Physico-chemical Quality Characteristics and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points for the Production of Millet-based Kunun Zaki Obtained from Three Production Locations in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Aim: To study the commercial preparation of Kunun zaki in three locations in Port Harcourt namely; Bori-camp, Rumuodomaya and Mgbuogba, to compare the microbiological, physico-chemical, and nutritional qualities of commercial and laboratoryprepared Kunun drinks and to establish the critical control points at various points of the production process. Place and Duration of Study: Sample collection areas were Bori-camp, Rumuodomaya, Mgbuogba, and the Laboratory, between August and December 2012. Sample analysis was done in the Food and Industrial Microbiology Laboratory of University of Port Harcourt. Methodology: At selected stages of preparation of Kunun zaki from Bori-camp, Rumuodomaya, Mgbuogba and the Laboratory, nine samples each were collected into sterile screw-capped 50cl bottles for analysis at the Food and Industrial Microbiology laboratory of University of Port Harcourt. Analyses carried out were to determine the microbial contaminants, proximate and physico-chemical parameters. Samples of fresh Kunun zaki were stored at 5ºC for three days for analysis on effect of storage. Results: The microorganisms associated with freshly prepared Kunun zaki and that stored at refrigeration temperature (5ºC) for three days were Lactobacillus spp., Bacillus spp., Leuconostoc spp., Streptococcus spp., Micrococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp., Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia coli, Enterobacter spp., Penicillium spp., Mucor spp., Aspergillus spp., Rhizopus spp., Candida spp., and Saccharomyces spp. Freshlyprepared Kunun zaki had the highest coliform and staphylococci counts of 8.0x104 and 8.3x103cfu/ml respectively in Bori-camp preparation, while Laboratory-prepared Kunun zaki harboured none of these organisms. Total viable counts of commercially-prepared (Bori-camp, Rumuodomaya, and Mgbuogba) products ranged from 2.50x104 to 1.53x106cfu/ml, while Laboratory-prepared product was 6.0x104cfu/ml. Fungal counts of commercially-prepared Kunun zaki ranged from 2.5x103 to 1.36x105cfu/ml, while Laboratory-prepared Kunun zaki had fungal counts of 5.6x102cfu/ml. Yeasts were the main spoilage organisms which persisted at storage temperature of 5ºC for three days. The protein and carbohydrate contents, as well as calcium, zinc, copper, and manganese decreased after being stored for three days at 5ºC. Conclusion: Therefore Kunun zaki could be safely consumed after storage at 5ºC for three days, if good manufacturing practices like the use of fresh non-moldy grains and spices, cooled boiled water for grain washing and steeping, sterile stainless steel containers, steam-sterilized grinder, and sterile screw-capped bottles for packaging be applied at all the production stages. Educating the producers on the hazards, critical control points (steeping, milling and packaging), and temperature maintenance for Kunun zaki preparation are important.

Multiple Antimicrobial Resistance in Vibrio spp Isolated from River and Aquaculture Water Sources in Imo State, Nigeria.

Aim: To study multiple antimicrobial resistances in Vibrio spp. isolated from river and aquaculture water sources in Imo State Nigeria. Methodology: A total of 157 Vibrio isolates from river and aquaculture water sources were analysed for multiple antimicrobial resistance during a 6 month period. Antimicrobial resistance profile was determined by the Kirby-Bauer technique, while the phenotypic expression of β-lactamase production was performed by the double disk diffusion method. PCR was used to screen isolates for the presence of β-lactamase resistance genes. Results: The isolates from river water expressed high resistance rates (81.3 to 97.8%) to the following antimicrobials: mezlocillin, doxycycline, tetracycline, carbenicillin and ampicillin, while resistance rate to kanamycin was moderate at 40.9%. Resistance rates for the aquaculture water Isolates were also high for the same antibiotics as the river water isolates, while resistance rate to kanamycin was low to moderate at 32.8%. Phenotypic screening of isolates for ESβL production showed the isolates were resistant to β-lactam antimicrobials and the β-lactamase inhibitor of amoxicillin/clavulnic acid combination. Gel electrophoresis of PCR products showed amplification for blaTEM of size 964bp. Conclusion: Results showed the presence of highly resistant Vibrio isolates from the sampled environmental sources. The presence of resistance markers among the isolates in this study infers that they could be agents of transfer of resistance to other bacterial pathogens found in river and aquaculture water.

