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Tuberculosis (TB) is known to be one of the oldest forms of human diseases which still remain the leading cause of death worldwide. It is characterized as a pulmonary disease which occurs due to accumulation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) onto the lungs alveolar surfaces. M. tuberculosis is an implicated pathogenic bacteria associated with T.B. It is the chronic infectious disease caused by the tubercle bacillus (M. tuberculosis). This study was aimed to determine co-infection of other pathogenic bacteria within MTB patients attending Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Katsina. The study design was crosssectional, conducted to isolate some pathogenic bacteria that co-infected TB patients who are Acid fast bacilli (AFB) positive and AFB negative. The samples obtained were cultured on Blood, Chocolate and MacConkey agar and incubated at 37oC for 24 hours. Pure isolates were confirmed using Grams Staining and biochemical reaction. Data obtained were presented as simple percentage and using statistical analysis which revealed that the incidence was common among the age categories 51-60 with 28%, followed by those >60 years with 20°%. The lowest prevalence was recorded the at age category 11-20 with 10%. Based on gender, males presented with the higher incidence (35/50) i.e. 70% than female (15/50) i.e. 30%. Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphyllococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the most prevalent organisms isolated with 21.9%, 19.66% and 19.10% respectively. E. coli with 05.62% being had the least isolates. The research demonstrated the existence of both Gram positive and Gram negative bacterial pathogens that co-infect with TB patients, especially among the elderly males. Further research should be tailored towards investigating other pathogens that co-infect with MTB patients, such as fungi and viruses, in diversified hospitals in Katsina state and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study determined the effect of Neem Leaf Meal (NLM) based - diets on growth response, haematological and serum biochemical indices of female rabbits (does). Twenty four (24) weaned rabbits (5 - 6 weeks old with average body weight of 600 ±1.05g) were used. The NLM was included in the diets at 0, 5, 10, and 15% levels as treatments TI, T2, T3, and T4, respectively. The rabbits were divided into four groups of six (6) each and randomly assigned to experimental diets using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Water was provided ad libitum and the rabbits were housed in disinfected wooden hutches for 56 days. Data on growth response, haematological and serum biochemical indices were collected and analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results revealed that the growth performance parameters showed significant (P<0.05) differences between dietary treatments with progressive decrease in values as the levels of NLM inclusion increased across the diets. The final weight gain ranged between 860 and 970 g/rabbit. The total weight gain was between 310 and 380 g/rabbit, total feed intake ranged between 2150 and 2221 g/rabbit while FCR ranged between 5.84 and 6.94. Growth parameters beyond 10% inclusion level were least compared with values in the control diet. The haematological indices showed that all parameters were significantly (P<0.05) affected by dietary treatments and within the normal ranges for apparently healthy rabbits. The serum biochemical indices were within normal ranges but not significantly affected (P>0.05) by dietary treatments. The study concluded that 10% NLM can be included in the diets meant for rabbits without fear of compromising growth performance and blood characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bottled water like any drinking water used for human consumption should be safe and of standard quality to ensure adequate public health significance. This study is aimed at assessing the physicochemical quality of some bottle water sold in Kano Metropolis. Studies on physicochemical parametric analysis were conducted. A total of 40 samples comprising of 4 different brands were randomly selected from different location. Physicochemical parameters of water samples such as Temperature, pH, Electrical conductivity, Total dissolved solids, turbidity, Magnesium, Calcium, Lead, Copper, Zinc, Bicarbonate, Chloride, Nitrate and Phosphate were analyzed using standard methods of water analysis. The Results of physicochemical parameters were within the drinking water regulatory standard. However, zinc, lead and copper was found to exceed the bottle drinking water standard in the ranges of 3.91 - 6.17Mg/l, 0. 29 - 0. 47Mg/l and 1.54 - 2. 67Mg/l respectively; thereby rendering the water unfit to human consumption. There is the need to embark on routine monitoring and surveillances by the regulatory agencies involved to ensure effective implementation of WHO water safety plans from the catchment source to the consumer. This could be enhanced by replacing old pipes with new ones Bottled water industries should be designated away from heavy metal industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed at determining the possible exposure of wild birds to avian influenza (AI), infectious bronchitis (IB) and Newcastle disease (ND) viruses. Apparently healthy species of free flying wild birds were captured using locally-made baited traps set at strategic watering and feeding locations and in poultry farms. Few species of captive wild birds in households and live bird markets (LBMs) were also sampled. Sera from blood samples collected were analyzed for antibodies to AI, IB and ND viruses using enzyme linked immunorsorbent assay (ELISA). Out of the 209 sera analysed, Bubulcus ibis was 24%, 70% and 27% while Psittacus erithacus was 7%, 21% and 7% positive for antibodies to AI, IB and ND viruses, respectively. Branta canadensis, was 35% and 64% positive for antibodies to AI and IB viruses. Balearica regulorum and Numidia maleagris were 100% and 9% positive to AI virus antibodies. Free flying birds were 19 (15%), 57 (45%) and 27 (21%) positive while captive wild birds were 11%, 20% and 14% positive to AI, IB and ND viruses antibodies, respectively. The results of this study confirm that wild birds were exposed to AI, IB and ND viruses. There was co-exposure of some wild bird species to AI, IB and ND viruses. These birds could possibly serve as carriers and disseminators of AI, IB and ND to poultry. Therefore, control measures against these important poultry diseases should include incursion of wild birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An investigation was conducted to determine the presence of fungi in C. gariepinus harvested from selected farms and dams in Zaria and its environs. A total of 360 randomly sampled Clarias gariepinus (African mudfish) and 144 fish holding water samples were collected from three dams (wild captured) and three fish farms (cultured). They were screened for fungi using Sabouraud Dextrose Agar as isolation medium. Identification of the fungi was done by macroscopic observation of the growth morphology followed by microscopy after staining with lactophenol cotton blue. Four fungal genera namely; Mucor (12.50%), Aspergillus (18.06%), Tricophyton (5.56%) and Penicillium spp. (4.17%) were isolated from water samples. Similar fungi were also isolated from the fish skin swabs in the following order; Mucor spp. (49.57%), Aspergillus sp.(31.30%), Trichophyton sp.(10.43%) and Penicillium sp.(8.0%). Finding these fungi in the fish holding water might have occurred through the use of contaminated and/or decomposed feed, from runoffs, waste water discharges from nearby human settlements into the aquatic environment. The infection of fish by the isolated fungi diminishes both the aesthetic and economic value of fish. Attention must therefore be paid to fish hygiene and fish health management practices must be upheld. We hereby recommend that fish meant for human consumption be properly exposed to temperature high enough to eliminate contaminating fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of zooplankton as bioindicators of water quality in Jakara Dam was carried out for a period of 12 months (March, 2013-February 2014). Zooplankton and water samples were collected and analyzed using standard methods. Sampling sites designated as A, B,C,D, and E were chosen. Result of physico-chemical parameters analysed showed that temperature, secchi disk transparency, pH and electrical conductivity ranged between 25.3-23.9, 10.7-57.9 cm, 7.9-7.7 and 856.7- 817.9 μS/cm respectively, so also dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, nitrate and phosphate ranged between 4.5-3.3 mg/l, 2.5-1.7 mg/l, 23.8-14.3 mg/l, and 15.8-12.5mg/l respectively. Among the zooplankton, Rotifers were the dominant, contributing 27.10% of the total fauna composition. Cladocerans constituted 26.99%, Cyclopoida 16.15%, Calanoida 15.08%, and Protozoans 14.68%. However, a combined total of 36 zooplankton species were encountered, Rotifers had 10, Cladocerans 10, Cyclopoida 6, Protozoans 6, and Calanoida 4. The total fauna composition recorded was 2606.58 Org/l with the highest zooplankton density recorded at site D (631.64 Org/l) and lowest at site A (384.31 Org/l). Bosmina longirostris had the highest total species count of 250.88 Org/l while Afrocyclops monodi had 7.02 Org/l. Rotifers are signs of deteriorating condition of the water quality. Pearson's correlation existed between zooplankton, nitrate, phosphate and electrical conductivity at P<0.01. During the period of this study, site A had low secchi disk transparency, high level of nitrate and phosphate. This is due to human activities taking place at the site. In a bid to providing safe water for domestic and industrial uses, water treatment plant should be provided to help in water treatment especially at site A (Bela community) of this research area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study on phytoplankton as bioindicators of water quality in Jakara Dam was carried out for a period of 12 months (March, 2013-February 2014). Phytoplankton and water samples were collected and analyzed using standard methods. Sampling sites designated as A, B, C, D, and E were chosen. Physico-chemical parameters showed temperature, secchi disk transparency, pH, and electrical conductivity ranged between 25.3-23.9, 10.7-57.9 cm, 7.9-7.7 and 856.7- 817.9μs/cm respectively, so also dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, nitrate and phosphate ranged between 4.5-3.3 mg/l, 2.5-1.7 mg/l, 23.8-14.3 mg/l, and 15.8-12.5mg/l respectively. Cyanophyceae were the most dominant contributing 56.8% of the total flora composition, followed by Bacillariophyceae (23.2%) and Chlorophyceae (23.0%). A combined total of 23 species of phytoplankton were encountered. Cyanophyceae 9, Bacillariophyceae 7 and Chlorophyceae 7. The total flora count obtained was 3255.93 Org/l. The highest phytoplankton density was recorded at site D (870.18 Org/l) and lowest at site A (454.39 Org/l). Oscillatoria spp. had the highest total species count (1131.58) org/l while Anthophysa vegetans had the lowest (10.53 Org/l). High percentages of organic pollution indicators Oscillatoria spp and Microcystis aerogenosa were signs of deteriorating condition of the water quality. Shannon - Weiner's and Evenness Indices values were higher in the months of wet season than in dry season, while the Simpson's Index values were low. The total flora counts were higher in dry season. In the wet season, Pearson's Coefficient analysis showed that there was positive relationship between temperature and nitrate and BOD at P< 0.05. Likewise between DO and phytoplankton, BOD and nitrate and phosphate at P< 0.01. During the period of this study, site A had low secchi disk transparency, high level of nitrate and phosphate. This is due to human activities taking place at the site. Shannon - Weiner's Index value indicated that the site is more polluted. Government and stakeholders should strengthen their legislation against indiscriminate and improper waste disposal along water-ways, dams inclusive. This will ease inflow and check contamination to a large extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]