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Papers by Nduka Obiezue
Animal Research International, Dec 31, 2016
This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of strain and age on production traits of commer... more This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of strain and age on production traits of commercial broiler chickens reared on full-feeding, and under the same housing, feeding regime, agro-climatic zone and management practices. A total number of 150 broiler day-old chicks, that, is 50 chicks each of Arbor Acres (strain A), Hubbard (strain B) and Marshall (strain C) were purchased from local hatcheries, and raised on deep litter in separate pens for 49 days (7 weeks). Data collected include live body weight, body length, breast girth, shank length and thigh length. In addition, data on feed intake, feed conversion ratio and feed efficiency at two weeks interval beginning from 1 st week were taken. Analyzed results showed that genotype and age of birds had highly significant (P<0.01) effects on all the performance traits of broiler chickens. Strains A and B appeared superior to strain C in body weight, but the latter was better (P<0.01) in shank length and breast girth than the former. As regards feed conversion, strain C was the poorest, intermediate in strain B, and strain A the best. The feed efficiency and feed conversion ratio were related but in a reverse manner. Strain A was adjudged good and profitable because the strain had the highest mean values in body weight and feed efficiency coupled with the lowest feed conversion ratio at maturity, and could be recommended to poultry farmers in this zone for increased productivity, income generation and maximum profit.
Journal of Vector Borne Diseases, 2020
Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) has been an alarming global public health issue. The disease ... more Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) has been an alarming global public health issue. The disease affects mainly poor and marginalized people in low-resource settings and is caused by two subspecies of haemoflagellate parasite, Trypanosoma brucei and transmitted by tsetse flies. Progress made in HAT control during the past decade has prompted increasing global dialogue on its elimination and eradication. The disease is targeted by the World Health Organization (WHO) for elimination as a public health problem by 2020 and to terminate its transmission globally by 2030, along-side other Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD). Several methods have been used to control tsetse flies and the disease transmitted by them. Old and new tools to control the disease are available with constraints. Currently, there are no vaccines available. Efforts towards intervention to control the disease over the past decade have seen considerable progress and remarkable success with incidence dropping progressively, reversing the upward trend of reported cases. This gives credence in a real progress in its elimination. This study reviews various control measures, progress and a highlight of control issues, vector and parasite barriers that may have been hindering progress towards its elimination.
Animal Research International, Dec 31, 2016
The toxicity and histopathological effects of the herbicide Atrazine to the earthworm Nsukkadrilu... more The toxicity and histopathological effects of the herbicide Atrazine to the earthworm Nsukkadrilus mbae were studied under laboratory conditions. N. mbae were exposed to different concentrations of Atrazine (0.0, 0.4, 0.8, 3.0 and 9.0 mg/kg soil) for 96 hours and mortality was recorded every 24 hour. In addition, sections of the worm were made after 96 hours for microscopic examination. There was no mortality in the control group but in the experiments groups throughout the study. The mortality in the different treatment groups was significantly different (P > 0.05) and was concentration dependent. The LC 50 of Atrazine after 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours were 8.60, 7.05, 7.37 and 7.23 respectively. The histopathological manifestations of exposing N. mbae to the herbicide included damage to the chloragogenous layer, damage of the epithelial tissues; glandular enlargement of the epithelial tissues, prominent vacoulations and pyknotic cells. The result of the study showed that both mortality and histopathology data could be used in environmental risk assessment of Atrazine.
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine, 2021
Objective: To screen phytochemicals in ethanolic leaf extracts of Phyllanthus amarus collected fr... more Objective: To screen phytochemicals in ethanolic leaf extracts of Phyllanthus amarus collected from three different geographical zones in Nigeria and evaluate their effects on larva and adult of Anopheles gambiae. Methods: The sample extracts of Phyllanthus amarus prepared with ethanol solvent were tested against Anopheles gambiae at two important developmental stages of its life cycle using slightly modified WHO protocols. Results: Alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, phenols, and terpenes were detected in each extract. Among these samples, the extract from northwest exhibited the highest larvicidal activity (LC50=263.02 ppm), followed by southeast and southwest extracts (LC50=288.40 and 295.12 ppm, respectively after 48 h), while the extract from southwest exhibited the highest adulticidal activity (LC50=275.42 ppm), followed by northwest and southeast extract (LC50=301.99 and 316.22 ppm, respectively after 24 h). A 50% larva mortality was almost attained at 600 ppm after 48 h duration of exposure to the northwest extract. Conclusions: The tested samples possess strong larvicidal and adulticidal property against Anopheles gambiae which depends on their chemical composition and localities of collection. Further studies are needed to explore the insecticidal activity against a wider range of mosquito species, and to identify active ingredient(s) of the extract responsible for such activity.
