Parasitemia Research Articles

Clinical and parasitological assessment in mice treated with highly diluted Atropa belladonna

Introduction: The infection by Trypanosoma cruzi is a public health problem and there is no effective treatment currently. Immunomodulatory effects of Atropa belladonna may offer benefits1 Objective: To evaluate the effect of A. belladonna in murine infection by T. cruzi. Methodology: The experiment was blind, controlled and randomized by draw. Eighty five Swiss male mice, at 8 weeks of age, were infected with 1400 blood trypomastigotes of T. cruzi Y strain (via IP) and divided into the following groups: without treatment (CI), treated with the mother tincture of A. belladonna (GTM-HN Cristiano), treated with A. belladonna 5cH (G5cH), treated with A. belladonna 6cH (G6cH), treated with A. belladonna 30cH (G30cH). Cereal alcohol 70 ° GL was used for dilutions as well as water in final preparations (Sigma-SP-Brazil). Oral treatment, diluted with water (1mL/100mL water), offered ad libitum 48 hours before infection, available during 16h. After infection, treatment of 56/56h for 16h, until the 9th day of infection2. Parasitological parameters: Curve of parasitemia, total parasitemia (PT), Maximum Peak of Parasites (PMP), Pre-Patent Period (PPP), Patent Period (PP), and Survival. Clinical parameters: water, food, excreta, weight and temperature. Results: G6cH and G30cH groups displayed better survival rates (1.54 and 1.42 times versus IC), and higher curve of parasitemia - G6cH (p = 0.00), G30cH (p = 0.02) – when compared to CI. PMP was lower in GTM (P = 0.01) and G5cH (p = 0.04) groups; PT was lower in GTM (p = 0.01), G5cH (p = 0.05) and G6cH (p = 0.05) groups when compared to CI. There was no difference in PPP and PP parameters in all groups, with a tendency of a higher PPP in G5cH and G6cH groups and lower PPP in G30cHgroup.The mice weight was higher in GTM (

PREVALENCE AND PATTERN OF SEVERE MALARIA AMONG CHILDREN IN TWO GENERAL HOSPITALS, JIGAWA STATE- NIGERIA

The prevalence and pattern of presentation of severe malaria differ from one area to another, in one age group and gender. A descriptive cross sectional study of children between the ages of one month and fourteen years with symptoms of severe malaria was conducted between July and December 2018 in Dutse and Birnin Kudu Local Government Area of Jigawa State. Venous blood samples were used for parasitological, hematological and biochemical examination following standard procedures. Thick and thin blood films were prepared, stained and examined at x100 magnification. A total of 172 children were considered in which, 73/167(43.7) children had severe malaria. Children less than 5 years of age had the highest percentage of severe malaria (47.1%; 95% CI = 39.5 to 54.7). Hyperpyrexia, prostration, hyper parasitemia and multiple convulsions were the commonest presentations. While metabolic acidosis, jaundice, hypoglycemia and respiratory distress were the least presenting features, no child presented spontaneous bleeding or shock. Furthermore, 21/73 children with severe malaria had only one feature of severity, 32/73 (43.8) had two features of severity, while 14/73 (19.2) of the children had up to three features. Only 4/73 (5.5) children had four of the features of severity. Chi-square analysis showed significant difference (P <0.05) in prostration and multiple convulsions among children less than and above 5 years. The prevalence of severe malaria in less than five years old is high; hence care givers should present symptoms early to the hospital in order to prevent progression to severe life threatening malaria.

