Search

We investigated the behavioural and oxidative stress responses in the earthworm, Nsukkadrilus mbae on exposure to lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) contaminated soils. This was because the response of thi...

Aims: The study was conducted to assess prevalence of malaria pre- and post-distribution of insecticide treated nets (ITNs) in Potiskum Local Government Area, Yobe State, Nigeria. Study Design: Retrospective and cross-sectional. Place of Study: Potiskum Local Government Area, Yobe State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Prevalence of malaria infection in ten political wards pre-distribution of ITNs was investigated using secondary data sources from Roll Back Malaria and Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response offices. Thin and thick blood smears used to evaluate malaria prevalence post-distribution of ITNs were prepared from blood samples of 520 patients seeking medical attention from the General Hospital, Potiskum. Questionnaires were also handed out to the same set of patients. Results: Prevalence of malaria infection pre- and post-distribution of ITNs in the study area was 57.9% and 22.9% respectively. Respondents to the questionnaire (n = 216) had mosquito nets, of whom 85% owned long-lasting ITNs and the remaining, conventional nets, but 35% used ITNs in their homes and 63% of those owning ITNs received them free-of-charge from local health centers. Conclusion: If the impact of ITNs as an effective malaria vector control measure must be sustained, there should be a corresponding awareness program, which should be aimed at encouraging proper and constant use of ITNs.

Ibuprofen (IBU) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic drug used widely in medicine. The present study evaluated the effects of IBU on lipid peroxidation (LPO), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and reduced glutathione (GSH) in Rattus norvegicus. Sixty male albino rats were divided into four groups (A, B, C, and D), and the groups were further sub-divided into three sub-groups containing five rats. Rats in groups B, C, and D were orally given standard therapeutic dose equivalents of 10, 20, and 30 mg/kg IBU respectively for 21 days and allowed to recover for 7 days. Group A which served as the control was not administered any form of the drug but were given equal volume of distilled water. The results indicate that LPO, SOD, and CAT activities all significantly increased compared with the control. The GSH and GPx values however did not follow consistent pattern. After the 7-day withdrawal from the drug, CAT and LPO returned to the control values. The present study indicates that IBU alters the oxidative parameters in albino rats. Further studies on the pharmacokinetics of the drug and the effects of its metabolites in different species are needed.

Chlorpromazine (CPZ) is among the most famous drugs used for the treatment of psychosis such as delusions, hallucinations, schizophrenia, paranoia, or disordered thought in humans. In the present s...

BackgroundThis study investigated the effect of sublethal concentrations (0.0, 0.3, 0.6, and 1.2 mg·L-1) of herbicide oxadiazon (ODZ) on the activities of Ca2+-ATPase and Na+/K+-ATPase in juvenileClarias gariepinus.MethodsOne hundred eighty juveniles ofClarias gariepinus(mean weight 58.88 ± 1.24 g and mean length 22.34 ± 1.52 cm) were randomly divided into four groups and exposed to sublethal concentrations (0.00, 0.3, 0.6, and 1.2 mg·L-1ODZ) for 21 days in a static renewal bioassay system in which the herbicide and water were replaced completely every day. The changes in Ca2+- and Na+/K+-ATPase activities in the gill, kidney, liver, and heart of the fish were assayed on days 1, 7, 14, and 21.ResultThe result showed significant alteration in the activity of these membrane-bound enzymes. There was duration and concentration-dependent significant (p 2+-ATPase activity in the treatment groups when compared with the control. The Na+/K+-ATPase activity was significantly (p 2+-ATPase and Na+/K+-ATPase in this study may be indication of impaired ionic transport and imbalance in the fish which may trigger other biochemical, physiological, and even neurological consequences that may compromise several body functions.ConclusionThe alteration of the ATPase activities inC. gariepinusby ODZ is likely to affect the ATP usage and energy metabolism in the fish serious repercussions on Ca2+homeostasis, Na+/K+sodium pump, and Ca2+/Na+exchanger The results suggested that assay of the enzymes could be used as a biomarker of water pollution.

