Malaria In Nigeria Research Articles

Climate change and epidemiological trends of malaria and Lassa fever transmission in Nigeria (2015-2022): A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Climate change exacerbates infectious disease transmission in Nigeria, a country with a high burden of infectious diseases. Objective: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis examining the relationship between climate variability and infectious disease transmission in Nigeria. Methods: We systematically searched major databases, identifying 25 studies, with 11 studies meeting the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis using R version 4.4.1. Results: The meta-analysis revealed significant associations between temperature increases and malaria (pooled effect estimate = 1.034, 95% CI: 1.016-1.052) and Lassa fever (pooled effect estimate = 1.029, 95% CI: 1.015-1.043) transmission. Egger's funnel plot showed no significant publication bias, and sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the findings. Conclusion: This study provides evidence for the association between climate variability and infectious disease transmission in Nigeria. This underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to protect vulnerable populations, including children under 5, pregnant women, the elderly, people with comorbidity, and low-income communities.

The Role of Climate and Environmental Factors in Malaria Transmission in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects

Malaria remained a major public health challenge in Nigeria, contributing to high rates of morbidity and mortality, particularly among vulnerable groups like children and pregnant women. The transmission of malaria is heavily influenced by climate and environmental factors such as temperature, rainfall, humidity, land use, and ecological changes, which affect the lifecycle of the malaria parasite (Plasmodium spp.) and its mosquito vector (Anopheles species). This review explored how these climatic and environmental factors impacted malaria transmission dynamics across Nigeria’s diverse regions. It also examined the challenges posed by climate variability, inadequate infrastructure, and the emergence of resistance to insecticides and antimalarials, while highlighting the potential of integrated vector management, climate-smart strategies, and community engagement in mitigating these impacts. The methodology used involved a comprehensive review and synthesis of relevant literature and data sources, including peer-reviewed journals, government reports, and global health organization publications. Understanding the intricate relationships between these factors and malaria transmission was crucial for developing adaptive strategies to reduce the burden of malaria in Nigeria, particularly in the face of ongoing environmental and climatic changes. Keywords: Malaria Transmission, Climate Factors, Environmental Factors, Nigeria, Vector Control.

Performance of rapid diagnostic test, light microscopy, and polymerase chain reaction in pregnant women with asymptomatic malaria in Nigeria

ObjectivesRapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) offer an attractive tool for diagnosing malaria in pregnancy. This study assessed the effectiveness of a Plasmodium falciparum–specific RDT compared with microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in diagnosing asymptomatic malaria in pregnant women in southwest Nigeria. MethodsThe study included 406 asymptomatic pregnant women seeking antenatal care. Blood samples were collected and tested using RDT (SD Bioline, Standard Diagnostics Inc. Korea) and light microscopy and confirmed using nested PCR. ResultsThe study revealed that the malaria parasite positivity rate was 8.9% by RDT, 21% by microscopy, and 32% by nested PCR. RDT had a sensitivity of 51.4% and specificity of 69.5%, whereas microscopy had a sensitivity of 65.3% and specificity of 98.2%. The combined testing of microscopy and RDT had a sensitivity and specificity of 100%. The study also showed a high prevalence of mild anemia among participants. ConclusionsDespite the RDT's low sensitivity, its high negative predictive value suggests it could be useful in combination with microscopy in ruling out asymptomatic malaria in pregnancy. Further study will help identify more suitable RDTs for routine malaria diagnosis in Nigeria and strengthen malaria prevention programs in pregnant women.

Impacts of Environmental Degradation: Forest Loss, Malaria, and Child Outcomes in Nigeria

Abstract We examine the effect of forest loss around the time of birth on infant mortality and the early childhood health of children in rural Nigeria. We find that forest loss leads to an increase in neonatal mortality—one standard deviation of forest loss is associated with a 9%–15% increase in the likelihood of death within the first month of life. The mechanism linking forest loss to infant death is maternal exposure to malaria when the child is in utero. Such exposure also results in worse birth outcomes, proxied by lower weight-for-age and height-for-age of surviving infants.

