Aetiology of Childhood Diarrhoea in Southwest Nigeria

Childhood diarrhoea remains a significant public health concern in Southwest Nigeria, contributing to high morbidity and mortality rates among children under five. The aetiology of diarrhoea in this region is multifaceted, involving infectious agents, environmental factors, and socio-economic determinants. Infectious agents, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites, are leading causes of diarrhoea. Rotavirus is a prevalent cause of severe diarrhoea among infants, often resulting in dehydration and hospitalization.

§  Identify parasites, viruses, and bacteria associated with childhood diarrhoea in Nigeria.

§  Characterise the pathogen genotypically using Oxford nanopore sequencing

§  Identify the possible risk factors

Hepatitis E Virus in Humans and Animals in Nigeria

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging public health concern in Nigeria, affecting both humans and animals. HEV is primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route, often via contaminated water and food. In Nigeria, poor sanitation, inadequate clean water supply, and close human-animal interactions contribute to its spread. In humans, HEV infection is commonly asymptomatic but can cause acute hepatitis, particularly in pregnant women, where it may lead to severe complications. Outbreaks have been reported in Nigeria, especially in regions with poor sanitation. In animals, HEV is prevalent in pigs, rodents, and other livestock, serving as a zoonotic reservoir. Swine HEV strains closely resemble human strains, suggesting possible cross-species transmission. People working in livestock farming, abattoirs, and veterinary services may be at increased risk of zoonotic infection.

• Prevalence of HEV in different human cohorts and pigs in Oyo state

  
  

• Characterize the circulating genotypes among the cohorts

  
  

• Investigate risk factors associated with HEV genotypes

  
  

• Determine the degree of relatedness among the circulating strains

Genetic diversity of P. falciparum in children across Nigeria

The genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum, the primary causative agent of malaria, is a critical factor influencing disease severity, drug resistance, and vaccine efficacy in Nigeria. This diversity is largely driven by high transmission rates, particularly in endemic areas like the southwest, southeast, and northern regions. Molecular markers such as merozoite surface proteins (MSP-1 and MSP-2) and glutamate-rich protein (GLURP) are commonly used to assess strain diversity. Additionally, genetic studies highlight the emergence of drug-resistant strains, particularly mutations in the kelch13 gene associated with artemisinin resistance. These resistant strains pose a challenge to malaria control efforts in Nigeria.

·         Determine the prevalence of P. falciparum and non-falciparum malaria

• Characterize the Genetic Diversity of MSP1, 2, and Glurp genes in Nigeria and Sudan.
• Characterise the genetic diversity of drug-resistant genes using the Oxford nanopore sequencing

Surveillance of pfhrp2/3 gene deletion and Identification and Testing of Novel Antigens for Rapid Malaria Diagnosis in P. falciparum in Nigeria

The pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 gene deletions in Plasmodium falciparum have emerged as a major challenge to malaria diagnosis in Nigeria. These genes encode histidine-rich proteins 2 and 3 (HRP2/HRP3), which are targeted by most used malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). When pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 are deleted, RDTs relying on HRP2 fail to detect malaria infections, leading to false-negative results and misdiagnosis. The emergence of pfhrp2/3-deleted parasites necessitates a shift in malaria diagnostic strategies. Nigeria must implement molecular surveillance to track the spread of these deletions and promote the use of alternative diagnostic methods, such as microscopy or RDTs targeting lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) or aldolase.

• Evaluate the performance of RDT, microscopy, and nested PCR techniques in different regions of the country

  
  

• Evaluate the prevalence of hrp2 and hrp3

  
  

• Assess the impact of hrp2/3 deletions and RDT outcomes on malaria control in Nigeria

  
  

• Identify and characterise conserved, immunogenic regions of Plasmodium falciparum antigens.

  
  

• Synthesize recombinant antigenic epitopes and evaluate their potential as diagnostic targets.

  
  

• Perform immunological screenings to validate the immunogenic potential of selected peptides.

