Objective:To determine the relationship between asymptomatic malaria parasitemia and some oxidative stress parameters in pregnant Nigerian women.Methods:This is a cross-sectional study involving 130 normal pregnant wo...Objective:To determine the relationship between asymptomatic malaria parasitemia and some oxidative stress parameters in pregnant Nigerian women.Methods:This is a cross-sectional study involving 130 normal pregnant women at various trimesters,who were attending antenatal clinic at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital(UNTH) and Kenechukwu Specialist Hospital in Enugu.A comparable group(control),made of 30 non pregnant women was also recruited.After a 24 hour dietary recall,serum levels of vitamin A,C and malondialdehyde(MDA) were determined by colorimetric method,while vitamin E was determined by absorptiometric method.Results:There were no statistically significant differences in age,parity,estimated calorie,vitamins A,C and E intake between the pregnant and non pregnant groups(P】0.05).The serum level of the vitamins(umol/L) and MDA(umol/L) in control,1st,2nd and 3rd trimesters respectively were:(l)Vitamin A:1.6±0.36 vs 0.6±0.26 vs 0.62±0.33 vs 0.46±0.21(P【0.0001);(2) Vitamin C:75.65±14.15 vs 62.97±24.4 vs 37.85±15.19 vs 28.94±8.52(P【0.0001);(3) Vitamin E:3.01±1.32 vs 3.45±2.01 vs 9.36±2.75 vs 9.82±2.97(P【0.0001);(4) MDA:1.42±0.02 vs 1.61±0.02 vs 1.79±0.02 vs 2.03±0.05(P【0.0001).However,there were no significant changes in the serum level of the vitamins and MDA between the positive and the negative parasitemia subjects(P】0.05). Conclusions:Asymptomatic malaria parasitemia does not induce additional oxidative stress on pregnant women in Nigeria.The enormity of acute and complicated attack should be further investigated.展开更多
Research Background: Malaria, predominantly caused by Plasmodium falciparum, continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five years of age in sub-Saharan Africa. Malaria remains a s...Research Background: Malaria, predominantly caused by Plasmodium falciparum, continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five years of age in sub-Saharan Africa. Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, particularly in regions where access to healthcare facilities is limited. Home-based management of malaria has emerged as a critical strategy to reduce disease burden, enabling timely treatment at the community level. Chloroquine, once the cornerstone of malaria treatment, is still utilized in some settings due to its affordability, availability, oral administration, and historical effectiveness against Plasmodium species. However, the widespread emergence of chloroquine-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum has necessitated a reevaluation of its role in malaria management. This study investigates the therapeutic effectiveness of oral chloroquine in home-based management, focusing on its ability to reduce parasitemia and alleviate clinical symptoms. Additionally, the study assessed the influence of protein nutritional status and bacterial/viral co-infections on malaria outcomes among children under five years in Jos, Nigeria, providing insights into its current relevance in resource-limited settings. Research Objective: Given the historical use of chloroquine and emerging reports of chloroquine-sensitive strains, this research aims to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of oral chloroquine in the home-based management of childhood malaria in Jos, Nigeria, by assessing its impact on parasitemia, symptom alleviation, biochemical and hematological profiles, nutritional status, and interactions with co-infections while providing evidence-based insights to inform policy, community health practices, and contemporary malaria control strategies. Methods: This cross-sectional and analytical study evaluated the role of oral chloroquine in the home-based management of childhood malaria in Jos, Nigeria. A total of 93 children under five years of age, presenting with fever and confirmed Plasmodium falciparum parasitemia, were recruited from two hospitals in Jos. Participants were stratified into three groups: children treated with chloroquine at home prior to hospital presentation, untreated children with uncomplicated malaria, and untreated children with severe malaria. Caregivers were surveyed to assess the use of chloroquine as a first-line home treatment, including dosage and timing of administration. Ethical approval was obtained from the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) Ethical Committee, and informed consent was secured from caregivers before sample collection and interviews. Parasitemia levels were measured to correlate parasite density with clinical outcomes. Comprehensive assessments included biochemical analysis of serum creatinine, liver enzymes, and protein levels to evaluate organ function and metabolic status. Hematological parameters, including