Asian Journal of Immunology

Dose-dependent Immunomodulatory Effects of Edible Chalk (Nzu) in Phenylhydrazine- induced Immune Dysfunction in Female Wistar Rats

Kanayo Mercy Odia, Joshua Ebirieng Gogo, Nicholas Asiwe — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Edible chalk (Nzu), a geophagic kaolin widely consumed in several African communities, particularly among women, has been associated with both perceived health benefits and potential toxicological risks. This study investigated the immunomodulatory effects of edible chalk in a phenylhydrazine (PHZ)-induced model of oxidative stress and immune disruption in female Wistar rats.

Methods: This study adopted a randomized controlled experimental design. Thirty adults female Wistar rats were randomly assigned into six groups (n = 5): normal control; PHZ-only group (0.5 ml intraperitoneally); PHZ plus Fesolate (65 mg/kg, positive control); and three treatment groups receiving PHZ followed by edible chalk at doses of 400, 600, or 800 mg/kg body weight, administered orally once daily for 22 days. Immunological assessment included serum quantification of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgM, and IgG) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1 and IL-6) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and automated immunoturbidimetric techniques. Splenic histoarchitecture was examined using hematoxylin and eosin staining to assess structural and cellular integrity.

Results: PHZ administration induced marked immune dysregulation, evidenced by significantly elevated IL-6 levels and pronounced reductions in immunoglobulin concentrations, indicating concurrent inflammation and humoral immunosuppression. Treatment with edible chalk at 400 and 600 mg/kg significantly ameliorated these alterations. The 600 mg/kg dose demonstrated the most effective immunorestorative activity, normalizing immunoglobulin levels, suppressing inflammatory cytokine expression, and promoting recovery of splenic white and red pulp architecture. Conversely, the 800 mg/kg dose exacerbated immune dysfunction, resulting in further immunoglobulin depletion, heightened IL-6 expression, and severe splenic histopathological damage characterized by lymphoid depletion and architectural distortion.

Conclusion: Edible chalk exhibits a biphasic, dose-dependent immunological effect, with moderate doses conferring immunoprotective and anti-inflammatory benefits, while excessive intake induces significant immunotoxicity, underscoring important public health concerns regarding its unregulated consumption, especially among pregnant women.

Factors Associated with Uptake of Rotavirus Vaccination among Mothers of Children under Five in Umuahia North, Abia State, Nigeria

Uka-Kalu, Ezinne Chioma, Okeke, Onyinyechi Okore — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe diarrhea among children under five years of age globally, with Nigeria bearing a significant burden. Despite the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine into Nigeria’s national immunisation schedule, uptake remains suboptimal in many regions.

Aim: This study aimed to assess the factors that influence the uptake of rotavirus vaccination among mothers of under-five children in Umuahia North Local Government Area, Abia State.

Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed, involving 384 mothers selected through multistage sampling. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: The findings revealed that only 93 (24.2%) of the children had received at least one dose of the rotavirus vaccine, and completion of the three-dose schedule was rare. Awareness and knowledge of the vaccine were notably low, as only 24.2% of mothers had ever heard of it, with health workers being the main source of information. The major reasons for non-uptake included lack of awareness (31.3%), distance to health facilities (15.6%), and fear of side effects (9.6%). Factors significantly influencing uptake included occupation and prior awareness of the vaccine (p < 0.05), while other socio-demographic variables were not statistically significant.

Conclusion: The study concludes that low awareness, inadequate health education, and access-related challenges significantly hinder rotavirus vaccine uptake. Strengthening community health education, expanding vaccine access, and empowering healthcare workers with better communication tools are recommended to improve coverage and reduce rotavirus-related morbidity and mortality in the area.

Immunological and Metabolic Studies on Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Zainab Sabah Khuraibat Al-Maryani, Reham Gharib, Hayder Ali Muhammed — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: In early childhood, type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune illness marked by the death of pancreatic β-cells by the immune system. Autoantibodies that are important indicators of illness etiology and diagnosis include insulin autoantibodies (IAA), glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 antibodies (GAD65Ab), and insulinoma-associated antigen-2 antibodies (IA-2Ab).

Objective: This study evaluates the prevalence of diabetes-related autoantibodies (GAD65Ab, IA-2Ab, and IAA) and assesses metabolic parameters, including random blood sugar (RBS), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), ketone bodies, and C-peptide levels in children under five years of age with T1DM compared with healthy controls.

Methods: This case–control study included 60 children diagnosed with T1DM and 60 age- and sex-matched healthy controls, all aged <5 years. Serum autoantibodies were measured using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). RBS, HbA1c, ketone bodies, and C-peptide levels were assessed using standard biochemical methods. Statistical analyses were performed to compare patients and controls.

Results: Children with T1DM showed significantly higher positivity rates for GAD65Ab, IA-2Ab, and IAA compared with controls (p < 0.001). Mean RBS and HbA1c levels were markedly elevated in patients, while C-peptide levels were significantly reduced (p < 0.001). Ketone bodies were detected in a substantial proportion of patients but were absent in controls.

Conclusion: Autoantibodies GAD65Ab, IA-2Ab, and IAA are highly prevalent in children under five years with T1DM and are associated with poor glycemic control and reduced β-cell function. Early identification of these markers may support timely diagnosis and management of T1DM in young children.

