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Saccharum officinarum Linn. (sugarcane, Family-Poaceae) is employed in Ibibio traditional medicine for the treatment of various infections and diseases such as malaria. We This study aims to assess the antiplasmodial effect of the leaf extract and fractions on human malaria parasite (Plasmodium falciparum) in vitro, and rodent malaria parasite (P. berghei) in vivo, and analyse the bioactive components of the active fraction(s). The leaf extract and fractions of S. officinarum were prepared and their growth inhibitory effects tested against the chloroquine resistant P. falciparum strain (Dd2) and P. berghei infection in mice. An acute toxicity of the extract was determined. A combination of gas chromatography and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was applied for metabolites profiling of crude extract and active fractions. The leaf extract and fractions demonstrated moderate activity against P. falciparum with the dichloromethane fraction producing the most potent activity (EC50 = 15.4 µg/mL). The leaf extract (170–510 mg/kg, p.o., LD50 = 1732 mg/kg) and fractions demonstrated significant (p P. berghei infection in prophylactic tests as well as in established infection with n-butanol fractions producing the highest effect. An unusual sulphur-containing compound, dilaurylthiodipropionate, fatty acids, phenolic acids, flavonoid and flavonoid glycoside were identified in the active fractions. These results give credence to the use of sugarcane leaves as malarial remedy locally by confirming the in vitro and in vivo antiplasmodial potential of leaf extract/fractions of S. officinarum.

Background Incidence of malaria and anaemia are of public health importance especially in pregnant women in endemic regions, due to the negative health consequences to the mother and fetus. This study aimed to assess the pattern of falciparum malaria infection and anaemia, based on malaria prevention methods practiced by participants. Methods A semi-structured tool was used to capture information on demographic, socio-economic and malaria prevention practices from 113 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in 2 peri-urban health facilities in Lagos, southwest Nigeria. Malaria microscopy was conducted and haematocrit was measured. Logistic regression analysis was performed on the data collated from the survey. Results The prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women was 87.2%. The mean (± sd) packed cell volume (PCV) (%) of the 22 (19.5%) infected subjects (26.8 ± 6.6), was significantly lower (t = −2.60, P value = 0.007) than that of the 91 (80.5%) uninfected subjects (30.8 ± 6.0). The prevalence of infection was highest in the 3rd trimester (n = 40, 35.4%) at 27.5% (11/40) and among those in their first pregnancy (n = 32, 28.3%) at 25.0% (8/32). There was a significant difference (t = −2.23, P-value = 0.01) in the mean PCV % of pregnant women who consumed herbal teas in pregnancy (28.2 ± 5.2) compared to those who did not (30.8 ± 6.6). Regression analysis showed that first pregnancy, anti-malarial use and insecticide-treated nets use the night before study had increased odds of malaria infection in participants (OR = 1.35, P = 0.006, 95% CI 0.52−2.49; OR = 2.3, P = 0.005, 95% CI 0.14−0.41; OR = 1.92, P = 0.001, 95% CI 0.62−5.98) while intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) participation and formal education were strongly and significantly associated with lower risk of parasitaemia (OR = 0.95, P = 0.025, 95% CI 0.41−2.26; OR = 0.44, P = 0.005, 95% CI 0.34−10.50). Conclusion Interventions that will reduce malaria and moderate to severe anaemia, especially in a first pregnancy, should include education on the correct use of long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets (LLIN), IPT and the dangers of herbal teas in pregnancy.

Development of resistance by different malaria vector populations to insecticides has become a big threat to malaria vector elimination. This study evaluated the susceptibility of Anopheles mosquito populations in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria to permethrin (0.75%), deltamethrin (0.5%), lambdacyhalothrin (0.5%), alphacypermethrin (0.75%), Dichlorodiphenyltrichloethane (DDT), propoxur, bendiocarb and pirimiphosmethylin in World Health Organization (WHO) test tubes following standard protocols. The mosquitoes were obtained as aquatic forms and reared under laboratory conditions to adults. The adults were subjected to WHO susceptibility bioassays following standard procedures. Malaria vectors across the study sites were resistant to permethrin, deltamethrin, lambdacyhalothrin and alphacypermethrin insecticides. Full susceptibility to propoxur and bendiocarb was recorded across the sites. Full susceptibility to pirimiphosmethyl was recorded in populations from three sites. Nevertheless, population of the malaria vectors collected from Oron was resistant to pirimiphosmethyl. KDT50 and KDT95 estimated for each insecticide using a log-time probit model revealed that knockdown was more rapid for deltamethrin, lambdacyhalothrin, alphacypermethrin, propoxur, bendiocarb and pirimiphosmethyl than for DDT and permethrin across the study sites. Morphological identification of all the mosquito samples used revealed that they were female Anopheles gambiae s.l. Sustained susceptibility of malaria vectors to pyrethriod is necessary for successful malaria control with insecticide treated nets and Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS). Emergence of focal points with insecticide resistance gives serious concern especially with the scale-up in distribution of pyrethriod treated nets to these areas. This may increase selection pressures due to overexposure. Further study to identify the exact resistance mechanism(s) of malaria vectors from these sites is recommended.

