Improved Zika virus plaque assay using Vero/TMPRSS2 cell line.

Unlabelled: Plaque assay is the gold standard for the quantification of viable cytopathic viruses like Zika virus (ZIKV). Some strains of ZIKV produce plaques that are very difficult to accurately visualize and count on the commonly used Vero cell line. From data generated in our lab, we became curious if Vero/TMPRSS2 cells may be a better alternative; therefore, we compared the plaque forming units of two strains of ZIKV on Vero/TMPRSS2 cells to those produced by Vero cells.

Serological profile of hepatitis B virus infection among traditional birth attendants and the attending pregnant women in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Although a sizable number of pregnant women patronize Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) for deliveries in Nigeria, efforts to prevent or reduce the risk of HBV transmission are not targeted at the TBAs and the pregnant women patronizing them. This may be linked to the dearth of information on the serological profiles of HBV among this cohort. We, therefore, show the serological profiles of HBV among the cohort.

Genotypes of rhinovirus detected among children in two communities of South-West Nigeria.

Rhinoviruses (RVs) are the most common etiological agent implicated in respiratory infections among infants and children. There are currently no approved antivirals and vaccine for use against the virus; hence, the need for information on the genotypes of rhinovirus from developing countries of the world with high burden of the infection. This study determined the genotypes of rhinovirus circulating among children in selected cities in Nigeria.

Profiles of mutations in hepatitis B virus surface and polymerase genes isolated from treatment-naïve Nigerians infected with genotype E.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the leading cause of hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HBV genotype E (HBV/E) is the predominant genotype in West Africa and has been linked epidemiologically with chronic and occult HBV infections as well as development of HCC. Mutations in the surface and polymerase genes of HBV have been associated with occult infection, drug resistance, vaccine escape, as well as HCC.

Evolutionary dynamics and geographic dispersal of beta coronaviruses in African bats.

Bats have been shown to serve as reservoir host of various viral agents including coronaviruses. They have also been associated with the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. This has made them an all important agent for CoV evolution and transmission.

Evolution and genetic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 in Africa using whole genome sequences.

Background: The ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic was introduced into Africa on 14th February 2020 and has rapidly spread across the continent causing a severe public health crisis and mortality. We investigated the genetic diversity and evolution of this virus during the early outbreak months, between 14th February to 24th April 2020, using whole genome sequences.

Methods: We performed recombination analysis against closely related CoV strains, Bayesian time scaled phylogeny, and investigation of spike protein amino acid mutations.

Phylogeography and evolutionary analysis of African Rotavirus a genotype G12 reveals district genetic diversification within lineage III.

Group A rotavirus (RVA) genotype G12 has spread globally and has become one of the most prevalent genotypes of rotavirus in Africa. To understand the drivers for its genetic diversity and rapid spread we investigated the Bayesian phylogeography, viral evolution and population demography of Rotavirus G12 in Africa. We downloaded and aligned VP7 gene sequences of Rotavirus genotype G12, from thirteen African countries (n = 96).

Dynamics of CD4 cell count among HIV-infected individuals in Lagos, Nigeria.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection leads to progressive loss of CD4 T cells. Antiretroviral therapy has been able to inhibit this process, resulting in significant level of immune recovery and function. Our aim is to investigate the dynamics of CD4 recovery among HIV patients in Lagos, Nigeria.