The COVID-19 pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa: The significance of presumed immune sufficiency.

A novel coronavirus known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first reported in China in 2019 and later ignited a global pandemic. Contrary to expectations, the effect of the pandemic was not as devastating to Africa and its young population compared to the rest of the world. To provide insight into the possible reasons for the presumed immune sufficiency to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Africa, this review critically examines literature published from 2020 onwards on the dynamics of COVID-19 infection and immunity and how other prevalent infectious diseases in Africa might have influenced the outcome of COVID-19.

Spectrum of musculoskeletal disorders in Nigerians with types 2 diabetes mellitus: prevalence and predictors.

Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions are more frequently found among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) than in the non-diabetics. Despite several reports outside Africa, they have been under-studied among Africans. This study aimed to assess the overall prevalence and predictors of MSK conditions in Nigerian with types 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Rare mutations in Pfmdr1 gene of Plasmodium falciparum detected in clinical isolates from patients treated with anti-malarial drug in Nigeria.

Background: Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest causative agent of malaria, has high prevalence in Nigeria. Drug resistance causing failure of previously effective drugs has compromised anti-malarial treatment. On this basis, there is need for a proactive surveillance for resistance markers to the currently recommended artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), for early detection of resistance before it become widespread.

Evaluation of interleukin 8 and interleukin 10 cytokines in liquid based cervical cytology samples.

Introduction: inflammatory cytokines have been associated with various cancers, including cervical cancers. Interpreting cytokine expression in liquid based cervical samples is quite challenging. This study is aimed at evaluating the levels of interleukin 8 and 10 in liquid based cervical samples.

Xanthine oxidase activity in type 2 diabetic Nigerians.

Aim: This study evaluated the activity of xanthine oxidase in Nigerians with type 2 diabetic mellitus as well as its relationship with lipid peroxidation, inflammatory bio markers and glycemic control indices.

Methods: Two hundred and thirty seven (237) subjects, comprising of one hundred and fifty seven (157) DM subjects and eighty (80) aged matched controls participated in this study. Blood samples were collected from the participants for the estimations of xanthine oxidase activity, uric acid, malon diadehyde (MDA), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), high sensitive c - reactive protein (hs CRP), glucose, fructosamine and glycosylated hemoglobin by standard methods.