Asian Journal of Research in Infectious Diseases

Socio-Cultural Practices and Attitudinal Behaviour in the Control of Lymphatic Filariasis in Endemic Communities of Ondo State, Nigeria

2026-07-13T12:51:50+00:00

Background: Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a parasitic disease caused by nematode worms- Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi and Brugia timori. These parasites are transmitted through bites from mosquitoes, most especially species of Culex, Anopheles and sometimes Aedes. Lymphatic Filariasis is a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) mainly affecting humans. It specifically causes damage to the lymphatic system, leading to disfiguration of the skin, tissue build-up in affected body parts, abnormal swellings, and skin thickening and roughness.

Aim: This study investigated the socio-cultural practices and attitudinal behaviour in the control of the disease among residents of endemic communities in Ondo State, Nigeria.

Study Design: A quantitative cross-sectional study was carried out using a structured questionnaire.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in communities of Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria.

Methodology: A standardized questionnaire was adapted, and a scale of measurement was developed to evaluate the perception, habits, knowledge, attitude and practices of inhabitants in some rural and semi-urban areas of endemic communities in Akoko South West of Ondo State, Nigeria, towards Lymphatic filariasis.

Results: Out of 180 respondents of both genders, including children, 47.8% claimed ignorance about LF infection, while 52.2% had prior information and mentioned having seen people infected with LF. Only 13.3% of the respondents believed the disease was transmitted by mosquitoes, while others could not tell. Moreover, 30.6% of the people patronized traditional healers (herbalists) as they claimed the disease was spiritually inclined. Although the majority of the population that were fairly educated (77.2%) had good knowledge of the disease while 22.8% had very poor knowledge about LF. The KAP of participants toward LF infection is significantly implicated in the method of vector (mosquito) control within the communities (ꭕ2 =9.211, P=0.027, P≤0.05). Predisposition to Lymphatic Filariasis infection was higher (51.3%) among users of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs), as opposed to indoor residual spraying (IRS), which was very effective (0.0%). Only 20% were not aware of mass administration of medicines in the community(s); however, out of the majority (80%) involved in MAM practices, only 47.8% were committed to regular and conscious usage of treatment. According to occupation, farmers were more predisposed to LF infection (39.4%), followed by traders (34.5%) and Artisans (23%) when compared to the civil servants (3%). On duration of stay, exposure was higher among residents who were born in the communities or never left (72.7%) than the migrants (27.3%).

Conclusion: Indoor residual spraying (IRS) may be a better alternative over LLINs (long-lasting insecticide-treated nets) for Lymphatic filariasis vector control, especially in the rural and endemic communities. In addition, prior knowledge of disease and access to MAM may not prevent Lymphatic filariasis infection in some areas due to behavioural attitude of residents towards regular and conscious treatment approach. These findings therefore reveal shortfalls in MAM responsiveness of community inhabitants, compliance and ineffective vector control methods.

HBV, HCV and HIV Infections among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care at the Health Facilities in Ekiti South, Nigeria

2026-07-18T12:41:26+00:00

Hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are blood-borne infections with the potential for mother-to-child transmission and remain important concerns in antenatal care in sub-Saharan Africa. This cross-sectional study determined the seroprevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV among pregnant women attending selected health facilities in Ekiti South Senatorial District, Nigeria. A total of 710 pregnant women were recruited from six Local Government Areas: Ekiti South West, Ikere, Ise, Emure, Ekiti East, and Gbonyin. Sociodemographic data and information on knowledge, awareness, and attitudes were collected using a structured questionnaire. Venous blood specimens were obtained aseptically and screened for hepatitis B surface antigen, anti-HCV antibodies, and HIV antibodies. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to assess prevalence and associations at p < 0.05. The overall seroprevalence was 2.5% (18/710) for HBV, 1.5% (11/710) for HIV, and 0% for HCV. No co-infection was detected. Age group was significantly associated with HIV infection (p < 0.001), whereas location, marital status, residence, gestational age, education, and occupation were not significantly associated with HIV status. HBsAg positivity was not significantly associated with any assessed sociodemographic variable. The findings indicate an intermediate level of HBV endemicity in the study population and support sustained antenatal screening, linkage to care, health education, HBV vaccination, and prevention of mother-to-child transmission services.

Entomological Indices and Community Knowledge of Onchocerciasis Transmission in the Menchum Valley Health District, An Endemic Area of Northwestern Cameroon

2026-07-22T12:26:10+00:00

Background: Recent successes in several foci in Venezuela, Mexico, and Nigeria underscore the importance of understanding local transmission conditions and mapping all high-risk areas to achieve the human onchocerciasis transmission-interruption targets of the 2021–2030 Neglected Tropical Diseases roadmap. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the transmission indices of the Simulium damnosum complex and assess community knowledge of onchocerciasis transmission in Menchum Valley Subdivision, North West Region, Cameroon.

Methods: The human-bait sampling method was used to collect adult flies from November 2022 to April 2023 on two consecutive days each month, from 07:00 to 18:00. Members of the Simulium damnosum complex were caught and dissected, and transmission indices, including biting density, monthly biting rate (MBR), monthly transmission potential (MTP), and monthly parous biting rate (MPBR), were calculated using standard methods. A household-based survey using a structured questionnaire assessed community knowledge of blackfly biting activity and bioecology.

