Transient cortical blindness following peripheral vascular trauma: A case report.

Cortical blindness is characterized by unilateral or bilateral vision loss despite an intact pupillary reflex, full extraocular movements, and normal fundoscopic examination. Common causes include stroke, cardiac emboli, head trauma or rarely, a hypoxic-ischemic event which results to decreased perfusion to the occipital lobes supplied by the posterior cerebral artery. Imaging with computed tomography is usually diagnostic documenting stroke or embolization as well as ensuring an intact cerebral circulation. Prognosis largely depends on the etiology as most reports document an irreversible condition or at least the patient is left with some residual visual symptoms. We present a case of a 25-year-old male who underwent brachial artery repair with reverse saphenous vein graft interposition after sustaining a right upper arm laceration associated with massive hemorrhage and shock due to delayed consult. He presented with profound bilateral loss of vision 12 h after surgery characterized as right homonymous hemianopsia. Computed tomography of the brain demonstrated ischemic infarcts in the occipital lobes. Close observation was instituted, and his symptom resolved spontaneously within a week. This case highlights the importance of considering atypical causes of perioperative vision loss as early recognition and timely diagnosis are essential to improve patient outcomes. To our knowledge, this is the first report of transient cortical blindness after peripheral vascular trauma.

Dataset on anti-human insulin-degrading enzyme activities of cyclic tetra peptides: Insight from insilico approach.

In this work, the biochemical activities of seven cyclic peptides were investigated using the insilico approach. The materials used in this work were Spartan 14 for quantum chemical analysis, molecular operating environment software for molecular docking and ADMETSAR 2.0 for pharmacokinetic investigation. The calculated features obtained for each compound were explored and it was observed that the molecules used in this research have potential anti-human insulin-degrading enzyme activities. Also, (3S,6S,9S)-9-((R)-1-(benzyloxy)ethyl)-6-methyl-3-(4-methylphenethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-2,5,8,11-tetraone (compound 2) with highest binding affinity (-7.95349026 kcal/mol) possess utmost ability to inhibit human insulin-degrading enzyme (PDB id: 2g56) than other investigated compounds and acarbose (referenced compound). The pharmacokinetic analysis for compound 2 was examined and compared to the predicted report for the referenced compound.

The anti-tubercular callyaerins target the Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific non-essential membrane protein Rv2113.

Spread of antimicrobial resistances urges a need for new drugs against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) with mechanisms differing from current antibiotics. Previously, callyaerins were identified as promising anti-tubercular agents, representing a class of hydrophobic cyclopeptides with an unusual (Z)-2,3-di-aminoacrylamide unit. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying their antimycobacterial properties. Structure-activity relationship studies enabled the identification of structural determinants relevant for antibacterial activity. Callyaerins are bacteriostatics selectively active against Mtb, including extensively drug-resistant strains, with minimal cytotoxicity against human cells and promising intracellular activity. By combining mutant screens and various chemical proteomics approaches, we showed that callyaerins target the non-essential, Mtb-specific membrane protein Rv2113, triggering a complex dysregulation of the proteome, characterized by global downregulation of lipid biosynthesis, cell division, DNA repair, and replication. Our study thus identifies Rv2113 as a previously undescribed Mtb-specific drug target and demonstrates that also non-essential proteins may represent efficacious targets for antimycobacterial drugs.

Genomic Reference Resource for African Cattle: Genome Sequences and High-Density Array Variants.

The diversity in genome resources is fundamental to designing genomic strategies for local breed improvement and utilisation. These resources also support gene discovery and enhance our understanding of the mechanisms of resilience with applications beyond local breeds. Here, we report the genome sequences of 555 cattle (208 of which comprise new data) and high-density (HD) array genotyping of 1,082 samples (537 new samples) from indigenous African cattle populations. The new sequences have an average genome coverage of ~30X, three times higher than the average (~10X) of the over 300 sequences already in the public domain. Following variant quality checks, we identified approximately 32.3 million sequence variants and 661,943 HD autosomal variants mapped to the Bos taurus reference genome (ARS-UCD1.2). The new datasets were generated as part of the Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH) Genomic Reference Resource for African Cattle (GRRFAC) initiative, which aspires to facilitate the generation of this livestock resource and hopes for its utilisation for complete indigenous breed characterisation and sustainable global livestock improvement.

Barriers to longitudinal follow-up for hepatitis B treatment in rural Sierra Leone: A mixed methods study of retention in care.

