Sero-Prevalence of <i>H. pylori</i>Antibodies among Asymptomatic Rural Population in Bauchi State, Nigeria—A Preliminary Study

Helicobacter pylori infection is a major public health problem globally, with high prevalence in developing countries associated with poor sanitation, low standard of living, urban-rural disparity and increased gastrointestinal pathologies. This preliminary study determined the seroprevalence of H. pylori infection among asymptomatic rural population and association of sociodemographic variables on the result outcome. A total of 250 asymptomatic volunteered participants were screened for H. pylori antibodies, using rapid immunochromatographic strips. 44.8% (112/250) were seropositive, and showed increased prevalence with the age group, <15 years (8.0%), 18 - 39 years (23.5%) and 40 - 65 years (12.0%) with no significant difference. High prevalence among males, 88 (35.2) compared to 24 (9.6) females (p < 0.228). Significant association was observed with marital status, high prevalence among married participants 63 (25.0) followed by singles, 41 (16.4) (p < 0.010). Similarly, significant prevalence was observed among participants with non-formal education, 60 (24.0) followed by primary education, 21 (8.4) (p < 0.51). While non-salary earners accounted for 79 (31.6) (p < 0.244). The H. pylori seropositivity of 44.8% is relatively low in region with previous reports of high prevalence and predisposing risk factors. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of environmental and occupational risk factors for better epidemiological understanding of H. pylori infection and a template for intervention measures.

Haematological Profile of Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Bauchi, Nigeria

Introduction: Haematological profile of pregnant women provides vital information on physiological changes in pregnancy progress, outcome and possible maternal-foetal complications. The study assessed the haematological profile of pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic. Methodology: The cross-sectional study was conducted at the antenatal clinic of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital, Bauchi between July and September 2018 among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic. Study participant was recruited on voluntary basis and study questionnaire and informed consent administered. Blood samples are collected and analysed using System x haematology autoanalyser. Result: A total of 191 study participants comprised of 141 pregnant women at different trimester stages and 50 non-pregnant. Mean haematocrit, haemgloblin, white blood count and platelet count of 35.8 ± 9.0, 11.6 ± 1.6, 7.7 ± 5.7, and 234.0 ± 74.6 respectively. Significant difference was observed between pregnant and non-pregnant women in neutrophil (0.016), mixed (eosinophil, basophil and monocyte, 0.05), lymphocyte (0.000), platelets (0.002) and RDWSD (0.025). Comparing haematological profile with trimester stages, significant association was observed with white blood cells count and mixed cell counts. Conclusion: The reduction in mean white blood cells count and increased haemocrit concentration with the trimester stages contradict patterns in other similar studies. This further highlights the need for local data for early diagnosis of pregnancy-associated clinical conditions and management approach.

Sources of Farm Risk and Management Strategies among Cowpea(Vigna unguiculata SSP)Producers in North East Nigeria

The study identified sources of farm risks and management strategies used among cowpea producers in North East,Nigeria.Data were collected using structured questionnaires from 595 cowpea producers.Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select cowpea producers for the study.In the first stage purposive sampling was used to select three(3)states from the six(6)states in the region and these states include Adamawa,Bauchi and Gombe States.From these selected states two(2)local governments each were selected based on apriory information on cowpea production from the state Agricultural Development Programs(ADPs)and analysed using descriptive statistics,Likert scale and multiple regression model.The result revealed that,pest and diseases emerged as the common source of production risk at 74%.Also,uncertainty from product price 66%was a major source of marketing risk.Furthermore,inadequate credit was an important financial risk at 54%and lack of cooperative 51%were major sources of both financial and institutional risks.The valid management strategies used in mitigating/coping among cowpea producers were livestock production to complement income,sales of produce,engagement in other jobs/activities,access to ADP’s extension agent among others.Therefore,cowpea production is affected by production/environmental risk,marketing risk,financial risk,institutional risk and human/personnel risk and exhibited risk aversion attitude.The study recommends strategy of developing early varieties,disease resistant crops and products that are resistant to pest both in the farm and storage to raise the productivity of cowpea.Also,cowpea producers’cooperatives should be strengthened with priority given enlightened/educating members,create strong bargaining power for farm products as well as accessing credit facilities.Similarly,inputs such as fertilizers and certified improved high-quality seeds are available and accessible to cowpea producers to increase production and reduce risks.

The Occurence of Gastrointestinal Helminths in Slaughtered Cattle in Azare, North-East Nigeria

A Cross-sectional Study was carried out to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal(G.I.)helminths parasites in slaughtered cattle at Azare abattoir,Katagum Local Government Area,Bauchi State,North-Eastern Nigeria.One hundred and twenty faecal samples were examined using the floatation and sedimentation method.Out of the total samples tested,G.I.helminths infections were detected in 62 samples tested,giving an overall prevalence of 51.6%.Class nematodes are the most diverse class(56.5%),followed by trematodes(35.5%),while cestodes are the least prevalent(8.1%).There was a statistically significant difference in G.I.helminths’prevalence among different classes(p<0.05).Concerning sex and age,there was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence rate of G.I.helminths infection affecting the cattle(p>0.05).The Red Bororo breeds had the highest prevalence of 75%,while the least was recorded in White Fulani and Sokoto Gudali,40%each.There was a statistically significant difference in G.I helminth infection’s prevalence rate to breed(p<0.05).This study revealed that Fasciola spp.(15%)is the most prevalent G.I.helminths parasites detected,followed by Oesophagostomum spp(11.7%);Haemonchus spp.(9.2%);Strongyloides spp.(8.3%),Schistosoma spp.(3.3%);and Moniezia spp.(1.67%).Our findings from the present study revealed a high prevalence of G.I.helminths species affecting cattle in Azare,North-East Nigeria.Therefore,there is a great need for proper advocacy on appropriate management,regular deworming practices,and improved cattle hygiene to boost animal production.This will help in curbing significant loss to Nigeria’s economy and the world in general.

尼日利亚乔斯—包奇锡(铌钽)矿成矿前景分析

为了更一步探明乔斯一带锡石及铌铁矿成矿前景及成矿成因,通过大面积地质调查、砂钻等工作的方法,研究了锡石、铌铁原生矿分布情况及成因,砂矿的分布情况、成矿有利条件及成矿潜力。结果表明乔斯—包奇一带原生锡石、铌铁矿成矿潜力较好;该区一带分布有较好的锡石、铌铁砂矿田。