Chemokines Responses to Ascaris Lumbricoides Sole Infection and Co-infection with Hookworm among Nigerians.

BACKGROUND: Geohelminth infections are predominant in Nigeria and communities at greatest risks are those with poor environmental/sanitary conditions and unhygienic habits. Chemokine ligands (CXCL) a class under chemokine group play important roles in the immune system by either mediating susceptible or protective immune responses to parasitic infections. AIM: This study was to assess the impact of Ascaris lumbricoides sole infection and co-infection on some serum chemokines (CXCL5, CXCL9, and CXCL11) in infected Nigerians. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 194 individuals attending Agbor general hospital were examined for A. lumbricoides and hookworm infections. Thereafter, sera were obtained from positive volunteers and control group using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to examine the impact of these helminth infections on the serum concentration of some chemokines (CXCL5, CXCL9, and CXCL11). RESULTS: The mean sera levels of CXCL5 and CXCL9 in infected volunteers were higher than the control subjects. Also, positive correlation was recorded for CXCL9 (P > 0.05), while negative responses were seen for CXCL5 and CXCL11 (P > 0.05) in relation to increase in the intensities of infections. CXCL9 was more expressed in A. lumbricoides + hookworm co-infections than single. Furthermore, the mean concentration of CXCL5 was higher in infected females than males (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The proinflammatory responses of CXCL5 and CXCL9 to A. lumbricoides and hookworm infections could be an indication of the meditating roles of these chemokines in the immune system to either confer some form of host/parasite immunity or susceptibility.

Relationship between pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines profiles and some haematological parameters in some Cameroonians infected with Onchocerca volvulus.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between white blood cells, lymphocytes, monocytes, and Interleukin(IL)-1 α, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-13 production in Cameroonians with Onchocerca volvulus (O. volvulus) infection. METHODS: A total of 357 individuals from five sites at Upper Sanga, Lekkie, Nyong, Kelle and Sanaga Maritime divisions and located along Sanaga valley of Sanaga River in South Cameroon were screened for the presence of O. volvulus using the skin snip. The levels of the interleukins (IL-) namely IL-1 α, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-13 were evaluated using enzyme linked immunoabsorbent assay techniques. Haematological parameters were evaluated using standard laboratory automated analyser. RESULTS: O. volvulus microfilariae were found in skin tissues of 85 (23.81%) volunteers. The mean interleukin (IL-) levels in the O. volvulus control and infected individuals were IL-1 α in (1.65 ± 0.79 and 2.31 ± 0.5) pg/mL; IL-6 in (278.36 ± 55.34 and 201.74 ± 34.56) pg/mL; IL-10 in (436.03 ± 208.64 and 418.49 ± 147.88) pg/mL and IL-13 in (8.98 ± 7.28 and 38.06 ± 11.92) pg/mL. There was a negative correlation between monocyte counts and IL-10 concentration in positive individuals. A negative correlation of IL-6 with white blood cell and lymphocyte counts was observed (P<0.05). The level of IL-13 was positively associated with microfilarial load (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We observed depressed IL-6 and raised IL-13 concentrations in the sera of individuals with onchocerciasis which implicate these interleukins in the immunological responses of the disease. Therefore, these IL-6 and IL-13 are associated with O. volvulus infection among Cameroonians.

Molluscicidal effect of Piper guineense.

The study was undertaken to assess the dosage-mortality ratio and toxic effects of Piper guineense fruit extracts on the adults of Biomphalaria pfeifferi, the snail intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni, which causes intestinal schistosomiasis. The result showed significant toxic effects with crude ethanol and hot water fruits extracts. The estimated lethal dose concentration by arithmetic method (LC(50) and LC(90)) using both crude ethanol and hot water fruit media extracts were found to be (0.10 ± 0.04, 0.9 ± 0.2) mgl(-1) respectively for ethanolic extract and (5.0 ± 1.4, 8.5 ± 0.7) mgl(-1) respectively for hot water extract. Ethanolic extract was more potent than hot water extract. An all or none phenomenon appeared characteristic of the biological activity of these extracts. There was significant decrease in oviposition rate (p < 0.02). The extract from the fruits of this tropical plant holds promise in the control of Biomphalaria pfeifferi.

