Morbidity pattern of underfives with moderate acute malnutrition in southern Nigeria

Background:Moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) is a leading cause of childhood morbidity and mortality globally. The morbidity pattern of underfives with this condition is yet to be described. Objective: To describe the morbidity pattern of underfives with MAM.Method: Across sectional study was conducted in two Primary Health Centres in Uruan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. Caregivers'brought children aged 6- 59 months to the health facilities following community mobilization. Eligible children were recruited into the study after obtaining parental consent. Avalidated proforma was used to obtain the biodata and symptoms of common illnesses in the children. Ageneral physical examination, anthropometric measurements and systemic examination were performed. Results: Atotal of 162 children were recruited into the study. Their mean (±SD) age was 20.4 ± 13.0 months. Over 70% of them were 6 - 23 months of age. Their mean (±SD) length/height was 77.3 ± 29.6 cm, mean (±SD) weight was 8.3 ± 3.4 kg and mean (±SD) mid upper arm circumference was 12.4 ± 4.5 cm. The main symptoms noted in the children were; fever 99 (61.1%), cough 84 (51.9%), weight loss 81 (50.0%), diarrhoea 40 (24.7%) and vomiting 40 (24.7%) while pallor 77 (47.5%), lymphadenopathy 56 (34.6%), hair changes 49 (30.2%), skin changes 27 (16.6%) were the main signs in them.Conclusion: The main symptomatology of underfives with MAM were fever, cough and weight loss

Oculo-visual Assessment of Children and Adolescents with Special Needs in Selected Schools within IMO State, Nigeria

Aim: This was a cross-sectional study conducted to assess the oculo-visual status of children with special needs in three selected special schools in Imo State, Nigeria.Children with special needs are at a higher risk of visual impairment as compared to normal population. Interestingly, majority of the ocular disorders are treatable.Methodology: The study was conducted on children ages 5-25years (mean 12.0 � 3.2 years) and detailed ocular examination on 296 children using standard examination techniques was recorded. Results: Results revealed that oculo-visual disorders were seen in 196 (66.2%) children. Oculo-visual disorders were found in 75.5% of children with hearing impairment, 83.3% in children with cerebral palsy, 75% in children with autism, 85.7% in children with Down syndrome, 38.6% in children with speech disability, and 64% in children who are deaf and dumb. The most common ocular disorders seen in these children were refractive errors (30.5%), strabismus (12.7%), amblyopia (8.9%) and cataract (7.7%). Children requiring further evaluation were referred to base hospitals in Imo State, Nigeria.Conclusion: Oculo-visual problem is highly prevalent among children with special needs in Imo State, most commonly, the problems were refractive errors, strabismus, amblyopia, cataract and cornea disorders. The prevalence was predominant among the female teenagers (15-19years). Government and stakeholders in the health care and humanitarian sectors should place more priority on the ocular-health status of children with special needs.

Isolation, Identification and Mode of action of Partially Purified Bacteriocins from Lactic Acid Bacteria in Fermented Cassava Grits

The study on the isolation, identification and mode of action of partially purified bacteriocin from lactic acid bacteria found in fermented cassava grits was carried out. Fermented cassava grits were collected from different garri processing plants and transported with cold box to the laboratory for analysis. The viable microbial count after the partially purified bacteriocin from the various lactic acid bacteria isolates were grown against the food borne bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) ranged from 0.98 x 103 CFU/ml for partially purified bacteriocin from isolate 6 at 8 hrs to 9.2 x103 CFU/ml for isolate 3 at 24 hrs. Similar results were obtained against Bacillus subtilis with microbial counts that ranged from 1.02 x102 CFU/ml for isolate 3 at 8 hrs to 9.2 x 102 CFU/ml at 24 hrs. Isolates 6, 7, 10 and 11 were bactericidal to both Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis while isolate 3 was bacteriostatic. The viable microbial count after the partially purified bacteriocin was grown against the foodborne bacteria (Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi) ranged from 1.0 x102 CFU/ml for partially purified bacteriocin from isolate 3 at 8 hrs to 7.1 x 102 CFU/ml for partially purified bacteriocin from isolate 6 at 24 hours. The microbial count against Salmonella typhi ranged from 6.50 x 102 CFU/ml for isolate 6 at 8 hrs to 8.5 x 102 CFU/ml for isolate 7 at 24 hrs. Partially purified bacteriocins from isolates 3 and 7 were bacteriostatic while isolates 6, 10 and 11 were bactericidal to Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi. This result showed that the partially purified bacteriocins were very efficacious in killing or inhibiting the growth of some foodborne pathogens which can be applied in biopreservation.

