The gut microbiota of Tsetse influences several aspects of the host physiology and vector competence. Trypanosome survival in the tsetse midgut depends on surface sialylation. We hypothesised that bacterial sialidases in the tsetse gut could interfere with parasite transmission by counteracting trypanosomal trans-sialidase activity. This study aimed to detect sialidase activity within the tsetse gut, isolate sialidase-producing bacterial strains, and to characterise the enzymatic properties of bacterial sialidases. Tsetse collected from five African countries (Cameroon, Chad, Ethiopia, Ghana and Nigeria) were screened for sialidase activity using a newly developed field-compatible assay. Detectable activity was found only in samples from Cameroon. Bacterial isolates from these samples, representing several genera (Bacillus, Stenotrophomonas, Pseudomonas, Paenibacillus, Enterobacter), were screened for sialidase production. Whole-genome sequencing identified a sialidase gene in a Paenibacillus species. The gene was cloned, expressed in E. coli, and the recombinant enzyme was purified and biochemically characterised. The sialidase exhibited a molecular weight of approximately 120 kDa, showed dual pH optima at pH 5 and 7. Enzymatic activity was enhanced by Cu2+ ions, and kinetic analysis revealed a v max of 2.514 nmol/mg/min and a K M of 332.7 μM for the synthetic substrate 4-methylumbelliferyl-N-acetylneuraminic acid. These findings indicate that sialidase-producing Paenibacillus and its enzyme may offer promising tools for paratransgenic approaches aimed at limiting trypanosome colonisation in tsetse flies.

Abstract Phytomonas species are parasites that affect economically important plants, thereby constituting significant economic loss and a threat to food security. A bibliometric analysis was conducted on Phytomonas literature to assess the current state, focal points, and trends of research, aimed at offering a comprehensive overview of Phytomonas research development and providing future research directions in the area. The study examined 234 documents indexed in the Scopus database covering the period from 1938 to 2023. The years 1995 and 2000 were found to have the highest research output on Phytomonas, with 13 publications each. This could be linked to scientific advancements in molecular techniques, the growing awareness of biodiversity, and increased interest in the ecological roles of these parasitic organisms around this period. Brazil emerged as the leading contributor to Phytomonas research, with the “Journal of Protozoology” emerging as the source with the highest publications and impact. “Dollet M” and “Camargo EP” stood out as the most prolific and impactful authors in Phytomonas research, respectively. Paucity of research on Phytomonas from Australia, Africa, and Asia was revealed by the study, necessitating further deliberate actions from these regions. Notably, subjects such as “Phytomonas serpens” and “phylogeny” garnered considerable attention, highlighting critical research areas within the field. Furthermore, “antiprotozoal activity” emerged as the latest trending topic in the field, reflecting a shift toward addressing the lack of specialized treatments and robust chemical control strategies. These results offer valuable insights into the trajectory of Phytomonas research and provide researchers with useful guidance for future exploration of this domain.

Aim:Despite a reduction in the overall incidence and prevalence in the last two decades, trypanosomiasis continues to be a public health concern in Africa. This study was designed to comprehensively evaluate current trends in trypanosomiasis research using bibliometric approaches to uncover emerging topics and knowledge gaps, thereby guiding future investigations, particularly in Africa. Methods:Relevant articles were systematically selected from the Scopus-retrieved dataset and analyzed using Microsoft Excel, VOSviewer, and the Bibliometrix software. A total of 4036 documents were analyzed. Results:The results revealed the involvement of 8849 authors, 696 sources, and an annual growth rate of 3.52%. A period of rapid increase in trypanosomiasis research was observed after 1973. Kenya and Nigeria were the leading countries in African trypanosomiasis research. The most relevant affiliation was Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria, whereas the most relevant and impactful sources were the Acta Tropica and PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, respectively. Similarly, Buscher, P. emerged as the most relevant and impactful author in the field. Some notable keywords observed are trypanocidal agents, prevalence, parasitemia, and polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, themes such as antitrypanosomal and molecular docking represented the recent research interests. Conclusion:This study provides a comprehensive overview of research output and evolution on trypanosomiasis in Africa and highlights critical ways forward in combating the disease, such as the One Health approach, strengthening health systems and capacities, and improving diagnostic and surveillance tools across African nations in addressing African trypanosomiasis. These findings are crucial for directing future research on African trypanosomiasis.

