Preliminary Investigation into Plasmodium-like Piroplasms (Babesia/Theileria) among Cattle, Dogs and Humans in A Malaria-Endemic, Resource-Limited Sub-Saharan African City.

Babesia and Theileria are protozoan parasites belonging to the order piroplasmida, transmitted by hard ticks, and can cause diseases known as piroplasmosis. Human infections are usually asymptomatic, except in immuno-compromised persons who present malaria-like symptoms. Moreover, microscopically, the morphologies of Babesia and Theileria can resemble that of the malaria parasite, Plasmodium. In malaria-endemic areas with limited resources, these similarities can increase the possibility of misdiagnosing a patient as having malaria instead of piroplasmosis, which may further lead to inappropriate choice of disease management. This preliminary investigation aimed at detecting Babesia/Theileria in cattle, dogs and humans in some parts of Accra. Whole blood samples were taken from febrile cattle (n = 30) and dogs (n = 33), as well as humans diagnosed with malaria (n = 150). Blood samples of all study subjects were microscopically screened for possible presence of haemoparasites. Samples whose smears had features suggestive of possible piroplasmic infection were all given the label "suspected Babesia/Theileria-infected" samples. Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on extracted deoxyribonucelic acid (DNA) from all the "suspected" samples of cattle, dogs and humans, with primer sets that can detect 18S rRNA genes of Babesia/Theileria spp. In addition to this, amplification was performed on the "suspected" dog samples using the BcW-A/BcW-B primer set which detects the 18S rRNA genes of B. canis, while the BoF/BoR primer set which targets the rap-1 region of B. bovis and another primer set which detects the 18S rRNA genes of most bovine Babesia spp. (including B. divergens) were used on the suspected cattle samples. For the human samples, however, additional amplification was done on the extracted DNA using primers for the three other Babesia targeted (B. divergens, B. bovis and B. canis). Microscopy showed possible Babesia/Theileria infection suspected in all three groups of subjects in the following proportions: cattle (10/30; 33%), dogs (3/33; 9%) and humans (6/150; 4%). DNA from one-third of the "suspected" dog samples yielded amplification with Babesia canis primers. Moreover, a broad-detecting set of primers (that can amplify some Babesia and Theileria species) amplified DNA from nine (9/30; 30%) of the "suspected" cattle samples, but none from those of the humans. Although for this study conducted in the city, the Babesia/Theileria primers used did not amplify DNA from the six "suspected" human samples; the possibility of Babesia/Theileria infection in humans in other parts of the country cannot be overruled. There is therefore a need for further studies on possible emergence of human babesiosis/theileriosis in other parts of Ghana and sequencing for specific identification of any circulating strain.

Dynamics in Morbidity Markers and Cytological Observations Made in Urine of Schistosoma haematobium-Infected Children: Pre- and Post-Praziquantel Treatment in an Endemic Setting.

BACKGROUND: Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by helminths of the genus Schistosoma. Morbidity markers and cytological observations such as squamous metaplastic cells, inflammatory cells, and hyperkeratotic cells in the urine of S. haematobium-infected children may suggest disease severity. They may also help predict severe forms of clinical presentation, such as bladder cancer in later years, among infected ones who miss out on early detection and treatment. Insights into possible changes in the morbidity markers and cytological observations in the urine of these S. haematobium-infected children before and after treatment would be of high clinical importance. AIM: The aim of this study was to identify changes/dynamics in morbidity markers and cytological abnormalities in the urine deposits of S. haematobium-infected children, pre- and post-praziquantel treatment. METHODOLOGY: This was a longitudinal study involving baseline and follow-up sampling among basic school children living in schistosomiasis-endemic communities. Urine samples were collected from 520 children at baseline and examined for S. haematobium ova by microscopy, while urine chemistry analyses were used for the examination of morbidity markers. The cytological analyses involved cytopathological examination of the urine deposits. Children whose urine showed positivity for S. haematobium eggs were treated with a single oral dose of praziquantel (40 mg/kg), after which urine chemistry and cytological analyses were repeated weekly for comparison with baseline, until the eighth week. RESULTS: Morbidity markers such as hematuria, proteinuria, and leukocyturia were detected both at baseline and post-treatment among the infected children (30/520). Hematuria was the predominant parameter (90%, 27/30) detected at baseline, followed by proteinuria (53.3%, 16/30). Leukocyturia was the rarest parameter detected at baseline (13.3%, 4/30). However, almost all these parameters declined gradually post-treatment. Regarding cytological analyses, inflammatory cells were observed most (70.0%, 21/30) at baseline. For hyperkeratotic cells and squamous metaplastic cells, 46.7% and 26.7% were respectively observed at baseline, all of which gradually declined during the weekly follow-ups. Notably, squamous metaplastic cells persisted in all the participants from Week 1 through Week 3 post-treatment, but declined gradually thereafter. CONCLUSIONS: Morbidity markers and cytological observations in the children gradually decreased after treatment. Therefore, we continue to recommend routine cytological screening for urogenital schistosomiasis patients at hospitals in S. haematobium-endemic locations using both baseline and follow-up samples to detect these abnormalities early and monitor changes that may be occurring after treatment. Such changes may be useful in assessing treatment progress in infected persons.

Unravelling the Perspectives of Day and Night Traders in Selected Markets within a Sub-Saharan African City with a Malaria Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Survey.

BACKGROUND: Malaria is still endemic in sub-Saharan Africa, with a high disease burden. Misconceptions about malaria contribute to poor attitudes and practices, further increasing the burden in endemic countries. Studies have examined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of malaria among different populations. However, there seems to be no available literature reporting on the perspectives of day and night market traders. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on malaria KAP with a focus on day and night market traders. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study involving day and night market traders in 10 selected markets within the Greater Accra Region of Ghana was carried out. Data were collected from consenting respondents using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: Of the 760 respondents (33.3% (n = 253) night and 66.7% (n = 507) day traders) interviewed, there was no significant difference between the day and night market traders in terms of malaria KAP. Although the market traders had an overall moderate knowledge (54.0% of the day traders and 56.5% of the night traders), misconceptions about malaria (especially that it could be caused by exposure to the sun) still existed among the traders. Moreover, the majority of the traders who demonstrated high knowledge (43.98%, n = 250) did not always take laboratory tests to confirm their suspicion, indicating poor attitude. Furthermore, the market traders' choice of drug for malaria treatment (p = 0.001) and preferred malaria treatment type (orthodox or herbal) (p = 0.005) were significantly associated with their knowledge level. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the observation that no significant difference in KAP exists between day and night market traders, appropriate health education programs and interventions still need to be directed at misconceptions, poor attitudes, and poor practices revealed by this study. This will ultimately help in the prevention and control of malaria in Ghana, and globally.