Seroconversion of children following natural measles infection and vaccination.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between measles virus (MV) antibodies (abs) in sera and breast milk of nursing mothers, their contributions in seroconversion of children (0-9 months) post vaccination, prevalence of prevaccination measles abs in sera of children brought for measles vaccination and seroconversion rate in vaccinees from nursing and lactating mothers. Also to determine the potency of vaccines available in Nigeria in relation to seroconversion. METHODS: One hundred and twenty pre- and post-vaccination sera and breast milk samples were collected from each nursing mother while corresponding number of finger prick pre- and post-vaccination sera samples were collected from children on filter papers. These were tested for mv abs using serological techniques. RESULTS: Eighty (20.0%) mothers had measles haemagglutination inhibition (HI) abs in sera and 88 (27.2%) had mv HI abs in breast milk. Eight (2.0%) children who had prevaccination mv abs in sera came from mv ab negative mothers. Forty-four (37.0%) came back for post vaccination sera, sero-converted while 76 (63.3%) gave low sero-conversion rate of 37.0%. Results showed that mv abs in sera or breast milk of mothers did not interfere with mv vaccination in children. The low sero-conversion rate obtained was due to low vaccine potency with titres ranging between (log10-10 - log10-2.5)TCID/per dose, besides non-specific antiviral substances exhibited virus neutralizing activity. CONCLUSION: Poor sero-conversion due to loss of passive immunity arose from undernourishment while low ab titres came with natural infection. This suggested mv vaccination did not immunize following natural mv infection or any other previous immune status.

Some aspects of epidemiology of filth flies: Musca domestica, Musca domestica vicina, Drosophilia melanogaster and associated bacteria pathogens in Ekpoma, Nigeria.

Between January 2005 and December 2005, including the wet and dry seasons, 1,358 filth flies (Musca domestica, 737 [54.3%]; M. domestica vicina 556 [41%]; and Drosophilia melanogaster 65 [5%]) were caught by quadrant samplings using nets twice each month (early and later) in each of the various sites with varying sanitary conditions in Ekpoma, Nigeria. These sites were markets, hospitals, houses/human habitations, pit latrines, stalls of local food vendors, abattoirs/slaughterhouses, and dairy farms. These filth flies were studied for their potential to carry bacterial species. The identified filth flies were found to carry bacterial pathogens, with each harboring 2-10 bacteria. Seven bacterial species and their load namely, Escherichia coli (189 x 10(10) organisms per milliliter), Proteus species (210 x 10(10) organisms per milliliter), Streptococcus species (192 x 10(10) organisms per milliliter), Klebsiella species (213 x 10(10) organisms per milliliter), Salmonella species (386 x 10(10) organisms per milliliter), Staphylococcus species (163 x 10(10) organisms per milliliter), and Serratia macenscens (5.0 x 10(10) organisms per milliliter) were isolated. The highest mean bacterial load for all bacteria isolated from pooled flies was 200 x 10(10) organisms per milliliter. The mean bacterial loads of 150, 90, and 10 x 10(10) organisms per milliliter were recorded for M. domestica, M. domestica vicina, and D. melanogaster, respectively. Approximately 15(4)-23(6) bacterial colonies per fly were recorded. The total number of bacteria isolated from flies caught in the dairy farms were higher than those isolated from flies caught in any other studied sites. Lower prevalence of associated bacterial pathogens was established from flies caught in areas where hygienic conditions prevailed. Salmonella species was the most prevalent bacterial pathogen isolated amongst the flies that perched on dairy products sampled. Bacterial load was most prevalent during the wet season. Resistances of some bacterial pathogens to common available antibiotic drugs shown by zone of inhibition (

Urinary tract pathology in Schistosoma haematobium infected rural Nigerians.

Parasitological investigation assessing the ova of Schistosoma haematobium in the urine of 138 volunteers in Ihieve-Ogben, Edo State, Nigeria revealed 43 positive results (31.2%). Children had a higher prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis 30 (41.1%) than their adult counterparts 13 (20.0%) and this difference was statistically significant (t = 8.89, p > 0.01). More volunteers had light intensity of infection 27 (19.6%) than heavy infection 16 (11.6%) and this difference was statistically significant (chi2 = 22.90, p>0.05). Ultrasonographic investigations carried out on these 43 S. haematobium infected volunteers revealed ten pathological conditions, including abnormal wall thickness 24 (55.8%), abnormal shape 30 (69.8%), irregular bladder wall 12 (27.9%), masses 10 (23.3%), pseudopolyps 2 (4.7%), echogenic particles 30 (69.8%), residual volume 12 (27.9%), calcifications 24 (55.8%), hydroureter 10 (23.3%) and hydronephrosis 8 (18.6%) when compared to control subjects which lacked bladder and kidney abnormalities. These pathological conditions were slightly more common in the volunteers with heavy infection than those with light infection, but this difference was not statistically significant (t = -2.19, p < 0.02). More pathological conditions were found in children than in adults; this finding was statistically significant (t = 3.23, p > 0.03). Hydronephrosis and hydroureter were not found in the volunteers with light intensity of infection.

