P. Antwi, D. Essel-Cobbinah, B. Emikpe, N. T. Asenso, D. Asare
The protozoan Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that infects all homoeothermic animals, including humans. The study aimed to isolate T. gondii from the diaphragm of goats and to estimate the prevalence of T. gondii infection in goats at the Kumasi abattoir. A 2cm x 1cm sample was obtained from the skeletal muscle (diaphragm) of 100 goats slaughtered at the Kumasi abattoir. Samples were kept in 10% formalin, sectioned, deparaffinized, rehydrated, and stained with haematoxylin and eosin to identify only T. gondii tissue cysts, including bradyzoites and tachyzoites. The data obtained were entered into to Microsoft Excel spreadsheet (version 2016) and analysed using GraphPad Prism software (v. 9.2.0 (332). Results revealed Toxoplasma gondii present in slaughtered goats at a prevalence of 42%. Male animals (53.7%) were mostly affected by Toxoplasma gondii as compared to the females (38.7%) at the Kumasi abattoir. Goats which were 2 years of age recorded a higher prevalence of 48.5% followed by goats within the age of 1 year (40.0%), 1 ½ year (36.4%) and 3 years (40.0%) whilst goats of 2 ½ years old recorded least prevalence (40.0%) of Toxoplasma gondii infection. The West African Dwarf goats (WADG) recorded a lower prevalence of 23% whilst the Sahelian breed of goats recorded a higher percentage prevalence of 29%. Nevertheless, breed (p=0.865), age (p=0.920) and sex (p=0.155) of goats did not have statistically significant effects on the prevalence of T. gondii infection in goats. Institution of surveillance and reporting system for Toxoplasma gondii in goat populations in Ghana is recommended to stakeholders because of its public health importance.
{"title":"Preliminary detection of Toxoplasma Gondii in goats slaughtered at the Kumasi Abattoir","authors":"P. Antwi, D. Essel-Cobbinah, B. Emikpe, N. T. Asenso, D. Asare","doi":"10.4314/njpar.v43i2.4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/njpar.v43i2.4","url":null,"abstract":"The protozoan Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that infects all homoeothermic animals, including humans. The study aimed to isolate T. gondii from the diaphragm of goats and to estimate the prevalence of T. gondii infection in goats at the Kumasi abattoir. A 2cm x 1cm sample was obtained from the skeletal muscle (diaphragm) of 100 goats slaughtered at the Kumasi abattoir. Samples were kept in 10% formalin, sectioned, deparaffinized, rehydrated, and stained with haematoxylin and eosin to identify only T. gondii tissue cysts, including bradyzoites and tachyzoites. The data obtained were entered into to Microsoft Excel spreadsheet (version 2016) and analysed using GraphPad Prism software (v. 9.2.0 (332). Results revealed Toxoplasma gondii present in slaughtered goats at a prevalence of 42%. Male animals (53.7%) were mostly affected by Toxoplasma gondii as compared to the females (38.7%) at the Kumasi abattoir. Goats which were 2 years of age recorded a higher prevalence of 48.5% followed by goats within the age of 1 year (40.0%), 1 ½ year (36.4%) and 3 years (40.0%) whilst goats of 2 ½ years old recorded least prevalence (40.0%) of Toxoplasma gondii infection. The West African Dwarf goats (WADG) recorded a lower prevalence of 23% whilst the Sahelian breed of goats recorded a higher percentage prevalence of 29%. Nevertheless, breed (p=0.865), age (p=0.920) and sex (p=0.155) of goats did not have statistically significant effects on the prevalence of T. gondii infection in goats. Institution of surveillance and reporting system for Toxoplasma gondii in goat populations in Ghana is recommended to stakeholders because of its public health importance.","PeriodicalId":19206,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Journal of Parasitology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43396025","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Entamoeba histolytica is one of the common pathogenic protozoa encountered in Calabar, Nigeria. Differentiating it from the non-pathogenic species, Entamoeba dispar is not a routine practice in our medical laboratories leading to misdiagnosis, overdiagnosis and drug abuse. Studies suggested that stool antigen assays are more sensitive and specific than microscopy for the diagnosis of Entamoeba histolytica infection. This study was carried out to detect and differentiate E. histolytica from E. dispar, hence determining the actual prevalence of E. histolytica among primary school children in Calabar, Nigeria between February and July 2019. A total of 384 stool samples collected from public and private primary school children, aged 5-15years were examined. Direct stool microscopy and ELISA kit-abnova KA3201 were used for Entamoeba histolytica/dispar complex detection while differentiation between E. histolytica and E. dispar was performed using E. histolytica 11IgG ELISA Kit-abnova KA5130. Prevalence of E. histolytica/E. dispar by microscopy and ELISA were 15(3.91%) and 21(5.47%), respectively. The prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica and that of E. dispar after differentiation were 7(1.82%) and 14(3.65%), respectively. Children in public schools were more significantly infected with E. histolytica 6(3.13%) than their private school counterpart 1(0.52%), (P = 0.0211). Although there was no association between Entamoeba infection and gender, males had an insignificantly higher prevalence of E. histolytica and E. dispar 5(3.0%) and 10(6.2%), respectively than females 2(0.9%) and 4(1.8%), respectively (P = 0.1210). There was no association between Entamoeba infection and age but children between the age of 8-10years were more infected with E. histolytica 5(3.70%) and E. dispar 9(6.67%) than others (P =0.2358). Calabar South recorded an insignificantly higher prevalence for E. histolytica 4(2.08%) and E. dispar 8(4.17%) than Calabar municipal 3(1.56%) and 6(3.13%), respectively (P = 0.7029). To avoid andom treatments, the improved diagnostic technique (ELISA) should be included in our routine laboratory practice.
{"title":"Detection and differentiation of Entamoeba histolytica from Entamoeba dispar among primary school children in Calabar using microscopy and ELISA techniques","authors":"P.A. Omang, I. Otu-Bassey, I. O. Inah","doi":"10.4314/njpar.v43i2.6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/njpar.v43i2.6","url":null,"abstract":"Entamoeba histolytica is one of the common pathogenic protozoa encountered in Calabar, Nigeria. Differentiating it from the non-pathogenic species, Entamoeba dispar is not a routine practice in our medical laboratories leading to misdiagnosis, overdiagnosis and drug abuse. Studies suggested that stool antigen assays are more sensitive and specific than microscopy for the diagnosis of Entamoeba histolytica infection. This study was carried out to detect and differentiate E. histolytica from E. dispar, hence determining the actual prevalence of E. histolytica among primary school children in Calabar, Nigeria between February and July 2019. A total of 384 stool samples collected from public and private primary school children, aged 5-15years were examined. Direct stool microscopy and ELISA kit-abnova KA3201 were used for Entamoeba histolytica/dispar complex detection while differentiation between E. histolytica and E. dispar was performed using E. histolytica 11IgG ELISA Kit-abnova KA5130. Prevalence of E. histolytica/E. dispar by microscopy and ELISA were 15(3.91%) and 21(5.47%), respectively. The prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica and that of E. dispar after differentiation were 7(1.82%) and 14(3.65%), respectively. Children in public schools were more significantly infected with E. histolytica 6(3.13%) than their private school counterpart 1(0.52%), (P = 0.0211). Although there was no association between Entamoeba infection and gender, males had an insignificantly higher prevalence of E. histolytica and E. dispar 5(3.0%) and 10(6.2%), respectively than females 2(0.9%) and 4(1.8%), respectively (P = 0.1210). There was no association between Entamoeba infection and age but children between the age of 8-10years were more infected with E. histolytica 5(3.70%) and E. dispar 9(6.67%) than others (P =0.2358). Calabar South recorded an insignificantly higher prevalence for E. histolytica 4(2.08%) and E. dispar 8(4.17%) than Calabar municipal 3(1.56%) and 6(3.13%), respectively (P = 0.7029). To avoid andom treatments, the improved diagnostic technique (ELISA) should be included in our routine laboratory practice.","PeriodicalId":19206,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Journal of Parasitology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46456318","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
I. Onyesom, C. Elu, J. Acha, E. Ojugbeli, E.P. Ochonogor, L.O. Udumebraye
Despite the dedicated struggle to eliminate malaria, the current trend of the infection, particularly, in sub-Saharan Africa remains worrisome due to failing control and treatment approaches caused by a myriad of factors. Therefore, the search for new, affordable, and more potent antimalarial drugs, from plants especially, have become the frontline in recent times. This study thus, evaluates the in vitro antiplasmodial, cytotoxic and antioxidant activities of the phytochemical (alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, cardiac glycosides and anthraquinones) extracts of Phyllanthus amarus using documented methods. Antiplasmodial and cytotoxic activities were determined by parasite growth inhibition assay and microassay technique by the lactate dehydrogenase method, respectively. Antioxidant activities were determined by measuring inhibition of both lipid peroxidation and heam polymerization by extracts. Results show that the alkaloid extract was noncytotoxic (CC = 60.26 μg/mL) and most selectable (SI = 125.5) with the highest antiplasmodial (IC = 0.48 μg/mL) and 50 50 haem polymerization inhibition (IC = 0.63 μg/mL) activities, but moderate antioxidant lipid