African trypanosomes exhibit significant genetic diversity but share similar morphological characteristics, making effective surveillance and diagnosis challenging with conventional microscopy and other detection methods. While polymerase chain reaction (PCR) offers enhanced specificity and sensitivity, it requires DNA extraction, making it time-consuming and costly, especially for resource-limited regions such as ours (Africa). Additionally, amplification using DNA from the host's whole blood often fails due to the presence of polymerase inhibitors or low parasite DNA, particularly during chronic infections. This study introduces a novel PCR method that overcomes these challenges by using purified trypanosome cells as templates, bypassing the need for DNA extraction. Trypanosoma brucei brucei cells were isolated from mice blood using DEAE-cellulose anion-exchange chromatography and directly used in PCR amplification of the ITS-1 ribosomal RNA gene. Successful amplification was achieved with as few as 1.25 × 10⁵ isolated trypanosome cells, while gDNA extracted from parasitized blood failed to amplify. This cost-effective and highly sensitive method improves species differentiation and enhances diagnostic capabilities, especially in cases of low parasitemia. The approach represents a significant advancement in trypanosome diagnosis, offering a faster, affordable, and reliable alternative to traditional methods. These findings support improved epidemiological surveillance and may contribute to the World Health Organization's goal of eliminating African trypanosomiasis, a disease that continues to present major economic and public health challenges in Africa. A graphical abstract of this study is presented in Figure 1. © 2026 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Isolation of Trypanosoma brucei brucei from parasitized blood Basic Protocol 2: PCR characterization of isolated T. brucei brucei.

Background: Snakebite envenomation Snakebite envenomation is a major public health problem, affecting an estimated 1.8-2.7 million people annually, predominantly in low-and middle-income countries. Despite its classification as a neglected tropical disease by the World Health Organization, snakebite envenomation continues to cause substantial morbidity and mortality, driven in part by limited access to effective antivenoms, delays in treatment, and the lack of widely available rapid diagnostic tools. The marked biological complexity and geographic variability of snake venom composition further complicate clinical management, underscoring the need for innovative and context-appropriate approaches to improve both therapeutic effectiveness and diagnostic accuracy. This review examines recent advancements in regionally informed antivenom strategies and next-generation diagnostic technologies, emphasizing their necessity for achieving more precise, timely, and context-appropriate snakebite management. Methods: This review adopts a structured, critical narrative approach, synthesizing peer-reviewed literature and global health reports to evaluate recent innovations in antivenom development and snakebite diagnostics. Literature was identified using PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, with emphasis placed on studies published from 2010 onward, reflecting the period of rapid advances in venom omics, recombinant antivenoms, and diagnostic technologies. Searches were focused on terms directly relevant to the review's analytical scope, including antivenom development, venom proteomics, transcriptomics, and snakebite diagnostics. Rather than aiming for exhaustive coverage, studies were prioritized based on their relevance to therapeutic effectiveness, translational feasibility, scalability, and accessibility in snakebite-endemic settings. Findings were synthesized comparatively to identify key advances, persistent limitations, and barriers to clinical implementation. Findings: Recent advances in antivenom research include the development of recombinant antibody platforms, immunoinformatics-guided design strategies, synthetic biology approaches, and the characterization of endogenous venom resistance mechanisms, all of which have contributed to improved understanding of how specificity and immunogenicity might be optimized beyond conventional antivenoms. At the same time, progress in diagnostic research, particularly involving lateral flow-based immunoassays and multi-omic venom profiling, has highlighted potential pathways for improving venom or toxin identification and supporting more informed clinical decision making. However, translation of these scientific advances into routine clinical practice remains limited. Persistent challenges related to large-scale manufacturing, regulatory approval, affordability, and implementation within resource-constrained health systems continue to restrict the real-world impact of next-generation antivenoms and diagnostics in snakebite-endemic regions. Conclusion: Future progress in snakebite envenomation management will depend on coordinated advances across antivenom development, diagnostic innovation, and supportive global health policy frameworks. Region-informed antivenom strategies, enabled by venom profiling and supported by scalable and modular production models, together with appropriately validated rapid diagnostic tools, represent a plausible pathway toward improving treatment effectiveness and access. Nevertheless, achieving meaningful reductions in morbidity and mortality will require sustained interdisciplinary collaboration and explicit attention to translational, regulatory, and health system constraints, ensuring that scientific innovation is matched by practical feasibility and equitable implementation in high-burden settings.

