Relative abundance and molecular identification of Culex pipiens complex (Diptera: Culicidae), in Kura Local Government Area, North-western Nigeria.

Culex species are the most widespread mosquito species across the world and are known to be highly opportunistic, feeding on humans and livestock. They are known to acquire the potential to transmit zoonotic diseases, including Rift Valley Fever (RVF). However, despite their public health significance, they remain understudied in North-western Nigeria, compared to Anophelines. This study was therefore aimed at determining the relative abundance and Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (Multiplex PCR) identification of members of the Culex pipiens complex, in Kura Local Government Area (LGA), North-western, Nigeria. Adult mosquitoes were collected using Center for Disease Control (CDC) miniature light traps from August to October 2019. Mosquitoes were identified using morphological identification keys. Members of the Culex pipiens complex were further identified using Multiplex PCR to assess the presence of sibling species. A total of 413 mosquitoes, belonging to 3 genera, Culex, Anopheles and Aedes were collected. Of this figure, 120 Culex spp. females were collected. Homes with livestock had the highest occurrence of mosquitoes, 123 (61.19%) compared to those without livestock, 78 (38.81%). There was no statistical difference among the two (2) categories of homes (P ≥ 0.005). Culicoides spp. were the most common with 130 collected (65.38%). Again, homes with livestock had the highest occurrence, 85 whilst homes without livestock had 45 of the other flies caught. Multiplex- PCR revealed no expected bands for Cx. quinquefasciatus and Cx. pipiens from the DNA obtained from field collected mosquitoes as confirmed by using genomic DNA of an insectary Culex quinquefasciatus as control. Cx. spp. is presently regarded as a biting nuisance having no significant epidemiological importance. Efforts at its control should be intensified before it is too late. This study provides useful information on the occurrence and multiplex PCR of Culex spp in Kura Local Government Area, North-western Nigeria. These results have implications for the control of Culex spp. mosquito populations and the spread of human, livestock and avian diseases.

Prevalence of intestinal helminth parasites of pigeons (Columba livia domestica Gmelin 1789) in Kano State, North-Western Nigeria.

In Nigeria, helminths have over the last decades been established as important parasite of poultry including pigeons. However, the prevalence of these parasites of pigeons in Kano State is yet to be established. The prevalence of helminth parasites of domestic pigeon (Columba livia domestica) in Kano State, Nigeria was investigated in this study. The differences in the prevalence of infection between the pigeons examined on the basis of sex of the pigeon and season of the year were analyzed statistically using the students' "t" -test. The intestinal contents of 144 pigeons were examined for gastrointestinal helminths between February and April representing the dry season and between June and August for the wet season. Pigeons were grouped according to Squabs (chicks) (0-4 weeks), Squeakers (Juveniles) (5-8 weeks) and Youngsters (Adults) (9 weeks onwards). Intestinal parasites found include Cestodes: Raillietina tetragona, 20 (13.80%), R. echinobothrida, 11 (7.64%), Amoebotaenia cuneata, 5 (3.47%), Hymenolopis contaniana, 10 (6.95%), Davainea proglottina, 1(0.69%) and Ornithostrongylus quadriatus 1(0.69%). Nematodes: Capillaria obsignata, 10(6.95%) and Ascaridia columbae, 9(6.25%). Forty-two (29.16%) of the birds had mild infection, 17 (11.81%) had moderate infection, 9 (6.25%) and 2(1.39%) had heavy and severe infection, respectively. The prevalence was higher during the wet season (36.65%) than during the dry season (27.97%). Of all the age groups, only Youngsters, 34 (23.61%) were infected with intestinal helminths. However, there were statistically significant differences between the age, sex and seasons in this study (P < 0.005). Pigeons raised on semi-intensive had the highest rate of infection (37.50%) and those raised on intensive management had the lowest rate of infection (9.03%). A number of measures are recommended for the control of these helminthic parasites.

Success rate of nurse-led everting sutures for involutional lower lid entropion.

PurposeTo evaluate safety and long-term recurrence rate of entropion in patients having everting sutures (ES) for involutional entropion by ophthalmic nurses in a real clinical setting.Patients and methodsRetrospective notes review of all patients who had an outpatient ES by our trained ophthalmic nurses over 2 year's time period. Outcome measures were complication and recurrence rates. Those with less than 3 years' recorded follow-up were contacted by paper questionnaire.Results90 lids of 82 patients analysed. Mean age was 78 (range 54-97). In total, 82% had no entropion surgery before, whereas 13% had previous ES and 5% one or more other procedures. Questionnaires were sent to 38, with return rate of 81%. Recurrence rate was 21.1% after 36-60 months follow up from nurse-performed ES, with mean time to recurrence of 15 months (SD 13 months). A total of 32% of patients died during the follow-up period. Mean time between the procedure and death is 20.5 months. When ES were repeated twice (11 patients), recurrence rate was still 20%. No patients had any complications.ConclusionES can be safely performed by ophthalmic nurses, with success rate comparable to the same technique performed by ophthalmologists.

Controlling blepharospasm effect during applanation tonometry using the Volk SuperField Lid Lens Adapter.

PURPOSE: To describe a practical clinical technique that can be used to control the effect of blepharospasm during applanation tonometry. METHODS: The Volk Superfield NC Lid Lens Adapter is used to keep the eye open and prevent the squeezing effect of orbicularis oculi in blepharospasm. RESULTS: This helpful tool can be used when blepharospasm becomes a problem that interferes with accurate intraocular pressure measurement. CONCLUSIONS: The technique is potentially useful and relatively easy to perform.