A survey of pest (Dermestes maculatus) infestation of dried preserved Clarias gariepinus: its effect on nutrient quantity and quality

Studies on the nutrient composition of smoked-dried Clarias gariepinus were carried out, to assess the effects of pest infestation on the dried catfish from two different market (Abakpa and Kpirikpiri market) area in Abakaliki Metropolis, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Fish samples from the two markets where kept for pest to infest it and it were taken to Biochemistry Laboratory of Food Science and Technology in Ebonyi State University to assess the damage of pest on dried catfish using standard methods. There was a significant different among the mean weight of fish from the two markets (Abakpa and kpirikpiri; 19.13kg and 18.98kg respectively) compared with the mean weight of the control 20.09kg. There was a variation in the proximate composition of the fishes from the two markets compared with the control, the decreases of the proximate composition are: crude protein from 60.07% to 40.27%; fat from 8.35% to 5.90%; moisture content from 11.67% to 10.67; fiber from 12.93 to 11.93; ash from 4.02% to 3.54% and carbohydrate 12.67% to 5.89%. The longer the storage periods of the infested smoked fish the more the tissue was degraded. Proper handling and storage of dried catfish are required to prolong the shelf life and nutrient content of dried catfish

Syphilis serology in HIV-positive and HIV-negative Nigerians: The public health significance

Syphilis has acquired new potential for morbidity and mortality through association with increased risk for HIV infection. Case-control survey was conducted using Rapid Plasma Reagin test and confirmatory Immunochromatographic test among HIV-positive (cases) and HIV-negative (control) Nigerians. A total of 35(14.0%) of 250 HIV-positive and 5(2.0%) of 250 HIV-negative individuals studied were seropositive for syphilis, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The prevalence was higher among females than males of HIV-positive (15.0% versus 12.7%) and of the HIV-negative (2.1% versus 1.9%) individuals. Syphilis seroprevalence was highest among HIV-positive individuals aged 21-30 years (20.5%) and 41-50 years old HIV-negative individuals (4.5%). Sex education, promotion of safer sexual behaviour, prompt diagnosis of STDs and provision of effective, accessible treatment are recommende