Occurrence of haemolysin antibodies among sickle cell anaemia patients within Calabar metropolis of Nigeria

The role of alpha () and beta () haemolysins in blood transfusion has been well documented. However, the occurrence of haemolysins and its attending problems in sickle cell anaemia (SCA) patients has limited appearance in the literatures especially in black Africa. This study was therefore designed to investigate the occurrence of and haemolysins in SCA patients within Calabar metropolis. A total of 50 normal controls and 54 SCA patients attending the sickle cell clinic of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Cross River State of Nigeria, were screened for haemolysins and quantitated using standard techniques. The distribution of haemolysins in the SCA patients was (16.7), (11.1) and + (16.7%). Their ABO blood groups were normally distributed in this order O>>A>B>AB (61.1, 20.4, 11.1 and 7.5%, respectively). The occurrence of haemolysin among the Ogroup was 15.2%, while haemolysin was 12.1% and + haemolysin was 30.3%. Control samples gave non-significantly lower haemolysin values than in SCA patients (P>0.05), but in the same order (, 9.0, , 7.0, and +, 9.0%). The higher prevalence of haemolysins in SCA could be a major limiting factor in donation of blood, blood selection and transfusion into SCA patients. Consequently, greater care should be taken during cross match of blood for SCA patients especially in multiple transfusion procedures

High Prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium Amongst Pre-Secondary School Children in Ebonyi State,Nigeria: An Overview of the Evidence

Urine sample of 302 pre-secondary school children aged 9-15 (mean 2.5 +- 3.1) yr were tested for the presence of eggs of Schistosma haematobium in which (32%) of the 302 were positive. While prevalence was related to age of participants in a positive fashion there were no gender differences. While children of civil servants had the lowest prevalence (18.8%), children of farmers had the highest prevalence, indicating that the poor environmental conditions of farmer’s children placed them at greater risks. Routine screening of infective parasitic agents in children entering secondary school prevents the transmission of such infective agents to other children and as well saves the affected children from possible fatal outcome of inevitable complications of such infections.Key words: Schistosoma haematobium parasites trematode bilharziasi

Bacterial Agents Associated with Seasonal Meningitis in Ebonyi State,Nigeria

Seasonal bacterial meningitis has been a regular occurrence in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. In a prospective study of 45 children of both sexes, aged 0 to 17yr (mean 12.5 + 1.5yr), infected with bacterial meningitis, in whom appropriate specimens were collected, examined and analyzed in order to identify the predominant bacterial causative organisms. Results showed that the incidence of bacterial meningitis occurred during the hot weater (Dec-Feb) yearly, and the predominant bacterial isolates were in the order Neisseria meningitides (51.5%) Streptococcus peumoniae (21.2%), Escherichia coli (13..6%), Haemophilus influenzae (7.6%) and Staphylococcus aureus (6.1%). Furthermore, there were incidence of multiple infections. The seasonality of bacterial meningitis in Ebonyi State is confirmed and measures such as personal hygiene and environmental factors to forestall its re occurrences are highlighted.Keywords: Bacterial, seasonal meningitis, Ebonyi Sequelae

Gender Dispsarity in Growth Dynamics among Nigerian Igbo School Children.

This is an non-invasive study involving. four hundred and eight (480) primary school pupils aged between 6 and 14 years (mean + SD; 8 + 6 years) enlisted into the study, were examined between September and November. Their height, weight and head circumference were measured in appropriate standard international units. Results showed that at 6 years, average weight of girls was 22.62 + 6.5kg compared to 20 .38 + 5.3 kg (

The Effect of Garlic Extracts on Experimental Trypanosoma brucei brucei Infection of Rabbits.

The anti-trypanosomal effect of aqueous and methanolic extracts of garlic were studied in Trypanosoma brucei brucei infected rabbits. With the establishment of infection, parasitaemia, anaemia, leucopenia, neutropenia and lymphocytosis developed. There was decrease in total serum protein, albumin and increase in cholesterol concentration. Treatment with aqueous and methanolic extracts of garlic had no significant effect on parasitaemia (p>0.05). Anaemia, leucopenia, neutropenia and lymphocytosis persisted. Administration of garlic extracts significantly elevated (

Colonial Heritage, Identity-Building and Communication: English and Nigerian Languages in Biafra

The Biafran War (1967–1970) has often been called “the forgotten war”, yet it marked a watershed in the development of the Nigerian foreign policy, gave birth to the NGO Médecins sans frontières and its refugee camps taught foreign journalists the intercultural skills they were to use later to report on other African conflicts. While many books and scholarly articles have been written on the war, its use of languages and impact on post-war language policies have never really been considered. Using media bulletins compiled by the author between 1968 and 1970, data collected by French journalists and published in 1968–1969, memoirs published later by various people involved in the humanitarian efforts of the period and songs recorded by the Biafran Red Cross during the conflict, this chapter will reveal how war years confirmed language preferences built during the colonial period. It will show how the necessity to communicate both with the outside and within the Biafran enclave contributed to gradually shape language practices, and will consider the reasons behind that choice. It will finally confirm the huge emotional and psychological power mobilised by languages during the conflict