Genetic diversity and population structure of Plasmodium falciparum in Nigeria: insights from microsatellite loci analysis

BACKGROUND

Malaria remains a public health burden especially in Nigeria. To develop new malaria control and elimination strategies or refine existing ones, understanding parasite population diversity and transmission patterns is crucial.

METHODS

In this study, characterization of the parasite diversity and structure of Plasmodium falciparum isolates from 633 dried blood spot samples in Nigeria was carried out using 12 microsatellite loci of P. falciparum. These microsatellite loci were amplified via semi-nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and fragments were analysed using population genetic tools.

RESULTS

Estimates of parasite genetic diversity, such as mean number of different alleles (13.52), effective alleles (7.13), allelic richness (11.15) and expected heterozygosity (0.804), were high. Overall linkage disequilibrium was weak (0.006, P < 0.001). Parasite population structure was low (Fst: 0.008-0.105, AMOVA: 0.039).

CONCLUSION

The high level of parasite genetic diversity and low population structuring in this study suggests that parasite populations circulating in Nigeria are homogenous. However, higher resolution methods, such as the 24 SNP barcode and whole genome sequencing, may capture more specific parasite genetic signatures circulating in the country. The results obtained can be used as a baseline for parasite genetic diversity and structure, aiding in the formulation of appropriate therapeutic and control strategies in Nigeria.

Psychological Health Among Gastroenterologists During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A National Survey

The COVID-19 pandemic poses unprecedented and unique challenges to gastroenterologists eager to maintain clinical practice, patients' health, and their own physical/mental well-being. We aimed to estimate the prevalence and critical determinants of psychological distress in gastroenterologists during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pattern of medical admissions at enugu state university of science and technology teaching hospital: a 5 year review

Background:

Rapid urbanization and changing lifestyle have modified the profile and pattern of various medical disorders in many Nigerian communities. Surveys of medical admissions into various Nigerian health institutions show an increasing burden of non-communicable diseases in our communities.

Aim:

To determine the profile and pattern of medical cases admitted and their outcome in a new tertiary medical institution in South East Nigeria.

Materials and Methods:

A review of medical admissions into the Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital (ESUTTH), Enugu, Nigeria over 5 years between January 1, 2006 and December 30, 2010 was undertaken. Morbidity and mortality data were obtained from ward registers and subsequently medical record registers. Classifications of medical disorders were grouped using ICD 10 coding system.

Results:

A total of 3,865 case records were analyzed. Males were 2,312/3,865 (59.6%) and females 1,660/3,865 (40.2%). The age range was 14-105 years with a mean age of 54.3 (18.1) years. The 4 commonest causes of medical ward admissions were neurological disorders-850/3,865 (22%), endocrine disorders-735/3,865 (19.1%), cardiovascular disorders-718/3,865 (18.5%) and infectious diseases-604/3,865 (15.6%). The diseases encountered most were diabetes mellitus-735/3,865 (19.1%), hypertension/congestive cardiac failure-703/3,865 (18.2%), strokes-614/3,865 (15.9%) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS-503 (13.1%). The overall mortality was 766/3,865 (19.8%) men-467/2,312 (20.2%); women-299/2,312 (19.3%). Strokes accounted for most of the deaths-171/766 (22.3%) followed by HIV/AIDS 127/766 (16.6%). Hypertension/cardiac failure and diabetes each accounted for 116/766 (15.1%) of all deaths. Case fatality rates for strokes and HIV/AIDS were the highest (171/614 (27.9%) and 127/503 (25.2%) respectively). Mortality rate was highest in the above 70 years age group.

Conclusion:

Non-communicable disorders are the commonest causes of medical ward admission in this tertiary institution. Efforts aimed at primary prevention will help to reduce the burden of these disorders in the community.

Identification of protein types in Bambara nut seeds: Perspectives for dietary protein supply in developing countries

This study aims to identify the types of proteins in malted and dry Bambara groundnut seeds and through a comparative analysis, identify similarities and their known uses. Dry viable bambara seed was stored for five days to malt. The proteins in the dry and malted seed were subsequently extracted in potassium phosphate buffer pH 7.0 and precipitated with saturated ammonium sulphate. MudPit (multidimensional protein identification technology) and LC-MALDI TOF-TOF (liquid chromatography - matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization tandem time-of-flight) mass spectrometry were thereafter used to identify the different types of proteins. A total of ten and twelve different types of proteins present in other legume species were identified in the malted and dry seeds respectively from the 214 peptides isolated after searching 586 proteins of the genus Vigna. Seed storage protein B and vicilin were observed to be the major proteins common to both malted and dry seeds and are similar to Vigna luteola. Some of the other proteins observed showed amino acid sequence homology with Vigna radiata and Vigna unguiculata species. The following proteins BV1, Heat shock and Bowman-Birk Inhibitor (a protease), were observed only in the malted state. This information may enhance the appreciation of the nutritional and health benefits of the seed.