Health hazards of abattoir effluents discharged from the Sokoto central abattoir, Nigeria

This study was undertaken to determine the level of water pollution that can be attributed to effluents discharged from the Sokoto Central abattoir. Both surface and well water samples from the abattoir and adjacent wells were investigated to determine their microbial and physicochemical properties. Samples were collected from five different spots that include; effluents from the abattoir where visceral organs are washed (sample point A), two wells located in the adjacent livestock market (sample point B and C), drainage outside the abattoir (sample point D) and another well downstream the abattoir used for irrigation farming (sample point E). The values for pH, were 7.2, 8.0, 7.5 and 6.8 for all the sampling sites respectively. Similarly, the values of nitrate and BOD recorded were all within the acceptable limit except for point A which had nitrate (60.0 mgl-1) and BOD (26.8 mgl-1) above the acceptable limit. While the total coliforms, for sampling point A and D were found to be very high. There was a significant difference in the quality of water from the studied samples in comparison with the acceptable standard especially with respect to total coliform, BOD, COD, and nitrates. The findings from this study indicate that abattoirs have the potential to contaminate and pollute water sources which may produce a detrimental effect on the quality of groundwater despite the sieving process. Hence, measures should be taken to prevent locating abattoirs in close proximity to human dwellings. Similarly, for the existing ones encroached by human habitation, effective pollution control measures such as treatment of hazardous waste and minimizing the use of chemicals for industrial and agricultural purposes should be taken in order to preserve the quality of groundwater and minimize the potential resultant health effect caused by such contaminants. Keywords: Abattoir effluents, Health hazards, Sokoto State, Water quality, Waste wate

Global burden and strength of evidence for 88 risk factors in 204 countries and 811 subnational locations, 1990–2021: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

Background: Understanding the health consequences associated with exposure to risk factors is necessary to inform public health policy and practice. To systematically quantify the contributions of risk factor exposures to specific health outcomes, the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021 aims to provide comprehensive estimates of exposure levels, relative health risks, and attributable burden of disease for 88 risk factors in 204 countries and territories and 811 subnational locations, from 1990 to 2021. Methods: The GBD 2021 risk factor analysis used data from 54 561 total distinct sources to produce epidemiological estimates for 88 risk factors and their associated health outcomes for a total of 631 risk–outcome pairs. Pairs were included on the basis of data-driven determination of a risk–outcome association. Age-sex-location-year-specific estimates were generated at global, regional, and national levels. Our approach followed the comparative risk assessment framework predicated on a causal web of hierarchically organised, potentially combinative, modifiable risks. Relative risks (RRs) of a given outcome occurring as a function of risk factor exposure were estimated separately for each risk–outcome pair, and summary exposure values (SEVs), representing risk-weighted exposure prevalence, and theoretical minimum risk exposure levels (TMRELs) were estimated for each risk factor. These estimates were used to calculate the population attributable fraction (PAF; ie, the proportional change in health risk that would occur if exposure to a risk factor were reduced to the TMREL). The product of PAFs and disease burden associated with a given outcome, measured in disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), yielded measures of attributable burden (ie, the proportion of total disease burden attributable to a particular risk factor or combination of risk factors). Adjustments for mediation were applied to account for relationships involving risk factors that act indirectly on outcomes via intermediate risks. Attributable burden estimates were stratified by Socio-demographic Index (SDI) quintile and presented as counts, age-standardised rates, and rankings. To complement estimates of RR and attributable burden, newly developed burden of proof risk function (BPRF) methods were applied to yield supplementary, conservative interpretations of risk–outcome associations based on the consistency of underlying evidence, accounting for unexplained heterogeneity between input data from different studies. Estimates reported represent the mean value across 500 draws from the estimate's distribution, with 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs) calculated as the 2·5th and 97·5th percentile values across the draws. Findings: Among the specific risk factors analysed for this study, particulate matter air pollution was the leading contributor to the global disease burden in 2021, contributing 8·0% (95% UI 6·7–9·4) of total DALYs, followed by high systolic blood pressure (SBP; 7·8% [6·4–9·2]), smoking (5·7% [4·7–6·8]), low birthweight and short gestation (5·6% [4·8–6·3]), and high fasting plasma glucose (FPG; 5·4% [4·8–6·0]). For younger demographics (ie, those aged 0–4 years and 5–14 years), risks such as low birthweight and short gestation and unsafe water, sanitation, and handwashing (WaSH) were among the leading risk factors, while for older age groups, metabolic risks such as high SBP, high body-mass index (BMI), high FPG, and high LDL cholesterol had a greater impact. From 2000 to 2021, there was an observable shift in global health challenges, marked by a decline in the number of all-age DALYs broadly attributable to behavioural risks (decrease of 20·7% [13·9–27·7]) and environmental and occupational risks (decrease of 22·0% [15·5–28·8]), coupled with a 49·4% (42·3–56·9) increase in DALYs attributable to metabolic risks, all reflecting ageing populations and changing lifestyles on a global scale. Age-standardised global DALY rates attributable to high BMI and high FPG rose considerably (15·7% [9·9–21·7] for high BMI and 7·9% [3·3–12·9] for high FPG) over this period, with exposure to these risks increasing annually at rates of 1·8% (1·6–1·9) for high BMI and 1·3% (1·1–1·5) for high FPG. By contrast, the global risk-attributable burden and exposure to many other risk factors declined, notably for risks such as child growth failure and unsafe water source, with age-standardised attributable DALYs decreasing by 71·5% (64·4–78·8) for child growth failure and 66·3% (60·2–72·0) for unsafe water source. We separated risk factors into three groups according to trajectory over time: those with a decreasing attributable burden, due largely to declining risk exposure (eg, diet high in trans-fat and household air pollution) but also to proportionally smaller child and youth populations (eg, child and maternal malnutrition); those for which the burden increased moderately in spite of declining risk exposure, due largely to population ageing (eg, smoking); and those for which the burden increased considerably due to both increasing risk exposure and population ageing (eg, ambient particulate matter air pollution, high BMI, high FPG, and high SBP). Interpretation: Substantial progress has been made in reducing the global disease burden attributable to a range of risk factors, particularly those related to maternal and child health, WaSH, and household air pollution. Maintaining efforts to minimise the impact of these risk factors, especially in low SDI locations, is necessary to sustain progress. Successes in moderating the smoking-related burden by reducing risk exposure highlight the need to advance policies that reduce exposure to other leading risk factors such as ambient particulate matter air pollution and high SBP. Troubling increases in high FPG, high BMI, and other risk factors related to obesity and metabolic syndrome indicate an urgent need to identify and implement interventions. Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Determination of concentration of some heavy metals in the blood of Holstein-Friesian cattle on a farm in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