HBV disproportionately affects resource-limited settings, and retaining patients in longitudinal care remains challenging. We conducted a mixed methods investigation to understand the causes of losses to follow-up within an HBV clinic in rural Sierra Leone. We developed a multivariable logistic regression model of baseline clinical and sociodemographic factors predicting losses to follow-up, defined as failing to present for a follow-up visit within 14 months of enrollment. We included patients enrolled between April 30, 2019 and March 1, 2020, permitting 14 months of follow-up by April 30, 2021. We then developed a survey to solicit patient perspectives on the challenges surrounding retention. We interviewed randomly selected patients absent from HBV care for at least 6 months. Among 271 patients enrolled in the Kono HBV clinic, 176 (64.9%) did not have a follow-up visit within 14 months of the study end point. Incomplete baseline workup (aOR 2.9; 95% CI: 1.6-4.8), lack of treatment at baseline (aOR 5.0; 95% CI: 1.7-14.4), and having cirrhosis at baseline (aOR 3.3; 95% CI: 0.99-10.8) were independently associated with being lost to follow-up. For the patient survey, 21 patients completed the interview (median age 34 years [IQR: 25-38]). Travel-related factors were the most frequently reported barrier to retention (57%). Almost 30% suggested improved customer care might support retention in care; 24% requested to be given medication. In our setting, factors that might reduce losses to follow-up included expanded criteria for treatment initiation, overcoming transportation barriers, reducing wait times, ensuring against stockouts, and scaling up point-of-care testing services.

Synthesis of Bisindole Alkaloids and Their Mode of Action against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus.

About 100,000 deaths are attributed annually to infections with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) despite concerted efforts toward vaccine development and clinical trials involving several preclinically efficacious drug candidates. This necessitates the development of alternative therapeutic options against this drug-resistant bacterial pathogen. Using the Masuda borylation-Suzuki coupling (MBSC) sequence, we previously synthesized and modified naturally occurring bisindole alkaloids, alocasin A, hyrtinadine A and scalaradine A, resulting in derivatives showing potent in vitro and in vivo antibacterial efficacy. Here, we report on a modified one-pot MBSC protocol for the synthesis of previously reported and several undescribed N-tosyl-protected bisindoles with anti-MRSA activities and moderate cytotoxicity against human monocytic and kidney cell lines. In continuation of the mode of action investigation of the previously synthesized membrane-permeabilizing hit compounds, mechanistic studies reveal that bisindoles impact the cytoplasmic membrane of Gram-positive bacteria by promiscuously interacting with lipid II and membrane phospholipids while rapidly dissipating membrane potential. The bactericidal and lipid II-interacting lead compounds 5c and 5f might be interesting starting points for drug development in the fight against MRSA.

Sub-microscopic Plasmodium falciparum infections and multiple drug resistant single nucleotide polymorphic alleles in pregnant women from southwestern Nigeria.

OBJECTIVES: The study evaluated sub-microscopic malaria infections in pregnancy using two malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests (mRDTs), microscopy and RT-PCR and characterized Plasmodium falciparum dihydrofolate reductase (Pfdhfr) and Plasmodium falciparum dihydropteroate synthase (Pfdhps) drug resistant markers in positive samples. METHODS: This was a cross sectional survey of 121 pregnant women. Participants were finger pricked, blood drops were collected for rapid diagnosis with P. falciparum histidine-rich protein 11 rapid diagnostic test kit and the ultra-sensitive Alere Pf malaria RDT, Blood smears for microscopy and dried blood spots on Whatman filter paper for molecular analysis were made. Real time PCR targeting the var acidic terminal sequence (varATS) gene of P. falciparum was carried out on a CFX 96 real time system thermocycler (BioRad) in discriminating malaria infections. For each run, laboratory strain of P. falciparum 3D7 and nuclease free water were used as positive and negative controls respectively. Additionally, High resolution melt analyses was employed for genotyping of the different drug resistance markers. RESULTS: Out of one hundred and twenty-one pregnant women sampled, the SD Bioline™ Malaria Ag P.f HRP2-based malaria rapid diagnostic test (mRDT) detected eight (0.06%) cases, the ultra-sensitive Alere™ malaria Ag P.f rapid diagnostic test mRDT had similar outcome in the same samples as detected by the HRP2-based mRDT. Microscopy and RT-PCR confirmed four out of the eight infections detected by both rapid diagnostic tests as true positive and RT-PCR further detected three false negative samples by the two mRDTs providing a sub-microscopic malaria prevalence of 3.3%. Single nucleotide polymorphism in Pfdhps gene associated with sulphadoxine resistance revealed the presence of S613 mutant genotypes in three of the seven positive isolates and isolates with mixed wild/mutant genotype at codon A613S. Furthermore, four mixed genotypes at the A581G codon were also recorded while the other Pfdhps codons (A436G, A437G and K540E) showed the presence of wild type alleles. In the Pfdhfr gene, there were mutations in 28.6%, 28.6%, and 85.7% at the I51, R59 and N108 codons respectively. Mixed wild and mutant type genotypes were also observed in 28.6% each of the N51I, and C59R codons. For the Pfcrt, two haplotypes CVMNK and CVIET were observed. The SVMNT was altogether absent. Triple mutant CVIET 1(14.3%) and triple mutant + wild genotype CVIET + CVMNK 1(14.3%) were observed. The Pfmdr1 haplotypes were single mutants YYND 1(14.3%); NFND 1(14.3%) and double mutants YFND 4(57.1%); YYDD 1(14.3%).

