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In Nigeria, there has been an increasing trend towards establishing puppy mills for commercial breeding of exotic dogs. This study determined gastrointestinal parasites associated with exotic dogs of the existing puppy mills in Jos Metropolis Nigeria. A total of 150 dogs’ fresh feacal samples were collected from 25 different puppy mills and examined using formol ether and floatation concentration techniques. Data on risks factors variables of dogs’ age, number of dogs per kernel kennel type, nature of food and history of antiparasitic drugs usage were collected from the breeders using predesigned questionnaire. The result revealed an overall prevalence of 71.33% intestinal parasitic burden among the dogs. Chi square (χ2) analysis showed association (p< 0.05) between breeds of dogs and occurrence of parasites. The gastrointestinal parasites associated were most prevalent dogs in Neapolitan mastiff (86.36%) followed by Rottweiler (75.70%) and German Shepherd (57.14%) was the least infected Predominantly, a total of seven (7) species of intestinal parasites; Ancylostoma caninum (28.00%) Dipylidium caninum (23.33%), Toxocara canis (14.00%), Trichuris vulpis (11.33%), Taenia sp. (5.33%) Giardia sp. (7.33%) and Coccidia sp. (5.33%) were identified. Among different gastrointestinal parasitic infections, occurrence of Ancylostoma caninum (28.00%) was highest, followed by Dipylidium caninum (23.33%). Multiple parasitic infections among positive dogs sampled were observed, however, risk factors variables did not (p > 0.05) affect parasitic infection. Age based gastrointestinal parasitic infection peak (77.78%) was reported among 7 9 months old and decreased with ages of dogs The result showed no significant difference in prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites among age groups of the dogs (χ2 = 2.616, d.f. = 5, P = 0.624). This trend implies that puppies of younger age groups had higher prevalence and tendency for infection with gastrointestinal parasites than their older counterparts.This study provides baseline data on the spectrum of intestinal parasitic infection of exotic dogs in commercial puppy mills in Jos-Nigeria. Therefore, the phenomenon could represent an important health threat and needs to be regulated, so that breeders adhere to hygiene practices and veterinary guidelines. This will serve as an approach to reduce the tendency of increasing intestinal parasitic burden of local dogs as well as eliminate emergent zoonotic intestinal parasites in the dogs.

The health and well-being of individuals in a nation absolutely depends on the quality of water available for consumption. Therefore, this study evaluated parasitic contaminants of drinking water sources in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. A total of 48 water samples were collected from different sources (boreholes, wells and streams) from March to July 2017. The water samples were analyzed using the Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) floatation method and the samples were examined microscopically for the presences of parasites. A total of 32 (66.67%) water samples were parasitized by a trematode (Fasciola hepatica), two protozoans (Entamoeba histolytica, and Giardia lamblia) and three nematodes (Trichuris trichiuria, Ascaris lumbricoides and Hookworm). The nematode group had the highest contamination rate 19 (59.38%) followed by the protozoan group 12 (37.50%) while trematode was the least with 1(3.13%). The stream source was the most contaminated in late dry and early wet seasons having 69.23% and 94.74% respectively, followed by wells which had 30.77% and 5.26% in late dry and early wet seasons respectively while boreholes had 0% contamination in both seasons. Therefore, prevalence of parasites in relation to sources of water showed a very high significant association (X2= 49.741, df = 2, P < 0.0001), while there was no significant association with seasons (X2 = 2.3438, df = 1, P = 0.1258).Result indicated high rate of parasitic contamination of drinking water sources in the study area. Hence, the need for advocacy and enlightenment of the inhabitants of the area on the importance of proper treatment of potable water.Key words: Parasites, potable water sources, seasons