Glycerol kinase (GK) is a key part of glycerol metabolism. It connects the metabolic pathways for lipids and carbohydrates by phosphorylating glycerol to glycerol-3-phosphate in an ATP-dependent reaction. This is essential for maintaining carbohydrate homeostasis, plasma glycerol withdrawal, and the utilization of glycerol by different tissues. Together, these processes impact glucose uptake and lipid metabolism. This review discusses the structure of GK, highlights the implications of mutations in the primary sequence, and provides insights on the roles of the various functional domains in the GK-catalyzed reaction. It also discussed the roles of GK in glycerol metabolism, energy production, and its connections with various cellular pathways and disease conditions. The proper regulation of GK activity is crucial, reflecting its critical role in various important cellular processes. Therefore, its regulation has been analyzed from the gene level to posttranslational modification and has implications for GK-linked disease. Separately, the critical role of this enzyme in some disease-causing organisms made it a promising target for inhibitor development. We here explore the current state of GK inhibitor research and discuss strategies for their development. Challenges in GK inhibitor research are identified, and approaches such as high-throughput screening, structure-based drug design, and computational modelling for discovering novel inhibitors are reviewed. Finally, the review highlights critical areas for further research, including the role of GK in synthetic biology and tumour development, among others.

Aspartate transcarbamoylase (ATCase) catalyzes the second step of the de novo pyrimidine biosynthetic pathway and produces N-carbamoyl-L-aspartate (CA) and inorganic phosphate (Pi) from carbamoyl phosphate (CP) and aspartate (Asp). The ATCase from Trypanosoma cruzi (TcATCase) is a non-allosteric homotrimeric enzyme with all chains being catalytic and weakly inhibited by the general ATCase inhibitor, N-phosphonoacetyl-L-aspartate (PALA). While TcATCases is a compelling drug target, the lack of detailed structural insights into its reaction mechanism hinders the design of an effective effector. In this study X-ray crystal structure analyses of TcATCase in ligand-free, CP- and PALA-bound forms were carried out up to about 2.0 Å resolution. The determined crystal structures show that the ligand-free chain and chains binding CP and Asp, CA and Pi, Pi, Asp and Pi, and Asp were captured in the crystals. Based on these structures, we present the detailed mechanism of the TcATCase catalysis described as the ordered Bi-Bi mechanism. These findings provide a detailed catalytic snapshots of the ATCase obtained in the crystalline state, including directly captured reaction intermediates, and offer new structural insights suggesting ordered Bi-Bi mechanism for TcATCase. The captured structure of the TcATCase-PALA complex will accelerate the design of PALA-based new anti-trypanosomal drug.

