Survey and Identification of Fusarium Head Blight Pathogens of Wheat in the Western Cape Region of South Africa.

head blight (FHB) is a major disease affecting wheat production worldwide, caused by multiple species. In this study, seven strains were isolated from wheat fields across the Western Cape region of South Africa and identified through phylogenetic analysis. The strains were classified into three species complexes: the species complex (FGSC), species complex (FIESC), and species complex (FTSC).

Prevalence and factors associated with childhood malaria and anaemia in Osun state, Nigeria: a baseline household malariometric study.

Background: Under-5 children have been known to bear a significant burden of malaria in endemic countries. Though significant progress has been made towards malaria prevention and control in Nigeria, it is expected that the addition of new malaria prevention strategy, such as perennial malaria chemoprevention (PMC) can contribute to a more rapid decline in malaria cases. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with malaria and anaemia among children aged 2-18 months in Osun State.

Machine learning insights on the effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions against COVID-19 in Nigeria.

Background: The lack of effective pharmacological measures during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted the implementation of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) as initial mitigation strategies. The impact of these NPIs on COVID-19 in Nigeria is not well-documented. This study sought to assess the effectiveness of NPIs to support future epidemic responses.

Evaluation of three rapigen biocredit point-of-care tests for malaria case management in Lagos, Nigeria.

Introduction: Histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP2) antigen kits are widely used for malaria diagnosis in tropical regions due to their heat stability. The Plasmodium Lactate Dehydrogenase (pLDH) used in BIOCREDIT® malaria test kit is claimed to be heat-stable. This study aimed to evaluate the heat stability and field performance of three BIOCREDIT® kits.