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of Salmonella species from raw beef obtained from markets and Japanese quail eggs from farms and retail outlets in Jos and environs, Nigeria, using colony morphology and biochemical tests. Of the 100 raw beef samples examined, 11 were contaminated with Salmonella given a prevalence of 11.0%. Salmonella was isolated from 3 out of the 225 quail eggs analyzed. The result revealed that only 0.8% of the quail egg contents were positive for Salmonella while the prevalence on egg shell was 1.7%. The prevalence of Salmonella on raw beef was found to be relatively higher in Tudun Wada and Rukuba Road 4(20.0%), while Terminus, Abattoir and Gada Biyu had a lower prevalence of 1 (5.0%). The relative prevalence of Salmonella on the egg shell and content base on location indicates considerable high (4.0%) levels of contamination in samples from Jos South Local Government Area while eggs collected from Jos North and Jos East revealed a prevalence of 0.0%. The antibiotic sensitivity pattern of the isolates showed varying degree of sensitivity. The isolates were moderately sensitive to Ciprofloxacin, Sulphademethoxazole, Chloramphenicol and Gentamycin recording the highest sensitivity. The isolates were completely resistant to Tetracyline, Neomycin, Oxacillin and Erythromycin. Multi-drug resistance was reported in isolates from quail eggs from Farm A. All the isolates from the three farms were resistant to Oxacillin and Erythromycin while two (from Farms A and C) were resistant to Sulphadimethoxazole. Regulatory control of antibiotics usage in livestock production, meat/poultry hygiene and pharmaco-epidemiological surveillance in food animals to ensure consumer safety were therefore recommended. Key words: Salmonella, resistance, susceptibility, sensitivity, surveillance.

Ticks and tick-borne parasites are a major constrain to good livestock productivity in the sub-Saharan Africa including Nigeria. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of ticks and tick-borne parasites in cattle at Shinge Livestock Market, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Ticks and blood collected from randomly selected cattle were examined using standard entomological, parasitological and haematological procedures. Out of the 200 cattle examined 112(56.0%) were tick infested. A total of 1,152 ticks were collected from all cattle examined. Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus 948(62.3%) was the most abundant species infesting cattle breeds followed by Amblyomma variegatum 383(25.2%), then Hyalomma rufipes 184(12.1%), while Rhipicephalus sanguineus 7(0.5%) was the least tick species encountered. There was a very high significant difference (p

Water is essential to all living things on earth, however if contaminated, can be injurious to human health when consumed. This study evaluates the parasitic contamination of potable water sources and surrounding soil in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. Forty-eight soil and water samples from different sources (wells, streams and boreholes) were collected from March to July 2017. Water samples were analyzed using the Calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ) floatation method while a modified Baermann Technique was used to microscopically examine soil samples for the parasitic presences. 32 water samples were parasitized including 2 protozoans ( Entamoeba histolytica , and Giardia lamblia) 3 nematodes ( Trichuris trichiura , Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm), and Fasciola hepatica a trematode. The nematodes were most contaminated 19(59.38%) while trematodes were least 1(3.13%). The most contamination was in stream water sources for late dry and early wet season (69.23% and 94.74%) while the boreholes had no contamination for both seasons. Prevalence of parasites in relation to water sources showed a high significant difference ( p = 0.0000001), while there was no significant difference in relation to late dry and early rainy seasons ( p = 0.1258). Geohelminths was highest around the boreholes 15(35.71%) but least in the streams 13(30.95%). However, there was no significant difference ( p = 0.6221) in the prevalence rate of geohelminths in relation to sources of water. Result indicated a high rate of parasitic contamination of soil and drinking water sources in the study=area. Hence there is need for advocacy and enlightenment on the importance of proper drinking water treatment. Keywords: Geohelminths; parasitic contamination; water

This study investigated the mean occurrence ofCryptosporidiumoocysts in soil and manure samples, samples were collected from some of the areas visited in Jos North & South LGA of Plateau State, Nigeria. Samples were analysed for the presence ofCryptosporidiumspecies.Cryptosporidiumspecies were determined by parasitological techniques (Formol-ether and floatation concentration techniques Staining was done using Zielh Neelsen technique, Mac-Master counting technique was used for the determination of the frequency of occurrence). Our results revealed higher means in the dry season with means of 19.2, 13.4 and 12.6 recorded for the months of January, February and March respectively than the rainy season that recorded the means of 6.8, 5.8, and 4.2 for the months of June, July and August. These results are discussed in relation to the epidemiology, distribution and significance ofCryptosporidiumto the farmers that are constantly in contact with the samples and the impact of the contagious effect of these parasites in the environment on humans and animals.&nbsp

