International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health

Haematological Profiles in Children with Enteric Parasitic Infections from Kiambu County, Kenya

Liza Kiende Mwirigi — 2026-07-14

Background: Enteric parasitic infections remain a major cause of disease and malnutrition in many developing countries, including Kenya, where high prevalence is driven by poverty, limited access to safe drinking water, poor sanitation and hygiene, inadequate waste disposal, and overcrowding. Although some studies have evaluated selected blood parameters, comprehensive assessment of full haematological indices remains limited.

Aims: This study assessed the association between enteric parasitic infections and haematological indices among children.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Kiandutu Health Centre and Thika Level 5 Hospital among children aged ≤10 years between July 2021 and December 2021.

Methodology: Stool samples were examined using formal-ether concentration and Modified Ziehl–Neelsen staining techniques, and total blood counts were determined using an automated haematology analyser. The data were analysed using two-sample t-tests and multiple linear regression.

Results: Ten protozoan and helminth species were identified, with an overall parasite prevalence of 36.7%, higher at Kiandutu Health Centre (45.8%) than Thika Level 5 Hospital (23.2%). Protozoa predominated, with Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar/E. moshkovskii and Giardia lamblia being the most common, while Hymenolepis nana was the most frequent helminth. Infections with E. histolytica/E. dispar/E. moshkovskii, Entamoeba coli, and G. lamblia were associated with reduced monocyte counts, whereas Trichuris trichiura and H. nana were also associated with elevated eosinophils. Ascaris lumbricoides infection was associated with reduced haemoglobin, haematocrit, red cell indices, and platelets.

Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that even predominantly protozoal and low-intensity helminth infections seem to be associated with measurable systemic haematological effects, underscoring the need for routine haematological monitoring, periodic deworming, improved sanitation, and prompt treatment to reduce morbidity among children.

Molecular Detection of Blatem, Blashv, and Blactx-M Genes among Esbl-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates from Jos University Teaching Hospital, Plateau State, Nigeria

Ishaya Jesse — 2026-07-18

Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae is a major cause of hospital- and community-acquired infections worldwide. It produces extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs), which are associated with multidrug resistance and limit therapeutic options for treating infections, thereby posing a serious global threat.

Aim: This study aimed to detect the bla_TEM,bla_SHV, and bla_CTX-M genes associated with multidrug and beta-lactam resistance in K. pneumoniae isolates from clinical specimens obtained at Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), Plateau State, Nigeria.

Methods: A total of 39 confirmed K. pneumoniae isolates were obtained from 344 clinical samples. The antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of the isolates were determined using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, and the phenotypic production of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) was assessed using the Modified Double-Disc Synergy Test (MDDST). The three resistance genes were detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results: Thirty-two (82.1%) of the K. pneumoniae isolates were ESBL producers and were multidrug-resistant. The isolates showed high resistance to cefotaxime (76.9%), ceftazidime (69.2%), and cefepime (66.7%), but low resistance to imipenem and meropenem (7.7% and 5.1%, respectively). Twenty-four (85.7%) isolates were bla_TEM-positive, and 10 (35.7%) were bla_SHV-positive; the amplicon sizes were 972 bp and 868 bp, respectively. None of the isolates carried bla_CTX-M.

Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that imipenem, meropenem, and ertapenem had the greatest activity against the K. pneumoniae isolates. The beta-lactamase-encoding resistance genes bla_TEMand bla_SHV were detected in the K. pneumoniae isolates. Antibiotic-use policies and regular surveillance of antimicrobial susceptibility patterns may help reduce indiscriminate antibiotic use, which contributes to the emergence of drug resistance among pathogens.

In silico Prediction of Promiscuous HLA Class I and II T-Cell Epitopes from MED12 for Therapeutic Vaccine Development against Breast Phyllodes Tumours

Khursheed Raza — 2026-07-18

Breast phyllodes tumours are uncommon fibroepithelial neoplasms that may exhibit aggressive local behaviour and have limited systemic treatment options. Recurrent activating mutations in mediator complex subunit 12 (MED12), an X-linked gene, occur frequently in fibroepithelial tumours, including phyllodes tumours. This study used a computational approach to identify T-cell peptide candidates derived from the MED12 protein for possible therapeutic vaccine development. MED12-derived peptides were screened for susceptibility to proteasomal cleavage, transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) transport, HLA class I and II binding, antigenicity, and T-cell immunogenicity. For HLA class I, RPRPRAYYL (1731–1739) showed the broadest predicted binding profile, whereas LYHTHLRPR (1725–1733) had the highest predicted immunogenicity score. For HLA class II, LHLFKTPQL (1173–1187) showed the broadest predicted binding profile, and VDPYRPVRL (1852–1866) had the highest antigenicity score. The workflow assessed whether the selected peptide candidates could support cytotoxic and helper T-cell responses across multiple HLA restrictions. These findings indicate that MED12-derived peptides may provide preliminary candidates for peptide-based immunotherapy research in breast phyllodes tumours. However, the results are based solely on in silico predictions and do not establish therapeutic efficacy. Experimental HLA-binding assays, T-cell activation studies, mutation-specificity assessment, toxicity and allergenicity testing, and relevant preclinical validation are required before the selected peptides can be considered for vaccine development.

