ObjectiveMosquitoes are vectors of deadly, life-threatening diseases worldwide. There is limited information on the interactions between microbes and local mosquito fauna in the Nigerian ecotype and Osun State. This study employed molecular techniques to characterize microorganisms isolated from the internal tissues of adult mosquitoes reared from larvae and pupae collected from various breeding sites in the Osogbo metropolis, Nigeria. Bacteria and yeasts were isolated from immobilized, surface-sterilized, and homogenized mosquitoes. Molecular identification of microbes was based on the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique and sequencing of the 16S rDNA gene and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region for bacteria and yeasts, respectively. The genus Wolbachia was screened with PCR using Wolbachia-specific primers.ResultsThe adult mosquitoes harboured bacteria, namely Enterobacter bugandensis, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Staphylococcus capitis, Enterobacter hormaechei, Pantoea dispersa, Sphingobium yanoikuyae, and Aerococcus urinaeequi. Yeasts identified were Meyerozyma caribbica, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, and Candida orthopsilosis. The genus Wolbachia was not detected in the mosquitoes. The bacteria and yeast isolates from this study can play important roles in the biology of mosquitoes. Notably, S. yanoikuyae possesses bio-degradative potential, as reported in previous studies. Hence, this underscores the need for further investigation of the role of Sphingobium species in mosquito resistance to insecticides.

IntroductionTungiasis remains a major public health problem in Sub-Saharan Africa. Despite its substantial morbidity, the role of domestic animals to human infection risk at the household level remains poorly understood, limiting the development of effective control strategies. This study aimed to (i) determine the prevalence and determinants of tungiasis in domestic animals, and (ii) evaluate the household-level association between animal infestation and human infection in a vulnerable rural community in Badagry, Lagos State, Nigeria.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 626 participants between September 2021 and June 2022. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire capturing sociodemographic characteristics, household environmental conditions, behavioral factors, and hygiene-related practices. Clinical examinations of both human participants and domestic animals were performed using standardized diagnostic criteria. Associations were evaluated using univariable and multivariable logistic models, while multilevel logistic regression was used to evaluate household-level association between animal infection and human infection. Statistical significance was set at p< 0.05.Main findingsThe prevalence of tungiasis was 7.2% and 5.4% for domestic animals and human participants. Factors associated with animal infection included the presence of dogs in the household (OR=3.90; 95% CI: 2.03 - 7.88), earthen flooring (OR=2.72; 95% CI: 1.31 - 5.49), the presence of at least one infected household member (OR=2.95; 95% CI: 1.07 - 7.55), and frequent rat sightings (OR=2.49; 95% CI: 1.13 - 6.30). At the household-level, the presence of infected animal (OR=2.29; 95% CI: 0.74 - 7.12), sleeping on a mat placed on the floor (OR=1.69; 95% CI: 0.47 - 6.05), and daily rat sightings (OR=2.60; 95% CI: 0.71 - 9.53) were associated with higher odds of human infections. Households with cemented floor (OR=0.25; 95% CI: 0.08 - 0.76) served as a protective factor.InterpretationHousehold environmental conditions appear to play an important role in the epidemiology of tungiasis. Although households with infected animals showed higher odds of human infection, this association was not statistically significant and should be interpreted cautiously. Further longitudinal studies are required to clarify the transmission dynamics and inform integrated control strategies involving housing improvements, environmental sanitation, and personal protective practices.