This study investigated Cryptosporidium species in Apparently Healthy Individuals (AHI) of different occupation the study was carried out in Jos metropolis of Plateau State, Nigeria. Three hundred (300) samples were collected from Apparently Healthy Individuals (AHI). Samples were analyzed for Cryptosporidium infectious. Cryptosporidium species and other intestinal parasites were determined by parasitological techniques (Formol-ether and floatation concentration techniques Staining was done using Zielh Neelsen technique). Cryptosporidiosis in AHI was 37(12.3%). Younger individuals between the ages of 0-10 and 11-20, had 11(55.0%), 12 (60.0%) and 15 (57.7%), 14 (58.33%) in the male and female group. These were statistically (p< 0.05) significant. Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia intestinalis, Taenia saginata, Ancyslostoma duodenale, (Hookworm sp) Ascaris lumbricoides, and Hymenolepis nana were also identified. Of these, two major parasites implicated in gastroenteritis and diarrhea (Entamoeba histolytic and Giardia intestinalis) had prevalence of 40(13.33%) and 11(3.67%) respectively. The occurrence of this parasite in relation to the occupational group sampled showed that the prevalence was higher with the herdsmen, butchers and the farmers having 17.11%, 16.96% and 15.84% in that order with the least occurring in the businessmen with 8.33%. These results are discussed in relation to the distribution and significance of Cryptosporidium species and other enteric parasites in the environment.

A study co-infection of malaria and typhoid fever among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at General Hospital Wuse, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria, between March and May, 2015. Blood samples were obtained from the pregnant women by venipuncture technique and 4ml of whole blood collected and placed into EDTA bottle for malaria parasite and typhoid fever examination. A total of 200 pregnant women were examined. Field stained thick and thin blood films were used to detect malaria parasites in the samples while typhoid fever was diagnosed from each blood sample using Widal test kit. Out of the 200 persons sampled, 16(8.0%) tested positive for malaria, 86(43.0%) tested positive for typhoid fever. Co-infection of malaria and typhoid fever was highest in the age-group of 31-40 years, 8(11.11%) while͵≤ 20, 21-30 and 51-60 age-groups recorded no co-infection. Statistically, there is a significant difference on malaria-typhoid co-infection. There is need for massive health education campaign to educate the pregnant women who visit General Hospital, Wuse, to correct the wrong perception they have about malaria and typhoid fever for effective treatment and control of the diseases.Keywords: Malaria; typhoid fever; co-infection; Wuse.

Microsporidial infections have been recognized as an increasingly important infection in immunocompromized patients, particularly those infected with HIV/AIDS. This study was designed to study immune responses associated with experimental Encephalitozoon intestinalis infection in immunecompetent rats.Thirty-four rats in 3 groups, A (Control), B (Intraperitoneal) and C (Oral) were given injections of 0.5 ml of 2 x 10(6) of purified spores of Encephalitotozoon intestinalis spores and were observed for serum specific IgG for 21 days using both Direct and Indirect ELISA.In indirect ELISA, specific lgG were detected on days 7, 14 and 21 for the group B rats and on day 21 for group C and in direct ELISA method, specific lgG were detected in-group B rats on days 7 and 21, for group C rats on day 21 only, while in the control rats, specific lgG were not detected. There was no significant difference between the direct and indirect methods (df=1, X(2), P0.05). E. intestinalis was observed in stool samples of rats in 1/12 (08.33%) on days 14 and 21 in group B and in 4/10 (33.33%), 3/10 (25.00%) and 2/10 (16.67%) on days 7, 14 and 21 respectively in group C. In-group, A which is the control rats, no microsporidia were observed on days 0, 7, 14 and 21.There were no changes in the T-lymphocyte counts of rats prior to and after inoculation with spores. Extensive lesions were observed along the intestinal walls especially on the middle and lower sections of group C rats only.

