ABSTRACT
@#Accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment are highly essential in the management of malaria, which is one of the deadliest infectious diseases worldwide, particularly in tropical and sub-tropical regions including Nigeria. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of malaria histidine-rich protein 2-based rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and microscopy in the diagnosis of falciparum malaria in Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional and hospital-based study. The standard method of microscopy was used as the gold standard. Giemsa stained thick and thin smears were prepared to count and detect malaria parasite species. Also, a malaria histidine-rich protein 2-based RDT was used to detect malaria parasites and diagnostic efficacy were determined through the measure of sensitivity, specificity, Positive Predictive Value (PPV), Negative Predictive Value (NPV), diagnostic accuracy and Youden Index (J). The result showed that out of the total 303 individuals examined, a total malaria prevalence of 67.0% and 68.0% were recorded for microscopy and RDT, respectively. Additionally, the sensitivity (95% C.I), specificity (95% C.I), PPV (95% C.I), and NPV (95% C.I) of RDT compared to microscopy were 97.54 (94.36-98.94), 92.00 (85.00-95.89), 96.12 (92.53-98.02), and 94.85 (88.50- 97.78), respectively. The diagnostic accuracy (95% C.I) and Youden Index (J) were 95.71 (92.77- 97.70) and 0.89, respectively. Conclusively, our study revealed that RDT continues to remain efficacious. Thus, while malaria diagnosis by microscopy which is the gold standard remains the major method of malaria detection, it should be complemented by rapid diagnostic test (RDT), particularly in high malaria endemic regions where mean parasite density of patients are usually high.
ABSTRACT
@#Blastocystis is the most prevalent eukaryotic gastrointestinal symbiont found in humans and animals worldwide. Increased human infection rates are associated with raising concerns about the involvement of the parasite in public health. Over the last decade, the number of linked epidemiology studies has been prudently grown. Microscopy has been used to detect the presence of protozoan and the advent of molecular techniques has made detection easier. However, due to its limited host specificity and zoonotic potential, animals, either livestock or wildlife animals, may serve as a potential reservoir for Blastocystis infection transmission. The approach utilised in this study aided in understanding the distribution and prevalence of Blastocystis in animals, particularly captivated and free-ranging wild animals worldwide due to increased interest. This review will help comprehend the epidemiological aspects, demographic, subtypes, and the zoonotic potential of Blastocystis in wildlife and captive animals.
ABSTRACT
@#Malaria which is caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium is a devastating parasitic disease of major public health challenge worldwide, particularly Nigeria. This study was carried out to investigate the epidemiology of falciparum malaria among residents of rural and peri-urban communities in Ekiti State, Southwestern Nigeria. Standard parasitological technique of microscopy was employed to determine and identify parasite prevalence and species. A questionnaire was used to collect subject’s information such as age, sex, location, occupation and education. Out of the 300 individuals examined, a total of 283 (93.4%) individuals were infected with malaria parasite. Sex pattern of infection indicated that male had higher malaria prevalence of 95.0% compared to female with the prevalence of 93.3% (P>0.05). The age group 51 to 60 years had the highest malaria parasite prevalence of 100% while age group <10 years has the least malaria parasite prevalence of 86.0% (P>0.05). Similarly, a total mean malaria parasite density of 1455.90 parasite/μL of blood was recorded. The mean malaria parasite density does not significantly vary (P>0.05) among age and sex group. The age group >60 years recorded the highest mean parasite density of 2092.50 parasite/μL of blood while age group <10 has the least mean malaria parasite density of 1044. 42 parasite/μL of blood. In relation to sex, the highest mean malaria parasite density was found among the female (1461.80 parasite/μL of blood) compared to male (1450 parasite/ μL of blood). In the same vein, occupation as a socioeconomic risk factor play a major role with respect to malaria infection. The highest malaria prevalence of 113 (98.26%) was recorded among farmers while the least 34 (85%) was recorded among Civil servants (P<0.05). Thus, it is apparent that falciparum malaria is heavily prevalent in this study area and as such urgent management control measures and interventions should be made available and fully utilized.