Publications by authors named "Olabanji A Surakat"
Improving onchocerciasis elimination surveillance: trials of odour baited Esperanza Window Traps to collect black fly vectors and real-time qPCR detection of Onchocerca volvulus in black fly pools.
Parasit Vectors
November 2024
Background: Entomological data for onchocerciasis surveillance relies on sampling black flies through human landing collectors in the field and laboratory testing of the flies for infection using pooled screening O-150 PCR-ELISA assay. Both techniques require improvements. This study aimed to optimize the Esperanza Window Trap (EWT) for black fly collection.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- * The study created predictive risk maps for onchocerciasis in Ogun State using infection data from a 2015 survey and ecological models, identifying high-risk areas with a 9.3% recorded prevalence of O. volvulus.
- * Results indicated that certain communities, particularly in Odeda Local Government Area, had infection rates exceeding 60%, with environmental factors like precipitation positively associated with disease occurrence.
Background: Female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) is a largely neglected tropical disease (NTD), with little or no attention in the primary health care unit. Towards building momentum to address this challenge, we investigated the perception of medical and para-medical students about FGS, as well as the expertise of health care professionals in Anambra State, Nigeria.
Methodology: We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 587 female medical and para-medical university students (MPMS), and 65 health care professionals (HCPs) saddled with the responsibility of delivering care for schistosomiasis-affected persons.
Background: Integrated transmission assessment surveys (iTAS) have been recommended for evaluation of the transmission of both lymphatic filariasis (LF) and onchocerciasis as the prevalence of both diseases moves toward their respective elimination targets in Nigeria. Therefore, we conducted an iTAS between May and December 2017 in five local government areas (LGAs), also known as implementation units (IUs), in states of Cross River, Taraba and Yobe in Nigeria.
Methods: The TAS comprised two phases: the Pre-iTAS and the iTAS itself.
Article Synopsis
- - The study assessed the awareness of Alabameta residents in Osun State, Nigeria regarding black flies and the socio-economic impacts of onchocerciasis, revealing significant recognition of black flies but substantial gaps in knowledge about their breeding sites and prevention methods.
- - Out of 150 respondents, nearly all acknowledged the presence of black flies, which are locally known as 'Amukuru', indicating a strong awareness of their effects such as itching, yet 89% reported no knowledge of any treatment options for onchocerciasis.
- - The study concluded that there is a critical need for improved public health education strategies by the Osun State government to reduce both the risk of onchocerciasis and the contact between residents
A longitudinal study was carried out to investigate species composition, seasonal abundance, parity and transmission potential of Simulium damnosum complex in Alabameta community in Osun State, Southwestern, Nigeria. Adult Simulium damnosum complex were collected along Owena River, Alabameta, by two dark complexioned vector collectors from 07:00hr to 18:00hr weekly using collecting tubes from November 2014 to April 2015. The flies were morphologically identified and dissected for the purpose of detecting Onchocerca parasite using dissecting microscope.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Onchocerciasis is caused by a nematode worm Onchocerca volvulus, which is transmitted in Sudan by black fly vectors of the Simulium damnosum sensu lato species complex. In Sudan, the disease is found in four foci where fast flowing rivers provide suitable breeding sites for the Simulium vector flies. The construction of dams and irrigation schemes for agricultural purposes has affected black fly breeding and distribution, such as in Merowe Dam in Abu-Hamed focus, where the perennially flowing water downstream of the Dam created new vector breeding sites, thereby, changing the pattern of disease transmission and creating public health problems.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: This study reports knowledge of onchocerciasis and surrounding factors from the perspective of community members, Community drug distributors and health workers in eight endemic LGAs of Ogun State, Nigeria.
Methods: Using structured questionnaires and Focus Group Discussion, a total of 417 community members, 37 health workers and 42 CDDs across 16 communities participated in the study.
Results: Majority (70.