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Cervical precancerous lesions signify cellular changes in the cervix linked to an escalated risk of cancer. These lesions often evolve towards malignancy influenced by various factors, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs), irrespective of human papillomavirus (HPV) presence. STIs represent a substantial global public health concern, affecting both sexes, with over 30 pathogens, comprising bacteria, viruses, and parasites, capable of causing STIs. The clinical presentation of these pathogens varies significantly. This study aimed to delineate the microbial profile within HPV-containing precancerous lesions. A prospective cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in Cameroon's central region, particularly in the Endom district. Among 343 patients screened, 225 women were enrolled based on positive HPV cervical smear results. Cervical cell lesions were analyzed using the Papanicolaou technique, while parasitological and microbiological methods were utilized to identify other microbes. HPV genotypes were determined via multiplex PCR. The study revealed 65 HIV-positive and HPV-positive individuals (18.96%); 40 HIV-negative and HPV-positive individuals (11.65%); 25 HIV-positive and HPV-negative individuals (7.29%); and 213 HIV-negative and HPVnegative individuals (62.10%). Various cervical lesions were identified, including Low-grade Lesions (LSILs) (21%) and High-grade lesions (HSILs) (16%). Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) (51%), Candida albicans (CA) (28%), Herpes simplex (HS) (2%), Gardnerella vaginalis (GV) (17%), Aspergillus (A) (2%), and HIV were the primary infectious agents identified in these precancerous lesions, with significant distribution (P<0.005), suggesting their role as risk factors for precancerous lesions (OR=13.89, 95% CI 6.87-21.60). Multiple HPV genotypes were characterized in the same precancerous lesions, with approximately 25% (85) of women harboring either Low_Risk (LR) (6, 11) or High_Risk (HR) (16, 18, 45, 58) HPV genotypes (P<0.001). Coinfections such as HPV/TV/CA and HPV/HIV/TV were prevalent, indicating their potential as associated risk factors for precancerous lesions. Coinfections with other microbes, typically associated with cervicitis, appear to facilitate HPV infection. These findings contribute to understanding the microbial landscape of cervical samples and underscore the importance of integrated care approaches for HIV-positive individuals with HPV-related lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to understand the role of symbionts for their insect hosts, it is customary to treat them with antibiotics or to sterilize eggs (treatments), resulting in aposymbiotic and axenic insects, respectively. Such axenic insects can then be compared with untreated controls. Fruit flies often bear complex communities which are greatly reduced by such treatments. However, the bacterial community is not completely eliminated. Here, we examine the effect of these procedures on the structure of the remaining bacterial communities in Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae) and on the insect longevity. The antibiotics (Norfloxacin and Ceftazedime) were administered to 1-day-old adult flies through sugar meal for 7 days, and eggs were surface sterilized and dechorionated to produce axenic lines. The flies were starved of protein before they were offered full diets or diets containing non-essential amino acids only. Antibiotic and egg disinfection treatments resulted in a significant reduction of the vast majority of gut bacterial populations, especially Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. On the other hand, antibiotic allowed the persistence of Actinobacteria, Cyanobacteria and Acidobacteria populations. In untreated control flies, longevity was extended irrespective of diet quality in comparison to treated flies. Conversely, when gut bacteria were largely reduced (aposymbiotic and axenic flies), longevity was reduced in the non-essential amino acids diet treatment versus slightly improved in the presence of a protein diet. We discuss these results in an ecological–life-history perspective.

In this cross-sectional study, we investigated host genetic factors and ethnic variation in circulating Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein 2 (msp-2) clones among children with asymptomatic malaria.Isolates from seventy two asymptomatic malaria children were used for genotyping block 3 of msp-2 gene by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Sickle cell trait and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency were analysed by restriction fragment length polymorphism of DNA products from PCR targeting codons 6 and 68 of the beta-globin (HBB) and G6PD genes respectively. ABO blood group was typed by agglutination method.A total of forty two msp-2 genotypes (20 for 3D7 and 22 for FC27) were detected for an average (standard error of mean) multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 2.45 (0.16). The MOI was statistically the same among the five identified ethnic groups (P = 0.83). The overall prevalence of sickle cell trait and G6PD deficiency were 12.50 % and 22.22 % respectively. MOI was similar between children with Hb AA and Hb AS genotypes (P = 0.42). MOI was significantly high among children with a mutant G6PD genotype (P = 0.017). MOI was significantly higher in blood group O than group A (P = 0.03).Our findings show that although ethnicity and sickle cell trait have no association with MOI, the association was observed with G6PD genotype and ABO group. The results suggest the need for extension and expansion of the current study in order to investigate the mechanisms involved.

Background: The use of herbal medicines as complements or alternatives to orthodox medicines has been on the increase. There has been the erroneous belief that these medicines are free from adverse effects. Schefflera barteri is popularly used in the West region of Cameroon for the treatment of various diseases such as diarrhea, spasm, pneumonia and animals bite. Considering the ethnopharmacological relevance of this plant, this study was designed to investigate the possible toxic effects of the stem bark extract of S. barteri. Methods: The extract was prepared by maceration of stem bark dry powder in methylene chloride/methanol mixture. Phytochemical analysis was performed by chemical reaction method. Oral acute toxicity study was carried out by administering single geometric increasing doses (2 to 16 g/kg body weight) of plant extract to Swiss albino mice. For sub-acute toxicity study, repeated doses (100, 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg bw) of plant extract were given to Wistar albino rats for 28 consecutive days by oral route. At the end of the treatment period, hematological and biochemical parameters were assessed, as well as histopathological studies. Results: Phytochemical analysis of stem bark extract of S. barteri revealed the presence of anthocyanins, anthraquinons and saponins. Acute toxicity results showed that the LD50 was greater than 16000 mg/kg. Sub-acute treatment significantly (P < 0.05) increased the level of serum transaminase, proteins and HDL cholesterol. On the other hand, the extract significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the level of leucocytes as well as neutrophils, basophils and monocytes in female. No significant variation of serum creatinine, LDL cholesterol, serum triglycerides as well as liver, spleen, testicles and ovaries proteins was noted. Histopathological analysis of organs showed vascular congestion, inflammation of peri-portal and vacuolization of hepatocytes at the level of the liver. Leucocytes infiltration of peri-portal veins were noticed on lungs and liver cells as well as inflammatory peri-bronchial and basal membranes seminar tube merely joined on lungs and testis respectively. Conclusion: The results suggest that acute administration of the stem bark extract of S barteri is associated with signs of toxicity, administration over a long duration provokes hepatotoxicity, testes and lungs toxicities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]