Nigeria has made significant progress toward the elimination of onchocerciasis through mass drug administration (MDA) of ivermectin, with ten states recently declared eligible to stop treatment following WHO-recommended epidemiological and entomological assessments. However, reliable spatial prevalence estimates remain necessary to guide elimination strategies, particularly in areas with limited surveillance. We applied model-based geostatistical analysis using Monte Carlo Maximum Likelihood Estimation to assess the spatio-temporal distribution of onchocerciasis prevalence across Nigeria from 1989 to 2024. Climatic, hydrographic, socio-economic, and topographic variables were incorporated to predict prevalence in unsampled locations. Predicted prevalence declined substantially over time. During 1997-2000, 64.9% (24/37) of states had mean predicted prevalence between 10-30%, and 5.4% (2/37) exceeded 30%. By 2017-2020, 70.3% (26/37) of states were classified within the 0-2% category, increasing to 86.5% (32/37) in 2021-2024. Nevertheless, resurgence was observed in selected areas; for example, Taraba State showed an absolute increase of 44.1 percentage points between 2013-2016 and 2021-2024 (p = 0.013). High-prevalence clusters persisted along international and interstate borders, particularly in southern Nigeria. Model performance was strong (correlation between observed and predicted prevalence: 0.80-0.86; RMSE < 0.08). The estimated spatial correlation range increased from 31.93 km (95% CI: 31.92-31.94 km) in 1997-2000 to 180.20 km (95% CI: 180.20-180.20 km) in 2021-2024. Mean annual temperature, rainfall in the driest quarter, elevation, and river flow accumulation were significant predictors of prevalence. These findings underscore the need for complementary approaches such as predictive modelling to strengthen the field surveys in planning and surveillance of the disease. To sustain the progress toward onchocerciasis elimination in Nigeria, there is a need for adaptive, climate-informed strategies, intensified surveillance in high-risk areas, and enhanced coordination, particularly in cross-border and hard-to-reach communities.

Nigeria bears the highest malaria burden globally, with vector control strategies relying heavily on the use of Long-lasting Insecticidal nets (LLINs). However, the widespread emergence of insecticide resistance threatens the effectiveness of this intervention in the country. This study provides a comprehensive 5-year overview (2020–2024) of the resistance status and resistance mechanisms of Anopheles mosquitoes in Nigeria. Immature stages of mosquitoes were collected from 72 local government areas (spanning 12 States), raised to adults and exposed to standard concentrations of permethrin, deltamethrin, alphacypermethrin, and pirimiphos-methyl insecticide papers according to WHO criteria for 5 years (2020–2024). Furthermore, molecular test and bioassays were used to determine the involvement of kdr-L995F mutation and oxidase-based metabolic enzymes in areas where resistance was confirmed. All mosquitoes tested were identified morphologically. Spatial and temporal patterns of insecticide susceptibility results were visualised using geospatial mapping tools in R (sf, tidyr, ggplot2). Members of the Anopheles gambiae complex accounted for 95

AbstractMalaria a major health scourge of high impact in sub-sahara, with a major control-drawback on issues of resistance of the parasite to antimalaria. Nanoparticles have been investigated for their capacity to effectively deliver antimalarial drugs to kill the parasites, avoid drug resistance evolution and maintain a low toxic side effects. This study investigated the antiplasmodial efficacies of two plant green-synthesized with AgNO3and FeSO4salts againstPlasmodium bergheiinfected mice using, an acute toxicity test (LD50) of theTerminalia-catappaAgNPs (TCA),Alstonia-booneiAgNPs (AA),Terminalia-catappaFeSO4(TCF) andAlstonia-booneiFeSO4(AF) in accordance with Lorke’s method. The LD50was above 5000 mg/kg of TCA and AA while 223.6 mg/kg in TCF and AF. Each nanoparticles exhibited high dose dependentP. bergheiinhibition which was 62.20 % and 75.6 % in the TCA 200 mg/kg AA 100 mg/kg, 61.5 % and 75.3 % in the TCF 300 mg/kg and AF 200 mg/kg and doses in the curative groups, 92. 4 % and 93.1 % for TCA 100 mg/kg, AA 100 mg/kg 94.1 in 100 mg/kg dose and AF had 92.1 % at 300 mg/kg doses in the prophylactic groups. The groups treated with orthodox drugs had low parasitemia while the negative control recorded high parasitemia. There was no significant difference (P ˃ 0.05) in the mean change of the dosage in the different nanoparticles. These findings revealed all nanoparticles possesses a dose-dependent curative and prophylactic antiplasmodial activity and calls for their development and standardization as effective and readily available antimalarial options.

