Antiplasmodial effects of Allium sativum extract on haematological Parameters of Albino Wistar rats infected with Plasmodium berghei

This study aimed at evaluating the antiplasmodial effects of Allium sativum (bulbs) on haematological parameters of albino rats infected with Plasmodium berghei, divided the animal model into groups, viz: the experimental group (with five different concentrations of 100, 300, 500, 800 and 1000mg/kg), the normal-control (non-inoculated), negative-control (inoculated, but untreated) and positive control (inoculated and treated with 10mg/kg Combisunate). Allium sativum ethanolic extracts were administered and monitored for four days before the treatment. Afterwards, the average parasitaemia was calculated and the average percentage parasite inhibition (suppressive effect) was obtained. Result showed that the parasitemia level for the treated groups decreased progressively for the five-day period. This is indicative in the mean number of the percentage parasitized red cells of 1000mg/kg doses as 9.055±2.06 on the first day post inoculation and 0.30±0.04 on the fifth day. The decrease is also observed in the 100, 300, 500 and 800mg/kg groups. Except the untreated group which showed a progressive increase in parasitemia level with average percentage parasitized red cells as 11.33±1.97 on the first day post inoculation and 18.15±1.49 on the fifth day. The haematological result showed a significant (p<0.05) decrease in values of RBC, PCV, Hb, and neutrophils in the inoculated groups, especially the untreated group. As compared to the treated groups, these parameters showed progressive increase as concentrations increased. Conclusively, it can be inferred that the bulbs of Allium sativum have antiplasmodial potentials and can therefore be purified for development of antimalarial drugs.

Evaluation of the Antimalarial Activity of the Leaf Latex of Aloe weloensis (Aloaceae) against Plasmodium Parasites

Background. The lack of available vaccines and the emerging resistance to antimalarial drugs have provided the necessity to find noble antimalarial plant-based medicines. The leaf latex Aloe weloensis has been used in folk medicine against malarial and other human ailments in Ethiopia. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate the antimalarial activity of the leaf latex of A. weloensis against Plasmodium parasites. Materials and Methods. The prophylactic and curative models were employed to determine the in vivo antimalarial activity of the leaf latex A. weloensis against P. berghei infected mice, and the antioxidant activity of the latex was assessed using diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazine (DPPH) assay. Female mice were recruited for toxicity study, and the leaf latex was administered to fasted mice at a dose of 5000 mg/kg. The mice were kept under continuous observation for fourteen days for any signs of overt toxicity. Results. The leaf latex of A. weloensis was safe up to 5000 mg/kg, and the latex endowed free radical inhibition activity (IC50 = 10.25 μg/ml). The latex of A. weloensis leaf demonstrated the inhibitory activity against the 3D7 strain of P. falciparum (IC50 = 9.14 μg/ml). The prophylactic and curative effect of the latex was found to be dose-dependent. The mice’s parasitemia level was significantly ( p < 0.001 ) reduced at all tested doses of the leaf latex compared to negative control in the curative test. Parasitemia reduction was significant (200 mg/kg, p < 0.01 , and 400 and 600 mg/kg, p < 0.001 ) in the prophylactic test compared to the control. In addition, the leaf latex significantly ( p < 0.01 ) improved mean survival time, packed cell volume, rectal temperature, and bodyweight of P. berghei infected mice. Conclusion. The leaf latex of Aloe weloensis was endowed with the antimalarial activity at various doses, corroborating the plant’s claimed traditional use.

Hematological indices and abnormalities among patients with uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Kosti city of the White Nile state, Sudan: a comparative study

Background Hematological abnormalities are common features in falciparum malaria but vary among different populations across countries. Therefore, we compared hematological indices and abnormalities between Plasmodium falciparum-infected patients and malaria-negative subjects in Kosti city of the White Nile State, Sudan. Methods A comparative, cross-sectional study was conducted at the Clinical Laboratory Unit of Kosti Teaching Hospital from June to December 2018. A total of 392 participants (192 P. falciparum-infected patients and 200 malaria-negative subjects) were recruited in the study. Hematological indices of hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs) and platelets were measured, and their median values were statistically compared. Results The majority of P. falciparum-infected patients (67.6%) showed a low-level parasitemia. The median values of Hb concentration, RBC count, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular Hb (MCH) and mean corpuscular Hb concentration (MCHC) were significantly lower in P. falciparum-infected patients, while the median red cell distribution width (RDW) was significantly higher in the patients compared to malaria-negative subjects. Anemia, low MCV, low MCH, low MCHC and high RDW were significantly associated with falciparum malaria, but parasitemia level was not significantly associated with anemia severity. The median total WBC count was non-significantly higher in P. falciparum-infected patients, with neutropenia being significantly associated with falciparum malaria. The median platelet count was significantly lower in P. falciparum-infected patients, with thrombocytopenia being significantly associated with falciparum malaria. Conclusions Falciparum malaria among patients in Kosti city of the White Nile State, Sudan is predominantly of low-level parasitemia. It is significantly associated with anemia, low MCV, low MCH, low MCHC, high RDW, thrombocytopenia and neutropenia. However, parasitemia level is not a significant predictor of anemia severity. On the other hand, leucopenia is not useful to predict falciparum malaria. Further large-scale studies in community and healthcare settings and inclusion of patients with complicated or severe malaria and those with high parasite densities are recommended.