hemoglobin concentration and red blood cell (RBC) count, were measured to assess malaria severity and anemia. Nutritional status was evaluated through anthropometric measurements and serum protein analyses. Co-infections with bacterial and viral pathogens were identified using microscopic examination of blood samples. Statistical analyses were performed to identify significant associations between chloroquine treatment, clinical outcomes, and biochemical indicators. Results: Children treated with chloroquine demonstrated significantly lower parasitemia levels (18.13%) compared to untreated children with uncomplicated malaria (34.35%) and those with severe malaria (43.57%). Hemoglobin levels were notably higher in the chloroquine-treated group (9.60 g/dL) compared to the untreated groups, indicating a reduced burden of malaria-induced anemia. Body temperatures were significantly lower among chloroquine-treated children, underscoring its efficacy in fever reduction. Bacterial co-infections were identified in 54.35% of malaria cases, emphasizing their role in exacerbating disease severity. Liver and kidney function tests revealed no significant differences between the groups, indicating that chloroquine treatment did not result in hepatic or renal toxicity. Additionally, all participants exhibited adequate nutritional status, with no evidence of protein-energy malnutrition. Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight the significant role of oral chloroquine in the home-based management of childhood malaria in Jos, Nigeria. Children treated with chloroquine exhibited substantially lower parasitemia levels and higher hemoglobin concentrations compared to untreated children, demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing parasite burden and mitigating malaria-induced anemia. Additionally, chloroquine treatment was associated with lower body temperatures, reflecting its efficacy in fever control. Bacterial co-infections were present in over half of the malaria cases (54.35%), underscoring their potential contribution to disease severity and the need for integrated management strategies. Importantly, liver and kidney function tests showed no significant differences among the groups, indicating that chloroquine use did not lead to hepatic or renal toxicity. Furthermore, all participants maintained adequate nutritional status, with no signs of protein-energy malnutrition. These results support the continued use of chloroquine as a viable option in the home-based management of uncomplicated malaria while highlighting the importance of addressing co-infections to improve clinical outcomes.展开更多
Objective:To assess the distribution of ABO blood group and their relationship with Plasmodium falciparum(P.falciparum) malaria among febrile outpatients who sought medical attention at Dore Bafeno Health Center,South...Objective:To assess the distribution of ABO blood group and their relationship with Plasmodium falciparum(P.falciparum) malaria among febrile outpatients who sought medical attention at Dore Bafeno Health Center,Southern Ethiopia.Methods:A total of 269 febrile outpatients who visited Dore Bafeno Health Center,Southern Ethiopia,were examined for malaria and also tested for ABO blood groups in January 2010.The blood specimens were collected by finger pricking,stained with Geimsa,and examined microscopically.Positive cases of the parasitemia were counted.CareStart^(TM) Malaria PflPv Combo was also used to test the blood specimens for malaria.ABO blood groups were determined by agglutination test using ERYCLONE antisera.Data on socio-demographic characteristics and treatment status of the participants were also collected.Chi-square and ANOVA tests were used to assess the difference between frequencies and means,respectively.Results:Out of a total of 269 participants,178(66.2%) febrile patients were found to be infected with Plasmodium parasites,among which 146(54.3%),28(10.4%),and 4(1.5%) belonged to P.falciparum,P.vivax,and mixed infections,respectively.All febrile patients were also tested for ABO blood groups and 51.3%,23.5%,21.9%and 3.3%were found to be blood types of 0,A,B and AB,respectively.Both total malaria infection and P.falciparum infection showed significant association with blood types(P<0.05).The proportion of A or B but not 0 phenotypes was higher(P<0.05) in individuals with P.falciparum as compared with non-infected individuals.The chance of having P.falciparum infection in patients with blood groups A,B and AB was 2.5,2.5 and 3.3times more than individuals showing blood 0 phenotypes,respectively.The mean P.falciparum malaria parasitemia for blood groups A,B,AB,and 0 were 3 744/μ L,1 805/ μ L,5 331/μ L,and1 515/μ L,respectively(P<0.01).Conclusions:The present findings indicate that individuals of blood groups A,B and AB are more susceptible to P.falciparum infection as compared with individuals of blood group O.Nevertheless,further in depth studies are required to clearly establish the role that ABO blood group plays in P.falciparum malaria.展开更多