GIS-based spatiotemporal mapping of malaria prevalence and exploration of environmental inequalities

Malaria poses a significant threat to global health, with particular severity in Nigeria. Understanding key factors influencing health outcomes is crucial for addressing health disparities. Disease mapping plays a vital role in assessing the geographical distribution of diseases and has been instrumental in epidemiological research. By delving into the spatiotemporal dynamics of malaria trends, valuable insights can be gained into population dynamics, leading to more informed spatial management decisions. This study focused on examining the evolution of malaria in Nigeria over twenty years (2000–2020) and exploring the impact of environmental factors on this variation. A 5-year-period raster map was developed using malaria indicator survey data for Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Various spatial analysis techniques, such as point density, spatial autocorrelation, and hotspot analysis, were employed to analyze spatial patterns. Additionally, statistical methods, including Principal Component Analysis, Spearman correlation, and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression, were used to investigate relationships between indicators and develop a predictive model. The study revealed regional variations in malaria prevalence over time, with the highest number of cases concentrated in northern Nigeria. The raster map illustrated a shift in the distribution of malaria cases over the five years. Environmental factors such as the Enhanced Vegetation Index, annual land surface temperature, and precipitation exhibited a strong positive association with malaria cases in the OLS model. Conversely, insecticide-treated bed net coverage and mean temperature negatively correlated with malaria cases in the same model. The findings from this research provide valuable insights into the spatiotemporal patterns of malaria in Nigeria and highlight the significant role of environmental drivers in influencing disease transmission. This scientific knowledge can inform policymakers and aid in developing targeted interventions to combat malaria effectively.

Ending the Epidemic of Malaria in Nigeria Towards Attaining SDG Target 3.3.3: A Systematic Review of the Progress in Intervention Coverage

Ending the Epidemic of Malaria in Nigeria Towards Attaining SDG Target 3.3.3: A Systematic Review of the Progress in Intervention Coverage

Vegetation index and livestock practices as predictors of malaria transmission in Nigeria

Nigeria is the most malaria-endemic country in the world. Vegetation and livestock practices have been linked to malaria transmission but little is known about these in Nigeria. The study aimed to evaluate the influence of vegetation and livestock as predictors of malaria transmission in Nigeria. Secondary data obtained from the Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey’s Geospatial Covariate Datasets Manual were used for the analysis. The survey was carried out successfully in 1389 clusters of thirty (30) households each using a two-stage stratified random sampling design. Hierarchical beta regression models were used to model the associations between malaria incidence, enhanced vegetation index (EVI), and livestock practices. The correlation coefficients for vegetation index and livestock-related variables ranged from − 0.063 to 0.074 and varied significantly with the incidence of malaria in Nigeria (P < 0.001). The model showed vegetation index, livestock goats, and sheep as positive predictors of malaria transmission. Conversely, livestock chicken and pigs were observed to reduce the risk of malaria. The study recommends the need to take into account local differences in transmission when developing malaria early warning systems that utilize environmental and livestock predictors.

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Malaria Parasitemia and Severe Health Complications in Children Under Five Years of Age in Nigeria: A Study Using the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) Malaria Indicator Survey (MIS) 2021.