Analysis of one case of artemether-resistant severe falciparum malaria

To analyze the clinical data of one case of artemether-resistant severe falciparum malaria in peacekeeping mission area in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in December 2019, so as to provide the reference for the treatment of falciparum malaria. The clinical history, laboratory diagnosis and treatment of one patient with artemether resistance in severe plasmodium falciparum malaria were reviewed. The patient, a Chinese engineer, had engaged in UN peace-keeping operation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo since Sep 23 2019. He was admitted to Chinese Level II Hospital on Dec 8, 2019 with the complaint of headache and weakness for 3 days, with fever and jaundice for 1 day. Plasmodium falciparum was diagnosed definitively by rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and blood film smear. Parasite density was 53 200 /μL on admission, then the parasite clearance rate was monitored by blood film smear. Artemether was intramuscularly injected once a day for two days. But the patient’s symptoms were not improved, and the parasite density was still high (36 380 /μL) on Dec 10, 2019. The possibility of resistance to artemether was considered, so artesunate was intravenously injected for anti-malarial treatment. Meanwhile the comprehensive treatment such as liver protection was continued. December 13, 2019, the patient’ s condition was improved, and the anti-malarial therapy was changed to oral compound dihydroartemisinin tablets. The parasitemia was undetectable since Dec 14, 2019. The patients were discharged on Dec 20, 2019, and followed up for 3 months without recurrence. The therapeutic efficacy for falciparum malaria has been severely threatened by artemisinin resistance, not only for malaria in peacekeeping mission area, but also for imported malaria. The timely diagnosis and treatment for falciparum malaria play a critical role, meanwhile the survey of artemisinin resistance should be emphasized. 摘要 ：收集刚果(金)维和任务区2019年12月收治的1例蒿甲醚耐药重症恶性疟病例诊疗过程中的临床和实验室 检验资料, 并进行相关分析, 为今后恶性疟疾的临床治疗提供思路。该患者为中国工兵, 自2019年9月23日参与联合 国刚果(金)维和行动。2019年12月8日患者因“头痛、乏力3 d, 发热伴皮肤及巩膜黄染1 d”就诊于中国二级医院。经 血涂片镜检为恶性疟疾, 疟原虫计数为53 200/μL。人院后予以蒿甲醚肌肉注射行抗疟治疗, 并通过血涂片监测疟原 虫清除率。2019年12月10日患者仍持续发热, 伴腹痛、呼吸急促, 血涂片疟原虫计数36 380/μL。考虑蒿甲醚耐药可 能, 改用青蒿琥酯静脉注射, 继续行保肝等综合治疗。2019年12月13日患者症状改善, 改用口服复方双氢青蒿素片治 疗。2019年12月14日患者血涂片疟原虫转阴, 并于2019年12月20日出院。随访3个月, 患者无发热等不适, 复査血 涂片阴性, 证实该疟疾病例已痊愈。青蒿素耐药性的发生, 给维和任务区及国内输人性恶性疟疾的治疗带来严重的威 胁 , 必须做到早发现、早诊断、早治疗 , 同时重视耐药性的监测。

Malaria Parasitaemia and Anaemia among Patients Attending a Palm Oil Plantation Hospital, Southwest Region, Cameroon

Endowed with extensive biological and cultural diversities, unique eco-climatic conditions and diverse topography implementing of the same malaria control measures throughout Cameroon, difficult. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of malaria in patients attending Pamol Hospital Lobe (PHL) in Lobe Estate, South West Region, Cameroon. This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted at the PHL, between March and November 2014. The prevalence of malaria and anaemia were investigated in 581 patients using thick blood film and a Urit-1 systems respectively. All data obtained were analysed using SPSS 17.0. The chi-square test was used to establish the association between the prevalence of malaria and age, sex and place of residence of patients, while P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. The overall prevalence rate of malaria parasitaemia was 78.8% (458). The age group 10- 15 years had the highest prevalence of 80% and while 5-9 years had the least 77.6% (52). The prevalence of malaria was found not to be significantly associated with age group and gender (χ 2=0.200, P=0.978; χ2=1.425, P=0.233). However, the Mean Trophozoites±SD significantly differed between males and females (P<0.05). Our findings indicate no significant difference between the place of residence and malaria parasitaemia. (P˃0.731). Nearly half (49.2%) of the participants were anaemic (Hb level < 11 g/dL) while only 2.1% were severely anaemic (Hb level < 4 g/dL). The Mean Trophozoites±SD were higher in patients that were moderately anaemic (814.18±787.569), contrastingly lower in those that were severely anaemic (589.09±675.299). Malaria prevalence in the PHL remains high. The distribution of Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets (LLINs) should further be intensified in the communities, especially during peak malaria transmission season.

