Physico-chemical properties of municipal refuse in Lagos metropolis and cellulolytic activities of resident microorganisms associated with organic matter degradation

This study investigated the activities of micro organisms involved in the degradation of organic matter in solid wastes and their potential to produce cellulolytic enzymes. Soil samples of decomposing waste piles were collected from four designated landfill sites in Lagos metropolis and analyzed for physicochemical properties, toxic heavy metal content and microbial populations. Findings revealed that the moisture content of the soils ranged from 7.6 - 10.0% in all the locations sampled. Ojota-Olusosun site had the highest organic matter content of 10.65%. The highest viable bacterial counts were 28.2 ± 3.0 x 106 cfu/g while fungi were 47.0 ± 4.0 x 104 cfu/g respectively. A similar pattern was observed for phosphate and chloride levels while some heavy metals were also detected in varying and high amounts. There was a significant positive correlation at 5% level between fungal viable counts and phosphate ion while a significant negative correlation was observed for total hydrocarbon. The bacteria associated with the soil samples were identified as Escherichia coli, Bacillus spp, Klebisella spp, Micrococcus spp. and Acinetobacter spp while the resident fungal species were mostly the Aspergillus spp and an isolate identified as Mucor spp. The moulds were found to be capable of utilising lignin and cellulosic substrates for growth and for production of cellulolytic enzymes. Results from this study suggest that such micro organisms could be useful in bioconversion of cellulosic substrates and solid wastes to cellulolytic enzymes for industrial processes

Chlamydia and Vaginitis in Sexually Active Females: Classical Identification Methods for Effective Control

Laboratory diagnosis of Chlamydia and vaginitis in sexually active females has been limited by unavailability of a sequential method/rapid technique for simple diagnosis. Six hundred (600) adult females from hotel/brothel, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Clinic, Obstetrics/Gynaecology Clinic, Family Planning Clinic and Healthy controls were investigated for Chlamydia, Candida, trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis (BV). This was done using microscopy: wet mount, stained vaginal secretion and stained smear after culture. Results showed that there were 72% infections in the female groups. The brothel and STI group had infection in the range (70-86%). Chlamydial infection was highest in the STI group while Candida infection was highest in the healthy (control) females. Bacterial vaginosis was distributed in all groups. As p-value increased, f-value increased indicating constant co-infection of Candida and BV in Chlamydia positive females. Microscopy by direct detection from sample and stained smear after culture were in the range: 56-86%. Direct microscopy for BV was 78.5% and stained smear after culture, 57.1%. Sensitivity and specificity of the techniques showed that detection of Chlamydia was less sensitive by direct microscopy of sample but sensitivity and specificity of stained smear after culture were high. Immunoassay (32.2%) was also less sensitive. Sensitivity and specificity of wet mount microscopy for Candida, Trichomoniasis and BV were in the range 62.5 – 80% and 62.5-97.8% respectively. Wet mount has high sensitivity and specificity for detecting agents of vaginitis and may be useful for routine use and for diagnosis where disease is absent, thus, making identification more cost effective

Localization of oestrogen hormone receptors in the reproductive tract of giant African land snail (Archachatina marginata) and potential role of Mucuna pruriens on level of expression

This study determines localization of oestrogen hormone receptors in selected parts of the reproductive tract of giant African land snail (Archachatina marginata) and potential role of Mucuna pruriens on levels of expression. Thirty (30) snails were used for this experiment, with average weight of 100-150g. The snails were allotted to three dietary treatments which includes concentrate (CON), concentrate + Mucuna pruriens (CON+MSP) and Mucuna pruriens seed powder only (MSP). Each treatment contains 10 Replicate each. After eight weeks, five snails were randomly selected from each dietary treatment and dissected. Organs removed were oviduct, albumen gland, ovo-testis and the spermatheca. RNA and DNA extractions were carried out with commercial kits. Gel electrophoresis on 1% agarose was also carried out to evaluate the expression. Primers sequence used were the forward and reverse β oestrogen primer which was designed to detect the expression of the gene encoding oestrogen receptor in the reproductive tract of the giant African Land Snail (Archachatina marginata) were: Forward: 5’-GCT TCG AGC TCA GCC TG-3’ Reverse: 5’-AGG ATC ATG GCC TTG ACA CAG A-3’. Result showed that receptors for estrogen were present in oviduct, albumen gland, ovo-testis and spermatheca for both RNA and DNA analysis considering CON and MSP. While oviduct was also moderately expressed for CON and MSP. But combination of concentrate and Mucuna seed powder (CON+MSP) showed no visible expression for estrogen receptor. It was however concluded that combination of concentrate and mucuna seed powder (CON+MSP) down-regulate expression of estrogen receptor gene expression. It was recommended that feed to be combined for snail production must be free from substance(s) that has the potential to block the expression of reproductive hormone function

