The Prevalence of Malaria Parasitic Infections in Cord Blood: Association with Some Socio Demographic Profile

This study aimed at investigating the relationship between some selected socio demographic profile and malaria parasitic infections in cord blood. It involved 100 cord blood samples of newly delivered babies at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Edo State. Samples were subjected to microscopic examinations following standard protocols and the prevalence of malaria parasitic infections in cord blood were identified using thick and thin blood films. Plasmodium species and packed cell volume were identified and determined using rapid antigen techniques and microhaematocrit respectively. Results showed that malaria parasite was present in 9.0% of samples and was higher in babies with weights ≤1.0kg (66.70%) and PCV of 25.50% (15.40%). As regards species distribution, Plasmodium falciparum had the highest prevalence (6%). Based on the methods used, microscopic method had higher prevalence (9%) over rapid detection technique (6%). On the methods used, malaria parasitic infections was also higher among the age 36-40 years (12.5%), primigravidae (15.6%), rural dwellers (16.1%), unskilled labour (22.2%), educational status ≤SSCE (12.5%) and mothers that do not use prophylaxis (45.5%). Overall, the prevalence of malaria parasites in cord blood is low in the studied area, yet the associated consequence of mother-to-child transmission can not be ignored.Keywords: Babies, Cord blood, Demographic profile, Malaria parasites, Relationship

Comparative Study on Liver Enzymes Activity and Blood Group Variations

The aim of this study is to determine the activities of some selected liver enzymes amongst apparently healthy subjects of different blood groups. The study involved 95 apparently healthy students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria, between the ages of 18-30, and distributed as follows; blood group O (30), group AB (18), group A (22) and blood group B (25). Blood samples were collected from the antecubital vein and separated to obtain serum. The activities of Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Aspartate amino transferase (AST) and Alanine amino transferase (ALT) in the serum were determined using the spectrophometric method and the results were compared using SPSS (version 15). The results showed that the activities of AST and ALT were not significantly different (p>0.05) among the blood groups. However, the activity of ALP was significantly different (p<0.05) from those of blood group A, AB and O. Based on the findings of this study therefore, ABO blood group variations may have an influence on some liver enzymes activity.Keywords: ABO Blood Groups, Liver enzymes, Liver functio

Heavy metals concentrations in some surface and ground waters in Imo State, Nigeria

No Abstract. IJONAS Vol. 3 (2) 2007: pp. 157-15