ABSTRACT
Background & Objective: Schistosomiasis remains a public health problem, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The disease is closely linked to poverty and environmental factors. Populations who are highly exposed to the fresh water of Cayo Lake on a daily basis are likely to sustain the transmission of the disease. It is therefore necessary to investigate their frequencies in order to combat the perpetuation of schistosomiasis. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out in August 2024 around Lac Cayo, among the inhabitants of Sandza and Tchianda in the urban community of TChiamba Nzassi in Pointe Noire. Schistosoma haematobium was systematically tested in urine samples. Results: This study revealed a 13.6% prevalence of bilharziasis among the 110 individuals tested. The frequency of Schistosomiasis in SANDZA was 05(11.10%) positive out of 45 screened, and 10(15.40%) positive out of 65 screened in Tchianda. Conclusion: Populations living along the shores of Lac Cayo are exposed to and maintain Schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma haematobium.

ABSTRACT
Trichinellosis is a serious zoonotic disease with worldwide distribution caused by parasitic nematodes of the genus Trichinella. If not well managed, this can lead to complications and death. Data in Burkina Faso are scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the seroprevalence and risk factors of Trichinella infection in Burkina Faso. This was a cross-sectional study where pregnant women attending antenatal care were enrolled after signature of an informed consent. Serum samples of 418 pregnant women were collected and stored at the Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro. Anti-Trichinella spiralis IgG Human ELISA Kit was used to test the samples at the Luxembourg Institute of Health. Anthropometric, clinical and socio-demographic data were collected using a structured questionnaire and Chi-square and Student t-tests were used to compare groups. The p-value significance threshold was set at 0.05. Overall, the seroprevalence of Trichinellosis was 2.4% (10/418). The baseline characteristics analysis showed associations between Trichinella seropositive pregnant women and factors such as body mass index (BMI) and gravidity. Individuals identified as Trichinella seropositive were not previously diagnosed and have not been treated for Trichinella infection with any specific therapy. A low seroprevalence of Trichinella infection was found in our study area. Efforts for continuous education in trichinellosis prevention are necessary.

ABSTRACT
Introduction: Hydatidosis is a cosmopolitan parasitic infection caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. While the liver and lungs are the most affected organs, involvement of other sites is less frequent. Hydatidosis developing within the subcutaneous or muscular tissue is an exceedingly rare occurrence. Materials and Methods: Case 1: A 56-year-old female presented with a left basithoracic tumor infiltrating between the internal and external oblique muscles on MRI. Hydatid serology were negative, but the diagnosis of muscular hydatidosis was strongly suspected based on clinical and radiological evidence. The patient underwent total pericystectomy, with no recurrence at one-year follow-up. Case 2: A 85-year-old female was referred to our hospital for an asymptomatic soft tissue tumor located in the root of the right thigh, progressing for 3 years and measuring 11cm. Ultrasound and MRI, revealed an encapsulated lesion exhibiting both cystic and tissue components with multiple compartments. The patient underwent complete surgical excision, and histopathological-exam confirmed the diagnosis. No postoperative medical treatment was administered, and there was no recurrence after a 4-year follow-up. Discussion: The frequency of muscular hydatid cysts varies from 1 to 5.4% of all hydatid locations. Muscular hydatid cysts pose challenges in detection through serological tests, but a positive result provides diagnostic certainty. Ultrasound is the imaging modality of choice, MRI is recommended for cases where uncertainty persists and for local-regional evaluation. The primary treatment for muscular hydatidosis is surgical. The use of medical treatment with Albendazole remains highly controversial. Long-term patient follow-up is crucial to detect any local or distant recurrence. Conclusion: In the presence of any subcutaneous or muscular mass in a patient residing or having resided in an endemic area, the diagnosis of muscular hydatid cyst should be considered,

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Background: Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are a major health concern for children in developing countries. This study assesses the prevalence and intensity of STHs among pupils in private nursery and primary schools in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Methods: The study was conducted in Ife Central LGA, Osun State, Nigeria, involving preschool and school-aged children from two private schools. A total of 55 samples, from 22 male and 33 female pupils, were analyzed for intestinal parasite ova to determine the prevalence of helminth infections among the children. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institute of Public Health, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Consent was secured from parents or guardians. Samples were processed using the modified Kato-Katz technique and examined microscopically for soil-transmitted helminth (STH) eggs. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Among the 55 fecal samples collected, the overall prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections was 78.2%. Ascaris lumbricoides were the most prevalent helminth (76.4%), followed by Trichuris trichiuria (14.5%) and hookworms (5.5%). Females had a higher infection rate (81.8%) than males (68.2%). The prevalence of STH infections was highest among pupils aged ≥10 years (81.8%) and lowest among those aged 2-3 years (66.7%). Conclusion: This study highlights a significant burden of STH infections, particularly A. lumbricoides, among schoolchildren in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The high prevalence necessitates targeted deworming and improved sanitation interventions to reduce the burden of these infections among children in this region.

ABSTRACT
Gisrdiasis in the elderly is a very complicated condition. Comorbidities have a major influence on the course, management, and outcomes of giardiasis in elderly individuals. Immunologic, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, renal and gastrointestinal disorders, neurological and respiratory ailment, and nutritional deficits all interact with giardiasis, resulting in severe clinical symptoms and additional difficult therapy. A complete, multidisciplinary approach is required for the efficient management of giardiasis in elderly patients with comorbidities, with an emphasis on personalised medications, supportive care, and preventative initiatives.

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In this study we analysed campylobacteriosis cases in a tertiary care hospital of India to find out this is an isolated disease or an allied disease with comorbidities in elderly people. In all the four elderly cases, acute gastroenteritis by Campylobacter appears to be a contributory condition of the disease besides other associated diseases. Perceptive the link between this disease and comorbidities is crucial for effective prevention, early detection, and thorough care, in elderly populations with underlying health problems.

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This study evaluate the effectiveness of Musa Paradisiaca Peels extract in the trapping of mosquitoes. The objective was to apply Musa Paradisiaca Peels extract as a way of controlling mosquito’s infestation that cause malaria among study population in Otuogidi community in Ogbia, Bayelsa state. The experimental design adopted for this study was five (5) samples (A, B, C, D and E) of small basins were collected with different concentration of Musa Paradisiaca Peels extract (4ml, 6ml, 8ml, 10ml and control variables) in different locations within Otuogidi community. The study took five (5) days for the examination, each day with different results. Data was analyzed using ANOVA and presented in frequency distribution tables. The results obtained from the study within the periods (5) days are as follows: 4ml was able to trapped 10 mosquitoes, 6ml trapped 15 mosquitoes, 8ml trapped 18 mosquitoes and 10ml trapped 25 mosquitoes compared with the control that trapped none. According to results obtained, it was concluded that, Musa Paradisiaca has lethal properties capable of trapping mosquitoes at increased dosages. Therefore, we recommend that individuals and communities should adopt the simple method of Musa Paradisiaca to trap mosquitoes as a simple way of curbing the morbidity and mortality death rate cause by malaria parasites in Bayelsa state.