Malaria Co-infection Research Articles

Malaria and Soil-Transmitted Helminth Co-Infection among School-Aged Children in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Malaria, caused by Plasmodium falciparum, and soil-transmitted helminths (STHs), caused by Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and Ancylostoma duodenale, are highly prevalent parasitic infections of public health significance in Nigeria. Coinfection with these parasites of such co-infections is crucial for designing effective public health strategies. This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence of malaria and soil-transmitted helminth co-infections among primary school children in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area (LGA), Akwa Ibom State. Between May and July 2024, finger-prick blood and stool samples were randomly collected from 348 children aged 4–15 years across four primary schools. Malaria parasites were identified using thin-film microscopy of air-dried blood smears, while stool samples were analysed for STH ova using the formalin-ether concentration technique. The prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum was 21.5%, while the prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and Ancylostoma duodenale was 9.5%, 5.7%, and 2.6%, respectively. The overall co-infection rate of malaria and STHs was 7.8%, with significant associations between these infections (p < 0.05). Malaria prevalence was slightly higher in males (21.8%) compared to females (21.3%), whereas STH infections were more common in females (19.6%) than in males (15.8%), these were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Age-specific prevalence, showed that children aged 14 years and older had the highest malaria prevalence (29.4%), while those aged 9–13 years had the highest prevalence of STH infections (19.4%). This study highlights the considerable burden of malaria and STH infections among primary school children in Mkpat Enin LGA, with variations in prevalence influenced by age and sex. This findings underscore the need target public health interventions that address parasitic infections, considering demographic factors that influence their distribution.

P-153. Malaria in a military hospital in Bogotá, Colombia, 2023 – 2024

Abstract Background In Colombia malaria is an endemic mosquito-borne disease. Although military personnel are recognized as a high-risk group for malaria, little is known about on features of this parasitic disease in Colombian military members. Methods We recorded data on demographic, clinical, laboratory and treatment of patients with confirmed malaria diagnosis (positive thick blood smear or Rapid Diagnostic Test), attended in a reference military hospital, located in Bogotá, Colombia, from February 2023 to April 2024. Cases of severe malaria and recurrence were classified following the last WHO guidelines. Dengue and malaria coinfection were defined as a confirmed malaria case with positive dengue NS1 antigen. Results During the study period, 97 patients were attended; all of them males, in active military service, and the median age was 25 years. Most (70%) consulted between November 2023 and April 2024 (Figure 1), and the main Colombian departments where the infections were acquired were Chocó (29%), Córdoba (22%) and Nariño (12%) (Figure 2). Plasmodium vivax was the main etiology (79%), follow by P. falciparum (17%), mixed infections (3%) and Plasmodium sp. (1%); four patients had coinfection with dengue. Most (51%) were attended at the emergency department, 39% at general ward, and 10% required intensive care unit. Recurrences were diagnosed in 36%, and the remaining as new infections. Among clinical features, the main symptoms were fever (88%), headache (75%) and chills (64%); and the main signs were jaundice (25%), abdominal pain (21%) and mild dehydration (12%) (Table 1). The median days of fever at hospital admission was five. Severe malaria was diagnosed in 8 patients. Among laboratory findings, thrombocytopenia was the most frequent (77%), follow by hyperbilirubinemia (71%). Hepatosplenomegaly was the most finding at the abdominal ultrasound (49%) (Table 2). Regarding treatment, 92% of P. vivax cases received chloroquine-primaquine; 69% of P. falciparum cases received artemether-lumefantrine and single dose primaquine; mixed infections cases received artemether-lumefantrine and primaquine; and all severe malaria received intravenous artesunate. No deaths were recorded. Conclusion Malaria remains a potential health threat to Colombian military personnel. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Extended Treatment Duration of Artemether-Lumefantrine in Ugandan Children with HIV on Efavirenz-Based Antiretroviral Therapy: A Randomized Controlled Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Trial.