In Nigeria, 97% of the population is at risk of contracting malaria. It is transmitted by female Anopheles mosquitoes carrying the Plasmodium parasite and can be lethal. An estimated 55 million illnesses and 80,000 deaths per year result from it. Children under five are more likely to contract malaria. Efforts to control malaria in Nigeria include indoor residual spraying, insecticide-treated bed nets, and quick detection and treatment of confirmed cases with effective antimalarial medications. These attempts have been impeded by limited healthcare access, poor financing, and drug-resistant parasites. Thus, the study of therelationship between malaria complications and housing for children under five is essential. The Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) Malaria Indicator Survey (MIS) 2021, a nationally representative data set from developing countries on population and health, was used for this study. A sample size of 13,727 was employed (n=13,727). Logistic regression analyses were conducted to test the association between the type of place of residence and malaria complications (outcome). Overall, 4.2% (n=570, weight HV005) of participants in the sample reported malaria complications. The results of the logistic regression revealed that children residing in urban settlements (aOR 0.37, 95% CI 0.37-0.37, p-value <0.001), children from the poorest class families (aOR 11.63, 95% CI 1.62-1.63, p-value 0.004), children from poorer class families (aOR 7.56, 95% CI 7.55-7.57, p-value <0.001), children from middle-class families (aOR 4.05, 95% CI 4.03-9.06, p-value <0.001), children from richer class families (aOR 1.22, 95% CI 2.21-2.23, p-value <0.001), children of mothers with primary education (aOR 0.42, 95% CI 2.32-4.112, p-value 0.001), children of mothers with secondary education (aOR 0.24, 95% CI 3.21-3.22, p-value <0.001), children of mothers with higher education (aOR 0.08, 95% CI 0.72-0.80, p-value <0.001), and children of the female gender (aOR 0.65, 95% CI 0.65-0.66, p-value <0.001) are all associated with severe malaria complications. In conclusion, the study examined malaria complications in Nigerian children under five by residency. The findings imply that rural children are more likely to have serious malaria complications than urban children. This emphasizes the necessity for targeted malaria therapies in rural areas with limited healthcare access.

A deterministic mathematical model for quantifiable prediction of antimalarials limiting the prevalence of multidrug-resistant malaria

The malaria’s multidrug-resistant strain in Nigeria is prevalent and it poses a significant challenge for disease elimination. The testing for resistance is available but underutilized. Therefore, we develop a mathematical model incorporating the testing as a control strategy. This allows us to make quantifiable predictions about the effects of testing utilization on the malaria prevalence. By fitting the model to data on malaria and using field data reported in the literature, important parameters associated with the disease dynamics are estimated and calculated. First, we analyze the disease-free state of the malaria model and calculate the baseline control reproduction number. Sensitivity analysis is used to investigate the influence of the parameters in curtailing the disease. Numerical simulations are used to explore the behavior of the model solutions involving testing for resistance of the strain and wild strain malaria. We found that the implementation of testing would (a) prevent the increase of malaria prevalence from 30% to 35%, (b) significantly slow down the replacement of the wild strain by the resistant strain, and (c) avert about 6% of treatment failures. We also found that increasing mosquito death rate or reducing mosquito biting rate, mosquito birth rate, transmission to or from mosquitoes would contribute most significantly to the reduction of malaria prevalence in the community. In conclusion, the treatment failure is a significant component of the community malaria epidemic. Testing for multidrug resistance yields a significant reduction in cases with many implications regarding the containment of malaria in Nigeria.

MALARIA, POVERTY AND CHILD HEALTH IN NIGERIA: ANY NEXUS?

Infant mortality rates remain high in many African countries, despite global lowering trends. These high rates are alarming, therefore, this study attempt to examine the effect of malaria and poverty on infant mortality a proxy for child health in Nigeria using a data for the period 1990-2021. Auto-regressive distributed lag model (ARDL) was used as the estimation technique. The study's findings showed that both in the short and long run, poverty rate has a negative non-significant effect on infant mortality while malaria has a positive and significant effect on infant mortality. Government expenditure on health both in the short run and long run is positive and nonsignificant on child health. The current values of primary school enrolment (PSE) and number of physician (NOP) have a negative (-0.014 and -0.0002) non-significant effect on infant mortality in the short, and also negative (-0.501 and -1.654) but significant in the long run. The study recommends that policies that will improve child health and promote poverty reduction should be put in place and well implemented in Nigeria. Also, the government should take measures that will eradicate malaria in Nigeria.