BackgroundOnchocerciasis caused by the filarial parasite Onchocerca volvulus and transmitted by Simulium damnosum s.l. remains a public health concern in Nigeria. Infestation of S. damnosum s.l. along rivers Gurara and Kaduna; and heavy intensity of O. volvulus infection in Kaduna were documented in 1956. Control of onchocerciasis in Kaduna started 1954 with larviciding using dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane reduced S. damnosum s.l. population by 94% in 1966. Diethylcarbamazine used for human treatment was discontinued due to toxicity. Kaduna State Ministry of Health and its partners built on this achievement; used annual mass administration of ivermectin consistently between 1989 and 2017 which led to interruption of onchocerciasis transmission in 2018. This study investigated possibility of recrudescence of onchocerciasis with the hypothesis that insecurity-induced migration could cause recrudescence of onchocerciasis.Methodology/principal findingsSix out of the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Kaduna State were selected for evaluation. Adult S. damnosum s.l. were captured across seven breeding sites using human landing collectors from July to October 2023. Pooled screen assays of 72 pools heads of black flies were conducted using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for O. volvulus detection. Dried blood samples from 3107 children aged 5-9 years were collected; with 1502 samples analysed using alkaline phosphatase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay due to financial constraints. Twenty pools of the 72 pools of heads (27.8%) of S. damnosum s.l. analysed were positive for O. volvulus in Kagarko and Kachia LGAs (> 1/2000 infective flies; 95% upper confidence limit 0.49) with qPCR prevalence of 0.32%. Two children from security compromised communities tested seropositive (prevalence 0.31%; 95% upper confidence limit 0.317).Conclusion/significanceThe findings demonstrated ongoing onchocerciasis transmission in Kaduna despite the interruption in 2018. This calls for evaluation of the extent of recrudescence and identification of key drivers such as human migration, fly movement and insecurity.

Malaria remains a significant health burden, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, exacerbated by growing parasite drug resistance. Nanoparticles offer a promising strategy for effective antimalarial drug delivery, mitigating resistance, and reducing toxicity. This study investigated the antiplasmodial efficacy of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) green-synthesized using Alstonia boonei and Terminalia catappa extracts against Plasmodium berghei in mice. Characterization confirmed nanoparticle formation: visual color changes, UV–Vis SPR peaks (295 nm for T. catappa AgNPs, (TCA) 435 nm for A. boonei AgNPs (AA), 270 nm for T. catappa FeNPs (TCF), 242 nm for A. boonei FeNPs (AF), FTIR identification of capping functional groups, and SEM–EDX elemental confirmation (Ag: 77.20

Malaria continues to be a public health problem in Nigeria. Effective vector control has been acknowledged as one of the major strategies to combat malaria in Nigeria. In order to inform context-specific policies, there is need to understand the species niche/colonization and geographical distribution of local Anopheles mosquitoes in different geographical areas in Nigeria. Therefore, this study was designed to model the distribution of Anopheles gambiae s.l. in Osun State, Nigeria. Immature stages of Anopheles mosquitoes were collected from 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Osun State between 2022 and 2023, resulting in the identification of over 20,000 Anopheline mosquitoes. Of these, 146 breeding sites were identified. Two sibling species of An. gambiae s.l were later confirmed using molecular techniques (An. gambiae s.s. and An. coluzzii) with 99% of the Anopheles being An. coluzzii in all the 17 LGAs. The results were modelled using Random Forest to predict their potentially suitable habitats across the entire state. A total of 23 environmental variables (19 bioclimatic and four topographic) were used in the model, resulting in maps of the potential geographical distribution of dominant vector species under current climatic conditions. The model suggests that members of the Anopheles gambiae s.l. encountered would be found in the three senatorial districts (from high to moderate), with more suitable areas in the central part of the state. Temperature-related climatic conditions seems to be ranked higher in order of variable importance that contributed to the distribution of these species. Mean diurnal range (monthly temperature fluctuation) and temperature of the coldest month seem to be strongly associated with the presence of these species. Our model suggested areas with higher monthly temperature fluctuations in the state (between 9 and 10 °C) to support the breeding of Anopheles species, and they are likely to be abundant in areas with lower temperature during the coldest month (wet season) of the year (between 18 and 19 °C). The results of this study provide a baseline data allowing decision-makers to monitor the distribution of these species and establish a management plan for future mosquito surveillance and control programs in Osun State.