Malaria and HIV co-infection are prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa causing significant drug interactions with co-treatment. We previously reported a 30%-70% reduction in exposure to the standard 3-day (6-dose) artemether-lumefantrine (AL) treatment for malaria when given with efavirenz-based HIV therapy, impacting malaria reinfection risk. We conducted a prospective, randomized study comparing the 3-day regimen to an extended 5-day (10-dose) regimen with pharmacokinetic sampling for artemether, dihydroartemisinin, lumefantrine, and desbutyl-lumefantrine (DBL) over 42 days. The primary outcome was comparative pharmacokinetics between regimens compared among children with HIV and among children without HIV receiving a 3-day regimen as controls (median age 5.3 years [range 1.4-13.9]; median weight 17.3 kg [range 8.7-39.1]). Children with HIV (n = 57; median age 10.8 years [range 3.4-17.1]; median weight 26.6 kg [range 14.6-54.5]) contributed 76 malaria episodes, with 71 included in the analysis. Another 97 children without HIV (median age 5.3 years [range 1.4-13.9]; median weight 17.3 kg [range 8.7-39.1]) contributed 114 episodes of malaria, with 109 included in the analysis. In the setting of efavirenz, artemether, dihydroartemisinin, lumefantrine, and DBL cumulative exposure was 2.09, 2.31, 1.90, and 1.65 fold higher with 5-day versus 3-day AL (all P <.001), and comparable to 3-day AL in children without HIV. The extended regimen in children with HIV did not result in a statistically significant reduction in recurrence risk at 28 or 42 days. Extending the duration of AL to 5 days compensated for a clinically significant reduction in all components of AL in the context of EFV-based antiretroviral therapy in young children.

Two-photon NAD(P)H-FLIM reveals unperturbed energy metabolism of Ascaris suum larvae, in contrast to host macrophages upon artemisinin derivatives exposure.

Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) are widespread, with Ascaris lumbricoides infecting millions globally. Malaria and STH co-infections are common in co-endemic regions. Artemisinin derivatives (ARTs)-artesunate, artemether, and dihydroartemisinin-are standard malaria treatments and are also known to influence the energy metabolism of parasites, tumors, and immune cells. Herein, we explore the potential of ARTs to influence ascariasis either by directly targeting larvae or indirectly by modifying macrophage responses. Ascaris suum third-stage larvae and porcine IL-4 polarized (M2-like) macrophages were exposed to ARTs in vitro, and their metabolism was evaluated using two-photon NAD(P)H-FLIM. Both larvae and M2-like macrophages exhibited a steady-state bioenergetic profile of high oxidative phosphorylation and low anaerobic glycolysis. In A. suum larvae, two metabolically distinct regions were identified, with particularly high DUOX activity in the pharynx compared to the midgut; however, ARTs did not alter these profiles. In contrast, exposure of M2-like macrophages to ARTs induced a metabolic shift towards high anaerobic glycolysis and reduced metabolic activity, suggesting a possible indirect effect of ARTs on the helminth infection. Overall, two-photon NAD(P)H-FLIM proved to be a powerful tool for studying specific metabolic pathways in Ascaris larvae and host macrophages, offering valuable insights into the metabolic mechanisms of drug action on both parasite and host.

Interplay of malaria, thrombocytopenia, and HIV Co infection in a traveler returning from an endemic area A clinical case report

The co infection of malaria and HIV presents considerable diagnostic and treatment difficulties, especially in travellers returning from endemic areas.

