Browsing by Author "Anumudu, C. I."

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Additive effects of ciprofloxacin on the in-vitro activity of chloroquine against a clinical isolate of Plasmodium falciparum
(Taylor & Francis, 2006) Kazzim, O. J.; Adegbolagun, O. M,; Osho, O.; Anumudu, C. I.
As chloroquine and ciprofloxacin each possess substantial inhibitory activity against the schizonts of Plasmodium falciparum, it seems possible that a combination of the two drugs may be clinically useful. The effects on the erythrocytic stages of P. falciparum of combined treatment with chloroquine and ciprofloxacin were therefore evaluated in vitro, using the World Health Organization’s standardized micro test. When used alone, the median inhibitory concentration (IC50) of chloroquine against the schizonts in the assay mixtures was found to be 7.75 mg/ml, whereas the corresponding value for ciprofloxacin was markedly lower, at 3.35 mg/ml. When they were used together, however, there was marked and statistically significant mutual enhancement of schizont inhibition by the two drugs, indicating that a chloroquine–ciprofloxacin combination may be useful clinically, in the treatment and management of P. falciparum malaria.
Angiotensin II type 1 receptor A1166C gene polymorphism and essential hypertension in the Efiks of Calabar
(Academic Journals, 2009) Kooffreh, M. E.; Anumudu, C. I.; Akpan, E. E.
Hypertension is a multifactoral disorder because of the interaction of risk genes and environmental factors. The angiotensin II is a well known vasoconstrictor that exerts most of its influence through the angiotensin Il type 1 receptor The A 1166C polymorphism is a single base substitution of adenine for cytosine at position 1166 in the 3' untranslated region of the gene. There are conflicting reports on the association of the Al166C polymorphism with cardiovascular diseases such as prevalent hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, and pregnancy induced hypertension. These variations were attributed to ethnic differences in different populations. We investigated the association of the All66C polymorphism with hypertension in 100 individuals from the Efik tribe who were matched for gender and sample size. PCR-RFLP analysis was carried out to determine the allele frequency of the gene. The genotype frequencies were 48, 2 and 47, 3 for the AA, AC genotypes respectively in the patient and control groups. No individual with the CC genotype was observed in the study population. The frequency or the C allele was 0.03 and 0.02 in the control and the patient population. The genotype and allele frequency did not conform to the Hardy-Weinberg theory. Using regression analysis, age and diastolic were positive predictors for SBP, r=0.0.50; systolic was the only predictor for DBP in the patient group. Diastolic was the only predictor for SBP, r= 0.656 while age and systolic were positive predictors for DBP r= 0.718 in the control group. Gender, BMI, Al166C polymorphism and other independent varilables were not predictors for SBP and DBP in the population. P= 0.05, odds ratio 0.65, 95% CI (0.13 to 3.44). The Al166C polymorphism is not an independent risk factor for essential hypertension in the study population.
Annotation of virulence factors in schistosomes for the development of a SchistoVir database
(Academic Journals, 2013-04) Adebayo, A. S.; Anumudu, C. I.
Scientific efforts in the eradication of neglected tropical diseases, such as those caused by the parasitic helminthes, can be improved if a database of key virulence factors directly implicated in pathogenesis is available. As a first step towards creating SchistoVir, a database of virulence protein factors in schistosomes, in this study, we curated, annotated and aligned sequences of twenty virulence factors identified from the literature, using several bioinformatics tools including UniProtKB, SchistoDB, VirulentPred, InterProScan, ProtScale, MotifScan, TDRtarget, SignalP, MODBASE, PDB and MUSCLE. Among the protein entries, the most frequently occurring amino acid residues were lysine, serine, leucine, glutamine, glycine and cysteine in order of magnitude. Although sequence repeat regions (SRRs) of significant value were identified manually in fifty percent of the proteins (while dipeptide repeats (DiPs) and single amino acid repeats (SAARs) were not), nevertheless, seventy-two percent of the protein entries were classified as virulent by the prediction model, VirulentPred. Most of the entries (eighty percent) did not have target compounds based on the database of available chemical compounds at TDRtargets. Fourteen of the twenty entries (seventy percent) had more than 30 consecutively negative amino acid residues based on the ProtScale’s Kyte and Doolittle hydrophobicity plot. Hence, they would be hydrophobic enough to be transmembrane in location or secretory in nature. Only 7 (tyrosinase, serine protease1, Tspan-1, VAL4, cathepsin b and L and calreticulin) had cleavage sites and signal peptides, while none had a significant signal anchor probability. The annotations and characterization provided by this work and the development of a SchistoVir database will aid in further research of schistosome pathogenesis and control.
