Effect of Tier Level, Exposure and Period on Egg Production and Grade of Eggs

A total of 230 Nera birds were studied in an open and close-ended layer house for 6 weeks to determine the effect of cage location, tier level, and exposure of bird on egg production. Birds were supplied ad Libitumwith feed and water. Eggs were collected twice daily at 11.00 am, and 4.00 p.m. counted, weighed and classified into sizes. The production of the egg was found to be significantly influenced by the location of laying hen. The upper tier recorded 29.17% superiority over the lower tier. This showed that birds laid more eggs in the upper tier. Besides, tier did not significantly (P < 0.05) affect the sizes of the egg laid. In this study, the birds used were exposed to light and dark conditions. The result obtained showed that more eggs were produced at the better lit area than the more shaded area. It is therefore economically viable to have more light in the laying house for increased egg production. Furthermore, it was observed from the result of the experiment that more medium-sized eggs were produced in the better lit area than the darker parts of the house.

Effects Of First-Line Anti-Retroviral Therapy On Blood Coagulation Parameters Of HIV-Infected Patients Attending A Tertiary Hospital At Abuja, Nigeria

Background: Blood coagulation abnormalities are common in persons infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, few studies showed the association of these abnormalities with anti-retroviral therapy (ART). Objective: This cross-sectional study investigated the effects of ART on blood coagulation parameters of patients infected with HIV attending HIV special clinics of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria. Material and Methods: A total of 191 patients comprising 128 HIV subjects on ART (test subjects) and 63 other HIV patients not on ART (control subjects) were included in the study. CD4+ lymphocyte counts, platelet counts, prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time with kaolin (PTTK) of subjects were determined using flow cytometry, automated hematology analyser and Quick one-stage methods respectively. Results: Of the total test subjects, 21 (16.4%) were CD4 lymphopaenic, and the mean CD4+ cell count for the test subjects was statistically higher than that of the control subjects (578 versus 322 cells/ mm3 ) (p = 0.014). Eight (6.3%) of test subjects had prolong PTTK, and the mean values of PT and PTTK were statistically not significant between test subjects and control subjects (p = 0.358 and p= 0.141 respectively). Eight (6.3%) of test subjects had thrombocytopaenia, the mean platelet count was significantly lower than that of the control subjects (238 versus 278.6 x 109 /L, p = 0.001), and also varied significantly with the duration of ART (p = 0.0086). Conclusion: Findings from this study revealed ART decreased platelet counts of HIV-infected individuals, but did not affect the PT and PTTK results.

Outbreaks, Pathogen Containment and Laboratory Investigations of Lassa fever in Nigeria: How Prepared Are We.

Lassa is a highly contagious and devastating re-emerging vector-borne disease transmitted primarily by Mastomys natalensis. Lassa fever virus (LFV) and its vector are largely conserved to West African communities hence they experience frequent sporadic outbreaks. Lassa are usually associated with high mortality rates partly because cases are usually presented late to healthcare centers and its high virulence. The transmission rate of LFV is usually very high in affected areas in Nigeria due to poor pathogen containment, a necessity in medical care of infected individuals and inadequate and/or delayed laboratory confirmation of cases, consequently placing immediate communities and healthcare providers at higher risk of contracting LFV. Laboratory diagnose for Lassa are crucial because of similarities of clinical features it presents with other more frequent fever-causing infections such as severe malaria, typhoid and fulminant hepatitis. Understanding its basic virology, ecology, transmission pattern and immunology are crucial in embarking on appropriate infection control strategies and diagnostic protocols. In view of these, we sought to present this mini-review to summarize the pertinent literatures for healthcare providers especially in endemic locations, suggest the need to use the information from epidemiologic and laboratory findings to incorporate international best practices into community health and clinical practice in Nigeria.

Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern of Haemophilus influenzae among Under-five Children Presenting at the Emergency Paediatric Unit (EPU) Two Teaching Hospitals in Jos, Nigeria.

Background: Haemophilus influenzae meningitis is a leading cause of endemic bacterial meningitis in infants and under-five children globally. H. influenza infection is severe where vaccine is not routinely used and one-third to half of the children either dies or suffers permanent disability such as deafness, paralysis or mental retardation when prompt and appropriate treatment is not instituted. Aim: This research sets to study and document the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of H. influenzae isolates from cerebrospinal fluids of under-five children presenting at the Emergency Paediatric Units of two Teaching Hospitals in Jos, Nigeria. Methodology: This was a descriptive cross–sectional prospective study conducted from October 2009 to March 2010. One hundred and sixty consecutive under-five children who presented with signs and symptoms consistent with H. influenzae meningitis were recruited. Socio-demography data was obtained with structured questionnaire. Specimens were aseptically collected and carefully processed for isolation and identification of H. influenza and subsequently the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of the isolates. Results: The prevalence of H. influenzae meningitiswas low in Jos with prevalence of 6.3% among 160 under-five children studied, with mean age of 34 months and M: F ratio of 1:1. About 60% of these isolates were obtained from patients with acute pyogenic bacterial meningitis. Majority of the isolates were ampicillin resistant, β-lactamases producers and were all sensitive to ceftriaxone and azithromycin. Conclusion: The low prevalence of H. influenzae meningitis suggests substantial but not complete coverage of vaccine activity in this region while the susceptibility pattern of the isolate reveals and supports the vital role ceftriax one plays in the management of invasive H. influenzae infections to avoid pathologic complications.