Asymptomatic Malaria Infection and Hidden Parasitic Burden in Gabonese Schoolchildren: Unveiling Silent Co-Infections in Rural and Urban Settings.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of co-infection with malaria and intestinal parasites and assess its association with anemia in school-aged children from rural and urban settlements in Gabon. This cross-sectional study involved afebrile school children recruited at schools between May and June 2021. Blood and stool samples were collected from participants whose parents or legal guardians provided informed consent to participate in the study. Hemoglobin concentration (Hb) was measured using a HemoCue photometer (HemoCue 201, HemoCue, Angelholm, Sweden). Giemsa-stained blood films were examined to detect malaria parasites and any filarial infections, while the merthiolate-iodine concentration (MIC) method was used to identify intestinal parasitic infections (IPI). A total of four hundred and seventy (470) school-aged children were successfully enrolled in this study. The observed prevalence values were as follows: malaria infection at 69.6%, IPIs at 19.1%, filaria at 5.1%, Schistosoma infection at 15.0%, and anemia at 29.0%. Co-infections of malaria with IPIs, filaria, and Schistosoma were present in 12.3%, 4.7%, and 6.6% of the children, respectively. Malaria and filaria infections were associated with residing in Lastourville city (p < 0.05) and were also correlated with age (p < 0.05), whereas IPIs were associated with male gender and living in the city of Lastourville. Anemia was linked to malaria infection (p < 0.05) and was more prevalent among children living in rural areas. The findings of this study indicate that malaria, IPIs, and Schistosoma infections continue to pose a significant public health problem in the study area, even though only malaria infection appeared to be associated with anemia. Nevertheless, these results highlight the need for implementing control measures to reduce the prevalence of malaria, IPIs, filaria, and Schistosoma, particularly in Lastourville.

Seroprevalence and molecular surveillance for dengue virus infections among febrile patients and mosquito vectors in Ogbomoso, Nigeria

Background: Dengue fever is a leading cause of illness and death in tropical and subtropical regions. The World Health Organization estimates that there are 390 million dengue infections each year, of which 96 million manifest apparently. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and molecular surveillance of dengue viral infections among febrile patients and mosquito vectors in Ogbomoso, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted between February and July 2024 in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria. Four hundred serum samples from febrile patients of all ages and mosquito vectors were collected. Serum samples were analyzed using DENV RDT kit for IgM and IgG and RT-PCR, while the mosquito samples were subjected to only RT-PCR. Malaria co-infection was detected using an RDT kit confirmed microscopically. Chi-square tool was used to determine the association between socio-demographics, clinical features and risk factors among the febrile patients. Result: Of the 400 participants, 126(31.5%) were males and 274(68.5%) were females. Dengue IgG was detected in 223/400(55.8%), while DENV IgM was found in 12/400(3.0%), and 165/400(41.3%) had neither IgG nor IgM. Co-infections with malaria were found in 70/400(31.4%) for IgG and 4/400(33.3%) for IgM. All serum samples and mosquitoes were negative for DENV RNA by RT-PCR. The highest infection rates for IgM were in the 11-20 and 21-30 age groups. Environmental and behavioral factors, such as improper water storage and proximity to bushes were not significantly associated with dengue seropositivity. Conclusion: This study provides evidence that dengue virus is circulating in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria. The high rate of coinfection between DENV IgM and malaria, advocates for routine serological screening of febrile patients for both infections, improved diagnostic capacity, and targeted public health interventions to control and prevent dengue outbreaks. Therefore, dengue virus tests should be included in the routine test for aetiology of fever to avoid misdiagnosis

Optimal Control Strategies for Dengue and Malaria Co-Infection Disease Model

Dengue and malaria fever infections are mosquito-borne diseases that pose significant threats to human health. There is an urgent need for effective strategies to prevent, control, and raise awareness about the public health risks of dengue and malaria. In this manuscript, we analyze a mathematical model that addresses the dynamics of dengue–malaria co-infection and propose optimal control strategies across four different scenarios to limit the spread of the disease. The results indicate that non-pharmaceutical interventions are the most effective and feasible standalone strategy, yielding significant reductions in disease transmission. Additionally, vector population control through spraying is identified as the second most significant method, with a proportional decrease in disease prevalence corresponding to the reduction in the mosquito population. While pharmaceutical treatments alone do not fully eradicate the disease, they do contribute to its containment. Notably, the combination of vector control and non-pharmaceutical strategies proved to be the most effective approach, ensuring rapid disease eradication. These findings emphasize the importance of integrated interventions in managing co-infection dynamics and highlight the vital role of prevention-oriented strategies.

