Latest Articles
ABSTRACT
Paragonimiasis, a crustacean borne trematodiasis caused by lung flukes of the genus Paragonimus. Among the species, Paragonimus westermani are an important parasite causing clinical manifestation similar to that of pulmonary tuberculosis. So, the knowledge on their phylogenetic analysis, genetic variation, conserved regions within the isolates can bring out information regarding distribution and specific genes responsible for pathogenecity, which can be utilized in control programmes. In Manipur, North East India, freshwater crab (Barythelphusa lugubris) has been consumed as a local delicacy by endemic people of the region. They are found harbouring with P. westermani metacercaria. The freshwater crab host from the susceptible loci were collected and their genomic DNA was extracted followed with amplification of genetic marker ribosomal DNA ITS2 region. The desired genetic marker were sequenced and analysed for genetic variation, conserved regions and phylogenetic tree construction using various bioinformatics tools of BLAST, ClustalW embedded in Bioedit and MEGA11. The genetic variation analysis revealed the Paragonimus metacercaria under studies show 100% sequence identity with the isolates from the India states of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, with only one conserved region of 338 base lengths. The phylogenetic tree constructed reveals the sequence cladding with the isolates of P. westermani from different geographical regions. Among the P. westermani isolates, eight conserved regions were depicted, and can be used as a target for drugs in control programme.
ABSTRACT
Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is a life-threatening condition that predominantly affects individuals with weakened immune systems. We report the case of a 70-year-old patient with a history of immunosuppression, diagnosed with invasive bronchopulmonary aspergillosis based on a positive galactomannan test. The diagnosis was supported by a combination of clinical history, predisposing factors, and characteristic findings on biological and radiological assessments. Confirmation relied on direct detection of the fungus through culture, antigen testing, and molecular methods. Early initiation of antifungal therapy was critical. The identification and management of this condition are often complicated by the diversity of underlying clinical contexts and nonspecific diagnostic indicators, emphasizing the need for a high index of suspicion and prompt intervention.
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Malaria continues to remain a serious public health problem, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite substantial investment in malaria control, asymptomatic infections continue to hinder elimination efforts in Nigeria. Individuals with asymptomatic parasitaemia carry transmissible parasites without showing symptoms and therefore remain undetected by routine surveillance. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of asymptomatic malaria infection in selected health facilities in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 400 apparently healthy participants attending five health facilities: Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), Plateau State Specialist Hospital (PSSH), Bingham University Teaching Hospital (BHUTH), Comprehensive Health Centre (CHC) Dadin Kowa, and Vom Christian Hospital (VCH). Blood samples were examined for malaria parasites by Giemsa-stained thick and thin films under light microscopy, and parasite density was estimated per microliter of blood. Demographic and behavioural data were obtained through structured questionnaires. Statistical analyses were performed using the chi-square test and bivariate logistic regression to determine associations among asymptomatic malaria, demographic variables, and potential risk factors. The overall prevalence of asymptomatic malaria was 19.5% (78) by microscopy, varying across facilities from 11.2% to 30.0%. Males showed significantly higher infection (26%) than females (15.7%). Low parasite density (<1,000 parasites/µL) dominated (41%), although 24.4% of infected individuals exhibited high parasitaemia despite being asymptomatic. Occupation was significantly (P< 0.05) associated with infection status. Use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) did not show significant protective effect (p>0.05), as infection was still common among regular users (19.3%). These findings underscore the substantial reservoir of silent carriers that may sustain malaria transmission in
Original Research Article
Gastro-Intestinal Parasites of Goats in Rural and Urban Communities in Rivers State, Nigeria
Owhoeli, O, Chukwu, H. O, Goodhead, D. A, Oluoma, C, Amadi, P. N
EAS J Parasitol Infect Dis, 2025; 7(4): 60-64
https://doi.org/10.36349/easjpid.2025.v07i04.001
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86 Downloads | Nov. 15, 2025
ABSTRACT
Goat farming contributes greatly to the demands of our growing populations. Globally, goat is an important sources of animal proteins, providing a good percentage of meat and dairy products. Despites this valuable contribution of goats to our economy, extensive care of these goats are overlooked thereby making them hosts to a number of parasitic and zoonotic diseases. This survey aimed to investigate prevalence of Gastro-intestinal parasites of goats in rural and urban communities in Rivers State, Nigeria. A total of 240 fecal samples of goats were examined, using Formol-ether Concentration Techniques with diethy-ether and Formol-ether Concentration Techniques with fuel. The overall recorded prevalence of gastro-intestinal infections were 85.4%. Various species of helminths and protozoa observed during the study were Haemonchus spp, Avitellina spp, Trichostronglus spp, Ostertagia spp, Oesophagostum spp, Dicrocoelium spp, Chabertia spp and Fasciola spp. From the study areas Omerelu, a rural community recorded higher prevalance of 91.2%. Sex-related prevalence shows female goats are highly infected than the males. Thus, findings of this survey shows gastro-intestinal parasites are prevalent in our enviroments, and indigenous goats are at risks of these infection. Prevalent could impact negatively on the health and productivity of this important animals. Educating farmers on the epidemiology of this infective pathogens should be priotize while emphasis on veterinary services for good health of the animal must be maintained.