Anopheles gambiae complex: Molecular forms and occurrence of the KDR gene in rural Southwestern Nigeria
(Ibadan, Entomological Society of Nigeria, 2011) Noutcha, M. A. E.; Anumudu, C. I.
An investigation focusing on the molecular forms of Anopheles gambiae complex and occurrence of the knockdown resistance (kdr gene) was carried out from June to July 2001 and August to September 2002 at Igbo-Ora, Nigeria usirig aspirator and DNA analyses. Of the 127 An. gambiae s. l. analysed, there were 66 (51:9%)M and 61 (48.03%) S forms, both recorded in An. gambiae s.s. and Anopheles arabiensis. The forms were virtually sympatric throughout the study. Two of the An. gambiae s.s. examined harboured the kdr gene (RR, RS). The occurrence of the kdr gene at Igbo-Ora indicated the existence of the gene in the savanna woodland populations; earlier records were from the rain forest and Guinea savanna. The implications of these results, within the context of incipient speciation in Anopheles gambiae s.s. are discussed.
Antibody specificities of children living in a malaria endemic area to inhibitory and blocking epitopes on MSP-119 of Plasmodium falciparum
(Elsevier, 2009) Omosun, Y. O.; Adoro, S.; Anumudu, C. I.; Odaibo, A. B.; Uthiapibull, C.; Holder, A. A.; Nwagwu, M.; Nwuba, R. I.
Merozoite surface protein-119 (MSP-119) specific antibodies which include processing inhibitory, blocking and neutral antibodies have been identified in individuals exposed to Plasmodium falciparum. Here we intend to look at the effect of single and multiple amino acid substitutions of MSP-119 on the recognition by polyclonal antibodies from children living in Igbo-Ora, Nigeria. This would provide us with information on the possibility of eliciting mainly processing inhibitory antibodies with a recombinant MSP-119 vaccine. Blood was collected from children in the rainy season and binding of anti-MSP-119 antibodies to modified mutants of MSP-119 was analysed by ELISA. The MSP-119 mutant proteins with single substitutions at positions 22 (Leu→Arg), 43 (Glu→Leu) and 53 (Asn→Arg) and the MSP-119 mutant protein with multiple substitutions at positions 27 + 31 + 34 + 43 (Glu→Tyr, Leu→Arg, Tyr→Ser, Glu→Leu); which had inhibitory epitopes; had the highest recognition. Children recognised both sets of mutants with different age groups having different recognition levels. The percentage of malaria positive individuals (32–80%) with antibodies that bound to the mutants MSP-119 containing epitopes that recognise only processing inhibitory and not blocking antibodies, were significantly different from those with antibodies that did not bind to these mutants (21–28%). The amino acid substitutions that abolished the binding of blocking antibodies without affecting the binding of inhibitory antibodies are of particular interest in the design of MSP-119 based malaria vaccines. Although these MSP-119 mutants have not been found in natural population, their recognition by polyclonal antibodies from humans naturally infected with malaria is very promising for the future use of MSP-119 mutants in the design of a malaria vaccine.
Antibody specificities of children living in a malaria endemic area to inhibitory and blocking epitopes on MSP-119 of Plasmodium falciparum
(Elsevier, 2009) Omosun, Y. O.; Adoro, S.; Anumudu, C. I.; Odaibo, A. B.; Uthiapibull, C.; Holder, A. A.; Nwagwu, M.; Nwuba, R. I.