Candida auris: An Overview of the Emerging Drug-Resistant Fungal Infection / 감염과화학요법

Candida auris is an invasive fungal pathogen that has been recognized globally as a serious health threat due to its extensive innate and acquired resistance to antifungal drugs. A growing number of emerging cases of C. auris have been reported with resistance to the standard antifungal treatments including azoles, echinocandins, and polyenes, making it difficult to treat. Unlike other Candida species, C. aurisis challenging to diagnose using the standard laboratory methods and are typically prone to misidentification, resulting in inappropriate management. Consequently, C. auris infections have spread globally.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data showed that clinical cases of C. auris increased from 329 in 2018 to 1,012 in 2021. The incidence and prevalence of this invasive fungal infection are high in immunocompromised and hospitalized patients. Patients who had an organ transplant, are on immunosuppressive agents, are diabetic, recent antibiotic use, catheter use, and prolonged hospital or nursing homestays are vulnerable to C. auris infections. C. auris is rapidly spreading across healthcare settings globally and monitoring of its virulence as well as devising appropriate treatment approaches are thus highly required.

Biodiversity Conservation Friendliness Status of Rural Farmers in Abak Agricultural Zone of Akwa Ibom State

Consolidating on farmers’ agro-ecological knowledge to design environmental-friendly agricultural systems is crucial given the environmental impact of commercial agriculture. The study aimed at assessing the awareness level of the respondents on biodiversity conservation, their biodiversity conservation information source(s), respondents’ information seeking behaviour and their perception towards biodiversity conservation. A survey was conducted on 120 respondents using simple random sampling procedure. Data collected were analysed using frequency distributions, and composite index analytical technique. Findings revealed that all of the respondents had average to high level of awareness of biodiversity conservation practices. Findings also revealed that the information on biodiversity conservation were mostly gotten from friends/neighbors, other farmers, radio/television and internet/electronic mails. The respondents had very positive or favourable perception of biodiversity conservation but biodiversity conservation information seeking behaviour of the respondents was not quite high. Six (6) independent variables contributed a multiple correlation influence (R= 0.606) on the respondents’ perception on biodiversity conservation. However, awareness of biodiversity conservation (b = 0.598, t = 6.882, P = 0.000) was found to significantly and statistically influence the respondents’ perception on biodiversity conservation. These findings are crucial for policy orientations, research and development to efficiently support the implementation of more environmental-friendly farming systems in the study area.

The Effect of Ethanolic Seed Extract of Citrullus lanatus (Watermelon) on Blood Glucose Level and Lipid Profile of Diabetic Wistar Rats

Aims: This study investigated the effect of ethanolic seed extract of Citrullus lanatus (ESECL) on blood glucose level and lipid profile in Alloxan-induced diabetic male Wistar rats. Study Design and Methodology: 30 male adult wistar rats were grouped randomly into six experimental groups of five rats each. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 100 mg/kg of alloxan monohydrate, dissolved in normal saline, while the normal control group (group 1) was given the vehicle only. Three days after induction of diabetes, were treated further for four weeks with ESECL at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg for groups 4, 5, and 6 respectively. Animals in Group 3 were treated with Glibenclamide (2.5 mg/kg), while group 2 served as the negative control group. Results: Administration of ESECL caused significant decrease in blood glucose levels in groups 4, 5 and 6 compared to rats of group 2 (p=0.00125). There was also significant decrease in the levels of cholesterol (TC) , triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), with increase in high density lipoprotein (HDL) in Groups 4, 5 and 6, compared to Group 2 rats (p=0.00125). The results obtained from the rats of the group receiving extract were similar to that obtained from Groups 3. Conclusion: Thus, this study suggests that this extract could possibly normalize abnormalities in blood glucose levels and lipid profiles in diabetic conditions in a dose dependent manner.