peroxidation inhibition, (LPI; 50 IC = 500μg/mL) capacity. However, the ethanol and flavonoid phytochemical extracts displayed the highest antioxidant 50 activity in inhibition of heam polymerization (IC = 0.46 μg/mL) and lipid peroxidation (IC = 218.78 μg/mL), respectively, 50 50 with significant antiplasmodial activity (IC = 0.48 μg/mL and 1.10 μg/mL, respectively). Our results show that all 50s phytochemical extracts studied were non-cytotoxic. Although the antioxidant activities of the flavonoid and ethanol phytochemical extracts were greater in comparison to the alkaloid phytochemical, alkaloid was the most selectable active antiplasmodial phytochemical of P. amarus and one of its mechanisms of action is by inhibiting parasite haem detoxification.
{"title":"Evaluation of antiplasmodial activity and inhibitions of lipid peroxidation and parasite haem polymerization activity by medicinal phytochemicals of Phyllanthus amarus","authors":"I. Onyesom, C. Elu, J. Acha, E. Ojugbeli, E.P. Ochonogor, L.O. Udumebraye","doi":"10.4314/njpar.v43i2.12","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/njpar.v43i2.12","url":null,"abstract":"Despite the dedicated struggle to eliminate malaria, the current trend of the infection, particularly, in sub-Saharan Africa remains worrisome due to failing control and treatment approaches caused by a myriad of factors. Therefore, the search for new, affordable, and more potent antimalarial drugs, from plants especially, have become the frontline in recent times. This study thus, evaluates the in vitro antiplasmodial, cytotoxic and antioxidant activities of the phytochemical (alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, cardiac glycosides and anthraquinones) extracts of Phyllanthus amarus using documented methods. Antiplasmodial and cytotoxic activities were determined by parasite growth inhibition assay and microassay technique by the lactate dehydrogenase method, respectively. Antioxidant activities were determined by measuring inhibition of both lipid peroxidation and heam polymerization by extracts. Results show that the alkaloid extract was noncytotoxic (CC = 60.26 μg/mL) and most selectable (SI = 125.5) with the highest antiplasmodial (IC = 0.48 μg/mL) and 50 50 haem polymerization inhibition (IC = 0.63 μg/mL) activities, but moderate antioxidant lipid peroxidation inhibition, (LPI; 50 IC = 500μg/mL) capacity. However, the ethanol and flavonoid phytochemical extracts displayed the highest antioxidant 50 activity in inhibition of heam polymerization (IC = 0.46 μg/mL) and lipid peroxidation (IC = 218.78 μg/mL), respectively, 50 50 with significant antiplasmodial activity (IC = 0.48 μg/mL and 1.10 μg/mL, respectively). Our results show that all 50s phytochemical extracts studied were non-cytotoxic. Although the antioxidant activities of the flavonoid and ethanol phytochemical extracts were greater in comparison to the alkaloid phytochemical, alkaloid was the most selectable active antiplasmodial phytochemical of P. amarus and one of its mechanisms of action is by inhibiting parasite haem detoxification.","PeriodicalId":19206,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Journal of Parasitology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45044672","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
O. A. Opeyemi, O. Shittu, K. Abdulganiyu, A.D. Ashaolu, A. T. Lawal, R. Kadir
This study investigated the helminth parasites of animals and management practices at the University of Ilorin Zoological garden. Faecal samples were collected and analysed according to standard parasitological techniques while information on management practices was obtained using a structured questionnaire. The overall prevalence of helminths was 20.7%. Three parasites namely, Ascaris spp., Trichostrongylus spp. and Enterobius spp. were identified. Of the 92 animal faecal samples examined, common jackal (21.1%), crested porcupine (42.1%), Lioness (15.8%), and mongoose (21.1%) were positive (p<0.05). Only mammals were positive for intestinal helminth while Aves were not infected (p>0.05). Animals fed three times a week had higher helminth infection (57.9%) when compared with animals fed daily (42.1%). Cages cleaned daily had more helminth parasite contamination (78.9%) compared to those cleaned weekly (21.1%, p<0.05). Also, animals dewormed on monthly basis harboured fewer intestinal helminths (5.3%), compared to those dewormed every three months (78.9%, p>0.05). Surprisingly, animals in enclosures with cemented floors had the highest helminth infection (78.9%) compared to those living in enclosures with uncemented floor (p<0.05). The overall prevalence of helminths is low in this study; therefore, zoo workers should take more cognizance of the routes of parasite transmission, since the faecal-oral route is the primary means through which animals acquired infection. There is a need for improved management practices to curb the spread of helminth infection. This will invariably ensure the sustainability of zoological gardens.
