Lifestyle

Why AA Genotype Are Vulnerable To Malaria

Published

4 months ago

December 6, 2025

In Nigeria, high breeding of malaria vectors (mosquitoes) and transmission rate occur throughout the year, especially during the rainy season. Mosquitoes typically accompany the rains as a result of the increased number of breeding sites occasioned by incessant rains. The wet weather conditions hereby provide bountiful opportunities to find stagnant water for mosquitoes to breed. Thus, malaria is spread by the bite of vector-carrying mosquitoes known as female Anopheles.

Malaria is a parasitic disease caused by a parasite of the genus Plasmodium. This parasite is transmitted to humans commonly through mosquito bites. Usually, people get malaria by being bitten by an infective female Anopheles mosquito. This must have been infected through a previous blood meal taken from an infected person. When a mosquito bites an infected person, a portion of the blood is taken in, which contains the malaria parasites. About one week later, when the mosquito takes its next blood meal, these parasites mix with the mosquito’s saliva and are injected into the person being bitten.

Genotype is the genetic makeup of an individual inherited from parents. Typically, there are five (5) distinct types of genotype. They are AA, AS, AC, SS, and SC. The first 2 pairs (AA & AS) are normal, AC is rare while the latter two (SS & SC) are anomalous, commonly causing sickle cell disease. Usually, the red blood cells are round and flexible and can move easily through blood vessels, however, in sickle cell disease, the red blood cells are shaped like sickles. These rigid, sticky sickled cells can get stuck in small blood vessels thereby slowing or blocking blood flow and oxygen supply to parts of the body. Consequently, sickle cell disease occurs when an individual’s blood cells are shaped in a deformed and abnormal manner, potentially blocking blood flow and causing pain and damage to vital organs.

In the digestive process of the malaria parasite, the toxic portion of the haemoglobin called haemin (ferriprotoporphyrin) is converted to the non-toxic substance called haemozoin by the parasite enzyme (malarial haem polymerase) thus enabling the parasite to survive, fueling the duplication and replication process. Haemoglobin S (HbS) unlike haemoglobin A (HbA) is deoxygenated, polymerized and poorly digested by the parasite. As a result, haemin accumulates thereby inhibiting the replication and survival of the parasite in HbS containing red blood cells. This is the major reason why the malaria parasite (Plasmodium falciparum) survives and thrives well in the AA genotype compared to other genotypes thereby contributing to the malaria susceptibility of people with the AA genotype.

The malaria parasite (Plasmodium falciparum) has a high rate of oxygen consumption and utilizes large amounts of haemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying pigment and predominant protein in the red blood cells) during the blood stage of replication and duplication. This thus makes the malaria parasite thrive better in AA genotype since genotype AA red blood cells contain normal haemoglobin both in quantity and structure.

Hence, it is important to avoid mosquito bites by taking necessary precautionary measures of getting rid of their breeding sites, especially as it regards to the present weather condition. To reduce the risk of mosquitoes breeding in stagnant water, do the following:-

Turn buckets and watering cans over and store them under shelter so that water does not accumulate.

Remove excess water from plant pots and plates.

Clean animal/bird water feeders daily.

Scrub containers before use.

Loosen soil from potted plants, to prevent puddles from forming on the surface.

Use non-perforated gully traps, install anti-mosquito valves and cover any traps that are rarely used.

Do not place receptacles under an air-conditioning unit.

Prevent leaves from blocking anything that may result in the accumulation of puddles or stagnant water.

Clean water from AC-Cooler regularly.

Also, Malaria can be controlled by doing the following:

Avoid mosquitoes (use long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito nets, apply mosquito repellents or long clothing to reduce the chance of bites).

Door and window screens (Structural barriers, such as netting on the windows prevent mosquitoes from entering our homes and workspaces).

Timing (Try to avoid being outside at dawn and dusk)

Antimalarial drugs should not be used at will. Do not self-medicate! When you have a fever, headache and chills, please go to the hospital to get tested. Not every fever or headache is a symptom of malaria.

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Lifestyle

These 5 Herbs Will Penetrate Your Face And Give You Smooth Skin

Published

3 weeks ago

February 28, 2026

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It’s likely already common knowledge that eating a varied diet helps keep your skin and hair healthy, but did you know that spices can have wonderful benefits for your appearance? Find out how garlic can promote hair development, how peppers can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and how green tea can shield you from the harmful effects of the sun.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING

1. Place a chamomile tea bag in a small container and place it in the refrigerator after steeping it for two to three minutes in boiling water to release the anti-inflammatory enzymes. This is an effective treatment for beard burn. After it has had time to cool, you can use the tea bag to provide fast relief to the areas of your face that are red and itching.