Leptospira seroprevalence and associated risk factors among slaughterhouse workers in Western Bahr El Ghazal State, South Sudan.

Leptospirosis is a neglected re-emerging and occupational zoonotic disease worldwide. In Africa, contact with livestock is postulated as a potential source of environmental contamination and a source of human Leptospira exposure, though pathways remain unknown. Recently, we confirmed Leptospira exposure and shedding among slaughtered cattle in Western Bahr El Ghazal. In the current study, we sought to determine corresponding occupational leptospiral seropositivity, associated risk factors and the prevalence of febrile illness among slaughterhouse workers. Between 27th February and 30th March 2023, we collected blood and interviewed 250 consenting slaughterhouse workers of the same facilities from which the cattle samples were collected. The workers were screened for leptospiral antibodies using the Microscopic agglutination test (MAT), based on a panel of 12 including those previously reported in livestock in South Sudan and the East African Region. Of the 250 participants, 16 were seropositive 16/250, (6.4%, 95% CI = 3.2-10.2). Two seropositive individuals 0.8% (2/250) had MAT titers ≥ 800, indicative of probable recent leptospiral infection. Moreover, 42.4% (106/250) of the respondents reported experiencing fever in the past one month and 36.0% (90/250) sought medical attention. Among those seeking medical care for febrile illnesses, diagnostic tests revealed 9.2% (23/250) with malaria, 7.6% (19/250) with typhoid, 16.8% (42/250) with both malaria and typhoid coinfections, 1.6% (4/250) with brucellosis, and no cases of leptospirosis had been considered. Most seropositive individuals reacted to serovar L. borgpetersenii Tarassovi 2.4% (6/250) and L. interrogans sv Australis 2.4% (6/250). The factors associated with seropositivity included flaying, with persons who flay animals having 14.9 times, (95% CI, 2.5-88.9) greater odds of being seropositive than persons who do not flay animals (P = 0.003), people who wore an apron/overall were 10.6 times (95% CI, 1.6-67.6) more likely to be seropositive than people who did not wear an apron/overall (P = 0.012). An increase in the number of carcasses handled per day by one increases the odds of exposure by 2.7 times (95% CI, 1.6-4.5), (P = 0.001). Finding seropositive workers in cattle slaughter facilities in Western Bahr El Ghazal, South Sudan, and similar serogroups as previously found in the cattle slaughtered at these facilities implies activities like animal slaughter that bring humans into close contact with animals could be one pathway for human Leptospira exposure in South Sudan. This could also highlight leptospirosis as a potential public health threat to those in frequent contact with cattle, including farmers, those in animal transportation, and veterinarians. The role of leptospirosis in cases of undifferentiated fever in South Sudan may also be worth investigating, especially in cases where occupational exposure is suspected. Further research including animals, the general public, farmers, and hospitalized patients is proposed to fully understand the burden of human leptospirosis. Including the serovar and serogroup Tarassovi and Australis in future vaccine development and serodiagnostic panels for South Sudan is highly recommended.

Malaria and Dengue Co-infection: A Comprehensive Study in Peshawar, Pakistan.

Malaria and dengue are significant mosquito-borne diseases prevalent in tropical and subtropical climates, with increasing reports of co-infections. This study aimed to determine the frequency, patterns, and risk factors of these co-infections in Peshawar. A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to December 2023 in three tertiary care hospitals in Peshawar. We evaluated 322 febrile patients (temperature >38 °C) using dengue serological tests (NS1, IgM, IgG), malarial parasite microscopy (thick and thin films with double-reading quality control), and immunochromatography. Clinical and demographic data were collected using structured questionnaires. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Version 26 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Of 322 patients (mean age 35.7 ± 14.2 years; 187 male, 58.1%), 72 (22.4%) had malaria-dengue co-infection. Co-infected patients showed NS1 positivity in 30/72 (41.7%), with higher rates in urban areas (60/231 [26.0%] vs. 12/91 [13.2%]; odds ratio [OR] = 2.31, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18-4.52, P < 0.01). Age (r= 0.15, P= 0.007) and education (OR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.09-3.12, P= 0.02) were significant risk factors. Co-infected patients had longer hospital stays (5.8 ± 2.3 vs. 3.9 ± 1.8 days, P< 0.001) and higher mortality (2.8% vs. 1.2%, P= 0.04). Co-infection of malaria and dengue is common in Peshawar, particularly in urban areas and during monsoon seasons. Age and educational status are significant risk factors. These findings necessitate routine screening for both diseases in febrile patients from endemic areas, especially during peak seasons. Targeted surveillance and vector control strategies in urban areas are recommended.