CD4(+), CD8(+), immunoglobulin status and ocular lesions among some onchocerciasis-infected rural Nigerians.

CD4(+), CD8(+), immunoglobulin status and ocular lesions of some onchocerciasis-infected rural Nigerians as manifested by the presence of microfilariae in their skin snips and some chronic symptoms of the parasitic infestation were evaluated. The highest mean CD4(+) and mean microfilarial (mff) load of 560 +/- 20.46 unit cells/microl and 20 mff/mg were recorded among the individuals within the second decade of life, while the least mean CD4+ and mff load of 307.20 +/- 11.23 unit cell/microl and 6.5 mff/mg occurred among volunteers after 60 years of age. The highest mean CD8(+) of 388.00 +/- 23.71 unit cells/microl occurred at the third decade of life. The individuals above 60 years had the least mean CD8(+) of 350.25 +/- 11.90 unit cells/microl. The volunteers had mean CD4(+) of 372.45 +/- 109.02 unit cells/microl and mean CD8(+) of 359.42 +/- with an overall CD4(+):CD8(+) ratio of 1.04. The mean CD4(+) and mean CD8(+) had positive correlation with the mean microfilarial load (r = 0.52 and r = 0.40), respectively. The mean IgE, IgG, lgA, IgM, and IgD were 2,074.82 +/- 823.09, 19.36 +/- 2.49, 3.88 +/- 0.26, 3.59 +/- 0.38, and 0.29 +/- 0.19 mg/dl, and these immunoglobulins negatively correlated with the mean microfilarial load at r = -0.02, r = -0.15, r = -0.82, r = -0.37, and r = 0.26, respectively. Among these immunoglobulins evaluated, only mean IgE (2,074.82 +/- 823 ng/ml) was statistically different from the control subjects (0 mg/dl) at t = 3.39, P < 0.05. In all, the prevalence of the visual impairment and lesions were low. Among the six visual lesions, namely, cataract, choroidoretinitis, iridocyclitis, glaucoma, sclerosing keratitis, and optic atrophy encountered in Egoro-Eguare, only optic atrophy and sclerosing keratitis was reported among the children. The female adults had the highest prevalence of reduced vision 20(43.5%). Also, the prevalence of choroidoretinitis (2.2%) and iridocyclitis (2.2%) were the least prevalent ocular lesions reported among these female adults. The depletion of the CD4(+) contributed to the low prevalence of visual impairment and lesions in this locality. The depleted CD4(+), CD8(+), and the lower values of IgA, IgM, and IgG contributed in the maintenance of chronicity of onchocerciasis in Egoro-Eguare, Nigeria.

Schistosoma haematobium and urinary tract pathogens co-infections in a rural community of Edo State, Nigeria.

A survey of S. haematobium and other urinary tract pathogens co-infection was carried out among 198 volunteers in Ihieve, Ogben, a rural community in Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Of these, 118 (59.5%) had S. haematobium ova in their urine samples. Light infection (< or =50 ova/l0 ml) occurred among 49 (24.7%) volunteers and 59 (29.8%) inhabitants had heavy infections (> 50 ova/10 ml). The children 68 (64.2%) were more infected their the adults 50 (54.3%). This difference was statistically significant at (chi2 = 60.37, P < 0.05). The prevalence of S. haematobium among the males 80 (71.4%) was higher than their female counterparts 38 (41.9%) and this difference is statistically significant at (t = 1.28) Bacteriuria and bacterial isolates occurred among 60 (30.3%) with S haematobium infection. Three nitrate reducing bacterial isolates namely; Klebsiella sp and Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and a fungus; Candida albicans were reported in their urine cultures. Multiple infections were observed among 43 S. haematobium infected persons. The antibiogram of the isolates indicated that Nitrofurantoin, Gentamycin and otramax were the most effective drugs for the management of bacterial infections among these volunteers. All the bacterial isolates were resistant to Cloxacillin and Augmentum. The C. albicans were sensitive to Diflucan, Nizoral, Gynotravogen, Gynotrosydovule, Gyno-daktarin and Mycostatin.

Human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) and the associated clinical features among sero-positive Nigerian subjects.

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and Westernblot were employed to analyze sera collected from one thousand and fifty (1050) patients who tested HIV positive type-1. Out of this, 95 (9.1%) of the patients were less than 2 years old, 102 (10.0%) were aged between 2-15 years old while 813 (77.4%) were aged above 15 years. For any age group, the ratio of male to female was 1:1 except that there was excess of males below 5 years. There were four (4) most frequent signs and symptoms observed. These were loss of weight or malnutrition, generalized lymphadenopathy, chronic watery diarrhoea and chronic chest infections. Loss of weight was recorded in 65.0% of the seropositive patients in all age groups. Generalized lymphadenopathy was seen in 35.0% of all the age groups but was most frequent in 36.1% of those less than 2 years. Chronic watery diarrhoea (42.8%) was frequent in patients less than 2 years and less frequent in 18.0% of older children between 1-15 years. Chronic chest infections were least frequent in 25.0% of adults above 15 years old and highest frequency was observed in 53.0%, children less than 2 years. Forty patients had incomplete documentations and children of pediatric ages had acutely overt clinical manifestation of HIV (1&11) attributable to undeveloped immune competence.