Merozoite surface protein-119 (MSP-119) specific antibodies which include processing inhibitory, blocking and neutral antibodies have been identified in individuals exposed to Plasmodium falciparum. Here we intend to look at the effect of single and multiple amino acid substitutions of MSP-119 on the recognition by polyclonal antibodies from children living in Igbo-Ora, Nigeria. This would provide us with information on the possibility of eliciting mainly processing inhibitory antibodies with a recombinant MSP-119 vaccine. Blood was collected from children in the rainy season and binding of anti-MSP-119 antibodies to modified mutants of MSP-119 was analysed by ELISA. The MSP-119 mutant proteins with single substitutions at positions 22 (Leu→Arg), 43 (Glu→Leu) and 53 (Asn→Arg) and the MSP-119 mutant protein with multiple substitutions at positions 27 + 31 + 34 + 43 (Glu→Tyr, Leu→Arg, Tyr→Ser, Glu→Leu); which had inhibitory epitopes; had the highest recognition. Children recognised both sets of mutants with different age groups having different recognition levels. The percentage of malaria positive individuals (32–80%) with antibodies that bound to the mutants MSP-119 containing epitopes that recognise only processing inhibitory and not blocking antibodies, were significantly different from those with antibodies that did not bind to these mutants (21–28%). The amino acid substitutions that abolished the binding of blocking antibodies without affecting the binding of inhibitory antibodies are of particular interest in the design of MSP-119 based malaria vaccines. Although these MSP-119 mutants have not been found in natural population, their recognition by polyclonal antibodies from humans naturally infected with malaria is very promising for the future use of MSP-119 mutants in the design of a malaria vaccine.
Assessment of heavy metal residues in water, fish tissue and human blood from Ubeji, Warri, Delta State Nigeria
(2013-06) Akintujoye, J.; Anumudu, C. I.; Awobode, H. O.
Residual levels of lead, chromium, cadmium and zinc in water and fish tissue from Ubeji River, Warri and blood samples from residents of Ubeji were analysed. Control water and fish samples were obtained from Eleyele River and blood from residents of Ibadan. All the samples collected were digested using a modified procedure from the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) and were subsequently analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Levels of lead and cadmium in Ubeji river were significantly higher than levels in Eleyele River. Fifty fish samples from five species (Citharinus citharus, Liza falcipinis, Brycinus macrolepidotus, Polydactylus quadrifilis and Tilapia zilli) were analysed. Lead concentration (ppm) was highest in C. citharus (76.07±161.48) and least in T. zilli (23.16±26.30). Chromium was not detected in B. macrolepidotus, P. quadrifilis and T. zilli. Concentrations of all heavy metals detected, except zinc, in the fish species were higher than WHO permissible limit. Lead, Cadmium and Zinc concentrations in the tissues of then control fish were significantly lower (p>0.05) than those recorded in fish from Ubeji River. There were no statistically significant differences in heavy metal concentration in fish gills and muscle (p>0.05). Lead and cadmium levels in Ubeji river significantly exceeded (p=0.0 and p=0.012) the permissible limits for aquaculture and drinking. Levels of Chromium (1737.17±2996.01), Zinc and Lead (149.35±188.28 and 123.49±350.85 respectively) were significantly high (p<0.05) in the 101 human blood samples screened, while concentrations of Cadmium was comparatively low (10.11±10.71). Lower levels of cadmium, zinc and lead (8.54± 7.49, 79.89±62.65 and 53.46±57.17, respectively) were recorded for the control samples from Ibadan. This study highlights the high levels of heavy metals in the Ubeji River and suggests the need for interventions to stem the tide of pollution in the river. It would also be important to assess health problems that may arise as a result of contact and continuous use of the water.
