Prevalence,intensity of infection and risk factors of urinary schistosomiasis in preschool and school aged children in Guma Local Government Area,Nigeria

Objective:To determine the prevalence and intensity of infection and the risk factors associated with urinary schistosomiasis in pre—school and school aged children in Cuma Local Government Area of Benue State,Nigeria.Methods:Urine filtration technique using polycarbonate membrane filters was employed to process urine specimens and to determine presence of Schistosoma haematobium eggs in urine.Questionnaires were also administered to children to collect information on socio-demographic data and water-contact activities.Results:An overall prevalence of 55.0%(165/300)was recorded out of the 300 urine samples examined.Prevalence of infection varied between 36.0%-64.0%with a significant difference(X^2=11.59,P=0.041)between the different communities visited.Males were more infected(60.6%,103/170)than females(47.7%,62/130)with a significant difference(X^2=4.95,P=0.026).The age-related prevalence showed higher prevalence(70.5%,36/52)in the 11-15 year old children than that in the 1-5 year old ones(44.9%,53/118).A significant difference was observed in the prevalence between the age groups(X^2=10.56,P=0.014).The prevalence of light intensity of infection(1-49 eggs/10 mL of urine)(86.6%)was significantly higher than that of heavy intensity of infection(5=50 eggs/10 mL of urine)(13.3%)in the area(t=16.48,P=0.000).Water contact activities of the children revealed that children that were involved in irrigation and those that went swimming in water bodies were observed to be at higher risk of becoming infected with urinary schistosomiasis in the area with odd ratios(risk factors)of 2.756(1.334-5.693)and 2.366(1.131-4.948)respectively at P<0.05 level.Conclusions:The study revealed the hyperendemicily of urinary schistosomiasis in the preschool and school aged children in Guma Local Government Area.It is therefore recommended that praziquantel should be administered to children in the area and systematic epidemiological studies should be undertaken in the whole Local Government Area and the State at large to discover new foci of infection.

Effects of Carbon Source on Growth Characteristics and Lipid Accumulation by Microalga <i>Dictyosphaerium</i>sp. with Potential for Biodiesel Production

Sustainability and eco-friendliness have both engendered research on alternative replacement of fossil fuel. This study was aimed at determining the effects of varying levels of glucose (10 ~ 40 g/L), and glycerol (0.25 ~ 1.0 mL/L) on the heterotrophic and mixotrophic growth and lipid production by Dictyosphaerium sp. The microalga was cultivated in 2000 mL amber-coloured bottles each containing 1000 mL of a sterile modified BG-11 medium at pH of 7.3. Each bottle was inoculated with a one-week-old pure culture of the isolate (inoculum ratio = 15%) and incubated in the dark at room temperature (30°C ± 2°C) for 10 d. Dictyosphaerium sp. showed the ability to grow heterotrophically and mixotrophically on glucose and on glycerol as a sole carbon substrates. Biomass productivity and specific growth rates did not vary when the initial medium glucose was varied. Lipid accumulation was not dependent on the initial medium glycerol contents. The mean lipid content and productivity of the organism in the present study were high enough to be utilised for industrial processes. Growth and lipid accumulations were better in mixotrophic cultures than both heterotrophic and autotrophic. However, both were better than autotrophic. The percentage compositions of the major fatty acids from Dictyosphaerium sp. grown under different culture conditions show at least five components each. The carbon skeletons eluted ranged from C14 to C22. Oleic acid was a major component of all the fatty acids, which confirm the suitability of the use of the oil for biodiesel production.

Effect of Different Sowing Dates on Disease Initiation and Development of Roselle (<i>Hibiscus sabdariffa</i>L.) Leaf Spot Disease Caused by <i>Coniella musaiensis</i>Var. <i>hibisci</i>in Makurdi, Central Nigeria

The experiment was conducted mainly to investigate the effect of change in sowing dates on disease severity of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L) leaf spot caused by Coniella musaiensis Var hibisci, plant height, number of branches, number of fruits and calyx yield of Roselle (H. sabdariffa L). Five dates were selected with an interval of fourteen days (14) between the dates for two years (2003 and 2004) to determine the most appropriate time to sow the crop using two Roselle accessions;green (Acc1) and red (Acc3).The first date was determined by the establishment of the rains in the season. It was observed that change in sowing dates had significant (p = 0.05) effect on disease severity but not on plant height, number of branches, number of fruits and calyx yield. Plants sown on July 18/27 had lowest disease indices;and are thus the best and therefore recommended for cropping of Roselle.

