Explore the vast range of titles available.

Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are crucial for malaria diagnosis. Where Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax are co-endemic, and where P. falciparum hrp2/3 deletions are frequent, RDTs need to detect either species, and P. falciparum using additional antigens to HRP2, such as LDH. Clinical patients presenting for malaria diagnosis in southern Ethiopia were enrolled and tested by microscopy at the health center and by four different RDTs: (i) BIOCREDIT Malaria Ag Pf (cHL) with a line combining HRP2 and LDH for P. falciparum, (ii) BIOCREDIT Malaria Ag Pf/Pv (cHL/L) with one line combining HRP2 and LDH for P. falciparum and one with LDH for P. vivax, (iii) Bioline Malaria Ag Pf/Pf/Pv with separate lines for HRP2 and LDH for P. falciparum, and LDH for P. vivax, and (iv) First Response with an HRP2 line for P. falciparum and a LDH line for P. vivax. The two BIOCREDIT RDTs had not previously been tested in the field. qPCR and expert microscopy were conducted as reference tests. P. falciparum positive samples were typed for hrp2/3 deletion. Among 708 patients included in the final analysis, 46.0% were positive by qPCR (77 P. falciparum mono-infections, 198 P. vivax mono-infections, and 51 mixed infections). Strong agreement was observed between results of the different RDTs, with no significant differences in sensitivity. At densities >20 parasites/µL by qPCR, all RDTs reached sensitivities of >96% for P. falciparum, compared to 63% by health center microscopy, and for P. vivax all RDTs reached sensitivities of >92%, compared to 72% by health center microscopy. Specificity was > 99% for all P. falciparum RDTs and >98% for all P. vivax RDTs. Only 2/53 P. falciparum infections typed carried hrp2 and hrp3 deletions, both were detected by all LDH-based RDTs. Use of RDTs improves diagnostic accuracy compared to microscopy. The novel BIOCREDIT and Bioline RDTs show high sensitivity and specificity for P. falciparum and P. vivax diagnosis.

Background Accurate diagnosis and timely treatment are crucial in combating malaria. Methods A total of 449 samples were screened for  Plasmodium falciparum  infection by expert microscopy, qPCR, and three RDTs, namely Rapigen Biocredit Malaria Ag Pf (detecting HRP2 and pLDH on separate bands), Abbott NxTek Eliminate Malaria Ag Pf (detecting HRP2), and SD Bioline Malaria Ag Pf (detecting HRP2). hrp2 / 3 deletion typing was done by digital PCR. Results 45.7% (205/449) individuals tested positive by qPCR for P. falciparum with a mean parasite density of 12.5 parasites/μL. Using qPCR as reference, the sensitivity of microscopy was 28.3% (58/205), the Biocredit RDT was 52.2% (107/205), the NxTek RDT was 49.3% (101/205), and the Bioline RDT was 39.5% (81/205). When only samples with densities > 20 parasites/μL were included (n = 89), sensitivity of 62.9% (56/89) by microscopy, 88.8% (79/89) by Biocredit, 88.8% (79/89) by NxTek, and 78.7% (70/89) by Bioline were obtained. All three RDTs demonstrated specificities > 95%. The limits of detection (95% probability that a sample tested positive) was 4393 parasites/μL (microscopy), 56 parasites/μL (Biocredit, considering either HRP2 or pLDH), 84 parasites/μL (NxTek), and 331 parasites/μL (Bioline). None of the three qPCR-confirmed P. falciparum positive samples, identified solely through the pLDH target, or eight samples negative for all RDTs but qPCR-positive at densities > 20 parasites/µL carried hrp2 / 3 deletions. Conclusion The Biocredit and NxTek RDTs demonstrated comparable diagnostic efficacies. All three RDTs performed better than microscopy.

Bioaerosols, a significant yet underexplored component of atmospheric particulate matter, pose substantial public health risks, particularly in regions with poor air quality. This study investigates the composition of bioaerosols in public spaces, specifically two interstate motor parks and two marketplaces in Osun State, Nigeria, over six months. Air samples were collected, and bacterial and fungal species were identified, focusing on pathogenic organisms. The results revealed the presence of well-known pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aspergillus sp ., and Fusarium sp ., which are associated with respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, as well as antimicrobial resistance. Site-specific differences in microbial diversity were observed, with higher bacterial diversity in motor parks and greater fungal occurrence in marketplaces influenced by environmental factors such as waste management. The findings highlight the urgent need for microbial air quality monitoring in public spaces, alongside improved sanitation practices. This study provides critical insights into the public health risks posed by bioaerosols and calls for local and global interventions to mitigate the impact of airborne pathogens in urban environments.

Introduction: Hepatitis B virus and human immunodeficiency virus (HBV/HIV) co-infection is a global health concern due to its significant impact on morbidity and mortality. Reports of HBV/HIV co-infections are increasing in Nigeria, but information on the disease burden in pregnant women and its implications on the fetus is scarce. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of HBV/HIV co-infection in pregnant women. In addition, the study identified the risk factors for the disease in pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Osun State, Nigeria. Methodology: We collected plasma samples from 303 consenting pregnant women and used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to test for HBV (HBsAg) and HIV I/II antigens. We obtained demographic and risk factor data on HBV and HIV transmission using a structured questionnaire. Results: Our analysis revealed a prevalence of 3.96% for HBV/HIV co-infection in pregnant women. Bivariate analysis indicated a history of blood transfusion, oral or anal sex, and multiple sexual partners may be associated with an increased likelihood of HBV/HIV co-infection in pregnant women. After adjusting for other variables in multivariate analysis, none of these risk factors were significant at the 5% level. In contrast, formal education was a potential preventive factor in this population. Conclusions: Our study provides valuable information on the disease burden of HBV/HIV co-infection in pregnant women in Osun State, Nigeria, highlighting the importance of routine screening for HBV and HIV during antenatal care and emphasizing the importance of implementing preventive measures to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with HBV/HIV co-infection.