Malaria is still regarded as a major public health problem in sub-Saharan African countries. Anopheles mosquitoes have been implicated as the major malaria vectors. However, species abundance, composition and distribution vary between different ecological zones. This study investigated the composition and distribution of Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes in Itu Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Adult Anopheles mosquitoes were sampled bi-weekly from 15 randomly selected houses each from three communities in the study area by pyrethroid spray capture (PSC) method. Adult Anopheles species were identified morphologically and sibling species were further subjected to species- specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) typing. A total of 269 female Anopheles species were caught between July and December, 2015. The study indicated significant (p

Most uncomplicated malaria dominated countries have embraced the recommended first-line treatment of uncomplicated malaria. Artemisinin-based combination therapies such as Artemether-Lumefantrine, Artesunate + Amodiaquine and Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine have shown to be effective with Artemether-Lumefantrine and considered the most effective and approved by WHO. The study collected and reviewed recent randomized controlled trials for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria under five children. Eligibility criteria for the selected studies were based on the use of tools such as PICO (T) and data extraction tools such as REPOSE guidelines, PRISMA statement and eligibility criteria. This study includes only RCTs on the treatment of uncomplicated malaria under 5 s. Data was analyzed through comparative-narrative analysis. This study found 8 studies. Selected studies had a total of 10,682 participants within the age range of 0 - 59 months with the diagnosis of uncomplicated malaria and an MCP range of 2000 - 200,000 treated with different antimalarial drugs. Artesunate + Amodiaquine and Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine and Artemether-Lumefantrine drugs were found to be consistent in the treatment of uncomplicated malaria under 5 s within three days. Findings show that Artemether-Lumefantrine, Artesunate + Amodiaquine and Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine were the best drugs of choice due to their fast rate in fever reduction and parasite clearance. The efficacy of Artesunate + Amodiaquine and Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine is comparable to Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine. The study concludes that Artesunate + Amodiaquine and Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine can also be drugs of choice along with the well-known and utilized Artemether-Lumefantrine combination because of the fever reduction and parasite clearance within the first three days duration.

The effect of Vitamin E on some cardiac parameters following concomitant administration of artemether-lumefantrine (AL) and ciprofloxacin in male Wistar rats was investigated. Thirty-five male Wistar rats weighing between 190 – 220 g, used for the study were randomly divided into seven groups of five animals each. Group I served as the control. Group II - VII were administered; 8 mg/kg body weight (bw) of AL; 7.14 mg/kg bw of Ciprofloxacin; 8 mg/kg bw of AL + 7.14 mg/kg bw of Ciprofloxacin; 8 mg/kg bw of AL + 8.57 IU of Vitamin E; 7.14 mg/kg bw of Ciprofloxacin + 8.57 IU of Vitamin E; and 8 mg/kg bw of AL + 7.14 mg/kg bw of Ciprofloxacin + 8.57 IU of Vitamin E respectively. All the drugs were administered at their therapeutic regimen. Some cardiac parameters investigated include lipid profile, Troponin I, Troponin T, Creatine kinase, Lactate dehydrogenase and aspartate aminotransferase. The result showed significant (p< 0.05) increase in all the parameters of cardiac function when treatment groups were compared with control. The observed increase in cardiac indices were however significantly (p< 0.05) ameliorated in Groups V, VII and VII which were co-administered with Vitamin E compared with Groups II, III and IV which received the test drugs independently. The weights of the heart tissues showed the same trend with the parameters of cardiac function assessed and upon administration of vitamin E. The results obtained suggest the antioxidative role of vitamin E in alleviating the negative effects induced by artemether-lumefantrine and ciprofloxacin combination treatment, which may be from the impact of free radicals that may have been generated by the combined drugs.