Challenges Faced in Accessing Diabetes Drugs in Low and Middle Income Settings in Aba North, Southeast Nigeria.

Diabetes is a costly disease, placing a high financial burden on the patient and the healthcare system in every nation. If poorly managed, it can cause a lot of damage to body parts such as blindness, loss of kidney function. The aim of this study is to determine the challenges faced in accessing drugs for diabetes mellitus management in south-eastern Nigeria. The study was conducted between January and December, 2014 in Aba North which is one of the Local Government Areas in Abia State. The study design was a descriptive cross-sectional survey involving face-to-face interview with patients based on a structured questionnaire format. Stratified random sampling technique was used to obtain the required sample size of 200 from the sampling frame on only those who met the inclusion criteria. The instrument used for data collection was questionnaire. The generated data were presented into table/charts, and also analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square statistics. The level of association was accepted at 0.05 significant differences. The results of this study showed that age of the respondents, from 51 years and above were highest 71(35%) compared with other age ranges. The educational level of the respondents was majorly on secondary level of education (46.5%). Access to diabetes drugs, 136(68%) of the respondents said they have access to diabetes drugs. Socioeconomic status influences the access of diabetes drugs (55%) and availability of diabetes drugs (80%).Also cost of diabetes drugs have high influence of (82.5%) on accessing diabetes drugs. Based on the findings of this study, it was concluded that majority of the patients with diabetes have access and knowledge of diabetes drugs but still some are yet to meet up with it due to some factors. Therefore, there is need to strengthen diabetes care centres with special focus on improving drugs availability and integration of health services for diabetes at the community level.

Association of virulence genes with mecA gene in Staphylococcus aureus isolates from Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria.

Introduction: Staphylococcus aureus is the etiological agent for a wide range of human infections, and its pathogenicity largely depends on various virulence factors associated with adherence, evasion of the immune system and damage of the host. This study determined the prevalence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and some selected virulence genes in clinical isolates of S. aureus from South-Western Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The antibiotic susceptibility of 156 S. aureus isolates to various antibiotics was determined. Moreover, polymerase chain reaction detection of the mecA gene was performed including SCCmec typing, and the isolates were screened for selected genes (alpha hemolysin [hla], intracellular adhesion A [icaA], Panton-Valentine leukocidin [PVL], fibronectin binding protein A [fnbA], bone sialoprotein binding protein [bbp], exfoliative toxin A [eta], exfoliative toxin B [etb], and collagen binding adhesion [cna]) associated with virulence. Results: The prevalence of mecA gene was 42.3% (66 out of 156 S. aureus), and SCCmec typing showed that 24 (36.4%) carried the SCCmec II element, 4 (6.1%) with type III, 10 (15.2%) with SCCmec IV, and 28 (42.4%) harbored type V. The proportion of S. aureus with the following genes was ascertained: Hla (55.1%), icaA (42.3%), PVL (34.6%), fnbA (8.3%), bbp (4.5%), and eta (3.8%). All the isolates were etb and cna negative. The prevalence of the PVL gene in methicillin susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) was 53.3% compared with 9.1% of MRSA. An association between virulence genes (eta and icaA) and mecA positive S. aureus; and significant difference in the distribution of virulence genes in in-patients and out-patients were found. The MRSA strains in South-Western Nigeria were dominated by SCCmec II and SCCmec V. Conclusion: The study concluded that there is a high prevalence of MRSA in Nigeria with association of eta and icaA genes with mecA gene in S. aureus isolates.

Antibacterial and antioxidant activities of methanolic leaf extract of Maerua crassifolia.

The objective of this study was to investigate the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of the methanol leaf extract of Maerua crassifolia, an important medicinal plant used in Nigeria. The antibacterial properties of the methanol extract were studied against clinically important bacteria viz; Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella spp., Salmonella typhi, Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli by disc diffusion method. The free radical scavenging potential of the extract was assessed by measuring its capability for scavenging 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical. The methanol leaf extract of Maerua crassifolia at the concentration of 12.5-150 μg/ml, showed significant activity against all the tested organisms. The observed antioxidant activity of the leaf extract suggests that the extract is a potential source of natural antioxidant and could be useful in the treatment of diseases.

