Daniel Thakuma Tizhe

The escalating threat of Plasmodium falciparum resistance to artemisinin-based therapies necessitates accelerated drug development. Drug repurposing offers a promising pathway to bypass the extensive time and cost of de novo discovery. This study conducted a systematic analysis of the top 51 most cited original research articles in malaria drug repurposing identified from the Scopus database. Data on methodologies, drug candidates, targets, and outcomes were extracted and synthesized. The analysis reveals a field dominated by computational approaches, with molecular docking (AutoDock Vina) and virtual screening serving as primary filters for identifying candidates from FDA-approved libraries. These methods are increasingly integrated with advanced techniques like machine learning for synergy prediction and transcriptomics-guided discovery. The repurposing landscape has identified promising antimalarial activity in diverse drug classes, including anticancer agents (methotrexate, lapatinib), antivirals (lopinavir, ritonavir), and immunosuppressants (everolimus). Key validated targets include the proteasome, PfHT1 glucose transporter, and various parasite enzymes. Candidates such as alisporivir, bazedoxifene, and nitrofurantoin have demonstrated efficacy in in vitro and in vivo models, often showing synergistic potential when combined with standard antimalarials. The convergence of computational power and biological insight has generated a rich pipeline of repurposable candidates. A quantitative analysis revealed molecular docking as the most frequent (31.4% of studies) and successful strategy, though in vivo preclinical evaluation yielded the highest validation score. Future success hinges on rigorous experimental validation, lead optimization, and advancing the most promising agents into clinical trials to address the urgent need for novel antimalarial therapies.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer with a receptor-negative profile and poor prognosis. It mostly affects young

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) represent a significant global health challenge, affecting over one billion individuals, predominantly in impoverished tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. These diseases contribute to a cycle of poverty, ill-health, and social exclusion. In recent years, the emergence and integration of genomic technologies into public health research has offered new opportunities for understanding the dynamics of NTDs in terms of transmission, infection, and resistance mechanisms, which in turn pave ways for monitoring the pathogens evolution, diagnostics and control strategies that are precise and cost-effective. This review examines the genomic studies, epidemiology, burden, and socio-economic impacts of NTDs, particularly within the African context. It underscores the historical neglect of these diseases in public health agendas and highlights the pressing need for enhanced funding, innovative research, and collaborative policies to combat their prevalence. It emphasizes the pivotal role of genomics in advancing disease surveillance, outbreak management, and the development of novel diagnostics, therapeutics, and preventive strategies. By leveraging advancements in genomic technologies, including whole-genome sequencing and CRISPR-based diagnostics. The review aims to inform targeted interventions and foster a one health approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health. Furthermore, this analysis explores the potential of genomics in addressing the unique challenges posed by NTDs, ultimately contributing to the global targets set by the WHO for the elimination of these diseases by 2030. The findings underscore the urgent need for a multidisciplinary approach to effectively tackle NTDs and pave the way for substantial improvements in public health outcomes across Africa and beyond

Increased antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of bacterial and fungal pathogens pose a significant threat to public health, as it reduces the effectiveness of antibiotic and other antimicrobial drugs, making the control of infections difficult or almost impossible. This condition arises when microorganisms evolve and develop adaptive mechanisms to withstand the effects of the drugs which are designed to kill them. The emergence and spread of these antimicrobial pathogens that have acquired new resistance mechanisms continue to endanger and undermine efforts to treat common infections. As a result, an increase in morbidity and mortality due to bacterial and fungal infections has been observed with a ripple effect of economic hardship. The primary drivers of AMR include misuse and abuse in human, animal and the environment. To address this threat, it is important to have a good understanding of the cause, consequences, as well as the potential control strategies. Due to the cause and nature of AMR, a multidisciplinary approach is necessary in combating the threat posed by this condition. Some of the strategies through which AMR can be combatted include public health awareness, proper antibiotic use, accurate diagnosis, and research into the development of newer antimicrobial agents and alternative treatments. Additionally, the use of improved surveillance and monitoring systems are important in tracking patterns of resistance and provide guide towards the development of effective intervention strategies. Hence, this review focused on bacterial and fungal resistance to increase awareness and the way forward on this growing threat to human existence