Cellular responses to modified Plasmodium falciparum MSP 119 antigens in individuals previously exposed to natural malaria infection
(Springer, 2009) Okafor, C. M. F.; Anumudu, C. I.; Omosun, Y. O.; Uthaipibull, C.; Ayede, I.; Awobode, H. O.; Odaibo, A. B.; Langhorne, J.; Holder, A. A.; Nwuba, R. I.; Troye-Blomberg, M.
Background: MSP1 processing-inhibitory antibodies bind to epitopes on the 19 kDa C-terminal region of the Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP119), inhibiting erythrocyte invasion. Blocking antibodies also bind to this antigen but prevent inhibitory antibodies binding, allowing invasion to proceed. Recombinant MSP119 had been modified previously to allow inhibitory but not blocking antibodies to continue to bind. Immunization with these modified proteins, therefore, has the potential to induce more effective protective antibodies. However, it was unclear whether the modification of MSP119 would affect critical T-cell responses to epitopes in this antigen. Methods: The cellular responses to wild-type MSP119 and a panel of modified MSP119 antigens were measured using an in-vitro assay for two groups of individuals: the first were malaria-naïve and the second had been naturally exposed to Plasmodium falciparum infection. The cellular responses to the modified proteins were examined using cells from malaria-exposed infants and adults. Results: Interestingly, stimulation indices (SI) for responses induced by some of the modified proteins were at least two-fold higher than those elicited by the wild-type MSP119. A protein with four amino acid substitutions (Glu27→Tyr, Leu31→Arg, Tyr34→Ser and Glu43→Leu) had the highest stimulation index (SI up to 360) and induced large responses in 64% of the samples that had significant cellular responses to the modified proteins.
Clinical manifestations and immune response to MSP 119 in severe paediatric malaria in Adeoyo state maternity hospital, Ibadan
(College of Medicine, University of Ibadan and the University College Hospital, 2004) Anumudu, C. I.; Okafor, C. M. F.; Ngwumohaike, V.; Afolabi, K. A.; Nwuba, R. I.; Nwagwu, M.
A 10-week cross-sectional study was carried out at the Adeoyo State Maternity Hospital (Beere, Ibadan), Southwestern Nigeria in order to determine (a) the prevalence of severe malaria, (b) identify the predominant clinical presentations that characterise the disease in children below 5 years and the pattern of antibody responses to MSP 119 elicited in severe malaria complications. Three thousand, one hundred and thirty-one cases reported to the Out Patients' Department; of these, 372 (11.8%) subjects were recruited on the basis of doctors' diagnosis of severe malaria, malaria and other complications. Six per cent (188/3131) of the patients were admitted. Serum samples for 320 of the 372 subjects were analysed for antibodies specific to MSP 119 by ELISA. The highest antibody responses occurred in the age group 2-5 years. Parasite prevalence was 77.9% (290 of 372 subjects) and parasite density ranged from 80 to >100000 parasites/uL blood. Fever (an average temperature of 38.6 ±0.4°C and peak at 41°C) and severe malaria were the major clinical manifestations of rnalaria amongst the study population. Severe malaria was found to be associated with other features such as cough, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Cytokine profiles among HIV and malaria co-infected pregnant mothers and their babies post delivery
(2012) Adeoti, O. M.; Awobode, H. O.; Olayiwola, O.; Anumudu, C. I.
Malaria and HIV co-infected mothers have an increased risk of poor birth outcome, spontaneous abortion, malaria infection and early progression of HIV to AIDS. This study examines the impact of HIV and malaria on the levels of cytokines in peripheral blood from mothers and their new borns. 149 pregnant mothers and 30 babies born to 63 HIV infected mothers were engaged in longitudinal study for 18 months in the endemic area of Saki and Ibadan. Blood samples collected from mothers and babies’ cord blood were tested for HIV and malaria parasite. ELISA was used to determine the plasma concentration of TNF-α, IL-2, IL-10 and IFN-γ and statistical tests were considered significant at P< 0.05. There was no correlation between HIV status and the profiles of anti-inflammatory cytokines but a direct relationship exists between cytokine levels and malaria infection. The increased levels of IL-10 in HIV-infected mothers could worsen the incidence of falciparum malaria.