The perception, beliefs and practices toward genitourinary schistosomiasis by inhabitants of selected endemic areas (Edo/Delta States) in south-eastern Nigeria.

Well-structured questionnaire on the perception, impression and response to genitourinary bilharziasis (Genitourinary schistosomiasis) was administered and explained in local languages: 'Igbo' 'Esan' 'Ezon' Itshekiri and Bini to 33815 inhabitants of selected endemic areas in south-eastern Nigeria from January, 1999 to December, 2001. Out of this number, 3815 (11.3%) were properly filled and returned. About 42.0% of the inhabitants admitted knowledge of the disease, while 14 (0.4%) knew about the aetiologic agent. About 181 (5.0%) who responded, admitted procuring treatment, while 100 (5.0%) declined to seek treatment of any sort. The relationships between water-bodies and human activities, and infection were well discussed. Amongst those who admitted knowledge of the disease but no knowledge of its etiologic agent, declined seeking treatment of any kind, but believe the disease is a natural phenomenon in ones developmental stage and therefore of no morbidity and mortality. Laboratory analysis of urine, faeces, semen and HVS was employed to assess questionnaire responses, and in some cases, physical examination was utilized to augment laboratory analysis in confirming urinal diagnosis. Haematuria was only directly related to egg count in the early part of life. Females were significantly haematuric and excreted more ova than males (p < 0.05). Headache (43.0%) and fever (31.0%) were major clinical signs while sexual pains (22.0%) were the least.

The perception, beliefs and practices toward genitourinary schistosomiasis by inhabitants of selected endemic areas (Edo/Delta States) in south-eastern Nigeria

Um questionário bem estruturado sobre a percepção e práticas e crenças sobre a esquistossomose genito-urinária foi administrado e explicado em dialetos locais: Igbo Esan Ezon Itshekiri e Bini a 33815 habitantes de áreas endêmicas selecionadas no sudeste da Nigéria, de janeiro de 1999 a dezembro de 2001. Deste total, 3815 (11,3) foram preenchidos adequadamente e devolvidos. Cerca de 42,0 dos habitantes admitiram conhecer a doença, enquanto 14 (0,4) conheciam o agente etiológico. Cerca de 181 (5,0) dos que responderam admitiram ter procurado tratamento, enquanto 100 (5,0) não procuraram tratamento de qualquer tipo. A relação entre as coleçäes de águas e atividades humanas e infecção foram discutidas. Entre os que admitiram conhecer a doença mas não o seu agente etiológico não procuraram nenhum tratamento, mas acreditam que a doença é um fenômeno natural nos estágios de desenvolvimento e portanto não apresentam morbidade e mortalidade. A análise laboratorial da urina, fezes, semen e HVS foi empregada para as respostas dos questionários e em alguns casos o exame físico foi utilizado para aumentar a análise laboratorial e confirmar o diagnóstico urinário. Hematúria foi diretamente relacionada a contagem de ovos na primeira parte da vida. As mulheres foram significativamente mais hematúricas e excretaram mais ovos que os homens (p < 0,05). Dor de cabeça (43,0) e febre (31,0) foram os maiores sinais clínicos enquanto dores sexuais (22,0) foram os menores.

Eye lesions and onchocerciasis in a rural farm settlement in Delta state, Nigeria.

A study of 326 volunteers from a rural farm settlement in Aniocha North, Delta State, Nigeria, was conducted between December 1999 and September 2000. Volunteers were screened for eye lesions and onchocerciasis. Microfilariae were found in the skin tissues of 134 (41.1%) inhabitants; of these, males had greater microfiladermia (49.9%) than females (33.3%). The percentage prevalence of the clinical signs of onchocerciasis in the farm settlement were: hanging groin 14.1%, onchocercal nodules 25.1%, onchocercal dermatitis 27.6%, scrotal enlargement 3.7%. The percentage prevalence of the eye lesions among those with onchocerciasis were: cataract 24 (7.4%), glaucoma 12 (3.7%), optic atrophy 2 (0.6%) and uveitis 18 (5.5%). Impaired vision was found in 80 (24.5%) inhabitants and blindness was suffered by 2(0.6%) inhabitants.