Background: Congenital malaria, defined as the presence of malaria parasites in the peripheral smear of newborns within the first seven days of life, remains an underexplored aspect of malaria epidemiology in endemic regions like Nigeria. This study investigated the prevalence and associated risk factors of congenital malaria at the State Specialist Hospital (SSH), Osogbo, Southwestern Nigeria. Method: This cross-sectional study collected peripheral and cord blood samples from 77 newborns within the first 24 hours of delivery. We examined blood samples for malaria parasites using both light microscopy and malaria rapid diagnostic test (mRDT) kits. A structured research proforma was used to assess various risk factors, including sociodemographic details, gravidity, parity, retroviral status, and malaria prevention measures during pregnancy. Results: The overall prevalence of congenital malaria was 6.5%, with all infants exhibiting congenital malaria also demonstrating cord blood parasitaemia. Maternal malarial parasitaemia emerged as a strong predictive factor (p<0.05), while factors such as maternal retroviral status, intermittent prophylactic therapy, therapeutic antimalarial use, and bednet usage were not significantly associated with congenital malaria (p>0.05). Conclusion: Our study observed a low prevalence of congenital malaria in Osogbo and emphasizes the significance of maternal malarial parasitaemia in predicting the condition. However, there is need for additional multicenter studies to comprehensively determine the prevalence of congenital malaria in Osun State and Nigeria, providing a basis for targeted interventions and healthcare strategies.

Malaria remains a global public health threat. This study investigated the larval habitat of Anopheles mosquito in Osun State, Nigeria and its public health implication. Four larval habitat types were encountered: Ground pool, gutter, container and abandoned tires. 158 specific larval habitats were identified. Inisa 53(33.5

BACKGROUND OBJECTIVES:Mosquitoes transmit malaria and other infectious diseases. A thorough understanding of the dynamics, biting behavior, and infectiousness of Anopheles vector sporozoites is required to calculate transmission indices and develop effective control tactics. The goal of this study was to identify the mosquito species in a rural settlement near the Osogbo city in southwestern Nigeria, as well as their sources of blood meals and the rate at which sporozoites are formed. METHODS:From June to December 2021, 23 homes in the community were chosen at random to catch adult mosquitos with CDC light traps and pyrethrum spray catches (PSC). Mosquitoes were sorted using morphological criteria, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect the origin of the blood meal, check for the infectivity of sporozoites in the mosquitoes, and calculate the fraction of Anopheles gambiae s.l . collected. RESULTS:Among the 318 mosquitos collected, 185 (58.18 %) were recognized as An. gambiae s.l ., four (1.26 %) as Aedes aegypti , 104 (32.70 %) as Culex quequinfasciatus , and 25 (7.86 %) as Mansonia uniformis . PCR revealed that the specimens of An. gambiae s.l . were 96% An. colluzzi and 4% An. gambiae s.s. An. colluzzi mosquito species only consumed human blood. INTERPRETATION CONCLUSION:The presence of sporozoites in none of the An. gambiae s.l . mosquitoes in the area indicates a low rate of malaria transmission. The anthropoliphic nature of the Anopheles species implies a danger of malaria transmission, despite the fact that none of the people tested positive for sporozoites.