The Role of Traditional Medicinal Plants in Managing Malaria and HIV Co-Infection

Malaria and HIV co-infection presents a significant public health challenge, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where co-morbidity rates are highest. Conventional therapies, including antiretrovirals and antimalarial drugs, are expensive and often associated with side effects that lead to noncompliance. Traditional medicinal plants offer an affordable and culturally accepted alternative. This review explores various plants used historically in the treatment of both malaria and HIV, focusing on their phytochemical constituents, mechanisms of action, and clinical efficacy. Plants such as Catharanthus roseus, Adenia venenata, and Morinda lucida have demonstrated antimalarial and antiviral properties, often through bioactive compounds like alkaloids and flavonoids. Additionally, integrating these traditional medicines with modern healthcare systems faces regulatory challenges, but there is promising potential for synergies in treatment efficacy. Further research, clinical trials, and interdisciplinary collaboration are necessary to validate these medicinal plants and improve the management of malaria and HIV co-infection. Keywords: Traditional medicinal plants, Malaria, HIV co-infection, Phytochemicals, Antimalarial properties.

A fractional-order model of COVID-19 and Malaria co-infection

This paper explores the co-infection dynamics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Malaria using Caputo-type fractional derivative to further understand the disease interactions and implement effective control strategies. We demonstrate the positivity and boundedness of the solution through Laplace transform techniques and establish the existence and uniqueness of the solution, showcasing model stability using fractional-order stability theory. Simulation experiments across varying fractional orders and disease classes offer insights into the co-infection dynamics. This is a new model and the findings underscore the potential impact of control measures on mitigating co-infection under endemic conditions. We conclude that infection with malaria does not guarantee immunity to COVID-19 and infection with COVID-19 as well does not guarantee immunity to malaria.

Molecular Detection of Malaria Co-Infections with Some Arboviruses in Pregnant Women Attending Ante-Natal in Hospitals within Bauchi State, Nigeria

Malaria and arboviruses are public health menaces, causing major morbidity in developing countries and are more severe in pregnancy leading to adverse effects which can lead to fetal and maternal death, hence, this study determined the prevalence of dengue, zika and malaria infections among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in some hospitals within Bauchi Local Government Area, Bauchi State, Nigeria. One hundred and seventy-seven blood samples of pregnant women were collected and screened for malaria using the Rapid Diagnostic test kits, while the diagnosis for dengue and zika infections was done using real time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR). From the blood samples tested, 50 (28.25%) were positive for malaria, 1 (2.00%) sample was positive for dengue and dengue-malaria co-infection, however, no sample was positive for zika virus (0%). Malaria was recorded across all the age groups with a high statistical significance, dengue was prevalent between age 15-25years (2.35%) and 26-35years (1.35%) while dengue-malaria co-infection was only seen in age group 15-25years (1.18%). Pregnant women with fever and the trimesters were significantly associated with the prevalence of malaria (P&lt;0.05 respectively); Educational qualification and occupation were significantly associated with dengue infections (P&lt;0.05 for both) as well as dengue-malaria co-infection (P=0.05 for both), whereas history of miscarriages was only statistically associated with prevalence of dengue infections (P=0.02204). Despite the low prevalence of dengue virus among pregnant women in this study, the result of this study gives an overview of dengue, zika and malaria in Bauchi, thereby providing the first baseline data.

