A Survey of Hookworm Infection among Pupils of School Age in Jos-North, Plateau State, Nigeria

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Hookworm infection among children of school age in Jos-North Local Government Area of Plateau State. A total of 2,800 stool samples from pupils aged 3 – 15 years and above, attending seven (7) primary schools were collected and bio-assayed for Hookworm ova using direct smear and formalin – ether concentration techniques. Six hundred and forty seven (647) pupils (23.11%) were found to be infected by various parasites. Parasites encountered in order of occurrence include Ascaris (8.46%), Entamoeba histolytica (5.64%), Hookworm spp (5.14%), Giardia (2.61%) and Trichuris (1.29%). The result showed that 144 of the pupils had hookworm ova in their stool samples. This accounts for 5.14% of the total population and 22.26% of the infected population. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) between males and females with respect to the prevalence of the infection, although more males (86) were found to be infected than females (58). There was significant difference between the different age groups (P < 0.05), 3 – 6 yrs having the highest infection rate (11.3%) while 15 yrs and above have the lowest (1.31%). The implications of the findings on the occurrence and distribution of Hookworm infection and possible control measures were highlighted. Further study is needed to identify which of the two Hookworm species is most prevalent

Skin cancers in albinos in a teaching Hospital in eastern Nigeria - presentation and challenges of care

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Albinism is a genetic disorder characterized by lack of skin pigmentation. It has a worldwide distribution but is commoner in areas close to the equator like Nigeria. Skin cancers are a major risk associated with albinism and are thought to be a major cause of death in African albinos. Challenges faced in the care of these patients need to be highlighted in order to develop a holistic management approach with a significant public health impact. The aim of the study was to determine the pattern of skin cancers seen in Albinos, and to highlight problems encountered in their management.</p> <p>Method</p> <p>Case records of albinos managed in Imo state University teaching Hospital from June 2007 to May 2009 were reviewed. The data obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistics.</p> <p>Results and discussion</p> <p>In the period under review, albinos accounted for 67% of patients managed for primary skin cancers. There were twenty patients with thirty eight (38) lesions. Sixty one percent of the patients were below 40 years. Average duration of symptoms at presentation was 26 months. The commonest reason for late presentation was the lack of funds. Squamous cell carcinoma was the commonest histologic variant. Most patients were unable to complete treatment due to lack of funds.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Albinism appears to be the most important risk factor in the development of skin cancers in our environment. Late presentation and poor rate of completion of treatment due to poverty are major challenges.</p

Effects of Level of Feeding During Early to Mid-Pregnancy on Placental and Fetal Development in the Sheep

Objective: This study was designed to determine the effect of maternal undernutrition during early to mid-pregnancy (i.e. 28 &ndash; 80 days gestation; term &asymp; 147 days) on placental and fatal development in the sheep. Materials and Methods: Singleton and twin- bearing ewes were malnourished between 28 to 80 days of pregnancy and its effects on both placental and fatal components determined. Malnourished ewes were fed 3.2 - 3.8 MJ day-1 of metabolisable energy (ME) (~ 60% of ME requirements). Diet comprised of chopped hay and barley-based concentrates. Results: Maternal malnourishment had no effect on total placental weight, but caused a significant increase (P&lt;0.05) in the weight of the fetal placenta of the uterine horn occupied by the fetus in singleton bearing ewes. Fetal development in singletons was not affected, but limb length was significantly reduced (P&lt;0.05). Total placental weight and fetal placental weight were significantly reduced (P&lt;0.05) in the twin-bearing ewes. Undernutrition caused a reduction (P&lt;0.05) in fetal weight in the twins. Maternal malnourishment had no effect on cell development in the maternal placenta of the twin-bearing ewes, but blood supply to the maternal placenta was stimulated. In contrast to the maternal placenta, undernutrition did not only cause a reduction (P&lt;0.05) in cell number in the fetal placenta, but also a reduction (P&lt;0.05) in the supply of blood. Undernutrition had no effect on cell size or blood supply to the maternal liver. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate the differential effects of maternal malnourishment on placental and fetal development in singleton and twin-bearing ewes.Key words: Feeding level, Early to mid pregnancy, placenta, fetal development, ew

Influence of Maternal Nutrient Restriction during the Period of Embryonic and Maximal Placental Growth on Organ Development in the Adult Sheep

