Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) among Children of Primary School Age in a Community, North-Central, Nigeria

Globally, Hepatitis B Virus has been identified as one of the most common infectious diseases and a major public health problem.This study was therefore carried out to assess the prevalence of Hepatitis B virus infection among primary school children attending LGE primary school, Sabon Pegi, Kuru, Nigeria. Three hundred and sixty (360) blood samples were collected from the pupils and sera separated and analyzed for HBsAg using one step Hepatitis B surface antigen test strip. Of the 360 samples screened, 35 (9.7%) were sero-positive. Pupils within the age 7-9 years had the highest prevalence of 3.9%. Male subjects recorded a prevalence of 6.1% compared to 3.6% for females. Risk factors such as blood transfusion recorded 1.6%. Furthermore, family history of HBV infection accounted for 3.6%, while male subjects that had traditional method of circumcision recorded a high prevalence of 3.3%. Unfortunately, the prevalence of this ravaging infectious agent appears to be high amongst the subjects studied. It is strongly suggested that public awareness be accorded urgent attention while socioeconomic development in these areas be given priority as a measure to preventing further spread of this virus amongst children, particularly the school age group. Key words: Children, HBsAg, Primary school, Seroprevalenc

Delivery of thermostable Newcastle disease (ND) vaccine to chickens with broken millet grains as the vehicle

The efficacy of treated broken millet grains as a carrier for delivery of thermostable Newcastle disease (ND) vaccine HRV4 to free-range chickens in three locations was assessed by haemagglutinationinhibition (HI) test and challenge experiment. Out of 256 birds fed with first dose of the vaccine, 130 (50.8%) produced detectable HI antibody but only 16 (6.3%) attained serum antibody level of log2 3.0adjudged protective. From the locations, Igumale (74 birds), Kuru (88 birds) Riyom (94 birds), only 1 (1.4%), 8 (9.1%) and 7 (7.4%) attained log2 titre 3.0, respectively. A booster vaccine dose 2 weeks lateron 236 of the birds led to 126 (53.4%) attaining HI (log2) titre 3.0 [Igumale (63 birds), Kuru (86 birds) Riyom (87 birds) had 33 (53.5%), 46 (53.5%) and 42 (48.3%) respectively attaining log2 titres of 3.0]. Out of a total of 70 buy-back chickens challenged, 49 (70.0%) survived. The break down showed that from Igumale (20 birds), Kuru (25 birds) Riyom (25 birds), the survivors were 13 (65.0%), 19 (76.0%) and 17 (68.0%), respectively. Out of 28 unvaccinated control birds challenged, only 4 survived. The overall results showed that millet, if properly treated, could be a good vaccine carrier and that the method of vaccination was relatively efficacious.

Seed-storage Mycoflora of Peanut Cultivars Grown in Nigerian Savanna

Storage of peanut is increasingly becoming important both among growers and users of the crop in Nigerian savanna. The aim is to sell the produce and maximize benefits accruing from the crops during scarcity. Very often, these envisaged advantages fail due to unfavourable market forces, thus compelling them to sell at a loss or store them across seasons for periods ranging from one to two years. However, information on fungi associated with storage of such peanuts in Nigerian savanna and its attendant problems are yet to be investigated. Thus, the seed mycoflora and viability seven common peanut cultivars stored under conditions similar to traditional settings were investigated using different isolating techniques. The peanut cultivars were RMP 12, RMP 91, RRB, 48-115B, M554-76, 55-437 Ex-Dakar and a local cultivar. None of these cultivars possessed resistance to in vitro colonization by fungi. Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Rhizopus stolonifer were consistently isolated from all the cultivars from almost all isolating techniques. Other fungi were Fusarium chlamydosporium, F. roseum, F. oxysporium, Penicillium spp., Curvularia spp., Botryodiplodia theobromae, Macrophomina phaseolina and Sclerotium rolfsii. Relative percentages, however, varied with individual fungi and peanut cultivars. The test with seven different types of growth media gave the highest fungi recovery rate than the blotter paper technique. Seed viability was lower with peanut seeds stored for two years. Also, the relative percentage occurrence of individual fungi was significantly higher with seeds stored for two years. While we recommend the use of growth media for recovery and study of seed mycoflora, peanut seeds should not be stored for more than one year

Studies On Some Storage Methods For Cassava Stakes Using Intact Stakes

The demand for cassava stakes is determined by scarcity in some locations because of crop expansion or difficulty in storing stems when harvested early. At other locations, poor quality “seed” is the factor. In an experiment carried out at the University of Agriculture, Makurdi experimental farm to evaluate some methods for storing cassava stakes, trial was carried out for 14 weeks, at the end of which unburied stakes and those wrapped in grasses were severely dehydrated recording 71.77% and 78.37% dehydration respectively at 10 weeks of storage. Stored stakes recorded some level of viability at the end of 14 weeks of storage with partially buried stakes recording the highest viability percentage of 22.67% among all the storage methods at 4 weeks after planting. Conclusion reached was that, Cassava stakes should be stored as long intact stakes partially buried (20cm of the base) vertically as this method of storage can maintain viability of stored stakes for up to 14 weeks. The importance of this work in relation to poverty alleviation in Nigeria is discussed