Prevalence of Plasmodia and hepatitis B virus co-infection in blood donors at Bishop Murray Medical Centre,Makurdi,Benue State,Nigeria

Objective:To evaluate the prevalence of co-infection of hepatitis B and Plasmodia among potential blood donors in Benue State,and Nigeria at large and offer suggestions and containment methods.Methods:Three hundred and thirty seven(337) potential blood donors,comprising 229(67.95%) Males and 108(32.05%) Females were screened for co-infection with hepatitis B virus(HBV) and Plasmodia between the months of July and December,2009 using standard laboratory methods.Results:An overall co-infection rate of 137(40.67%) was observed among the donors.The month of December showed highest co-infection rates 59(17.51%).Highest rates of infection was observed in males at 129(38.30%) to 8(2.37%) in females.Statistical analysis showed significant difference in infection rates between males and females(P【0.05).The more youthful age groups 18-22,23-27 and 28-32 had higher prevalence of infection at 11.90%,13.05% and 6.53%,respectively.Irrespective of age group,males showed higher rates of infections than females in corresponding age groups.Conclusions:The high rates of co-infection imply that these infections are threats the health of citizens and should be adequately addressed by adoption of strategies to combat and control them.Further,blood should be rigorously screened before transfusion to safeguard the health of recipients.

Cross-sectional study and spatial distribution of schistosomiasis among children in Northeastern Nigeria

Objective: To determine schistosomiasis level and risk factors that exposed school-aged children to infection as well as to model schistosomiasis map in relation to altitude and rainfall in Gashaka Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria.Methods: The study was conducted between January 2014 and June 2014. Urine and faecal samples were collected from 1 080 school-aged children and processed using the filtration and formol–ether concentration techniques, respectively.Results: Irrespective of the schistosomes species, a point prevalence of 10.18% was reported out of the 1 080 children examined. Males were significantly infected than their female counterparts(11.75% vs. 8.43%)(χ2= 4.86; P = 0.027), as well as children aged6–10(11.65%, 72/618) and 11–15 years(10.29%, 35/340) than the other age groups(χ2= 9.274; P = 0.026). No significant difference was observed in schistosomiasis between children whose parents were educated(11.11%, 57/513) and not educated(9.88%,53/536)(χ2= 1.342; P = 0.247) and those whose parents are farmers(9.74%, 53/544) and non-farmers(10.63%, 57/536)(χ~2= 0.787; P = 0.375). Proximity to water bodies(distance < 500 m)(odds ratio = 1.809, confidence interval = 1.057–3.094; P = 0.003 1)and fishing(odds ratio = 2.632, confidence interval = 1.397–4.958; P = 0.003) were the risk factors exposing children to infection. The spatial distribution pattern of schistosomiasis showed that the infection was significantly higher in Serti A(22.2%, 26/180) and Mayo-Selbe(21.1%, 38/180) than the other localities(χ~2= 92.99; P = 0.000).Conclusions: This study reported a moderate level of infection among school-aged children with proximity to water bodies and fishing as the main risk factors. The spatial distribution of schistosomiasis in the area will guide in efficient and effective control programmes at local level. It is recommended that continued efforts be made to scale-up distribution of praziquantel to high risk areas so as to curb the progression of the disease.

Knowledge and risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections among women in Makurdi,Benue State

Objective:To assess women’s perceptions and risk factors that could expose them to intestinal parasitic infections in Makurdi,Benue State.Nigeria.Methods:A total of 750 faecal samples were collected from women at different reproductive stages(pre-menstrual.menstrual and post-menstrual), and the faeces were tested by the formol ether concentration technique.Results:A total of 426(56.8%) samples were found positive for various intestinal parasites with hookworm (4.8%),Ascaris lumbricoides(9.3%),Taenia sp(2.1%),Entamoeba histolytica(18.9%) and Entamoeba coli(21.6%).Women at pre-menstrual and post-menstrual stages recorded higher prevalence rates with 72.8%and 63.9%,respectively.No significant difference in prevalence was observed between women at different reproductive stages and women infected by different parasites(χ~2=30.6.P】 0.05).Sweet things,rotten fruits and improperly cooked meat were perceived as the causes of intestinal parasitic infections among the pre and post menstrual women.Sources of drinking water like river,well,water bought from vendors and patronizing food vendors were observed as risk factors contributing to the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among women.Factors like not washing hands before eating and after defaecation,use of leaves and ordinary papers for cleaning after defaecation were also observed to be contributing to the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections.Conclusions:Persuasive health education and rigorous hygiene measures should be employed in schools,maternity clinics and among the populace to reduce transmission and infection with intestinal parasites.