Dengue is a disease caused by dengue virus. It is a major mosquito-borne viral disease of humans that is endemic in areas of tropical and subtropical regions, which are environmentally suitable for vector propagation. The disease poses a major threat to the overwhelmed and weak public healthcare delivery system in the developing world, especially in Africa where febrile illnesses are common. The disease undermines the fight against febrile illnesses as infection with dengue often remains undetected or misdiagnosed as malaria or other febrile diseases. This review article highlights dengue epidemiology in Nigeria, dengue transmission dynamics, pathogenesis, diagnosis and current interventions strategies, challenges in addressing dengue infection and future prospects towards dengue elimination. The literature search for publications on dengue virus infection in Nigeria was performed using Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, African Journals Online and other scholarly online databases. Dengue remains a threat to Nigeria and other African countries. In Nigeria, the occurrence of this infection remains a low priority in the public health sector even though it has been reported in about 17 states across the country. The reports of dengue infection in all the geo-political zones suggests active transmission of dengue, hence the need to consider other etiologies of febrile illnesses and engage the public to sustain local involvement as local risk to dengue outbreaks is linked to the population’s knowledge, attitude and behavioral practices that encourage vector breeding

Dengue is a disease caused by the dengue virus that is primarily transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Currently, the disease poses a threat to public health, with about 390 million people reported to be infected annually across the endemic regions of the world. In Nigeria, the disease is under-reported and often misdiagnosed as malaria. This study was designed to conduct a serological and molecular survey for dengue virus infection in febrile patients in three Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Adamawa State, Nigeria, from September through December 2020. Serum samples from 424 patients were analysed by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (CALBIOTECH, Dengue Virus IgM ELISA). Thick and thin smear microscopic techniques were used to determine the presence of malaria parasites. Overall, 19.4% patients were sero-positive for dengue in the three study locations. A total of 11%, 14.5% and 12.3% participants were found to be co-infected with dengue and malaria in Mubi, Jimeta and Numan, respectively. The CDC DENV1-4 RT-PCR Assay reagent was used for serotype-specific detection and identification of circulating serotypes. From the ELISA-positive samples, 11 (2.6%) cases were confirmed to be dengue serotype 1 by Real-Time PCR and sequencing and were found to be in circulation in all the three study areas. With an overall sero-prevalence of 19.4%, dengue virus infection may be one of the major causes of febrile illnesses across the study locations; hence, public healthcare professionals should not neglect other aetiologies of febrile illnesses and the need to conduct laboratory diagnoses to determine the possible causes of febrile illnesses.

Dengue is a disease caused by the dengue virus that is primarily transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquito. Currently, the disease poses a threat to public health with about 390 million people reported to be infected annually across the endemic regions of the world. In Nigeria, the disease is underreported and often misdiagnosed as malaria. This study was designed to conduct a serological and molecular survey for dengue virus infection in febrile patients in three Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Adamawa State-Nigeria. Serum samples from 424 patients were analyzed by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (CALBIOTECH, Dengue Virus IgM ELISA). Thick and thin smear microscopic techniques were used to determine the presence of malaria parasites. Overall, 19.4% patients were sero-positive for dengue in the three study locations. A total of 11%, 14.5% and 12.3% participants were found to be co-infected with dengue and malaria in Mubi, Jimeta and Numan respectively. The CDC DENV1-4 Real-Time RT-PCR Assay reagent was used for serotype specific detection and identification of circulating serotypes. Only Dengue serotype 1 was found to be in circulation in all three study locations. With an overall sero-prevalence of 19.4%, dengue virus infection may be one of the major causes of febrile illnesses across the study locations; hence, public healthcare professionals should not neglect other aetiologies of febrile illnesses and the need to conduct laboratory diagnosis to determine the possible causes of febrile illnesses.

Malaria remains a threat to public healthcare system. In 2018, more than 200 million people were exposed to this disease globally. There have been reports of drug-resistance in the recommended therapy in some endemic regions. This called for relentless efforts in the search for potential antimalarial compounds. An in vitro culture technique has emerged as a promising option for sustainable and industrial propagation of plant bioactive compounds with wide range of medicinal properties. The demand for these invaluable metabolites is witnessing a continuous increase as a folk medicine, hence, endangering their existence in natural habitats. Besides its use in natural form, the nature’s gift to humans seems to be restricted and limited by environmental conditions. An in vitro culture approach remains the most viable and sustainable alternative for the endangered plant species. Here, we present some plant species reported to have potential antimalarial activities and recommend further study through callus culture induction against malaria.