The study was carried out to determine the presence and concentration of some heavy metals in the blood of Holstein-Friesian cattle in a private farm in Nasarawa State Nigeria. Blood samples were obtained from 22 Holstein-Friesian cattle consisting of 21 cows and 1 bull, of ages between 3.5 and >3.5 years. The samples were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The mean lead (Pb), Iron (Fe) and Cadmium (Cd) concentrations were 1.160, 47.681 and 0.051 mg/kg, respectively. There was no significant (P>0.05) effect of age and sex on the concentration of Pb, Fe and Cd. The study found the presence of Pb, Fe and Cd in blood samples collected from Friesian cattle. The FAO/WHO permissible limit of Cd and Pb in blood is 0.5mg/kg. Pb was detected above the maximum limit. The high concentration of these metals recorded could be as a result of prolong use of inorganic agricultural products and likely irrigation water which contaminate the feed. High levels of these metals in Holstein-Friesian can cause decreased milk production, placenta damage, mineral deficiency and respiratory failure among others. Inorganic agriculture should be replaced with organic methods; industrial activities close to pasture yards should be avoided. Sources of irrigation water should be free from heavy metals contamination.Keywords: Blood, Cadmium, Holstein-Friesian, Iron, Lead, Nigeri

An overview of mastitis in Sokoto red goat, Nigeria

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Burnout among primary care physicians in Jos-Plateau, north-central Nigeria

Background: Developing countries health systems are bedeviled with numerous challenges including resource scarcity, high workload, unfavourable working conditions, Physical and Psychosocial stress. The Aim of this study was to assess the burden of burnout among primary care physicians working in such challenging environments with some level of postgraduate training programs.Methods: A cross-sectional study of primary care physicians was carried out using a Maslach Burnout Inventory human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) tool. Information was also collected about lifestyle and other demographic data. MBI-HSS scores were analysed in three dimensions of emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP) and personal accomplishment (PA).Results: two hundred and twenty questionnaires were distributed and 155 were returned giving a response rate of 70.5%. In all, 54 doctors representing 34.8% (95% CI 27.4-42.9%) of the sample had high burnout in at least one of the three dimensions. There was statistically significant difference in the proportion of doctors with high burnout in the State Specialist Hospital when compared to those working in the Teaching Hospital (X2 4.42; P =0.03). In respect of the three dimensions; 21.6% (33) of doctors scored high for DP (95% CI = 15.3 -28.91%), 15% (23) scored high for PA (95% CI = 9.8 -21.7%), 13.6% (21) for EE (95% CI = 8.6 -20.1%), a pattern that is the usually observed in burnout seen in academic work places. Having an excellent or good self-reported perceived health status was significantly associated with lower risk of developing high burn out (X2 15.6; df 2, P < 0.01).Conclusion: Burnout is common among primary care physicians in this study and it is associated with the nature and type of working environment. Self-reported perceived health status of excellent or good health was associated with lower risk of high burnout.Keywords: Burnout, Primary Care Physicians, Perceived Health Statu