Cervical Spine Injury: A Ten-Year Multicenter Analysis of Evolution of Care and Risk Factors for Poor Outcome in Southeast Nigeria

Study Design: Retrospective study. Objective: To describe the evolution of care and risk factors for poor outcome in patients with cervical spine injury (CSI) treated at three centers in southeast Nigeria. Setting: Nigeria; southeast. Materials and Methods: A 10-year retrospective multicenter analysis of patients with CSI; managed at three centers in southeast Nigeria; from January 2003 to December 2012. Results: Two hundred and seven patients (55) had CSI out of 377 spinal injury cases in the three study centers; but 195 cases had complete records and were studied. There were 148 males and 47 females. The age range was 3-74 years with a mean of 32.6 (?1.9) years 95) cases One hundred and seventeen patients (60 CI. Most injuries (149 cases) resulted from motor vehicular accidents (MVA). The C5 spinal level was involved in 75 (38) presented with American Spinal Injury Association A (ASIA A) injury. CSI care evolved from the application of a Minerva jacket or cervical traction only to cervical traction and spinal fusion resulting in a reduction in hospital stay (F = 52.5; DF (2; 3) P 0.05). When compared to 51 patients with incomplete injuries; who improved in neurologic al status at discharge; only three patients with ASIA grade A experienced some improvement. The mortality rate from our series is 16 (32 patients). Those who died were more likely to have a complete injury (25 patients) or a high cervical injury (X 2

The Effect of Repeated Blood Donations on the Iron Status of Male Blood Donors in Enugu State, Nigeria.

Background: One of the biggest challenges in blood donation particularly in Nigeria is the recruitment and retention of voluntary non-remunerated, low cost blood donors. Aims: The aim of this study is to determine the effect of repeated blood donations on iron stores and the prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia among the male blood donors in the Enugu State, Nigeria. Study Design: In this case-control study, two hundred and twenty three randomly selected male blood donors, were grouped into six categories according to the number of units of blood donated in one year, two years, three years and the last group were on their 4th year. Place and Duration of Study: Haematology and blood bank laboratory unit, Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria: April 2012 to December 2012. Methodology: Prior to blood donation, blood samples of 202 directed/regular male blood donors and twenty one apparently healthy men with no previous history of blood donation (aged 18- 40years) were collected. Donors were grouped into 0, ≤ 3, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12 and > 13 categories based on the number of units of blood donated. Results: Iron depletion was seen in 1.3% in group 2 (1-3 times) and also in 13.3% of group 4 (7-9 times), iron deficiency was present in 4.4% of group 3 (4-6 times) and in 20% of group 6 (13-15 times) and iron deficiency anaemia was discovered in 4.4% of group 3 (4-6 times). Blood donors with more than seven times instances of blood donation (P<0.05) showed a significant relationship between iron depletion and iron deficiency. Conclusion: This study showed that iron deficiency anaemia in blood donors can occur as a result of increase in number of units of blood donated and also based on iron status of individual at time of donation. Based on findings of this study ferritin test should be done on all male blood donors in Enugu before donating any unit of blood to find out the appropriate time to start iron supplement.

Quantitative Phytochemical, Proximate Analysis and Hypolipidemic Effect of Garcinia Kola.