Objective:To determine the frequency of malaria parasite detection from the buffy coal blood films by using capillary tube in falciparum malaria patients with negative conventional thick films.Methods:Thirty six uncom...Objective:To determine the frequency of malaria parasite detection from the buffy coal blood films by using capillary tube in falciparum malaria patients with negative conventional thick films.Methods:Thirty six uncomplicated falciparum malaria patients confirmed by conventional thick and thin films were included in the study.The patients were treated with artemisinin combination therapy at Hospital for Tropical Diseases,Bangkok,Thailand for 28 day.Fingerpricks for conventional blood films were conducted every 6 hours until negative parasitemia,then daily fingerpricks for parasite checks were conducted until the patients were discharged from hospital. Blood samples were also concurrently collected in 3 heparinized capillary tubes at the same time of fingerpricks for conventional blood films when the prior parasitemia was negative on thin films and parasitemia was lower than 50 parasites/200 white blood cells by thick film.The first negative conventional thick films were compared with buffy coat thick films for parasite identification. Results:Out of 36 patients with thick films showing negative for asexual forms of parasites, buffy coat films could detect remaining 10 patients(27.8%) with asexual forms of Plasmodium falciparum.Conclusions:The study shows that buffy coat thick films are useful and can detect malarial parasites in 27.8%of patients whose conventional thick films show negative parasitemia.展开更多
Objective:To investigate in-vivo anti-plasmodial activity of aqueous extracts of plants selected based on the symptomology mentioned in Ayurveda.Methods:The aqueous extracts of Holarrhena antidysentrica(H.antidysentri...Objective:To investigate in-vivo anti-plasmodial activity of aqueous extracts of plants selected based on the symptomology mentioned in Ayurveda.Methods:The aqueous extracts of Holarrhena antidysentrica(H.antidysentrica)(Kutaja) and Azadirachta indica(A.indica)(Neemb) for their antiplasmodial potential in Plasmodium berghei(P.berghei) infected mice was assessed using Peters four day suppressive test.Both the extracts were administered at 2 dose levels,full dose(1 000 mg/d) and minimized dose(200 mg/d).10~6 P.berghei infected RBCs were injected on day ’0’ and treated from day ’0’ till day ’3’ post-infection,Tail blood smears were collected, giemsa stained and analyzed.The mice were observed for survival and parasitemia was assessed till 50%of mice in control survived.Results:It was observed that the percentage of parasitemia increased gradually in all the groups,with maximum in control group(Day 3-35,Day 9-46.98) and minimum in Chloroquine arm(Day 3-14.06.Day 9-19.92).The percentage of parasitemia was compared using Mann-Whitney U test depicting that all test groups exhibited reduction in parasitemia as compared to control(P-value【0.002 for all groups).These groups showed similar percentage of survival as Chloroquine.Conclusions:The present investigation demonstrated the anti-plasmodial effects of H.antidysentrica and A.indica.which are two most commonly used medicinal plants in Ayurved for treatment of fever.展开更多
文摘Objective:To determine the relationship between asymptomatic malaria parasitemia and some oxidative stress parameters in pregnant Nigerian women.Methods:This is a cross-sectional study involving 130 normal pregnant women at various trimesters,who were attending antenatal clinic at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital(UNTH) and Kenechukwu Specialist Hospital in Enugu.A comparable group(control),made of 30 non pregnant women was also recruited.After a 24 hour dietary recall,serum levels of vitamin A,C and malondialdehyde(MDA) were determined by colorimetric method,while vitamin E was determined by absorptiometric method.Results:There were no statistically significant differences in age,parity,estimated calorie,vitamins A,C and E intake between the pregnant and non pregnant groups(P】0.05).The serum level of the vitamins(umol/L) and MDA(umol/L) in control,1st,2nd and 3rd trimesters respectively were:(l)Vitamin A:1.6±0.36 vs 0.6±0.26 vs 0.62±0.33 vs 0.46±0.21(P【0.0001);(2) Vitamin C:75.65±14.15 vs 62.97±24.4 vs 37.85±15.19 vs 28.94±8.52(P【0.0001);(3) Vitamin E:3.01±1.32 vs 3.45±2.01 vs 9.36±2.75 vs 9.82±2.97(P【0.0001);(4) MDA:1.42±0.02 vs 1.61±0.02 vs 1.79±0.02 vs 2.03±0.05(P【0.0001).However,there were no significant changes in the serum level of the vitamins and MDA between the positive and the negative parasitemia subjects(P】0.05). Conclusions:Asymptomatic malaria parasitemia does not induce additional oxidative stress on pregnant women in Nigeria.The enormity of acute and complicated attack should be further investigated.