Does parasitemia level increase the risk of acute kidney injury in patients with malaria? Results from an observational study in Angola

BackgroundThe incidence of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) due malaria has increased and in low and middle-income countries with negative impact in the death and hospitalization. The aim of this study was to evaluate AKI incidence and effects of parasitemia levels in the kidney function of patients hospitalized with malaria in Josina Machel hospital from March to May 2016. MethodsA longitudinal, prospective and observational study was performed with 135 patients hospitalized with malaria during the study period. Patients were followed-up and monitored by measurements of serum creatinine (SCr) and Blood Urea Nitrogen (SUr) for a period between 2 and 4 days. The diagnosis of AKI and Acute Kidney Disease (AKD) was carried out according to Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (AKI-KDIGO) criteria. Additionally, information regarding blood parasite concentration and antimalarial treatment used was collected for all patients. ResultsA total of 86 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were enrolled in the study. From which, 61/86 (71%) were males, with mean age of 21.3 years. A total of 36/86 (42%) were with AKI in different stages. Interestingly, it was observed that high and hyper parasitemia were present in patients with AKI. The quinine was the anti-malarial most used in patients with AKI (54%). The hospitalization length 21/40(78%) and mortality 7/8(88%) rate was higher in patients with high and hyper parasitemia and AKI. ConclusionWe observed high and hyper parasitemia in patients with different stages of AKI. The hospitalization length and mortality rates were higher in this group of patients, especially in the more advanced stages of kidney injury. Further studies are needed to depth the consistency of the relationship between parasitemia and kidney injury to help control the emergence of kidney injury of the malaria patients in Angola.

Prevalence of malaria parasitemia among pregnant women in a general hospital in Abraka Delta State

Malaria during the period of pregnancy is a key public health concern, with noteworthy risks for mothers, fetus and even newborn babies. This cross-sectional study was carried out to ascertain the prevalence of malaria and the latent risk factors for the malaria infections among pregnant women in a Government General Hospital in Abraka, Delta State Nigeria. One hundred pregnant women were included in the study after informed verbal consent was obtained. Peripheral blood samples were collected and then thick blood smears prepared and stained with field stains A and B to verify presence of malaria parasitaemia. The relationship between education level, age and trimester of pregnancy, with occurrence of malaria infection during pregnancy were analyzed using the chi-square test. In this study, a total of ninety five percent (95%) of the pregnant women were infected with malaria parasites, with a mean parasite 33.33. The prevalence and the parasite density progressed with age. Further analysis of the data showed that lack of education and environmental factors were greatly associated with malaria infection. Malaria is still the main public health hazard among pregnant women mostly due to lack or inadequate education and limited awareness about malaria prevention measures among this population.Keywords: Malaria, Pregnant women, parasitaemia, blood, Abraka

In vivo antimalarial activity, toxicity, and phytochemical composition of total extracts from securidaca longepedunculata Fresen. (polygalaceae)

Introduction: Alternative antimalarial drugs are urgently required. Securidaca longepedunculata Fresen. (Polygalaceae) is a medicinal plant with a long history of use in African ethnomedicine to treat malaria and other illnesses. The efficacy, safety, and chemical composition of chloroform: methanol (1:1) and aqueous total extracts from the leaves, stem, and roots of S. longepedunculata were investigated. Methods: Adult Swiss female mice were infected with 107 erythrocytes parasitized with Plasmodium berghei (strain ANKA) on day 0 as a model of malaria. Effects of crude extracts at a dosage rate of 100 mg/kg of body weight on parasitemia were measured over a 4-day period. To evaluate acute toxicity, the mice were administered crude extracts by oral gavage at 50, 300, and 2000 mg/kg of body weight and observed over a 24-h period. Cytotoxic effects of crude extracts were measured using human epithelial-2 cells in a 96-well microtiter plate over a 24-h period. Results: Chloroform: methanol (1:1) and aqueous root extracts demonstrated significant chemosuppressive activities of 91.46% and 87.64%, respectively (P 2000 mg/kg body weight. Crude extracts contained alkaloids, anthraquinones, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, tannins, and triterpenoids. Conclusion: The findings from the current study validate ethnopharmacological use of the plant, while demonstrating its potential as a possible source of new lead molecules against malaria.

Characteristics of febrile Children in a Malaria/HIV co-endemic region of Western Kenya