Phytochemical and Antifungal Activity of Leaf Extracts of Prosopis africana and Anacardium occidentale against Macrophomina Root Rot of Sesamum indicum L. in Benue State, Central Nigeria

This study investigated the antifungal activity of leaf extracts of Prosopis africana and Anacardium occidentale against Macrophomina phaseolina, the causal agent of root rot of Sesamum indicum L. Phytochemical analysis of the two plants showed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids and anthraquinones in petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, methanol and water extracts. The effectiveness of the two medicinal plants viz: P. africana and A. occidentale was tested against the causative agent of root rot of Sesamum indicum L. The effect of plant leaf extracts on mycelia growth of the test organism shows that both P. africana and A. anacardium reduced the mycelia growth significantly as compared to the control (plate, 2, 3, 4). The antifungal property of P. africana and A. occidentale makes these plants of potential interest for the control of the fungi Macrophomina phaseolina.

Chemosystematics Studies on Six Varieties of <i>Mangifera indica</i>L.

Taxonomic investigation was carried out on six (6) varieties of Mangifera indica (Julie, Broken, Peter, Kerosene, Opioro and Big fibre) using chemosystematics evidence. Extracts obtained from the leaf of each variety were phyto-chemically screened and quantified. Gravimetric and spectroscopic approaches were adopted in the quantification of active principles common to all the six varieties. Binary matrices computed from qualitative assessment were analysed to yield a dendrogram using the Average Linkage Method. Quantitative values were subjected to appropriate descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. All varieties possessed alkaloid except Big-fibre. Peter and Kerosene varieties lacked saponin, an active principle present in other varieties. Anthraquinone was present in all except in Julie and Opioro. Five out of the six varieties lacked phlobatannin. All varieties had tannin, steroid, flavonoid and reducing sugar. Tannin was lowest in Big-fibre (0.43%) but highest in Opioro (2.41%). Steroid ranged from 3.8% in Opioro to 9.0% in Julie with a standard deviation of 1.84. Julie variety recording the lowest composition in flavonoid (0.01%) and reducing sugar (0.04%) components was notable. Comparison of the mean values of phytochemicals has shown a statistically significant difference (p = 0.0005) with a large F-value (18.244). Using the LSD mean separation, steroid was the most remarkable phytochemical contributing to the significant differences. Dendrogram revealed very close relationship between Julie and Opioro varieties. The remaining four were divergent and distinct although Broken and Peter varieties arose from the same ancestral lineage with Julie and Opioro. However, Big-fibre and Kerosene varieties were clearly different from rest belonging to a different phylogenetic ancestor. With these remarkable differences, they ought to be given special taxonomic and systematic review for appropriate nomenclatural assignment. The six varieties of Mangifera indica investigated are thus clearly partitioned and therefore recommended to be circumscribed. This approach is maiden, and considered innovative as it is employed in this study for the first time in the taxonomy of Mangifera.

Comparison of the Serum Proteins and Immune Responses of Velogenic Newcastle Disease Virus Infected Chickens and Ducks

The effect of velogenic Newcastle disease virus (vNDV) on the immune responses and serum proteins was investigated in six-week-old ducks and chickens. Results showed that weight loss was markedly significant (p < 0.05) from days 3 - 21 (PI) in chickens and mild (p < 0.05) on days 3 and 15 PI in ducks. The antibody response obtained showed significant (p < 0.05) increase in infected chickens (IC) than those of the infected ducks (ID). While the total serum protein and serum globulin increased significantly (p < 0.05) in IC on days 7 and 14 PI, they decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in ID only on day 21 PI. The immune responses and serum protein values in this experiment X-ray showed less susceptibility of ducks when compared with the chickens. This may be related to marked anorexia and severe dehydration observed in the latter consequent upon serum concentration. Ducks could be maintaining the endemicity of Newcastle disease (ND) as reservoir host.