Control of mosquito vectors, which have caused a global disease burden, has employed various methods. However, the challenges posed by current physical and chemical methods have raised concerns about vector control programs, leading to the search for alternative methods that are less toxic, eco-friendly, and cost-effective. This study investigated the larvicidal potential of aqueous, methanol, and ethylacetate extracts of Guava (Psidium guajava) against Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus larvae. Functional group and phytochemical characterization were performed using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and GC-MS analysis to identify the bioactive compounds in the extracts. Larval bioassays were conducted using WHO standard procedures at concentrations of 12.5, 25, 50, 125, and 250 mg/L, and mortality was recorded after 24, 48, and 72 h. Additionally, antioxidant enzyme profiles in the larvae were studied. All of the solvent extracts showed larvicidal activity, with the methanol extract exhibiting the highest mortality against Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae, followed by aqueous and ethylacetate extracts. FTIR spectroscopic analysis revealed the presence of OH, C-H of methyl and methylene, C=O and C=C. The GC-MS analysis indicated that the methanol, aqueous, and ethylacetate extracts all had 27, 34, and 43 phytoactive compounds that were effective at causing larvicidal effects, respectively. Different concentrations of each extract significantly modulated the levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and reduced glutathione in larvae. This study's findings indicate the potential for developing environmentally friendly vector control products using the bioactive components of extracts from P. guajava leaves.

Abstract Background Entomological data for onchocerciasis surveillance relies on sampling black flies through human landing collectors in the field and laboratory testing of the flies for infection using pooled screening O-150 PCR-ELISA assay. Both techniques require improvements. This study aimed to optimize the Esperanza Window Trap (EWT) for black fly collection. We tested alternative carbon dioxide (CO2) mimics to attract black flies to the traps. Additionally, we evaluated new quantitative PCR (qPCR) methods that target mitochondrial DNA markers and have been proposed to enhance the sensitivity and specificity for detecting Onchocerca volvulus infections in blackflies. Methods Traps baited with low, medium and high release rates of either 2-butanone or cyclopentanone as CO2 mimics were field tested against traps baited with organically generated CO2 in four ecological zones in Nigeria: Guinea savannah, derived savannah, rainforest and montane forest. The performance of EWTs baited with CO2 or in combination with 2-butanone (low release) were subsequently evaluated against the human landing collection (HLC). Trap scaling was also pilot tested by comparing two EWTs to a single HLC team. Collected black flies were used to test detection of O. volvulus in black flies using Ov ND5 real-time PCR (qPCR) compared to the conventional pool screening O-150 PCR. Results EWTs baited with 2-butanone caught similar numbers of black flies (Simulium damnosum s.l.) to those baited with CO2, while cyclopentanone collected significantly fewer flies in all locations. The low release of 2-butanone was the most effective overall, although HLCs collected higher numbers of black flies than EWT baited with CO2 either singly or in combination with low-release 2-butanone. The combination of two EWTs baited with CO2 and deployed 100 m apart from each other collected similar numbers of flies as one HLC. More black fly pools were positive for O. volvulus by Ov ND5 qPCR compared with O-150 PCR in derived savannah (31.15 vs. 15.57%), montane forest (11.54 vs. 0%) and rainforest (23.08 vs. 2.56%), with only one positive pool in Guinea savannah detected by both methods. Conclusions The 2-butanone has potential to be used in xenomonitoring as a standardized replacement for organically generated CO2. Ov ND5 qPCR detected more positive pools than O-150 PCR. The positive pools found in foci hitherto considered to have interrupted/eliminated onchocerciasis highlight the need for more sensitive and specific methods that support programmatic assessments to identify and combat recrudescence. Graphical Abstract

Globally, malaria in pregnancy leads to severe complications such as abortion, stillbirth, premature delivery, low birth weight, and fetal underdevelopment. This study examined the prevalence and risk factors of malaria among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Osun State, Nigeria. Between July and December 2020, 555 pregnant women from ten primary health centres in Osogbo, Ejigbo and Ilobu Local Government Areas participated in the study. Employing pre-tested questionnaires, qualitative data on the demographic and risk behaviours of participants were obtained. Malaria prevalence, determined by rapid diagnostic tests and blood smear microscopy was 15% caused by Plasmodium falciparum. The highest malaria prevalence was found among women who didn't use insecticides (23.1%), followed by those who did not use insecticide-treated nets (16.5%). The lowest prevalence was among women in their second and third trimesters who had taken Intermittent Preventive Treatment (IPT) (6.3%). The highest prevalence occurred among women aged 17-24 years (17.4%), while the lowest was among women aged 25-34 years (12.9%). All participants were aware of malaria but their knowledge about transmission (67%), symptoms (64%) and prevention (44%) varied. The study highlights the vulnerability of pregnant women who do not use insecticide-treated nets and emphasizes the need for improved malaria preventive practices. Control efforts should focus on the distribution of insecticide-treated nets, health education during antenatal visits and increased usage of IPT as recommended by the World Health Organization.