Annals of Global Health, 2019
Background: Parasitic infections of the gastrointestinal tract is one of the highest causes of mo... more Background: Parasitic infections of the gastrointestinal tract is one of the highest causes of morbidity and mortality among HIV infected individuals. This is due to the colonization of the intestinal tract by parasites influenced by induced enteropathy caused by HIV infection. CD + 4 t-lymphocytes count is a marker of the immune status of HIV infected individuals. Objective: This study investigated the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infections among HIV coinfected individuals in relation to their immunological status. Methods: CD + 4 t-lymphocytes count was determined using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) count system. Parasitological examination of faecal samples was conducted using direct wet mount, modified Z-N and Giemsa stain techniques. All prepared slides were examined under x10 and x40 objectives. Findings: Out of the 891 HIV seropositive participants on antiretroviral therapy that were studied, 641 (71.9%) had CD + 4 counts equals to or greater than 500 cells/mm 3. All other seropositive participants had CD + 4 counts below 500 cells/mm 3. Gastrointestinal parasitic infections were recorded in 187 (20.9%) seropositive participants, with females (n = 108, 12.1%) having more infections than males. Multiple gastrointestinal parasitic infections were recorded in 28 (3.1%) seropositive participants. Out of the 150 seronegative participants, 79 (52.7%) of them had at least one gastrointestinal parasitic infection. Female seronegative participants also accounted for higher infection rate (n = 42, 28.0%) than males (n = 37, 24.7%). Multiple infections were also recorded in 18 (12.0%) seronegative individuals. The overall prevalence rate of infection between both positive and negative individuals was 25.5%. There was statistical significant difference in the infections of Cryptosporidium parvum (p < 0.003), Cyclospora cayetanensis (p < 0.011) and Cystoisospora belli (p < 0.011) between HIV seropositive and HIV seronegative individuals. Also, there was statistical significant difference in the infections of hook worm (p < 0.002) and Trichuris trichiura (p < 0.020) between seronegative and seropositive individuals. Gastrointestinal parasitic infection rate was significantly higher among seropositive participants with CD + 4 counts between 200 and 350 cells/mm 3 (n = 109, 58.3%). Conclusion: The study shows that HIV infected individuals continue to experience gastrointestinal infections even with antiretroviral treatment, especially those with CD + 4 counts below 350 cells/mm 3. Health care providers should prioritise routine screening of HIV patients for gastrointestinal parasites and provide prompt treatment. Antiparasitic drugs should also be provided as prophylaxis.
Annals of Global Health, 2019
Annals of Global Health, 2019
Background: Mapping the distribution of parasitic diseases in time and space has a pivotal role t... more Background: Mapping the distribution of parasitic diseases in time and space has a pivotal role to play in their control. Objective: This study mapped urinary schistosomiasis in Anambra State. Methods: Sampling covered the three senatorial districts, Anambra North, Anambra Central and Anambra South. However, only nine of the 21 local government areas (LGAs) and one town in each LGA were covered. A geographic information system (GIS) was used to map the distribution of schistosomiasis in the state. With the aid of GIS, the distance of the towns to water bodies was calculated. A total of 450 urine samples collected from the nine LGAs were examined for haematuria and Schistosoma haematobium eggs. A questionnaire was used to assess exposure and risks status to infection. The urine samples were examined for haematuria using dipstick and microscopy. Findings: Overall prevalence of infection in the study was 2.9% and 5.5% for microscopy and haematuria, respectively. Prevalence of schistosomiasis was different between the districts, and this was statistically significant (χ² = 7.763, p = 0.021). Prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in the towns had a significant negative linear relationship with distance to water body (r =-0.767, p = 0.016). Based on infection status from microscopy, the adjusted odds of infection in fishers was over 103 times higher than in students; the difference was significant statistically (AOR = 103.0443, 95% CI = 4.6278-7093.972, p = 0.0114). People who washed things in stream had 12 times significantly greater odds of infection than those that did not (AOR = 12.4585, 95% CI = 1.9590-258.8108, p = 0.02542). The distance of respondents to stream was a major determinant of infection with urinary schistosomiasis in the state. Those who lived close to water were approximately 1131% more likely to be infected than those who lived far from water bodies (AOR = 11.3157, 95% CI 2.2473-90.6889, p = 0.00713). Conclusion: Anambra State is endemic for urinary schistosomiasis. There is therefore a need for focal studies; and there may probably be a need to design a health program aimed at controlling the infection in focal areas in the state. The study also provides relevant information for designing a plan of action for the selective integrated and targeted control of urinary schistosomiasis in the LGAs.
