Prevalence of Parasitic contamination of salad vegetables in Ilorin, North Central, Nigeria

Fresh salad vegetables are essential for good health and they form a major  component of human diet in every family in Nigeria. Raw vegetables can be agent of transmission of intestinal parasites. The aim of this study is to determine the  parasitic contamination of salad vegetables sold at wholesale and retail markets around Ilorin metropolis. A total of 150 samples of salad vegetables obtained from five different markets were examined for both protozoa and helminth parasites using standard methods. About 25 samples each of lettuce, cabbage, carrot, cucumber, tomato and onion were examined. Eggs of Ascaris lumbricoides, Entamoeba  histolytica/dispar, Enterobius vermicularis, cysts of Giardia lamblia, Fasciola hepatica, Trichuris trichiura, Strongyloides stercoralis, Balantidium coli and Necator americanus were detected in 28.0%, 23.3%, 11.7%, 5.0%, 6.7%, 3.3%, 10.0%, 3.3% and 8.3% respectively. Of the sampled areas, Ipata market recorded the highest parasite prevalence of 63.3% while G.R.A market recorded the lowest parasite prevalence of 13.3%. The most encountered parasite was A.lumbricoides (28.0%) while N.americanus was the least (3.3%) parasite found. The study  revealed a high rate of protozoa and helminthes contamination of salad vegetables in the study areas. Parasitological contamination of raw salad vegetables sold in wholesale and retail markets in the study area may pose a health risk to consumers of such products.Keywords: Parasitic, Salad vegetables, Contamination, Ilorin, Nigeria

Prevalence of trypanosomiasis in relation to some haematological parameters in cattle, Ohafia LGA, Abia State, Nigeria

Trypanosomiasis is a debilitating disease of man and animals in Africa, Asia and South America, caused by a group of extracellular protozoan haemoflagellates of the genus Trypanosoma and transmitted by the tse-tse flies (Glossina spp) to man, cattle, pigs, goats, sheep among others. A study on trypanosomiasis in cattle was carried out at Ndi Okala shed Ohafia, in Ohafia LGA, Abia State. A total of one hundred and fifteen (115) cattle made up of 90 males and 25 females had their blood examined for the presence of trypanosomes using wet films, giemsa stained thin and thick films method. Out of this number, thirty (30) were infected giving a prevalence rate of 26.09%. The mean white blood cell count (WBC) was higher in the infected group and gave an indication of the presence of infection while the mean packed cell volume (PVC) was lower in the infected group, an indication of anaemia. Two species of trypanosome namely T. vivax (6.09%) and T. brucei (20.0%) were encountered. Periodic surveillance, treatment and control measures are advocated to avert the high medical and socioeconomic complications that may arise from the disease.Keywords: Trypanosomiasis; cattle; Ohafia; Abia State; Nigeri

Evaluation of microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests in screening clinically suspected malaria patients in a hospital setting in Umuahia, Nigeria

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by the protozoa of the genus Plasmodium. Infection of individual is through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. This study evaluated the performance of microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) in diagnosing malaria. A total of 400 clinically suspected malaria patients that attended Obioma Hospital in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State from September to December, 2015, who gave their consents were included in the study and examined using microscopy and RDTs. Thick and thin blood smears prepared on clean grease free slides from venous blood aseptically collected from each respondent and stained with Field stains A and B were examined for the presence of malaria parasite. Serological diagnosis was performed using CareStartTm malaria HRP2 (Pf) kits and First Response malaria HRP2 (Pf) kits. Prevalence rates were 40.3%, 34.3% and 34.5% by microscopy, CareStartTm malaria HRP2 (Pf) and First Response malaria HRP2 (Pf) RDTs respectively. Chi-square test showed no significant difference (x2 = 3.216, p>0.05) between microscopy and RDTs. The males were more infected (41.0%) than the females (33.3%) with no significant difference between the diagnostic methods. Prevalence in age group 6-15 years was observed to be highest for both microscopy and RDTs (x2 = 2.447, p>0.05). CareStartTm malaria HRP2 (Pf) and First Response malaria HRP2 (Pf) sensitivities were 89.8% and 86.1% respectively and specificities were 96.4% and 97.1% respectively. The result of this study showed that clinical diagnosis cannot be relied upon for accurate diagnosis of malaria in endemic areas. Training medical personnel on parasite-based malaria diagnosis and encouraging them to always verify the clinical signs and symptoms of malaria of their patients with laboratory tests before commencing treatment is advocated.Keywords: Malaria; microscopy; RDT; clinically suspected malaria patient