2. Cinnamon is an excellent source of antioxidants, which protect the skin from the damaging effects of oxidative stress. It also imparts a delicious flavor to baked goods and warm beverages.

Keri Glassman, author of The O2 Diet and a registered dietitian, believes that one serving of cinnamon has more antioxidants than a half cup serving of blueberries. If you want an immediate increase in the antioxidant power of your coffee, add a half teaspoon of cinnamon to the ground beans before you brew it.

3. Garlic is a miracle worker for people with fine hair, despite the fact that it can leave your breath smelling bad. In order to produce robust and healthy hair, the hair follicle on your scalp need certain nutrients. Your hair will suffer if your diet does not contain the appropriate ingredients. According to Dr. Wu, eating foods that are abundant in the amino acid cysteine, which is found in garlic, can assist to revitalize your hair follicles. She goes on to say that the strength of your hair comes from the robust network of disulfide bonds that hold the cysteine molecules together. These bonds are what give your hair its resilience.

4. Here is yet another argument in favor of adopting a more environmentally friendly lifestyle: Catechins, which are also sometimes referred to as polyphenols, are found in high concentrations in green tea and are known to exhibit powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-aging effects. Wu claims that applying green tea topically can also thicken the epidermis, speed up the healing of wounds, and inhibit an enzyme that causes uneven skin pigmentation, which in turn reduces the appearance of sun spots. All of these benefits can be achieved by applying green tea topically.

5. Spicy peppers such as chili, paprika, cayenne, and jalapeo not only excite your taste buds but also protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun. According to Marti Wolfson, the culinary director at the Blum Center for Health in Rye Brook, New York, “Vitamins A and C in peppers help combat free radicals, limiting the destruction of collagen to maintain the integrity of our skin.” Peppers contain a high concentration of these vitamins.

Capsaicin, which is found in the vibrant peppers, can protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation and functions as a sunscreen.

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Lifestyle

Drink Cucumber and Mint Water Every Morning to Help With These Health Issues

Published

3 weeks ago

February 28, 2026

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Cucumber and mint water is a refreshing, low-calorie drink that may support overall health when combined with a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. While it is not a cure for diseases, drinking it regularly can offer some supportive benefits.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING

Here are four health areas it may help with:

1. Dehydration

Cucumbers are made up of about 95% water, and adding them to drinking water can encourage you to drink more fluids. Proper hydration supports digestion, circulation, temperature regulation, and energy levels.

2. Digestive Discomfort

Mint has traditionally been used to help relieve indigestion and bloating. Some research shows peppermint may relax digestive tract muscles, which can ease mild stomach discomfort.

3. Weight Management

Replacing sugary drinks with cucumber and mint water can reduce calorie intake. Staying hydrated may also help control appetite and prevent overeating.

4. Mild Inflammation

Cucumbers contain antioxidants like vitamin C and beta-carotene. Antioxidants help protect the body’s cells from damage caused by oxidative stress.

Important Note

Cucumber and mint water does not cure medical conditions. If you have ongoing digestive problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, or other health concerns, consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Simple Preparation

Add sliced cucumber and a few fresh mint leaves to a jug of water.

Let it infuse for 2–4 hours (or overnight) in the refrigerator.

Drink in the morning or throughout the day.

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Lifestyle

Itchy Private Parts? This Is What It Might Mean

Published

3 weeks ago

February 28, 2026

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Itching in the genital area is common and usually not serious. However, persistent or severe itching can sometimes signal an underlying issue.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING

Here are some possible causes.

1. Yeast Infection

Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of fungus (Candida). They can cause:

Intense itching

Redness

Irritation

Thick discharge (in women)

They are common and treatable.

2. Bacterial Imbalance

Changes in natural bacteria (especially in women) may lead to irritation, odor, or unusual discharge.

3. Skin Irritation or Allergic Reaction

Soaps, scented products, detergents, tight clothing, or sanitary products may irritate sensitive skin.

Switching to mild, fragrance-free products often helps.

4. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Some STIs may cause itching along with other symptoms such as discharge, sores, or pain during urination. Not all STIs cause symptoms.

Testing is the only way to be sure.

5. Poor Hygiene or Excess Moisture

Excess sweat, damp clothing, or infrequent washing can irritate the skin. On the other hand, excessive washing with harsh soap can also cause dryness and itching.

Balance is key.

6. Pubic Lice or Skin Conditions

Less commonly, itching may be caused by pubic lice or skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical advice if you experience:

Severe pain

Sores or blisters

Unusual discharge

Fever

Symptoms lasting more than a few days

Early evaluation helps prevent complications.

Important Note

Avoid self-diagnosing based on online information alone. Many conditions share similar symptoms. A healthcare professional can provide proper testing and treatment.

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