Unraveling Key Chloroquine Resistance-Associated Alleles Among Plasmodium falciparum Isolates in South Darfur State, Sudan Twelve Years After Drug Withdrawal

Background

Due to the increasing resistance of Plasmodium falciparum to chloroquine (CQ) in Sudan, a shift from CQ to artesunate combined with sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine as a first-line treatment for uncomplicated falciparum malaria was adopted in 2004. This study aimed to determine the frequency distribution of K76T and N86Y mutations in P. falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter (pfcrt) and P. falciparum multidrug resistance 1 (pfmdr1) genes as key markers of resistance to CQ among P. falciparum isolates from patients in Nyala district of South Darfur state, west of Sudan.

Methods

A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 75 P. falciparum isolates from Sudanese patients diagnosed with falciparum malaria mono-infection. Parasite DNA was extracted from dried blood spots and amplified using a nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Then, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) was used to detect the genetic polymorphisms in codons 76 of pfcrt and 86 of pfmdr1. PCR-RFLP products were analyzed using 1.5% gel electrophoresis to identify the genetic polymorphisms in the studied codons. The wild-type (pfcrt K76 and pfmdr1 N86), mutant (pfcrt 76T and pfmdr1 86Y) and mixed-type (pfcrt K76T and pfmdr1 N86Y) alleles were expressed as frequencies and proportions.

Results

The wild-type pfcrt K76 allele was observed among 34.7% of isolates and the mutant 76T allele among 20% of isolates, while the mixed-type K76T allele was observed among 45.3% of isolates. On the other hand, 54.7% of isolates harbored the wild-type pfmdr1 N86 allele and 5.3% of isolates had the mutant 86Y allele, while the mixed-type N86Y allele was observed among 40% of isolates.

Conclusion

The key molecular markers associated with CQ resistance (pfcrt 76T and pfmdr1 86Y) are still circulating in high frequency among P. falciparum isolates in South Darfur state, about twelve years after the official withdrawal of the drug as a treatment for uncomplicated falciparum malaria.

Toxoplasma gondii Infection and ABO Blood Group Association Among Pregnant Sudanese Women: A Case Study

Purpose

ABO blood group glycol-conjugate expression may influence human susceptibility to infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii. This study aimed to assess the relationship between blood group phenotypes as risk factors for toxoplasmosis and to correlate the prevalence of the disease with other risk factors.

Materials and Methods

A total of two-hundred serum samples were collected from pregnant women referred for routine rotary examination in Rabak Teaching Hospital, White Nile State, Sudan, and examined for the parasite Toxoplasma gondii using the latex agglutination test.

Results

The overall prevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women (IgG positivity for T. gondii in the absence of IgM) was 41% (82/200). A higher prevalence of the infection was detected in women with blood group type AB 5 (55.6%) among the females in the AB blood group and the lowest in those with blood group type B 11 (35.5%). Those with a history of direct contact with cats reported the possibility of eating undercooked meat and soil-related potential risk factors (working in a garden with bare hands, eating unwashed vegetables and fresh fruits, poor handling of food) recorded 70 (82.4%), 59 (65.6%), 58 (77.3%), 73 (55.7%) and 70 (73.7%) of positive cases, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference between Toxoplasma gondii infection and these risk factors.

Conclusion

The study concluded that the ABO blood group system was not related to the absence or presence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in pregnant women in the study area. Contact with cat feces, raw meat consumption, and farming were identified as possible important risk factors for T. gondii infection within the study area.

Seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and associated risk factors in pregnant women in Somalia

Toxoplasma gondii infection is a worldwide protozoan parasitic disease caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. T. gondii infection in gestation period can lead to fetal or neonatal death, and besides congenital defects. So far, there are no data available regarding T. gondii seropositivity and associated risk factors in pregnant women in Somalia. The investigations of these aspects were done in 403 pregnant women attending the antenatal care (ANC) at Benadir hospital, in Mogadishu city. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for anti-T. gondii antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). IgG seropositivity to T. gondii was 45.2% (182/403). None of the women were positive for IgM antibodies. Considering the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy, women IgG seropositivity was 44.2%, 26.3%, and 67.7%, respectively (p < 0.05). There was no significant association between seropositivity and age, sociodemographic features, history of abortion, presence of cats in house, contact cats feces, contact with soil, consumption of raw vegetables/meats, blood transfusion, and drinking of unboiled milk (p>0.05). Routine serological screening for T. gondii should be integrated with other ANC services to identify potential infections with the parasite.

Hematological Findings among COVID-19 Patients Attending King Khalid Hospital at Najran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

COVID-19 is a global pandemic viral infection that has affected millions worldwide. Limited data is available on the effect of COVID-19 on hematological parameters in Saudi Arabia. This study is aimed at examining the role of hematological parameters among COVID-19 patients admitted to King Khalid Hospital in Najran, Saudi Arabia. This is a retrospective, hospital-based study of 514 cases who were recruited during August to October 2020. 257 COVID-19 patients formed the study group, and a further 257 negative subjects formed the control group. Anemia was significantly elevated in positive subjects over controls (respectively, 64.2% and 35.8%), with patients 2.5 times more likely to be anemic (p < 0.01). Thrombocytopenia was higher in patients over controls (respectively, 62% and 38%), with patients ~1.7 times more likely to be thrombocytopenic (p < 0.01). Moreover, leukopenia was significantly higher in patients over controls (respectively, 71% and 29%), with positive subjects ~2.6 times more likely to be leukopenic. Our study results indicate that mild anemia associated with leukopenia may have diagnostic value for COVID-19. Careful assessment of hematological parameters, at baseline and throughout the disease path, will assist physicians in formulating personalized approaches to treatment and promptly offer intensive care to those in greater need.

Artificial Neural Network as a Tool for Appraising Hematological Parameters in Sudanese Patients with Malaria

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this paper was to quantitatively assess and explore the effect of malaria infection in the hematological parameters of Sudanese population.

METHODS

All data were obtained from malaria infected and non-infected Sudanese patients attending to Kosti Teaching Hospital. The effect of malaria on the hematological parameters was depicted. The relationships between hematological parameters with the effect of malaria in the two groups were assessed using Spearman's correlation. The quantitative effects of malaria on the hematological parameters were assessed using SPSS 21.0 software with a neutral network feature.

RESULTS

There was no correlation between the effect of malaria infection and MCV, PCV, and MCHC (r = 0.055, r = 0.087, and r = 0.067, respectively) among Sudanese population (p > 0.05). An obvious correlation was observed between hemoglobin concentration (Hb Conc.), RBC count, MCH, and ESR and the effect of malaria infection (r = -0.226, r = 0.285, r = 0.286, and r = -0.378, respectively (p < 0.05). The effect of malaria infection on PCV standardized percentage (100%) was much higher than other hematological parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

Changes in the PCV measurements among Sudanese patients may be associated with the higher effect of malaria infection. Because malaria is caused by a blood parasite, early diagnosis and treatment could contribute to improve the individual health status.

Hematological indices and abnormalities among patients with uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Kosti city of the White Nile state, Sudan: a comparative study

BACKGROUND

Hematological abnormalities are common features in falciparum malaria but vary among different populations across countries. Therefore, we compared hematological indices and abnormalities between Plasmodium falciparum-infected patients and malaria-negative subjects in Kosti city of the White Nile State, Sudan.

METHODS

A comparative, cross-sectional study was conducted at the Clinical Laboratory Unit of Kosti Teaching Hospital from June to December 2018. A total of 392 participants (192 P. falciparum-infected patients and 200 malaria-negative subjects) were recruited in the study. Hematological indices of hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs) and platelets were measured, and their median values were statistically compared.