Health Outcome and Economic Growth: The Case of Malaria in Nigeria

This study has examined the influence of health outcome on economic growth in Nigeria: the case of malaria. The purpose of the study is to investigate the efforts of government on health care system in Nigeria as it influences real gross domestic product within the period of review. Econometrics analyses were employed to carry out the investigation using Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL). The findings revealed that current health expenditure has an unfavourable effect on economic growth, while gross capital formation and secondary school enrolment have positive influence on economic growth in Nigeria. It is, therefore, recommended that the government should endeavour to double her investment in health care system in Nigeria. There are lots of capital outflows as a result of poor expenditure on health care system in Nigeria. The only way to curb this is for the government to be deliberate in her will to invest in this particular sector of the economic which will stimulate improvement in economic growth in general.

Identifying childhood malaria hotspots and risk factors in a Nigerian city using geostatistical modelling approach

Malaria ranks high among prevalent and ravaging infectious diseases in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The negative impacts, disease burden, and risk are higher among children and pregnant women as part of the most vulnerable groups to malaria in Nigeria. However, the burden of malaria is not even in space and time. This study explores the spatial variability of malaria prevalence among children under five years (U5) in medium-sized rapidly growing city of Akure, Nigeria using model-based geostatistical modeling (MBG) technique to predict U5 malaria burden at a 100 × 100 m grid, while the parameter estimation was done using Monte Carlo maximum likelihood method. The non-spatial logistic regression model shows that U5 malaria prevalence is significantly influenced by the usage of insecticide-treated nets—ITNs, window protection, and water source. Furthermore, the MBG model shows predicted U5 malaria prevalence in Akure is greater than 35% at certain locations while we were able to ascertain places with U5 prevalence > 10% (i.e. hotspots) using exceedance probability modelling which is a vital tool for policy development. The map provides place-based evidence on the spatial variation of U5 malaria in Akure, and direction on where intensified interventions are crucial for the reduction of U5 malaria burden and improvement of urban health in Akure, Nigeria.

Health Outcome and Economic Growth: The Case of Malaria in Nigeria

This inquiry delved into the intricate interplay between health outcomes and economic growth, with a specific focus on the impact of malaria in Nigeria. This research endeavours to delve into the profound intricacies inherent in the interconnection between health outcomes and economic growth. The multifaceted exploration entails a meticulous scrutiny of pivotal determinants, encompassing the intricate tapestry of current health expenditure, gross capital formation, the prevalence of malaria in Nigeria, secondary school enrolment (spanning post-primary and secondary education), and the discerning trajectory of real gross domestic product, serving as an illuminating proxy for the profound dynamics governing economic growth. Econometric analysis is employed to investigate the study using an autoregressive distributed lagged model (ARDL). The findings show that current health expenditure has an inverse relationship with economic growth in Nigeria. Meanwhile, gross capital formation and secondary school enrolment, parameters used, showed a positive influence on economic growth in Nigeria. Thus, the policy proffered is that the federal government should invest deliberately in the health sector. There may be a need to double government expenditure in the health sector with a view to making the people have access to a quality healthcare system at a very cheap and affordable rate and also making social services such as education free from the primary to secondary level.

Clinical and Laboratory Predictors of Poor Outcomes in Pediatric Cerebral Malaria in Nigeria

Clinical and Laboratory Predictors of Poor Outcomes in Pediatric Cerebral Malaria in Nigeria

In silico studies of benzothiazole derivatives as potential inhibitors of Anopheles funestus and Anopheles gambiae trehalase.