Impact of malaria infection on the haematological profile of pregnant women in south-eastern Nigeria

Malaria in pregnancy adversely affects pregnancy outcomes as it increases the risk of spontaneous abortion, stillbirths, premature delivery, and low birth weight. Haematological changes have been suggested as a potential predictor that aid in the diagnosis of malaria infection, therefore, this study was carried out to determine and compare the impact of malaria on the haematological profile of four hundred and sixteen (416) pregnant women attending antenatal care in two major health institutions in Aba metropolis. The blood samples were collected from each of the pregnant women and examined using Giemsa stained thick and thin films for identification of malaria parasite. Complete blood count was also done to determine some of their haematological parameters. Structured questionnaires were administered to the women to obtain information on their age, parity, trimesters, and other socio-demographic data. Out of 416 blood samples examined, an overall malaria prevalence of 193 (46.4%) was obtained in the study area. Women in their early reproductive age, 15-24 years had the highest prevalence rate of 58 (50.3%) while women within the ages 45-54 years had the lowest prevalence 5(41.7%). In relation to their gravidity, malaria prevalence varied significantly among the primigravida with a rate of 102 (61.1%) than the mutigravida 91 (36.5%) (χ2=14.306, P<0.0001). Women in their first trimester showed a significantly higher prevalence rate 98(80.9%) than women who were in their second and third trimesters. The mean values of white blood cell count, red blood cell count, and platelets were statistically lower among the infected pregnant women than in the non-infected control group(P<0.05) except for the WBC which showed no significant difference (P=0.131). It is pertinent that the haematological profile of pregnant women attending antenatal care services is regularly monitored. Malaria prophylactic treatment should be intensified and adhered to reduce the burden of malaria in pregnancy and for better pregnancy outcomes

Blood and urinary parasites and associated risk factors in a rural community in Abia State, Nigeria

The environment, climate, social behaviour, and economic factors make developing countries vulnerable to parasitic infections. A cross-sectional study was conducted (Dec 2017-May 2018) to determine the prevalence of blood and urine parasites in Obizi, Amakama-Olokoro, a rural community in Umuahia South LGA, Abia State. Blood and urine samples were collected from 284 respondents. Sample analyses were done using Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kits and microscopy for blood and centrifugal sedimentation method for urine. Socio-demographic data and risk factors were collected with structured questionnaires. Statistical analysis was done using the Pearson’s Chi-square, with the PAST Statistical package. The results showed an overall blood parasitic prevalence of 32.4%. Plasmodium falciparum recorded the highest prevalence of 28.17% by RDT and 30.6% by microscopy. Trypanosoma brucei gambiense occurred as a mixed infection (1.8%). Schistosoma haematobium had a prevalence of 3.9%. Socio-demographic data showed there were more females (67.3%); more persons in the age group 61-70 years (31.0%) and more farmers (38.0%) in the studied population. More females were infected with Plasmodium falciparum (34.6%) while more males were infected with Schistosoma haematobium (8.6%) P. falciparum occurred in all the age groups. S. haematobium occurred only in three age groups with the highest prevalence found in the age group (11-20) years (26.9%). Malaria infection was higher in those who did not use ITNs (37.1%). Some reasons given for the non-usage of ITNs were high cost/non-availability and discomfort. Farming activities and swimming have been recognized as risk factors to the acquisition of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense and Schistosoma haematobium, respectively. Plasmodium falciparum, Trypanosoma brucei gambiense and Schistosoma haematobium still pose a serious health threat to the community. Eliminating vector breeding sites, the use of ITNs and changes in social behaviours will help reduce blood and urinary parasites and ensure a healthier and economically viable community.&nbsp