{"title":"Helminth infections of captive animals and management practices at the University of Ilorin Zoo, North-Central, Nigeria","authors":"O. A. Opeyemi, O. Shittu, K. Abdulganiyu, A.D. Ashaolu, A. T. Lawal, R. Kadir","doi":"10.4314/njpar.v43i2.2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/njpar.v43i2.2","url":null,"abstract":"This study investigated the helminth parasites of animals and management practices at the University of Ilorin Zoological garden. Faecal samples were collected and analysed according to standard parasitological techniques while information on management practices was obtained using a structured questionnaire. The overall prevalence of helminths was 20.7%. Three parasites namely, Ascaris spp., Trichostrongylus spp. and Enterobius spp. were identified. Of the 92 animal faecal samples examined, common jackal (21.1%), crested porcupine (42.1%), Lioness (15.8%), and mongoose (21.1%) were positive (p<0.05). Only mammals were positive for intestinal helminth while Aves were not infected (p>0.05). Animals fed three times a week had higher helminth infection (57.9%) when compared with animals fed daily (42.1%). Cages cleaned daily had more helminth parasite contamination (78.9%) compared to those cleaned weekly (21.1%, p<0.05). Also, animals dewormed on monthly basis harboured fewer intestinal helminths (5.3%), compared to those dewormed every three months (78.9%, p>0.05). Surprisingly, animals in enclosures with cemented floors had the highest helminth infection (78.9%) compared to those living in enclosures with uncemented floor (p<0.05). The overall prevalence of helminths is low in this study; therefore, zoo workers should take more cognizance of the routes of parasite transmission, since the faecal-oral route is the primary means through which animals acquired infection. There is a need for improved management practices to curb the spread of helminth infection. This will invariably ensure the sustainability of zoological gardens.","PeriodicalId":19206,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Journal of Parasitology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44451782","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
O.A. Oyadeyi, A. Jegede, D. Oluwayelu, T. Osayomi, K. Salami
The incidence of avian influenza (AI) is on the increase in most parts of the world. This cross-sectional study examines the exposure of poultry farms to AI and the extent of poultry farmers’ access to veterinary health services in Nigeria and Ghana. A pretested questionnaire was administered on 340 poultry farmers in Nigeria and Ghana. Also, Six Key Informant Interviews and fourteen In-depth Interviews were conducted in both countries. The majority of poultry farmers in Nigeria (61.2%) and Ghana (66.5%) are aware of AI, and the mass media was reported as a major source of knowledge. The perception of AI was characterized by the threats it poses to birds, humans, and poultry assets. The study showed an association between the perceived risks of respondents’ personal hygiene in farming practice and susceptibility to AI (p = 0.026). There is also an association between respondents’ nationality and their health-seeking behaviour on poultry farms (p = 0.000). Efforts should be made by relevant stakeholders to develop public health education strategies to promote veterinary healthcare service use among poultry farmers in Nigeria and Ghana.