Prevalence of MecA Positive Staphylococcus aureus and PVL Gene among Wound Isolates at a Tertiary Hospital in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

T. Sampson, C.J. Ugboma, J. Alexander, L. Giami — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Staphylococcus aureus is a prevalent pathogen in both hospital and community settings and is frequently implicated in wound infections. In light of its clinical significance, the research was carried out to determine the prevalence of mec-A positive Staphylococcus aureus and PVL gene carriage among wound isolates at a tertiary hospital in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The study involved 150 specimens from different types of wounds such as caesarean section, traumatic wound, surgical wound, scrotal wound, diabetic foot, plastic surgery burns). The specimens were collected and subjected to standard bacteriological procedures for a period of six months. Pure isolates were characterized at the molecular level following the given steps: DNA extraction, PCR amplification, Agarose Gel Electrophoresis, 16S rRNA sequencing, sequence analysis and phylogenic tree construction. Data obtained showed 58 (38.7%) of the wound cases were infected with Staphylococcus aureus isolates. The study also revealed the presence of mecA gene in all the nine (9) isolates screened. The molecular analysis indicated the presence of the PVL (lukS-PV/LukF-PV) gene in 67% of the isolates screened. Data obtained from the study warrants serious public health intervention targeted at for proper antibiotics stewardship and the management of wound cases in clinical settings.

Immunoinformatics-driven Design and in silico Validation of a Multi-epitope Subunit Vaccine Targeting Norovirus

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Norovirus, a non-enveloped, positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the Caliciviridae family, is a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) globally, accounting for approximately 19–21 million cases annually in the United States alone. The rapid emergence of genetically diverse variants, including GII.17, poses significant challenges to conventional vaccine development. Therefore, alternative strategies capable of inducing broad and effective immune responses are urgently needed.

Methods: An immunoinformatics-driven approach was employed to design a multi-epitope subunit vaccine candidate against Norovirus. Three viral proteins—capsid protein (A7YK10), small protein (A7YK11), and polyprotein (A7YK09)—were selected for epitope prediction using the Immune Epitope Database (IEDB). Predicted B-cell and T-cell epitopes were screened for antigenicity (VaxiJen), allergenicity (AllerTOP), toxicity (ToxinPred), and global population coverage. The finalized construct was evaluated for physicochemical properties (ProtParam), structural integrity (secondary and tertiary structure prediction, Ramachandran analysis, QMEAN scoring), molecular docking interactions with MHC class I, MHC class II, and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), molecular dynamics stability, immune response simulation, and codon optimization for expression feasibility.

Results: A 433-amino-acid multi-epitope construct incorporating six B-cell, six cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), and nine helper T lymphocyte (HTL) epitopes was generated. The construct demonstrated high predicted antigenicity and broad global population coverage (98.96%). Structural validation indicated favorable stereochemical quality, with 88.9% residues in the most favored regions of the Ramachandran plot and a QMEAN Z-score of −0.97. Docking analysis revealed strong binding affinity, particularly with TLR4 (HADDOCK score −103.9 ± 11.0), and molecular dynamics simulation confirmed stability of the vaccine–TLR4 complex over 100 ns.

Conclusion: The designed multi-epitope vaccine construct exhibits promising immunogenic, structural, and interaction profiles in silico, supporting its potential as a candidate for further experimental validation in vitro and in vivo.

Phytochemical Constituents and in-vivo Immunomodulatory Role of Sclerocarya Birrea in Benzene Induced Leukemia Mouse Model

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Pharmacological exploitation of natural compounds has lead to the development of non-synthetic and non-toxic agents that are promising at ameliorating the menace of neoplastic diseases such as leukemia. The aim of this study was to determine the phytochemical and anti-leukemic effect of Sclerocarya birrea bark (Met.S.b) methanol extract on biomarker in benzene induced leukemia mice. Leukemia was induced in mice by intravenous injection of 0.2 mL benzene solution 48 hourly for 4 weeks. Methanolic extract of Sclerocarya birrea bark was administered independently to respective treatment mice groups. A standard anti-leukemic drug (Doxorubicin and Ara-C) was also used to treat appropriate mice groups. Clinical examination of biochemical parameters were employed to assess the leukemia burden following analysis of the mice blood samples on Abacus 380 (Diatron) automated instrument. Free radical scavenging activity of Sclerocarya birrea methanol extract, other Leukemia biomarkers such as c-reactive protein, Uric Acid, Electrolytes, lactate dehydrogenase, Liver enzymes and body weights were also determined. The results obtained in benzene-induced leukaemic mice treated with Sclerocarya birrea extracts compared favourably with those observed in groups receiving the standard drug treatment (p < 0.05). The plant extract exhibited significant chemopreventive and anti-leukaemic activities comparable to those of the conventional anti-leukaemic drug (p < 0.05), as evidenced by the improvement of benzene-induced leukaemic conditions in the treated mice. These therapeutic effects may be attributed to the high concentrations of bioactive phytochemicals, including phenols, alkaloids, and flavonoids, present in the extract. The findings of this study suggest that Sclerocarya birrea has potential as a biologically active, natural, and low-toxicity candidate for the development of novel anticancer agents.

Malaria in Pregnancy Induces a Pro-inflammatory Cytokine Milieu: Comparative Analysis with Non-infected Pregnant and Non-pregnant Women

Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu, Okwudili B. Nwankwo — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Malaria in pregnancy is associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, partly driven by immune dysregulation and altered cytokine responses. Pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines influence disease severity, yet their precise profiles in malaria-infected pregnant women remain incompletely characterized in malaria-endemic regions.

