Microbial survey of fish ponds and mineral composition of Clarias gariepinus in Ilorin metropolis

This work reports on the microbial composition of stagnant fish ponds and mineral & metal composition of Clarias gariepinus from the fish ponds in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. The fishes apparently thrived well in the fish ponds. Microbiological analysis of the different fish ponds as well as the mineral composition of the fish samples were carried out. Results revealed bacterial counts ranging from 1.0-2.0 x 104 cfu/ml of the stagnant ponds water, 9.0 x 103-1.2 x 104cfu/ml of water from fish ponds whose water was changed daily and 3-10 x 103 cfu/ml of water from borehole. Total coliform count ranged from 6 x 103-1.5 x 104 cfu/ml of the stagnant pond water, 6-18 cfu/100ml of water from ponds whose water was changed daily and 1-6 cfu/100ml of water from borehole. Pathogenic fungi (Aspergillus niger) was isolated from the stagnant pond water while none was isolated from fish ponds whose water was changed daily. Faecal coliforms were not isolated from any of the water samples. Analysis of the mineral composition of the fish samples showed that phosphorus and potassium were highest in fish from ponds that the water is changed daily. Metal concentration in the fish showed that Cd ,Pb, Co and Cr did not exceed the maximum acceptable concentration for humans. Proper cooking before consumption of fish is therefore advocated to prevent transmission of the bacteria and fungi to the consumers.Keywords: Clarias gariepinus, microbial survey, mineral composition, Ilorin, Nigeri

Incidence of urinary tract infection (UTI) among pregnant women in Ibadan, South-Western Nigeria

This study reports the incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) among 80 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at Oluyoro Catholic Hospital (OCH), Ibadan, Nigeria, as well as the isolation and identification of the pathogens responsible for the infection. A total of 80 clean voided mid-stream urine samples were collected from pregnant women between the ages of 21-40 years. The results showed that the incidence of UTIs in this study population was 47.5%, and 38 bacterial isolates were identifiedbased on colonial morphology, microscopic characteristics, and biochemical tests. The most predominant bacterium was Escherichia coli 16 (42.1%). This was followed by Staphylococcus aureus 11 (28.9%), Klebsiella aerogenes 7 (18.4%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 2 (5.3%), and a mixed culture of K. aerogenes and Staphylococcus aureus 2 (5.3%). Urine microscopy revealed the presence of pus cells in 15 of the urine samples collected. Two urine samples, representing 2.5% of the samples, contained yeast cells, suggesting that candidiasis was also predominant. The high incidence of UTIs reported in this study should be of great concern, as not only do UTIs pose a threat to health, but they also impose an economic and social burden due to the stigma associated with these infections

The role of laboratory confirmations and molecular epidemiology in global eradication of measles

This review reports on the role of laboratory confirmation and molecular epidemiology in global eradication of measles. The role of laboratory confirmation and molecular epidemiology in defining the origins of measles outbreaks cannot be overemphasized. New serological tests based on recombinant proteins detect only a fraction of the total measles virus (MV) specific antibodies. Several assays based on recombinant MV-haemagglutinin (ELISA and flow cytometry) or MV-fusion protein (flow cytometry) as well as neutralization and haemagglutination test have been evaluated using a large panel of lowtitre and negative sera. Isolation of measles virus confirmed the diagnosis. Phylogenetic trees are invaluable tools for monitoring the progress of immunization activities. Recent advances in genomic sequencing technology have lent its support to the monitoring and evaluation of vaccination programmes. More so, indigenous prepared measles antigens has been advocated to be produced, refined further and reproduced massively. This will be highly cost effective especially in field for seromonitoring and surveillance of measles. There is therefore, continual need for simpler diagnostic tests in elimination and eventual eradication of measles