Present Interest and Future Aspiration in Farming: A Case of School -based Farmers' Children Club in Ago -lwoye, Nigeria

A study was conducted to determine the relationship between the of present level of interest farmers' children in farming and their future aspiration in farming. All the 70 members of Children -in- Agriculture Club, based in all the secondary schools in Ago -lwoye were interviewed for the study. Pre- tested interview schedule was used to generate information from the individual club member. Descriptive statistics was used to describe the data, while the Spearman -rho rank correlation and stepwise regression were used to determine the relationship between the variables. The results of the study show high interest of the farmers' children in farming activities with a relatively high future aspiration in further education in agriculture and/ or future investment in farming. This however, is not related to selected personal characteristics of the children

Present Interest and Future Aspiration in Farming: A Case of School -based Farmers' Children Club in Ago -lwoye, Nigeria

A study was conducted to determine the relationship between the of present level of interest farmers' children in farming and their future aspiration in farming. All the 70 members of Children -in- Agriculture Club, based in all the secondary schools in Ago -lwoye were interviewed for the study. Pre- tested interview schedule was used to generate information from the individual club member. Descriptive statistics was used to describe the data, while the Spearman -rho rank correlation and stepwise regression were used to determine the relationship between the variables. The results of the study show high interest of the farmers' children in farming activities with a relatively high future aspiration in further education in agriculture and/ or future investment in farming. This however, is not related to selected personal characteristics of the children

Fluconazole resistant opportunistic oro-pharyngeal candida and non-candida yeast-like isolates from HIV infected patients attending ARV clinics in Lagos, Nigeria.

Background: Oro-Pharyngeal Candidiasis (OPC) continues to be considered the most common opportunistic fungal disease in HIV/AIDS patients globally. Azole antifungal agent has become important in the treatment of mucosal candidiasis in HIV patients. Presently, antifungal drug resistance is fast becoming a major problem particularly with the immune depleted population. Objectives: This study was designed to investigate the: existence of OPC, species distribution fluconazole susceptibility profile of yeast cells isolated from oral specimens of HIV/AIDS patients from Lagos Nigeria, between Oct. 2004 and June, 2005. Methodology: The venous blood samples were screened for HIV antibodies using the Cappillus HIV I and II test kit (Trinity Biotech Plc UK), and Genie II HIV I and II EIA kit (Bio-Rad France). The positive results were subsequently confirmed at the laboratory attached to each of the clinics, using the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Health approved algorithm. The samples from 213 (108 females and 105 males) HIV positive patients were plated onto SD agar. The isolates were identified by morphotyping, microscopy and speciated using germ tube test and battery of biochemical sugar fermentation and assimilation tests. Fluconazole agar diffusion susceptibility testing was carried out on each isolates. Results: Seventy-four (34.7%) isolates were recovered including one person with double isolates. Only 70(94.6%) of the isolates could be adequately speciated. Candida albicans 30 (40.5%) was the most frequently isolated species, the rest were non-albicans species, with the frequency of C. tropicalis › C. Krusei › C. glabrata and C. neoformans for species for species having up to 4 isolates. Four (30.8%) out of 13 isolates of C. tropicalis showed germ tube formation. While one C. albicans was germ-tube negative. Out of the 74 isolates tested for fluconazole sensitivity, 58(78.4%) were sensitive, MIC d” 8μg/ml, 9(12.1%) were susceptible Dose Dependant (SDD), MIC 16-32 μg/ml and 7(9.5%) were resistant, MICs e” 64μg/ml. Among the C. albicans isolates, 26(86.7%) were sensitive to fluconazole. The rank of susceptibility was C. albicans > C. tropicalis > C. Krusei for the most prevalent species. Conclusion: We conclude that fluconazole resistant strains of oro-pharyngeal yeast-like cells exist in about 9.5% of HIV/AIDS patients with the above stated species distribution. We therefore, highlight the need for routine antifungal susceptibility testing on HIV patients with cases of initial or repeat episodes of OPC. Keywords: Oropharyngeal Candida (yeast-like cells), HIV/AIDS and Fluconazole Resistance. African Health Sciences Vol. 8 (3) 2008: pp. 142-14

