Browsing by Author "Ajakaye, G.O"

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    Genomic data reveal a north-south split and introgression history of blood fluke populations across Africa
    (Nature Research, 2025-04-13) Platt,R.N; Enabulele, E.E; Adeyemi, E; Agbugui,M.O; Ajakaye, G.O; Amaechi,E.C; Ejikeugwu, C.P
    The human parasitic fluke, Schistosoma haematobium hybridizes with the livestock parasite S. bovis in the laboratory, but the frequency of hybridization in nature is unclear. Here, we analyze 34.6 million single nucleotide variants in 162 samples from 18 African countries, revealing a sharp genetic discontinuity between northern and southern S. haematobium. We find no evidence for recent hybridization. Instead the data reveal admixture events that occurred 257–879 generations ago in northern S. haematobium populations. Fifteen introgressed S. bovis genes are approaching fixation in northern S. haemato bium with four genes potentially driving adaptation. Further, we identify 19 regions that are resistant to introgression; these are enriched on the sex chromosomes. These results (i) suggest strong barriers to gene flow between these species, (ii) indicate that hybridization may be less common than cur rently envisaged, but (iii) reveal profound genomic consequences of rare interspecific hybridization between schistosomes of medical and veterinary importance.
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    Urogenital schistosomiasis in Nigeria post receipt of the largest single praziquantel donation in Africa
    (Elsevier, 2021-04-02) Enabulele,E.E.; Platt, R.N; Adeyemi,E; Agbosua,E; Aisien,M.S.O; Ajakaye, G.O; Ali,M.U; Amaechi, E.C
    Schistosomiasis control efforts in Nigeria received a boost in 2016 when Merck Group made the largest single donation of praziquantel to an African country. We examined urine samples from 2,023 school age children from 15 locations in 10 states and an Internally Displaced Person’s (IDP) camp in Nigeria. We recorded an overall Schistosoma haematobium prevalence of 10.4% in the 10 states that ranged between 6 – 37%, while prevalence in the IDP camp was 2.9%. The highest infection prevalence (37%) recorded was from the population in Wasai Dam area in Minjibir (Kano State), while five locations had no positive urine samples. We observed heavy intensity of infection (≥ 50 eggs/10 ml urine) in 87.9% of infected samples and co-occurrence of the eggs of S. haematobium and S. mansoni in urine for two participants. The overall prevalence we recorded is slightly above the national average (9.5%) reported in 2015. Our findings indicate that despite the ongoing administration of praziquantel in Nigeria, urogenital schistosomiasis is still prevalent with heavy intensity of infection. Large-scale epidemiolog ical monitoring is required to monitor the efficacy of schistosomiasis control in Nigeria