Objective: This study, conducted between March 2015 and July 2016, investigated the sensitivity and specificity of the OV-16 RDT and Dried Blood Spot (DBS) Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for skin snip microfilaria (MF) detection in Ogun State. Methods: Five hundred and eighty-eight (588) members of 16 first-line communities in 8 endemic Local Government Areas (LGAs) provided fingerstick whole blood specimens examined for IgG4 antibodies against the O. volvulus antigen OV-16, using DBS OV-16 ELISA and OV-16 RDT. In consort with these specimens, 162 study participants consented to be evaluated by skin snip. Results: Results showed a seroprevalence of 106(18.0%) using ELISA and 102(17.3%) by RDT, with 92.2% agreement. The OV-16 RDT demonstrated a positive and negative agreement of 76.4 (95% CI 67.2 to 84.1%) and 95.6% (95% CI: 93.4 to 97.3), respectively, to the OV-16 ELISA results from the concordant dataset. Against the 64 positive skin snips microscopy results, sensitivity of the RDT was 79.7% (95% CI 73.43% to 85.27) and the ELISA was 70.3% (95% CI 64.72% to 75.37%). Conclusion: The results of this study provided information on the performance of the OV-16 RDT. This information will contribute data for comparison to studies in other areas where treatment is ongoing. In conclusion, the commercial launch of the OV-16 RDT has made available a point-of-care diagnostic tool that could serve to help local and country onchocerciasis elimination programs to measure changes and progress in onchocerciasis intervention.

The study evaluates the resistance and susceptibility of adult female Anopheles gambiae s. l., Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes sourced within Osogbo metropolis, Osun State, Nigeria to four groups of insecticides [Permethrin, Deltamethrin, Pirimiphos-methyl and DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)] and the distribution of their larval habitat within the metropolis. Mosquito larvae of the three genera were collected during the wet season and reared to adult stage in the laboratory. Emerged adult female mosquitoes were exposed to insecticide impregnated papers of the four insecticide groups for 60mins using WHO kits to determine the knock down rate (kdr). Thereafter, they were transferred into holding tubes and left for 24hrs to assess their resistance and susceptibility according to the WHO protocol. Four types of larval habitats were identified (tires, ground pools, gutters and plastic containers). Anopheles gambiae s. l. showed the highest resistance to Permethrin (49%) (p = 0.04, p<0.05) while the highest susceptibility was recorded with Pirimiphos-methyl (69%) with the lowest against Permethrin (16%) (P = 0.002; p<0.05). The highest resistance of A. aegypti was against OC-Control (45%) (p = 0.031; p<0.05). Permethrin had the highest susceptibility (60%) against A. aegypti while OC-control had the lowest (11%) (p = 0.005; p< 0.05). Culex quinquefasciatus had a lower resistance to OC-control (38%) as compared with Aedes aegypti (45%). However, it was least susceptible to Pirimiphos-methyl (52%) and DDT (17%) respectively (p = 0.013; p<0.05). The susceptibility of A. gambiae s. l. and C. quinquefasciatus to Pirimiphos-methyl and A. aegypti to Permethrin is an indication of the possibility of success if employed for vector control of A. gambiae s. l., C. quinquefasciatus and A. aegypti respectively. This could be through their inclusion as active ingredients in insecticide treated nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spray (IRS) with a view to abating malaria and other life-threatening mosquito-borne diseases constituting global public health scourge.