Objective: It is apparent that maternal under nutrition at specific period during pregnancy has differential effects on placental and fetal development, such that the resulting offspring is programmed to be at risk of disease in later life. The study investigated the influence of restricted maternal nutrition during the period of embryonic and maximal placental growth (i.e. 0 &ndash; 95 days gestation; term &asymp;147 days) on the developmental and programming of mitochondrial voltage dependent anion channel (VDAC) and cytochrome c in the lung of the resulting ovine adult. Materials and Methods: Singleton bearing ewes were nutrient restricted between 0 and 95 days of pregnancy and lung weight, the abundance of VDAC and cytochrome c were determined in the resulting adult at 3 years of age, using immunoblotting. Nutrient restricted ewes were fed 50% of their metabolisable energy (ME) requirements (4.0 MJ/day), and diet consisted of 250g hay/day and 210g/day of dried grass pellets (2.2 MJ/day). All diets contained adequate amount of vitamins and minerals. Results: Maternal nutrient restriction had no effect on lung weight, protein and total mitochondrial protein; but caused a significant reduction (P&lt;0.05) in VDAC and cytochrome c abundance. Kidney weight was not affected but cytochrome c abundance was significantly (P&lt;0.05) down regulated. Liver weight was significantly (P&lt;0.05) reduced by nutrient restriction, but no effect on VDAC and cytochrome c abundance. Conclusion: Although maternal nutrient restriction over the period of embryonic and maximal placental growth has no effect on lung weight, it reduces the production of mitochondrial VDAC and cytochrome c at 3 years of age and this may affect the adaptation of the adult sheep.Key words: Maternal, nutrient restriction, pregnancy, placenta, organ, development, Shee

Gastrointestinal Helminths of Domestic Chickens (Gallus gallus) in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

Gastrointestinal helminths infestations interfere with host metabolism, resulting in poor feed utilization, reduced growth rate and size and death, in severe cases. This study was conducted in some farms in Miango Road in Jos South Local Government Area (L.G.A.) and Yankaji in Jos North L.G.A., Plateau State, Nigeria. The main objective was to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminths in domestic chickens. One hundred and seventy seven intestinal and faecal samples obtained from local and exotic chickens were examined for helminths parasites using floatation and sedimentation techniques. Sixty seven (37.85 %) were infected with helminths parasites, which were nematodes had the highest prevalence (23.16 %) followed by cestodes (14.69 %). Ascaridia galli had the highest occurrences (19.21 %) while Heterakis gallinarum recorded the least frequency (0.56 %). Infection rates between intestinal and faecal samples and between local and exotic breeds were not significant. There was significant difference (P &lt; 0.001) in the specific prevalence of helminths parasites. Education of poultry farmers on effective farm managements and integrated control of parasitic diseases needs to be intensified to reduce the infestations rates. Frequent sanitary inspection of abattoirs and butchers is necessary to prevent the contamination of meat with helminths eggs.Keywords: Host metabolism, poor feed utilization, gastrointestinal helminths, Gallus gallus, and domestic chickensNigerian Journal of Parasitology, Vol. 33 [1] March 2012, pp. 85-8

Consumption and physico‐chemical characteristics of smoked and smoked‐dried fish commonly produced in South Benin and contribution to recommended nutrient intakes

The work aims to assess the consumption and the physico-chemical characteristics of smoked fish and smoked-dried fish commonly produced and consumed in the South Benin. The consumption data were obtained from a survey involving 250 consumers, conducted in selected production localities of the Southern part of Benin, where 36 samples of smoked fish and smoked-dried fish were collected. The highest protein contents (dry matter) were recorded in Cypselurus cyanopterus (85.1 ± 2.3%) and Sphyraena barracuda (84.5 ± 4.2%), while the highest lipid contents were recorded in Scomber scombrus (39.0 ± 9.2%) and Ethmalosa fimbriata (22.1 ± 6.3%). Smoked and smoked-dried fish produced in South Benin contained 0.1%-12.5% (of total fatty acids) eicosapentaenoic acid and 0.1%-33.2% docosahexaenoic acid, which are the most abundant omega 3 polyunsaturated acids in these fish products. The median consumption of smoked fish (60.2 g/day) and smoked-dried fish (18.2 g/day) contributed for 112% (281.1 mg) and 72% (180.4 mg), respectively, to the adult daily recommended intake of sum of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (250 mg/day). The daily protein intake related to the consumption of smoked fish and smoked-dried fish corresponded to 36% and 24%, respectively, of the recommended intake suggested by European Food Safety Authority (0.8 g/kg.bw/day)