Co-infection and morphometrics of three clinostomatids (Digenea: Clinostomatidae) in Tilapia guinensis Bleeker, 1862 from Opi lake, Nigeria

Co-infection and morphometrics of helminth parasites of Tilapia guinensis in Opi Lake (GPS N06.75275*, E007.49104*), were studied from (Nov 2007– Oct 2008) using multiple fishing gear techniques; cast nets, hook and line, and seine nets (150 mm – 200 mm). The parasites recovered were C. tilapiae, C. complanatum and E. heterostomum. The prevalence was low, indicative of parasitic infection in the wild. Prevalence of (33.9 %) was recorded in C. complanatum, (7.2 %) in E. heterostomum and (12.6 %) in C. tilapiae. But high mean intensity was suggestive of heavy parasite burden; C. complanatum (4.8), C. tilapiae (2.8), and E. heterostomum (5.1). Morphometrics of the parasites showed no significance difference in the distance between oral and ventral suckers. However, they differed in all other parts significantly (p < 0.05). In the rank-abundance curve for parasite communities, C. complanatum was most abundant (pi 0.63). Differential parasitic effects were due to selection for relatively better adaptiveness to host’s microhabitats, more population size, better host location, and larger body size. Consequently, this resulted in a trade-off between larger morphometric parts and population size among the parasite

Surgical Indications for Eye Removal in Enugu, South Eastern Nigeria

Objective: To determine the surgical indications for removal of the eye in Enugu in south eastern Nigeria. Method: Retrospective case series review. Results: At the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu, between 1st January 1994 and 31st December 2003, 106 eyes of 106 patients, comprising 71 (67.0%) males and 35 (33.0%) females, aged 6-72 years (mean 31.8), were removed by evisceration (59; 55.7%), enucleation (35; 33.0%), and exenteration (12; 11.3%). Severe open globe injury (49; 46.2%), infection (29; 27.4%), malignant tumour (15; 14.2%) and blind painful eye (14; 13.2%) were the indications for eye removal. Eye removal was more frequent in males (67.0%), among farmers (21.7%), and among the 21-40 year age group (41.5%). Patients who had their eyes removed constituted 0.42% of new outpatients, 4.63% of inpatients and 7.83% of patients who had eye operations during the study period. Conclusion: The indications for eye removal were mainly for preventable/curable causes. There is, therefore, a need to improve promotive, preventive and curative eye care delivery to reverse this trend. Keywords:eye, removal, indications, Enugu, NigeriaNigerian Journal of Opthalmology Vol. 15 (2) 2007: pp. 44-4

Waste leachate induces histological alterations in Limicolaria aurora (Jay, 1839) digestive gland

360-367Unsanitary open dumping and burning of wastes in dumpsites results to constant leaching of waste pollutants into the surrounding environment with attendant harmful consequences on wildlife and public health. Here, we investigated the histological effects of Onitsha municipal waste leachate on the Giant African land snail, Limicolaria aurora (Jay 1839). The histopathological effects of waste leachate on the digestive cells of the snails were examined following standard protocols. Snails were exposed to different concentrations (0, 6.25, 12.5, 25.0 and 50.0%) of the leachate for a total duration of 21 days. Histological results obtained showed that waste leachate caused dose and duration dependent alterations in the digestive glands of L. aurora. Obvious histological variations were observed in snails exposed to 50% concentrations of the leachate compared to other doses. Observed histological changes were mainly degeneration of the digestive tubules, fragmentation and disappearance of the digestive cells, marked increase in excretory cells, necrosis and epithelia sloughing. This study therefore highlights the potential toxicity of waste leachate of causing mild to severe damage in the tissues of organisms. Reinforcing the fact, that waste leachate contains a mix of toxic substances that could pose a severe injury to the biological system of surrounding biota, including humans

Investigating effects of parasite infection on body condition of the Kafue lechwe (Kobus leche kafuensis) in the Kafue basin

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The Kafue lechwe (<it>Kobus leche Kafuensis</it>), a medium-sized semi-aquatic antelope, is endemic to the Kafue basin of Zambia. The population of the Kafue lechwe has significantly dropped in the last decades leading to its subsequent inclusion on the red list of endangered species. In order to save the remaining population from extinction, it has become increasingly important that the impact of parasite infection and infestation on the Kafue lechwe is investigated.</p> <p>Findings</p> <p>Endoparasites accounted for the majority of parasites observed from a study of 40 Kafue lechwe occurring in the the Kafue basin. <it>Amphistoma spp. </it>were present in all animals examined, while <it>Fasciola gigantica </it>had a prevalence rate of 0.525 (95% CI: 0.36 to 0.69) and species of <it>Schistosoma </it>0.3 (95% CI: 0.15 to 0.45). Among the ectoparasites, <it>Strobiloestrous vanzyli</it>, had a prevalence rate of 0.15 (95% CI: 0.03 to 0.27), while <it>Rhipicephalus appendiculatus </it>had a prevalence of 0.075 (3/40). Our findings indicate that body condition was not influenced by the parasitic infestation in Kafue lechwe. There was no association between sex and parasitic burden (odds ratio = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.8-1.3). However, an association between age and parasitic burden was observed as older animals above 15 years were more likely to get parasite infections than those aged between 1-5 years (odds ratio = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.1-2.4).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Overall, there was no evidence that parasitic infections and infestations adversely affected the lechwe population on the Kafue basin. These findings indicate that ecto- and endo-parasite infestation might not play a significant role in reducing the Kafue lechwe population on the Kafue basin.</p

