NIMR Aims to Halt Transmission of Neglected Tropical Diseases – International Edition (English)

Scientists from the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research have outlined strategies for Nigerians to interrupt the spread of certain neglected tropical diseases within the nation.

The group of scientists examining the occurrence and distribution of urinary schistosomiasis, Buruli ulcer, and soil-transmitted helminthiasis stated that proper diagnosis and surveillance could aid in interrupting the spread of these neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

A NIMR research director, Professor Olaoluwa Akinwale, emphasized that these diseases can be both treated and prevented.

At the monthly media discussion hosted by the institute in Lagos on Friday, Akinwale, leading the research team, urged Nigerians, especially women from areas affected by schistosomiasis, to practice good personal cleanliness.

We are pushing for increased screenings and tests to disrupt the spread of certain diseases.

"They can be treated and prevented solely through strict adherence to proper hygiene practices, access to potable water, along with health education and behavioral modifications," she stated.

The parasitology instructor mentioned that urinary schistosomiasis causes an affected individual to pass urine containing blood.

As she explains, the infection affects millions globally, particularly impacting vulnerable populations like children and women of reproductive age in Sub-Saharan Africa, notably Nigeria.

Akinwale, who was previously the deputy director general at NIMR, disclosed that the infection shows a stronger impact on females compared to males.

"The illness can appear as a gender-specific infection in certain instances, with urogenital schistosomiasis impacting the reproductive organs of patients, particularly affecting women," explained the parasitologist.

However, she pointed out that there was a shortage of information regarding this gender-specific form of urinary schistosomiasis in Nigeria.

In our study, nearly half of the women we examined were found to be infected with urinary schistosomiasis. Given that they come from areas where schistosomiasis is widespread, it comes as no surprise that such a significant proportion of our subjects had these infections.

Younger females exhibited significantly higher infection rates. According to the photo colposcopy findings, approximately half of the infected women—but not half of all participants—displayed indications suggestive of female genital schistosomiasis. These indicators encompassed gritty sandy areas, yellowish sandy regions, atypical blood vessels, and firm papules.

"Additionally, their Pap smear results indicated unusual cervical changes," the donor stated.

Nevertheless, the team suggested steps to enhance the well-being of women, particularly those residing in areas where schistosomiasis is widespread.

"Although every woman in the study who was infected exhibited cervical cells that differed from their typical form or arrangement, it is crucial to continue monitoring them for any possible advancement of these cells that might result in cancerous growths," Akinwale emphasized.

Speaking further, the parasitologist said NIMR conducted over 3000 free Buruli Ulcer tests in the country.

She mentioned that their study revealed the illness occurs less frequently in the nation when contrasted with other African nations.

We examined our data, and our research from 2016 onward indicated that the Burili ulcer is less prevalent in Nigeria than in certain other African countries. Additionally, the study revealed notable differences between male and female infection rates.

"We noticed that people below the age of 50 are being impacted more significantly compared to those in older age brackets. Additionally, the majority of our samples originate from South Nigeria, an area characterized by significant rainfalls and high levels of moisture," explained the professor.

As she stated, the Buruli Ulcer PCR Lab at NIMR has guaranteed prompt diagnoses as well as better health outcomes for those affected by the condition.

She mentioned that the World Health Organization required more than 70 percent of cases in every country to undergo PCR lab confirmation.

Upon receiving positive confirmation, she stated that the WHO suggested an eight-week course of antibiotic therapy.

This test is quite costly; however, once we secured a grant, by 2016, NIMR succeeded in establishing the Buruli Ulcer Reference Laboratory for PCR confirmation within the nation. The lab operates under the auspices of the institute, supported financially by both the WHO and NIMR.

"Since 2016, NIMR has offered complimentary PCR tests for Buruli ulcer patients. More than 3000 samples have been processed at no cost, despite these tests being quite costly. However, thanks to support from both the institute and the World Health Organization, the PCR lab can continue this service," Akinwale noted.

Considering the findings indicating a low incidence of Buruli ulcer (BU) in Nigeria, the group of scientists suggested that patients with clinically identified BU who test negative via PCR should undergo additional testing for other neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), such as yaws.

They additionally suggested enhancing government awareness campaigns at the local community level and urged better proactive case identification by health care providers to detect more instances for prompt action.

Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).