Molecular Studies of Polyparasitism among Women in Oju and Obi LGAs of Benue State

Abstract

The molecular studies of polyparasitism among women in Obi and Oju LGAs of Benue State was investigated. Stool, blood, and urine samples were collected from women in the study location and processed molecularly using PCR technology. Zymo research quick-DNA universal kit (spin-column), and QIAamp DNA stool mini kit were used in the extraction of genomic DNA from stool, urine, and blood samples. The extraction and purification process was based on spin column chromatography. PCR amplification of the genes (Pf18S, Sh73, Sh77, Eh1, Tv18S and Cox 1), was carried out. The conditions and volume of the reaction was determined by the master mix used. A check gel was performed on 2% TAE agarose gel to confirm the amplified bands with 100 base pair DNA Ladder (TRANSGEN BIOTECH, CAT NO. BM 311). This ready-to-use product was premixed with 1× DNA loading buffer (0.02% bromo-phenol blue and 5% glycerol). The bands were visualized under UV light. The purity of the DNA extracted from the isolates as reflected in the OD260:OD280 ratios are within the 1.8 and 2.0 acceptable values. The parasites encountered were Plasmodium falciparum, Schistosoma haematobium, Trichomonas vaginalis, Ascaris lumbricoides and Entameoba histolytica. From the genus specific primers from PCR, 158bp fragment was obtained which correlates with Ascaris lumbricoides (Cox 1), 112bp and 178bp were also observed correlating to the presence of Trichomonas vaginalis and Entamoeba histolytica respectively. Also, 201bp fragment were observed correlating with Plasmodium falciparum, and 262bp and 350bp were determined which correlates with the presence of Schistosoma haematobium. It was concluded that the women of Obi and Oju suffer from polyparasitism as the amplification of genes confirms the presence of Plasmodium falciparum, Schistosoma haematobium, Trichomonas vaginalis, Ascaris lumbricoides and Entameoba histolytica. There is need for enlightenment campaigns against parasitic infections and polyparasitism in Oju and Obi and efforts of the government is needed to ensure provision of efficient molecular facilities for accurate diagnosis of infection