Original Research Article
Comparative Studies on the Plasmodium Falciparium Infection in Five Communities of Odegu Clan in Emohua Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria
Chukwu, H.O, Goodhead, D.A, Orluoma, C, Amadi, P.N
EAS J Parasitol Infect Dis, 2025; 7(3): 55-59
https://doi.org/10.36349/easjpid.2025.v07i03.002
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420 Downloads | Aug. 30, 2025
ABSTRACT
Malaria is a great public health challenge among the people in the rural communities. They lack adequate knowledge of the infection, preventive strategies regarding to contact with the vector species and better treatment implementation. Studies on the comparative studies on the plasmodium falciparum infection was conducted in five villages of Odegu clan of Emohua Local Government Area, Rivers State, Niger Delta between September 2021 and April, 2022. About 2mls of intravenous blood samples were collected from cubital veins of the arm from 1252 randomly selected individuals and examined using routine microscopy after processing with standard parasitologic techniques. The study revealed Plasmodium falciparum was only species of malaria found during the study with an overall prevalence of 709 (56.6%) across the five study areas. It was observed that Rumuji has a higher prevalence of 16.5%, followed by Rumuodogo with 15.4% prevalence, while the least prevalence of 4.5% were recorded with Eveku community. Result from age-related prevalence shows 20-29 years age brackets were observed to be most infected with 13.5%, while least prevalence were observed with age 80+. Study participant in sex-related prevalence shows female recorded 58.5% prevalence while male recorded 53.6% prevalence. The study indicates that malaria is still prevalence in the rural areas. Environmental sanitation is highly needed to prevent the breeding of vector host in the study area. There is need to empower the people through education and awareness to understand better on strategies in elimination, prevention and control measures.
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Vegetables are dietary sources of nutrient, vitamins and fiber for human growth and development cultivated with irrigation water and sewage which can cause contamination. Therefore, the study was aimed to enumerate, isolate and identify bacteria isolated from irrigated vegetables in Kano metropolis. A total of twenty seven 27 vegetables samples were collected from three kinds of vegetables (Carrot, Lettuce and Cabbage) from three different locations (Kwakwaci, Shagari and Jaba quarters wastewater irrigation area). The mean bacterial counts for Daucus carota (Carrot) sample based on the three different location (Kwakwaci, Shagari and Jaba wastewater irrigation area) ranged from 1.40 x103 to 1.63 x103 cfu/ml, the mean bacterial counts for Cabbage sample range from 1.90 x103 to 4.43 x103 while the mean of bacterial counts for Latuca sativa (Lettuce) sample range from 1.33 x103 to 1.70 x103. In Gram-negative bacteria, the most common bacteria isolated and identified were Escherichia coli (27.54%) followed by Salmonella (24.64%) and Shigella (17.39%). In the Gram-positive bacteria only Staphylococcus aureus (30.43%) was found.
Review Article
Molecular Mechanisms of Bombyx mori Nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) Entry and Replication in Silkworm Cells: A Review
Idris, I, Ibrahim, Z. Y, Umar, A. N, Abbah, D, Tijjani, U, Abdul, I. H, Ibrahim, S. O, Muraina, Y. M, Aniebo, M. C, Ali, M
EAS J Parasitol Infect Dis, 2025; 7(2): 45-47
https://doi.org/10.36349/easjpid.2025.v07i02.004
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812 Downloads | June 25, 2025
ABSTRACT
Bombyx mori Nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) is a baculovirus that has been a major threat to the sericulture industry for decades. Through its envelope protein, P64, which interacts with the host receptor, Bombyx mori gp64, BmNPV attaches itself to silkworm cells. Clathrin-mediated endocytosis is the next mechanism by which the virus enters cells. After much research, the entrance mechanisms of BmNPV were shown to be a multi-step, intricate process. BmNPV first attaches itself to the surface of the host cell through its envelope protein, P64. Actin polymerization and clathrin-mediated endocytosis are two processes that are triggered by this contact and aid in the internalization of viruses. After entering, BmNPV uses the resources of the host cell to travel to the nucleus, where it replicates. The paper review the virus's history, entry mechanisms, and replication strategies.