Anti-malarial activity of the leaf latex of Aloe weloensis (Aloaceae) against plasmodium parasites

Lack of available vaccines and emerging resistance on the anti-malarial drug have provided the necessity to find noble plant--based anti-malarial drugs. The leaf latex Aloe weloensis has been used in folk medicine against malarial and other human ailments in Ethiopia. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate the anti-malarial activity of the leaf latex of A. weloensis against Plasmodium parasites to validate its traditional claim. Methods: The leaf latex of A. weloensis was evaluated in vitro anti-malarial activity against 3D7 strain of Plasmodium falciparum. The prophylactic and curative models were employed to determine in vivo anti-malarial activity of the latex against P. berghei infected mice, and antioxidant activity of the leaf latex of A. weloensis was assessed in DPPH assay. Results: The leaf latex of Aloe weloensis endowed with free radical inhibition activity (IC50 = 10.25 μg/ml). The latex of A. weloensis leaf was demonstrated inhibitory activity against 3D7 strain of P. falciparum (IC50 = 9.14 μg/ml). The prophylactic and curative effect of the latex was found to be dose-dependent. Parasitemia reduction was significant (200 mg/kg, p<0.01, 400 and ,600 mg/kg, p<0.001) in prophylactic test compared to the control. Parasitemia level of the mice treated with 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg doses of the latex significantly (p<0.001) reduced with suppression of 36%, 58%, and 74% respectively in the curative test. The leaf latex significantly (p<0.01) improved mean survival times, packed cell volume , rectal temperature, and bodyweight of P. berghei infected mice. Conclusion: The result was confirmed the anti-malarial activity of the leaf latex of Aloe weloensis at various doses which corroborates the traditional uses of the plant.

Anti-malarial activity of the leaf latex of Aloe weloensis (Aloaceae) against plasmodium parasites

Background: Lack of available vaccines and emerging resistance on the anti-malarial drug have provided the necessity to find noble plant--based anti-malarial drugs. The leaf latex Aloe weloensis has been used in folk medicine against malarial and other human ailments in Ethiopia. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate the anti-malarial activity of the leaf latex of A. weloensis against Plasmodium parasites to validate its traditional claim.Methods: The leaf latex of A. weloensis was evaluated in vitro anti-malarial activity against 3D7 strain of Plasmodium falciparum. The prophylactic and curative models were employed to determine in vivo anti-malarial activity of the latex against P. berghei infected mice, and antioxidant activity of the leaf latex of A. weloensis was assessed in DPPH assay.Results: The leaf latex of Aloe weloensis endowed with free radical inhibition activity (IC50 = 10.25 μg/ml). The latex of A. weloensis leaf was demonstrated inhibitory activity against 3D7 strain of P. falciparum (IC50 = 9.14 μg/ml). The prophylactic and curative effect of the latex was found to be dose-dependent. Parasitemia reduction was significant (200 mg/kg, p<0.01, 400 and ,600 mg/kg, p<0.001) in prophylactic test compared to the control. Parasitemia level of the mice treated with 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg doses of the latex significantly (p<0.001) reduced with suppression of 36%, 58%, and 74% respectively in the curative test. The leaf latex significantly (p<0.01) improved mean survival times, packed cell volume , rectal temperature, and bodyweight of P. berghei infected mice.Conclusion: The result was confirmed the anti-malarial activity of the leaf latex of Aloe weloensis at various doses which corroborates the traditional uses of the plant.