RESULTS

The majority of P. falciparum-infected patients (67.6%) showed a low-level parasitemia. The median values of Hb concentration, RBC count, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular Hb (MCH) and mean corpuscular Hb concentration (MCHC) were significantly lower in P. falciparum-infected patients, while the median red cell distribution width (RDW) was significantly higher in the patients compared to malaria-negative subjects. Anemia, low MCV, low MCH, low MCHC and high RDW were significantly associated with falciparum malaria, but parasitemia level was not significantly associated with anemia severity. The median total WBC count was non-significantly higher in P. falciparum-infected patients, with neutropenia being significantly associated with falciparum malaria. The median platelet count was significantly lower in P. falciparum-infected patients, with thrombocytopenia being significantly associated with falciparum malaria.

CONCLUSIONS

Falciparum malaria among patients in Kosti city of the White Nile State, Sudan is predominantly of low-level parasitemia. It is significantly associated with anemia, low MCV, low MCH, low MCHC, high RDW, thrombocytopenia and neutropenia. However, parasitemia level is not a significant predictor of anemia severity. On the other hand, leucopenia is not useful to predict falciparum malaria. Further large-scale studies in community and healthcare settings and inclusion of patients with complicated or severe malaria and those with high parasite densities are recommended.

Cryptosporidium infection among hemodialysis patients attending to the dialysis center at Kosti Teaching Hospital, Sudan

Cryptosporidiosis is an illness caused by a protozooan parasite Cryptosporidium. Cryptosporidium species are an opportunistic pathogens cause a diarrheal disease worldwide, and can be more severe in immunocompromized patients. Until now, a little data have been available on its prevalence rate among haemodialysis patients in Sudan. Therefore, this article was designed to examine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium among hemodialysis Sudanese patients attending hemodialysis center at Kosti Teaching Hospital. A case-control study including one-hundred and twelve hemodialysis patients between November 2016 and January 2017 have been conducted. For the control group, we include one-hundred and twelve normal population. A total of two-hundred and twenty-four stool samples were collected. The stool samples were processed and examined using the modified Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining method. High Cryptosporidium prevalence of 14/112 (12.5%) was detected in hemodialysis patients compare to the normal individuals 3/112 (2.7%). There was no correlation between the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection with the age, sex, and the duration of dialysis (P>0.05). Therefore, an early detection and prompt treatment of Cryptosporidium infected hemodialysis patients is crucial.

Malaria infection and associated risk factors in pregnant women attending antenatal care clinics in Al Jabalian Locality, White Nile state, Sudan

Pregnant women are more susceptible to malaria which is associated with adverse effects on pregnancy. It is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality in Sudan. The main aim of this study was to determine the prevalence rate of malaria in pregnant women. This cross sectional descriptive study was carried out in Al Jabalian and Kenana hospitals, White Nile State, Sudan. The data of the present study has been collected from 400 Sudanese pregnant women, during a period extending from 16th July 2018 to 25th October 2018. The overall the prevalence of malaria was 38.5% (154), Plasmodium falciparum was only malaria parasite observed in all samples. From 154 pregnant women infected with malaria, the third trimester had higher prevalence 53.9% (83), followed by the second trimester 31.8% (49) and the first trimester was 14.3% (22), P<0.0001. The multigravida had high infection with prevalence of 54.5% (84), secondgravida was 24.7% (38) and primigravida was 20.8% (32), P<0.0001. Significant association was noticed between the malaria parasite infection and occupation, ANC attendance and utility of mosquito net, P-value 0.05, 0.0024, 0.0010, respectively. However, no significant association was observed with education level and malaria infection. The study was recommended to promote diagnosis during pregnancy, take anti-malarial medicine as routine care to pregnant women and improve environmental sanitation.

The Oral Parasitic Microbiome in Hepatitis B Virus Infected Sudanese Patients with Gum Disease

Background

We aimed to evaluate a potential link between colonization of gingival crevices by the Entamoeba gingivalis as oral parasite microbiome and Hepatitis B infection among gum disease Sudanese patients.

