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Research Article
Malaria Burden and Socio-environmental Predictors Among Obstetric Fistula Patients in Kano, Nigeria
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
1-7
Received:
26 November 2025
Accepted:
12 December 2025
Published:
26 January 2026
Abstract: Background: Malaria remains a major public health problem in Nigeria, where transmission is intense and disproportionately affects socio-economically disadvantaged women. Obstetric fistula patients are especially vulnerable group due to their marginalized status, poor living conditions, and limited access to preventive health services. This study assessed the burden of malaria and identified socio-environmental factors associated with infection among Obstetric fistula patients in Kano, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 Obstetric fistula patients receiving care at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano. Socio-demographic data were collected using structured questionnaires. Malaria diagnosis was performed using Giemsa-stained thick and thin blood smears. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS version 29, with Chi-square tests used to determine associations between malaria infection and socio-environmental variables at a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: Malaria prevalence was 34.8%, with all infections attributable to Plasmodium falciparum. Significant associations were observed between malaria infection and rural residence (p = 0.021), unemployment (p = 0.033), and improper refuse disposal practices (p = 0.041). No significant associations were found for water source, age group, or toilet facility. Conclusion: Malaria remains a substantial comorbidity among Obstetric fistula patients in Kano, driven by socio-economic disadvantage and environmental exposure. Therefore, integrating routine malaria screening, targeted preventive strategies, and improved environmental sanitation into fistula care programs is essential to mitigating the burden of malaria in this vulnerable population.
Abstract: Background: Malaria remains a major public health problem in Nigeria, where transmission is intense and disproportionately affects socio-economically disadvantaged women. Obstetric fistula patients are especially vulnerable group due to their marginalized status, poor living conditions, and limited access to preventive health services. This study a...
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Research Article
Two News Species of Psyllids Genus Syntomoza (Hemiptera: Liviidae) Pest Insects Associated with Flacourtia Indica (Flacourtiaceae) in Cameroon
Louis Djakbe Dayang*
,
Joseph Lebel Tamesse
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
8-22
Received:
25 December 2025
Accepted:
8 January 2026
Published:
4 February 2026
Abstract: Background: Psyllids mainly through their larvae which suck sap from their host plants can be harmful by causing the transmission of diseases through their saliva. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the news species of psyllids genus Syntomoza pest insects associated with Flacourtia indica (Flacourtiaceae). Methods: Psyllids specimens were collected using an entomological net and a mouth aspirator. The specimens were preserved in 70% ethanol, mounted on slides. Identifications, measurements and illustrations were made using a Microscope. Results: Syntomoza biniae sp. nov., have vertex sub-rectangular without foveae; male proctiger in profile, with lateral lobe large, broadly rounded in the middle, narrowed apically, obliquely truncate at apex; paramere with apical region narrow curved forward bearing two short black thick spine oriented inwards; inner face with a conspicuous fold anteriorly extending obliquely toward apex; distal segment of aedeagus almost curved in basal half, dorsal margin weakly sinuate; female subgenital plate in lateral view subtriangular, very enlarged at the base with distinct hump; dorsal and ventral valvulae slightly curved dorsally. Fifth instar larvae, with antennal segments with following numbers of pointed setae: 1(0), 2(0), 3(2), 4(0), 5(1), 6(0), 7(2); dorsum of caudal plate bearing scarcely arranged small sharp cuticular teeth; anus ventral, surrounded by only outer circumanal pore ring. Syntomoza flacourtiae sp. nov., with male proctiger in profile medially with well-developed, broadly rounded posterior expansions, rather with two pits, one at base and other at apex, narrowed apically, apical margin rounded; paramere is rather with bulging posterior margin on one-third basally, anterior margin incurved, inner face covered with two row of eight stouter setae situated along anterior margin medially; circumanal ring oval to pear shaped. In fifth instar larvae: antenna segments 3 and 5 without numbers of pointed setae; forewing pad with a row of seven marginal long lanceolate; abdomen on all dorsum surface bearing lanceolate setae and additional like-scaly setae; anus terminal, without additional pore fields. Damage caused by Syntomoza spp. includes distortion and winding of the lateral edges of young leaves. Conclusion: Taxonomic studies indicated that, Syntomoza biniae sp. nov. and Syntomoza flacourtiae sp. nov. are the news species of Liviidae family described from Adamawa Region of Cameroon.
Abstract: Background: Psyllids mainly through their larvae which suck sap from their host plants can be harmful by causing the transmission of diseases through their saliva. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the news species of psyllids genus Syntomoza pest insects associated with Flacourtia indica (Flacourtiaceae). Methods: Psyllids specimens...
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Research Article
The Role of African Forest Elephants (Loxodonta africana cyclotis) as Ecosystem Engineers and Human Encroacment Threats in Mount Cameroon National Park, SWR, Cameroon
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
23-32
Received:
12 December 2025
Accepted:
9 January 2026
Published:
5 March 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajz.20260901.13
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Abstract: African elephants (Loxodonta Africana cyclotis) serve a pivotal role in shaping forest ecosystems, particularly in regions like Mount Cameroon national park. Their size and behavior impact various ecological components, from canopy structure to understory dynamics. Also, elephants play a crucial role as ecosystem engineers, and their foraging and browsing behaviors induce significant disturbances that shape forest characteristics. This study explored the impact of African forest elephants’ activity on the forest ecology of Mount Cameroon national park, focusing on six key areas, forest canopy structure, tree species composition, forest tree regeneration, vine growth, forest understory dynamics, and large trees formation. Research data collection was carried out five days each month, for a period of six months. Systematic vegetation plots within selected sites were established to examine tree abundance and species diversity. Quadrats and transects were equally used to capture data on the types and numbers of trees, especially focusing on both preferred and less preferred species by elephants. The results of this study showed that African forest elephant activity recorded a significant association on forest canopy structure r=0.309 P=0.001, tree species composition X2=83.267 df=6 P=0.000, forest tree regeneration X2=45.891 df=6 P=0.000, vine growth X2=54.030 df=6 P=0.000, forest understory X2=69.696 df=6 P=0.000, and large trees structure X2=73.283 df=6 P=0.000 respectively. Furthermore, human-wildlife conflict revealed a significant link on elephant population threat X2=63.720 df=4 P=0.000, biodiversity rating X2=63.154 df=4 P=0.000, and elephants grouping behaviour X2=62.876 df=4 P=0.000 respectively. Forest elephants play a crucial role in rainforest ecosystem. Their activities, including browsing, trampling, and creating trails, modify the forest structure, which in turn affects resource availability and habitat for other species. As human populations expand into rainforest areas, elephants face habitat loss and fragmentation. This encroachment reduces the space available for elephants to roam and feed, leading to population declines. The findings indicated that elephant interactions result in increased biodiversity, altered species distributions, and varying regeneration patterns, which collectively contribute to the resilience of forest ecosystems. This research equally underscores the importance of elephants in maintaining ecological balance in Mount Cameroon national park and provides insights for effective conservation strategies aimed at protecting both elephant populations and the valuable forest habitat they help sustain.
Abstract: African elephants (Loxodonta Africana cyclotis) serve a pivotal role in shaping forest ecosystems, particularly in regions like Mount Cameroon national park. Their size and behavior impact various ecological components, from canopy structure to understory dynamics. Also, elephants play a crucial role as ecosystem engineers, and their foraging and b...
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