Human Leukocyte Antigen Polymorphisms in Hepatitis B Virus Pathogenesis Nigeria

Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) polymorphisms play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection in Nigeria, influencing susceptibility, disease progression, and immune response. HLA molecules, encoded by the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC), present viral antigens to T cells, shaping the immune response against HBV. Polymorphisms in HLA genes determine individual variations in immunity, affecting HBV clearance or chronicity.

• Determine the distribution of HLA-DP and HLA-DQ genetic variants in Hepatitis B Virus

  
  

• Determine the risk factor associated with the onset and progression of HBV

  
  

• Determine the prevalent HLA-DP and HLA-DQ genetic variants in Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)

  
  

Hepatitis B Virus and HIV Coinfection in Southwest Nigeria

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) coinfection is a significant public health concern in Southwest Nigeria, where both infections are endemic. Coinfection complicates disease progression, treatment outcomes, and overall health, making it a critical issue in managing infectious diseases in the region. HIV impairs immune function, reducing the body’s ability to control HBV replication. This leads to a higher likelihood of chronic HBV infection, increased HBV viral load, and faster progression to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Additionally, HBV coinfection accelerates HIV disease progression, increasing morbidity and mortality. Studies in Southwest Nigeria have shown that HBV prevalence among HIV-infected individuals is higher than in the general population, emphasizing the need for routine screening and early intervention.

• Determine the prevalence of HBV and HIV co-infections among individuals with active TB infection.

  
  

• Assess drug resistance patterns in TB patients co-infected with HBV and HIV.

  
  

• Explore the impact of co-infection on treatment outcomes and patient prognosis.

  
  

• Characterise MDR-TB and HBV in HBV/TB co-infected individuals using Nanopore sequencing

  
  

Malaria in Pregnant Women in Ogbomoso, Nigeria

Malaria in pregnant women is a major public health challenge in Ogbomoso, Nigeria, contributing to maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. Plasmodium falciparum, the predominant malaria parasite in Nigeria, poses severe risks to pregnant women due to immune suppression during pregnancy. Malaria infection can lead to complications such as maternal anemia, low birth weight, stillbirth, and preterm delivery. Many women do not receive adequate antenatal care, which affects the uptake of preventive measures like Intermittent Preventive Treatment in Pregnancy (IPTp) using sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP). The use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) is also low, increasing vulnerability to mosquito bites.

• Determine the prevalence of P. falciparum among asymptomatic pregnant women using RDT, microscopy, and PCR.

  
  

• Determine the genetic diversity of P. falciparum among asymptomatic pregnant women.

  
  

• Determine the prevalence of dhfr and dhps gene polymorphism and its contribution to SP efficacy among pregnant women

  
  

• Identify the possible risk factors

Evaluation of the Antimalaria Activities of Blighia sapida Koenig Ethanolic Leaf Extract on Plasmodium berghei

§  Investigate the antiplasmodial activity of B. Sapida leaf extract against P. berghei.

§  Assess the biochemical effect of B. sapida in parasitized mice.

§  Identify the active antiplasmodial compounds in B. sapida using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GCMS)

§  Predict the interactions between bioactive compounds from B. sapida and P. falciparum proteins.

Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) among under-five children in Oyo-state, Nigeria. 

Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) is a crucial malaria control strategy targeting under-five children in regions with high seasonal malaria transmission, such as the Sahel and parts of sub-Saharan Africa. It involves the intermittent administration of antimalarial drugs during peak transmission periods to prevent illness and reduce malaria-related deaths. SMC typically uses a combination of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) and amodiaquine (AQ), given monthly for up to four months during the rainy season when malaria transmission is highest. This approach provides temporary protection by reducing the parasite load in children, who are the most vulnerable to severe malaria complications, including anemia, seizures, and death.

§   Determine the prevalence of Malaria among under-5 children in SMC and Non-SMC areas of Oyo state, Nigeria.

§   Provide a comprehensive assessment of P falciparum resistance genotypes after large-scale expansion of SMC administration.

§   Identify the socio-demographic factors associated with adherence among under-5 children in the SMC areas.