Abstract Background Urogenital schistosomiasis remains a major neglected tropical disease in rural communities, particularly in reservoir-adjacent settings where sustained human-water contact facilitates persistent transmission. Despite ongoing control efforts, communities located around reservoirs may experience persistent transmission partly due to socioeconomic water exposure and presence of infected intermediate host snails in aquatic habitats. This study assessed the prevalence, intensity, and epidemiological correlates of Schistosoma haematobium infection in reservoir-adjacent communities in Kano State, Nigeria to better understand local transmission. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 447 consenting participants from six communities located around three water reservoirs in Kano State. Sociodemographic characteristics, water-contact behaviour, sanitation practices, treatment-seeking behaviour, and knowledge related to urogenital schistosomiasis were obtained using interviewer-administered questionnaires. Urine samples collected between 10:00 and 14:00 were examined using microscopy following centrifugation/sedimentation. Schistosoma haematobium isolates were characterised by molecular methods, using PCR and Sanger dideoxy sequencing. Bulinus snails were collected from the reservoirs by handpicking and scooping methods. Nucleotide sequences were analysed using NCBI BLAST to confirm species identity. Epidemiological data on Schistosoma haematobium infection were analysed using chi-square tests and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to assess associations with explanatory variables. Results The overall prevalence of S. haematobium infection was 34.23% (153/447), indicating moderate endemicity. Molecular study confirmed the occurrence of pure S. haematobium . Community-specific prevalence ranged from 32.35% to 37.84%. Heavy-intensity infection (>50 eggs/10 mL urine) occurred in 17.65% of infected participants. Infection was most common among children and adolescents and was higher in males than females, although the sex difference was not statistically significant. Water-contact behaviour was the strongest correlate of infection: participants reporting water contact had a markedly higher prevalence than those without such exposure (39.12% vs 3.28%; OR = 18.96, 95% CI: 4.56-78.73). Fetching water (aOR = 2.57; 95% CI = 1.53-4.34; p < 0.001) and Swimming (aOR = 2.37; 95% CI = 1.42 - 3.94; p = 0.001) were the specific activities most strongly associated with higher odds of S. haematobium infection. Age (aOR = 0.91; 95% CI = 0.87 - 0.95; p < 0.001) significantly reduced the odds of infection. In terms of gender, female participants had significantly lower odds of infection compared with males (aOR = 0.52; 0.29 0.92; p = 0.03). Knowledge of transmission was poor, with only a small proportion of participants correctly identifying contact with contaminated water as the cause of infection. A rare ectopic detection of S. mansoni eggs in urine was also observed. Presence of S. haematobium -infected Bulinus intermediate hosts in the water reservoirs was reported. Conclusions Urogenital schistosomiasis remains actively transmitted in reservoir-adjacent communities in Kano State, with infection strongly associated with frequent human-water contact and poor disease knowledge. These findings support the need for integrated control strategies combining praziquantel-based preventive chemotherapy, targeted health education, improved water and sanitation, and behaviour-focused interventions to reduce reinfection and interrupt transmission. Author summary Urogenital schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease that continues to affect rural communities in Nigeria, especially those living near water reservoirs where people frequently come into contact with unsafe water. This study investigated how common the infection is and the factors that contribute to its spread in communities around reservoirs in Kano State. We found that about one in three people was infected, indicating that the disease is still actively transmitted. Molecular analysis of S. haematobium isolates confirmed species identity. Infection was more common among children and adolescents and was strongly linked to activities such as swimming and fetching water from contaminated sources. Many participants had limited knowledge of how the disease is transmitted, which may contribute to continued exposure and reinfection. The presence of infected snail hosts in the reservoirs further supports ongoing transmission in these communities. These findings highlight the need for improved control measures, including regular treatment with praziquantel, better access to safe water and sanitation, and increased community education to reduce risky water-contact behaviour and interrupt disease transmission.

Background: Monkeypox has become a significant public health concern owing to the recent epidemics and associated morbidity. The treatment is limited by the availability of drugs, especially in endemic communities. Computational methods can facilitate the discovery and development of new and effective therapies that are affordable. This study was aimed at identifying potential drug candidates from the SuperNatural chemical library against monkeypox virus essential proteins using computational methods. Methods: We identified 7 highly conserved essential proteins involved in monkeypox virus (MPXV) replication, infectivity, and propagation as potential therapeutic targets. A library of 447 orally administrable drug-like compounds from the SuperNatural database was screened against the proteins for potential binders/ligands associations using virtual screening and molecular dynamics simulations. Results: Our search identified hit compounds that mimicked the tecovirimat binding pose and outperformed it in binding affinity. Notably, resveratrol-3-O-D-glucopyranoside showed significant binding affinity to the viral protein F13L, a key protein involved in MPXV transmission. Extensive molecular dynamics simulations showed stable interactions between resveratrol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside and F13L, and other hit compounds with their respective targets. Conclusion: Although the predicted interactions require further experimental validation, our results suggested that the identified compounds could be promising therapeutic candidates for the development of novel monkeypox drugs. These findings might underscore the significance of natural compounds in drug discovery and lay the foundation for developing novel antivirals against monkeypox.

PURPOSE:Anopheles gambiae is a vector of Plasmodium falciparum and Wuchereria bancrofti. Endosymbionts are reported to block development of various parasites in mosquitoes. Microsporidia was reported to affect the development of P. falciparum in mosquitoes. Data on such observation is limited in Nigeria. METHODS:Therefore, the prevalence of Microsporidia and its coinfection with W. bancrofti and P. falciparum in An. gambiae s.l was studied within Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. RESULTS:Of the 912 mosquitoes sampled, 124 were An. gambiae s.l The midgut assessment of the Anopheles mosquitoes using light microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) showed a 12% prevalence of a mono microsporidia infection with no coinfection with either P. falciparum or W. bancrofti. Only 4.03% of the An. gambiae s.l. were found to be coinfected with P. falciparum and W. bancrofti while no mosquito harboured all the microorganisms CONCLUSION: This data further supports the potential of Microsporidia as an antagonist for the development of pathogens in mosquitoes.