Multiplex assays for malaria antigen detection can gather data from large sample sets, but considerations for the consistency and quality assurance (QA) of mass testing lack evaluation. We present a QA framework for a study occurring November 2019 to March 2020 involving 504 assay plates detecting four Plasmodium antigens: pan-Plasmodium aldolase and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP2), P. vivax LDH (PvLDH). Controls on each plate included buffer blank, antigen negative blood, and 4-point positive dilution curve. The blank and negative blood provided consistently low signal for all targets except for pAldolase, which showed variability. Positive curve signals decreased throughout the 5-month study duration but retained a coefficient of variation (CV) of

Background: Malaria and hookworm infections independently have been known to cause anaemia. Coinfection of these two parasites can aggravated the morbidity of these infections with a resulting impact on anaemia especially in pregnancy.Aims and Objective: This work was aimed at assessing the prevalence of malaria and hookworm co-infection and their effects on anaemia among pregnant women in Calabar Metroplis.Materials and Methods: Giemsa stained film of venous blood was examined microscopically for malaria parasites while cyanmethaemoglobin method was used for haemoglobin level estimation. Stool samples were examined microscopically while Stoll’s technique was used in counting the ova of hookworm.Results: 19(6.3%) of the subjects were infected with hookworm, 45(15.0%) with malaria, while 9(3.0%) were infected with both parasites. Severe anaemia of 4(44.4%) was observed amongst the test (infected) subjects while the control (uninfected) subjects had a severe anaemia of 3(1.0%). The highest prevalence of co-infections of malaria and hookworm 4(38.6%) occurred among the age group of 26-30years (p=0.371). Subjects in their 3rd trimester had the highest prevalence of co-infection of 4(4.4%) (p=0.412). The highest prevalence of severe anaemia 1(100.0%) occurred among the age group of 16-20years (p=0.002).Conclusion: This work has shown a low prevalence of malaria and hookworm co-infection. The level of severe anaemia among infected pregnant women was more than that observed among subjects without any of the two infections.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.9(3) 2018 27-35

Background: The National Malaria Eradication Program and international agencies are keen on scaling up the use of malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs) and artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) for effective diagnosis and treatment of the disease. However, poor diagnostic skills and inappropriate treatment are limiting the efforts. In Nigeria, a large proportion of infected patients self-diagnose and treat while many others seek care from informal drug attendants and voluntary health workers. Aims: This study describes the impact of training voluntary health workers, drug shop attendants, and mothers on effective case detection and treatment of malaria in Lagos, Nigeria. METHODS: We trained mothers accessing antenatal care, drug shop attendants, and voluntary health workers selected from the three districts of Lagos, on the use of histidine-rich protein-2-based mRDTs and ACTs. Pre- and post-training assessments, focus group discussions (FGDs), and in-depth interviews (IDIs) were carried out. Results: The knowledge, attitude, and skill of the participants to achieve the goal of “test, treat, and track” using mRDT and ACTs were low (11%–55%). There was a low awareness of other non-malaria fevers among mothers. Self-medication was widely practiced (31.3%). FGDs and IDIs revealed that health-care providers administered antimalarials without diagnosis. Training significantly improved participants' knowledge and expertise on the use of mRDTs and ACTs (P = 0.02). The participants' field performance on mRDT use was significantly correlated with their category (bivariate r = 0.51, P = 0.001). There was no statistically significant association between the participants' level of education or previous field experience and their field performance on mRDT (r = 0.12, P = 0.9; χ 2= 38, df = 2 and P = 0.49). Conclusion: These findings suggest that training of stakeholders in malaria control improves diagnosis and treatment of malaria. However, a broader scope of training in other settings may be required for an effective malaria control in Nigeria.

This study intended to determine the influence of knowledge of malaria epidemiology and water-bearing plant and public participation in malaria prevention and control in Ahiazu Mbaise local government area, Imo State. The study was analyzed basedon the two hypotheses were postulated to guide the study. The descriptive survey research design was used, 100 samples wereused and the stratified random sampling technique was adopted to select the respondent for the study. Questionnaires weredistributed to the respondents and used as an instrument in conducting the research, 100 respondents were given the questionnaires all of it was retrieved to facilitate precise results of the investigation. The Pearson correlation analysis was used forthe data analysis and the following result was obtained – That there is a significant relationship between residents’ knowledge ofmalaria transmission and their participation in malaria prevention and control activities in Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area, there is a significant relationship between people knowledge of water-bearing plants as a factor that promote the spread ofmalaria and their participation in malaria prevention and control in the Area.

