Epidemic forecast and preparedness for explosive-cerebrospinal meningitis outbreak in Nigeria using the preventive vaccination strategy.

Background: Within the African meningitis belt, yearly outbreaks of cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM), with incidence rates of 10-100 cases per 100 000 population, are typically punctuated by explosive epidemics occurring every 8-12 years, with incidence rates that can exceed 1000 cases per 100 000 population. From 1928 to 2018, Nigeria recorded the highest number (21%) of cases in the region. The reactive vaccination strategy, a protocol with major drawbacks, has been the vaccination method utilised in Nigeria.

Infection of Chick Chorioallantoic Membrane (CAM) as a Model for the Pathogenesis of Cryptococcus gattii.

The use of embryonated egg as an alternative in the study of the pathogenesis of fungi is evolving. Although murine models are the "gold standard," embryonated egg models are also used to screen determinants of virulence among fungi species. This study was aimed at determining the virulence potential of Cryptococcus gattii strains R265, R272, and EJB18, and Malassezia sympodialis using chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of embryonated egg.

Isolation and molecular characterization of Candida africana from Jos, Nigeria.

During a survey of the prevalence of Candida spp. in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, two atypical C. albicans isolates were recovered.

Evaluation of extracts of Jatropha curcas and Moringa oleifera in culture media for selective inhibition of saprophytic fungal contaminants.

Most fungi occur in nature and utilize simple sources of carbohydrates and nitrogen for growth. Sabouraud's dextrose agar has been an ideal medium for primary isolation of fungi from clinical specimens, but for specimens from nonsterile sites or heavily contaminated ones, it has been necessary to include inhibitory substances such as antibiotics like chloramphenicol (antibacterial) and cycloheximide (antifungal). The problems we have in the our laboratory owing to frequent contamination of cultures and the delays in the procurement of cycloheximide have stimulated a search for alternatives in our local environment to enhance effective laboratory diagnoses of fungal infections.

Tinea capitis among primary school children in some parts of central Nigeria.

Tinea capitis is the most common superficial mycosis in children of school age. Although it is of public health importance, it is not a reportable or notifiable disease; therefore, actual prevalence figures are unknown in many endemic areas. The aim of this work was to determine the prevalence of tinea capitis among primary school children in two states in central Nigeria, highlighting the main aetiological agents of the infection and possible predisposing factors.