RESUMO
Background: Despite control measures to curtailed salmonella fruit contamination over the years, pathogenic disease outbreaks caused by the ingestion of Salmonella contaminated fresh-cut-fruits pose a significant problem to human health by the consumption of fresh and minimally processed fruits. This study aimed to enumerate and determine the prevalence of Salmonella species isolated in ready-to-eat fruits vended in Bukuru Market Jos South, Plateau state. Methodology: A total of seventy-eight ready-to-eat vended fruit samples were purchased and cultured for the enumeration of bacterial isolates according to National Food Safety Standard for Microbiological Examination. Pulp pH value of each fruit was obtained by immersing litmus paper into the pulp and results recorded. Results: Of the 78 fruits specimen, 22 (28.2%) were Salmonella positive. The prevalence rates of salmonella isolated were found to be higher (22.7%) in both coconut and avocado followed by watermelon (18.2%) and sweetmelon (13.6%) as compared with other fruits in the study area. Lower rates of 4.5% were found in banana, pawpaw, and dates with a rise in apple with 9.1% respectively. Conclusion: The study showed a high p<0.05 (7.811) prevalence of pathogenic Salmonella species isolated in ready-to-eat fruits in the study area revealing that the spread of salmonella is not independent of fruits thereby suggestive of contamination made available by fruit vendors in this part of the world. Thus, epidemiological traceability and significant measures must be taken to check the safety of these vended products before consumption.
RESUMO
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.