{"title":"Exposure to avian influenza in poultry farms and access to veterinary healthcare services in Nigeria and Ghana","authors":"O.A. Oyadeyi, A. Jegede, D. Oluwayelu, T. Osayomi, K. Salami","doi":"10.4314/njpar.v43i2.20","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/njpar.v43i2.20","url":null,"abstract":"The incidence of avian influenza (AI) is on the increase in most parts of the world. This cross-sectional study examines the exposure of poultry farms to AI and the extent of poultry farmers’ access to veterinary health services in Nigeria and Ghana. A pretested questionnaire was administered on 340 poultry farmers in Nigeria and Ghana. Also, Six Key Informant Interviews and fourteen In-depth Interviews were conducted in both countries. The majority of poultry farmers in Nigeria (61.2%) and Ghana (66.5%) are aware of AI, and the mass media was reported as a major source of knowledge. The perception of AI was characterized by the threats it poses to birds, humans, and poultry assets. The study showed an association between the perceived risks of respondents’ personal hygiene in farming practice and susceptibility to AI (p = 0.026). There is also an association between respondents’ nationality and their health-seeking behaviour on poultry farms (p = 0.000). Efforts should be made by relevant stakeholders to develop public health education strategies to promote veterinary healthcare service use among poultry farmers in Nigeria and Ghana.","PeriodicalId":19206,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Journal of Parasitology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46557178","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
P. Umeanaeto, E. G. Ani, V.I. Anyaoha, J. Anumba, S. C. Afulukwe, C. C. Okoli
Water is an essential part of human nutrition. It is readily available in sachets with little or no interest in the quality by the producers. This study focused on the isolation and identification of parasites and bacteria contaminating sachet water sold at Ngwo, Enugu State, Nigeria. Twenty-one sachets of water were collected randomly from seven different brands sold within the community. The parasites were identified using sedimentation technique while bacteria were isolated from water cultured in Nutrient, MacConkey, and Eosin Methylene Blue Agar media. The physicochemical parameters analysed were total dissolved solids, pH, chloride, total hardness, and nitrite. Two-way analysis of variance was employed to analyse the data for bacteria and parasites identified. Of the twenty-one sachet water samples examined, 13(61.9%) were positive for parasites. Two parasite species [Cysts of Entamoeba histolytica 4(19.0%) and Giardia lamblia 9(42.8%)] were identified. The total viable bacteria count ranged from 4(6.5%) to 10(16.1%) colonies in 1ml of water whereas the total Coliform count ranged from 4(6.5%) to 6(9.7%) in 1ml of water with sample F having the highest value of both total viable bacterial count and total Coliform count. The percentage of the total viable bacterial count recorded was 75.8% while the total Coliform count was 24.2%. There was a significant difference in the distribution of bacteria among different brands of water samples (p<0.05) but not in parasite distribution (P<0.05). Bacillus spp 10(29.4%) had the highest occurrence whereas Micrococcus spp 3(8.8%) had the least which was not significant (P>0.05). The physicochemical parameters fell within the recommended limit set by the World Health Organization for drinking water except for the pH value of two brands which was below the stipulated limit. The presence of coliform and other microbes in the samples could have unhealthy implications for consumers when consumed. There is a need for regular and periodic monitoring of the water quality before and after production.
{"title":"Parasitic and bacterial contamination of sachets water sold at Ngwo, Enugu State, Nigeria","authors":"P. Umeanaeto, E. G. Ani, V.I. Anyaoha, J. Anumba, S. C. Afulukwe, C. C. Okoli","doi":"10.4314/njpar.v43i2.13","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/njpar.v43i2.13","url":null,"abstract":"Water is an essential part of human nutrition. It is readily available in sachets with little or no interest in the quality by the producers. This study focused on the isolation and identification of parasites and bacteria contaminating sachet water sold at Ngwo, Enugu State, Nigeria. Twenty-one sachets of water were collected randomly from seven different brands sold within the community. The parasites were identified using sedimentation technique while bacteria were isolated from water cultured in Nutrient, MacConkey, and Eosin Methylene Blue Agar media. The physicochemical parameters analysed were total dissolved solids, pH, chloride, total hardness, and nitrite. Two-way analysis of variance was employed to analyse the data for bacteria and parasites identified. Of the twenty-one sachet water samples examined, 13(61.9%) were positive for parasites. Two parasite species [Cysts of Entamoeba histolytica 4(19.0%) and Giardia lamblia 9(42.8%)] were identified. The total viable bacteria count ranged from 4(6.5%) to 10(16.1%) colonies in 1ml of water whereas the total Coliform count ranged from 4(6.5%) to 6(9.7%) in 1ml of water with sample F having the highest value of both total viable bacterial count and total Coliform count. The percentage of the total viable bacterial count recorded was 75.8% while the total Coliform count was 24.2%. There was a significant difference in the distribution of bacteria among different brands of water samples (p<0.05) but not in parasite distribution (P<0.05). Bacillus spp 10(29.4%) had the highest occurrence whereas Micrococcus spp 3(8.8%) had the least which was not significant (P>0.05). The physicochemical parameters fell within the recommended limit set by the World Health Organization for drinking water except for the pH value of two brands which was below the stipulated limit. The presence of coliform and other microbes in the samples could have unhealthy implications for consumers when consumed. There is a need for regular and periodic monitoring of the water quality before and after production.","PeriodicalId":19206,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Journal of Parasitology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45447111","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