Prevalence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern of Helicobacter pylori Isolated from Peptic Ulcer Patients Attending Federal University of Health Science Teaching Hospital Azare, Bauchi State, Nigeria

Abdul Baba Zamo — 2026-07-30

Aim of the Study: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori among peptic ulcer patients attending the Federal University of Health Science Teaching Hospital, Azare, Bauchi State, Nigeria.

Study Design: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study.

Location and Duration of the Study: The study involved peptic ulcer patients attending the Federal University of Health Science Teaching Hospital, Azare, Bauchi State, Nigeria, from May 2024 to April 2025.

Methodology: A total of 236 peptic ulcer patients were recruited for the study; a consent form and structured questionnaire were used to collect their demographic information and associated risk factors. Blood antibody testing and stool culture were used to diagnose the infection. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed on isolates recovered from stool cultures.

Results: A total of 149 participants (63.1%) were seropositive for H. pylori; 59.1% (75/127) of males and 67.9% (74/109) of females were seropositive, while 11 participants (4.7%) had positive stool cultures. The prevalence based on stool culture was 4.7% (6/127) among males and 4.6% (5/109) among females. All 11 isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The quinolones (levofloxacin and ofloxacin) showed high efficacy, whereas resistance was recorded against the cephalosporins (cefuroxime, ceftriaxone and cefixime).

Conclusion: The study provides insights into the prevalence of H. pylori infection among peptic ulcer patients; the occurrence of peptic ulcer disease was significantly associated with the assessed risk factors.

A Cross-Sectional Study on Myopia-Related Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) among School-children in Chattogram Metropolitan Area, Bangladesh

Md. Jahedul Islam — 2026-08-04

Background: Myopia is a rapidly growing public health concern worldwide, with a particularly marked increase among school-aged children in urban settings. Environmental and behavioural determinants—including prolonged near work, excessive screen time, and limited outdoor activity—are increasingly recognised as modifiable contributors. In Bangladesh, limited epidemiological data and inadequate school-based screening infrastructure make it difficult to estimate the true burden. A comprehensive assessment of schoolchildren's knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding myopia is therefore essential to guide targeted interventions.

Objectives: To assess myopia-related knowledge, prevailing attitudes, and current practices among school-going children in the Chattogram Metropolitan Area and to examine associations between selected sociodemographic variables, behavioural factors, and myopia status.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 310 students in Classes 5–10 at three purposively selected schools in the Chattogram Metropolitan Area. Data were collected using a structured, pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire in Bangla covering sociodemographic characteristics and KAP domains. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were applied, with p < 0.05 indicating statistical significance.

Results: The sample comprised 55.5% male students and 44.5% female students, and the modal age was 15 years. Only 22.9% of participants had previously heard of myopia, whereas 83.5% knew where to seek help for impaired vision. Positive attitudes towards spectacle wearers were reported by 93.9% of respondents; nevertheless, 74.5% were not using spectacles. Statistically significant associations were reported between family type and eye check-up status (χ² = 6.07, df = 1, p = 0.0142) and between daily digital device use and myopia prevalence (χ² = 9.826, df = 2, p = 0.007). Students using devices for more than four hours per day had the highest reported prevalence of myopia (41%).

Conclusion: Despite generally positive attitudes, awareness of myopia and consistent corrective practices were limited among urban Bangladeshi schoolchildren. Prolonged screen time was associated with a higher reported prevalence of myopia. School-based vision screening, targeted health education, and guidance on balanced digital device use may help address the identified gaps.

Patterns of Pediatric Dermatoses in Southwestern Nigeria: A Five-Year Multicentre Comparison of Semi-Urban and Urban Dermatology Clinics

Atinuke A. Ajani — 2026-08-12

Aims: To compare the age-specific and geographic distribution of paediatric dermatoses among children attending dermatology clinics in two communities with differing levels of urbanisation in Southwestern Nigeria.

Study Design: Multicentre retrospective descriptive study.

Place and Duration of Study: Dermatology clinics at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife (urban), and Federal Medical Centre, Owo (semi-urban), between January 2020 and December 2024.