Objective: To compare plasma cytokine levels (TNF, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-4) among malaria-infected pregnant women (MP+), malaria-uninfected pregnant women (MP−), and non-pregnant controls.

Methods: This cross-sectional comparative study enrolled 150 participants (50 MP+, 50 MP−, and 50 non-pregnant controls) recruited in Owerri, Nigeria. Malaria infection was confirmed by Giemsa-stained thick and thin blood smear microscopy, with rapid diagnostic tests employed for supplemental confirmation when necessary. Plasma concentrations of TNF, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-4 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent-samples t-tests, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey post-hoc tests.

Results: Malaria-infected pregnant women exhibited significantly higher TNF (13.54 ± 2.05 pg/mL) and IL-6 (25.1 ± 4.9 pg/mL) compared with malaria-uninfected pregnant women (TNF: 11.25 ± 2.10 pg/mL; IL-6: 19.8 ± 2.9 pg/mL; p < 0.001) and non-pregnant controls (TNF: 10.61 ± 1.73 pg/mL; IL-6: 19.9 ± 3.7 pg/mL; p < 0.001). IL-10 was moderately elevated in MP+ women (26.15 ± 4.21 pg/mL) relative to MP− (22.75 ± 11.2 pg/mL; p = 0.023) and controls (23.08 ± 13.5 pg/mL; p = 0.024). IL-4 concentrations did not differ significantly among the groups. ANOVA confirmed significant overall group differences for TNF (F = 28.3, p < 0.001), IL-6 (F = 44.7, p < 0.001), and IL-10 (F = 4.0, p = 0.021), but not IL-4 (F = 0.94, p = 0.39).

Conclusion: During pregnancy, malaria infection elicits a predominantly pro-inflammatory cytokine response, marked by increased TNF and IL-6 alongside a compensatory rise in IL-10, while IL-4 levels remain stable. This immune imbalance highlights potential biomarkers for disease severity and identifies TNF, IL-6, and IL-10 as promising targets for therapeutic intervention in malaria-endemic regions.

Immunoinformatics-based Multi-epitope Vaccine Design against Cryptococcus Neoformans Causing Cryptococcal Meningitis

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Aims: To develop a multi-epitope vaccine against Cryptococcus neoformans using computational immunoinformatics approaches for the prevention of cryptococcal meningitis.

Study Design: Computational in silico vaccine design study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was performed using publicly available protein sequence databases and bioinformatics tools during the project period.

Methodology: Four immunogenic proteins—Mp88, Hsp70, Chitin Deacetylase 2, and a GPI-anchored cell wall protein—were selected as vaccine targets. Cytotoxic T-cell, Helper T-cell, and B-cell epitopes were predicted and screened for antigenicity, immunogenicity, allergenicity, and toxicity. Selected epitopes were linked with suitable linkers and adjuvants to design a multi-epitope vaccine construct. Physicochemical properties, structural modelling, molecular docking with immune receptors, molecular dynamics simulations, codon optimization, and in silico cloning were performed.

Results: The final vaccine construct showed favorable physicochemical properties, structural stability, and strong interaction with immune receptor targets. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed stability of the vaccine–receptor complex. Codon optimization and in silico cloning indicated efficient expression potential in a suitable host system.

Conclusion: The proposed multi-epitope vaccine construct demonstrated favorable physicochemical properties, structural stability, and strong interaction with immune receptors in computational analyses. These findings highlight the potential of immunoinformatics-driven approaches for antifungal vaccine discovery and provide a promising candidate for future experimental validation against cryptococcal meningitis.

Evaluation of Serum IFN-gamma and IL-10 Equilibrium in HIV-Positive Subjects on ART in Rivers State, Nigeria

Priya Homa Chukwu, Richard Ikechukwu Eze, Anslem Onochie Ajugwo — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: In the clinical management of HIV, viral suppression is often the primary focus, yet the underlying immune architecture frequently remains in a state of disharmony. This study investigated the pro-inflammatory (IFN-gamma) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) profiles of HIV-positive subjects on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) compared to healthy controls in Rivers State, Nigeria.

Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted involving 126 participants: 63 HIV-positive individuals on stable ART and 63 healthy controls. Cytokine levels were quantified using high-sensitivity Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).

Results: The study observed a profound cytokine inversion. IFN-gamma levels were significantly depleted in the HIV group compared to controls while IL-10 levels were significantly lower than the control group, suggesting a state of suppressed peace rather than balanced regulation. Regional variations were significant for IL-10 and the IFN-γ/IL-10 ratio, with Rivers West exhibiting the lowest ratio, indicating a shift toward a Th2-skewed environment and advancing immune dysfunction.

Conclusion: ART alone is insufficient to restore immunological homeostasis, leaving a protection gap despite viral suppression. The persistent dysregulation of the IFN-γ/IL-10 equilibrium underscores the need for clinical attention beyond mere viral load monitoring.

Determinants of Complete Childhood Immunization in Rural Communities of Rivers State, Nigeria: A Randomized Controlled Study

Nduye Christie Tobin Briggs — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Incomplete childhood immunization remains a major public health challenge in rural Nigeria, driven by both caregiver- and health system-related factors. This study assessed the determinants of complete childhood immunization using a community volunteer-driven intervention in rural communities of Rivers State.