Bacterial cellulose hydrogels (BCHs) are characterized as exopolysaccharides of glucose polymers consisting of β–1–4–glycosidic linkage with various degrees of polymerization which are synthesized by bacteria. There is a paucity of information on the isolation and characterization of a BCH producer isolate from Nigeria. The study, therefore, aimed to characterize a new Acetobacter species that had previously been confirmed to produce BCH. The BCH-producing isolate was characterized by PCR amplification of the full-length 16S rRNA gene, as well as whole-genome sequencing analysis. The whole-genome sequence of the isolate was determined using the Illumina next-generation sequencing (NGS) platform, with downstream analysis of genomic reads through the metaWRAP pipeline. The BCH producer isolate was identified to be Acetobacter orientalis strain Zaria-B1, based on sequence identity with the reference Acetobacter orientalis strain VVS. Based on its annotated genome, the isolate had an approximate genomic size of 3.1 Mbp, 45 total RNAs, a GC content of 52.5%, 3046 total protein-encoding genes, an N50 of 253,774 bp, and an L50 of 4, as well as 30 contigs. The nucleotide BLAST of the cellulose synthase gene sequence confirmed the bin to be Acetobacter orientalis. The whole-genome characterization alongside the 16S rRNA genotyping confirmed the BCH-producing isolate to be Acetobacter orientalis.

This study investigates the effects of monosodium glutamate (MSG) on serum markers of prostate cancer, and semen quality, in male Wistar rats. The rats were administered varying doses of MSG (15mg, 50mg, 100mg, 500mg, and 1000mg/kg body weight) for 28 days. Our results showed that 15mg/kg MSG significantly decreased serum markers of prostate cancer (TAP, TPSA, FPSA) and increased GGT levels, indicating a positive influence on the prostate gland. In contrast, 50mg and 100mg/kg MSG improved semen quality by boosting sperm count, viability, and morphology. Notably, MSG exhibited a dual dose-dependent hormetic behavior, where low doses elicited favorable responses, but higher doses elicited negative responses. These findings suggest that 15mg/kg MSG may be considered for prostate cancer treatment research, while 500mg/kg MSG may be used to induce prostate cancer in rats with prolong use. Controlled administration of 50mg/kg MSG and antioxidants may be beneficial in treating male infertility and protecting against prostate cancer. The study's results have implications for the use of MSG in food and pharmaceutical applications, and highlight the need for further research into its potential health implications.

Blebitis, a postoperative complication following trabeculectomy, poses significant challenges, particularly when cataract surgeries such as manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS) or phacoemulsification are performed subsequently. This study aimed to assess the incidence, risk factors, management strategies, and outcomes of blebitis in patients undergoing these procedures after trabeculectomy at ECWA Eye Hospital in Nigeria, providing insights into optimizing postoperative care. This retrospective study analyzed records of patients who underwent temporal approach MSICS or phacoemulsification following a prior trabeculectomy over a six-month period. Inclusion criteria were prior trabeculectomy, subsequent cataract surgery within the study period, attendance at all scheduled follow-ups, IOP less than 20 mmHg, and informed consent for data use. Exclusion criteria included incomplete pre- and postoperative records, prior ocular infections, significant systemic comorbidities, or unrelated surgical complications. Postoperative management included topical steroids, antibiotics, and intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering agents as needed. Statistical analyses included paired t-tests, chi-square tests, ANOVA, and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Of the 53 eyes analyzed, 12 (22.6

Bioscience encompasses studies on living organisms, their components, and their interactions, with the main aim of translating research into useful applications for medical, clinical, industrial, and environmental uses. The broad field of bioscience has witnessed tremendous growth in research output. This study was designed to evaluate the current trends in bioscience research using bibliometric approaches and develop future policy pointers following the innovative systems framework. Research articles focusing on bioscience published between 1883 and 2024 were sourced from the Scopus database. From the retrieved dataset, relevant articles were systematically screened and included for the analysis. Bibliometrix package, VOSviewer, and Microsoft Excel were used to analyze and visualize the parameters. 8,678 documents involving 30,380 authors from diverse institutions across the globe were published in 3,549 sources, with an annual rise of 4.41%. Exponential growth in bioscience research output was observed after 2007 and remained steady till 2024. The United States and China were leading nations for bioscience research. The most relevant affiliation was the University of California, United States, while the most relevant source was the Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research , in terms of the number of publications. Among the authors, Wang Y had the highest number of documents, while the most impactful author was Zhang J. The most frequent keywords in bioscience research included biological research , genetics , procedures , metabolism , biology , DNA , gene expression , proteins , genomics , and fluorescence . Furthermore, themes such as bioinformatics , microRNA , synthetic biology, CRISPR/Cas9 , deep learning , multi-omics , and big data represented the recent research interests. The bioscience research landscape is defined by the dominance of high-income countries and a shift toward omics-driven and data-intensive approaches. Yet global participation remains uneven, with limited representation from low- and middle-income regions. This study highlights the need for inclusive, globally coordinated strategies that foster equitable access, capacity building, and cross-regional collaboration. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest.