Methods

This study was conducted on 448 gum disease patients attending to Dental Clinic of Kosti Teaching Hospital, Kosti, Sudan in 2017-2018. Oral symptoms were registered in 336 patients at different stages of the HBV infection and in 112 HBV seronegative gum disease control. All participants were screened for HBV using ELISA test. Unstimulated whole saliva and gingival scraping were obtained and analyzed for the presence of the amoeba using a parasitological technique.

Results

Statistically highly significant correlation was found between the detection of the E. gingivalis in Saliva/gingival scraping and gum illness disease with HBV-infected patients than healthy control group (P<0.05). There was high association between the occurrence of the amoeba between the two groups and smoking, snuffing habitats (P<0.05), inversely, no association with the oral personal hygiene.

Conclusion

The presence of the amoeba was not related to the degree of gum diseases only, but to the HBV infection diagnosis. To our knowledge, this is the first study of E. gingivalis in association with HBV infection among gum disease Sudanese patients; maybe predict the role of oral parasitic microbiome in the status of gum disease in HBV infection.

Antibody Affinity, Total Antibody Activity, and Protein Content to Anti-HBs Antigen Among Sudanese and Chinese Using Terminal Antibody Method

BACKGROUND

Generally, HBV infection serum markers have been globally measured, and the analysis of entire an-tibody details include the affinity, total protein content and antibody activity are rarely measured between two different ethnic groups. We detected and determined the entire characteristics of anti-HBs (antibody to HBs anti-gen) among Sudanese and Chinese HBV resolved patient's using a terminal antibody (TA) method.

METHOD

Serum samples of Sudanese and Chinese resolved HBV infection positive anti-HBs were collected. All se-rum samples were diluted in serial dilutions (20, 40, 80, and 160 dilutions). Anti-HB markers were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), antibody affinity, total protein content, and total antibody activity to anti-HBs were calculated according to the results obtained for each dilution.

RESULTS

The antibody affinity to HBV statistically showed higher significance among Sudanese than Chinese (p < 0.05). The total antibody activity to HBV among Sudanese was higher statistically than Chinese patients (p < 0.05). Statistically, there was a high correlation between age and antibody affinity to HBV among Sudanese compared to the Chinese group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The measurement of the antibody affinity, total antibody activity, and protein content of anti-HBs among Sudanese and Chinese, two different ethnic groups, may predict HBV infection status among African race and Asian race, and in addition, may play an important role in a high or a low incidence of the disease between different ethnicities.

Assessment of cardiac biomarkers (troponin, B-type natriuretic peptide, and D-dimer) in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and stroke

OBJECTIVES

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia treated in clinical practice and the association of this arrhythmia with stroke has long been recognized. The combination of associated factors to identify stroke risk is still unclear; therefore, we aimed to determine the association between additional risk factors for non-valvular AF (NVAF) and the first onset stroke patients and investigate the predictive ability of additional risks factors such as cardiac biomarkers and AF status for odds of incident stroke.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We included 455 patients who suffered from NVAF divided into two distinct groups (case-control observational study). Those two groups were based on whether the patients were having a first onset stroke (stroke group) or not having a stroke (non-stroke group). We made the baseline characteristic of our sample group from the substantial evidence of risk factors, lifestyle, and type of AF; to controversial risk described in the new international guideline of AF.

RESULTS

Statistically revealed that heart failure, coronary disease, cigarette smoking, type of AF, warfarin treatment, high sensitive troponin, and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) are associated with stroke in NVAF patients (P < 0.05). Otherwise, age, sex, hypertension, kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid disease, alcohol intake, season, aspirin, and D-dimer medication were not associated with stroke (P > 0.05). Multivariate analysis of age, smokers, coronary heart disease, heart failure, high sensitive troponin level, BNP, permanent AF, and warfarin was associated (P < 0.05). The combination of biomarkers with the clinical features can be useful (CHA2DS2-VASC/BS) for the prediction of stroke than CHA2DS2-VASC alone (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Impact of all associated factors and biological markers as additional risk factors may carry a synergy in this life-threatening event. In addition, may hold a clinical role to redefine and predict stroke events better than the current CHA2DS2-VASC.