In malaria management, insecticides play a crucial role in targeting disease vectors. Benzothiazole derivatives have also been reported to possess insecticidal properties, among several other properties they exhibit. The female Anopheles mosquito is responsible for transmitting the malaria parasite when infected. Anopheles gambiae (Ag) and Anopheles funestus (Af) are two of the most notable Anopheles species known to spread malaria in Nigeria. Trehalase is an enzyme that breaks down trehalose. Recent research has proposed it as a viable target for inhibition since it aids in flight and stress adaptation. This study aimed to investigate benzothiazole derivatives as potential inhibitors of trehalase of Anopheles funestus (AfTre) and Anopheles gambiae (AgTre) using toxicity profiling, molecular docking, and dynamic simulation for future insecticidal intervention. A total of 4,214 benzothiazole-based compounds were obtained from the PubChem database and subjected to screening against the 3D modelled structure of AfTre and AgTre. Compounds with some toxicity levels were optimised, and the obtained lead compounds were further investigated through molecular docking studies. Furthermore, the best hit was subjected to parameters such as RMSD, RMSF, SASA, Rg, and hydrogen bond to confirm its stability when in a complex with AfTre, and these parameters were compared to that of validamycin A (control ligand). The post-screening analysis showed binding affinities of -8.7 and -8.2kcal/mol (compound 1), -8.2 and -7.4kcal/mol (compound 2), compared to -6.3 and -5.1kcal/mol (Validamycin A, a known inhibitor) against AfTre and AgTre, respectively. The molecular dynamics simulation showed that compound 1 (the best hit) had good stability when in complex with AfTre. These findings suggest that these best hits can serve as potential inhibitors for the development of novel insecticides in the control of malaria vectors.

Deploying persuasive technology-based model in the prevention and control of malaria in Nigeria to reduce incidence of deaths

Specifically among pregnant women and young children under the age of five, malaria is one of the major causes of illnesses and fatalities in Nigeria, and in Africa in general. According to recent research, malaria-related deaths (MRDs) have risen even though the government has implemented numerous intervention strategies to combat this deadly among Nigerians. This is a result of people not using such intervention methods to protect themselves. Further research into why people don’t comply with intervention systems effectively revealed that the interventions are passive, and sometimes complicated to adopt. Consequently, we established three quantifiable research outcomes that will allow us to assess if persuasive technology is appropriate for eradicating malaria-related deaths. We utilize participatory system design (PSD) and User-Centered methods to collect data from research. The participants provided answers to well-designed questionnaires that were used to gather information to analyze the impact of persuasive technology on the prevention and control of malaria-related deaths. The modeling of the intervention system uses the information gathered from the research survey. The Malaria Prevention and Control Support System (MPCSS), an intervention system, was developed and deployed as part of the research in three phases, and its effectiveness was assessed by an evaluation study. The study revealed that applying the suggested persuading technology-based methodology boosted ownership of mosquito nets, involvement in malaria prevention and control activities, and understanding of the risk of malaria-related mortality.

Antiplasmodial Profiling of Mangifera indica's Herbal Formulation and Its Ability to Ameliorate Hematological Derangements in Plasmodium berghei-Infected Mice

Background Malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum with an average prevalence of 75% in Nigeria, can be treated. Chemical-based medications, one of the methods used to treat it, frequently causes hematological abnormalities in the blood tissues. However, the ethnobotanical and scientific usage of Mangifera indica for the management of malaria in Nigeria necessitated this study on the antiplasmodial evaluation, the hematological profiling of Plasmodium berghei-infected mice treated with Mangifera indica's herbal formulation as well as the isolation and characterization of bioactive compounds from the plants. Method The plant's coarse leaves (3 kg) and stem bark (3.2 g) were weighed, divided into groups of leaves (250.71 g), stem bark (509.34 g), leaves/stem bark (1:1) (101.24/101.24 g), leaves/stem bark (1:2) (164.39/328.78 g), and leaves/stem bark (2:1) (218.50/109.25 g), macerated in 3 L of ethanol for 72 h, filtered, and concentrated. For each extract, the following weights and yields were recorded: 31.3 g leaves (15.2%), 43.8 g stem bark (8.7%), 34.8 g leaves/stem bark (1:1) (17.2%), 29.2 g leaves/stem bark (1:2) (5.92%), and 26.1 g leaves/stem bark (2:1) (7.96%). According to established methods, the herbal formulation was employed for hematological testing, GC-MS analysis, and in vivo antiplasmodial evaluation based on standard protocols. Results The leaves: Stem bark (1:2) extract (the best therapeutic response) of 98.92% was better than ACT (98.63%). GCMS analysis revealed predominantly mangiferin and esters of linoleic acids that could have enhanced erythropoiesis, mitigated infections, as well as boosted platelet aggregation in P berghei-infected mice as observed from the hematological assay. Conclusion Therefore, the extract of leaves: stem bark (1:2) had the best antiplasmodial therapeutic response and hematoprotective activity in P berghei-infected mice.