文摘Research Background: Malaria, predominantly caused by Plasmodium falciparum, continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five years of age in sub-Saharan Africa. Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, particularly in regions where access to healthcare facilities is limited. Home-based management of malaria has emerged as a critical strategy to reduce disease burden, enabling timely treatment at the community level. Chloroquine, once the cornerstone of malaria treatment, is still utilized in some settings due to its affordability, availability, oral administration, and historical effectiveness against Plasmodium species. However, the widespread emergence of chloroquine-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum has necessitated a reevaluation of its role in malaria management. This study investigates the therapeutic effectiveness of oral chloroquine in home-based management, focusing on its ability to reduce parasitemia and alleviate clinical symptoms. Additionally, the study assessed the influence of protein nutritional status and bacterial/viral co-infections on malaria outcomes among children under five years in Jos, Nigeria, providing insights into its current relevance in resource-limited settings. Research Objective: Given the historical use of chloroquine and emerging reports of chloroquine-sensitive strains, this research aims to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of oral chloroquine in the home-based management of childhood malaria in Jos, Nigeria, by assessing its impact on parasitemia, symptom alleviation, biochemical and hematological profiles, nutritional status, and interactions with co-infections while providing evidence-based insights to inform policy, community health practices, and contemporary malaria control strategies. Methods: This cross-sectional and analytical study evaluated the role of oral chloroquine in the home-based management of childhood malaria in Jos, Nigeria. A total of 93 children under five years of age, presenting with fever and confirmed Plasmodium falciparum parasitemia, were recruited from two hospitals in Jos. Participants were stratified into three groups: children treated with chloroquine at home prior to hospital presentation, untreated children with uncomplicated malaria, and untreated children with severe malaria. Caregivers were surveyed to assess the use of chloroquine as a first-line home treatment, including dosage and timing of administration. Ethical approval was obtained from the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) Ethical Committee, and informed consent was secured from caregivers before sample collection and interviews. Parasitemia levels were measured to correlate parasite density with clinical outcomes. Comprehensive assessments included biochemical analysis of serum creatinine, liver enzymes, and protein levels to evaluate organ function and metabolic status. Hematological parameters, including hemoglobin concentration and red blood cell (RBC) count, were measured to assess malaria severity and anemia. Nutritional status was evaluated through anthropometric measurements and serum protein analyses. Co-infections with bacterial and viral pathogens were identified using microscopic examination of blood samples. Statistical analyses were performed to identify significant associations between chloroquine treatment, clinical outcomes, and biochemical indicators. Results: Children treated with chloroquine demonstrated significantly lower parasitemia levels (18.13%) compared to untreated children with uncomplicated malaria (34.35%) and those with severe malaria (43.57%). Hemoglobin levels were notably higher in the chloroquine-treated group (9.60 g/dL) compared to the untreated groups, indicating a reduced burden of malaria-induced anemia. Body temperatures were significantly lower among chloroquine-treated children, underscoring its efficacy in fever reduction. Bacterial co-infections were identified in 54.35% of malaria cases, emphasizing their role in exacerbating disease severity. Liver and kidney function tests revealed no significant differences between the groups, indicating that chloroquine treatment did not result in hepatic or renal toxicity. Additionally, all participants exhibited adequate nutritional status, with no evidence of protein-energy malnutrition. Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight the significant role of oral chloroquine in the home-based management of childhood malaria in Jos, Nigeria. Children treated with chloroquine exhibited substantially lower parasitemia levels and higher hemoglobin concentrations compared to untreated children, demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing parasite burden and mitigating malaria-induced anemia. Additionally, chloroquine treatment was associated with lower body temperatures, reflecting its efficacy in fever control. Bacterial co-infections were present in over half of the malaria cases (54.35%), underscoring their potential contribution to disease severity and the need for integrated management strategies. Importantly, liver and kidney function tests showed no significant differences among the groups, indicating that chloroquine use did not lead to hepatic or renal toxicity. Furthermore, all participants maintained adequate nutritional status, with no signs of protein-energy malnutrition. These results support the continued use of chloroquine as a viable option in the home-based management of uncomplicated malaria while highlighting the importance of addressing co-infections to improve clinical outcomes.