I. C. Chukwudi, K. Ogbu, S.E. Umeagukwu, F. N. Nnaji, I. Ezeh
Cryptosporidiosis is one of the most important diseases in young ruminants causing diarrhoea in neonates and immune-compromised animals leading to substantial economic losses both directly and indirectly in animals and animal products and also imposing public health threats as a zoonotic disease. This study aimed at investigating the occurrence of cryptosporidium oocyst in goats in Nsukka metropolis to facilitate further studies on the zoonotic transmission of the disease agent. Faecal samples were collected from household WAD goats from three randomly selected villages in Nsukka L.G.A of Enugu State. A total of 100 goats were purposively sampled, and faecal samples were collected par rectum using disposable latex gloves and transported to the Veterinary Parasitology laboratory, University of Nigeria, Nsukka for further analysis. Faecal samples were concentrated using the Formol-ether concentration method and cryptosporidium oocysts were detected using a modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique. The sample was considered positive when at least one oocyst with the correct morphologic characters was observed. Data obtained were analysed using the Chi-square test and the differences in the prevalence of cryptosporidium oocysts within each variable (Age, sex, and stool consistency) were compared. A probability of less than 0.05 was considered significant. The overall prevalence of cryptosporidium oocysts was 24%. There was a significant association between the prevalence of cryptosporidium oocysts and the sex of the goats sampled, while there were no significant associations between the prevalence of cryptosporidium oocysts and the age of the goats sampled and consistency of the faeces. The wide presence of these oocysts is of public health significance as apparent healthy goats were also shedding the oocysts. Efforts should be directed towards improving our management systems in order to prevent the menace of the public health threat. Further studies are recommended to provide evidence for other sources and factors that might influence cryptosporidiosis in the area.
{"title":"Faecal shedding of cryptosporidium oocysts in goats in Nsukka, Enugu State: a potential threat to man","authors":"I. C. Chukwudi, K. Ogbu, S.E. Umeagukwu, F. N. Nnaji, I. Ezeh","doi":"10.4314/njpar.v43i2.18","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/njpar.v43i2.18","url":null,"abstract":"Cryptosporidiosis is one of the most important diseases in young ruminants causing diarrhoea in neonates and immune-compromised animals leading to substantial economic losses both directly and indirectly in animals and animal products and also imposing public health threats as a zoonotic disease. This study aimed at investigating the occurrence of cryptosporidium oocyst in goats in Nsukka metropolis to facilitate further studies on the zoonotic transmission of the disease agent. Faecal samples were collected from household WAD goats from three randomly selected villages in Nsukka L.G.A of Enugu State. A total of 100 goats were purposively sampled, and faecal samples were collected par rectum using disposable latex gloves and transported to the Veterinary Parasitology laboratory, University of Nigeria, Nsukka for further analysis. Faecal samples were concentrated using the Formol-ether concentration method and cryptosporidium oocysts were detected using a modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique. The sample was considered positive when at least one oocyst with the correct morphologic characters was observed. Data obtained were analysed using the Chi-square test and the differences in the prevalence of cryptosporidium oocysts within each variable (Age, sex, and stool consistency) were compared. A probability of less than 0.05 was considered significant. The overall prevalence of cryptosporidium oocysts was 24%. There was a significant association between the prevalence of cryptosporidium oocysts and the sex of the goats sampled, while there were no significant associations between the prevalence of cryptosporidium oocysts and the age of the goats sampled and consistency of the faeces. The wide presence of these oocysts is of public health significance as apparent healthy goats were also shedding the oocysts. Efforts should be directed towards improving our management systems in order to prevent the menace of the public health threat. Further studies are recommended to provide evidence for other sources and factors that might influence cryptosporidiosis in the area.","PeriodicalId":19206,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Journal of Parasitology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46388494","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Diseases transmitted by mosquitoes constitute serious health, economic and social problems, especially in developing countries such as Nigeria. This study aimed to examine the salivary glands of Anopheles mosquitoes for sporozoites and the culicine mosquitoes for filarial worms in Kunga community of Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria. Adult mosquitoes were collected by Pyrethrum Spray Catch (PSC) and identified with morphological keys. The salivary glands of the female mosquitoes were then dissected to check for Plasmodium sporozoites and third-stage infective nematode larvae (L3i). A total of 75 mosquitoes were collected from 20 households. Out of which 18 representing 24.0% were Anopheles gambiae and 57 representing 76.0% were Culex quinquefasciatus. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the species composition of the mosquitoes with sex. All the 18 (100%) of An. gambiae mosquitoes collected were females, while 55 (96.49%) out of the 57 Culex quinquefasciatus were females and 2 (3.51%) were males. The population of mosquitoes in relation to house types showed no significant variation (P > 0.05). Although there was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the infectivity status of the mosquitoes, the distribution of the infection status by mosquito species showed that 12 females of An. gambiae representing 66.7% were infected with Plasmodium sporozoites, while 19 females represented 34.5% of Cx. quinquefasciatus were infected with L3i. The lack of good drainage and sewage systems in the study area could be one of the factors contributing to the mosquito burden and therefore health education will go a long way in sensitizing the inhabitants on the importance of environmental and personal hygiene.
{"title":"Infection status of mosquitoes in Kunga Community of Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria","authors":"H. Njila, I.K. Ngwa, I.Y. Bilham, A. Ombugadu","doi":"10.4314/njpar.v43i2.22","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/njpar.v43i2.22","url":null,"abstract":"Diseases transmitted by mosquitoes constitute serious health, economic and social problems, especially in developing countries such as Nigeria. This study aimed to examine the salivary glands of Anopheles mosquitoes for sporozoites and the culicine mosquitoes for filarial worms in Kunga community of Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria. Adult mosquitoes were collected by Pyrethrum Spray Catch (PSC) and identified with morphological keys. The salivary glands of the female mosquitoes were then dissected to check for Plasmodium sporozoites and third-stage infective nematode larvae (L3i). A total of 75 mosquitoes were collected from 20 households. Out of which 18 representing 24.0% were Anopheles gambiae and 57 representing 76.0% were Culex quinquefasciatus. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the species composition of the mosquitoes with sex. All the 18 (100%) of An. gambiae mosquitoes collected were females, while 55 (96.49%) out of the 57 Culex quinquefasciatus were females and 2 (3.51%) were males. The population of mosquitoes in relation to house types showed no significant variation (P > 0.05). Although there was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the infectivity status of the mosquitoes, the distribution of the infection status by mosquito species showed that 12 females of An. gambiae representing 66.7% were infected with Plasmodium sporozoites, while 19 females represented 34.5% of Cx. quinquefasciatus were infected with L3i. The lack of good drainage and sewage systems in the study area could be one of the factors contributing to the mosquito burden and therefore health education will go a long way in sensitizing the inhabitants on the importance of environmental and personal hygiene.","PeriodicalId":19206,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Journal of Parasitology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47342893","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Toxoplasmosis is a disease that can infect pregnant women, foetus, women of childbearing age and it is also zoonotic. The sero-prevalence of toxoplasmosis with its associated risk factors in two hundred and seventy-seven gravidae attending University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital was investigated to ascertain the current status of toxoplasmosis in Rivers State. Blood samples were collected from the subjects through veno-puncture, and the blood tests performed using the rapid test kits for Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM antibodies following manufacturer’s instructions. Commercial pregnancy test kits and HIV test kits were used to confirm their pregnancy and HIV status. Out of the 277 pregnant subjects examined, the overall prevalence was 5(1.8%) for T. gondii IgG antibody and 14(6.9%) positive for HIV. None of the HIV pregnant subjects were positive for toxoplasmosis. Chi-square analysis was used to assess the distribution of toxoplasmosis and other variables. The age groups 20 -29 years and 30-39 years had the highest sero-prevalence rates of 3(60%) and 2(40%) respectively for IgG while age group 40-49 years recorded no sero-prevalence. Exposure related sero-prevalence showed that eating of raw vegetables, undercooked meat, and exposure to contaminated soil through farming were more sensitive risk factors associated with toxoplasmosis than others. There was no statistically significant difference observed among those using cat as pets (P>0.05). A higher statistically significant difference was observed among the subjects that ate raw vegetables and drank untreated water (P<0.05) compared to those who ate cooked vegetables and drank treated water. The need for intensified health campaign to enlighten the society and pregnant mothers on the dangers of acquiring this neglected tropical disease- toxoplasmosis- and how to prevent it has been advocated.