Protein excretion in urine during Schistosoma haematobium infection

An epidemiological survey of protein excretion in the urine of people living in Schstosoma haematobium endemic area around Atavu stream in Amagunze, Enugu State, Nigeria was conducted between 1994 and 1995. A verification of the endemicity of the diseases revealed differences in prevalence rate ranged from 46.66 % to 8000 %. The proteins levels in urine were within normal limits for all pupils and working class studied. The presence of proteinuria and haematuria either singly or in combination signify disease condition. Proteinura was present in 31 (54.38 %) of school chidren, 17 (29.82 %) of working class and 4 (7.02 %) of aged individual. Four dominant bands were revealed with bands from uninfected persons darker than infected individuals using the cellulose acetate strip method. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) in prevalence and intensity of urinary schistosomiasis due to age. The incidence of infection in these villages shows that Schistosoma haematobium was high in Umunevo than in Isienu.Keywords: Schistotosomiasis, Schistosoma haematobium, Protein excretion, Proteinuria, Amagunz

Amino acid dynamics in urine of S. haematobium patients in Ishielu local government area of Ebonyi state, Nigeria

The Amino acid dynamics in urine samples of Schistosoma haematobium patients were studied The study was to evaluate the possibility and validity of using amino acid patterns recorded in highly, lightly and uninfected urines as diagnostic tool for rapid screening of Schistosomiasis Paper chromatography was used to separate the different amino acids in the urine samples. The chromatographic method used in this study revealed the existence of 9 essential and 7 nonessential amino acids in the urine samples. It equally showed that histidine, glutamine, serine and proline were absent in all the urine samples. Furthermore the presence of two marker amino acids can be used to identify individuals with heavy infection (cystein) and no infection (methionine).Keywords: Amino acids, Rapid diagnosis, Schistosomiasis, S. haematobium, Ebonyi Stat

Helminth parasitic diseases status of school children within the Anambra River Basin irrigation project area

The incidence of the parasitic disease, especially infection with helminths, among school children within Anambra River Basin Irrigation Project Area in Ayamelum Local Government Area of Anambra State is reported. A cross section survey revealed the prevalence of hookworms, ascariasis, trichuriasis, trichuriasis, enterobiasis and taeniasis in school children. Analysis of the prevalence data showed that Ascaris lumbricoids (24%) is the dominant helminth parsite in the area while Taenia infection (6.7%) is the least prevalent helminth infection. Symptoms of many other parasitic diseases abound in the form of skin nodules (Onchocerciasis), itching, rashes, abdominal problems and elephantiasis. Age of children affected the level of prevalence of the parasitic diseases e.g. younger children were more infected that the older children in many cases (except hookworm disease and filariasis). Poor sanitary conditions emanating from poor sewage disposal facilitates, poor potable water supply, full participation in irrigated rice farming and poor housing are factors affecting the parasitic disease status of the school children and possibly the whole communities.Bio-Research Vol. 3(1) 2005: 93-9

Perception, practices and health-seeking behaviour of lymphatic filarisis\' patients in some endemic communities in Benue State, Nigeria

Quantitative and qualitative studies to investigate lymphatic-filariasis-related perceptions, practices and health-seeking behaviour of patients was conducted in Benue State, Nigeria. Questionnaires, key informant, interviews and Matrix Ranking Exercises were employed to collect data. A total of 113 questionnaires administered to lymphatic filariasis\' patients comprised 78 (69.0%) male and 35 (31.0%) female were analysed. Gender variations in knowledge, attitudes and perception (KAP) were observed among the patients, these were however not significant (X2 = 5.91, df = 1, p > 0.05). Ranking exercise revealed preference of traditional medicine over modern medicine. Patients\' KAP and choice of health providers were influenced by prevailing traditional superstitious and socio-cultural norms in the community. Our result confirm the need and logic of integrating community heath education with emphasis on participatory learning and action methodologies into the intended mass drug administration (MDA) being considered for lymphatic filariasis elimination in Nigeria. Keywords: lymphatic filariasis, patients\' perception, health-seeking behaviour, Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Parasitology Vol. 29 (2) 2008: pp. 140-14

Questionnaire As A Tool For Identification Of High Risk Communities In Urinary Schistosomiasis Research

No Abstract. Animal Research International Vol. 2 (2) 2005 pp. 287-29