Journal of Helminthology, 2008
The diagnostic accuracy of urine dipsticks was investigated using two different brands in five en... more The diagnostic accuracy of urine dipsticks was investigated using two different brands in five endemic communities of south-western Nigeria. The BM-5L test was used in 1992 to screen 566 subjects in two communities in Ogun State, while 1457 subjects in three other communities in Osun State were screened with the Combur-9 test in 2006. Haematuria gave a higher prevalence of infection than proteinuria irrespective of which strip brand was used (e.g. BM-5L test: 58.3 and 36.2%; Combur-9 test: 46.5 and 41.9%, respectively). Compared with egg microscopy (gold standard), haematuria identified over 90% of egg-positive samples using either the BM-5L test in 1992 or the Combur-9 test in 2006. The corresponding values for proteinuria were 58% using the BM-5L test and 82% using the Combur-9 test. Sensitivity of haematuria to infection was higher using the BM-5L test (92.4–93.5%) than Combur-9 (58.6–73.3%), while sensitivity of proteinuria to infection was higher using Combur-9 (55.5–80.4%) tha...
International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science, 2021
The increasing resistance of the malaria parasite to currently used antimalarial medicines has in... more The increasing resistance of the malaria parasite to currently used antimalarial medicines has intensified the research for new novel antimalarial drug leads from natural sources. This study was carried out to evaluate the antiplasmodial potential, phytochemical composition and toxicity status of aqueous root extract of Alstoniaboonei (Apocynaceae), a medicinal plant used in treating malariain Nigeria and other African countries. The extract showed substantial dose dependent antiplasmodial activity as indicated by the, suppressive (40.18%, 55.72% and 61.55% for 100, 200 and 400 mgkg-1 body weights), prophylactic (51.39%, 65.27% and 68.35% for 100, 200 and 400 mgkg-1 body weights), and curative (48.63%, 59.59% and 60.88% for 100, 200 and 400 mgkg-1 body weights) effects on Plasmodium berghei infected albino mice. The antiplasmodial activity was significantly different compared to the negative control at P < 0.05.Chemical compounds obtained from the phytochemical evaluation of the extract include tannins, flavonoids, steroids, phenols, alkaloids, saponins, glycosides and terpenoids. There were no observed signs of toxicity in all the oral doses tested on albino mice. It was concluded that the extract contains important active antimalarial compounds that are not toxic and should be further investigated for antimalarial drug development.
International Journal of Innovative Research and Development, 2021
This study, which is part of a project on the antimalarial potential of different extracts of Als... more This study, which is part of a project on the antimalarial potential of different extracts of Alstonia boonei plant parts, was carried out to determine the antimalarial property, chemical constituents and toxicity level of Alstonia boonei aqueous stem bark extract in white albino mice infected with Plasmodium berghei. The extract exhibited substantial dose dependent antimalarial property as shown by the suppressive effect (41.
African Journal of Biotechnology, 2014
Diethyl Phthalate (DEP) is used as a plasticizer, a detergent base, in aerosol sprays, as a perfu... more Diethyl Phthalate (DEP) is used as a plasticizer, a detergent base, in aerosol sprays, as a perfume binder and after shave lotion. It is known to be a contaminant of fresh water and marine ecosystem. Therefore, a study was designed to determine the acute toxicity effects of DEP on a fresh water fish, Clarias gariepinus fingerlings. The fish was treated with 50, 75, 100 and 150 µg/l. DEP was dissolved in distilled water to determine the LC50. There was 100% mortality observed in 150 µg/l. The LC50 of DEP was estimated at log toxicant concentration as 2.217, 2.734, 3.435 and 3.931 µg/l at 24, 48, 72, 96 h and 1.871µg/l for the total death. This shows that the impacts are dose and time dependent with respect to marked reduction in mortality rate. At sub-lethal concentrations of the test substance at 30, 40, 60 and 80 µg/l in a renewal bioassay system, the water and the test compound were changed intermittently. One group was maintained as a control in dechlorinated water. There was sig...