Methods: A parallel-group randomized controlled trial was conducted among 368 caregivers of infants aged 0–6 weeks in Emohua and Etche Local Government Areas. Participants were randomly assigned to intervention (n=184) and control (n=184) groups. The intervention group received structured immunization education delivered by trained community volunteers, while the control group received routine care. The primary outcome was complete immunization assessed when the child was expected to receive the 3rd dose of the Pentavalent vaccine at the age of nine months. Data were analyzed using intention-to-treat principles, with logistic regression used to identify independent predictors.

Results: A total of 339 participants completed the study (intervention: 173; control: 166). Complete immunization coverage was significantly higher in the intervention group (69.9%) compared with the control group (46.4%) (p<0.001), representing a 23.5% absolute increase. Children in the intervention group were more likely to be fully immunized (RR=1.51; NNT≈5). Independent predictors of complete immunization included exposure to the intervention (AOR=2.69, 95% CI: 1.72–4.20), good knowledge of the immunization schedule (AOR=2.41, 95% CI: 1.43–4.05), perceived benefits of immunization (AOR=1.88, 95% CI: 1.16–3.05), paternal education and women’s autonomy (AOR=2.17, 95% CI: 1.21–3.25), and favorable health system factors (AOR=2.35, 95% CI: 1.36–3.14). The model demonstrated acceptable predictive performance (AUC=0.76; accuracy=72.6%).

Conclusion: Community volunteer-driven education significantly improves childhood immunization uptake in rural settings. Addressing caregiver knowledge, household dynamics, and health system barriers is essential for achieving optimal immunization coverage.

Prevalence of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C among Elderly Subjects Attending a Pilgrimage Centre in Elele, Nigeria

B. O. Eledo, K. C. Akanno, V. N. Ben-Eledo — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder primarily affecting the joints, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and eventual loss of function. Hepatitis B and C are liver infections caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) that can lead to both acute and chronic diseases.The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis B and C among elderly subjects that attend pilgrimage center Elele. A cross-sectional observational study was adopted to recruit a total of 589 apparently healthy elderly subjects, aged 60 years and above comprising 246 males and 343 females for this study. Approximately 3mL of blood was collected and dispensed into a plain container. It was later centrifuged and the serum separated. The Latex Slide Test method was used for the Qualitative determination of rheumatoid factor (RF) in human serum, while rapid immunochromatographic test strips were used to assay for hepatitis B and C. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. The collected data were categorized and summarized using descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages to represent the distribution of variables. Inferential analysis was conducted using the Chi-square (χ²) test to examine associations between categorical variables. A significance level of p ≤ 0.05 was adopted to determine statistical significance. A total of 23(3.9%) were positive to rheumatoid arthritis while 566 (96.1%) were negative. For hepatitis B, and hepatitis C, 3 (0.5%) were positive while 586 (99.5%) were negative in the study population.The comparative prevalence of Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in male and female population showed that the females 16 (4.66%) had more prevalence than the male population 7 (2.8%). There was no significant difference between the gender based prevalence of Rheumatoid arthritis in the study population (X² = 1.000, p = 0.317). On the Occurrence of Hepatitis B and C in the study population, the overall prevalence stood at 3 (0.50%) for both hepatitis B and C. The gender based prevalence of Hepatitis B showed that male had more occurrences (0.81%) than the female (0.29%), while the reverse was the case for gender based prevalence of Hepatitis C, with the females having more occurrences (0.56%) than the males (0.40%). Therewas no statistical difference comparing the prevalence of hepatitis B and C amongst both genders. Although the prevalence was generally low in this study, the findings from this research underscore the significant burden posed by these chronic conditions in individuals who are old. There is need to sustain awareness on the prevalence of these disease among the elderly population, as they can contribute to reduced quality of life, increased morbidity and health system strain, particularly in resource-limited settings where early diagnosis and long-term management are limited. Improving access to diagnostic services, vaccination for HBVand timely medical care are critical for managing disease progression and preventing complications. Further research and sustained health interventions targeting this population are strongly recommended.

Factors that Influenced Acceptance of Covid-19 Vaccination in Afara, Mbaitoli Local Government Area, Imo State

Elekeh Rosemary Ichita, Justice Ngozi, Watson Ogbene Ubi Oke — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: COVID-19 vaccination remains one of the most effective strategies for preventing severe illness and controlling the spread of the disease. However, vaccine hesitancy continues to undermine vaccination efforts in many communities, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas of Nigeria. Understanding the factors that influence vaccine acceptance is essential for designing effective public health interventions.

Objective: This study assessed the factors influencing acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination among residents of Afara, Mbaitoli Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted. A multi-stage sampling technique involving random, quota, and systematic sampling methods was used to select respondents from the Afara community. Data were collected using structured questionnaires administered in English and interpreted in the local language where necessary. The questionnaire assessed knowledge of COVID-19 and its vaccine, factors influencing vaccine acceptance, views towards vaccination, and the association between socio-demographic characteristics and vaccine acceptance. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests at a significance level of p < 0.05.

Results: The findings revealed that awareness of COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccines was relatively high among respondents. However, actual COVID-19 vaccine uptake was low, with only 7.03% of respondents reporting receipt of a COVID-19 vaccine. For the purpose of this study, vaccine uptake refers to actual receipt of at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while vaccine acceptance refers to respondents’ willingness to receive or support COVID-19 vaccination. Major factors associated with vaccine acceptance included self-protection, protection of family and community members, recommendations from healthcare professionals, and perceived health benefits. Major barriers identified were misinformation, cultural and religious beliefs, distrust of vaccine safety, concerns about side effects, disbelief in the severity of COVID-19, and political influences. Healthcare providers were identified as the most trusted source of vaccine-related information. A statistically significant association was observed between gender and vaccine acceptance (χ² = 46.55, df = 1, p < 0.001), whereas age (χ² = 2.14, df = 3, p = 0.544) and educational level (χ² = 5.63, df = 3, p = 0.131) were not significantly associated with vaccine acceptance.