基金Supported by School of Graduate Studies through Aklilu LemmaInstitute of Pathobiology,Addis Ababa University(No:RDP/Py-014/09)
文摘Objective:To assess the distribution of ABO blood group and their relationship with Plasmodium falciparum(P.falciparum) malaria among febrile outpatients who sought medical attention at Dore Bafeno Health Center,Southern Ethiopia.Methods:A total of 269 febrile outpatients who visited Dore Bafeno Health Center,Southern Ethiopia,were examined for malaria and also tested for ABO blood groups in January 2010.The blood specimens were collected by finger pricking,stained with Geimsa,and examined microscopically.Positive cases of the parasitemia were counted.CareStart^(TM) Malaria PflPv Combo was also used to test the blood specimens for malaria.ABO blood groups were determined by agglutination test using ERYCLONE antisera.Data on socio-demographic characteristics and treatment status of the participants were also collected.Chi-square and ANOVA tests were used to assess the difference between frequencies and means,respectively.Results:Out of a total of 269 participants,178(66.2%) febrile patients were found to be infected with Plasmodium parasites,among which 146(54.3%),28(10.4%),and 4(1.5%) belonged to P.falciparum,P.vivax,and mixed infections,respectively.All febrile patients were also tested for ABO blood groups and 51.3%,23.5%,21.9%and 3.3%were found to be blood types of 0,A,B and AB,respectively.Both total malaria infection and P.falciparum infection showed significant association with blood types(P<0.05).The proportion of A or B but not 0 phenotypes was higher(P<0.05) in individuals with P.falciparum as compared with non-infected individuals.The chance of having P.falciparum infection in patients with blood groups A,B and AB was 2.5,2.5 and 3.3times more than individuals showing blood 0 phenotypes,respectively.The mean P.falciparum malaria parasitemia for blood groups A,B,AB,and 0 were 3 744/μ L,1 805/ μ L,5 331/μ L,and1 515/μ L,respectively(P<0.01).Conclusions:The present findings indicate that individuals of blood groups A,B and AB are more susceptible to P.falciparum infection as compared with individuals of blood group O.Nevertheless,further in depth studies are required to clearly establish the role that ABO blood group plays in P.falciparum malaria.
基金financially supported by Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine,Faculty of Tropical Medicine,Mahidol University,Thailand(grant No.CTM-2553-01)
文摘Objective:To determine the frequency of malaria parasite detection from the buffy coal blood films by using capillary tube in falciparum malaria patients with negative conventional thick films.Methods:Thirty six uncomplicated falciparum malaria patients confirmed by conventional thick and thin films were included in the study.The patients were treated with artemisinin combination therapy at Hospital for Tropical Diseases,Bangkok,Thailand for 28 day.Fingerpricks for conventional blood films were conducted every 6 hours until negative parasitemia,then daily fingerpricks for parasite checks were conducted until the patients were discharged from hospital. Blood samples were also concurrently collected in 3 heparinized capillary tubes at the same time of fingerpricks for conventional blood films when the prior parasitemia was negative on thin films and parasitemia was lower than 50 parasites/200 white blood cells by thick film.The first negative conventional thick films were compared with buffy coat thick films for parasite identification. Results:Out of 36 patients with thick films showing negative for asexual forms of parasites, buffy coat films could detect remaining 10 patients(27.8%) with asexual forms of Plasmodium falciparum.Conclusions:The study shows that buffy coat thick films are useful and can detect malarial parasites in 27.8%of patients whose conventional thick films show negative parasitemia.
文摘Objective:To investigate in-vivo anti-plasmodial activity of aqueous extracts of plants selected based on the symptomology mentioned in Ayurveda.Methods:The aqueous extracts of Holarrhena antidysentrica(H.antidysentrica)(Kutaja) and Azadirachta indica(A.indica)(Neemb) for their antiplasmodial potential in Plasmodium berghei(P.berghei) infected mice was assessed using Peters four day suppressive test.Both the extracts were administered at 2 dose levels,full dose(1 000 mg/d) and minimized dose(200 mg/d).10~6 P.berghei infected RBCs were injected on day ’0’ and treated from day ’0’ till day ’3’ post-infection,Tail blood smears were collected, giemsa stained and analyzed.The mice were observed for survival and parasitemia was assessed till 50%of mice in control survived.Results:It was observed that the percentage of parasitemia increased gradually in all the groups,with maximum in control group(Day 3-35,Day 9-46.98) and minimum in Chloroquine arm(Day 3-14.06.Day 9-19.92).The percentage of parasitemia was compared using Mann-Whitney U test depicting that all test groups exhibited reduction in parasitemia as compared to control(P-value【0.002 for all groups).These groups showed similar percentage of survival as Chloroquine.Conclusions:The present investigation demonstrated the anti-plasmodial effects of H.antidysentrica and A.indica.which are two most commonly used medicinal plants in Ayurved for treatment of fever.