The global impact of malaria has spurred interest in developing prompt and accurate diagnostic strategies to provide an effective management of the disease. The aim of this study was to compare rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for malaria with routine microscopy. Samples were collected randomly from 364 febrile out-patients with clinical suspicion of malaria from four hospitals in North Central Nigeria. Results from the rapid diagnostic kits were analysed and compared to those obtained by general microscopy. Of the 364 out-patients involved in the study, 218 (59.89%) tested positive for Plasmodium falciparum by RDTs, whereas 263 (72.256%) tested positive by microscopy. There are significant differences (P

This study investigated the occurrence of cryptosporidium and cryptosporidiosis in calves from Jos, Northern Nigeria. Two hundred fecal samples were collected from the calves, recruited for an all year round study (January to December 2007). Fecal samples were obtained directly from the rectum of each animal. The samples were processed based on the formol ether concentration technique and the saturated sodium chloride flotation method. Cryptosporidium spp. was detected using the modified Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) method. Significant relationships (p>0.05) between the prevalence and distribution of cryptosporidium and other enteric pathogens in the calves examined were recorded. Cryptosporidium species recorded the highest prevalence in the calves (38.5%), while coccidian had 21.2%, and Monizia expansa and Neoascaris vitulomum recorded 18.6%. There was a significant difference (p>0.05) in the prevalence of cryptosporidium species across sex and ages of the calves. Prevalence decreased with age. Infection was more common in animals aged 1-10 to 21-30 days, while in relation to sex, the female calves recorded slightly higher prevalence (38.7%) than the Males (38.3%). Keywords: Cryptosporidium, cryptosporidiosis, coccidian calves, Nigeria

Modern contraceptive methods accepted by 17,846 new clients in Jos University Teaching Hospital, a tertiary health institution, over two decades are presented.This was a review of the contraceptive trend in new clients who used the various methods of contraception over an 18-year period, 1985-2002.The accepted methods were the intrauterine device (26.1%), oral contraceptive pills (23.5%), female sterilization (21.7%), the Injectable (14.2%), male condom (9.5%), Norplant implants (4.9%) and vasectomy (0.1%). Reversible methods were used by 78.2% and the permanent forms by 21.8%. The women were the acceptors of the methods in 90.5%, while men contributed only 9.5% of the new acceptors. Ten men only had vasectomy over the period of study.The Intrauterine device was the leading method of contraception accepted by the women and male vasectomy was the least accepted by men. There is the need for increased male involvement in contraceptive issues.

No Abstract. The Journal of Medicine in the Tropics Vol. 8 (1) 2006: pp. 9-17

The objectives of the study were to determine the incidence, maternal and foetal outcome of twin delivery in Jos, Nigeria.All consecutive twin deliveries between August 2003 and November 2004 were studied. Data obtained at the time of delivery included maternal age, parity, gestational age at the time of delivery, foetal Apgar scores at birth, gender/sex and foetal weights.A total of 3,420 deliveries were conducted and 75 were twin deliveries constituting 2.3%, or 1 in 43 deliveries. The mean age and parity of mothers were 28.96 and 3.20 respectively. Male infants constituted 54.7% of the twins with a sex ratio of 1.206 boys to 1.0 girls. Among the twin deliveries, presentation of cephalic-cephalic for the first and second twins was the most common, (48.0%). Male-male twin pair occurred in 33.3%, male-female twins in 22.7%, female-female in 24%, while female-male twins occurred in 20.0%. Males were first twin in 56.0% and second twin in 53.4%; while females were first twin in 44.0% and second twin in 46.6% of the cases. Caesarean section rate was 41.3% in the overall twin pregnancies. Perinatal mortality was 91 per 1000 deliveries.The incidence of twin pregnancy in Jos is high. The commonest maternal morbidity was preterm labour and delivery. Foetal low birth weight was present in about three quarters of the infants. Perinatal mortality rate was expectedly increased in the study. Close antenatal and perinatal assessment and care need be given to mothers of twin pregnancies in order to reduce the maternal and foetal complications.