Conclusion: Although awareness of COVID-19 and its vaccines was relatively high among residents of Afara, actual COVID-19 vaccine uptake remained low and may be insufficient to provide broad community-level protection against COVID-19. Vaccine hesitancy was primarily driven by misinformation, cultural and religious beliefs, distrust, and misconceptions regarding vaccine safety. Strengthening community-based health education, improving access to credible information through healthcare professionals, addressing misinformation, and implementing culturally sensitive communication strategies are essential for improving vaccine uptake in the community.

Exploratory Assessment of Leukocyte Adherence Inhibition Test and Tube Precipitation Responses to Hexavalent and Trivalent Chromium in Patients with Suspected Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Chromium compounds can elicit hypersensitivity reactions. No standardised laboratory assay is available to quantify the relative contributions of humoral and cellular mechanisms within an individual patient’s phenotype, apart from in vivo provocation testing.

Aim: To evaluate the potential of the Tube Titration of Precipitins (TTP) and the Leukocyte Adherence Inhibition Test (LAIT) to characterise humoral and cellular immunoreactivity to hexavalent and trivalent chromium in patients clinically diagnosed with chromium-related allergic contact dermatitis.

Study Design: This retrospective, single-centre study reviewed the medical records of two cohorts of patients with allergic contact dermatitis and suspected chromium hypersensitivity. The first cohort was evaluated using TTP, whereas the second cohort underwent ex vivo challenge testing monitored by LAIT using hexavalent and trivalent chromium preparations.

Methodology: The recorded semi-quantitative serum TTP results for 1 mg/mL hexavalent and trivalent chromium solutions were grouped into ranges and displayed in cascade distribution charts to illustrate variability within the first cohort. The recorded leukocyte adherence inhibition (LAI) percentages from ex vivo challenges with 1 mg/mL hexavalent and trivalent chromium solutions were similarly grouped and displayed for the second cohort.

Results: The paired t-test showed a small, statistically significant difference between trivalent and hexavalent LAIT responses (p < 0.001). Pearson’s correlation indicated a moderate positive association between trivalent and hexavalent LAIT responses, r(98) = 0.372, p < 0.001. The difference between trivalent and hexavalent chromium TTP responses was very small and not statistically significant (p = 0.898), and their correlation was also small and non-significant, r(98) = 0.00988, p = 0.922. The cascade charts showed broad distributions of TTP and LAI results.

Conclusion: These preliminary findings indicate that TTP and LAIT responses to hexavalent and trivalent chromium may distinguish different degrees of humoral and cellular immunoreactivity in patients with allergic contact dermatitis. However, their clinical significance remains uncertain because the assays were not compared with an independent diagnostic reference standard, appropriate control groups, or relevant clinical outcomes. The findings should therefore be considered exploratory and hypothesis-generating rather than evidence supporting diagnostic or clinical application.

Living with Autoimmune Conditions: A Study of Physical and Mental Health

Vama Pandya — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Autoimmune conditions are chronic disorders characterised by fluctuating symptoms, lifelong treatment, and substantial lifestyle changes that may affect both physical and psychological well-being. This study aimed to examine the general physical and mental health of individuals diagnosed with autoimmune conditions. A quantitative descriptive research design was adopted. Data were collected using the SF-36 Health Survey, a standardised instrument that assesses general physical and mental health across eight domains. The sample comprised 11 participants diagnosed with autoimmune conditions, aged 20–66 years. Descriptive statistics, including the mean and range, were used to interpret the data. Most domains were classified as moderate: physical functioning (M = 23.45), role physical (M = 6.09), role emotional (M = 4.73), vitality (M = 14.18), mental health (M = 21.36), social functioning (M = 7.18), and general health (M = 22.00). In contrast, the bodily pain domain was classified as low in severity (M = 2.82), suggesting relatively mild physical pain among the participants. These findings highlight the importance of a holistic approach to managing autoimmune conditions that addresses both physical and psychological well-being. Research with larger and more diverse samples is recommended to strengthen the evidence base and support the development of comprehensive healthcare and counselling interventions.

Impact of Stress and Obesity on Cancer

Byiringiro Christophe, Theresia Indah Budhy, Viskasari Pintoko Kalanjati — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Cancer development and progression are influenced by interacting biological, metabolic, immune, and psychosocial factors. Chronic psychological stress and obesity are potentially modifiable conditions that may contribute to a tumour-promoting environment through neuroendocrine activation, metabolic dysregulation, inflammation, and impaired immune surveillance. This narrative review summarises evidence on the individual and combined roles of chronic stress and obesity in cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, therapeutic resistance, and relapse, with emphasis on immune modulation and cytokine signalling. Literature was reviewed from major electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, using search terms related to psychological stress, obesity, cancer, and immune modulation. The reviewed evidence suggests that persistent activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and sympathetic nervous system may increase circulating cortisol and catecholamines, which can influence DNA repair, angiogenesis, inflammatory signalling, and antitumour immune responses. Obesity may further contribute through adipose tissue dysfunction, insulin resistance, altered adipokine profiles, increased leptin, reduced adiponectin, and elevated inflammatory mediators such as interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha. Together, these pathways may support immune suppression, tumour growth, angiogenesis, metastatic potential, treatment resistance, and recurrence. The manuscript also highlights the possible relevance of stress management, nutritional support, and weight control as supportive strategies in cancer care. However, much of the available evidence is derived from preclinical, mechanistic, and observational studies, limiting causal interpretation and direct clinical translation. Integrated approaches that include stress reduction and obesity management may be useful adjuncts in oncology care, but their effects on cancer-related biomarkers and clinical outcomes require further investigation through well-designed prospective and interventional studies.

