), respectively, at day 9, while no wilted sepals was recorded with CaCl(2).2H(2)O 1000 mg L(-1) + sucrose. Flower vase life was significantly improved with CaCl(2).2H(2)O > tap water > salicylic acid. Longest vase life was achieved with the use of 3000 mg L-1 CaCl(2).2H(2)O + sucrose while the shortest vase life was observed with the salicylic acid treatment.

The ability of malaria parasites to develop resistance to antimalarial drugs has made it necessary to continuously survey malaria parasite populations for resistance markers. Mutations in specific malaria parasite genes confer resistance to antimalarial drugs. The study compared mutations in Pfcrt and Pfmdr1 genes of P. falciparum from two ecologically different areas of Nigeria. Plasmodium falciparum dried blood spots collected from New Bussa (Northcentral Nigeria) and Ijede (Southwest Nigeria) were analysed by PCR-RFLP for Pfcrt, K76 T, Pfmdr1, N86Y and Y184F mutations. Pfmdr1 copy number was determined by quantitative-PCR. A total of 145 blood spots [Ijede = 55; New Bussa = 90 blood spots] were analysed, but Pfcrt gene was successfully amplified in 144 samples while Pfmdr1 was amplified in 132 samples. Overall, prevalence of mutant forms of Pfcrt 76 T,Pfmdr1 86Y and 184F were 74.3% (95% CI: 66.4-81.2%), 18.2% (95% CI: 12.0-25.8%) and 35.6% (95% CI: 27.5-44.4%). The frequency of Pfcrt 76 T was similar in both study sites [Ijede: 81.8% (95%CI: 69.1-90.9%); New Bussa: 69.7% (95%CI: 59.0-79.0), p = 0.105]. However, the frequencies of Pfmdr1 86Y and 184F were significantly higher in Ijede (28.3% and 62.3%) than in New Bussa (11.4% and 17.7%), respectively (P 0.05). Eight parasite genotypes based on three codons of the two genes were identified. The most frequent genotype was TNY 53(40.5%) while the least was KYF 1 (0.8%). The most frequent genotype in Ijede and New Bussa were TNF 18(34.0%) and TNY 40 (51.3%) respectively. The frequency of wild strain KNF in Ijede and New Bussa were 3 (5.7%) and 18 (23.1%), respectively. The distribution of the genotypes differed significantly by location. The genotypes with more than two or more mutations were more in Ijede 32 (60.4%) than in New Bussa 16 (20.5%) (p 0.001). Amplification of Pfmdr1 copy number was not observed in the two study sites. The prevalence of Pfcrt 76 T was similar in both locations while Pfmdr1 86Y and 184F differed in both locations. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the three codons assessed were more in Ijede than in New Bussa.

The African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) are important source of protein for local consumers in developing countries in Africa and have also been reported to have enormous commercial potential. Several works have been done on plethora of general histological, biochemical and hormone changes which accompany puberty in African Catfish. Other studies have touched the effects of ecotoxins on the histological and reproductive parameters of the mature African Catfish. This study is an attempt to use immunohistochemical and basic histology to elucidate the baseline information on the general structural differences between the testes of immature and post-pubertal catfish with respect to some intermediate filaments arrangement within the testicular tissue. Ten (10) each of mature male catfish (4-5 months old) and immature male catfish (3 months old) were used in the study. The fish were subjected to cold shock and decapitated before the testes were harvested from both groups. These tissues were fixed in Bouins fluid for 24 hours and subsequently transferred into 70% Ethanol. Testicular tissues from both groups were processed for paraffin embedding for routine staining. Another set of tissues were fixed in Neutral Buffered Formalin for testicular immunostaining techniques for expression of Vimentin, Desmin, Cytokeratin and Smooth Muscle Actin. There is an increase in seminiferous luminal area in the mature catfish testis with the presence of mature spermatozoa in the lumen when compared with immature catfish testis which has small size of lumen with absence of mature spermatozoa. Testicular interstitium thickness remain relatively unchanged. SMA was markedly expressed in the cytoplasm of interstitial Leydig cells in the immature catfish testis whereas it was weak in its expression in the mature catfish. However, SMA was not expressed in the connective tissue proper in the testicular interstitium. Cytokeratin expression was also marked in the testicular capsule of immature catfish but was weak to absent in the mature catfish, however, both mature and immature catfish had moderate cytokeratin expression in their seminiferous tubule basement membrane. Desmin was strongly expressed in cytoplasm of immature germinal cells in the immature catfish testis but was moderate in its expression in the mature catfish testis. Vimentin expression was marked in the cytoplasm of immature germinal cells in both immature and mature catfish testis but weak in its expression in the Sertoli cell cytoplasm of both groups. This study infers that ultra-structural and protein changes can be related to age changes alone apart from the contribution of seasonality and external interference by ecotoxins. The age-related changes seen in this study could set ``baseline information. The extent of contribution of season and other external factors will be better understood. Though the age-related difference might be peculiar to the species of current interest, the differences elucidated are a sound background for relational studies, especially on the effect of ecologic toxins on immature testis, as separate from the mature testis.

