Article
Parasitology
Adam Hendy, Meryam Krit, Kenneth Pfarr, Christine Laemmer, Jacobus De Witte, Philippe Nwane, Joseph Kamgno, Hugues C. Nana-Djeunga, Michel Boussinesq, Jean-Claude Dujardin, Rory Post, Robert Colebunders, Sarah O'Neill, Peter Enyong, Alfred K. Njamnshi
Summary: The study found high densities of biting black flies sustaining transmission of O. volvulus along the lower Mbam river, despite relatively low infection rates that do not meet the WHO threshold for interruption of transmission.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo, Leonard Ngarka, Wepnyu Yembe Njamnshi, Peter Ayuk Enyong, Anne-Cecile Zoung-Kanyi Bissek, Alfred Kongnyu Njamnshi
Summary: This study investigated the onchocerciasis situation in the Ntui Health District in Cameroon, revealing high biting rates but low black fly infection rates, with a higher prevalence in epilepsy patients. It also found evidence of ongoing O. volvulus infection endemicity in these communities.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Arnauld Efon Ekangouo, Hugues C. Nana Djeunga, Guilhem Sempere, Joseph Kamgno, Flobert Njiokou, Paul Moundipa Fewou, Anne Geiger
Summary: This study explores the potential of blackfly bacteriome as a novel approach for controlling onchocerciasis by investigating its composition and variability in the presence of Onchocerca volvulus infection. The results suggest a causal relationship between the bacteriome composition and the onset of blackflies' infection by O. volvulus.
Article
Microbiology
Stephen Raimon Jada, Alfred Dusabimana, Gasim Abd-Elfarag, Samuel Okaro, Nele Brusselaers, Jane Y. Carter, Makoy Yibi Logora, Jacopo Mattia Rovarini, Charles R. Newton, Robert Colebunders
Summary: A two-phase survey conducted in Mundri villages in South Sudan revealed a high prevalence and incidence of epilepsy. Urgent action is needed to prevent onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy by strengthening elimination programs.
Article
Microbiology
Stephen Raimon, Alfred Dusabimana, Gasim Abd-Elfarag, Samuel Okaro, Jane Y. Carter, Charles R. Newton, Makoy Yibi Logora, Robert Colebunders
Summary: A study conducted in Mvolo County, South Sudan, revealed a high prevalence and incidence of epilepsy, with factors such as younger age, male gender, skin itching, blindness, and living near the Naam River identified as risk factors for epilepsy. Additionally, the transmission of parasites remains high in the region, with a low percentage of individuals receiving treatment.
Article
Parasitology
Vera Wewer, Helga Peisker, Katharina Gutbrod, Mazen Al-Bahra, Dirk Menche, Ngongeh Glory Amambo, Fanny F. Fombad, Abdel Jelil Njouendou, Kenneth Pfarr, Samuel Wanji, Achim Hoerauf, Peter Doermann
Summary: The study screened urine samples from individuals in Cameroon infected with O. volvulus, Loa loa, Mansonella perstans, or a combination. Elevated levels of NATOG and cinnamoylglycine were found in O. volvulus-infected individuals, suggesting a potential for using a combination of urine metabolites for onchocerciasis assessment at a population level.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Kenneth Bentum Otabil, Blessing Ankrah, Emmanuel John Bart-Plange, Emmanuel Sam Donkoh, Fiona Amoabil Avarikame, Fredrick Obeng Ofori-Appiah, Theophilus Nti Babae, Prince-Charles Kudzordzi, Vera Achiaa Darko, Joseph Ameyaw, Joseph Gyekye Bamfo, Raji Abdul Sakibu, Daniel Antwi-Berko, Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo, Maria-Gloria Basanez, Henk D. F. H. Schallig, Robert Colebunders
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence and clinical characteristics of epilepsy in the Bono Region of Ghana after 27 years of ivermectin mass drug administration (MDA). The prevalence of epilepsy in the Bono region was found to be 1.4%, with generalized seizures being the most common type. The study also revealed a high microfilarial prevalence and low coverage of ivermectin treatment. Therefore, there is a need for the Ghana Onchocerciasis Elimination Programme to enhance its efforts to achieve the elimination of onchocerciasis by 2030.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF POVERTY
(2023)
Review
Dermatology
T. Ju, A. Vander Does, G. Ingrasci, S. A. Norton, G. Yosipovitch
Summary: Itch is a common symptom in tropical parasitic diseases and studying its characteristics can improve diagnosis and management. This review examines major itch-inducing tropical parasitic diseases, focusing on the link between itch and other symptoms, etiology, clinical staging, and therapeutic options.
JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY AND VENEREOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Nathan M. Ryan, Jessica A. Hess, Fernando Pardo-Manuel de Villena, Benjamin E. Leiby, Ayako Shimada, Lei Yu, Amir Yarmahmoodi, Nikolai Petrovsky, Bin Zhan, Maria Elena Bottazzi, Benjamin L. Makepeace, Sara Lustigman, David Abraham
Summary: This study demonstrated that an Onchocerca volvulus vaccine can induce protective immunity in genetically diverse mice, with each mouse line showing a unique immune response to the vaccine and challenge. The findings suggest that the vaccine is polyfunctional and effective in genetically complex populations.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Shabnam Jawahar, Nancy Tricoche, Christina A. Bulman, Judy Sakanari, Sara Lustigman
Summary: In the process of eliminating onchocerciasis, the addition of prophylactic drugs or therapeutic drugs may improve the chances of achieving the elimination goals, hasten the time to elimination, and support sustained elimination.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Benjamin Jacob, Denis Loum, Denis Munu, Thomson Lakwo, Edson Byamukama, Peace Habomugisha, Eddie W. Cupp, Thomas R. Unnasch
Summary: Studies have shown that conducting slash and clear interventions within 2 km of affected communities can reduce vector biting by 95%. Interventions conducted at the start of the rainy season led to a 97% reduction in biting rate, while interventions at the end of the season resulted in a 94% reduction. Vector numbers in intervention villages did not fully recover by the following rainy season.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Paul M. Airs, Kathy Vaccaro, Kendra J. Gallo, Nathalie Dinguirard, Zachary W. Heimark, Nicolas J. Wheeler, Jiaye He, Kurt R. Weiss, Nathan E. Schroeder, Jan Huisken, Mostafa Zamanian
Summary: Lymphatic filariasis is a chronic disease affecting over 60 million people, and the current control methods are ineffective against adults. By using spatial transcriptomic approaches, researchers have identified new drug and vaccine targets, as well as potential hidden antigens. This study is of great importance for the development of antiparasitic drugs and vaccines.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Lovepreet Singh, Kamaljit Singh
Summary: This review highlights the efficacy of ivermectin in controlling malaria through vector control and effective chemoprevention to reduce parasite transmission and related fatalities.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Benjamin Lenz, Beng Amuam Andrew, Manuel Ritter, Indulekha Karunakaran, Narcisse Victor Tchamatchoua Gandjui, Lucy Cho Nchang, Jayagopi Surendar, Anita Obi Bate Ebob, Alexandra Ehrens, Ute Klarmann-Schulz, Arcangelo Ricchiuto, Janina M. M. Kuehlwein, Fanny Fri Fombad, Ambe Marius Ngwa, Tatiana Djikeussi Katcho, Achim Hoerauf, Samuel Wanji, Marc P. P. Huebner
Summary: This study aims to investigate the impact of filarial infections on metabolic diseases and the effects of anti-filarial treatment on metabolic and immunological parameters. The results may reveal a potential protective effect of filarial infections on metabolic diseases.
Article
Parasitology
Babette Abanda, Archile Paguem, Mamoudou Abdoulmoumini, Manchang Tanyi Kingsley, Alfons Renz, Albert Eisenbarth
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2019)
Article
Infectious Diseases
A. Schulz, A. Karger, B. Bettin, A. Eisenbarth, M. A. Sas, C. Silaghi, M. H. Groschup
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2020)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Archile Paguem, Babette Abanda, Mbunkah Daniel Achukwi, Praveen Baskaran, Stefan Czemmel, Alfons Renz, Albert Eisenbarth
Article
Infectious Diseases
Faten Bouaicha, Albert Eisenbarth, Khawla Elati, Ansgar Schulz, Boubaker Ben Smida, Mohsen Bouajila, Limam Sassi, Mourad Rekik, Martin H. Groschup, Mediha Khamassi Khbou
Summary: The survey revealed a high exposure rate of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus in one-humped camels from southern Tunisia, primarily transmitted through ticks, although no viral RNA was detected in camel sera.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Ngwafu Nancy Ngwasiri, Norbert W. Brattig, Dieudonne Ndjonka, Eva Liebau, Archile Paguem, Dustin Leusder, Manchang Tanyi Kingsley, Albert Eisenbarth, Alfons Renz, Achukwi Mbunkah Daniel
Summary: The study identified an O. ochengi galectin gene, confirmed its immunogenicity, and found a high degree of identity between O. ochengi and O. volvulus galectin, with similar immune reactivity. These results suggest the suitability of the cattle O. ochengi model for O. volvulus infection research.