Prevalence and molecular identification of Campylobacter species isolates from poultry and humans in Sokoto, Nigeria

Prevalence and molecular identification of Campylobacter species isolates from poultry and humans were conducted using culture, biochemical reaction and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) techniques. A total of 798 (506 poultry and 292 human) samples were identified biochemically, out of which 312(39.1%) were positive for Campylobacter species. Campylobacter jejuni, C. coli and C. lari had 38 (23.8%) out of 160, 63(39.4%) out of 160, 59(36.9%) out of 160 prevalence rates, respectively in humans while 29(19.1%) out of 152, 79(52.0%) out of 152 and 44(28.9%) out of 152 were the rates for the species in the same order in poultry. Campylobacter isolates were kept at -20oC in 15% glycerol and 85% tryptone broth until used while some were identified 24hrs post isolation. Single and multiplex PCR were used to confirm the genus Campylobacter and three Campylobacter species, respectively. All the 130(100 stored and 30 fresh) isolates were members of the genus Campylobacter. The single PCR band view of stored isolates also revealed other bands in addition to 439 bp which is specific for the genus Campylobacter, while the fresh isolates had distinct bands at 439bp only. Multiplex PCR revealed 2(6.7%) out of 30 were positive for stored isolates out of 30, 1(50%) each for C. jejuni and C. Coli. However, 1 of the stored isolate was positive for both spp. On the other hand, 6(20.0%) of out 60 fresh isolates were positive, with 5(83.3%) and 1(16.7%) for C. jejuni and C. coli, respectively. The possibilities of improper identification using conventional method have been revealed in the study. PCR can identify Campylobacter species more accurately than biochemical method, though storage of isolates, integrity of extracted DNA and PCR conditions can affect result. However, the use of both methods should be encouraged in regular and effective surveillance of Campylobacter species in poultry and humans.Keywords: Campylobacter species, Humans, Molecular identification , Nigeria, Prevalence, Poultry, Sokot

Molecular characterization and species differentiation of Fasciola parasite isolated from cattle slaughtered at Sokoto modern abattoir, Nigeria

Fascioliasis is an important zoonotic disease endemic in many African countries, causing significant financial losses due to reduced productivity and visceral condemnation at slaughter. Fasciola hepatica and F. gigantica are the main causative agents of fascioliasis in domestic animals and humans. Traditional species differentiation based on their morphometric characteristics is subjective and can be challenging. This study was undertaken to identify the Fasciola species associated with cattle infection using a molecular approach. Thirty-eight Fasciola parasite samples collected from cattle slaughtered at the Sokoto modern abattoir were characterised by PCR-RFLP analysis of ITS1 and ITS2 genes using RsaI restriction enzyme, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis. The results revealed that the isolates belonged to the F. gigantica species based on RFLP patterns. Similarly, phylogenetic results showed clustering with F. gigantica when compared with sequences from neighbouring African countries obtained from the GenBank. This study affirmed that F. gigantica is the predominant Fasciola species affecting cattle in Sokoto state, Nigeria. The results also demonstrate the discriminatory potentials of RFLP and its ability to determine genetic variability among Fasciola Parasites

Prevalence and molecular identification of Mycobacteria isolated from animals slaughtered at Sokoto modern abattoir, Sokoto State, Nigeria

This study investigated the molecular epidemiology of Mycobacteria isolated from animals slaughtered at Sokoto modern abattoir. During meat inspection, 104 suspected tuberculosis lesions were sampled from a total of 102,681 animals slaughtered between November 2016 and January 2018. These samples were subjected to Ziehl Neelsen staining, followed by culture on Lowenstein-Jensen media. Subsequently, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing of the 65KDa heat shock protein (hsp65) gene were performed to identify and phylogenetically characterize the cultured organisms. Because sequencing of the hsp65 gene was unable to distinguish between Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) and M. tuberculosis, PCR was performed to amplify a genomic region-specific to M. bovis in order to differentiate them from M. tuberculosis. Results showed that, 14 samples yielded growth after culture. Furthermore, hsp65 was detected in 9 out of the 14 isolates screened, 5 of the amplicons were successfully sequenced. Similarity search using NCBI BLAST tool showed the five sequences to share highest identities with Mycobacterium novocastrense (95.99%), M. canettii (94.54%), and M. tuberculosis/M. bovis (100%). Two out of the 5 isolates were confirmed to be M. bovis after PCR amplification using M. bovis specific primers. Phylogenetic tree further confirmed the identity of these isolates by placing them close to species of their kind. Further studies should be conducted to establish the transmission dynamics of the zoonotic Mycobacteria between animals and their owners, to facilitate control and eradication of tuberculosis

Determination of Lead (Pb) Residue in Kidney, Liver, and Muscle of Slaughtered Cattle in Jos Central Abattoir, Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract: Lead (Pb