Malaria transmission and prevalence involves a triangular web of interactions between man, vector, and the environment. Any meaningful effort in malaria control, elimination and or eradication should target weakening and or breaking the forces of interactions within the triangle. In sub-Saharan Africa, effective malaria control programme is encumbered by myriad of challenges. The unabated burden of malaria could be ascribed to efficient malaria vectors with strong niche for ecological expression that maintain high levels of transmission at all seasons. Parasite genotypic heterogeneity, multiple expressions of traits of adaptations to parasitism and unpredictable behavioural changes are the smart ways the infectious agent thrives, persists and expresses ecological niche with scaring symphony. Environmental factors and climatic changes, population movement, deteriorated socioeconomic situation, lack of access to effective and timely antimalarial treatment, use of sub-standard and or fake anti-malarial drugs, self medication and non-compliance to drug dosage are the galvanizing factors to poor intervention outcomes. Above all, for ages, in most settings and communities, there is lack of knowledge regarding the causative agent of malaria. Diversionary factors and misconceptions such as eating too much palm oil, standing in the sun, drinking too much of alcohol, jinxing and witchcraft attacks are brands of porous perceptions on causes and risk factors of malaria. And if a thousand and one sophisticated strategies are put in place to eliminate malaria in sub-Saharan Africa where indigenous and factorial perceptions with rhetorical contrast of ideas hold sway, then, a predictable defeated performance is the expected result. For the sustenance of the gains already recorded in the fight against malaria in sub-Saharan Africa, the role of the community as a strong partnership for change cannot be underestimated.

The prehistoric discovery that certain plants harm and others have curative powers is the origin of the healing professions and its practitioners as well as professions devoted to plants (botany and horticulture). The description of plants and their properties and virtues (termed herbals) became invaluable resources for the physician and apothecary. The horticultural plants with medicinal values used in the traditional medicine of Ebonyi State, Southeast Nigeria were surveyed, aimed at identifying and documenting the plants used amongst the indigenes of Ebonyi State. Semi-structured interviews were conducted during a field trip to gather information from traditional medicinal practitioners (TMPs) and community elders. Results obtained indicated that horticultural plants species with medicinal values were 44 species representing 32 genera and 30 families; used in the ethno medicine of the people of Ebonyi State. The most represented genera wereCucurbitaceaeandRutaceaeproviding five and four species, respectively. The most used plant parts recorded was the leaves representing (52.27%), followed by fruits (27.27%), and while decoction was the main method of drug preparation with (38.67%) followed by infusion (21.33%). The result of the survey shows that more than half of the horticultural plants with medicinal values gathered in Ebonyi State are also used in other states in Nigeria as well as in other countries for various ailments. The most frequently treated diseases represents 67.09% of the medicinal applications and the most treated diseases was Fungal /Bacterial diseases with 27.45% followed by Malaria/Fever and other related diseases with (22.55%). These medicinal plants gathered may bring about drug discovery and may also be incorporated into the healthcare delivery system of the country.

Medical missions focus on assessing the medical needs of the population encountered and providing medical opinions/ consultation, medications and surgeries. These missions are necessary due to a lack of sustainability principles and limited capacity building opportunities and institutional development in developing nations. These mission have led to increased volunteerism of highly skilled medical practitioners from the diaspora collaborating with medical professionals based in the local communities where these mission occur. The mission reported here assessed the medical needs and provided health care to 14 communities in Cross River State Nigeria concretely documenting demographic data and prevalence of medical conditions among the population managed. Two thousand eight hundred and fifty five (2855) patients were evaluated during the medical mission. The predominant complaints by clients/patients presenting during the medical mission were arthritis (28.43% ± 0.62), malaria (28.32% ± 0.91), hypertension (34.78% ± 0.22) and body pains/headaches (34.57% ± 1.06). The presentation of varying ailments varied within the communities with Igonigoni having the highest incidence of arthritis and hypertension for new and established patients at 39.53 and 29.45% respectively. Provision of medications though not sustainable was usefully for immediate care and monitoring of those living with chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes promoting the United Nations Development Program’s sixth and eighth millennium development goal, that is, combating HIV, malaria and other diseases and developing global partnerships for development. Key words: Medical mission, Cross River State, hypertension, diabetes

