Moroccan Journal Of Biology. ISSN : 1114-8756
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Co-infection of Plasmodium falciparum and Wuchereria bancrofti in an irrigated farming community, North Central Nigeria

 Abstract

Background: Plasmodium falciparum and Wuchereria bancrofti infections have similar geographical distribution and co-infection is a common-place. Risk is generally elevated for residents living in and around stagnant water bodies such as dams and irrigated farming projects. This study was aimed at establishing the current status of malaria and Lymphatic filariasis (LF) in Omi-a rural irrigated farming community located in north central Nigeria. Methods: Five hundred and thirty nine (539) individuals were examined. Their blood samples subjected to microscopic examination and immunochromatographic test, for identification of Plasmodium falciparum and Wuchereria bancrofti parasites respectively. Results: Out of the 539 blood samples examined, 332 (61.6%) were positive for malaria parasite and 17 (3.2%) were positive for Wuchereria bancrofti, while 10(1.9%) were positive for both malaria and W. bancrofti. However, prevalence of malaria parasite was not statistically significant in relation to sex (P > 0.05).The prevalence of Lymphatic filariasis was statistically higher in males (3.5%) than in females (2. 8%).Concerning overall prevalence of concomitant infections, 10 (1.9%) were infected with more males 6 (2.4%) infected than females 4 (1.4%). Conclusion: The result of this study reveals a low concurrent transmission of both infections. An integrated control strategy for malaria and LF should be adopted in this area and also the need to educate the populace on measures of reducing vector-human contact is advocated.

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Moroccan Journal Of Biology. ISSN : 1114-8756
The lack of standardization of measurement of vitamin D, and unlike specificities of available techniques, according to the forms of vitamin D, had led to new approaches to establishing reference values for this hormone. It was suggested that the biological activity of a given hormone is dependent more at its free form rather than a bound form to serum proteins, what is known as "Free hormone hypothesis". The importance of the free form of vitamin D is demonstrated when it was observed that the concentration of free 25-hydroxyvitamin D (free 25 (OH)D) was similar among African Americans and whites, despite lower levels of total 25 (OH) D among Blacks. What gave the idea that free 25 (OH) D is a best marker of vitamin D status? This work is to put together the current literature data on free vitamin D, and try to find an answer to the question: Does the free vitamin D is a best marker of vitamin D status?