Parasites and Morphometric Indices of Frozen Fish Sold in Nsukka Urban Market, Enugu State, Nigeria

The parasites and morphometric indices of frozen fish sold in Nsukka Urban Market in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria were investigated between June and December 2008 to determine the parasite prevalence, mean intensity and abundance and some morphometric indices associated with parasitism. Two species of acanthocephalan endo-parasites were isolated from Savreda sp namely, Gorgorhynchus sp and Paragorgorhynchus sp with overall prevalence of 35.4%. The mean intensity for Gorgorhynchus sp was 14.1+0.2 and the mean abundance was 10.0+0.1. Paragorgorhynchus sp had mean intensity of 1.2+0.1 and mean abundance of 10.0+0.1. Some morphometric characteristics were calculated to correlate weight against standard length (SL) and total length (TL). There was a significant correlation between mean SL (2.76 + 0.59 cm) and mean TL (3.23+0.15 cm) with mean body weight (BW = 320 +0.49g) for Sardinella sp and mean SL (32.6+0.71cm) and TL (35.9+0.66 cm) with mean BW (440+0.13g) for Savreda sp. The mean condition factor (K) fell in 0.01+0.001 in both species, this shows that the fish overall condition is in a good state, whereas b-value (b=1.7) shows that the Savreda sp which hosted parasite had a negative allometric growth pattern (b3) showing a positive allometric pattern. The negative allometric pattern for Savreda sp is probably as a result of the parasites they hosted.Keywords: Parasites, Morphometric Indices, Frozen fish

Schistosomiasis in Ndinjor district of Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria

A survey of human schistosomiasis was conducted among the residents of Ndinjor District of Langtang North Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria. A total of 1,070 samples from 535 people (each donating stool and urine samples) were examined using the Standard WHO [20] of Kato-Kato syringe filtration for stool and urine samples respectively. The overall prevalence of schistosomiasis was 295(55.7%).Schistosoma haematobium was more prevalent with 221(41.3%) than Schistosoma mansoni with 77(14.4%) P<0.05. Prevalence rate varied significantly (P<0.05) between sexes. Males had higher prevalence of 180 (67.2%) than the females, 118(44.2%). Infection according to age group showed that age groups 10 – 19years and 20 – 29years had higher infection rates of 150(66.7%) and 86(68.6%) respectively. In terms of occupation (P>0.05), fishermen had the highest prevalence of 9(75.0%) followed by students, 218(61.1%) while farmers had 70(44.3%). Prevalence rate in relation to water source did not vary significantly (P>0.05). Those that had their water from the stream recorded the highest prevalence of 222 (58.0%) followed by river 48(54.6%) with the least infection recorded among those that used wells 28(43.7%).This study indicated a stable or moderate/mesoendemicity and requires control measures to be put in place.Keywords: Schistosomiasis, Ndinjor, Plateau, NigeriaNigerian Journal of Parasitology, Vol. 32 [2] September 2011, pp. 209-21

Cryptosporidium and Cryptosporidiosis in Calves at Jos, Northern Nigeria

This study investigated the occurrence of cryptosporidium and cryptosporidiosis in calves from Jos, Northern Nigeria. Two hundred fecal samples were collected from the calves, recruited for an all year round study (January to December 2007). Fecal samples were obtained directly from the rectum of each animal. The samples were processed based on the formol ether concentration technique and the saturated sodium chloride flotation method. Cryptosporidium spp. was detected using the modified Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) method. Significant relationships (p>0.05) between the prevalence and distribution of cryptosporidium and other enteric pathogens in the calves examined were recorded. Cryptosporidium species recorded the highest prevalence in the calves (38.5%), while coccidian had 21.2%, and Monizia expansa and Neoascaris vitulomum recorded 18.6%. There was a significant difference (p>0.05) in the prevalence of cryptosporidium species across sex and ages of the calves. Prevalence decreased with age. Infection was more common in animals aged 1-10 to 21-30 days, while in relation to sex, the female calves recorded slightly higher prevalence (38.7%) than the Males (38.3%)

Assessment of intestinal helminth infections in Utan, Jos-Plateau, Nigeria

No Abstract

Occurrence of Loasis in a Savannah Ecosystem of The Jos Plateau, North Central Nigeria

Infection due to Loa loa is not common in a typical savannah ecosystem, however, it constitutes health challenge where they exist leading to  blindness similar to onchocercaisis. This study evaluated the occurrence of loasis in ten (10) communities of Jos East LGA, Plateau State, North Central Nigeria. Blood samples were collected from 768 consented persons between 12 noon and 4.00 pm. Parasitological analysis using 10 % Giemsa stain results showed that 50 (6.5%) of the sampled population was found to be infected with Loa loa microfilaria. An unequal distribution pattern was recorded between villages with the highest infection rate of 13% at Maigemu followed by Duguza (12.7%), while the lowest infection rates were recorded at Sabon Kaura (3.2%) and Maijuju (3.5%). No Loa loa microfilariae were found in persons residing in Agwan Sarki during the period of this study. Infection rate showed significant (P<0.0004) variation in relation to sex. There was, however, no significant (P>0.4) difference in infection rate between the age groups. No symptoms of loasis was recorded during the survey. There were no Chrysops fly vectors found in the study area where reports showed that the flies had occurred in the communities. The results are of public health importance as it provides update on the status of loasis in a typical savannah ecosystem.Keywords: Onchocerciasis, Loasis, microfilariae and Savannah ecosyste