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
The livers of slaughtered cattle were examined by visualization, palpation and incision. Macrosco... more The livers of slaughtered cattle were examined by visualization, palpation and incision. Macroscopically, some of the infected livers appeared to be slightly swollen with pale color at the round edges, while some appeared greatly swollen, with a few small irregular whitish areas indicating fibrosis over the parietal surface. In some cases, the capsule was thick and rough with whitish or reddish discoloration and parenchyma was hard due to fibrous tissue. Fibrosis of the bile ducts with numerous small and large patches scattered over the parietal surface and the pipe stem appearance of the liver were noticed. It could be concluded that the histopathological changes in the livers of cattle infected with Fasciola gigantica reflected tissue damage, which can amount to significant economic losses in animals and great health problems in man. Serious care and attention are required of both the veterinary workers and the public health planners in the state to ensure that seriously damaged livers are not passed on for human consumption despite their deranged nutritional values and health risk problems. The grazing of cattle should be highly restricted to areas of lesser snail infected site to reduce the rate of animal infection and the consequent economic losses.
Animal Research International, 2010
Seventy-seven Bulinus snail species were fed for eight weeks with eleven diets consisting o diffe... more Seventy-seven Bulinus snail species were fed for eight weeks with eleven diets consisting o different feed-formulations and vegetables. Snails reared exclusively on grower's mash, corn fibre meal and fish meal did not survive for up to two weeks. The result from this investigation indicates that there is no signi icant difference in body grow h gain between lettuce + blood meal, lettuce + groundnut fibre meal, blood meal, lettuce and cabbage. But they showed significant d fference with lettuce + corn fibre meal and lettuce + fish meal. It is therefore recommended that in a situation where lettuce which is well known as the snail's food is not available as during the peak of rainy season, feeds like blood meal and cabbage can be used as viable substitutes for rearing experimental Bulinus snail species in the laboratory. Also, lettuce + blood meal has been shown by this study as the best feed formulation for the optimal growth and development o Bulinus sp in the laboratory. f
Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 2009
The risk factors predisposing children to ascariasis transmission in a rural community of Osun St... more The risk factors predisposing children to ascariasis transmission in a rural community of Osun State, Nigeria were investigated from November 2005 to April 2006. Children below 16 years of age were examined at the household level after information on biodata, access to water supply and sanitation, socio-economic status of their parents and degree of cohabitation with their parents was collected using a questionnaire. Of 440 children examined, overall prevalence was 60% and median intensity was 1548 eggs per gram (epg) (min. 48 epg; max. 55464 epg). Infection patterns were gender comparable and age dependent, with peak prevalence (67.8%) occurring in children aged 5-9 years and peak median intensity (4368 epg) in children aged >or=15 years. Logistic regression analysis revealed that prevalence was influenced by patterns of water supply and sanitation, parents' educational background, number of biological parents living with a child and number of playmates a child has. These findings suggest that socio-environmental risk factors which play a role in disease transmission need to be taken into account when formulating sustainable control strategies for ascariasis and other intestinal parasites in Nigeria and elsewhere.
Journal of Helminthology, 2010
A survey of gastrointestinal helminth parasites of stray dogs (Canis familiaris) was conducted at... more A survey of gastrointestinal helminth parasites of stray dogs (Canis familiaris) was conducted at Obollo-Afor and Ekwulobia markets, in Enugu and Anambra States, south-eastern Nigeria, respectively, to determine the patterns of infection among dogs in different parts of south-eastern Nigeria. Faecal samples collected, using long forceps, from every dog encountered in the markets between June 2007 and December 2008 were analysed by the Kato–Katz technique. Out of 413 dogs examined in both markets, 217 (52.6%) were infected with at least one of five parasites (Toxocara spp., Dipylidium caninum, Ancylostoma caninum, Taenia spp. and Trichuris vulpis). Overall faecal egg intensity of infection was 49.9 ± 58.7 eggs/g (epg). The prevalence of infection was comparable between the markets and between the male and female dogs, but varied significantly (P < 0.05) by age, decreasing from 78.9% in pups to 36.0% in adult dogs. The mean intensity pattern was similar to that of prevalence, decre...
Helminthologia, 2015
A study was carried out in Nsukka cultural zone, Nigeria, with the aim of determining the prevale... more A study was carried out in Nsukka cultural zone, Nigeria, with the aim of determining the prevalence, intensity and abundance of intestinal endoparasitic fauna of commonly consumed wildlife or bushmeat. From the 143 wild animals sampled, 141 (98.6 %) were found at least infected with one intestinal parasite. Ascaris lumbricoides was the overall most prevalent (48.8 %). Dicrocoelium hospes differed significantly in age-related prevalence of infection. Significant sex-related difference in infection (P<0.05) was recorded for Strongyloides papillosus, A. lumbricoides, Oesophagostomum columbianum and Moniliformis moniliformis while Taenia saginata and Entamoeba histolytica showed significant seasonal differences in intensity of infection. The results suggest that bush-meats were hosts of various parasites of medical and veterinary importance. There is need for health inspection of bush-meat for trade and consumption.