{"title":"Evaluation of sero-epidemiology of toxoplasmosis with its associated risk factors among antenatal attendees of a referral health facility in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria","authors":"G. Wokem, I. Obi, S. Amala","doi":"10.4314/njpar.v43i2.9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/njpar.v43i2.9","url":null,"abstract":"Toxoplasmosis is a disease that can infect pregnant women, foetus, women of childbearing age and it is also zoonotic. The sero-prevalence of toxoplasmosis with its associated risk factors in two hundred and seventy-seven gravidae attending University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital was investigated to ascertain the current status of toxoplasmosis in Rivers State. Blood samples were collected from the subjects through veno-puncture, and the blood tests performed using the rapid test kits for Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM antibodies following manufacturer’s instructions. Commercial pregnancy test kits and HIV test kits were used to confirm their pregnancy and HIV status. Out of the 277 pregnant subjects examined, the overall prevalence was 5(1.8%) for T. gondii IgG antibody and 14(6.9%) positive for HIV. None of the HIV pregnant subjects were positive for toxoplasmosis. Chi-square analysis was used to assess the distribution of toxoplasmosis and other variables. The age groups 20 -29 years and 30-39 years had the highest sero-prevalence rates of 3(60%) and 2(40%) respectively for IgG while age group 40-49 years recorded no sero-prevalence. Exposure related sero-prevalence showed that eating of raw vegetables, undercooked meat, and exposure to contaminated soil through farming were more sensitive risk factors associated with toxoplasmosis than others. There was no statistically significant difference observed among those using cat as pets (P>0.05). A higher statistically significant difference was observed among the subjects that ate raw vegetables and drank untreated water (P<0.05) compared to those who ate cooked vegetables and drank treated water. The need for intensified health campaign to enlighten the society and pregnant mothers on the dangers of acquiring this neglected tropical disease- toxoplasmosis- and how to prevent it has been advocated.","PeriodicalId":19206,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Journal of Parasitology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49040965","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Biorepositories are an important resource for today’s research. To obtain more scientific information, stored samples from older repositories are being investigated using modern techniques and technologies, while new repositories are being built to facilitate genomic studies. Parasitological research has progressed from basic laboratory procedures to using molecular and genomic methodologies to understand parasite biology, necessitating the creation of parasitology-based biorepositories. Parasite biorepositories can reduce the cost of frequent sampling in resource-constrained situations and enhance best research practices, in addition to enhancing research productivity. Repositories can also help to prevent the loss of biological materials from uncommon, endangered, or newly found species. In Nigeria, the available repositories are mostly for the archiving of clinical samples. To promote parasite genomics research in Nigeria, a parasite library is required. Through membership, institutional, and international support, national groups such as the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria (PPSN) can build and maintain parasite biorepositories.
{"title":"Parasite repository - the future of parasitological research in Nigeria","authors":"O. G. Ajakaye, E. E. Enabulele","doi":"10.4314/njpar.v43i2.21","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/njpar.v43i2.21","url":null,"abstract":"Biorepositories are an important resource for today’s research. To obtain more scientific information, stored samples from older repositories are being investigated using modern techniques and technologies, while new repositories are being built to facilitate genomic studies. Parasitological research has progressed from basic laboratory procedures to using molecular and genomic methodologies to understand parasite biology, necessitating the creation of parasitology-based biorepositories. Parasite biorepositories can reduce the cost of frequent sampling in resource-constrained situations and enhance best research practices, in addition to enhancing research productivity. Repositories can also help to prevent the loss of biological materials from uncommon, endangered, or newly found species. In Nigeria, the available repositories are mostly for the archiving of clinical samples. To promote parasite genomics research in Nigeria, a parasite library is required. Through membership, institutional, and international support, national groups such as the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria (PPSN) can build and maintain parasite biorepositories.","PeriodicalId":19206,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Journal of Parasitology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49458140","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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