Methodology: Medical records of children aged ≤16 years were reviewed. Demographic characteristics and primary dermatological diagnoses were extracted and classified by aetiology and age group. Descriptive statistics, χ² tests and crude odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to compare disease patterns across age groups and study sites. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results: A total of 589 children (mean age 7.9 ± 4.8 years; 53.7% male) were included. Forty-seven children (7.9%) were diagnosed with both infectious and non-infectious dermatoses. Overall, non-infectious dermatoses predominated (71.1%), with eczematous disorders (29.2%) and hereditary disorders (10.2%) representing the most frequent diagnostic categories. Fungal infections were most prevalent among school-aged children (P = 0.013), whereas viral dermatoses predominated in preschool-aged children (P < 0.001). Children attending the urban centre had significantly higher odds of infectious dermatoses (OR = 1.72, 95% CI 1.18–2.50; P = 0.004) and eczematous disorders (OR = 1.72, 95% CI 1.15–2.56; P = 0.008), while hereditary and papulosquamous dermatoses were more frequently observed in the semi-urban centre.

Conclusion: Paediatric dermatoses in Southwestern Nigeria demonstrate distinct age- and geography-specific patterns, with eczematous disorders accounting for the greatest burden of dermatology consultations. The higher prevalence of infectious dermatoses among younger children and the observed geographic differences underscore the need for context-specific prevention and service planning. Integrating the early recognition and management of infectious and eczematous skin diseases into child health programmes, alongside strengthening school-based skin health initiatives, may improve paediatric dermatological outcomes in resource-constrained settings.

Hand Washing Knowledge, Attitude and Practice among Tertiary Healthcare Workers in Enugu, Nigeria

Chimaoge H. Igboanude — 2026-08-14

Background: Handwashing is essential for limiting healthcare-associated infection transmission, yet differences may persist between healthcare workers’ knowledge, attitudes, and routine practice.

Aims: This study assessed handwashing knowledge, attitudes, practices, and associated barriers among healthcare workers at Enugu State University Teaching Hospital after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 270 healthcare workers selected through multistage sampling. Data were collected in August 2022 using a structured, self-administered questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests at a 5% significance level.

Results: All 270 questionnaires were returned. The mean age of respondents was 29.6 years. Good handwashing knowledge was demonstrated by 61.1% of respondents, and the overall attitude grand mean was 3.34. However, 57.4% had poor handwashing practice, and only 35.2% consistently followed the WHO-recommended handwashing steps. Nearly half of respondents (48.1%) reported substituting hand sanitiser for handwashing. The principal barriers were empty soap dispensers (70.4%), inadequate clean water supply (62.6%), forgetfulness (55.6%), glove use (44.4%), insufficient hand-drying materials (42.6%), and busy work schedules (42.2%). Age was significantly associated with attitude towards handwashing, although the association was small.

Conclusion: Knowledge and attitudes were generally favourable, but practice remained inadequate. Reliable supplies, accessible facilities, regular training, reminders, feedback, and compliance monitoring are needed to support sustained handwashing practice.

Clinical Epidemiology and Health Systems Determinants of HIV/AIDS Care Outcomes in Port Harcourt Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

Nduye Christie Tobin Briggs — 2026-08-18

Background: Clinical epidemiology and health systems determinants shape HIV care outcomes, yet comparative data on facility types from urban South-South Nigeria remain limited. This study characterised both dimensions for HIV/AIDS care in Port Harcourt Local Government Area (PHALGA), Rivers State, Nigeria.

Methods: A convergent parallel mixed-methods study was conducted across eight facilities (a public tertiary facility, model primary health centres, and private facilities). Quantitative data were obtained from a cross‑sectional survey of 542 people living with HIV (PLHIV) using validated tools (MMAS‑8, PHQ‑9, Stigma Index). The primary outcome was viral suppression (<1,000 copies/mL). Multivariable logistic regression identified independent clinical and health system predictors. Qualitative data from 12 key informant interviews (4 clinicians, 5 adherence counsellors, and 3 pharmacists across 6 facilities) were analysed using framework analysis.

Results: The mean age of participants was 35.2 years (SD 10.4; median 34, IQR 27–42), and 62.4% (n=338) were female. The overall viral suppression rate was 68.3%. The independent predictors of viral suppression included older age (AOR 1.21 per 10 years, p=0.04), female sex (AOR 1.78, p=0.008), high adherence (AOR 2.94, p<0.001), treatment buddy support (AOR 1.72, p=0.01), and differentiated service delivery (DSD) enrolment (AOR 1.96, p=0.003), while depression (AOR 0.51, p=0.003), stigma (AOR 0.63, p=0.02), and private facility attendance (AOR 0.62, p=0.045) were associated with reduced odds of suppression. Service availability was limited: only 25% of facilities offered mental health screening, 37.5% reported antiretroviral therapy (ART) stockouts, and no private facility transmitted data to the state electronic medical record (EMR) (data extractability: 67.1% private versus 100% public tertiary). Qualitative findings converged on uneven DSD fidelity, absent mental health integration, and weak private-sector surveillance.

Conclusion: Viral suppression in PHALGA falls below the 95‑95‑95 target, with meaningful disparities by facility type. Strengthening DSD supply chains to address the 37.5% stockout rate, integrating routine PHQ‑9 screening for depression, and mandating private-sector EMR reporting to close surveillance gaps are essential interventions to improve suppression from 68.3% towards the 95% target.