Introduction: effective and safe means of sample collection is a crucial component of testing for Covid-19. Uptake of testing is key to containing and controlling the spread of the virus. Scientists have been working on various strategies that will increase the uptake of testing for COVID-19. One such method involves the use of the drive-through sampling strategy. Methods: data was collected by both qualitative and quantitative methods. An eligibility form was filled online. While in-depth interviews were conducted for the qualitative aspect of the study. Results: 2,600 visits were recorded at the website, 2300 (88.46%) participants successfully registered for the test. 57.4% were found eligible of which 78.0% presented for the test. This Consisted of 78.0% drive-through and 22.0% walk-in. The average time for transiting through the drive-through site was 19.2 ± 4.6minutes while that of the walk-in was 28 ± 9.2min. This difference was statistically significant (p

The SARS-CoV-2 virus is highly infectious resulting in increased infection and death among the front-line Healthcare Workers (HCW) because of limited access to personal protective equipment (PPE). This study assesses the availability and self-reported use of PPE amongst HCW during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria. A mixed-method study was conducted through a cross-sectional survey and in-depth interviews amongst HCW. Quantitative data analysis was done using SPSS version 26 and thematic analysis was done for the in-depth interview. A total of 258 HCW completed the survey while 15 HCW took part in the in-depth interview. The mean age was 40 (±8.6) years, 67.4% were female and 83.3% were married. 49% were Doctors, 21.1% were Nurses, 28.7% were other allied HCW and 62.2% had at least 10 years of practice experience. Only 22.1% of HCWs had regular access to PPE and only 20.6% had access to N-95 facemask compare to other PPEs. Male HCWs and those working at secondary or tertiary facilities had access to N-95 facemask (p-value 0.025 and 0.010 respectively). The facilitator of PPE use is leadership quality of hospital head and donation of PPE to the facilities while the barriers to PPE use include a limited supply of PPE, as well as facility's infrastructural and operational challenges. The study reported limited access to essential PPE with varying perspectives on its use. Therefore, access, knowledge, and appropriate use of PPE need urgent attention with improved implementation of infection control policy at the facility level., COVID-19; personal protective equipment; Healthcare workers; Nigeria; Self-reported use; Access