Perception and Home Management of Malaria in Rural Communities in Imo State, Nigeria.

Aims: The objectives were to determine the rural communities’ knowledge on cause, transmission, spread of malaria, breeding sites of mosquitoes, signs and symptoms, health seeking behaviour of respondents, preventive measures and patterns of home management of malaria in the rural communities in Imo State. Study Design: A descriptive survey design was used. Place and Duration of Study: Imo State, Nigeria, between February 2013 and April 2013. Methodology: The sample size was 2674 adults (1650 males, 1024 females, age range 20-70 years). A structured, validated and reliable questionnaire (r = 0.81) and focus group discussion were used as instruments for data collection. Results: The result showed that out of 2674 respondents, 1683(62.9%) reported that malaria is transmissible while 976(36.5%) reported that malaria is not transmissible. Majority 2262(84.6%) noted that malaria spreads through mosquito bite while insignificant number said malaria spreads through drinking dirty water and eating unhygienic food. 1501(56.1%) noted that stagnant dirty water is a common breeding site for mosquitoes. Most of the respondents had good knowledge of the signs and symptoms of malaria which was used in prompt diagnosis. Majority 41% first patronized medicine stores followed by 38.5% that visited the hospital and health centers. In terms of preventive measures practiced by respondents, the majority 1049 and 1028 used mosquito bed nets and insecticide spray respectively while 237 used firewood smoke to drive mosquitoes away. In the pattern of home management of malaria, 62.3% used anti-malaria drugs, 10.5% used a special herb, Azadirachta indica (dogonyaro/Akum shut up leaf), 6.9% used combination of seven leaves (Pawpaw, mango, guava, Nchuanwu (Occimum basilicum) and awolowo leaf (Chromolaena odorata), orange and lemon grass) While 6.0% used prayers to God. Conclusion: Based on the above results and to keep abreast with the conventional practice, the rural communities require health education on home management of malaria.

The Impact of Health Seeking Behaviour, Educational Attainment and Financial Strength on Home Management of Malaria in Rural Communities in Imo State, Nigeria.

Aims: The objectives were to determine the impact of health seeking behaviour, educational attainment and financial Strength on home management of malaria in rural communities in Imo State, Nigeria. Study Design: A descriptive survey design was used. Place and Duration of Study: Imo State, Nigeria, between February 2013 and April 2013 Methodology: The sample size was 2674 adults (1650 males, 1024 females, age range 20-70 years). A structured, validated and reliable questionnaire (r=0.81) was used to collect data from 2674 consenting respondents. Results: The result showed that the health seeking behaviours of respondents when they suspect malaria was as follows; 25.7 percent patronized patent medicine stores/chemist, 22.3 percent visited health centers/ hospitals,18.6 percent consulted family members/friends/ neighbor for help. This statistically had a significant influence on the pattern adopted in managing malaria at home (Chi-square = 263.98, P -value < 0.001). Furthermore, 25.4 percent of those who visited the health centers/hospitals used more of Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy in managing malaria. Those who patronized patent medicine/chemist used more of chloroquine/quinine (25.7 percent), only 18.1 percent used a special herb, dogonyaro/Akum shut up leaf (Azadirachta Indica) in managing malaria at home. Those who visited herbalists (20.5%) also used chloroquine/quinine while those that visited prayer houses also used more of chloroquine/quinine (22.3%) and less of ACT (15.5%). The impact of educational attainment on pattern of home management of malaria was statistically significant (Chisquare= 155.47,P-value<0.001). Those who had no formal education used more of Chloroquine/Quinine in managing malaria at home while those who attained secondary and tertiary education adopted more of Artemisinin-based combination Therapy (ACT) in managing malaria. Herbal treatment (Dogonyaro/Akum shut up leaf (Azadirachta Indica), seven leaves and application of local ointment/lotion) were less used by respondents with higher educational attainment. Financial strength was also found to be statistically associated with the pattern of management adopted by the rural dwellers (Chisquare= 118.46, P-value<0.001). Those whose average monthly income was above 30,000 Naira used more of conventional medication and less of herbs. Conclusion: The findings showed that the rural communities need more enlightenment and education on home management of malaria.