Aim: Agrarian settlements in Nigeria possess a lot of factors that predisposes the populace to malaria. The present study focused on the evaluation of three-year prevalence of malaria in rice farm settlements, South-East Nigeria. Study Design: The study was a retrospective descriptive survey designed to evaluate the prevalence of malaria infection between January 2015 and December 2017. A total of 29, 458 records were examined, 21, 559 and 7, 899 from Ebonyi and Enugu States respectively for three years (2015 – 2017). Male comprises 11, 453 of the records while the female was 18, 005. Place and Duration: Southeastern Nigeria \ three years Methodology: Preparation of thick films blood smears for microscopy following standard methods. Results: Overall, 12, 746 (43.3%) were positive for malaria parasites, 7, 651 (35.4%) and 5, 115 (64.8%) from Ebonyi and Enugu respectively. Prevalence of the infection was similar between male and female in Ebonyi State (35.5% vs. 35.3%, χ2 = 0.044, df = 1, p = 0.834); but significantly higher in female compared to male in Enugu State (69.7% vs. 55.7%, χ2 = 154.808, df = 1, p = 0.0001). Conclusion: There was high prevalence of malaria infection in rice farm settlements, south-east Nigeria.

Ivermectin® (IVM) is one of the most widely used antiparasitic drugs in human and veterinary medicine. This study assesses the effect of IVM on biometric characteristics and organ biomarkers of Afr...

This research investigated the prevalence of waterborne infections (WBIs) and the risks associated with household drinking water choices, knowledge, and practices. A cross-sectional multi-stage sampling research design was employed. A well-structured questionnaire was used to sample 403 individuals representing 115 household; and stool samples collected and subjected to standard parasitic and bacterial diagnostic methods. From the 403 samples, 344 (85.4%) were positive for at least one waterborne pathogen of nine isolates: E. coli (38.0%), Giardia lamblia (35.2%), E. histolytica (33.0%), Salmonella typhi (19.9%), Proteus spp. (13.2%), Shigella dysentery (9.4%), Klebsiella spp. (7.4%), Enterobacter spp. (5.5%), and Cryptosporidium spp. (5.2%). Prevalence of WBIs was >75% in all age groups, but decreased with age. Prevalence of WBIs was >80% in all communities. Risk was not biased by gender. Odds of infection from public well (OR = 2.487; CI95: 1.296–4.774) and borehole/vendor (OR = 2.175; CI95: 1.231–3.843) users was over two times greater than non-users. Risk of WBDs was significantly reduced by 60% in sachet water drinkers (OR = 0.392; CI95: 0.217–0.709; p < 0.05). Surprisingly, river/stream water users had a significant reduced risk of WBDs than non-users (OR = 0.335; CI95: 0.150–0.749; p < 0.05). Poor hygiene was the most important determinant of WBIs; poor sanitary practice increased odds of WBIs by 400% (OR = 4.945; CI95: 2.358–10.371; p < 0.05). This study shows that most household water choices are vulnerable to contamination at many points in their journey from source to mouth; and advocates adequate provision of safe water, “point of use” household water treatment, and good storage methods to effectively curb WBIs.

Psychotria microphylla is an ichthyotoxic botanical used to stupefy fish prior to harvesting in aquatic systems. The current study investigated the effect of P. microphylla leaf extract on the oxid...

Many water sources in Nigeria are contaminated with pathogens. Several towns have witnessed outbreaks of enteric diseases due to poor hygienic standards of available drinking water. This research was undertaken to determine the spatiotemporal trends of waterborne diseases (WBDs) in Enugu, Nigeria using retrospective records from January 2013 to December 2016. A total of 18,495 individual reported cases of WBDs were analysed. The analysis showed an increasing temporal trend from 2013 to 2015, with a slight decrease in 2016. Typhoid fever had the highest frequency (48.9%) followed by diarrhoea (40%) and then dysentery (11.1%). The highest (88.9%) incidence of waterborne diseases per 10,000 peoples was from Enugu North followed by Enugu South (62.6%) and least was Enugu East (44.4%). Highest occurrence of typhoid fever and dysentery per 10,000 peoples was also found in Enugu North while Enugu East had the highest occurrence of diarrhoea in the four-year trends. WBDs were highest between January and March and least in July. The months with peak occurrence of WBDs falls within the dry season. The importance of having drinking water in both quality and quantity cannot be overestimated as portrayed in this study. Drinking water quality in Enugu urban is very poor especially during the dry season. This suggests a need for setting up a modality to tackle challenges of limited water supply during the dry seasons of the year and to educate the populace on household water treatment and storage method.