This study investigated the knowledge and perceptions of bioethics among biomedical researchers in Osun State, Nigeria using a semi-structured self-administered questionnaire during a capacity workshop in November 2020. Demographic data, and attendee’ awareness, knowledge, and perception on bioethics and need for ethical approvals for biomedical research were collated. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and expressed as frequencies and percentages. A total of 153 biomedical researchers comprising (58%) males, and (42%) females participated in this study. Majority of the participants (60.8%) hold academic positions and about one-third of the population were graduate students (30.1%). Awareness on bioethics was high (91.5%), and more common in schools (61.4%), with majority of the participants (77.1%) describing it as a field that addresses the social and legal issues arising from medicine and life sciences (p<0.05). However, there were considerable gaps in knowledge among participants in the students and academia category, with about 16% of participants considering none or only part of the principles while about 10% felt they could obtain ethical permits while research is ongoing or completed and only 13.7% affirmed that all biomedical related researches require ethical approval. This finding calls for the incorporation of bioethics module into the curriculum of graduate students. The use of online resources, short courses, workshops and seminars can also be explored for re-enforcing training even among non-school going researchers and professionals.

Urinary schistosomiasis is of public health significance in sub-Saharan Africa with its prevalence being linked to carcinogenesis. However, there is a paucity of data to support this relationship. This study explored the prevalence and intensity of Schistosoma haematobium infections and its associations with cancer and hepatorenal function alterations in villages along the Asejire dam in the State of Osun, Nigeria. Urine samples from 152 consented participants (aged 18–75 years) from four communities were collected and examined for Schistosoma haematobium using the microscopy method. The blood serum of randomly selected infected and non-infected individuals (10 per group) was screened for tumor, inflammatory and hepato-renal function biomarkers. From the results, only one out of the four communities recorded cases of schistosomiasis with a prevalence of 26.5% (22/83) and overall infection prevalence was 14.47% (22/152). There was no statistical difference (p ˃ 0.05) in kidney, liver antioxidants, and lipid peroxidation markers in the infected and non–infected participants. The concentrations of antioxidants, inflammatory, and tumor markers were higher in Schistosoma infected individuals as compared with non-infected individuals. This justifies the need to monitor schistosomiasis-infected individuals for tumor, inflammatory and hepato-renal function biomarkers before they develop into cancer, liver, and kidney failure. Keywords: Urinary Schistosomiasis; tumor; and inflammatory markers; antioxidants; hepato-renal function; Asejire dam Nigeria

This study assessed the post-treatment status of urogenital schistosomiasis among school-aged children in Erin Osun in Osun State, Nigeria. A total of 357 children from five elementary schools that had participated in the Osun State Elementary School Feeding and Health Programme (O-MEALS Programme) and received praziquantel as part of the deworming programme were examined for the study. Urine samples were collected and tested for microhaematuria and proteinuria using urinalysis reagent strips. The urine samples were further examined for Schistosoma haematobium ova. A snail survey was conducted in the River Awesin at the water contact points in the community. Out of the 357 participants examined, (4.2%) had S. haematobium infection; males had a higher prevalence (5.5%) than females (2.9%). Christ Apostolic Church Elementary School had the highest (7.2%) prevalence of infection while Ansar-Ud-Deen ‘A’ Elementary School had the least prevalence (1.5%). There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the prevalence between gender and between schools. The highest prevalence was recorded among children of age group 13-15years (20.0%) while the least was among the age group 5-8years, and there was a significant difference in the prevalence of infection between age groups (p < 0.05). The overall geometric mean intensity of infection was 1.14 eggs/10mls of urine. There was a high (52.9%) prevalence of proteinuria. However, 47.1% of the participants had no proteinuria, 43.7% had 1+ amount (0.3 g/L) and 1.9% had 3+ amount (5.0 g/L). The low prevalence (4.2%) and intensity (1.14 eggs/10ml) of S. haematobium infection, in this study, suggest a positive impact of the O-Meals programme, which used Praziquantel twice a year to treat the pupils. No snail intermediate host of S. haematobium was encountered during the survey. Continuous drug administration with the feeding initiative and provision of safe drinking water in the community will help sustain the current level of control.