Extracapsular cataract extraction with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation came into vogue recently in many ophthalmic centres in Nigeria for the management of cataract and its accompanying aphakia. Evaluation of this procedure in the hands of surgeons who converted newly to extracapsular cataract extraction with intraocular lens implant microsurgery was reviewed. This is with the view to assess and improve on their surgical skill considering their delayed take off due to lack of facility in the centre.A retrospective study of the first 48 patients (50 eyes) who had extracapsular cataract extraction with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation between September 1999 and December 2000 was carried out.Forty-six patients had extracapsular cataract extraction with posterior chamber intraocular lens implant in one eye only, while 2 had the procedure in both eyes. Fifty-six (56%) percent of the patients were above 55 years old. Male to female ratio was 1.8:1.0. The preoperative visual acuity in 92% of eyes was equal to or less than 3/60. Six (6%) percent of the eyes had good visual outcome (6/6-6/18), 70% had borderline (6/24-6/60) on the 1st postoperative day. Visual outcome improved steadily with the passage of time as the immediate postoperative complications resolved. The main intra-operative complications were large anterior capsular tags (35.7%) and cortical lens remnants (50%); while striae keratopathy and corneal oedema (54.5%) constituted the main postoperative complications.Good visual outcome of greater than 80% with available correction is possible in the early postoperative period. Improved surgeons skill through re-training and refresher courses will guarantee a good outcome. Finally, microsurgical facilities must be put in place before a conversion course or training.

A case of retinoblastoma in an adult with a family history of retinoblatoma is presented. To our knowledge, this is presumably the first case of retinoblastoma recorded in an adult in Northern Nigeria. The differential diagnosis, genetics, and importance of counselling and early presentation are discussed.

The study investigated the prevalence of Haemo and gastrointestinal parasites in Dogs in Vom Jos South L.G.A. of Plateau State. One hundred faecal and blood samples were collected from both local and exotic breed, age and sex of the dogs were also considered. Samples were taken to the Parasitology division of the NVRI, Vom for analysis. The parasites were determined using the formol ether and floatation concentration methods while the blood smears were analyzed using Giemsa-stained thin blood smears and was examined for haemoparasites.An overall prevalence of 39% for gastrointestinal parasites and 43% for haemoparasites was recorded. The prevalence was higher in the adult 24% than the young 15%.The prevalence in relation to sex shows that the female had a higher prevalence 24% and 23% than the male 15% and 20% in terms of both the enteric and the haemo parasites. The prevalence was seen to be higher in the local breed than the exotic breeds. This study provides evidence that parasitic infections are prevalent in dogs in the study areas.

A study was conducted to determine the prevalence of haemo and gastro-intestinal parasites of pigs in some parts of Langtang north local government area of Plateau State. 171 blood and 171 faecal samples were collected from 171 pigs and were analyzed in the National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, using floatation technique and thin blood smear for faecal and blood samples respectively. Results of the analysis showed that 36.84% pigs were tested positive for haemoparasites and 35.09% pigs were tested positive for gastro-intestinal parasites. The study recorded high prevalence with Babesia trautmanni 32(18.17%) and lowest prevalence with Eperythrozoon suis for haemoparasites parasites prevalence. For gastro-intestinal parasites prevalence, Oesophagostomum dentatum & Coccidia spp recorded equal high prevalence with 34(14.04) in each case while Ascaris suum, Fasciolopsis buski and Globourcephalus diducta recorded lowest with 1(0.58) in each case. In both haemo and gastro-intestinal parasites prevalence, there was no significant different (p>0.05) among the parasites encountered. No significant variations (p>0.05) were observed in relation to sex and age prevalence. From this result, different sex and age groups are equally susceptible to haemo and gastro-intestinal parasites infection in the two study districts. The study recommends tick vector eradication and regular deworming in the study area.

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Salmonella species in milk and locally processed milk products traded for human consumption and assess the risk factors associated with Salmonella milk contamination in the study area. The study utilized microbiological culture and isolation as well as questionnaire analysis. A total of 600 samples were studied, 200 each for fresh milk (madara), full creamed milk (kindirmo) and skimmed milk (nono). The study revealed an overall prevalence of 8.7% (52/600). About 0.2% (1/600), 3.0% (18/600), 1.0% (6/600), 2.0% (12/600) and 2.5% (15/600) of the overall prevalence were recorded in Dengi, Gargah, Kanam, Gagdi and Gidgid districts of the Local Government Area (LGA) respectively. This revealed a high level of statistical significance (P