Iron and zinc deficiencies is common in malaria endemic areas and contributes to morbidity. Vitamin C and zinc combined supplements have been hypothesized as a remedy. This study evaluated the effect of different combinations of vitamin C and zinc on haematological parameters and mortality of Plasmodium berghei-infected mice (Mus musculus). A three-week trial was carried out to assess haematological changes and mortality of mice after 3-day artemether treatment co-administered with vitamin C - zinc supplements. Grouping was based on combinations of vitamin C and zinc. Weight, packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cell count (WBC), red blood cell count (RBC), haemoglobin concentration (HB), and mortality were assayed weekly. The supplement improved PCV, HB, mean cell volume (MCV) and mean cell haemoglobin (MCH). Mice mortality was higher in the absence of the supplement, though the difference was not significant (χ2 = 5.214, P = 0.5167). Parasitaemia was not reduced by the supplement. A 30:70 vitamin C - zinc supplement performed better than other combinations used. Therefore, vitamin C - zinc supplement play roles in the management of malaria, since they improved PCV and HB, and lowered mortality rate, complementing the therapeutic effect of artemether. Keywords: Dietary supplement, Food supplement, Micronutrient, Zinc, Vitamin C, Malaria, Nutritional medicine

The presence of drugs and their metabolites in surface waters and municipal effluents has been reported in several studies, but their impacts on aquatic organisms are not yet well studied. The present study investigated the effects of exposure to the antipsychotic drug, haloperidol on the behavioral, hematological and biochemical parameters in juvenile Clarias gariepinus. The fishes were exposed to 0.12, 0.24 and 0.48 mg/L haloperidol for 15 days and later withdrawn from the toxicant and allowed to recover for 5 days. Blood was sampled on days 1, 5, 10, 15, and after the 5-day recovery for hematological and biochemical analysis. The pack cell volume (PCV), red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), reticulocytes and lymphocyte counts were significantly reduced in the exposed fish. The neutrophil counts were increased while that of monocytes, basophils and eosinophils were not affected by the drug. The mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were not different from the control on exposure to the drug. The activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and acid phosphatase (ACP); and serum creatinine, bile acid and bilirubin were increased on 15-day exposure to the drug. The activity of the clotting factor fibrinogen was reduced compared to the control after exposure to the drug. Haloperidol at concentrations used on 15-day exposure were toxic to fish, but the effect appeared short-lived, as it dissipated on 5-day withdrawal from the drug. While further studies are needed to ascertain the impact of prolonged exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations, caution is advised to avoid eco-toxicological damage to aquatic organisms.

Chlorpromazine (CPZ) is among the most famous drugs used for the treatment of psychosis such as delusions, hallucinations, schizophrenia, paranoia, or disordered thought in humans. In the present study, the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and oxidative stress parameters in the brain of

Clotrimazole (CLO) is an imidazole fungicide used in human and veterinary medicine for treating fungal infection. This study evaluated the changes in morphological, haematological and biochemical indices in Clarias gariepinus juveniles exposed to CLO. After the acute exposure, the 96 h LC50 value of CLO determined by probit analysis was 38.79 mgl−1. Based on this value, fish were exposed to sublethal concentrations of 7.76, 3.89, 1.94 and 0.00 mgl−1 (control) of CLO for 21 days and were allowed to recover for 7 days. The result revealed no significant effect on the hepatosomatic index and condition factor of the exposed fish. There were concentration and time-dependent significant decreases in red blood cell (RBC), haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) with significant increase in the white blood cell (WBC), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) in the exposed group when compared with the control. A mixed trend was observed in the levels of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes and eosinophils. The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and glucose values significantly increased, while protein levels were reduced (p

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of sublethal concentrations (0.3, 0.6 and 1.2 mg L−1) of the herbicide Ronstar on the hematology and some immune parameters in Clarias gariepinus juvenile (mean weight and length 58.72 ± 2.46 g and 27.60 ± 1.62 cm, respectively). The hematological and some immune parameters were studied for 21 days in a static renewal bioassay system in which the water and the herbicide were changed daily. The erythrocyte count, hemoglobin concentration (Hb), and packed cell volume (PCV) were significantly (p

The oxidative stress responses of Clarias gariepinus exposed to potassium dichromate at sublethal concentrations for 28 days were studied in 2017. Fish were exposed to 0.165, 0.0825 and 0.033 mg l−...