Coconut leaf midrib skewer as a cause for small bowel obstruction and perforation: A case report.

Foreign body ingestion is an infrequent cause of small bowel obstruction and, rarely, perforation. It is a common occurrence among pediatric patients, mentally impaired and the edentulous elderly population majority of which will pass through the gastrointestinal tract uneventfully. The likelihood of complications such as perforation, bleeding or fistula formation increases markedly particularly for sharp, stiff, and elongated objects (i.e. toothpicks, meat bones, pins, and razor blades). Diagnosis can be difficult as frequently patients are incognizant of the nature and time of ingestion. Imaging is commonly non-specific as well. We present an unusual case of a 65-year-old male who had an ileal perforation secondary to a coconut leaf midrib skewer initially presenting as small bowel obstruction. Intraoperatively, adhesions were seen in the ileum with note of the foreign body perforating two bowel loops that was not identified in preoperative imaging. This case highlights the importance of considering atypical causes of small bowel obstruction even in the background of previous surgery. Finally, early recognition, accurate diagnosis, and timely intervention are essential to improve patient outcomes and decrease mortality in such cases.

A stable microtubule bundle formed through an orchestrated multistep process controls quiescence exit.

Cells fine-tune microtubule assembly in both space and time to give rise to distinct edifices with specific cellular functions. In proliferating cells, microtubules are highly dynamics, and proliferation cessation often leads to their stabilization. One of the most stable microtubule structures identified to date is the nuclear bundle assembled in quiescent yeast. In this article, we characterize the original multistep process driving the assembly of this structure. This Aurora B-dependent mechanism follows a precise temporality that relies on the sequential actions of kinesin-14, kinesin-5, and involves both microtubule-kinetochore and kinetochore-kinetochore interactions. Upon quiescence exit, the microtubule bundle is disassembled via a cooperative process involving kinesin-8 and its full disassembly is required prior to cells re-entry into proliferation. Overall, our study provides the first description, at the molecular scale, of the entire life cycle of a stable microtubule structure in vivo and sheds light on its physiological function.

Computational identification of potential modulators of heme-regulated inhibitor (HRI) for pharmacological intervention against sickle cell disease.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) poses a significant health challenge and therapeutic approaches often target fetal hemoglobin (HbF) to ameliorate symptoms. Hydroxyurea, a current therapeutic option for SCD, has shown efficacy in increasing HbF levels. However, concerns about myelosuppression and thrombocytopenia necessitate the exploration of alternative compounds. Heme-regulated inhibitor (HRI) presents a promising target for pharmacological intervention in SCD due to its association with HbF modulation. This study screened compounds for their potential inhibitory functions against HRI. Small-molecule compounds from 17 folkloric plants were subjected to in silico screening against HRI. Molecular docking was performed, and free binding energy calculations were determined using molecular mechanics with generalized born and surface area (MMGBSA). Lead compounds were subjected to molecular dynamics simulation at 100 ns. Computational quantum mechanical modeling of the lead compounds was subsequently performed. We further examined the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetic and physiological properties of the identified compounds. Five potential HRI inhibitors, including kaempferol-3-(2G-glucosyrutinoside), epigallocatechin gallate, tiliroside, myricetin-3-O-glucoside and cannabiscitrin, with respective docking scores of -16.0, -12.17, -11.37, -11.56 and 11.07 kcal/mol, were identified. The MMGBSA analysis of the complexes yielded free-binding energies of -69.76, -71.17, -60.44, -53.55 and -55 kcal/mol, respectively. The identified leads were stable within HRI binding pocket for the duration of the 100 ns simulation. The study identified five phytoligands with potential inhibitory effects on HRI. This finding holds promise for advancing SCD treatment strategies. However, additional preclinical analyses are warranted to validate the chemotherapeutic properties of the lead compounds.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

The tricot approach: an agile framework for decentralized on-farm testing supported by citizen science. A retrospective.

