Evaluation of Heavy Metals in Gills, Bones and Muscles of Fishes from Crude Oil Polluted Water of Ogoniland, Rivers State, Nigeria

This study was carried out to determine the concentrations of heavy metals (cadmium, chromium, zinc, manganese, lead and iron) in organs (gills,bone and muscle) of Iutjanus campechanusand Chrysichthys nigrodidatatusfrom Gokhana, and Khana local government areas in River State, Nigeria were investigated.This heavy metals were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The result show that Iron was significantly more abundant in the gills, bone and muscle tissue than other element with mean concentration of 144-144.58mg/kg in the gills, 18.19-39.77mg/kg in the bone and 5.47-21.50mg/kg in the muscle of both catfish and red snapper in Kaa while in bodo-city the concentration varies from189-238mg/kg in the gills, 42.16-45.39mg/kg in the bone and 11.74-43.84mg/kg in the muscle of both fishes respectively. Maximum concentration of Zinc was recorded in gills from Bodo-city for both fishes and minimum value wasrecorded in the muscle of both fish species in Kaa. High level of chromium, manganese and lead were recorded in bone of both species while the least concentration of all elements was recorded in the muscle of catfish and red snapper. It was observed that the level of metals in all organs were high except for chromium in the muscle which was lower than the permissible limits for human consumption designated by the USEPA, WHO, FAO. The result revealed that the distribution of the heavy metals follow the order Fe>Zn>Mn>Pb>Cd>Cr for Chrysichthys nigrodidatatusand Fe>Zn>Pb>Mn>Cd>Cr for Iutjanus campechanuswhile the distribution in the organs follow the other Gills>bone>muscle for both fish spices in Kaa and Bodo-City respectively. This reveal the health effect the people in the study area could be exposed to by the consumption of the muscle of catfish and red snapper which have high levels of these metals. Measures need to be taken as the level of Heavy metals detected in organs from the two site posed serious threat to the populace that feed on them

Effects of “Lesser Known” Leafy Vegetables (Vitex doniana and Corchorus oletorius) on the Oxidative Stress Indices of Albino Rats.

Aim: To evaluate the effects of two “lesser known” leafy vegetables- Vitex doniana and Corchorus oletorius on the oxidative indices of Albino Rats. Study Design: Forty eight rats, mean body weighty 351.83±1.39g were grouped into four to represent a control, and three diet groups. Dried powdered form of the vegetables was mixed with the normal rat chow in the ratio of 1:4 and pelleted before feeding to the rats. Feeding lasted for a total of three (3) months. The first analysis was done within two weeks, and thereafter repeated every two weeks throughout the study. Place and Duration of Study: The research work was done at Biochemistry laboratory of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri and National Root Crop Research Institute, Umuahia. The study lasted for a period of three months and two weeks (104 days). Methodology: Clean uninfected leaves of the samples were selected and sun dried to constant weight before grinding with a milling machine. The resulting powdered form was used to formulate the experimental diet with the normal rat chow in the ratio of 1:4 as shown in the text. Enzyme activities were determined according to standard methods as referenced in the text. Malonyladehyde and vitamin C contents were also determined according to standard methods. Results: Values of malonyladehyde, Vitamin C and activities of catalase significantly (P≥0.05) increased when the sample vegetables were administered to the rats as compared with the control which received no vegetables. However, the activities of peroxidase decreased also significantly as compared with the control. However, only the increase in the values of indices determined were sustained throughout the period of study. Conclusion: The studied vegetables may possess antioxidant components which may play important role in the management of diseases associated with oxidative stress.

Bacteriological evaluation of diabetic ulcers in Nigeria

Diabetic foot ulcers are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. The lesions are usually infected, and this study was carried out in Enugu State, Nigeria to determine the common bacterial pathogens that infect ulcers and their antimicrobial susceptibly patterns. Deep wound swabs were collected from 71 consecutive diabetic patients admitted with foot ulcers into the medical wards of University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu (26% of 274 total diabetes-related admissions). Polymicrobial isolates of Clostridium spp, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, or Klebsiella aerogenes were found in 26 (53%) cases. Clostridium species showed susceptibility to fluoroquinolones, and high resistance to beta-lactams. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella aerogenes showed resistance to the aminoglycosides and beta-lactams. All the gram-negative organisms showed significant susceptibility to the fluoroquinolones used. Clostridium species, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella aerogenes were the most common causes of diabetic foot infections in the study and the rates of antibiotic resistance were observed to be relatively high. Antibiotic susceptibility testing remains of paramount importance in the management of diabetic foot ulceration

Human Respiratory Tract Microbial Pathogens Associated with Asphalt Production

Asphalt remains a major source of microbial distribution in the world. The major aims and objectives of this prospective study were to determine the presence and prevalence rates of different pathogenic microbial agents; and analyse possible health implications of asphalt contamination. Sampling was carried out at some asphalt industries in Abia State by exposing bacterial and fungal culture media to asphalt fumes; with standard controls. Culture plates were transported aseptically to the microbiology laboratory of Abia State University; Uturu for isolation and characterisations. The prevalence rates of Bacillus species; Staphylococcus aureus; Klebsiella aerogenes; Micrococcus species; Escherichia coli; and Pseudomonas aeruginosa; were 90; 40; 90; 100; 40; and 40; respectively. Among the fungal organisms isolated were Rhizopus species (60); Aspergillus fumigatus (40); Aspergillus fumigatus (40); Aspergillus niger (90); and Candida species (100). These pathogenic microorganisms are of serious public health significance; because they pose serious risks for possible carcinogenity and respiratory microbial infections. The government needs to intensify regulations relating to the construction of asphalt industries in and around domestic dwellings

Streptococcus pneumoniae carriage rates among infants in Owerri, Nigeria

A microbiological survey was carried out on children attending the Paediatric Clinic of the Federal Medical Centre in Owerri; Edo State; Nigeria. The study was carried out to determine the carriage rate of Streptococcus pneumoniae; the common cause of acute cold and death among children. Of a total of 71 specimens; S pneumoniae was isolated from 49; a prevalence of 69. Sex distribution showed that females had a higher carriage rate than males (55vs 45; p=0.05). Children between 12 months and 4 years of age had higher prevalence rates of S pneumoniae than children under 12 months and over 4 years