As an effort towards vaccine development against African trypanosomiasis, we studied key parasite molecules that mediate VSG functions, specifically the major surface protease-B of Trypanosoma brucei that catalyses proteolytic removal of old VSGs for expression of new ones, an important stage-specific function that allows the parasite to survive in its host, thus making it an attractive candidate for vaccine development. Herein, the Tbmsp-b gene was cloned into a pVAX-1 plasmid to produce the pVAX-1-Tbmsp-b construct for DNA vaccine trials. BALB/c mice were immunised by intradermal injection with a 100 μg dose of the construct thrice on Days 0, 21 and 42, then inoculated with 2000 parasites on Day 56. Anti-trypanosome-specific antibody (IgG) and cytokine (IFN-γ) were monitored by ELISA from sera of immunised and unimmunised mice. Immunised mice showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher IgG and IFN-γ responses, lower parasitaemia (by 75% and 51.2% of parasitaemic scores on the first and fifth week of infection) and longevity by up to 22 days compared to unimmunised mice. These results showed that the construct provided partial protection to virulent T. b. brucei (Federe strain) infection in susceptible BALB/c mice, suggesting the potential for using MSP-B as an antigen in DNA vaccine development against African trypanosomiasis.

African trypanosomes evade host immune response through antigenic variation and utilize other immune modulatory mechanisms to survive in the immunologically hostile mammalian bloodstream. However, indigenous African chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) exhibits lower susceptibility to trypanosomes, suggesting unique resistance mechanisms; but the exact factor(s) of resistance remains elusive. This study aims to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the observed resistance of indigenous African chickens to T. brucei brucei infection, and to assess their potential role as cryptic reservoirs in zoonotic transmission. Non-immunosuppressed and immunosuppressed chickens were intravenously inoculated with ∼2.5 × 108 parasites, and parasitemia was monitored using microscopy, xenodiagnosis, and PCR. Rats served as controls and were intraperitoneally infected with 104 parasites. Haematological parameters in both chickens and rats were assessed using standard methods. Furthermore, in vitro anti-Trypanosoma activity of normal and infected chicken blood components was evaluated. The results reveal that chickens displayed no microscopic parasitemia beyond 9 h post-infection (pi) and survived beyond 60 days, whereas rats passaged with over 104-folds less trypanosomes developed parasitemia at day 5, which progressed and killed the rats between days 10-19. Further, while there were no significant haematological alterations over a 4-week observation period in the chicken, infected rats presented significant reductions in packed cell volume, haemoglobin, and red blood cell counts at peak infection, indicating anaemia sequelae. Additionally, infected rats exhibited neutropenia, lymphocytosis, increased hemolysis and mortality. Intriguingly, despite the observed trypanosomes suppression in chickens, incubation of trypanosomes with chicken blood, serum, or plasma revealed no intrinsic anti-Trypanosoma activity. But blood collected from infected chickens at 1- and 7-days post-infection successfully initiated infection in rats through xenodiagnosis, confirming transmissibility despite the absence of detectable parasitemia in chickens revealing a covert but potentially infectious state. Similarly, PCR detection at 7 dpi, indicated covert/suppressed infection. These findings suggest that indigenous African chickens, while resistant to overt trypanosomiasis, may act as cryptic reservoirs for Trypanosoma spp., potentially facilitating parasite zoonotic transmission.