Dengue and malaria coinfection in a traveling patient: Case study

Introduction: Dengue and malaria are two prevalent diseases in the tropics, transmitted by vectors, and cause different morbidity and fatality rates. However, coinfection of dengue and malaria is relatively rare but clinically significant, since both diseases can have severe manifestations and their coexistence complicate diagnosis and treatment. Clinical Case: The clinical case of a male patient, 32 years old, resident in Angola, who entered Ecuador twenty-one days prior to the onset of symptoms, with no history, was hospitalized for unquantified temperature rise, myalgia, arthralgia and fatigue. His clinical picture is exacerbated with abdominal pain in the right upper quadrant and generalized rash, BP: 105/58 mmHg, HR: 108 bpm, RR: 18 rpm, pulse oximetry 98%, T°: 38°C, dry oral mucosa, expansibility of the decreased chest, dysrhythmic heart, no murmurs, painful abdomen, absent fluid sounds, extremities without edema. The rapid antigen test performed was positive for Plasmodium falciparum, thick smear positive for Plasmodium falciparum. Discussion: The simultaneous treatment of malaria and dengue required careful monitoring of warning signs and possible complications; collaboration between health professionals from Ecuador and Angola was necessary for the successful management and handling of the patient.Conclusions: Documentation of such cases should influence health policies and the planning of preventive strategies, such as vaccination, vector control, and preventive education of travelers before visiting endemic areas.

Prevalence and risk factors of curable sexually transmitted and reproductive tract infections and malaria co-infection among pregnant women at antenatal care booking in Kenya, Malawi and Tanzania: a cross-sectional study of randomised controlled trial data

ObjectivesMalaria and curable sexually transmitted and reproductive tract infections (STIs/RTIs) are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study reports the prevalence and risk factors of curable STIs/RTIs, STI/RTI co-infection and...

Malaria and typhoid fever co-infection: disease severity and immune response

Malaria and typhoid fever co-infection: disease severity and immune response

Possible alteration in serum ferritin level in malaria infected HIV seropositive individuals in Nauth, Nnewi, Nigeria

The role of Ferritin in monitoring disease progression in immune compromised HIV individuals with an underlying active infection like malaria is a subject of growing research. Ferritin being an acute phase protein, plays important role in assessing the range of damage due to inflammation in immunosuppressed patients leaving in highly endemic malaria regions. The levels of serum ferritin in malaria infected HIV positive individuals in Nnamdi Azikiwe University teaching hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria, was assessed. Questionnaire was used to obtain the demographic details of the participants, and to rule out other inflammatory infections. 88 participants of the age group 18 - 65 years, comprising 24 with HIV infection, 22 with HIV and Malaria co-infection, 22 with Malaria infection, and a control group of 22 individuals with neither HIV nor malaria infection were randomly recruited. Ferritin level was determined using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay technique and a cross sectional prospective study design was used. A significantly high mean serum ferritin level was observed in HIV infected individuals with and/ or without malaria co-infection than in malaria positive and control group (p&lt;0.05 respectively). Serum ferritin level was significantly higher in female participants than in male counterparts (p &lt; 0.05). Serum ferritin level was significantly higher in individuals with CD4 count &gt;500 than in CD4 count ≤ 500 (p &lt; 0.05). Blood pressure was significantly higher in HIV infected and malaria positive individuals when compared with controls. The increased serum ferritin level and higher blood pressure in HIV infected participants suggests active inflammatory process, reduced immunity and hypertension which may have worsened by malaria co-infection. This may subsequently lead to vascular and endothelia damage causing disease severity.