Background The decline in the efficacy of artemisinin-based combination treatment (ACT) in some endemic regions threatens the progress towards global elimination of malaria. Molecular surveillance of drug resistance in malaria-endemic regions is vital to detect the emergence and spread of mutant strains. Methods We observed 89 malaria patients for the efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum infections in Lagos, Nigeria and determined the prevalence of drug resistant strains in the population. Parasite clearance rates were determined by microscopy and the highly sensitive var gene acidic terminal sequence (varATS) polymerase chain reaction for 65 patients with samples on days 0, 1, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 after commencement of treatment. The genomic finger print of parasite DNA from pre- and post-treatment samples were determined using 24 nuclear single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) barcode for P. falciparum. Drug resistance associated alleles in chloroquine resistance transporter gene (crt-76), multidrug resistance genes (mdr1–86 and mdr1–184), dihydropteroate synthase (dhps-540), dihydrofolate reductase (dhfr-108) and kelch domain (K-13580) were genotyped by high resolution melt analysis of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) fragments. Results By varATS qPCR, 12 (18.5%) of the participants had detectable parasite DNA in their blood three days after treatment, while eight (12.3%) individuals presented with genotypable day 28 parasitaemia. Complexity of infection (CoI) was 1.30 on day 0 and 1.34 on day 28, the mean expected heterozygosity (HE) values across all barcodes were 0.50 ± 0.05 and 0.56 ± 0.05 on days 0 and 28 respectively. Barcode (π) pairwise comparisons showed high genetic relatedness of day 0 and day 28 parasite isolates in three (37.5%) of the eight individuals who presented with re-appearing infections. Crt-76 mutant allele was present in 38 (58.5%) isolates. The mdr1–86 mutant allele was found in 56 (86.2%) isolates. No mutation in the K-13580 was observed. Conclusions Persistence of DNA-detectable parasitaemia in more than 18% of cases after treatment and indications of genetic relatedness between pre- and post-treatment infections warrants further investigation of a larger population for signs of reduced ACT efficacy in Nigeria. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12879-018-3314-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Introduction: The use of medicines in pregnancy has always been a source of concern because of adverse effects on the foetus. Aim: The study therefore investigated the mutagenic potential of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) in Swiss albino mice. Study Design: Comparative study. Place and duration of the study: The study was carried out at Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba within 4weeks. Methodology: Four groups of pregnant female laboratory bred virgin mice were used. Group 1 received the normal human therapeutic dose (HTD) of SP. Group 2 received 1½ X HTD group while group 3 received 2X HTD. Group 4 received only water and served as the control. Assessment of sperm head abnormality was conducted using four groups of laboratory bred male Swiss albino mice. Group 1 received the HTD; group 2, 1½ while group 3 received 2 X HTD. The fourth group received only water and served as the control. Results: The result showed no abnormality when the fetuses were examined and there was no significant association between the test mice and the control mice, P>0.05. Analysis of the sperm head abnormality showed no significant association between the test and control male mice. Conclusion: Inference can be made from this study that that SP may not be adjudged to induce sperm head abnormalities and may not be mutagenic. It can therefore be concluded that SP is safe for use in pregnancy after quickening.

Pregnant women are at increased risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) due to physiological changes that accompany pregnancy, such as congestion of the cervix, edema of the vaginal mucosa, and alterations in the vaginal flora. Syphilis and HIV are both transmitted sexually and so it is not surprise that a substantial number of people are infected with both agents. The rate of HIV and syphilis co-infection varies depending on the prevalence of both infections in the community or the patient group being studied, along with individual risk factors. 1913 apparently healthy pregnant women were recruited for the study after obtained their consent. Detection of HIV p24 antigen and antibodies to HIV1/2 was screened for using BIO-RAD in-vitro diagnostic enzyme immunoassay; syphilis was screen for using DIA-PRO in-vitro diagnostic Bio-probes enzyme immunoassay for the determination of antibodies to Treponema pallidum. Age group 26

Aims: The radioprotective effect of Telfairia occidentalis aqueous extract (TOE) against gamma irradiation induced oxidative damage and altered sperm parameters in rats. Study Design: Randomized controlled experiment Place and Duration of Study: Experimental Animal Unit and Department of Anatomy, University of Ibadan between January and April, 2012. Methodology: Male Wistar strain rats were divided into six groups and pretreated with TOE (400, 800 and 1600 mg/kg of b.wt.) and vitamin E (VE) 50 mg/kg of b.wt prior to whole body gamma irradiation exposure of 2Gy. Sections of the testes were taken for the assessments of biochemical markers of oxidative stress: Lipid peroxidation (LPO), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT) and Glutathione (GSH) and histopathological variations. Results: Exposure of animals to 2Gy gamma radiation resulted in decreased sperm Original Research Article British Journal of Medicine & Medical Research, 4(12): 2431-2445, 2014 2432 characteristics and increased sperm morphological abnormalities; significant elevation in lipid peroxidation (LPO) and hydrogen peroxides, and decreased activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-s-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) in testes; distorted architecture of seminiferous tubules from day 1 to 30 post-irradiation. The rats pretreated with TOE showed normal sperm parameters, normal testicular histo-architecture and normal antioxidant enzymatic activities. Conclusion: Aqueous extract of Telfairia occidentalis has radioprotective activities.