The inhibitory potential of Hyptis suaveolens leaf and root extracts on fungi associated with postharvest spoilage of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) was examined. Collection of diseased cabbage was done in sterile sample bags . Isolation of fungi was carried out by inoculating small sections of diseased tissues excised from the cabbages unto Petri-dishes containing Acidified Potato Dextrose Agar (APDA). The isolated fungi were inoculated in triplicates unto Petri-dishes impregnated with 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% concentrations of leaf and root extracts. Fungi inoculated on PDA alone and PDA impregnated with extraction solvents, served as controls. Diametric growths of the fungi were measured 24 hourly for 10 days after inoculation. Isolated fungi associated with postharvest spoilage in B. oleracea were Aspergillus niger and Rhizopus nigricans. Ethanol root extracts were highly effective as inhibitors of fungal growth. Ethanol leaf and aqueous root extracts only effectively inhibited A. niger growth. Aqueous leaf extracts of H. suaveolens irrespective of concentration did not inhibit growth of either of the fungal species. Generally, inhibition of fungal species growth decreased based on duration of exposure; effects were in the order: Day 5 effects > day 7 effects > day 10 effects. Ethanol and aqueous leaf and root extracts of H. suaveolens possess fungitoxic properties that might be effective as phytofungicides against fungi responsible for postharvest bio-deterioration of B. oleracea. Better understanding of the bioactive components of these natural extracts and more research into how they can be obtained in large quantities and packaged in a form that can be attractive to farmers is needed. Key words: Cabbage spoilage, Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus nigricans, growth inhibition, concentration dependent activity, food security, bio-deterioration.

The prevalence of Emeria species of coccidian among domesticated pigeons ( Columba livia domestica ) was conducted for a period of one year from July 2016 to August 2017 in Maiduguri Metropolis to determine the prevalence of coccidian. Floatation method was used to concentrate the coccidian oocysts using saturated sucrose solution as per standard procedure (Soulsby, 1982) and Sporulation technique was used to determine the size and morphological characteristics of the oocysts. A total of 101 faecal sample were investigated with floatation method and prevalence rate was found to be (56.2%) has the highest prevalence, positive samples sporulated by 2.5 per cent potassium dichromate solution. Four coccidian under genus Eimeria were positively isolated viz., E. columbae (30.56) E. tropicalis (26.63) E. columbarum (22.00) and E. labeana (16.50) all found among the age and sex. The highest oocyst mean bodern is 30.56 that of Eimeria columbea and the least is 1.00 in E. tropicalis . Among the pigeon study the young pigeons were significantly more infected with p. value (

Background: Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) have remained a major threat to humans, especially children in developing countries, including Nigeria. Interventions have always been geared towards school-aged children, neglecting preschool-aged children and occupational risk adults. The Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis Advisory Committee (STHAC) recently suggested incorporating other at-risk groups. Objective: This study assessed the associated risk of STH infection among agrarian communities of Kogi State, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 310 individuals of all ages participated in the cross-sectional survey. Stool samples were analyzed using standard Kato-Katz method. Results: A total of 106 (34.2%) individuals were infected with at least one STH. Hookworm was the most prevalent (18.1%); followed by 'Ascaris lumbricoides' (16.8%). Worm intensity was generally light. Prevalence of infection was similar between four age groups considered (preschool, school, ‘women of reproductive age’ and older at-risk group). Poor socio-economic status (SES) was a major risk for STH infection. Using a 20-asset based criteria, 68 (23.1%) and 73 (24.7%) of 295 questionnaire respondents were classified into first (poorest) and fifth (richest) wealth quintiles respectively. Risk of infection with STH was 60% significantly lower in the richest wealth quintile compared to the poorest (Prevalence Ratio [PR] = 0.4843, 95% CI = 0.2704–0.8678, p = 0.015). Open defecators were more likely to harbour STH than those who did not (PR = 1.7878, 95% CI = 1.236–2.5846, p = 0.00201). Pit latrine and water closet toilets each approximately reduced STH infection by 50% (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Preventive chemotherapy for all age groups, health education and provision of basic amenities especially toilets are needed in order to achieve the goal toward the 2020 target of STH control.