Malaria infection in pregnancy is a major public health problem which poses serious life threats to pregnant mothers and foetuses. Accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment of pregnancy associated malaria (PAM) are important in preventing adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study compared the diagnostic performance of two rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), parasite lactate dehydrogenase (PLDH) based Optimal IT and parasite aldolase base Dr. Grey’s with the gold standard microscopy in pregnant women. Blood samples of 113 pregnant women were collected from two hospitals in Lagos and screened for malaria parasite by Giemsa stained smear and two malaria rapid diagnostic tests, Optimal IT parasite lactate dehydrogenase and Dr. Grey aldolase. The results showed that, out of 113 blood samples screened, 23 (20.4%), 51 (45.1%) and 14 (12.4%) were positive by microscopy, Aldolase and PLDH respectively. 17 (33.3%) and 34 (66.7%) of the aldolase positive samples were positive and negative by microscopy respectively. 11 (21.6%) of the aldolase positive samples were positive for both microscopy and PLDH. Of the positive samples, 34 (66.7%) were negative for both microscopy and PLDH. 3 (13.0%) were positive by microscopy but negative by aldolase and PLDH (RDTs). There was no statistically significant difference between the performances of the different RDTs. This study revealed that microscopy, the gold standard underestimated the real burden of malaria during pregnancy and aldolase (RDT) performed better than microscopy and PLDH, the other RDT in diagnosing pregnant-associated malaria.

Background: Malaria is the most common human parasitic disease and continues to be a complex and overwhelming global health problem, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Placental malaria, one of the major features of malaria in pregnancy has been associated with serious adverse health consequences to both the mother and her fetus. Objective: This study sought to determine the prevalence of maternal, cord, and placental malarial parasitaemia at parturition, the association between maternal and placental parasitaemia, and also the association between placental parasitaemia and pregnancy outcomes. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used to study 330 pregnant women selected by the systematic random sampling technique as they presented in the labour ward of University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo between April, 2012 and September, 2012. Pre-delivery, maternal peripheral blood was taken for malaria parasite (MP) and packed cell volume (PCV). Post delivery, cord blood was taken for MP and PCV estimation while placental blood was examined for MP. Neonatal demographic and clinical characteristics were also obtained. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 17. Level of statistical significance was set at P less than 0.05 (P < 0.05). Results: The mean age of the respondents was 28.8 ± 4.4 years. The prevalence of maternal, cord, and placental parasitaemia were 30.3%, 14.8% and 18.2% respectively. There was a strong correlation between maternal parasitaemia and placental parasitaemia (rho = 0.75, P< 0.001). Also, a significant linear association between cord parasitaemia and placental malaria (rho = 0.87, p< 0.001) was found. Placental malaria predisposed to low birth weight (OR 1.01{95%CI 1.001 – 1.02}, p = 0.04) and fetal anaemia (OR 1.02{95%CI 1.01 – 1.03}, p < 0.001. Conclusion: There is a relatively high prevalence of placental parasitaemia at parturition. Placental malaria is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes such as low birth weight, fetal anaemia and cord parasitaemia. Proven strategies to prevent malaria in pregnancy such as use of ITNs and IPT and free antenatal care should be intensified to curb this deadly but preventable disease.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i6.12401Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(6) 2015 53-59

Context: Zea mays L. (Poacae) husk decoctions are traditionally used in the treatment of malaria by various tribes in Nigeria. Objective: To assess the antimalarial and antiplasmodial potentials of the husk extract and fractions on malaria parasites using in vivo and in vitro models. Materials and methods: The ethanol husk extract and fractions (187–748 mg/kg, p.o.) of Zea mays were investigated for antimalarial activity against Plasmodium berghei using rodent (mice) malaria models and in vitro activity against chloroquine sensitive (Pf 3D7) and resistant (Pf INDO) strains of Plasmodium falciparum using the SRBR green assay method. Median lethal dose and cytotoxic activities against HeLa and HEKS cells were also carried out. The GCMS analysis of the most active fraction was carried out. Results: The husk extract (187–748 mg/kg, p.o.) with LD50 of 1874.83 mg/kg was found to exert significant (p 100 μg/mL against both HeLa and HEKS cell lines. Discussion and conclusion: These results suggest that the husk extract/fractions of Zea mays possesses antimalarial and antiplasmodial activities and these justify its use in ethnomedicine to treat malaria infections.