Agronomic and pathological factors affecting soybean seed quality and health in Benue State, Nigeria

No Abstract.Nigeria Agricultural Journal Vol. 35 2004: pp. 86-9

Prevalence of Hepatitis C virus in apparently health individuals at Jos, Nigeria

No Abstract.International Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences Vol. 4 (1) 2008: pp. 37-4

Assessment of knowledge, perception and readiness of Nigerians to participate in the COVID-19 vaccine trial

Developing an effective and safe COVID-19 vaccine is a global public health necessity in containing the pandemic, however, recruiting volunteers can be challenging in a clinical trial phase because of poor knowledge, negative perception, ethical issues and safety concerns

Seroprevalence of hepatitis b virus infection amongst pregnant women at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital Maiduguri, Nigeria

Hepatitis B is a worldwide health care problem, especially in developing countries. An estimated one third of the global population has been infected with this virus. Two hundred (200) serum samples from pregnant women attending the antenatal centre of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri, Nigeria were screened for Hepatitis B virus antigen (HBsAg) using the one step rapid chromatographic strip for HBsAg. Structured questionnaires were administered to obtain the risk factors associated with viral hepatitis in the population. Out of the total samples screened, 32(16%) were found to be positive for HBsAg. The highest prevalence was recorded among the age groups 20-29 years, with overall number of 19(9.5%). Relatively high seroprevalence (8%) was also recorded among civil servants. Considering the various risk factors, the prevalence of HBV was statistically significant (p<0.05) for subjects that had blood transfusion recording 14(7%), while those with history of surgery had a prevalence of 12(6%). In addition, subjects with tribal markings/tattoo recorded 16(8%) prevalence. This study emphasises the public health importance of HBV in subjects screened, indicating that blood should be well screened before transfusion, while the populace should abstain from sharing sharp and body piercing objects in order to reduce the rate of transmission.Keywords: Hepatitis B virus antigen, pregnant women, antenatal centre, Nigeria International Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences, 5(4): 402-406, 200

Phytochemical screening and antibacterial activity of guiera senegalensis leaf extracts

Aqueous (cold and hot) and methanolic extracts of the leaves of Guierasenegalensis were made and their efficacy studied in vitro against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli and Streptococcus pyogenes. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bacteriocidal concentration (MBC) of the extracts was determined using standard methods. Results obtained showed that all extracts inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli at all concentrations, while Streptococcus pyogenes was only inhibited at 250 and 200 mg/ml concentration on some of the extracts. The MICs of the different extracts ranges from 40 to 200 mg/ml, while the MBC gave a range of 20 to 200 mg/ml but varies from one isolate to the other. Phytochemical screening of the powdered form of the leaves of Guiera Senegalensis showed it to contain resins, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, glycosides and terpenes. This study shows that the leaf of Guiera Senegalensis possess antibacterial property.Keywords: Guiera senegalensis, leaves, medicinal plant, antibacterial property

Prevalence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) Amongst Alcohol Consumers at Bassa LGA, Plateau State, Nigeria

The prevalence of Hepatitis B surface Antigen was studied amongst alcohol consumers and non– consumers (Control subjects) in Bassa Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State. Three hundred and five (305) subjects comprising 255(83.61%) alcoholics and 50(16.39%) non-alcoholic control subjects were screened for HBsAg using the one step rapid immuno-chromatographic strip. Questionnaires covering gender, age, educational status, history of blood transfusion, and evidence of sexual transmitted disease, were administered to each subject. Overall result showed that 54(17.71%) of the subjects tested positive for HBsAg. The prevalence rate of 43(14.10%), was recorded amongst male subjects, while the female subjects had 11(3.61%). Furthermore, the study showed that prevalence of HBsAg was higher among the 19-30 years age group, conversely, the lowest prevalence rate was recorded among the elderly. Notably, alcohol consumers recorded the highest prevalence of 43(14.10%) out of 255(83.61%), while the non-consumers had a prevalence rate of 11(3.61%). The serum amino transferases (ALT/AST) levels in positive subjects were significantly high. Values for both AST and ALT obtained showed elevations in 14(4.59%) HBsAg positive subjects. These results show health implication of Hepatitis B Virus infection, especially in alcohol consumers in the study area. Therefore, the populace needs to be educated on the effect of this infectious agent of medical importance and the need for vaccinating individuals against the Virus.Keywords: Prevalence, hepatitis B, surface antigen, alcoholics, Nigeria International Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences, 5(3): 276-280, 200