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.

Impact of Malnutrition on Serum Levels of Pro-inflammatory Cytokines among Plasmodium falciparum Malaria Subjects in Nigeria.

Background: Understanding the impact of malnutrition on innate immune response in Plasmodium falciparum (Pf)-infected subjects is critical for malaria control.

Aims And Objectives: This study aims to investigate the nutritional status and innate immune response of Pf-infected subjects in Lagos, Nigeria.

Materials And Methods: A total of 1183 patients with a history of fever or axillary temperature ≥37°C were screened microscopically for Pf at Ijede General Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria.

Detection of novel coronin gene mutations in a recrudescent ACT-treated patient in South-Western Nigeria.

Background: Routine surveillance for antimalarial drug resistance is critical to sustaining the efficacy of artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs). and non- artemisinin ART) resistance-associated mutations are uncommon in Africa. We investigated polymorphisms in actin-binding protein (Pfcoronin associated with reduced sensitivity to ART in Nigeria.

Mutations in Pfcrt and Pfmdr1 genes of Plasmodium falciparum isolates from two sites in Northcentral and Southwest Nigeria.

The ability of malaria parasites to develop resistance to antimalarial drugs has made it necessary to continuously survey malaria parasite populations for resistance markers. Mutations in specific malaria parasite genes confer resistance to antimalarial drugs. The study compared mutations in Pfcrt and Pfmdr1 genes of P.

Genetic polymorphisms in malaria vaccine candidate Plasmodium falciparum reticulocyte-binding protein homologue-5 among populations in Lagos, Nigeria.

Background: Vaccines are the most reliable alternative to elicit sterile immunity against malaria but their development has been hindered by polymorphisms and strain-specificity in previously studied antigens. New vaccine candidates are therefore urgently needed. Highly conserved Plasmodium falciparum reticulocyte-binding protein homologue-5 (PfRH5) has been identified as a potential candidate for anti-disease vaccine development.

Impact of training of mothers, drug shop attendants and voluntary health workers on effective diagnosis and treatment of malaria in Lagos, Nigeria.

Background: The National Malaria Eradication Program and international agencies are keen on scaling up the use of malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs) and artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) for effective diagnosis and treatment of the disease. However, poor diagnostic skills and inappropriate treatment are limiting the efforts. In Nigeria, a large proportion of infected patients self-diagnose and treat while many others seek care from informal drug attendants and voluntary health workers.

Pyrethroids resistance intensity and resistance mechanisms in Anopheles gambiae from malaria vector surveillance sites in Nigeria.

Anopheles gambiae, An. coluzzii and An. arabiensis are the three major vectors of malaria in Nigeria.

A barcode of multilocus nuclear DNA identifies genetic relatedness in pre- and post-Artemether/Lumefantrine treated Plasmodium falciparum in Nigeria.

Background: The decline in the efficacy of artemisinin-based combination treatment (ACT) in some endemic regions threatens the progress towards global elimination of malaria. Molecular surveillance of drug resistance in malaria-endemic regions is vital to detect the emergence and spread of mutant strains.

Methods: We observed 89 malaria patients for the efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum infections in Lagos, Nigeria and determined the prevalence of drug resistant strains in the population.

Pooled-DNA sequencing identifies genomic regions of selection in Nigerian isolates of Plasmodium falciparum.

Background: The burden of falciparum malaria is especially high in sub-Saharan Africa. Differences in pressure from host immunity and antimalarial drugs lead to adaptive changes responsible for high level of genetic variations within and between the parasite populations. Population-specific genetic studies to survey for genes under positive or balancing selection resulting from drug pressure or host immunity will allow for refinement of interventions.

Assessment of competence of participants before and after 7-day intensive malaria microscopy training courses in Nigeria.

Background: The accuracy of malaria diagnosis by microscopy has been a challenge in health facilities in Nigeria due to poor competence of microscopists and inability to report on malaria species other than Short microscopy courses were conducted to improve the skills of laboratory personnel to perform malaria microscopy in public health facilities in Nigeria.

Materials And Methods: Seven-day malaria microscopy courses were conducted annually between 2011 and 2013 for microscopists in public health facilities. The training courses contained theoretical and practical sessions.

Microsatellite markers reveal low levels of population sub-structuring of Plasmodium falciparum in southwestern Nigeria.

Background: Genetic diversity studies provide evidence of Plasmodium falciparum differentiation that could affect fitness and adaptation to drugs and target antigens for vaccine development. This study describes the genetic structure of P. falciparum populations in urban and rural sites from southwestern Nigeria.

Genetic diversity and complexity of Plasmodium falciparum infections in Lagos, Nigeria.

Objective: To analyse the genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) using msp-1 and msp-2 as antigenic markers.

Methods: Parasite DNA was extracted from 100 blood samples collected from P.

Persistence of markers of chloroquine resistance among isolates recovered from two Nigerian communities.

Background: A recovery in chloroquine efficacy following a period of cessation has raised the possibility of its reintroduction for malaria chemotherapy. We investigated the prevalence of the major markers of chloroquine resistance years after the withdrawal of the drug in Nigeria.

Materials And Methods: Finger prick blood samples were collected from participants presenting with symptoms of malaria in two selected health centres each representing Lekki and Ijede communities of Lagos, Nigeria.

Malariometric survey of ibeshe community in ikorodu, lagos state: dry season.

Malariometric surveys generate data on malaria epidemiology and dynamics of transmission necessary for planning and monitoring of control activities. This study determined the prevalence of malaria and the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards malaria infection in Ibeshe, a coastal community. The study took place during the dry season in 10 villages of Ibeshe.

Study on the susceptibility of Sahel goats to experimental Trypanosoma vivax infection.

Sahel goats, also known as Borno whites are found in the northern semi-arid, tsetse free Sahel region of Nigeria. They are transported alongside cattle from this zone to all other zones in the country, including the tsetse-infested zones, for commercial purposes and are kept for some time in these tsetse-infested zones until they are sold. This study therefore assessed the susceptibility of this breed of goats to trypanosome infection and its response to treatment with Berenil.