Uyo,Nigeria. Abstract: Background: In developing countries, currently there is a paradigm shift from communicable to non- communicable diseases causing severe morbidity among the elderly population. Despite this, social support system for this slowly increasing population is lacking living them with the full burden of providing for their health care needs. This study is aimed at assessing morbidity pattern among the elderly patients using a tertiary health care institution in Nigeria. Material And Methods: This is a retrospective review of morbidity pattern among elderly patients attending the General outpatients Clinic(GOPC),University of Uyo Teaching Hospital(UUTH) between January 2010 and December 2012 by using their Medical records. Information obtained included their bio data, living condition, dependency, diagnosis made at presentation etc. Results: Out of 37,748 adult patients seen within the study period, 4319 of them were aged 65 years and above, made up of 1755(40.6%) males and 2564(59.4%) females with male to female ratio of 1:1.6.A total of 1905(44.1%) of the geriatric morbidity were due to communicable diseases while 2414(55.9%) were due to non- communicable diseases. Commonest communicable diseases were Malaria(44.6%) and Typhoid (24.8%) while diseases of the cardiovascular system (28.5%) and Bone/joints (25.8%) were the commonest non-communicable

Background: Too many artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are available, thus creating a dilemma on the most preferred for the treatment of malaria. Aim: We compared the effect of six ACTs in mitigating Plasmodium-induced hepatorenal toxicity in experimental malaria. Materials and Methods: Forty adult male Swiss mice allotted into eight groups: Group 1 (normal control [NC] uninfected and untreated), Group 2 (parasitized nontreated – [PNT]), and Groups 3–8 received Plasmodium berghei inoculum. After 72 h, the initial parasitemia was established. Groups 3–8 were administered oral therapeutic doses of artesunate-amodiaquine (AA), artesunate-mefloquine (AM), artesunate-sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (ASP), artemisinin-piperaquine (AP), dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP), and artemether-lumefantrine (AL) per kg bodyweight, respectively, as standard regimen, and final parasitemia determined. Animals were euthanized via chloroform inhalation and blood collected for hepatorenal analysis. Liver and kidney were dissected out for histology. Results: Parasitemia was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in tests compared to PNT, except in ASP group. Liver enzymes were significantly (P < 0.05) increased in PNT compared to tests and NC. Hyperplastic cells and portal tract inflammation were prominent in ASP group, but mild to moderate in other treated groups. Urea-creatinine were significantly (P < 0.05) increased in PNT compared to treated groups. The Na+ and Cl− were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in PNT, with significantly (P < 0.05) increased K+ compared to NC and treated groups. Glomerulonephritis and glomerulus splitting was observed in PNT, while moderate distortions were observed in treated groups. The AA and AM groups had good kidney histoarchitecture. Conclusion: Parasitemia decreased in all the treatment groups except in PNT and ASP groups which had severe hepatorenal distortions. Hepatorenal histoarchitecture were mildly distorted in the AA, AM and AL-administered groups with lower hepatorenal indices comparable to NC. The least elevated liver enzymes were in AA and AM. In decreasing order ASP > DP > AL > AP > AM > AA.

We evaluated the malaria burden in randomly selected pregnant women (PW) attending antenatal clinics in Abuja, Nigeria, to establish an association between pregnancies, malaria. Structured questionnaire was administered by the ante-natal nursing staff and a research assistant. In total, 1400 pregnant women were screened between April and Sep- tember 2004, and capillary blood samples were obtained and screened for malaria parasites in thin blood films and quanti- tative buffy coat analysis (QBC). In total, 1035 (73.9%) pregnant women were positive for Plasmodium falciparum; of which 578 (55.8%) were primigravidae; 299 (28.9%) second gravidae; and 158 (15.3%) were multigravidae, while 297 (28.7) were in their first trimester, 311 (30%) were in their second trimester, and 427 (41.3%) were in their third trimester. The highest prevalence of malaria parasite (31.6%) was found in those aged 26-30 years while the lowest prevalence (2.9%) occurred in those aged 41-46 years. Socio economically, prevalence of malaria parasite is highest in non- automobile owners 84.4%, 66% in those with monthly income less than $100, and those living in vegetable thatched houses had 46.0%, while the lowest incidence (15.6%) was found in automobile owners. Of the 760 pregnant women who sought malaria treatment only 278 (34.2%) seek intervention in hospitals, while 59.4% got treatment outside the hospital or were on self medication. This study demonstrated a high prevalence of malaria in the population evaluated, and there- fore underlines the need for urgent intervention through capacity building, implementation of intermittent preventive treat- ment (IPT), use of insecticides treated-nets (ITN) and effective case management of malaria illness. The delivery of these interventions through ante-natal clinics in Nigeria is highly critical and needs to be encouraged; strategies that encourage pregnant women to attend antenatal clinics early and consistently need to be developed. It is also important to develop coherent and effective policies and tools to tackle malaria and poverty.