Background: There are emerging reports of poor efficacy of artemisinin-based combination treatment (ACT). However, mutations on the Kelch-13 gene marking delayed parasite clearance have no clinically defined relationship with ACT resistance across Africa. With increasing malaria control efforts, declining acquired immunity could be responsible for varying drug response profiles that may be dependent on levels of exposure to infections. To examine antibody responses against malaria and the influence on the efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine (AL), plasma samples were collected, prior to treatment, from individuals presenting with uncomplicated malaria. Methods: Participants were stratified into two groups: early (within 24 hours, N = 20) and late (between 48 – 72 hours, N = 30) parasite clearance after treatment, as determined by var gene acidic terminal sequence (varATS) polymerase chain reaction. Magnetic bead-based luminex assay was used to profile antibody responses specific to a panel of 21 Plasmodium falciparum sporozoite, merozoite and An. gambiae salivary antigens. Results: Median fluorescence intensity (MFI) of the antibodies was highest against glutamate-rich protein (GLURP-R0) and lowest against merozoite surface protein (MSP2) antigen. Analysis showed a positive correlation between expression of immunity and age of individuals (P = 0.023). However, there was no association between parasite density and antibody responses, except a significant positive relationship with reticulocyte binding protein-like homologue 5 (Rh5), P = 0.047; Plasmodium exported protein (Hyp2), P = 0.037 and merozoite surface protein 11 (H103), P = 0.038. Though higher levels of antibodies against erythrocyte binding antigens (EBA 140 and 175), MSP1.19, GLURP, circumsporozoite protein (CSP) and Rh4.2 were observed in individuals who recorded early parasite clearance, there was no significant difference in antibody responses in the early and late parasitological response groups. Conclusions: Characterization of additional markers in larger populations is required to reveal potential immunological correlates of drug efficacy.

Background : Lime extracts of powdered combination of seeds of Picralima nitida, stem bark of Alstonia boonei and leaves of Gongronema latifolium is a common remedy used in the treatment of malaria in South Western Nigeria. Objective : To determine the antiplasmodial activities of the combined herbal extracts and its impact on the haematological, hepatological and renological parameters in mice. Methods : The 4-day suppressive and curative tests were used to assess the antiplasmodial activities of the extract in mice infected with chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium berghei at concentration of 200mg/kg, 400mg/kg and 800mg/kg body weight. The haematological parameters including red blood cells, white blood cells, packed cell volume and haemoglobin count were analysed with an auto analyser. The activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were determined, while urea, protein and creatinine were analysed by standard procedural methods. Results : The 4-day suppressive test revealed that the test extract achieved percentage suppression of 39.0%, 41.6% and 54.68% for the 200mg/kg, 400mg/kg and 800mg/kg concentration respectively. Additionally, the curative test achieved a high percentage suppression of 80.97%, 83.84% and 86.16% at the 200mg/kg, 400mg/kg and 800mg/kg concentration respectively. The extracts did not induce significant change on haematological parameters (P>0.05), while significant elevation in the values of the ALT and AST (P

Malariometric surveys generate data on malaria epidemiology and dynamics of transmission necessary for planning and monitoring of control activities. This study determined the prevalence of malaria and the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards malaria infection in Ibeshe, a coastal community. The study took place during the dry season in 10 villages of Ibeshe. All the participants were screened for malaria. A semistructured questionnaire was used to capture sociodemographic data and KAP towards malaria. A total of 1489 participants with a mean age of 26.7±20.0 years took part in the study. Malaria prevalence was 14.7% (95% CI 13.0–16.6%) with geometric mean density of 285 parasites/μL. Over 97% of participants were asymptomatic. Only 40 (2.7%) of the participants were febrile, while 227 (18.1%) were anemic. Almost all the participants (95.8%) identified mosquito bite as a cause of malaria, although multiple agents were associated with the cause of malaria. The commonest symptoms associated with malaria were hot body (89.9%) and headache (84.9%). Window nets (77.0%) were preferred to LLIN (29.6%). Malaria is mesoendemic in Ibeshe during the dry season. The participants had good knowledge of symptoms of malaria; however, there were a lot of misconceptions on the cause of malaria.