Cytokine profiles and antibody responses to Plasmodium falciparum malaria infection in individuals living in Ibadan, southwest Nigeria
(Faculty of Medicine, Makerere University, 2009) Iriemenam, N. C.; Okafor, C. M.; Balogun, H. A.; Ayede, I.; Omosun, Y.; Persson, J. O.; Hagstedt, M.; Anumudu, C. I.; Nwuba, R. I.; Troye-Blomberg, M.; Berzins, K.
Background: The ability of the host immune system to efficiently clear Plasmodium falciparum parasites during a malaria infection depends on the type of immune response mounted by the host. Study design: In a cross-sectional study, we investigated the cellular-and antibody responses in individuals with P. falciparum infection, in an attempt to identify immunological signs indicative of the development of natural immunity against malaria in Ibadan, Nigeria. Levels of IL-10, IL-12(p70), IFN-γ, and IgM, IgG and IgG1-4 subclasses in the serum of 36 symptomatic children with microscopically confirmed malaria parasitaemia and 54 asymptomatic controls were analysed by ELISA. Results: IFN-γ and IL-10 were significantly higher in the symptomatic children (p=0.009, p=0.025 respectively) than in the asymptomatic controls but no differences were seen for IL-12(p70). Estimated higher ratios of IFN-γ/IL-10 and IFN-γ/IL-12 were also observed in the symptomatic children while the asymptomatic controls had higher IL-12/IL-10 ratio. The mean concentration levels of anti-P. falciparum IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 antibodies were statistically significantly higher in the individuals >5 years of age than <5 years while anti-P. falciparum IgG3 antibodies were notably low in <5 years category. Children <5 years had higher IgM antibodies than IgG and the expression of IgG subclasses increased with age. Conclusion: Taken together, malaria infection is on a delicate balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The higher levels of IFN-γ seen in the symptomatic children (<6months) may be instrumental in immune-protection against malaria by limiting parasite replication. The observed variations in immunoglobulin subclass levels were age-dependent and exposure-related
Detection of p53 codon 249 mutation in Nigerian patients with hepatocellular carcinoma using a novel evaluation of cell-free DNA
(Mexican Association Hepatology, Medica Sur Clinic and Foundation, 2008) Igetei, R.; Otegbayo, J. A.; Ndububa, D. A.; Lesi, O. A.; Anumudu, C. I.; Hainaut, P.; Gorrnally, E.
Objectives: This case-control study was done to determine the association and prevalence of p53 codon 249 mutation using cell-free DNA in the plasma of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in South-Western Nigeria. Method: Eighty-five adults with HCC and seventy-seven age and gender matched controls without evidence of liver disease or malignancy involving any part of the body, were recruited. Plasma DNA was analyzed for p53 codon 249 by restriction fragment length polymorphism. Patient evaluation was done by means questionnaire interview, clinical examination, laboratory and radiological tests. The prevalence of the p53 codon 249 mutation was expressed as a percentage amplifiable DNA samples analyzed from HCC patients while that of controls was expressed in the same way. Fisher’s exact test or the student t-test where appropriate were used to assess statistical significance of prevalence between both groups as well as comparison of some characteristics in the HCC cases between those who had codon 249 mutation and those who did not. Associations between the various parameters assessed were determined by odds ratio and significant difference was specified at p < 0.05. Results: p53 codon 249 mutation was present in 6 (7.6%) of the 79 samples from the HCC patients with amplifiable plasma DNA while none (i.e. 0%) of the 73 samples with amplifiable plasma DNA from the controls had this mutation. This prevalence is significantly higher among HCC patients than controls (0.029). The mutation was also found to be significantly associated with HCC (odds ratio = 2.00; 95% C I: 1.70 – 2.35). Conclusion: The prevalence of the p53 codon 249 mutation from plasma DNA of hepatocellular carcinoma patients is significantly higher than among controls in South-Western Nigeria and the presence of this mutation is significantly associated with HCC in this region.