Socio-Demographic Determinants of Complete Childhood Immunization Coverage among Caregivers in Rural Nasarawa State, Nigeria

S. K. Bello, A. Nyamve, I. H. Nkene, S. C. Hassan, R. P. Galleh, S. C. Tama — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Aims: This study examined the socio-demographic determinants of complete childhood immunisation coverage among caregivers in rural communities of Nasarawa State, Nigeria, over the period 2016–2025, with attention to trends, prevalence, associated caregiver-level determinants, and health-system challenges affecting coverage.

Study Design: A descriptive cross-sectional survey.

Place and Duration of Study: Rural communities served by general health facilities in Lafia, Akwanga, Andaha, Wamba, Nasarawa Toto and New Karu Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State, Nigeria; data collection was conducted in 2025.

Methodology: The study population comprised 2,459 parents/caregivers registered for immunisation services at the selected facilities. A sample of 341 caregivers was determined using the Krejcie and Morgan (1970) table and selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a sixteen-item, interviewer-administered, structured questionnaire comprising socio-demographic items and four Likert-scale sections addressing trends, prevalence, socio-demographic determinants, and challenges related to complete childhood immunisation uptake. Data were analysed using SPSS with descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages), while chi-square and logistic regression procedures were applied to examine associations.

Results: Most caregivers were aged 15–24 years (44.0%), single (44.0%), tertiary-educated (70.1%) and self-employed (42.1%). The majority (85.3%) affirmed that there was a discernible trend in complete childhood immunisation uptake, and 75.1% agreed that caregivers and parents were aware of this trend. Complete immunisation uptake among children aged 0–23 months was estimated by most respondents (65.7%) at approximately 30%. Antenatal clinic attendance (71.0% strongly agreed) and distance to the general hospital (84.2% strongly agreed) emerged as the socio-demographic and health-system factors most strongly associated with complete immunisation. Key challenges identified included poorly resourced health facilities (54.0% strongly agreed), flooding and environmental disruption of vaccine supply (84.2% strongly agreed), poor physical access in remote areas (96.5% strongly agreed), and persistent misconceptions about children's readiness for vaccination (82.7% agreed).

Conclusion: Complete childhood immunisation coverage in rural Nasarawa State remains suboptimal and is shaped jointly by caregiver socio-demographic characteristics, antenatal care engagement, geographic access, and health-system readiness. Targeted, multi-level interventions addressing caregiver awareness, facility strengthening, and access barriers are required to improve coverage.

Exploratory Assessment of Leukocyte Adherence Inhibition Test and Tube Precipitation Responses to Evaluate Cross-reactivity between Latex and Pollen Allergens in Patients with Allergic Multimorbidity

Mon, 07 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Clinical hypersensitivity to pollen and latex allergens has been studied and linked to hypersensitivity to a variety of fruits and vegetables, making this a complex field of study for respiratory, occupational, and food-allergic patients.

Aim: To evaluate the potential of the Tube Titration of Precipitins (TTP) and the Leukocyte Adherence Inhibition Test (LAIT) to characterise and endotype humoral and cellular immunoreactivity to latex and pollen allergens, respectively, and to investigate patterns of immunological cross-reactivity between these allergens in patients with clinically diagnosed allergic morbidity.

Study Design: This retrospective, single-centre study involved a review of the medical records of two cohorts of patients diagnosed with allergic multimorbidity. The first cohort underwent parallel TTP using latex and pollen extracts, whereas the second cohort was assessed using ex vivo challenge testing, with responses monitored by LAIT, against the same latex and pollen extracts.

Methodology: For the first cohort, the parallel TTP measurements obtained for latex and pollen extracts were categorised into defined ranges and presented using cascade distribution charts to characterise the variability of the observed responses. Similarly, the recorded Leukocyte Adherence Inhibition (LAI) measurements for latex and pollen extracts in the second cohort were grouped into ranges and displayed using cascade distribution charts to demonstrate the distribution and variability of the results.

Results: The paired t-test demonstrated a small, non-significant difference between latex TTP and pollen TTP (t(99) = 0.5; p = 0.6). Pearson's correlation analysis identified a significant, small positive association between latex TTP and pollen TTP (r(98) = 0.247; p = 0.013). In contrast, the paired t-test revealed a small but statistically significant difference between latex LAIT and pollen LAIT (t(98) = 2.5; p = 0.014). Pearson's correlation analysis demonstrated a significant, medium positive association between latex LAIT and pollen LAIT (r(98) = 0.32; p < 0.001). The cascade distribution charts further demonstrated substantial variability across the observed TTP and LAI results.

Conclusion: The preliminary findings from this exploratory, hypothesis-generating retrospective compilation suggest that TTP and LAIT conducted with latex and pollen extracts may identify differing degrees of humoral and cellular immunoreactivity among patients with allergic multimorbidity. The findings also indicate the possibility of some degree of immunological cross-reactivity between these two allergens. Further investigation in appropriately designed prospective studies is warranted to evaluate these preliminary observations.