Background: Fever is still a priority health problem in the paediatric population. The cause of fever in children in resource-limited settings is not always investigated and thus clinical characteristics are relied on to make presumptive diagnosis especially for malaria.Objectives: To determine the demographic, clinical and haematological characteristics of febrile children in the context of their HIV and malaria parasitemia status.Design: A cross-sectional comparative hospital based study was carried out on febrile children seeking care in the ambulatory clinics.Setting: Webuye Sub-County Hospital in western Kenya.Main Outcomes: Demographic and clinical characteristics for those who met the inclusion criteria. Malaria parasitemia using blood slide and haematological characteristics based on complete blood count.Results: A total of 282 febrile HIV-infected and 332 Non-HIV-infected were recruited into the study. Prevalence of malaria parasitemia was 84% and 51.2% among HIV-infected and the non-HIV-infected febrile children respectively. Of the HIV-infected, 97% were on cotrimoxazole. The HIV-infected were significantly older than the non-infected with a median age of 59 (IQR43, 89) and 48(IQR36, 60) months respectively. Splenomegaly, hepatomegaly and anaemia were more common among the HIV-infected (p-value 0.000, 0.0001 and 0.000 respectively). However, these HIV-infected children had generally more favourable haematological parameters (haemoglobin & MCV) compared to the HIV-non- infected (p-alue≤0.0001).Conclusion: HIV infected children with malaria parasitemia were significantly older than non-HIV infected in western Kenya. The HIV infected children however had better haematological parameters compared to the non-HIV infected. There is need to intensify other preventive measures for malaria in this community as it appears cotrimoxazole prophylaxis does not confer additional benefit to those with HIV.

Intestinal Parasitemia and HIV/AIDS Co-infections at Varying CD4+ T-cell Levels

Intestinal Parasitemia and HIV/AIDS Co-infections at Varying CD4+ T-cell Levels

Parasitemia and its relation to blood indices and liver function among malarial patients

Objectives: Objective of the study is to observe effects of Parasitemia on blood indices and liver function among malarial patients. Material & Method: A total of 67 malarial patients attending the OPD were enrolled as test subjects. Venus blood was collected. Malarial parasite density was determined in various blood smears and analyzed for blood indices- Hb, PCV, total WBC, lymphocytes, neutrophils, platelets, AST, ALT, ALP, total and direct bilirubin . Result & Discussion: There were significant decreases in the mean values of the hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), total leucocyte counts (t WBC), lymphocytes and platelets. Neutrophils were significantly higher in patients with falciparummalaria in comparison to healthy subjects. There were significant increases in the mean activity enzyme values of AST, ALT, ALP and serum total and directbilirubin. The present study reports a significant increase in neutrophil level of individuals infected with P falciparum as compared to healthy subjects. Conclusion: Haemoglobin, platelet count, lymphocyte level, total WBC and neutrophil level were seen associated with mild, moderate and severe parasitaemia infection. Acute falciparum malaria infection is associated with an increase in serum activity of aspartate and alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase thus indicating that the infection is associated with acute liver injury.

Malaria parasitemia in HIV-infected children attending antiretroviral therapy clinic in a teaching hospital

Background: Malaria and HIV are important health problems in developing countries. They cause more than 4 million deaths a year globally. The interaction of these two infections is both synergistic and bidirectional. We determined the prevalence of malaria coinfection in HIV-infected children attending antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinic. Materials and Methods: A prospective study of all HIV-infected children attending the ART clinic of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria, over a 5-year period was carried out. Malaria parasite was identified by Giemsa-stained blood films using a light microscopy. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS version 20.0. Results: The total numbers of children screened were 236. Of those, 73 (31%) had malaria/HIV coinfection. One hundred and twenty-one (51.3%) were males and 115 (48.7%) were females. The mean age of the children was 8.63 ± standard deviation 3.76 years (range of 1–17 years). Conclusions: The study shows that the rate of malaria and HIV coinfection is high. Prompt treatment of malaria and malaria disease prevention are recommended for children.

Sentinel study on the efficacy of three artemisinin–based antimalarial combination therapies in Kaduna, Northwest – Nigeria

Background. Resistance still remains the major obstacle in the fight against malaria and reports from Southeast Asia on resistance to ACTs are disturbing. The study was a clinical and parasitological evaluation of artemether-lumefantrine (AL), artesunate-mefloquine (AM) and dihydroartemisininpiperaquine (DP) for treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Kaduna State, North -Western Nigeria conducted in 2011.Materials and Methods. Patients aged 6 months to 60 years who were confirmed malaria falciparum positive were randomly placed in one of three treatment groups and administered with either AL, AM or DP standard doses. Patients were followed-up for either 28 or 42 days. Fever, parasite clearance times and therapeutic efficacy of study drugs were determined.Results. A total of 324 patients were enrolled for the study. Study drugs had excellent fever and parasite clearance times of 1.44 and 1.41 days respectively. A total of 28 (9.2%) patients had re-appearance of parasitaemia. PCRUncorrected success rates were 96.3% and 90.6% after 28 and 42 days follow-up respectively. Artemetherlumefantrine, AM and DP had 91.1%, 86.2%, 94.9% individual success rates respectively. Ninety per cent of failures were seen in patients 5 to 14 years.Conclusion. The study reported the therapeutic efficacy of three commonly used ACTs in Nigeria for the year 2011 and showed it to be effective in the treatment of uncomplicated malaria, however continuous monitoring of the ACTs is required.Keywords: Uncomplicated malaria, treatment, efficacy study, artemisinin combination therapy, Plasmodium falciparum, resistance, artemether – lumefantrine, artesunate – amodiaquine, dihydroartemisinin – piperaquine