Problems associated with treatment compliance among type 2 diabetic patients at a tertiary health institution in Nigeria

This study analyses the problems associated with compliance to treatment among type 2 diabetic patients attending the out-patient clinic in Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. It also determines the extent to which patients comply with medications and understand blood sugar control. Data were collected using pre-tested questionnaires from 30 randomly selected subjects. An analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results showed that 30% of the respondents were aged between 40 and 50 years, 63% were married, and 37% had secondary education. Those with a duration of diabetes of more than 5 years totalled 30%. 43% reported on understanding of good glycaemic control, while 33% defaulted in taking medications. Also, 37% agreed that medications should be stopped when they are feeling well, while 40% agreed that compliance was associated with fear of hypoglycaemia. It is important to explore the precursors to treatment adherence behaviour and to carry out interventions that can change negative attitudes toward treatment compliance and promote medical knowledge, which may help improve compliance in the treatment of type 2 diabetes

Correlates between HIV/AIDS Antibody with some Immuno-Hematological Variables of Infected Subjects in Niger Delta Communities.

The study tend to uncover the epidemiological trend and association of HIV/AIDS with some immuno-hematological profile of infected subjects in Niger Delta. A total of 1000 subjects, made up of 464 males (46.4%) and 536 females (53.6%) were screened. HIV antibodies were detected using "Determine" (Abbott Laboratories, Japan), Start –Pak (Chembio Diagnostics, USA) and SD Bioline HIV-1/2 kits (Standard Diagnostics, Korea).Out of this number, 107(10.7%) were sero-positive. The PCV of HIV positive subjects ranged between 24.00 and 48.00% (32.94±0.53),HB ranged between 8.00 and 16.00g/dl (10.95± 0.18) while WBC counts ranged between 3.30 and 16.30 Mm3(7.76 ±0.30). However, CD4 counts ranged between 210.00 and 937.00μl, with a mean of 480.55 (±13.44). At P<0.01; the PCV correlated positively with HB(r=0.999) and negatively with WBC (r = -0.303), while HB correlated negatively with WBC(r=-0.306). Conversely, CD4 counts did not correlate with any of the parameters. The need for frequent monitoring of the impact of HIV/AIDS on the immunological profile of infected groups in Niger Delta is strongly encourage. This will prevent anemia and other hematological problems.

Bacteriology of chronic discharging ears in Port Harcourt; Nigeria

Objective: The objective of the study was to isolate and identify aerobic bacteria in chronic discharging ears and determine their antibiotic susceptibilities; which is essential for reasonable empiric treatment. Methods: Ear swabs of discharging ears aseptically collected from 102 patients of various age groups attending Ear; Nose; and Throat out-patient clinic at University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital were cultured for bacterial agents using blood agar; chocolate agar and MacConkey agar. Culture plates were incubated aerobically at 370C for 24 - 48 hours. Isolates were identified using standard microbiological methods. Members of the family enterobacteriaceae were identified using enterotubes. Antibiotic susceptibility test was carried out for 13 drugs using disc diffusion method. Results: Seventy-eight percent of the patients studied were in the age group 0 - 14 years and there were more male infants than females. Gram negative bacteria comprised 75of the isolates. Predominant isolates were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (41); Proteus sp. (22); Staphylococcus aureus (22); Escherichia coli and other coliforms (11). Drug susceptibility profile of the isolates showed that ceftazidime; ceftriazone and gentamycin were most effective drugs in vitro. Conclusion: The predominant bacterial agents in chronic discharging ears in Port Harcourt; Nigeria were gram negative bacteria and included Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Proteus sp.; Escherichia coli. Gram positive bacterial constituted 25 percent of the isolates and included Staphylococcus aureus; Staphylococcus epidermidis and streptococcus sp. Ceftazidime; ceftrixone and gentamycin were the most effective drugs in vitro