Developmental regulation of genes encoding Universal stress proteins in Schistosoma mansoni
(Sage Publications, 2011) Isokpehi, R. D.; Mahmud, O.; Mbah, A. N.; Simmons, S. S.; Avelar, L.; Rajnarayanan, R. V.; Udensi, U. K.; Ayensu, W. K.; Cohly, H. H.; Brown, S. D.; Dates, C. R.; Hentz, S. D.; Hughes, S. J.; Smith-Mclnnis, D. R.; Patterson, C. O.; Sims, J. N.; Turner, K. T.; Williams, B. S.; Johnson, M. O.; Adubi, T.; Mbuh, J. V.; Anumudu, C. I.; Adeoye, G. O.; Thomas, B. N.; Nashiru, O.; Oliveira, G.
The draft nuclear genome sequence of the snail-transmitted, dimorphic, parasitic, platyhelminth Schistosoma mansoni revealed eight genes encoding proteins that contain the Universal Stress Protein (USP) domain. Schistosoma mansoni is a causative agent of human schistosomiasis, a severe and debilitating Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) of poverty, which is endemic in at least 76 countries. The availability of the genome sequences of Schistosoma species presents opportunities for bioinformatics and genomics analyses of associated gene families that could be targets for understanding schistosomiasis ecology, intervention, prevention and control. Proteins with the USP domain are known to provide bacteria, archaea, fungi, protists and plants with the ability to respond to diverse environmental stresses. In this research investigation, the functional annotations of the USP genes and predicted nucleotide and protein sequences were initially verified. Subsequently, sequence clusters and distinctive features of the sequences were determined. A total of twelve ligand binding sites were predicted based on alignment to the ATP-binding universal stress protein from Methanocaldococcus jannaschii. In addition, six USP sequences showed the presence of ATP-binding motif residues indicating that they may be regulated by ATP. Public domain gene.
Developmental signaling genes in ameloblastoma
(Springer, 2015) Onyegbula, K.; Onile, O. S.; Okoje, V. N.; Anumudu, C. I.
Context: This study investigated the presence or absence of β-catenin and Patched1 (PTCH1) genes involved in the developmental pathway in ameloblastoma, in order to clarify the genetic etiology of this tumor. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate whether PTCH1 and β-catenin genes are involved in the development of ameloblastoma. Subjects and Methods: Archived formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens of 89 ameloblastoma cases from the year 2000 to 2010 were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: A total of 21 (23.6%) of the 89 ameloblastoma cases were positive for β-catenin gene, where 14/21 (66.7%) cases were mandibular ameloblastoma. Plexiform 5/21 (23.8%) and cystic 5/21 (23.8%) ameloblastoma were the most regular histological type positive for β-catenin. However, β-catenin positive was more in the feminine gender (11/19, 57.9%) than the masculine (8/19, 42.1%). Only one case was positive for PTCH1 gene and this was histologically a mandibular site and plexiform-type ameloblastoma. Conclusions: This study suggested that β-catenin and PTCH1 genes may play an important role in the pathogenesis of ameloblastoma.
Entomological indices of Anopheles gambiae sensu lato at a rural community in south-west Nigeria
(National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi on behalf of Indian Council of Medical Research, 2009) Noutcha, M. A. E.; Anumudu, C. I.
