Journal of Advances in Microbiology

Current Advances in the Diagnosis, Immunopathology, Treatment and Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis

2026-07-11T10:34:23+00:00

Lymphatic filariasis is a mosquito-borne neglected tropical disease caused by Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi and Brugia timori, and remains an important public health problem in endemic regions. This review summarises current advances in the diagnosis, immunopathogenesis, treatment and elimination of lymphatic filariasis. The disease has a wide clinical spectrum, ranging from asymptomatic infection to recurrent inflammatory episodes and chronic manifestations such as lymphoedema, hydrocele and chyluria. Its pathogenesis reflects prolonged parasite survival in the lymphatic system, host immune regulation, inflammatory responses associated with Wolbachia endosymbionts, and progressive lymphatic damage. Diagnostic methods have expanded from nocturnal blood microscopy to antigen-detection tests, antibody-based assays and molecular techniques. Rapid antigen tests have improved field-based mapping and surveillance, while ELISA and PCR-based methods provide greater sensitivity in low-transmission or post-treatment settings, although their operational use remains limited by cost and infrastructure. Treatment has also advanced through the use of mass drug administration and triple-drug ivermectin, diethylcarbamazine and albendazole regimens, with doxycycline offering an additional approach through depletion of Wolbachia. Morbidity management, including lymphoedema care and hydrocele surgery, remains essential for affected individuals and should be considered alongside transmission interruption. Global elimination efforts have achieved measurable progress, but persistent transmission foci, incomplete treatment coverage, diagnostic limitations, population movement, funding constraints and environmental change continue to challenge elimination in several endemic settings. The manuscript emphasises that elimination depends on both biological effectiveness and operational feasibility. Sustained integrated strategies combining effective treatment, sensitive surveillance, morbidity management, vector control and health-system strengthening are required to consolidate gains and support long-term interruption of transmission.

Characterization and Functional Gene Analyses of Microorganisms in Remediated Sites in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria

2026-07-09T07:49:33+00:00

Petroleum hydrocarbon pollution is a severe environmental threat worldwide, and decades of oil exploration in Gokana, Rivers State, have led to extensive soil contamination and affected microbial diversity. This study evaluated the effectiveness of post-remediation measures through the assessment of microbial diversity and the determination of alkane degradation genes (alkB) in the area. Soil samples were collected from four sites: long-term remediated dryland (LRDL), pristine dryland control (PDL), pristine wetland control (PWL), and unremediated wetland (URWL). Total heterotrophic bacteria (THB), hydrocarbon-utilising bacteria (HUB), total fungi (TF), and hydrocarbon-utilising fungi (HUF) were identified based on morphological, biochemical, and molecular characterisation, while alkane degradation genes (alkB) were detected using specific primers. The findings showed that soil microbial counts varied significantly across sites. Pristine dryland (PDL) had the highest THB count at 98.3 × 10⁶ CFU/g, and TF followed a similar pattern. In contrast, HUB was highest in LRDL at 92.8 × 10⁴ CFU/g, while HUF peaked in LRDL at 42.4 × 10² CFU/g. A total of 42 species were identified. Molecular analysis confirmed the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Aspergillus niger, and Fusarium solani. The alkB gene occurred in three of five tested bacterial isolates, whereas no fungal isolates carried detectable alkB. Overall, the findings suggest partial but meaningful remediation success in dryland sites in Gokana, with a need to prioritise wetland-specific remediation and longitudinal multi-parameter monitoring.

Molecular Characterisation of Salmonella Species Isolated from Various Drinking Water Sources in Some Parts of Bauchi Metropolis, Nigeria

2026-07-10T12:43:26+00:00

Contamination of drinking water by pathogenic bacteria remains an important public health concern, particularly in communities that rely on multiple treated and untreated water sources. This study investigated the occurrence and molecular characteristics of Salmonella species isolated from selected drinking water sources in Bauchi metropolis, Nigeria. A total of 250 water samples were collected over six months from wells, boreholes, and tap water in Wuntin Dada, Jahun, Yelwa, and Bakin Kura. The samples comprised 165 well water samples, 55 borehole samples, and 30 tap water samples. Isolation and presumptive identification were carried out using standard microbiological procedures, including culture on selective media, Gram staining, microscopy, and biochemical tests. Molecular confirmation was performed using polymerase chain reaction targeting bacterial 16S rRNA and Salmonella-associated virulence genes, including invA and fliC, followed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Of the 250 water samples examined, 32 were positive for Salmonella species, giving an overall occurrence of 12.8%. Among the positive isolates, 21 were obtained from well water, 7 from borehole water, and 4 from tap water. The isolates showed typical morphological and biochemical features consistent with Salmonella species, including Gram-negative rods, pale colonies on MacConkey agar, black-centred colonies on Salmonella-Shigella agar, oxidase negativity, catalase positivity, citrate utilisation, and urease negativity. Molecular analysis detected target gene bands consistent with bacterial and Salmonella-associated markers in the tested isolates. The findings indicate that drinking water sources in the study area were contaminated with Salmonella species and highlight the need for improved water-source protection, routine microbiological monitoring, and effective water-treatment practices.