Malaria and typhoid fever co-infection: a retrospective analysis of University Hospital records in Nigeria

BackgroundStudies have long documented the presence of malaria and typhoid fever in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, studies on these diseases have primarily concentrated on rural settings, neglecting the potential impact on urban areas. This knowledge gap hinders effective surveillance and intervention strategies. To bridge this gap, this study investigated the prevalence of malaria and typhoid co-infections in an urban environment.MethodsThis study, conducted at Lead City University Hospital in Ibadan, Nigeria (West Africa’s largest metropolis), analysed medical records of over 3195 patients seen between April and June 2023. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to understand how these co-infections were distributed across different age and gender groups.ResultsThe prevalence of co-infection peaked in May (9.7%), followed by June (8.9%) and April (5.7%). Notably, children aged 6–12 years exhibited the highest co-infection rate (18.5%), while those under five had the lowest (6.3%). Gender analysis indicated a slight difference, with 8.8% of females and 7.1% of males co-infected. Malaria prevalence was highest at the beginning of the rainy season and significantly decreased over time. Conversely, typhoid fever displayed the opposite trend, increasing with the rainy season. Children under five years old were most susceptible to malaria, while typhoid fever predominantly affected adults over 25 years old, with prevalence decreasing significantly with age.ConclusionThis study sheds light on the previously overlooked risk of malaria and typhoid co-infections in urban settings. These findings highlight the need for enhanced surveillance and targeted public health interventions, particularly for vulnerable groups like young children during peak transmission seasons.

Assessment of bidirectional impact of stigmatization induced self-medication on COVID-19 and malaria transmissions using mathematical modeling: Nigeria as a case study

The continual social and economic impact of infectious diseases on nations has maintained sustained attention on their control and treatment, of which self-medication has been one of the means employed by some individuals. Self-medication complicates the attempt of their control and treatment as it conflicts with some of the measures implemented by health authorities. Added to these complications is the stigmatization of individuals with some diseases in some jurisdictions. This study investigates the co-infection of COVID-19 and malaria and its related deaths and further highlights how self-medication and stigmatization add to the complexities of the fight against these two diseases using Nigeria as a study case. Using a mathematical model on COVID-19 and malaria co-infection, we address the question: to what degree does the impact of the interaction between COVID-19 and malaria amplify infections and deaths induced by both diseases via self-medication and stigmatization? We demonstrate that COVID-19 related self-medication due to misdiagnoses contributes substantially to the prevalence of disease. The control reproduction numbers for these diseases and quantification of model parameters uncertainties and sensitivities are presented.

Malaria and Typhoid Fever Coinfection among Febrile Patients Attending Kafin-Maiyaki Primary Health Centre

Study’s Novelty/Excerpt This study investigates the burden and co-existence of malaria and typhoid fever among febrile patients, providing a rare examination of these symptomatically similar but aetiologically distinct diseases in a single patient cohort. The novelty of the research lies in its detailed analysis of co-infection rates across different age groups and genders, highlighting significant age-related disparities and suggesting the higher vulnerability of older patients. These findings underscore the importance of concurrent screening for malaria and typhoid fever in febrile patients, offering critical insights for improving diagnostic and treatment strategies in the study area. Full Abstract Malaria and typhoid fever are two symptomatically similar but aetiologically dissimilar diseases: mala ria is caused by parasitic agents from Plasmodium species; ty phoid fever, on the other hand, is caused by Salmonella typhi. They both have no gender distinction in terms of their effect, but malaria appears to be more severe among children. The study aimed to determine the burden of these two diseases among febrile patients in the study area by collecting four (4) mL of blood from each participant, 2 mL of which were dispensed into EDTA bottles for use to detect microscopic parasites. The harvested serum from the remainder was used for the Widal agglutination test to detect the presence of antibodies to Salmonella species. Based on the results, malaria and typhoid fever co-existence was found to be 20.9%. The findings with respect to age group revealed that patients &gt;60 years had a higher coinfection rate of 75% while the 1-12 years age group had the least coinfection (10.6%). There was a significant association between coinfection and age groups (p = 0.019). With respect to gender, females were more prone to be co-infected (53.6%) compared to their male counterparts (46.4%) out of the total positive cases (28) obtained, but the observed difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.016). We therefore recommend concurrent screening of these diseases in all febrile cases in the study area.