Aims: This study was aimed at evaluating the phytochemical and nutrient composition of G. kola seed. Also to examine the effect of G. kola seed on the serum lipid profile of fed rats. Study Design: Quantitative phytochemical, proximate analysis and in vivo effect on serum lipid profile. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural sciences, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike Abia State, between June 2013 and September 2013. Methodology: The seeds were cut into small pieces, dried and ground into powder. The quantitative phytochemical and proximate nutrient analyses of the powdered sample were determined using standard methods. The lipid lowering effects of the powdered sample of G. kola determined in rats. The rats were fed with feed fortified with graded levels (5, 10, 20 and 50%) of powdered sample of G. kola for 21 consecutive days and the effects on total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were compared with a negative control. Results: The seed sample produced significant (p<0.05) dose-dependent decrease in the total serum cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-C and VLDL-C levels in fed groups of rats when compared to the control group. The seed sample also, caused significant (p<0.05) dose-dependent increase in serum HDL-C level in fed groups of rats when compared to the control groups. The phytochemical analysis showed that the sample contained tannins (5.08%), flavonoids (0.93%), saponins (2.54%) and alkaloids (5.13%). The proximate analysis of the nutrient composition of powdered G. kola seed showed the presence of moisture, ether extract (EE), crude fibre (CF), crude protein (CP), ash and nitrogen free extracts (NFE) in the following proportion 7.40, 1.48, 2.94, 3.19, 4.39 and 80.58%, respectively. Conclusion: The sample demonstrated good lipid lowering effects which may suggest that the consumption of G. kola seed may help in the reduction of the incidence of cardiovascular diseases in patients.

Phytochemical and Anti-diarrhoeal Properties of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Maerua crassifolia Forssk.

Maerua crassifolia Forssk. Leaf is used in African traditional medicine for management of gastrointestinal disorders. The anti-diarrhoeal activity of the methanol extract of Maerua crassifolia leaf was investigated in rats. The phytochemical screening was also carried out. The methanol extract of Maerua crassifolia leaf dose dependently decreased intestinal propulsion of charcoal meal in rats. Maerua crassifolia also exerted significant anti-enteropooling effect in rats. A profound anti-diarrhoea activity was observed when the extract was tested in diarrhoeic rats. The frequency of defecation as well as the wetness of the faecal droppings was significantly reduced. Furthermore, the leaf extract produced 100% inhibition of castor oil-induced diarrhoea in rats. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, flavonoids, steroids, resins and cardiac glycosides. The oral LD50 obtained was greater than 5000 mg/kg in rats. The study showed that the methanol extract of Maerua crassifolia leaf possesses anti diarrhoeal activity and its action may be linked partly to direct inhibitory effect of the extract on the propulsive movement of the gastrointestinal tract smooth muscle.

Antimalarial potential of kolaviron, a biflavonoid from Garcinia kola seeds, against Plasmodium berghei infection in Swiss albino mice

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the antimalarial potential of kolaviron (KV), a biflavonoid fraction from Garcinia kola seeds, against Plasmodium berghei (P. berghei) infection in Swiss albino mice.@*METHODS@#The study consists of seven groups of ten mice each. Groups I, II and III were normal mice that received corn oil, KV1 and chloroquine (CQ), respectively. Groups IV, V, VI and VII were infected mice that received corn oil, CQ, KV1 and KV2, respectively. CQ, KV1 and KV2 were given at 10-, 100- and 200-mg/kg daily, respectively for three consecutive days.@*RESULTS@#Administration of KV1 and KV2 significantly (P<0.05) suppressed P. berghei-infection in the mice by 85% and 90%, respectively, while CQ produced 87% suppression relative to untreated infected group after the fifth day of treatment. Also, KV2 significantly (P<0.05) increased the mean survival time of the infected mice by 175%. The biflavonoid prevented a drastic reduction in PCV from day 4 of treatment, indicating its efficacy in ameliorating anaemia. Significant (P<0.05) oxidative stress assessed by the elevation of serum and hepatic malondialdehydewere observed in untreated P. berghei-infected mice. Specifically, serum and hepatic malondialdehyde levels increased by 93% and 78%, respectively in the untreated infected mice. Furthermore, antioxidant indices, viz; superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-s-transferase, gluathione peroxidase and reduced gluathione decreased significantly (P<0.05) in the tissues of untreated P. berghei-infected mice. KV significantly (P<0.05) ameliorated the P. berghei-induced decrease in antioxidant status of the infected mice.@*CONCLUSIONS@#This study shows that kolaviron, especially at 200 mg/kg, has high antimalarial activities in P. berghei-infected mice, in addition to its known antioxidant properties.