Matching crop varieties to their target use context and user preferences is a challenge faced by many plant breeding programs serving smallholder agriculture. Numerous participatory approaches proposed by CGIAR and other research teams over the last four decades have attempted to capture farmers' priorities/preferences and crop variety field performance in representative growing environments through experimental trials with higher external validity. Yet none have overcome the challenges of scalability, data validity and reliability, and difficulties in capturing socio-economic and environmental heterogeneity. Building on the strengths of these attempts, we developed a new data-generation approach, called triadic comparison of technology options (tricot). Tricot is a decentralized experimental approach supported by crowdsourced citizen science. In this article, we review the development, validation, and evolution of the tricot approach, through our own research results and reviewing the literature in which tricot approaches have been successfully applied. The first results indicated that tricot-aggregated farmer-led assessments contained information with adequate validity and that reliability could be achieved with a large sample. Costs were lower than current participatory approaches. Scaling the tricot approach into a large on-farm testing network successfully registered specific climatic effects of crop variety performance in representative growing environments. Tricot's recent application in plant breeding networks in relation to decision-making has (i) advanced plant breeding lines recognizing socio-economic heterogeneity, and (ii) identified consumers' preferences and market demands, generating alternative breeding design priorities. We review lessons learned from tricot applications that have enabled a large scaling effort, which should lead to stronger decision-making in crop improvement and increased use of improved varieties in smallholder agriculture.

Antimicrobial and Synergistic Effects of Syzygium cumini, Moringa oleifera, and Tinospora cordifolia Against Different Candida Infections.

Introduction The burden of multiple drug resistance in human pathogens has necessitated the search for and development of antimicrobial agents with a wide range of structural classes and potentials to selectively act on the several mechanisms of actions exhibited by the pathogens. However, most synthetic antimicrobial agents have been linked with adverse side effects and high costs, furthering the need to explore more options. Syzygium cumini, Moringa oleifera, and Tinospora cordifolia are three medicinal plants used in traditional medicine systems for various infectious diseases. They contain various phytochemicals that exhibit antimicrobial activities against various bacteria, fungi, and parasites. The mechanisms of their antimicrobial action may involve the disruption of microbial cell walls and membranes, the inhibition of microbial enzyme and biofilm formation, the modulation of microbial gene expression and quorum sensing, and the induction of microbial cell death. Therefore, the present study evaluated the potentials of aqueous and ethanol extracts of S. cumini, M. oleifera, and T. cordifolia in managing infections as measured by their inhibitory effects on species. Materials and method Syzygium cumini, M. oleifera, and T. cordifolia were obtained and authenticated, and their aqueous and ethanol extracts were prepared. The antibacterial properties of the aqueous and ethanol extracts were examined. In addition to broth microdilution and biofilm development experiments, we also employed disk diffusion and agar-well diffusion techniques. The inocula of various species, including krusei, parapsilosis, utilis, albicans, and glabrata, were prepared for these assays. The synergistic effect of plant extracts with fluconazole was also evaluated. Results Syzygium cumini, M. oleifera, and T. cordifolia emerge as promising sources for the development of effective and sustainable antimicrobial interventions. Interestingly, the aqueous and ethanol extracts were effective against the selected species. Also, the synergistic combination of plant extracts with fluconazole was observed to triple the potency of the extracts. Furthermore, the potency of the plant extract as an antifungal and synergistic agent was ranked as S. cumini > M. oleifera > T. cordifolia. Conclusively, the plant extracts are effective in the management of opportunistic fungal infections.

Computational identification of potential modulators of heme-regulated inhibitor (HRI) for pharmacological intervention against sickle cell disease.