Cryptosporidium species and cattle: Implication for public health and water - Short Communication

This paper presents a brief summary of the ecology of Cryptosporidium species in Calves and humans and the existing scientific evidence that addresses the claim that calves put humans at significant risk for water–borne infection of Cryptosporidium species. Cryptosporidium species is a tiny protozoon that can cause gastrointestinal illness in a variety of mammals, including humans, Cattle, Sheep, goats, pigs, and horses. The infection in Calves and humans is primarily transmitted by fecal-oral route. The evidence supporting the claim that Cattle are a significant source of C. parvum for surface water and human infection is incomplete and contradictory in some cases. It would be premature at this time to claim that Cattle production is the leading source of C. parvum in surface waters. It is necessary therefore to identify in addition to Cattle, the primary quantitative source(s) of this parasite in the environment, be it companion animals, human associated sewage effluent, livestock, or humans.Key words: Cryptosporidium, gastrointestinal illness, contamination, oocysts, shedding, cattle, human

Premilinary studies on schistosomiasis in Zuru emirate of Kebbi state, Nigeria

No Abstract. The Nigerian Journal of Parasitology Vol. 22(1&2) 2001: 65-7

Studies on the Prevalence of Trichomoniasis among Women in Jos-North, Plateau State, Nigeria

Sexually Transmitted Diseases(STDs) have been prevalent  human infections and is on the increase in most tropical and sub-tropical African countries including Nigeria. A survey of the prevalence of Trichomoniasis, was carried out in Jos-North Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria in 2010. A total of 300 women were examined within three functional health institutions namely; University of Jos Health Centre, EWCA Evangel Hospital and Faith Alive Foundation  Hospital, using  the simple  flagella  staining techniques;  the cultural,  and the  direct examination methods, which involved wet preparation of High Vaginal Swab (HVS), and eosin staining methods. Three hundred (300) questionnaires were also administered to obtain sociological indices about the disease in regards  to  the  age  of  the  women,  type  of  toilet  they  use  and  their  occupations.  Results  showed  an  overall prevalence of 40(13.3%) in the 300 women examined of which the women between 26 and 30 years rated highest with143(6.7%) as against 41-45 years with only 5(0.3%) for the disease’s infection. Women observed to be of high socio-economic status that used the water-cistern toilet rated the least,120(5%) as against those with very lowsocial status that used the pit-latrine toilet which rated highest,180(8.3%) of the number infected.Under occupation, business women recorded highest, 19(6.3%)prevalence rate, students rated 4(1.3%) among others. Vaginal discharge rated highest, (81%) among other observable clinical symptoms associated with the disease as recorded in the survey. The findings regarding the disease deserve some quick response to better the health status of the dwellers in Jos-North in particular and Plateau State in general.Keywords:Trichomoniasis, Vaginal swab, Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), Clinical Symptoms

Prevalence of malaria parasites and Hepatitis-B virus in patients attending two hospitals in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

Malaria and Hepatitis-B virus (HBV) remain a threat to human health in many developing nations. Many regions with high malaria prevalence are also endemic for other infectious diseases which may predispose them to more of the malaria infection. Using thin and thick film preparations, malaria parasites were detected, identified and the intensity determined. Also by the use of the HBsAg rapid test strip, HBV surface antigen in sera obtained from consented and willing patients attending two hospitals in Jos were tested. Seven hundred and fifty (750) blood samples were examined, 61.10% were <15 years old while 38.19% were older (>15 years old). Three hundred and ninety nine (53.20%) were found infected with malaria, 11.6% with HBV and 6.19 had co-infection. There was significant difference in prevalence of malaria at p>0.05 being 74.69% in <15 years old and 25.31% in the >15 years old. For Hepatitis-B, there was also significant difference in the older (87.64%) as against the younger (12.36%) age-group. For co-infection, it was significantly higher at (p>0.05) in the older (91.20%) than in the younger (8.70%) age-group. No significant difference was observed for HBV between males and females but for malaria and co-infection it was higher in the males. The intensity of malaria parasites revealed +51.13%, ++46.12% and +++ in 2.76% of the infected. The survey showed that prevalence of malaria and HBV were high and pose serious health threats. Therefore government agencies NGO’s cooperate organization and individuals, should put in more efforts in advocacy towards behavioural changes that expose people to infections, campaign for immunization for all ages and making drugs more readily available towards the control of these diseases.Keywords: malaria, Hepatitis-B virus, co-infection, prevalence, intensit

Urinary schistosomiasis in parts of the Federal Capital Territory(FCT) Abuja and Nasarawa State, Nigeria

No Abstract