The histopathological effects of Trypanosoma evansi on experimentally infected mice

Objectives The objective of this study was to study the histopathological changes in different tissues in experimentally Trypanosoma evansi-infected mice. Background There is variation in the pathogenicity of different host species. Animals that are subjected to stress, malnutrition, pregnancy, or work are more susceptible to this disease. The pathogenesis of T. evansi is complex and the cause of death is still somewhat obscure. Materials and methods The T. evansi isolate used in the present study was obtained from the blood of naturally infected camels. The strain was maintained in mice, where their infected blood was used for inducing the experimental infection. Giemsa-stained blood films were prepared for detection of infection and estimation of parasitemia. A total of 64 mice were divided into two main groups as follows: group I (the infected group), which included 40 mice inoculated with T. evansi strain, and group II (the control group), which included 24 mice used as uninfected healthy controls. Results In the present study, trypanosomes were observed using wet blood films and Giemsa-stained blood films at 48 h after infection in infected mice (group I) and there was high parasitemia on approximately the fifth day after infection (subgroup I-b). Mice from the uninfected control group (II) remained negative for trypanosomes until their death. Gross examination of various tissues from the infected mouse subgroups (infected group I) revealed splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, and marked congestion of lungs. All degrees of inflammation were detected in these tissues. Moreover, most of the examined tissues showed trypanosomes. It was noted that these pathological changes were more obvious in subgroup I-b when the parasitemia had reached its peak. Conclusion Microscopic examination showed significant histopathological changes in different organs, and in most examined tissues the parasites were detected in high numbers, especially in subgroup I-b (on the fifth day).

Assessment of chemokine responses involved in the cerebral and mild malaria in murine model

Background: The role of chemokines on the integrity of Central Nervous system (CNS) during malaria infection remains unclear; we therefore, in this study investigated the alternation in gene expression of chemokines in the Brain samples of P. yoelii 17XL infected mice with Cerebral Malaria (CM) as well as Mild Malaria (MM). Objective: To evaluate the pro-inflammatory chemokine expression in the brain samples of murine CM and MM Methods: mRNA levels of IFN ?, IP-10, RANTES, MIP1-?, MIP1-? and MCP were measured by qRT-PCR in Brain samples of P. yoelii 17XL infected mice. GAPDH was used as the housekeeping gene. Histopathological studies of brain samples from infected and uninfected mice were conducted. Results: CM mice had highly up-regulated of all chemokines except IFN ? and RANTES than MM mice (all P<0.0001)); IFN ? (P=0.5133) and RANTES (P=0.9292) were found to be decreased in CM as compared to MM wherein IP-10 (P=0.1419), MIP1-? (P=0.1664), MIP1-? (P=0.6294) and MCP (P=0.8262) mRNA were significantly up regulated at peak parasitemia and remains high in the CM of experimental mouse model. Histopathology results revealed tissue section in severely parasitized mice exhibited massive degeneration of the parenchyma, consistent with marked inflammation. Conclusion: It might be concluded from the findings of the present study that up regulation of IP-10, MIP1?, MIP 1? and MCP-1 and low expression of IFN ? and RANTES in the brains of CM mice are associated with mortality of P.yoelii 17XL infected CM mice as compared to mice with MM.