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) poses a significant health challenge and therapeutic approaches often target fetal hemoglobin (HbF) to ameliorate symptoms. Hydroxyurea, a current therapeutic option for SCD, has shown efficacy in increasing HbF levels. However, concerns about myelosuppression and thrombocytopenia necessitate the exploration of alternative compounds. Heme-regulated inhibitor (HRI) presents a promising target for pharmacological intervention in SCD due to its association with HbF modulation. This study systematically screened compounds for their potential inhibitory functions against HRI. Methods: Small-molecule compounds from 17 plants commonly utilized in traditional SCD management were subjected to in silico screening against HRI. Molecular docking was performed, and free binding energy calculations were determined using molecular mechanics with generalized born and surface area (MMGBSA). The lead compounds were subjected to molecular dynamics simulation at 100 ns. Computational quantum mechanical modelling of the lead compounds was subsequently performed. We further examined the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetic and physiological properties of the identified compounds. Results: Five potential HRI inhibitors, including kaempferol-3-(2G-glucosyrutinoside), epigallocatechin gallate, tiliroside, myricetin-3-O-glucoside, and cannabiscitrin, with respective docking scores of -16.0, -12.17, -11.37, -11.56 and 11.07 kcal/mol, were identified. The MMGBSA analysis of the complexes yielded free-binding energies of -69.76, -71.17, -60.44, 53.55, and - 55 kcal/mol, respectively. The identified leads were stable within HRI binding pocket for the duration of 100 ns simulation. Conclusions: The study successfully identified five phytoligands with potential inhibitory effects on HRI, opening avenues for their use as modulators of HbF in SCD patients. This finding holds promise for advancing treatment strategies in SCD. However, additional preclinical analyses are warranted to validate the chemotherapeutic properties of the lead compounds.

“While finding where the water leaks, you find smoke” - A case report: Incidental finding of moyamoya for a Filipino worked up for subarachnoid hemorrhage

@#Moyamoya Disease was initially reported in 1957 as vessels resembling a puff of smoke, alongside hypoplasia of bilateral internal carotids. The true incidence remains elusive. Genetic studies point to familial occurrence of the disease, however some studies refute this, claiming that environmental factors are to blame. The treatment strategies remain an enigma, more so in our country where data is scarce. We present a case of an asymptomatic Moyamoya disease incidentally diagnosed in the work - up of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage. The basis of the management is being provided.

Impact of Single Dose Praziquantel Treatment on Schistosoma haematobium Infection among School Children in an Endemic Nigerian Community

Schistosomiasis is prevalent in Nigeria, and the foremost pathogen is Schistosoma haematobium, which affects about 29 million people. Single dose of the drug praziquantel is often recommended for treatment but the efficacy has not been documented in certain regions. Therefore, this study was designed to assess the impact of single dose praziquantel treatment on S. haematobium infection among school children in an endemic community of South-Western Nigeria. Urine samples were collected from 434 school children and 10 ml was filtered through Nucleopore filter paper before examination for egg outputs by microscopy. The prevalence was 24.9% at pre-treatment. There was no statistically significant difference for the prevalence of infection between males (14.7%) and females (10.2%), although the mean egg count for the females (9.87) was significantly more (P < 0.05) than the males (6.06). At 6 and 12 months post-treatment there was 74.4% and 86.4% reduction in the mean egg count, respectively. Interestingly, an increased prevalence of infection from 2.1% at 6 months to 7.7% at 12 months post-treatment was observed, nonetheless the mean egg count was reduced to 0.27 at 12th month from 1.98 at 6 months post-treatment. Resurgence in the prevalence rate between 6 and 12 months post-treatment with praziquantel is herein reported and the need for a follow-up treatment in endemic areas for adequate impact on schistosomiasis control is discussed.

Antimalarial medicine preference and usage in rural and peri-urban communities in Lagos and Osun states in southwestern Nigeria.