This a community based study of prevalence of malaria parasitaemia in pregnancy carried out in three selected health centres in Idea to south LGA of Imo state. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the areas of study as well as the 120 participants used for the study. A checklist was used to collect the socio-demographic data of the subjects within the age range of 16-40years. Venous blood sample of the subjects were collected from the subjects and examined for presence of malaria parasites using standard procedures of haemoglobin and packed cell volume. Seventy-eight (66.7%) tested positive to malaria parasite with the highest prevalence occurring in the third trimester (79.2%). Also, the distribution of occurrence in different gravidity groups observed the highest prevalence occurrence amongst the primigravidae (71.0%), followed by secundigravidae (63.2%) and multigravidae (40.0%). The result shows reduction in both the PCV and HB levels of the pregnant women indicating anaemia especially in their third trimester. The chi-square statistics indicated that there is a significant relationship between age and malaria parasitaemia among pregnant women, (x 2 =1.84, df=4, p =0.05). The null hypothesis was therefore rejected at 0.05 alpha level.

Objective: To investigate the in vivo antiplasmodial activity of ethanolic leaf extract of Byrsocarpus coccineus in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei. Methods : Curative effect against established infection and suppressive activity against early infection were screened. Results: The extract (100,200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) has significant (p

Malaria is an important public health issue in pregnancy association with poor fetal and maternal outcome, especially in malaria endemic area like Nigeria.The objective was to determine the prevalence of placental malaria in asymptomatic women in labor and to compare the fetal and maternal outcome between affected and unaffected women.A prospective cross-sectional study of 210 women who delivered at a tertiary health facility in Nigeria. Participants' peripheral venous blood, cord blood, and placental blood samples were examined microscopically for the presence of malaria parasite. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 16.Prevalence of placental malaria was 65.2%. Nulliparity was significantly associated with placental malaria (χ² = 21.32, P = 0.0000039, odds ratio [OR] =5.6). Poor compliance to intermittent preventive therapy was significantly associated with placental malaria (χ² = 16.67, P = 0.00004). The mean gestational age at delivery was 38.57 ± 1.7 weeks and 12.85% of women had preterm delivery. Sixty-seven (31.9%) women had anemia and malaria parasitemia was significantly associated with anemia (χ² = 8.34, P = 0.0039, OR = 2.6). Fourteen (6.67%) babies had low birth weight, but placental malaria was not significantly associated with low birth weight (χ² = 0.03, P = 0.87).There is a high prevalence of placental malaria in the study population. Nulliparity, poor drug compliance, and maternal anemia were associated with placental malaria.

Objective: To evaluate the in vivo antiplasmodial activity of the ethanol leaf extract of Stachytarpheta cayennensis in the treatment of various ailment in Niger Delta region of Nigeria, in Plasmodium berghei infected mice. Materials and Methods: The ethanolic leaf extract of Stachytarpheta cayennensis (90-270 mg/kg/day) was screened for blood schizonticidal activity against chloroquine sensitive Plasmodium berghei berghei in mice. The schizonticidal effect during early and established infections was investigated. Result: Stachytarpheta cayennensis (90-270 mg/kg/day) exhibited significant (P< 0.05) blood schizonticidal activity both in 4-day early infection test and in established infection with a considerable mean survival time comparable to that of the standard drug, chloroquine, 5 mg/kg/day. Conclusion: The leaf extract possesses significant (P< 0.05) antiplasmodial activity which confirms it's use in folkloric medicine in the treatment of malaria.

In a randomized, prospective study of the therapy of acute falciparum malaria in 69 children, aged 6 to 60 months, the results of treatment with chloroquine phosphate suppositories (30 patients) and chloroquine sulfate syrup (39 patients) were compared. Each patient received 25mg chloroquine base/kg body weight over 3 consecutive days (day 0,lO mgkg; day 1,lO mg/kg; and day 2, 5 mg/kg). The parasitologic cure rate was 33% (lo/301 in the chloroquine phosphate suppository group and 36% (14/39) in the chloroquine sulfate syrup group. In addition, the mean pretreatment parasite counts of the chloroquinesensitive cases were not significantly different in the two groups. However, pyrexia resolved slightly more slowly in the suppository group, although all sensitive patients in both groups were afebrile on day 3. The results suggest that chloroquine phosphate suppositories are as effective as chloroquine sulfate syrup in the treatment of children with malaria caused by chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium fakiparum.