Microbial status of smoked fish, scombia scombia sold in Owerri, Imo state, Nigeria

As one of the common sources of protein available to man; fish is highly consumed due to its lower cholesterol content and price. So it forms a rich protein source for both poor and rich. As a part of checkmating the public health risks associated with this general dependence of the population on fish; the microbiological assessment of smoked fish; Scombia; scombia sold in Owerri was embarked on with the aim of ascertaining the microbial quality; the presence and prevalence of microorganisms of public health importance. A total of one hundred and eight (108) samples were collected from the smoking Factory; Open Market and Hawkers. These were analyzed microbiologically for viable heterotrophic bacteria and fungi count on Nutrient and Potato dextrose agar respectively; using pour plate method and coliform count in MacConkey broth by multiple tube method (MPN). The mean value results from the analysis revealed high microbial contamination in all the samples. The resultant data were analyzed statistically using randomized block design of Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at 95 level of confidence and the difference were separated using the least significance difference (LSD). The mean results of viable heterotrophic bacteria and fungi count showed no significance difference for the collection sites; but the coliform mean results for the three sites showed marked variation at 95 level (P0.05). Identified bacteria; include: Staphylococcus aureus; E. coli; Bacillus sp.; Klebsiella sp.; whereas fungi are Penicillium sp.; Aspergilusl sp.; Fusarium violaceum; Biospora sp.; Candida sp; Botryodioplodia sp.; Alternania sp. This high level of microbial contamination can be traceable to handlers; and environment to which this fish is exposed during smoking and selling exercises; and considering the danger it portends to human health; public health and food safety authorities should intensify their monitoring efforts towards controlling such contamination

Responses to glycemic control therapy according to age, gender, level of adiposity, and duration of diabetes in type 2 diabetic patients.

Context: It is established that glycemic control measures involving diet and oral medication reduces glycated hemoglobin concentration (HbA1c) in type 2 diabetic patients. AIMS: To determine whether glycemic levels after diabetic treatment is affected by age, gender, obesity, and diabetic duration in type 2 diabetic patients. Settings and Design: A total of 52 type 2 diabetic patients participated in a 12-week diabetic management therapy involving oral medication (metformin) and lifestyle intervention (diet). Materials and Methods: We compared the glycated hemoglobin reduction after treatment between the elderly and non-elderly; males and females; obese and non-obese; and newly diagnosed and long-standing diabetics.Results: After the diabetic treatment, participants' mean HbA1c level indicated a reduction of 1.1 ± 1.31%, weight loss of 2.46 ± 1.79 kg, and BMI reduction of 0.94 ± 0.69 kg/m 2 . A total of 23 (44.2%) patients had an acceptable HbA1c level of <</i>6.5%. Significantly greater HbA1c reduction was observed in non-elderly, non-overweight/obese, and newly diagnosed diabetic patients compared to the elderly, overweight/obese, and long-standing diabetic patients respectively (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). HbA1c reduction did not indicate sex differences. Conclusion: The present findings suggest lower responses to glycemic control therapy in elderly, overweight/obese, and long-standing diabetic patients when compared to the non-elderly, non-overweight/obese, and newly diagnosed diabetic patients. It is recommended that treatment criteria for type 2 diabetes should account for the age, level of adiposity, and diabetic duration of the patient in order to make optimal therapeutic decisions for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in adults.

Gastrointestinal helminth infection in pregnancy: disease incidence and hematological alterations

The incidence and hematological effects of helminth infection during pregnancy were investigated among pregnant women in Isiala, Mbano, Southeast Nigeria. Totally 282 pregnant women were enlisted for the study between October 2011 and September 2012. Stool samples were examined for intestinal helminths using formalin-ether sedimentation technique. Hemoglobin [Hb] and Packed Cell Volume [PCV] levels were evaluated in venous blood samples using Sahli's and microhaematocrit methods respectively. Forty six [16.3%] subjects were infected with at least one helminth parasite; 24 [8.5%] hookworm, 14[5.0%] and 2[0.7%] A. lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura infections respectively. Intestinal helminthiases in pregnant women was significantly associated with age [P<0.05]. The prevalence of intestinal helminthiases by parity was also significantly different [P<0.05] with primigravidae having the highest infection rate [27.5%]. Hematological assessment showed that the prevalence of anemia among the women was 58.9% [mean +/- SD = 9.3 +/- 1.0]. The differences in hemoglobin levels by age groups was statistically significant [P <0.05]. The contributory effect of gastrointestinal helminths in anemia showed that infected pregnant women had lower mean hemoglobin [8.60 +/- 0.22g/dl] than the uninfected [9.72 +/- 0.07g/dl]. Significant difference [t-value = 5.660, P<0.05] was observed between the Hb of the infected and uninfected pregnant women. In addition, infected pregnant women had mean PCV of 26.09 +/- 0.65% while the uninfected had 34.54 +/- 2.96%. The mean PCV of infected pregnant women was significantly different [t-value= 0.013, P<0.05] from that of the uninfected. Anti-helminthic therapy after the first trimester should be part of the antenatal programme. Intestinal helminth infection showed significant negative correlation with Hb and PCV and contributed moderately to anemia