Malaria parasitemia enhances replication of human immunodeficiency virus. Antiretroviral drugs that possess antiplasmodial activity may reverse such an effect. Activity of the antiretroviral drugs lamivudine (L), zidovudine (Z), nevirapine (N), and stavudine (S) against Plasmodium berghei inoculated into 70 adult albino mice was investigated. Eight groups of five animals each were treated with different drugs as either curative or prophylactic regimens. These regimens were also given to four groups as L/Z/N or L/S/N. Z therapy alone and L/Z/N eliminated malaria parasites as follows: curative and prophylactic Z groups, mean ± SEM = 62,132.87 ± 22,816.1 parasites/μL and 62,474.85 ± 14,639.1 parasites/μL, respectively on day 4 and 0 parasites/μL on day 26; curative L/Z/N group, 31,583.53 ± 6,361.67 parasites/μL, and 0 parasites/μL (days 4 and 18, respectively); prophylactic L/Z//N group, 41,138.1 ± 3,528.03 parasites/μL, and 0 parasites/μL (days 4, and 20 respectively). Peters four-day suppressive values were 67–82.2%. Zidovudine or L/Z/N therapy may modify the epidemiology of malaria and therefore the pandemic of human immunodeficiency virus infection.

Theeffect of antioxidant (Vitamin E) on the efficacy of Artesunate was investigated using Plasmodium berghei infected mice. Fifty (50) adult albino mice weighing between 15-25g were used for this study. There were five groups of ten animals each per group. Group I was the normal control group without the parasite and untreated, group II was infected with malaria parasite and 0.9% normal saline was administered, group III was infected with the parasite and treated with artesunate, group IV was infected with the parasaite and vitamin E was administered and group V was infected with the parasite and combination of artesunate and vitamin E were administered. Parasitaemia level and haematocrit (PCV) were monitored upon the administration of antimalaria drug - artesunate, vitamin E, normal saline and combination therapy of both vitamin E and artesunate. The life span of the infected mice was found to be between the 7 and the 10 day post inoculation, while the LD of the parasite was 156626.2 parasite/μl of blood. Artesunate was observed to rapidly clear the parasite with parasitaemia level of 21632.4 ± 513.3 parasite/μl on the 6 day, 11209.9 ± 363.7 parasite/μl on the 7 day, 1359.7 ± 14.3 parasite/μl on the 8 day, 7.8 ± 2.4 parasite/μl on the 9 day and zero parasitaemia on the 10 day. The effect of artesunate was significantly reduced when co-administered with vitamin E (p < 0.05) with parasitaemia 30542 ± 362.5 parasite/μl on the 6 day, 24705.2 ± 489.9 parasite/μl on the 7 day, 15485.0 ± 563.2 parasite/μl on the 8 day, 947.6± 37.8 parasite/μl on the 9 day and 8.0 ± 2.7 parasite/μl on the 10 day. The study suggests that co-administration of vitamin E with artesunate could reduce the efficacy of artesunate in malaria infection.thth50thththththththththth(Afr. J. Biomed. Res. 10: 51 – 57, January 2007)Keywords: Plasmodium berghei, Parasitaemia, Artesunate, Vitamin E, mice.

This study evaluated the efficacy of chloroquine (CQ), dihyroartemisinin (DHA) and the combination of dihyroartemisinin plus mefloquine (MQ) in Nigerian children with acute uncomplicated falciparum malaria. Method: Seventy-five subjects aged 2-13 years attending the outpatient clinic of Ijede health center, Ikorodu and Massey Street Hospital, Lagos Island were screened for malaria parasites and enrolled into the study after informed consent from the parents or guardians. Subjects were allotted to one of the three treatment groups.CQ, DHA and DHA plus MQ combination. They were followed up for 28 days. Result: Therapeutic responses of the subjects to the antimalarial drugs showed that 16% of the children failed treatment with chloroquine. No treatment failure was observed in the other treatment groups. The parasite clearance time (PCT) of patients treated with dihyroartemisinin plus mefloquine combination (PCT = 36.0 + 16.97 hours) was significantly shorter (P>0.003) compared to those treated with chloroquine alone (PCT = 73.5 + 45.44 hours). Fever clearance time (FCT) was significantly shorter (P=0.003) in children treated with dihyroartemisinin plus mefloquine combination (FCT = 20.0 ± 6.93 hours) compared to those treated with chloroquine alone. However, neither PCT nor FCT was significantly different (P>0.05) in children treated with either dihyroartemisinin or dihyroartemisinin plus mefloquine combination. Conclusion: This result shows that dihyroartemisinin in combination with other antimalarial drugs may be a good alternative for chloroquine in areas where chloroquine resistance is high. Keywords : Malaria, dihyroartemisinin, mefloquine, chloroquine, combination therapy. NQJHM Vol. 15 (2) 2005: pp. 59-63