This study was conducted to investigate the occurrence of Cysticercus bovis in cattle slaughtered at the Ibi slaughter house between January 2010 and December, 2012 using systematic veterinary inspection of carcasses. A total of 6007 carcasses were examined during the period of study with an overall prevalence of 4.8% (288/6007). Carcasses from male and female cattle represented 1.5% (89/6007) and 3.3% (199/6007) of the overall prevalence. There was a highly significant statistical difference between the male and female prevalence of bovine cysticercosis observed (P= 0.0001). The years 2010, 2011 and 2012 recorded prevalence rates of 1.5% (87/6007), 1.6% (98/6007) and 1.8% (105/6007) respectively which was highly statistically significant (P 3-6 and >6 recorded prevalence rates of 0.53% (32/6007), 1.82% (109/6007) and 2.45% (147/6007) respectively. Prevalence of bovine cysticercosis in relation to management practices were 3.85% (231/6007) and 0.95% (57/6007) for nomadic and sedentary practices respectively. This difference was statistically insignificant (P >0.05). The monthly distribution of Cysticercus bovis among carcasses was highest 0.62% (37/6007) in July, followed by 0.6% (36/6007) in September and the lowest prevalence of 0.21% (13/6007) was observed in January. This was highly statistically significant (P

Prevalence of haemoparasites and gastrointestinal parasites of cattle in Bassa local government area of Plateau State was carried out. The study showed that haemoparasites was less prevalence (21.70%) compared to gastrointestinal parasites (53.77%). Nine parasites were encountered among which Eimeria species has the highest prevalence of 26.42% followed by Oesophagostuma radiatum with 18.87%, while Strongyloides, Syngamus laryngeus and Babesia bigemina has the least prevalence with 0.94%.The mean PCV of 35.13±5.2 (ranges from 24% to 54%) and 35.02±4.9 (ranges from 23% to 50%) for animals with one or more parasites or non-parasites respectively showed no significant difference (P

Parasitism is the most common and economically devastating disease of horses. The study was therefore conducted to determine the prevalence of endoparasites of horses in Jos metropolis. Blood and fecal samples were collected from 83 horses comprising of 48 males and 35 females, the eighty three horses sampled were the available at the time of sampling. Samples were processed and examined for gastrointestinal and haemoparasites infection. The prevalence was 74.7% for gastrointestinal parasites and 36.1% for haemoparasites infection. Only one horse (1.00%) was found to have gastrointestinal and haemoparasites infection. The prevalence of hemoparasites was found to be higher (43.9%) in females than in males (31.3%). Species of gastrointestinal parasites identified were, Trichonema spp 30 (31.70%), Triodontophorus tenuicollis 35 (55.60%) and Gastrodiscus aegyptiacus 10 (12.70%). Haemoparasites identified were Babesia equi 15 (50.00%), Babesia caballi 14 (46.7 %) and microfilariae 3 (10.0%). The prevalence of the parasites detected in the study were significantly different in sex and location (p>0.05).

Purpose: Microsporidial infections have been recognized as an increasingly important infection in immuncompromised patients, particularly those infected with HIV/AIDS. This study was designed to study immune responses associated with experimental Encephalitozoon intestinalis infection in immunocompetent rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty-four Rats in 3 groups, A (Control), B (Intraperitoneal) and C (Oral) were given injections of 0.5 ml of 2 x 10 6 of purified spores of Encephalitotozoon intestinalis spores and were observed for serum specific IgG for 21 days using both direct and indirect ELISA. Results: In indirect ELISA, specific lgG were detected on days 7, 14 and 21 for the group B rats and on day 21 for group C and in direct ELISA method, specific lgG were detected in-group B rats on days 7 and 21, for group C rats on day 21 only, while in the control rats, specific lgG were not detected. There was no significant difference between the direct and indirect methods (df=1, X 2 , P>0.05). E. intestinalis was observed in stool samples of rats in 1/12 (08.33%) on days 14 and 21 in group B, and in 4/10 (33.33%), 3/10 (25.00%) and 2/10 (16.67%) on days 7, 14 and 21 respectively in group C. In group A, which is the control rats, no microsporidia were observed on days 0, 7, 14 and 21. Conclusions: There were no changes in the T-lymphocyte counts of rats prior to and after inoculation with spores. Extensive lesions were observed along the intestinal walls especially on the middle and lower sections of group C rats only.