Background Malaria accounts for 60% of outpatient visits in Nigeria. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge of malaria and its treatment practices in Enugu state, Nigeria.   Methods Qualitative data was collected through the use of focus group discussions (FGDs), from six villages three each from urban and rural areas of Enugu state, Nigeria. A total of 18 FGDs involving 189 participa...

Functionally related homologues of known genes can be difficult to identify in divergent species. In this paper, we show how multi-character analysis can be used to elucidate the relationships among divergent members of gene superfamilies. We used probabilistic modelling in conjunction with protein structural predictions and gene-structure analyses on a whole-genome scale to find gene homologie...

Following invasion of the human erythrocyte by the malaria parasite, Plasmodiumfalciparum, there appear in the parasitized cell new, high-capacity permeation pathways that transport a diverse range of low-molecular-mass solutes. In this study a series of 16 arylaminobenzoates, analogues of the Clchannel blocker 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)benzoic acid (NPPB), were tested for their effects on...

INTRODUCTION It has been suggested that reductions in chloroquine use may be followed by a resurgence of chloroquine-susceptible falciparum malaria, and chloroquine might once again be an effective treatment choice, which renews the importance of aspects related to its use and misuse. Therefore, we aimed to estimate the prevalence of chloroquine-induced pruritus and to identify risk factors for...

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency is a common hemolytic genetic disorder, particularly in the areas endemic to malaria. The risk of drug induced Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency related hemolysis depends on a number of factors including the Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase variant. Aims: To know the G6PD deficiency and identify its variants in drug induced hemolysis in m...

Background. International travel to Africa has grown dramatically over the last decade along with an increasing need to understand the health issues for travelers. The current survey aimed to assess vaccination and malaria prevention of travelers visiting Africa. Methods. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted from of November 1, 2011 to of April 30, 2013 at Athens International Airport. Re...

Plasmodium falciparum causes the most severe and fatal form of malaria in humans with over half a million deaths each year. Cerebral malaria, a complex neurological syndrome of severe falciparum malaria, is often fatal and represents a major public health burden. Despite vigorous efforts, the pathophysiology of cerebral malaria remains to be elucidated, thereby hindering the development of adju...

Host inflammatory responses to Plasmodium falciparum GPI (pfGPI) anchors are believed to play an important role in the pathophysiology of severe malaria. However, relatively little is known about the signal transduction pathways involved in pfGPI-stimulated inflammatory response and its potential contribution to severe malaria syndromes. In this study, we investigated the role of MAPK activatio...