Human Microsporidial Infections

Microsporidia are eukaryotic, spore forming obligate intracellular parasites, first recognised over 100 years ago. Microsporidia are becoming increasingly recognised as infectious pathogens causing intestinal and extra-intestinal diseases in both immuno-competent and immuno-suppressed patients. They are characterised by the production of resistant spores that vary in size depending on the species; and poses a unique organelle, the polar tubule (polar filament), which is coiled inside the spore as demonstrated by its ultra structure. Other unusual characteristics are the lack of mitochondria and the prokaryotic-like ribosomes, which indicate the primitive nature of the group. Presently there are seven genera, Enterocytozoon, Encephalitozoon, Nosema, Pleistophora, Trachi pleistophora, Brachiola, vittaforma species which have been reported from human hosts as agents of systemic, ocular, intestinal and muscular infections, are described and the diagnosis, treatment, and source of infections discussed

First detection of intestinal microsporidia in Northern Nigeria

Microsporidia are intracellular spore-forming protozoa that are increasingly being recognized as pathogens in humans. Faecal samples were taken from 2250 HIV/AIDS and 1050 HIV-negative patients from Kano and Makurdi in Northern Nigeria, and were investigated for microsporidial infections by Giemsa staining technique (Light microscopy). In Kano, Enterocytozoon bienuesi was detected in 8 (14.17%) and Encephalitozoon intestinalis in 5 (2.60%) out of 192 HIV/AIDS patients screened. A mixed infection of both 0.52% was observed. Results from Makurdi showed that Enterocytozoon bienuesi was detected in 13 (0.65%) and Encephalitozoon intestinalis in 96 (4.78%) out of 2008 HIV/AIDS patients examined. No mixed infection was observed. Microsporidial spores were not found in 1050 HIV-negative patients screened from both areas. There was a significant difference (X2, p<0.05) in infection rates between the HIV/AIDS and HIV-negative patients. This study aimed at detecting the prevalence of intestinal microsporidia to provide baseline data on the status of this disease in Nigeria. Detection of Microsporidia in Immuno-compromised patients has not been described previously in this area

Frequency of Human Toxocariasis in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Elisa) was used to examine sera of 104 children and adults in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria for anti-toxocaral antibodies, out of which 31 (29.8%) were reactive. The seropositive rates were 30.4% for adults, 29.6% for children, 34% for females and 25.9% for males. However, the differences were not significant by age and sex. A highly significant association (p &lt; 0.001) was observed between seropositivity and geophagia but none between seropositivity and dog ownership (p &gt; 0.05)

Frequency of Human Toxocariasis in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Elisa) was used to examine sera of 104 children and adults in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria for anti-toxocaral antibodies, out of which 31 (29.8%) were reactive. The seropositive rates were 30.4% for adults, 29.6% for children, 34% for females and 25.9% for males. However, the differences were not significant by age and sex. A highly significant association (p &lt; 0.001) was observed between seropositivity and geophagia but none between seropositivity and dog ownership (p &gt; 0.05)

Effects of Maternal Plasmodium falciparum Malaria and HIV infection on Birth Weight in Southeastern Nigeria

The effects of malaria and HIV infection on birth weight were assessed among 300 women in childbirth in Southeastern Nigeria using standard techniques. Prevalence of maternal Plasmodium falciparum malaria infection was 16.0%. Individuals of younger age, primigravidae, anemic (with Hgb &lt;11.0g/dl) and those who had never attended antenatal clinic (ANC) were more likely to have malaria infection. Prevalence of HIV infection was 3.6% and malaria prevalence was significantly higher among HIV-positive than HIV-negative women (37.5%, 95% CI, 4.0-71.0% versus 14.3%, 95% CI., 9.6-19.0%), (χ2 =13.3, P&lt;0.05). Malaria-infected women had a significantly higher proportion of lBW babies than the uninfected (F-ratio=15.05, P&lt;0.05). A higher proportion of low birth weight (lBW) was recorded among anemic women, primigravidae and those who never attended ANC. lBW babies were significantly higher among HIV-positive than HIV-negative women (25.0% vs 16.6%), (F-ratio=130.8, P&lt;0.05). Malaria and HIV interventions via ANC are crucial for reduction of their adverse effects on pregnancy outcome.</jats:p