Background & objectives: Investigations were conducted to obtain key entomological indices of Anopheles gambiae s.l. at Igbo-Ora, a rural community in south-west Nigeria. Methods: Mosquitoes were caught daily for a week from rooms where tenants had slept the previous night in each of the four months June, July (2001), and August, September (2002). Anopheles gambiae s.l. sibling species were PCR-identified, the blood meal origin was determined by direct ELISA, and the circumsporozoite antigen by sandwich ELISA. Mean weekly rates were calculated. Results: The mean human biting rates were 0.90 and 1.6 in 2001 and 2002 respectively. The mean weekly anthropophilic rates for An. gambiae s.l. were 82 and 86% in 2001 and 2002 respectively; they were high in An. gambiae s.s., An. arabiensis and non-identified species in the complex. The mean weekly circumsporozoite rates were 6.70% in 2001 and 6.30% in 2002. The mean weekly entomological inoculation rates (EIR) were 4.95 and 5.05 in 2001 and 2002 respectively; the seasonal (6-month) rates were high: 128.7 in 2001 and 131.3 in 2002, compared to data from other rural communities on the continent. Interpretation & conclusion: The implications of these findings on the role of An. gambiae s.l. in the holoendemicity of malaria at Igbo-Ora are discussed.
Epidemiological factors that promote the development of severe malaria anaemia in children in Ibadan
(Faculty of Medicine, Makerere University, 2007) Anumudu, C. I.; Okafor, C. M. F.; Ngwumohaike, V.; Afolabi, K. A.; Nwuba, R. I.; Nwagwu, M.
Background: Effective control and management of severe malaria cases depends on a clear understanding of the local epidemiological factors and specific clinical manifestations of the disease in the different endemic regions. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of severe malaria and epidemiological factors that affect the development of malaria anaemia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among children below 5 years of age, at the Adeoyo State Maternity Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. Questionnaires and case histories were taken from patients clinically diagnosed of malaria. Thus, 372 volunteers were recruited into the study from the 3131 paediatric cases that reported over the10-week period to the out-patient department (OPD) of the hospital. 229 (61.6%) of the recruited volunteers presented with fever (>37.5 oC) at consultation. These had malaria parasite and PCV tests done. Results: Clinical diagnosis was confirmed microscopically in 78% (290/372) for Plasmodium infection using thick film slides. Anaemia (PCV <28%) prevalence was 28.2%. Factors that contributed to the rapid progression of uncomplicated malaria to severe status included: age of the child, level of parasitaemia, careless response and attitude of parents or guardians to fever in the children; parents’ preoccupation with their jobs or other healthy children and unwillingness to use available health facilities. Conclusion: The study underscores the need for community involved partnership for malaria control especially through health education for the home management of malaria, especially among those experiencing some form of inequity in access to healthcare.
Epidemiology of malaria in children living at Igbo-Ora, South Western Nigeria
(Faculty of Science Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, 2008) Nwuba, R. I.; Omosun, Y. O.; Anumudu, C. I.; Adoro, S.; Odaibo, A. B.; Nwagwu, M.
Malaria transmission is seasonal with higher transmission occurring in the rainy season. The burden of malaria falls mainly on children and causes anaemia and fever. Children of school going age are affected and this leads to absence from school. Blood samples were collected from children aged 10 days to 15 years in dry and rainy seasons. Parasite densities were determined by microscopy. Malaria prevalence was higher in the rainy season than in the dry season. In the dry season, 42.4% of the children studied were positive for P. falciparum. While at the end of the rainy season 48.4% of the children were malaria positive. The parasite prevalence was not significantly different between males and females. Parasite densities varied from 18 to 52174 parasites per 111 of blood. The most abundant group ranged from 1-100 (59%). There was a significant correlation between parasite density and age with the mean parasite density decreasing with age group. The study shows that malaria is more prevalent in the rainy season, and children in rural areas have high prevalence of asymptomatic parasitemia which might lead to symptomatic malaria. The results show that malaria immunity increases with age in both seasons.
Evaluation of a rapid immunochromatographic card test for Plasmodium falciparum in Ibadan, Nigeria
(College of Medicine, University of Ibadan and the University College Hospital, 2001) Nwuba, R. I.; Anumudu, C. I.; Omosun, Y. O.; Sodeinde, O.; Nwagwu, M.