Background: Medicine preference, usage and health-seeking behaviour are very important in the treatment of malaria and prevention and management of drug resistance. Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study, using a semi-structured questionnaire administered to 135 respondents, was carried out to assess antimalarial drug preference and usage among rural dwellers in Alajue, Ede, Osun State and peri-urban dwellers in Ajara, Badagry, Lagos State, Nigeria. Results: Loss of appetite, fever, chill and rigour, headache and vomiting were the most frequently reported symptoms (83.3%, 78.6%, 71.4%, 69.0% and 64.3%, respectively). More than half (57.1%) of the respondents had their drugs prescribed by a qualified health practitioner. Sixty-eight (50.3%) respondents treated malaria with Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) while Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine (SP), paracetamol and herbal medicine usage was reported by 11.9%, 9.6% and 4.4% of the respondents, respectively. Thirty-two respondents (23.7%) took nothing to treat the infection. Of them, only 64.3% completed their drugs regimen during their last episode with 35.7% reporting that fever subsided on/before day 2 of treatment and 64.3% reported that fever subsided two days post treatment. The majority (83.3%) of respondents had no adverse reaction to the drugs used (16.7% reported drowsiness, nausea, headaches and vomiting) with 64% of the respondents reporting that they will use ACT again anytime they have malaria and about 65% reported that the drug was very convenient for them (χ2 = 18.192, p = 0.001). Conclusions: The control of drug resistance in malaria parasites requires reducing the overall drug pressure, improving the ways the drugs are used and prescribing follow-up practices. The use of drug combinations that are not likely to foster resistance like ACT is also a good measure of resistance control. ACT would be expected to remain the key anti-malarial drug for treatment of multidrug resistance P. falciparum since there are no alternative drugs available at present.

Knowledge, attitude and practice on malaria prevention and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine utilisation among pregnant women in Badagry, Lagos State, Nigeria.

Background: Malaria in pregnancy is one of the major causes of mater nal morbidity and mortality as well as of poor pregnancy outcomes. We studied the knowledge, attitude and practices of pregnant women on malaria prevention, assessed their knowledge of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) for intermittent preventive therapy in pregnancy (IPTp-SP), and used the outcomes to create awareness on malaria prevention with IPTp-SP. Materials and methods: A structured questionnaire on malaria prevention and SP utilisation was administer ed to 450 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in both government and private health facilities in Badagry, Lagos State, Nigeria. Results: 355 (78.8% ) of the pregnant women perceived malaria as a serious illness. Other responses by the respondents included: parasitic disease (13; 2.9%); caused by mosquito (5; 1.9%), while 77 (17%) said they did not know. The signs and symptoms of malaria mentioned included headache (109; 24.2%), weakness (77; 17.1%), fever (77; 17.1%) and body pains (44; 10%). 174 (58%) women indicated that they would go to a hospital when having malaria, 54 (17%) indulged in self-medication, while 32 (11%) took herbs. 43 (14%) did nothing. Malaria prevention was performed by taking herbs (134; 30%); artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) (123; 27%); daraprim (104; 23%); blood tonic (51; 11%); paracetamol (21; 5%) and SP (17; 4%). Mosquito control was mainly carried out by the use of insecticide spray (215; 47.7%), followed by anti-mosquito coils (95; 21%). Out of the 450 pregnant women interviewed, 350 (84.5%) said that SP was for the treatment of malaria, while 69 (15.2%) said that it was for malaria prevention. Knowledge of SP was influenced by both education (P<0.05) and parity (P<0.001). Conclusion: The majority of the pregnant women had knowledge of SP but did not know that it is used for malaria prevention. Most of the respondents took malaria-preventive measures by taking herbs but preferred to go to the hospital when suspecting that they had malaria.

Genetic diversity and complexity of Plasmodium falciparum infections in Lagos, Nigeria

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyse the genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) using msp-1 and msp-2 as antigenic markers.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Parasite DNA was extracted from 100 blood samples collected from P. falciparum-positive patients confirmed by microscopy, and followed by PCR-genotyping targeting the msp-1 (block2) and msp-2 (block 3) allelic families.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the families of msp-1 (K1, MAD20 and R033) and msp-2 (FC27 and 3D7) locus were observed. Results revealed that K1 (60/100) was the most predominant genotype of msp-1 allelic family followed by the genotypes of MAD20 (50/100) and R033 (45/100). In the msp-2 locus, FC27 genotype (62/100) showed higher frequency than 3D7 genotype (55/100). The allelic families were detected either alone or in combination with other families. However, no R033/MAD20 combination was observed. Multiplicity of infection (MOI) with msp-1 was higher in the locality of Ikorodu (1.50) than in Lekki (1.39). However, MOI with msp-2 was lower in the locality of Ikorodu (1.14) than in Lekki (1.76). There was no significant difference in the mean MOI between the two study areas (P=0.427).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The observation of limited diversity of malaria parasites may imply that the use of antigenic markers as genotyping tools for distinguishing recrudescence and re-infections with P. falciparum during drug trials is subjective.</p>