Comparison of Cerebral Malaria Mice Models Infected by P. berghei ANKA

<p>The high morbidity and mortality due to malaria infection makes it a global health problem. The pathogenesis and pathophysiology of cerebral malaria has not been fully understood. The use of cerebral malaria model mice is one alternative to understand its pathogenesis and pathophysiology. The purpose of this study was to compare Swiss mice and C57BL / 6 mice inoculated by P.berghei ANKA as a model of cerebral malaria mice. Methods: The study design was a randomized Post Test Control Only Group Design using 12 Swiss mice and 12 C57BL / 6 mice divided into 2 groups each: the treatment group inoculated by P. berghei ANKA and the control group without inoculation. Observation of clinical manifestations and parasitemia level was carried out from day 1 to day -10. The study results showed that K2 group showed a significant increase in the degree of parasitemia compared to K4. K4 group showed clinical manifestations of cerebral malaria while K2 did not show clinical manifestations of cerebral malaria. Conclusion: C57BL / 6 mice inoculated by PbA can be used as cerebral malaria animal models.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>Keywords:</strong> <em>P.berghei ANKA, </em>C57BL/6 mice, Swiss mice, Clinical manifestation, Parasitemia level.</p>

Evaluation of in vitro and in vivo Antiplasmodial Activity of the Leaf Latex of Aloe Weloensis (Aloaceae)

Background: Nature has gifted a variety of plants having potential effect against plasmodium parasites. The present study was aimed to determine in vitro and in vivo antimalarial activity of the leaf latex of Aloe weloensis.Methods: In vitro antimalarial activity of the leaf latex of A. weloensis was determined against 3D7 strain of P. falciparum. Antimalarial activity of the three doses the latex was evaluated in 4 day-suppressive and curative models against P. berghei infected mice. Antioxidant activity of the leaf latex of A. weloensis was assessed in 2,2- diphenyl 1- picrylhydrazine assay model. Results: Antioxidant activity of the latex was concentration dependent; the strongest inhibition was measured at 400 μg/mL (73.54%). The leaf latex of A. weloensis was demonstrated inhibitory activity against 3D7 malarial strain (IC50 = 9.14 μg/ml). Suppressive and curative effect of the latex was found to be dose dependent. Parasitemia reduction was significant (200 mg/kg, p<0.01, 400 and ,600 mg/kg, p<0.001) in 4-day suppressive test compared to vehicle control. Parasitemia level of the mice treated with 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg doses of the latex significantly (p<0.001) reduced with suppression of 36%, 58% and 64% respectively in curative test. Administration of the leaf latex of A. weloensis significantly (p<0.01) improved mean survival time, pack cell volume, rectal temperature and body weight of P. berghei infected mice. Conclusion: The finding showed that the leaf latex of Aloe weloensis endowed prominent antimalarial and antioxidant activities. The result can serve as a step towards the development of safe and effective herbal therapy against plasmodium parasites.

Splenic Complications of Babesia microti Infection in Humans: A Systematic Review

Splenic complications of acute Babesia microti infection include splenomegaly, splenic infarct, and splenic rupture. These complications are relatively rarely reported, and the aim of this research was to synthetize data on this topic according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines using the PubMed database. In this review, we find that unlike other severe complications of babesiosis, splenic infarct and rupture occur in younger and immunocompetent patients, and they do not correlate with parasitemia level. Furthermore, admission hemoglobin of 10 mg/dl or less, platelet count of 50 × 10⁹/L or less, presence of hemodynamic instability, and splenic rupture were associated independently with an increased risk of requiring splenectomy. As babesiosis is an emerging tick-borne zoonosis, we hope that this review will help to raise awareness among clinicians regarding this rare but potentially life-threatening complication.

Highly Sensitive and Rapid Characterization of the Development of Synchronized Blood Stage Malaria Parasites Via Magneto-Optical Hemozoin Quantification

The rotating-crystal magneto-optical diagnostic (RMOD) technique was developed as a sensitive and rapid platform for malaria diagnosis. Herein, we report a detailed in vivo assessment of the synchronized Plasmodium vinckei lentum strain blood-stage infections by the RMOD method and comparing the results to the unsynchronized Plasmodium yoelii 17X-NL (non-lethal) infections. Furthermore, we assess the hemozoin production and clearance dynamics in chloroquine-treated compared to untreated self-resolving infections by RMOD. The findings of the study suggest that the RMOD signal is directly proportional to the hemozoin content and closely follows the actual parasitemia level. The lack of long-term accumulation of hemozoin in peripheral blood implies a dynamic equilibrium between the hemozoin production rate of the parasites and the immune system’s clearing mechanism. Using parasites with synchronous blood stage cycle, which resemble human malaria parasite infections with Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax, we are demonstrating that the RMOD detects both hemozoin production and clearance rates with high sensitivity and temporal resolution. Thus, RMOD technique offers a quantitative tool to follow the maturation of the malaria parasites even on sub-cycle timescales.