Fluconazole resistant opportunistic oro-pharyngeal candida and non-candida yeast-like isolates from HIV infected patients attending ARV clinics in Lagos, Nigeria

Background: Oro-Pharyngeal Candidiasis (OPC) continues to be considered the most common opportunistic fungal disease in HIV/AIDS patients globally. Azole antifungal agent has become important in the treatment of mucosal candidiasis in HIV patients. Presently, antifungal drug resistance is fast becoming a major problem particularly with the immune depleted population. Objectives: This study was designed to investigate the: existence of OPC, species distribution fluconazole susceptibility profile of yeast cells isolated from oral specimens of HIV/AIDS patients from Lagos Nigeria, between Oct. 2004 and June, 2005. Methodology: The venous blood samples were screened for HIV antibodies using the Cappillus HIV I and II test kit (Trinity Biotech Plc UK), and Genie II HIV I and II EIA kit (Bio-Rad France). The positive results were subsequently confirmed at the laboratory attached to each of the clinics, using the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Health approved algorithm. The samples from 213 (108 females and 105 males) HIV positive patients were plated onto SD agar. The isolates were identified by morphotyping, microscopy and speciated using germ tube test and battery of biochemical sugar fermentation and assimilation tests. Fluconazole agar diffusion susceptibility testing was carried out on each isolates. Results: Seventy-four (34.7%) isolates were recovered including one person with double isolates. Only 70(94.6%) of the isolates could be adequately speciated. Candida albicans 30 (40.5%) was the most frequently isolated species, the rest were non-albicans species, with the frequency of C. tropicalis > C. Krusei > C. glabrata and C. neoformans for species for species having up to 4 isolates. Four (30.8%) out of 13 isolates of C. tropicalis showed germ tube formation. While one C. albicans was germ-tube negative. Out of the 74 isolates tested for fluconazole sensitivity, 58(78.4%) were sensitive, MIC d" 8µg/ml, 9(12.1%) were susceptible Dose Dependant (S-DD), MIC 16-32 µg/ml and 7(9.5%) were resistant, MICs e" 64µg/ml. Among the C. albicans isolates, 26(86.7%) were sensitive to fluconazole. The rank of susceptibility was C. albicans > C. tropicalis > C. Krusei for the most prevalent species. Conclusion: We conclude that fluconazole resistant strains of oro-pharyngeal yeast-like cells exist in about 9.5% of HIV/AIDS patients with the above stated species distribution. We therefore, highlight the need for routine antifungal susceptibility testing on HIV patients with cases of initial or repeat episodes of OPC

Infant immunization coverage in difficult-to-reach area of Lagos metropolis

A retrospective survey of infant immunization coverage was conducted among 210 children aged 12 to 23 months in difficult-to-reach coastal suburb of Lagos, Nigeria. This was to assess immunization coverage for BCG, DPT, OPV and measles vaccination and to investigate reasons for failure to be immunized and evaluate the drop out rate as well as missed opportunities. An EPI cluster method was used. Questionnaires were administered with WHO cluster form for infant immunization. Recall history and card records of immunization were the tools used. The result showed that 82 (39%) of the 210 children assessed were not immunized, 84 (40%) were partially immunized and only 44 (21%) were fully immunized. At one year of age, only 21 (10%) of the children completed their immunization. Observation of the follow up of vaccination showed that 65.5% of 127 children who started BCG vaccination dropped out as at the time of receiving measles vaccination. Reasons advanced for failure to immunize or complete immunization of the children included obstacles in 47.7%, lack of information 40.7% and lack of motivation in 11.6%. These factors contributed to missed opportunities. Only 9 (11%) of 82 children not vaccinated against measles attributed non vaccination to illnesses. Lack of health facilities and the terrain that is difficult to reach contributed to low coverage. Also, low literacy level, poor maternal health education, poor socioeconomic status and poor advocacy to community leaders and lack of commitment of health workers contributed to low coverage. For immunization coverage to improve in this area, these factors must be addressed. Keywords: infant, immunization, coverage, antigens, advocacy African Journal of Clinical and Experimental Microbiology Vol. 6 (3) 2005: 227-23