Background: Mapping the distribution of parasitic diseases in time and space has a pivotal role to play in their control. Objectives: This study mapped urinary schistosomiasis in Anambra State. Methods: Sampling covered the three senatorial districts, Anambra North, Anambra Central and Anambra South. However, only nine of the 21 local government areas (LGAs) and one town in each LGA were covered. A geographic information system (GIS) was used to map the distribution of schistosomiasis in the state. With the aid of GIS, the distance of the towns to water bodies was calculated. A total of 450 urine samples collected from the nine LGAs were examined for haematuria and Schistosoma haematobium eggs. A questionnaire was used to assess exposure and risks status to infection. The urine samples were examined for haematuria using dipstick and microscopy. Findings: Overall prevalence of infection in the study was 2.9% and 5.5% for microscopy and haematuria, respectively. Prevalence of schistosomiasis was different between the districts, and this was statistically significant (χ2 = 7.763, p = 0.021). Prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in the towns had a significant negative linear relationship with distance to water body (r = –0.767, p = 0.016). Based on infection status from microscopy, the adjusted odds of infection in fishers was over 103 times higher than in students; the difference was significant statistically (AOR = 103.0443, 95% CI = 4.6278–7093.972, p = 0.0114). People who washed things in stream had 12 times significantly greater odds of infection than those that did not (AOR = 12.4585, 95% CI = 1.9590–258.8108, p = 0.02542). The distance of respondents to stream was a major determinant of infection with urinary schistosomiasis in the state. Those who lived close to water were approximately 1131% more likely to be infected than those who lived far from water bodies (AOR = 11.3157, 95% CI 2.2473–90.6889, p = 0.00713). Conclusions: Anambra State is endemic for urinary schistosomiasis. There is therefore a need for focal studies; and there may probably be a need to design a health program aimed at controlling the infection in focal areas in the state. The study also provides relevant information for designing a plan of action for the selective integrated and targeted control of urinary schistosomiasis in the LGAs.

Pregnancy-associated malaria remains a major risk to the pregnant woman, her foetus and infants in sub- Saharan Africa. Infection by Plasmodium falciparum significantly affects maternal, foetal and neonatal wellbeing. Maternal anaemia, low birth weight, preterm labour, spontaneous abortion, and maternal and neonatal mortalities are some of its consequences. It complicates maternal immunological response and possibly also selfishly pre-empt foetal immunological response by transplacental communications. Therefore, the impacts may extend well beyond the duration of pregnancy and the immediate period post-delivery. Effective case management and prevention continue to yield positive results, but challenges still remains especially in sub-Saharan Africa. The challenges of antenatal service provision, compliance with intermittent preventive treatment at pregnancy by sulfadoxinepyrimethamine (IPTp-SP), widespread SP resistance, and resistance to insecticide treated nets (ITNs) and insecticides continue to complicate efforts at PAM control in sub-Saharan Africa. Hopefully, the Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016–2030 will comprehensively consider these challenges and improve the prospect of every pregnant woman in sub-Saharan Africa.

Pregnancy-associated malaria (PAM) is a major public health concern constituting a serious risk to the pregnant woman, her foetus, and newborn. Management of cases and prevention rely partly on effective and efficient antenatal services. This study examined the effectiveness of antenatal service provision in a major district hospital in sub-Saharan Africa at preventing PAM. A cross-sectional hospital based study design aided by questionnaire was used. Malaria diagnosis was by microscopy. Overall prevalence of PAM was 50.7% (38/75). Mean Plasmodium falciparum density was (112.89 ± standard error of mean, 22.90) × 103/µL red blood cell (RBC). P. falciparum prevalence was not significantly dependent on gravidity, parity, trimester, age, and BMI status of the women (p > 0.05). Difference in P. falciparum density per µL RBC in primigravidae (268.13 ± 58.23) × 103 vs. secundi- (92.14 ± 4.72) × 103 vs. multigravidae (65.22 ± 20.17) × 103; and in nulliparous (225.00 ± 48.25) × 103 vs. primiparous (26.25 ± 8.26) × 103 vs. multiparous (67.50 ± 20.97) × 103 was significant (p < 0.05). Majority of attendees were at 3rd trimester at time of first antenatal visit. Prevalence of malaria parasitaemia in the first-time (48.6%), and multiple-time (52.6%) antenatal attendees was not significantly different (χ2 = 0.119, p = 0.730). The higher prevalence of malaria among bed net owners (69.6% vs. 42.9%, χ2 = 2.575, p = 0.109, OR = 3.048 (95% CI 0.765–12.135)) and users (66.7% vs. 33.3%, χ2 = 2.517, p = 0.113, OR = 4.000 (95% CI 0.693–23.089)) at multiple antenatal visits vs. first timers was not significant. None of the pregnant women examined used malaria preventive chemotherapy. Antenatal services at the hospital were not effective at preventing PAM. Holistic reviews reflecting recommendations made here can be adopted for effective service delivery.