Antiplasmodial and interferon-gamma-modulating activities of the aqueous extract of stone breaker (Phyllanthus niruri Linn.) in malaria infection.

Plasmodium falciparum parasites are the primary cause of malaria across Africa. The problem of drug resistance to malaria is ever growing and novel therapeutic strategies need to be developed, particularly those targeting the parasite and also the host or host-pathogen interaction. Previous studies have shown that the development of cerebral malaria (CM) is related to dysregulation of the immune system in a murine malaria model of experimental cerebral malaria. It involves a complex interaction of events and interferon-gamma seems to be the unifying factor. Therefore, the antiplasmodial activity targeting the parasite and immunomodulatory strategies that reduce overall host inflammation, with IFN-γ in focus, could delay CM onset and prove beneficial in malaria infection therapy. Phyllanthus niruri is used to treat fever and other symptoms of malaria in Nigeria. Its modes of action as an anti-malarial remedy have not been exhaustively investigated. This study therefore examined the aqueous extract of P. niruri (PE) for its antiplasmodial activity in vitro using the Plasmodium falciparum HB3 strain. Furthermore, in vivo murine malaria model using the Plasmodium berghei ANKA strain was used to investigate its anti-malarial effects. We showed that PE has multiple anti-malarial effects, including anti-parasitic and host immunomodulatory activities. Co-culture of P. falciparum with PE and some of its phytoconstituents drastically reduced parasite number. PE also decreased parasitemia, and increased the survival of infected mice. We also observed that the integrity of the blood-brain barrier was maintained in the PE-treated mice. The results confirmed that PE showed moderate antiplasmodial activity. In vivo murine malaria model using P. berghei ANKA for experimental cerebral malaria revealed that PE suppressed parasite growth, and modulate the production of interferon-gamma. The findings demonstrate that PE affects malaria progression, targeting parasites and host cells.

Knowledge, Perception and Utilization of Herbal Medicine in Treatment of Malaria in Southwestern Nigeria

Malaria control has been a challenge around the world for decades. In malaria endemic nations like Sub-Saharan Africa, traditional herbal medicine is the most common option for treating malaria. About 80% of the world's population relies on the use of herbal medicine to treat a variety of diseases, and the use of plant materials in the treatment of illnesses has continuously expanded. This study sought to assess the level of knowledge and attitudes towards the use of traditional medicine in the treatment of malaria in southwest Nigeria. Descriptive design and multistage sampling techniques were utilised. During the first stage, three States were chosen through a balloting process utilising random sampling methods. Four (4) sections of the questionnaire were used to collect sociodemographic data and other factors that were important to the achievement of the given objectives. The findings revealed that 31.7% of the respondents had inadequate knowledge about traditional medicine for treatment of malaria. 20.8% had positive perceptions to the common herbal medicines used in the treatment of malaria. Majority stated malaria is not a serious disease to be concerned about, and that traditional medicine is superior to modern medicine. Conclusively, the results highlighted the respondent’s lack knowledge on the consequences of traditional medicine. A strong correlation between traditional medicine uses and perception in the treatment of malaria in southwest Nigeria was also discovered. The result of the study prompted a recommendation that the public health department of the ministry of health need to intensify campaign against use of unapproved herbs for treatment of malaria. Keywords; Malaria, Herbal Medicine, Treatment of Malaria.