Effects of crude ethanolic extract of Terminaliacatappa on the haematology parameters of red Sokoto goat sex perimentally infected with Trypanosomabruceibrucei

The in-vivo activity of crude ethanolic extract of Terminaliacatappa stem bark administered orally and intraperitoneally on red Sokoto goats experimentally infected with Trypanosomabruceibrucei was investigated. 15 male goats weighing between 8kg to 10kg were randomly grouped into 5 groups with three goats per group. Goats in all the 5 groups were infected intravenously with T. b. brucei and after demonstration of parasitaemia Groups 1 to 4 were administered crude ethanolic extract of T.catappa as follows: 50mg/kg orally to group 1, 100mg/kg orally to group 2, 50mg/kg intraperitoneally to Group3and 100mg/kg intraperitoneally to group4) while group5 served as untreated control. All treatments were given for 7 days. Result of phytochemical analysis shows alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids and steroid, increase in weight, Packed Cell Volume (PCV) and Red Blood Cells (RBC) indices after treatment in treated groups were also observed. It was concluded that T. catappa ethanolic extract given at a dose of 50 to 100mg/kg is effective and safe for the treatment of T. b. brucei infection in goats.

Histopathology of Trypanosoma brucei brucei infected red Sokoto goats experimentally infected and treated with crude ethanolic extract of Terminalia catappa

The trypanocidal activity of crude ethanolic extract of Terminalia catappa stem bark was investigated on red sokoto goats experimentally infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei. 15 male goats weighing between 8kg to 10kg were used in this experiment, randomly grouped into 5 groups with three goats per group. Goats in all the 5 groups were infected intravenously with T.b. brucei and after demonstration of parasitaemia Groups 1 to 4 were administered crude ethanolic extract of T. catappa as follows: 50mg/kg orally to group 1, 100mg/kg orally to group 2, 50mg/kg intraperitoneally to group 3 and 100mg/kg intraperitoneally to group 4 while group 5 served as untreated control. All treatments lasted for 7 days. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids and steroid. The histopathological findings did not reveal any effect of the extracts on the hearts of all T. catappa treated groups, although, lesions were observed on the spleen, liver, kidney and lung of both treated and untreated (control) group which could be as a result of the infection.

Plasmodium falciparum var genes expressed in children with severe malaria encode CIDRα1 domains.

Most severe Plasmodium falciparum infections are experienced by young children. Severe symptoms are precipitated by vascular sequestration of parasites expressing a particular subset of the polymorphic P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) adhesion molecules. Parasites binding human endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) through the CIDRα1 domain of certain PfEMP1 were recently associated with severe malaria in children. However, it has remained unclear to which extend the EPCR‐binding CIDRα1 domains epitomize PfEMP1 expressed in severe malaria. Here, we characterized the near full‐length transcripts dominating the var transcriptome in children with severe malaria and found that the only common feature of the encoded PfEMP1 was CIDRα1 domains. Such genes were highly and dominantly expressed in both children with severe malarial anaemia and cerebral malaria. These observations support the hypothesis that the CIDRα1‐EPCR interaction is key to the pathogenesis of severe malaria and strengthen the rationale for pursuing a vaccine or adjunctive treatment aiming at inhibiting or reducing the damaging effects of this interaction.

Efficacy of repeated doses of diminazene aceturate (Dinazene®) in the treatment of experimental Trypanosoma brucei infection of Albino rats.

The efficacy of repeated doses of Dinazene® in Albino rats experimentally infected with Trypanosoma brucei (Gboko strain) was investigated. A total of 30 adult female Albino rats weighing 130-190 g were used for the study. They were assigned to six groups (groups A-F) of five rats each. Groups A-D were infected intraperitoneally with 1.0 × 106 trypanosomes in 400 µL of PBS diluted blood while groups E (uninfected treated) and F (uninfected untreated) served as controls. The rats in the groups A-D as well as those in group E were treated with 7.0 mg/kg body weight at day 11 post infection. Groups B, C and D however received two, three and four repeated doses of the drug at weekly intervals following initial treatment. There was complete clearance of the parasite within 120 h post treatment. Parasitaemia, packed cell volume (PCV), total red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) counts, haemoglobin concentration (Hb), rectal temperature, and body weight were used to assay the efficacy of treatment. Following treatment and parasite clearance from the blood, there was improvement (P<0.05) in the values of parameters measured when compared to the uninfected controls. However, relapse infection was observed in the rats of group A, B and C, with a resultant decline in clinical condition and values of parameters used to assess efficacy. We concluded that four consecutive treatments using same dose at weekly intervals proved efficacious in the experimental management of T. brucei infection in rats.