Results: A total of 1,932 adult S. damnosum s.l. were caught at Menchum Falls and Mawong River; 1,766 (91.4%) were dissected, 1,416 (73.3%) were parous, and 15 were infected with Onchocerca species larvae. The monthly biting rate (3,681 vs 1,224.5 bites/person/month) and monthly transmission potential (71.3 vs 38.7) were highest in January in both communities. The monthly parous biting rates (MPBRs) were 2,960.5 vs 922.3 flies/person/month, whereas the infectivity rates were 21 vs 42 per 1,000 parous flies. Of the 170 respondents, 98.2% reported knowing about onchocerciasis. However, 66.5% stated that onchocerciasis is transmitted by mosquito bites, and 37.1% reported that blackflies primarily originate from tree holes.

Conclusions: These results indicated that, despite more than two decades of ongoing intervention, transmission of Onchocerca species remained active in Menchum Valley Subdivision. The study also revealed limited knowledge of onchocerciasis transmission and blackfly bioecology among inhabitants of the study area. Robust community-awareness and vector-control interventions scheduled for January and February could accelerate onchocerciasis elimination.

Impact of Comorbidities on Lassa Fever Outcomes: A 7-Year Retrospective Analysis of Cases Managed at Infection Control and Research Centre FMC Owo

2026-07-29T07:11:47+00:00

Background: Lassa fever (LF) remains a major public health challenge in West Africa, particularly Nigeria, where recurrent outbreaks contribute substantially to morbidity and mortality. Although most infections are mild or asymptomatic, severe disease may involve multi-organ dysfunction and poor outcomes. The influence of underlying comorbidities on disease severity remains inadequately characterised, despite its relevance to clinical management and risk stratification.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of comorbidities and assess their effect on Lassa fever severity and clinical outcomes among patients managed at a tertiary isolation centre in Nigeria.

Methods: This retrospective analytical study reviewed medical records of confirmed Lassa fever cases managed at the Infection Control and Research Centre, Federal Medical Centre, Owo, from 2018 to 2024. A total of 131 patients with documented comorbidities were included. Socio-demographic characteristics, comorbid conditions, and clinical outcomes were extracted using a structured checklist. Data were analysed using SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics summarised patient characteristics, while chi-square and likelihood ratio tests assessed associations. Multivariable logistic regression identified independent predictors of disease severity, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: Of 1,682 cases reviewed, 131 (7.79%) patients with Lassa fever and comorbidities were included. The mean age was 50.01 ± 15.63 years, and 58.8% were female. Hypertension (48.7%), peptic ulcer disease (24.7%), and diabetes mellitus (20.3%) were the most common comorbidities. Age was significantly associated with hypertension (p < 0.001), diabetes mellitus (p = 0.010), and peptic ulcer disease (p = 0.001), with the highest burden among individuals aged 40–59 years. Only peptic ulcer disease (PUD) was significantly associated with Lassa fever severity (p = 0.008). Multivariable analysis identified PUD as an independent predictor of severe disease (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.901; 95% CI: 1.292–6.513; p = 0.010), indicating an almost threefold increase in complication risk.

Conclusion: Comorbidities were common among patients with Lassa fever. Hypertension, PUD, and diabetes mellitus were most frequently documented. PUD independently predicted severe disease, supporting targeted monitoring, early intervention, and routine comorbidity screening to strengthen risk-based clinical management.

Knowledge Gaps and Preventive Practices Related to Sexually Transmitted Infections among Female Secondary School Students in Rivers State, Nigeria

2026-08-03T13:32:50+00:00

Background: Adolescent girls in sub-Saharan Africa are disproportionately affected by sexually transmitted infections (STIs), yet region-specific evidence on their knowledge and preventive behaviours remains limited.

Aims: This study aimed to assess gaps in STI knowledge and preventive practices among female secondary school students in Rivers State, Nigeria.

Methods: A school-based cross-sectional survey was conducted from March to May 2025 among 640 female students in Senior Secondary School (SSS) 1–3, recruited through multistage sampling. After 12 incomplete questionnaires were excluded, 626 participants were included in the final analysis. A structured, validated questionnaire was used to assess STI knowledge (20 items) and preventive practices (12 items). Good knowledge and adequate practice were defined as scores of at least 70%. Data were analysed using SPSS version 27.0 through descriptive statistics, Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis tests, and multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with good knowledge.

Results: Participants had a mean age of 15.4 ± 1.8 years (median = 15.0, IQR = 14.0–17.0); most were aged 15–17 years and enrolled in SSS 2. Only 34.8% demonstrated good STI knowledge (median score = 11.0/20, IQR = 8.0–14.0), and 31.2% reported adequate preventive practices. Misconceptions were common: 41.5% believed that STIs could be transmitted through toilet seats, while recognition of chlamydia was particularly low (22.5%). Overall, 23.2% reported having had sexual intercourse. Among sexually active respondents, 44.8% reported consistent condom use, while only 18.5% of all respondents had ever undergone STI/HIV testing. Factors independently associated with good knowledge were age 15–17 years (AOR = 2.45), enrolment in SSS 3 (AOR = 3.12), maternal tertiary education (AOR = 2.08), and school as the primary source of information (AOR = 1.89).

Conclusion: STI knowledge and preventive practices were low among the female secondary school students studied. The findings support multilevel interventions that combine comprehensive sexuality education, skills-based training, and accessible youth-friendly testing services for adolescent girls in Rivers State.