Article
Entomology
Poueme Namegni Rodrigue Simonet, Njan-Nloga Alexandre Michel, Wade Abel, Eisenbarth Albert, Groschup Martin Hermann, Stoek Franziska
Article
Entomology
A. Schulz, K. Methling, M. Lalk, A. Eisenbarth, M. Keller, M. H. Groschup
Summary: Ixodid ticks are vectors and reservoirs for zoonotic pathogens, commonly stored in ethanol for inactivation. Ethanol proved to effectively penetrate tick cuticles and the low-pathogenic Hazara orthonairovirus demonstrated a low resistance to ethanol. Further research is needed to definitively prove virus inactivation in ethanol-treated ticks.
EXPERIMENTAL AND APPLIED ACAROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
A. Schulz, Y. Barry, F. Stoek, M. J. Pickin, A. Ba, L. Chitimia-Dobler, M. L. Haki, B. A. Doumbia, A. Eisenbarth, A. Diambar, M. Y. Bah, M. Eiden, M. H. Groschup
Summary: In 2018, Hyalomma ticks collected from four different livestock herds in Mauritania tested positive for CCHFV, with a prevalence of 2.56%. The study revealed the presence of two different CCHFV lineages and highlighted the importance of tracking the actual circulation area of this virus.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Babette Abanda, Markus Schmid, Archile Paguem, Hanna Iffland, Siegfried Preuss, Alfons Renz, Albert Eisenbarth
Summary: Autochthonous taurine and zebu cattle from Cameroon show significant differences in resistance to endemic pathogens, potentially influenced by genetic background and breed history. Genomic analysis identified trait-associated genomic regions for different pathogens, suggesting potential for breeding resistant cattle in Northern Cameroon. Further research using larger datasets is necessary to improve resistance to pathogen infections and understand genetic structures of African multi-breed cattle populations.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Oluwafemi Babatunde Daoduid, Albert Eisenbarth, Ansgar Schulz, Julia Hartlaub, James Olukayode Olopade, Daniel Oladimeji Oluwayelu, Martin H. Groschup
Summary: The study detected and genetically characterized Dugbe orthonairovirus (DUGV) circulating in cattle and their infesting ticks in Kwara State, Nigeria, with high similarity to the previously characterized strain. DUGV was found to have a carrier rate of 0.7% in ticks, predominantly in Amblyomma variegatum species.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Franziska Stoek, Yahya Barry, Aliou Ba, Ansgar Schulz, Melanie Rissmann, Claudia Wylezich, Balal Sadeghi, Abdellahi Diambar Beyit, Albert Eisenbarth, Fatimetou Bounene N'diaye, Mohamed Lemine Haki, Baba Abdellahi Doumbia, Mohamed Baba Gueya, Mohamed Yahya Bah, Martin Eiden, Martin H. Groschup
Summary: This study aims to investigate mosquitoes in different areas of Mauritania where outbreaks have occurred, and analyze the blood of mosquitoes to identify potential wildlife reservoir hosts for Rift Valley fever phlebovirus (RVFV). The results of the study reveal the circulation of RVFV in Mauritania, as well as the circulation of dengue virus (DENV) in mosquitoes in Rosso city.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Archile Paguem, Kingsley Manchang, Pierre Kamtsap, Alfons Renz, Sabine Schaper, Gerhard Dobler, Deon K. Bakkes, Lidia Chitimia-Dobler
Summary: This study investigates the diversity of ticks and Rickettsia species parasitizing wild animals sold in bush meat markets in Cameroon. It identifies 18 tick species belonging to five genera and detects two Rickettsia spp. The findings highlight the high diversity of ticks among wildlife in Cameroon.
Article
Parasitology
Archile Paguem, Babette Abanda, Ngwafu Nancy Ngwasiri, Albert Eisenbarth, Alfons Renz, Adrian Streit, Mbunkah Daniel Achukwi
VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS
(2020)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Babette Abanda, Archile Paguem, Mbunkah Daniel Achukwi, Alfons Renz, Albert Eisenbarth
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2019)