Canine Rangeliosis: A Rare Case of Hyperparasitemia in the Acute Phase

Background: R. vitalii causes a remerging tick-borne disease known as rangeliosis. The parasite is not always identifable in blood smears, especially in the chronic phase of the disease. Low parasitemia levels have been observed in cases of rangeliosis caused by natural infection, even in acute situations, while hyperparasitemia has been reported only in acuteexperimental infection. This paper describes an unusual case of acute natural R. vitalii infection with hyperparasitemia.Case: The dog (a 12-year-old male German Shepherd) had presented apathy, dyschezia and hyporexia for three days prior to seeing the veterinarian, whose examination revealed discrete pale mucous membranes, soft bloody stools, hyperthermia, splenomegaly and lethargy. Numerous intra-erythrocytic forms, as well as free-living parasites compatible with R. vitalii and/or Babesia sp, were also found in the CBC (complete blood count), and the parasite load was estimated at 12 parasites/feld – x1000. After diagnosing hemoparasitosis from the blood smear, therapy was started immediately. After 18 days of treatment, the animal returned to the veterinary hospital showing visibly improved health. The dog’s mucous membranes showed normal coloration. A new CBC showed no intra-erythrocytic parasite in the blood smear. Some of the blood drawn during the animal’s frst examination was sent for DNA extraction. Two specifc TaqMan real-time PCR-based assays were performed to test for R. vitalii, and Ehrlichia canis. The sample was also tested for Babesia (Babesia canis and Babesia gibsoni), but tested positive only for R. vitalii.Discussion: Clinical signs related to the disease depend on its acute, subclinical, and chronic evolution, which may be reflected in clinical and pathological conditions. Our dog presented mild clinical signs of the disease, such as apathy, lethargy, hyporexia, hyperthermia, discrete pale mucous membranes, splenomegaly, dyschezia and soft bloody stools.In acute experimental cases, parasitemia increases progressively after inoculation, when R. vitalii becomes detectable in erythrocytes and leukocytes. In the chronic form of the disease, it is particularly rare to identify free-living forms of R. vitalii in the bloodstream or of the parasite in erythrocytes, and they are identifed in only in few cases of natural infection. The blood smear of our canine patient contained numerous parasitized cells, showing different shapes and sizes of the parasite, as well as a variable number of microorganisms parasitizing each cell. The number of parasitized erythrocytes was comparatively higher than that of leukocytes. This case report reveals that acute natural canine rangeliosis with hyper parasitemia is possible, indicating that the acute phase of the disease does not occur only in experimental cases. Although the animal showed nonspecifc clinical signs in the acute phase, the blood smear and PCR enabled the detection of the parasite. This leads us to suggest that, to ensure a better diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of rangeliosis, veterinarians should also determine whether the disease is in the acute or chronic stage.Keywords: Rangelia vitalii, natural acute phase, high parasitemia, dogs.

Oxidant status of children infected with

Background: Malaria is a global menace caused by the transfer of a plasmodium parasite to a host by an infected anopheles mosquito. Upon infection, the overwhelmed host releases free radicals which have the capacity to induce oxidative damage by lipid peroxidation. This study was undertaken to assess the effect of malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum on some antioxidant markers and lipid peroxidation levels in children attending hospitals in Katsina State, Nigeria.Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from untreated subjects upon confirmation of Plasmodium falciparum parasitaemia using the Giemsa stain technique. One hundred and sixty (160) consenting individuals (80 infected patients and 80 uninfected subjects) comprising of both sexes were randomly selected. The levels of antioxidant markers and malondialdehyde (MDA) - a lipid peroxidation marker were determined. Descriptive analysis was employed using SPSS version 16.0 and significance between groups was ascertained using students' T-test.Results: P. falciparum malarial infection significantly (p <0.05) reduced the antioxidant markers [vitamins A, C, & E; and reduced glutathione (GSH)] by 65.4%, 29.7%, 48.1%, 40.4% respectively in males and by 54.2%, 36.6%, 55.7% , 36.6% in females when compared with values obtained from uninfected, healthy children. Conversely, lipid peroxidation levels were significantly (p <0.05) higher in children with parasitaemia than in nonparasitaemic controls. Males showed greater than 200% increase, while it increased by 138% in females.Conclusion: Our findings indicate a reciprocal relationship, where high levels of lipid peroxidation correspond to low levels of antioxidants, which may be due to over utilization of the antioxidants in order to counteract the effect of free radicals. This may be responsible for oxidative stress and consequently, tissue damage associated with pathology of malaria in Nigerian children.Key words: Antioxidant markers, Plasmodium falciparum, lipid peroxidation and children.