Objective: This report details the case of a 9-year-old Nigerian girl presenting with proptosis and a fungating ocular mass, which was histologically confirmed as retinoblastoma following exenteration. Introduction: Retinoblastoma is the most common pediatric intraocular malignancy, predominantly affecting infants and children under the age of 5, with leukocoria being the most frequent presenting symptom. The occurrence of retinoblastoma in older children is rare and often associated with atypical presentations. Case Summary: A 9-year-old Nigerian girl presented with a 1-year history of progressive left eye symptoms, including redness, pain, decreased vision, and proptosis. Examination revealed a large, fungating ocular mass with no light perception. Imaging studies (ultrasound B-scan and CT scan) confirmed extensive vitreous infiltration and optic nerve involvement. Histopathological analysis postmodified exenteration confirmed retinoblastoma. The patient clinically tolerated a modified exenteration and the first two of six planned cycles of systemic chemotherapy (vincristine, etoposide, and carboplatin). Unfortunately, she died during the second month of follow-up. The recurrence was characterized by progressive worsening of systemic symptoms and preauricular lymphadenopathy, likely indicating metastatic spread. Conclusion: This case highlights the aggressive progression of advanced retinoblastoma and the consequences of delayed presentation in resource-limited settings. Although the patient demonstrated an initial positive response, clinically tolerating modified exenteration and two cycles of systemic chemotherapy, she rapidly succumbed to the disease. This underscores the critical need for early diagnosis, prompt referral, and improved access to specialized care to enhance outcomes in similar contexts.

Background: Trabeculectomy is a key surgical approach for managing glaucoma, particularly in patients with high intraocular pressure. This study compares the efficacy of Single-barrel and Double-barrel trabeculectomy techniques utilizing 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) to enhance intraocular pressure (IOP) control and surgical outcomes. Research design and methods: A prospective cohort study of 78 patients (147 eyes) undergoing trabeculectomy with 5-FU was conducted. Patients were divided into Single-barrel and Double-barrel groups. Preoperative and postoperative parameters, including IOP, medication scores, and visual acuity, were assessed. Statistical analyses included propensity score matching, ANCOVA, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Results: Both techniques significantly reduced IOP postoperatively (p < 0.0001). The Double-barrel group demonstrated superior IOP control durability with longer time to failure (10.77 +/- 1.67 months vs. 8.38 +/- 1.72 months, p < 0.001), fewer total failures (11 vs. 15), and a trend toward reduced medication reliance (1.91 +/- 0.80 vs. 2.11 +/- 0.86, p = 0.137). Visual acuity improved in both groups, with a higher proportion of Double-barrel patients achieving 6/6 acuity. Conclusions: The Double-barrel trabeculectomy technique demonstrated superior long-term IOP control and reduced reliance on glaucoma medications, highlighting its potential as a more effective surgical option in glaucoma management.

Introduction Emerging and re-emerging infectious pathogens are major threats to global public health. With the continued rise in the number of annual reported cases in Nigeria, the genomic diversity of the virus, as well as the expanding geography and species distribution of its reservoir hosts, Lassa fever has become a foremost endemic neglected zoonosis in Nigeria, with no available vaccine for its prevention globally. The present study aimed to develop a cross protective, multiepitope-based recombinant DNA Vaccine against Lassa Virus strains circulating in Nigeria. Methods Several Multiple humoral and cell-mediated epitopes were mapped from each consensus sequences of a total of 69 glycoprotein and 67 nucleoprotein sequences of the Lassa virus (LASV) strains across lineage I, II, III and VI circulating in Nigeria and characterized using high-throughput in silico bioinformatics tools to construct a putative LASV vaccine candidate, and the constructed candidate was evaluated in silico for its structural and physicochemical properties. Results A total of 4, 10 and 3 CTL, HTL and linear B-cell non-toxic, non-allergenic and highly antigenic epitopes, respectively, were mapped and used for the construction of the vaccine candidate. The chimeric LASV vaccine had good expression levels in procaryotic and eucaryotic cells, was thermostable, hydrophobic, non-allergenic, non-toxigenic and highly antigenic. Also, the putative candidate elicited both humoral and cell-mediated immune response, in addition to its induction of interferon gamma after a prime and boost dose-regime. Furthermore, the putative vaccine candidate was able to adapt to the codon usage of E. coli and Cavia porcellus (Guinea Pig), and successfully cloned in pVAX1 vector. Conclusion This study was able to design and construct a high quality LASV vaccine candidate from the circulating strains in Nigeria, preparatory to further downstream in vitro and in vivo validations and Proof of Concept experiments.