Prevalence, Antibiotic Resistance Patterns and Plasmid Mediated Resistance of Extended-spectrum Beta-lactamase Producing Escherichia coli Isolated from Long-term Hospitalized Patients

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Antimicrobial resistance among healthcare-associated pathogens remains a major challenge, particularly among long-term hospitalised patients who are frequently exposed to antimicrobial therapy and healthcare environments. This study investigated the prevalence, antibiotic resistance patterns, plasmid profiles, and beta-lactamase resistance genes of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli isolated from long-term hospitalised patients in selected tertiary hospitals in Enugu State, southeastern Nigeria. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 204 patients hospitalised for 14 days or longer. Urine and wound samples were collected and analysed using standard microbiological procedures. E. coli isolates were identified by culture and biochemical methods, ESBL production was detected using Chromatic ESBL agar, antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, and plasmid profiling and detection of blaTEM, blaSHV, and blaCTX-M genes were conducted using molecular techniques. Among the 204 clinical samples analysed, E. coli was isolated from 16/204 samples (7.8%), while ESBL-producing E. coli was detected in 10/204 samples (4.9%). ESBL-producing isolates were recovered mainly from urine samples (6/204, 2.9%) and diabetic wound ulcer samples (3/204, 1.5%). The E. coli isolates demonstrated high resistance to tested antibiotics, including complete resistance to several commonly used agents. Plasmid analysis showed that all 10 ESBL-producing isolates carried plasmids, while molecular analysis detected blaTEM in 10/10 isolates (100%) and blaCTX-M in 8/10 isolates (80%); blaSHV was not detected. The detection of plasmid-mediated ESBL-producing E. coli among long-term hospitalised patients highlights the need for continuous antimicrobial resistance surveillance, strengthened infection prevention practices, and effective antimicrobial stewardship programmes in healthcare facilities.

Challenges in Reaching Full Coverage of Routine Immunization in Nigeria: A Review

Saratu Bashir Aminu, Mujahid Musa, Yusuf Adeiza Kashim — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Routine childhood immunization remains one of the most cost-effective public health interventions, yet Nigeria continues to experience substantial gaps in coverage, timeliness, and completion of recommended vaccine series. These gaps are not uniform: they cluster by geography, socioeconomic position, maternal education, service accessibility, and health system performance, and they are amplified by insecurity, mobility, and trust deficits. This review synthesizes evidence on routine immunization coverage and its determinants in Nigeria, focusing on multi-level drivers that shape vaccination initiation, continuation, and completion. We highlight consistent demand-side determinants such as caregiver education and empowerment, household wealth, health service utilization, and information exposure; supply-side determinants such as service readiness, health worker practices, vaccine logistics, and missed opportunities; and contextual determinants such as place of residence, subnational inequities, and conflict-related disruption. We further discuss the growing programmatic emphasis on “zero-dose” and under-immunized children, and summarize promising intervention directions including community-engaged delivery, facility-based quality improvement to reduce missed opportunities, and targeted demand-generation combined with reliable service availability. The review concludes that Nigeria’s coverage challenges are best understood as an interaction between household vulnerability and system reliability, mediated by local context. Sustainable gains require integrated strategies that strengthen primary health care delivery, improve data-driven microplanning, reduce dropout through continuity of care, and tailor approaches to high-risk geographies and populations.

Immune-Related Adverse Events of Checkpoint Inhibitors: Clinical Spectrum and Insights Across Major Malignancies

A. Mohammed Shefeeq — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have transformed the management of solid and haematological malignancies by restoring antitumour T-cell activity through blockade of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4, programmed cell death protein 1, and programmed death-ligand 1. The same mechanism that enables tumour control disrupts peripheral immune tolerance, producing a heterogeneous family of toxicities termed immune-related adverse events. These events can affect almost any organ system, follow an unpredictable temporal course, and occasionally prove fatal, most notably in the case of myocarditis and fulminant colitis. This review synthesises the contemporary clinical, mechanistic, and management literature on immune-related adverse events, with particular attention to organ-specific presentations, the influence of underlying malignancy and treatment regimen on toxicity phenotype, and emerging biomarkers of risk. Cutaneous and gastrointestinal toxicities remain the most frequent manifestations, whereas endocrine, pulmonary, hepatic, cardiac, renal, neurological, rheumatological, haematological, and ocular events occur less often but carry disproportionate morbidity and, in selected cases, mortality. Patterns of toxicity differ meaningfully across melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma, reflecting both the underlying tumour microenvironment and the specific checkpoint regimen employed. Corticosteroids remain the cornerstone of management, supplemented increasingly by biologic immunosuppressants for steroid-refractory disease, while rechallenge after toxicity resolution is feasible in many but not all circumstances. The relationship between toxicity and antitumour efficacy remains incompletely resolved, complicating decisions around treatment interruption. Advances in gut microbiome profiling, peripheral blood immune signatures, and pharmacovigilance methodology offer promising avenues toward individualised risk stratification. Continued multidisciplinary collaboration, standardised toxicity terminology, and longitudinal outcome data will be essential to refine the safe and durable use of checkpoint blockade across an expanding range of cancer types.