Comparative studies of the feeding capacity and preference of Aphyosemion gularis (Boulenger 1901) on some aquatic macroinvertebrates.

Background & objectives: An efficient larvivorous fish must show a predilection for mosquito larvae in the presence of alternative preys. This study compares the feeding capacity and preference of Aphyosemion gularis exposed to different kinds of aquatic macroinvertebrates. Methods: Various prey organisms such as Anopheles larvae and pupae, Culex larvae, chironomid larvae and ostracods were either singly and/or jointly presented at different densities to the fish and the number of prey consumed in 12 h light and dark periods were recorded. Results: The result showed that in terms of capacity and preference, the fish significantly consumed (p <0.05) more Anopheles larvae than pupae and more Anopheles larvae compared to Culex and chironomid larvae. It was also found that the fish preferred Culex larvae to chironomids larvae while significantly (p <0.05) more Anopheles larvae were consumed compared to the more abundant ostracods. Conclusion: The results indicate that A. gularis is adapted to feed more on Anopheles than Culex larvae on one hand and generally preferred mosquito larvae to non-mosquito macroinvertebrates. The implication of this observation is that the presence of other non-mosquito organisms considered in this study is unlikely to divert the attention of the fish from mosquito larvae, especially Anopheles larvae. The fact that the fish are able to feed on some of the non-mosquito organisms such as chironomids and ostracods, means that they can subsist on these organisms in the absence of mosquito larvae.

Bioequivalence studies on some selected brands of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets in the Nigerian market with ciproflox® as innovator brand.

This work assesses the bioequivalence of four selected brands of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride in the Nigerian market to Ciproflox® as a selected innovator brand. The brands selected were reperesented by samples A, B, C and D all are of Asian origin. The following parameters were employed in the assay- Weight uniformity, tablet hardness, friability, disintegration time and dissolution profile in 0.1N HCl , and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determined by zones of inhibition on clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus. The mean hardness results were in the order Ciproflox(R) (14.55 ± 3.97) > C (12.51 ± 3.01) > D (9.87 ± 2.38) > B (9.67 ± 1.37) > A (8.98 ± 3.46) and they all fell within the acceptable values of 3 kgs ≤.hardness. The mean friability results were in the order A (0.07) < D (0.12) < Ciproflox (0.17) < B (0.30) < D (0.31). The drug content values were in the order -Ciproflox (500.02) > D (483.54) > Cipromax B > C (458.86) > A (420.29). By the USP standard, only A failed the test; while, by the BP standard only Ciproflox and D passed the test. The disintegration times were in the order- A (1.73±0.27) > C (3.22±0.20)> B (4.15±1.07)> Ciproflox (4.88±0.54)> D (7.60±0.44). The tablet dissolution rates (P12min values) were in the order – A (59.528 ± 8.427) > C (42.468 ± 1.863) > B (35.124 ± 4.408)> Ciproflox (15.403 ± 0.799) > D (8.808 ± 0.856). Ciproflox(R) with the highest drug content had the lowest MIC on Staphylococcus aureus (0.064 μg/ml ). This shows that Ciproflox is the most effective of the five brands, followed by D, C, B and A. The highest MIC value on Staphylococcus aureus was obtained with A 0.255 μg/ml which also had the lowest drug content. Ciproflox (R) with this reseach stands to be the oustanding product among the five brands.