Anaemia in pregnancy maternal and perinatal outcome in Ibadan, south western Nigeria

Background: Anaemia during pregnancy is a global public health issue that may be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Ante natal care should be concerned with early detection and management of all degrees of anaemia in pregnancy.Objectives: To determine the prevalence of anaemia and associated pregnancy outcomes among expectant mothers attending ante natal clinic at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.Subjects, Methods and Materials:A descriptive, longitudinal study of the maternal and perinatal outcomes of anaemia among an obstetric population at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.Results: Prevalence of anaemia in pregnancy was 6.5% with mild and moderate anaemia accounting for 4.6% and 2.2% respectively. Mild to moderate anaemia were not associated with adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes Conclusion: Prevalence of anaemia in our environment appears to be falling. Adverse maternal and perinatal outcome are unlikely with mild to moderate levels of anaemia.Keywords: Anaemia in pregnancy, prevalence, maternal outcome, perinatal outcome

Gastrointestinal parasitism in local and exotic breeds of chickens reared in Gwagwalada Guinea Savannah zone of Nigeria

The present study was carried out to establish the gastrointestinal parasites in local and exotic breeds of chickens reared in Gwagwalada, Guinea Savannah Zone of Nigeria. It was conducted between July and September, 2014. Two hundred and eighty (280) faecal samples from local and exotic breeds of chicken and 50 intact whole intestines were collected randomly from seven (7) major towns (Gwagwalada, Dobi, Gwako, Giri, Anagada, Tungan Maje and Zuba) in Gwagwalada Area council and examined for gastrointestinal parasites using flotation and sedimentation methods. Six (6) different gastrointestinal parasite eggs and oocytes were identified in 42.5% of the birds examined. Of these parasites, Ascaridia species was found to be the most prevalent (36.1%) among the chickens. Other parasites encountered include; Eimeria oocytes (34.5%), Heterakis species (12.6%), Rallietina species 10.1%; Capillaria species (4.2%) and Syngamus species (2.5%). There were mixed infection of 1.4% among the infected birds. Interestingly, none of the birds examined was infected with trematodes There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in prevalence rate of infection between the local and exotic breeds of chickens. Although males had a higher prevalence of infection than the females in both breeds, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the prevalence of infection among sexes. However, there was significant difference (P<0.05) between the age groups, with highest infection occuring in growers (46.2%). 20 (40%) of the 50 intact whole intestines screened were positive for gastrointestinal parasites by gross examination of intestinal tract. Out of the 20 positive, 12 were nematodes, 3 cestodes and remaining 5 were mixed infections. Therefore, sustainable ways of controlling these parasites at a particular age and further studies on the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in chicken need to be elucidated for improved intensive egg and poultry meat productionsKeywords: Chickens, Exotic, Gastrointestinal, Local, Parasites, Prevalenc

Hydrocarbon-degrading Capability of Bacteria isolated from a Maize-Planted, Kerosene-contaminated Ilorin Alfisol

In an effort at discovering autochthonous and active bacterial strains that could be of relevance in biodegradation and/or bioremediation of  petroleum contaminated systems in Nigeria, twenty four bacterial specieswere isolated from kerosene treated Ilorin alfisol. The traditional method of identifying bacteria was complemented by using MicrobactTM ID 24E system for the identification of Enterobacteriaceae and common  miscellaneous Gramnegative bacilli (MGNB). The results show appreciable increase in optical densities and total viable counts contemporaneous with decrease in pH of the culture media. The most promising organisms in this study are Leclercia adecarboxylata, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Micrococcus luteus, Arthrobacter sp. and Streptococcus sp. The results obtained in this study showed that kerosene spillage posses a great threat to the survival and development of Zea mays. It also revealed that some bacteria survive and even thrive in kerosene contaminated soil and hence have the potential to be used in biodegradation and/or  bioremediation of oil contaminated soils and water.KEYWORDS: Bacteria, biodegradation, alfisol, hydrocarbon, Zea mays

Bacteriological analysis of spent engine oil contaminated soil planted with cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)

The bacteriological analysis of soil contaminated with spent engine oil (SEO) planted with cowpea was investigated. The aim of this study was to detect the microbial degradation of SEO in soil and how it affects the microbial activity and the effects of SEO on the growth of cowpea. SEO collected from a mechanic workshop in Ilorin was introduced into soil in varying concentrations. The experimental set up was in triplicates with six treatments of SEO. Soil samples were taken every week for the duration of six weeks for laboratory analysis. Plant growth parameters were measured every week after planting. The pH of the soil and the bacterial population of the soil were also observed. Findings revealed that the plant growth parameters were significantly reduced as the concentration of SEO increased in the soil. Bacterial counts were also determined and a total of six bacterial species were isolated from the soil samples. Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus luteus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Pseudomonas putida occurred in the control and contaminated soil samples. Bacterial counts ranged from 1.89×105 to 4.25×105 cfu/ml in the soil samples with the highest occurring in the control and the least occurring in 224ml of SEO. SEO contaminated soil has adverse effect on cowpea and on bacterial flora of the soil. The results of this study revealed that Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Micrococcus luteus and Bacillus subtilis can utilize SEO in the soil. They could be harnessed for use in bioremediation of soil polluted with petroleum and petroleum products.Key Words: Bacteria, Spent engine oil, Soil, Cowpe