A Critical Review on Mechanistic Cross Talk between Paediatric Inflammation and GH-IGF-1 Axis in Childhood Growth

T. Ashraf, Fawzia Alyafei, Nada Alaaraj, Noor Hamed, Shayma Ahmed — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Linear growth during childhood is governed by the coordinated action of the growth hormone–insulin-like growth factor-1 (GH–IGF-1) axis, yet this endocrine system does not operate in isolation from the immune system. Chronic and acute inflammatory states, whether triggered by autoimmune disease, gastrointestinal disease, malnutrition, or gut mucosal dysfunction, exert profound and multi-level effects on somatic growth. This review synthesises current evidence on the bidirectional relationship between immune activation and the GH–IGF-1 axis in children, addressing mechanisms of hepatic growth hormone resistance, cytokine-mediated disruption of insulin-like growth factor binding proteins, direct cytokine action on growth plate chondrocytes, and the emerging role of the gut microbiome as an intermediary between mucosal immunity and somatotropic signalling. Clinical correlates are examined across juvenile idiopathic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, cystic fibrosis, coeliac disease and environmental enteric dysfunction, alongside evidence from anti-cytokine and recombinant growth hormone interventions that partially restore growth velocity. The review highlights substantial heterogeneity across paediatric populations, disease states and treatment protocols, and identifies persistent gaps regarding the long-term auxological outcomes of biologic therapy, the mechanistic contribution of gut microbial signalling, and the translational potential of anti-inflammatory strategies as adjuncts to conventional growth-promoting treatment. Addressing these gaps will be essential to optimise final adult height in children affected by chronic inflammatory disease.

Oncogenic Viruses and Human Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms, Diagnostics, Vaccines and Therapeutic Advances

Christopher Ononiwu Elemuwa — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Oncogenic viruses are preventable or therapeutically tractable causes of a substantial and geographically unequal fraction of human cancer. Their biological diversity, from small DNA viruses to retroviruses and non-integrating RNA viruses, has produced distinct tumour phenotypes but also revealed recurrent principles of carcinogenesis. This critical narrative review integrates evidence on high-risk human papillomaviruses, hepatitis B, C, and D viruses, Epstein–Barr virus, Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, human T-cell leukaemia virus type 1, and Merkel cell polyomavirus. Human immunodeficiency virus is considered as an indirect carcinogenic cofactor through immune dysregulation, whereas human cytomegalovirus is treated as an unresolved candidate rather than an established tumour virus. Literature indexed through 2 June 2026 was selected from biomedical and scholarly databases, authoritative institutional sources, citation tracing, and DOI registries, with emphasis on causal evidence, mechanistic coherence, clinical validity, and translational relevance. The strongest shared mechanisms are persistent infection, dysregulated viral gene expression, interference with tumour suppressor and cell-cycle control, genomic or epigenomic instability, chronic inflammation, and immune escape. Yet the relative contribution of these processes differs markedly by virus, tissue, host immunity, and co-exposure. Diagnostics are most mature where viral biomarkers define tumour aetiology or enable screening, notably high-risk human papillomavirus testing, Epstein–Barr virus DNA in endemic nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and viral oncoprotein antibodies in selected Merkel cell carcinoma settings. Prophylactic vaccination has generated the clearest cancer-prevention evidence for human papillomavirus and hepatitis B virus, while elimination barriers, incomplete coverage, persistent post-cure risk, and the absence of licensed vaccines for several tumour viruses limit population impact. Immune checkpoint blockade and virus-specific cellular therapies demonstrate that viral antigens can be clinically actionable, but response heterogeneity and implementation complexity remain substantial. Progress now depends on harmonised viral attribution, prospective biomarker validation, prevention programmes designed for equity, and trials that integrate viral biology with tumour genomics and host immunity.

One Health for Cancer Prevention: Integrating Human, Animal and Environmental Evidence into a Global Transdisciplinary Policy Framework

Christopher Ononiwu Elemuwa — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Cancer prevention is usually organised within human health systems, although important carcinogenic processes arise from shared biological, environmental, food-system and occupational exposures that cross species and administrative boundaries. This critical narrative review evaluates the case for a One Health approach to cancer prevention and develops a transdisciplinary policy framework that connects human oncology, veterinary medicine, environmental health, food and agricultural systems, ecosystem science and public policy. Literature published from 1 January 2000 to 30 June 2026 was identified through multidisciplinary scholarly sources and authoritative institutional documents, with targeted inclusion of earlier or foundational evidence only when conceptually necessary. The synthesis distinguishes established prevention opportunities from plausible but unvalidated cross-species signals. The strongest evidence for immediate integration concerns infection-associated cancers with reservoir or environmental components, food-chain carcinogens such as aflatoxins, ambient and occupational carcinogenic exposures, contaminated water, and shared household or agricultural chemical exposures. Companion animals and wildlife can provide temporally earlier or spatially localised signals of hazardous exposures, but veterinary sentinel evidence remains constrained by breed susceptibility, referral bias, inconsistent tumour registration, exposure misclassification and limited linkage with human cancer registries. Comparative oncology adds mechanistic and genomic value, yet its prevention contribution should not be conflated with therapeutic translation. Existing One Health implementation remains disproportionately focused on human-animal infectious disease interfaces, while environmental participation, cancer-specific governance, interoperable surveillance and prevention metrics are underdeveloped. We therefore propose a One Health Cancer Prevention Framework built around shared governance, integrated surveillance, source-directed exposure control, infection and food-system prevention, interoperable data and causal inference, and equity-centred implementation. The framework is intended as a testable policy architecture rather than a validated model. Its central proposition is that cancer control can become more preventive when upstream hazards are detected and reduced across human, animal and environmental systems before disease burdens accumulate in any one population.