Background: Malaria remains a disease of public health concern in tropical countries. Diagnosis in such countries largely depends on clinical assessment, microscopy (as the gold standard) and recently by rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). This study was conducted to document common presenting symptoms of malaria, compare microscopy and RDT in the diagnosis of malaria in children in Gusau, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, study of children under-five years with presumptive diagnosis of malaria that was managed at the pediatric outpatient department and emergency pediatric unit of Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital, Gusau. All consecutive children that met the inclusion criteria were recruited over a 4 weeks period. Malaria thick film microscopy and RDTs were carried out on all children. Results: Of the 118 children enrolled, 61 (51.69%) were males while 57 (48.31%) were females. Fever and vomiting were the most common presenting complaints. Microscopy was positive in 55 (46.61%) while RDT was positive in 10 (8.47%) of the children. Only 5 (4.24%) were positive for both microscopy and RDT. Fifty-eight (49.15%) children had negative microscopy and RDT results. There was no significance when positivity of both tests were compared ( χ 2 = 0.050, P = 0.822). RDT had a sensitivity of 9.09%, a specificity of 92.06%, positive predictive value of 50.00%, and a negative predictive value of 53.70%. Conclusion: Our study observed higher positivity rate for microscopy than RDT. We recommend microscopy to be carried out on all patients suspected of having malaria where possible, even in the presence of negative RDT.

The in vivo antiplasmodial activity of the ethanol seed extract of Picralima nitida grown particularly for the leaf and seed in Niger Delta region of Nigeria was evaluated in Plasmodium berghei berghei infected mice. Picralima nitida (35-115 mg/kg day) exhibited significant (P

The in vivo antiplasmodial activity of the ethanol fruit extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera used as spice and in the treatment of various ailment in Niger Delta region of Nigeria was evaluated in Plasmodium berghei infected mice. Tetrapleura tetraptera (300-900 mg/kg day) exhibited significant (P < 0.05) blood schizonticidal activity both in 4-day early infection test and in established infection with a considerable mean survival time comparable to that of the standard drug, chloroquine, 5 mg/kg day. The fruit extract possesses significant (P < 0.05) antiplasmodial activity with may have contributed to the immune status of the Nigerians against malaria in addition to its nutritive value.

Background In malaria endemic regions, malnutrition has also been reported to be a public health problem. Considering that the pattern of host cytokines-mediated innate immunity is critical in determining malaria outcomes-understanding the impact of malnutrition on innate immune response in Plasmodium falciparum (Pf)-infected patients may be helpful for malaria control. This study aims to determine nutritional status and evaluate the influence of malnutrition on the immune response of infected patients in Lagos, Nigeria.

We recruited 600 pregnant women, whose ages were between 17 and 40 years in Calabar, Nigeria, out of which 300 of them who picked up folded pieces of paper marked \'Yes\' for themselves and their neonates were selected. The remaining 300 pregnant women who picked up the folded pieces of paper marked \'No\' for themselves and their neonates were excluded. Thereafter, we examined 300 blood samples each from the selected mothers, placenta, cord and neonates aged between 1 and 8 days for the presence of malaria parasites. The prevalence rate of 3.0% (9) for Plasmodium falciparum was observed in the neonates while 3.3%(10), 10.3% (31) and 17.0% (51) were observed in the cord, placenta and mothers respectively. The prevalence rates of infection of the neonates and cord were not statistically significant (P > 0.05) whereas statistically significant (P < 0.05) differences occurred between prevalence rates of infection of the mothers and the placenta. The infection of gametocytes only was 6% (18) and 1.3% (4) in mothers and placenta respectively. Both gametocytes and trophozoites infections were observed in 0.3% (1) maternal blood. No gametocytes or mixed infections were observed in the cord and neonates. No statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) occurred in the tissues infected with various stages of Plasmodium falciparum. The study has confirmed congenital malaria transmission in Calabar. Keywords: congenital malaria, prevalence, placenta, cord, neonatal blood Mary Slessor Journal of Medicine Vol. 5(1), 2005: 37-40