This short report describes the results of a rapid; simple and cost effective immunodiagnostic test for malaria in Ibadan, Nigeria. A total of 77% patients presenting at the children outpatient clinic, University College Hospital with malaria symptoms were screened for malaria parasites by microscopy using Giemsa stain and by the immunochromatographic card test. The immunodiagnostic test had a sensitivity of 93.1 % and a specificity of 95.8%, making a good alternative for malaria diagnosis especially in rural areas without electricity, where microscopy is not possible, and a decision is to be made on when to start treatment.
Evaluation of host humoral antibody production against Plasmodium falciparum recombinant circumsporozoite antigen in Nigerian children
(National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi on behalf of Indian Council of Medical Research, 2012-09) Olalubi, A. O.; Ogunlana, O. E.; Anumudu, C. I.
Background & objectives: The challenge of malaria and efforts targeted at developing malaria vaccines triggered this study on the reactivity of IgG and its subclasses in the test serum specific to CSP. This work was directed at assessing the influence of age and gender on host humoral antibody against Plasmodium falciparum recombinant circumsporozoite antigen in Nigerian children. Methods: In all, 67 serum samples (>10,000 parasites/μl of blood) collected from malaria-infected children at the University College Hospital, Ibadan during the transmission season were analyzed by ELISA. Results: The mean absorbance values of IgG subclasses reactive against P. falciparum CSP appeared to be age dependent and ranged from 0.01 for IgG4 in younger children to 0.95 for IgG3 in older children. The sixty-seven subjects investigated in this study had significantly higher mean IgG1 and IgG3 than the uninfected controls (p <0.01). This follows the order IgG3 >IgG1>IgG2>IgG4 which confirmed the prevalence of the cytophilic antibodies (IgG1 and IgG3) in 65% of the malaria infected children over the non-cytophilic subclasses (IgG2 and IgG4). Similarly, there was low production of IgG4 and IgG2 levels in 35% of the subjects compared with control. IgG was detected in the serum of North American Subjects (NAS) which served as negative control for CSP-specific IgG subclasses. Although the NAS titre was lower than that of the malaria subjects in Nigeria, its IgG2 was, however, higher (0.16) than that of other subclasses. The mean absorbance values of total serum IgG subclass were higher than those of IgG subclasses specific to P. falciparum circumsporozoite antigen. The mean absorbance values of the total serum IgG subclass follows the order IgG2>IgG1>IgG4>IgG3. Interpretation & conclusion: Age and gender-dependent correlations of results suggest that acquired immunity could play a significant role in protection from malaria. Antibody levels are higher in male than female children of the same age group. Antibody levels also increase with age in both the male and female children.
Extracellular release of acid phosphatase from blood stream forms of Trypanosoma brucei brucei
(Nigerian Society for Experimental Biology, 2013-04) Awobode, H. O.; Anumudu, C. I.; Nwagwu, N.
Acid phosphatase (ACP) activity was demonstrated in blood stream form of Trypanosome brucei brucei harvested from infected Wister rats by Ion Exchange DEAE Cellulose 52 chromatography. Whole parasite extract (WPE) and Excretory Secretory Extract (ESE) were prepared and analyzed for acid phosphatase activity. A higher ACP activity (85.5 μmol/min) was recorded in WPE compared to ESE (36.8 μmol/min). ACP activity in ESE is suggestive of the presence of a cell rich enzyme. Phase separation of the extracts using the detergent Triton X-114 (TX-114), resulted in protein partitioning into aqueous and detergent phases. ACP activity was higher in the detergent phases (56.2 μmol/min and 28.8 μmol/min) of WPE and ESE respectively. ACP activity recorded in the aqueous phases of WPE and EPE was 27.8 and 7.6 μmol/min respectively. On a Size Exclusion chromatography column using Sephacryl-300, ESE emerged as five distinct protein peaks. ACP activity of the eluted fractions showed two peaks of relative molecular weights 195 and 325 KD. This study shows that T. brucei releases acid phosphatase extracellularly via a yet to be determined mechanism. Acid phosphatase activity in ESE is indicative of a soluble enzyme within the cell matrix which may also play an important role in the pathology of African Trypanosomiasis.