Comparative Evaluation of the Effects of Velogenic Newcastle Disease Virus Infection on the Hematology of Ducks and Chickens

The hematological lesions consequent upon velogenic Newcastle disease virus (NDV) infection were investigated in 6-week-old ducks and chickens. Following intramuscular inoculation, the results indicated significantly lower (p < 0.05) packed cell volume (PCV) in infected chickens (IC) on days 3 - 9 post inoculation (PI) and in infected ducks (ID) on days 3 - 15 PI. The hemoglobin concentrations were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in IC on days 3, 6 and 15 PI while in the ID, they were significantly lower (p < 0.05) on days 3, 9 and 15 PI. The total erythrocyte counts were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in IC on days 3, 9 and 15 PI and in ID, they were significantly lower (p < 0.05) on days 3 and 9 PI. The mean corpuscular values indicated macrocytic hypochromic anemia in IC and macrocytic normochromic anemia in ID. The leucogram showed leucopenia in IC and initial leucopenia followed by leucocytosis in ID. The hematological pictures of the velogenic NDV in this experiment indicate less susceptibility of ducks when compared with the chickens. The severity of this virus infection in chickens and the mild clinical signs and lesions presented by ducks showed that ducks are far less susceptible than chickens.

胚后发育期臭腹腺蝗中的血细胞种类(英文)

应用血球计数器统计了胚后发育期臭腹腺蝗Zonocerus variegatus中存在的血细胞类型和数目。从1龄幼虫至成虫的发育阶段中共观察到6种血细胞类型,即原血细胞(PRS)、浆血细胞(PLS)、粒细胞(GRS)、珠血细胞(SPS)、绛色细胞(OES)和adipohaemocytes(ADS)。不过,在1龄幼虫期未发现OES。在这6种血细胞中,PLS的总平均数最高,OES的总平均数最低。成虫期的血细胞数目显著高于其他发育阶段(P<0.05),而1龄幼虫和2龄幼虫期的血细胞数目不存在显著差异(P>0.05)。

尼日利亚南部阿贝奥库塔地区冈比亚按蚊复合体的形态特征研究(双翅目：蚊科)

对采自尼日利亚南部城市阿贝奥库塔冈比亚按蚊复合体Anopheles gambiae complex的形态特征进行了研究。依据2005年8月至2006年7月灯诱捕获的364个冈比亚按蚊复合体标本,分别对它们的触角、翅、喙、前足、中足和后足6个部位的长度进行了测量,对月平均值进行回归分析,同时利用差异系数(coefficient of difference,CD)进行近缘分析。分析显示,各特征的长度平均值雨季大于旱季,但是回归分析表明长度变化与季节不显著相关(P>0.05)。差异系数分析结果表明,仅触角长度和翅长显示此复合体为两个不同的种群(CD>1.28),而其他特征值表明为同一种群。因此,该研究结果提示触角长度及翅长对冈比亚按蚊复合体近缘种的区分有重要参考价值。

尼日利亚西南部奥孙河沿线黑蝇Simulium damnosum Theobald complex的形态分类研究(双翅目：蚋科)(英文)

黑蝇Simulium damnosumsensu lato是由多个姊妹种组成的复合体,这些种在生态学和盘尾丝虫病的传播方面各不相同。本文对奥孙河沿线的尼日利亚西南部森林区域的黑蝇S. damnosum s.l.复合体的组成以及成虫的形态学特征进行了研究。本研究所用的黑蝇S. damnosum s.l.成虫标本来源于奥孙河沿线的3个区,分别是Osun Eleja,Osun Ogbere和Osun Budepo。标本采集通过人体诱捕的方式,采集时间从2008年2月至2009年6月上午7:00到下午6:00,每两周采集1次。通过观察成虫的翅毛簇(wing tufts)和其他形态特征,对其进行分类研究。结果表明:存在同域分布的森林种和稀树草原种。在奥孙河沿线3个区内,森林种为优势种,占总捕获量的99.18%,而稀树草原种仅占0.82%;森林种和稀树草原种在多度上存在显著差异(P<0.05)。所捕获的所有稀树草原种的翅毛簇均为灰白色,而捕获的森林种的翅毛簇颜色存在显著差异(P<0.05)。为了更清楚地揭示该地区黑蝇S. damnosum s.l.的物种组成,建议进行更深入的研究。