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%).Keywords: Cryptosporidium, cryptosporidiosis, coccidian calves, Nigeri

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%)

Effect of Multipurpose Tree Species on Soil Fauna and Weed Diversity in a Typic Paleudult

The effect of multipurpose tree species on soil fauna and weed diversity in a typic paleudult soil were investigated. The woody species used were Baphia nitida, Alchornia cordifolia, Gliricidia sepium, Dactyladenia barterii and Leucaenia leucocephala, using natural fallow as the control. The results showed significant differences in weed diversity in the following descending order: natural fallow < Gliricidia sepium / Leucaenia leucocephala < Alchornia cordifolia < Baphia nitida / Dactyladenia barterii. Effects of the tree species on litter composition and soil organic matter were of the order: Baphia nitida / Dactyladenia barterii < Gliricidia sepium / Leucaenia leucocephala / Alchornia cordifolia < Natural fallow. Soil organic matter followed a similar trend. However, the diversity of soil neunatodes was of the order: Baphia nitida / Alchornia cordifolia / Gliricidia sepium / Dactyladenia barterii / Leucaenia leucocephala < natural fallow. Similarly, soil fauna increased more in the multipurpose woody species than in natural fallow. Recommendations based on the high weed suppressing ability, good litter formation and low soil nematode diversity were address

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&ndash;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

The impact of cultural limitations, local beliefs and practices on emerging parasitic diseases in tropical Africa

In tropical African communities, the scourge of emerging parasitic diseases such as urinary schistosomiasis, ascariasis, malaria, chagas disease, leishmaniasis, trachoma, trichiuriasis, taeniasis, dracunculiasis, sleeping sickness, filariasis among others, causes tremendous pain, suffering and eventually death. The pattern of transmission of these emerging parasitic diseases in a cultural setting is regulated by a complete interplay of human factors including those, which act as effective barriers to the spread of the disease and others that enhance its promotion. A better understanding of these factors especially clinical signs, symptoms and their manifestations is necessary in determining interventions that could upset the established culture - parasite relationship in favor of limiting the spread of the disease or bringing about a cessation in its transmission. This is needed for forward planning of effective control strategies. This study highlights some of the identified cultural limitations/human behavioral patterns mitigating against prevention and control measures of diseases, discusses the nature and impact of local beliefs and some peculiar practices on emerging parasitic diseases in tropical Africa. Health education is identified as a major key factor in erasing negative beliefs, cultural practices as well as behavioral patterns, which enhances the emergence of parasitic diseases in the tropical environment. International Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences Vol. 1(2) 2005: 153-16

Investigation on Monodora tenuifolia seed oil (Annonaceae)

No Abstract.Bio-Research Vol. 3(2) 2005: 56-5