International Journal of Innovative Research and Development, 2021
Animal Research International, 2011
Cypermethrin has being seen to be a contaminant of freshwater and marine ecosystem. Therefore, a ... more Cypermethrin has being seen to be a contaminant of freshwater and marine ecosystem. Therefore, a study was designed to determine the sublethal effects of cypermethrin on freshwater fish, Clarias gariepinus. The fish was treated with 0.01 mg/L, 0.05 mg/L and 0.1 mg/L cypermethrin dissolved in distilled water. Fish were killed by cold narcosis on an ice block and dissected to obtain liver and muscle samples; 10% homogenates in an ice-cold saline were prepared. Liver aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), liver and muscle acid phosphatase (ACP) were measured. There was a significant increase in liver and muscle ACP in cypermethrin treated catfish compared to the control. Liver AST level significantly increased at all concentrations for experimental duration (P<0.05) compared to the control. These alterations in enzyme activity may have long-term effects on organisms (fish) that are continuously exposed to low doses of cypermethrin in an aquatic ecosystem.
Animal Research International, Dec 31, 2016
This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of strain and age on production traits of commer... more This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of strain and age on production traits of commercial broiler chickens reared on full-feeding, and under the same housing, feeding regime, agro-climatic zone and management practices. A total number of 150 broiler day-old chicks, that, is 50 chicks each of Arbor Acres (strain A), Hubbard (strain B) and Marshall (strain C) were purchased from local hatcheries, and raised on deep litter in separate pens for 49 days (7 weeks). Data collected include live body weight, body length, breast girth, shank length and thigh length. In addition, data on feed intake, feed conversion ratio and feed efficiency at two weeks interval beginning from 1 st week were taken. Analyzed results showed that genotype and age of birds had highly significant (P<0.01) effects on all the performance traits of broiler chickens. Strains A and B appeared superior to strain C in body weight, but the latter was better (P<0.01) in shank length and breast girth than the former. As regards feed conversion, strain C was the poorest, intermediate in strain B, and strain A the best. The feed efficiency and feed conversion ratio were related but in a reverse manner. Strain A was adjudged good and profitable because the strain had the highest mean values in body weight and feed efficiency coupled with the lowest feed conversion ratio at maturity, and could be recommended to poultry farmers in this zone for increased productivity, income generation and maximum profit.
Journal of Vector Borne Diseases, 2020
Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) has been an alarming global public health issue. The disease ... more Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) has been an alarming global public health issue. The disease affects mainly poor and marginalized people in low-resource settings and is caused by two subspecies of haemoflagellate parasite, Trypanosoma brucei and transmitted by tsetse flies. Progress made in HAT control during the past decade has prompted increasing global dialogue on its elimination and eradication. The disease is targeted by the World Health Organization (WHO) for elimination as a public health problem by 2020 and to terminate its transmission globally by 2030, along-side other Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD). Several methods have been used to control tsetse flies and the disease transmitted by them. Old and new tools to control the disease are available with constraints. Currently, there are no vaccines available. Efforts towards intervention to control the disease over the past decade have seen considerable progress and remarkable success with incidence dropping progressively, reversing the upward trend of reported cases. This gives credence in a real progress in its elimination. This study reviews various control measures, progress and a highlight of control issues, vector and parasite barriers that may have been hindering progress towards its elimination.
Animal Research International, Dec 31, 2016
The toxicity and histopathological effects of the herbicide Atrazine to the earthworm Nsukkadrilu... more The toxicity and histopathological effects of the herbicide Atrazine to the earthworm Nsukkadrilus mbae were studied under laboratory conditions. N. mbae were exposed to different concentrations of Atrazine (0.0, 0.4, 0.8, 3.0 and 9.0 mg/kg soil) for 96 hours and mortality was recorded every 24 hour. In addition, sections of the worm were made after 96 hours for microscopic examination. There was no mortality in the control group but in the experiments groups throughout the study. The mortality in the different treatment groups was significantly different (P > 0.05) and was concentration dependent. The LC 50 of Atrazine after 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours were 8.60, 7.05, 7.37 and 7.23 respectively. The histopathological manifestations of exposing N. mbae to the herbicide included damage to the chloragogenous layer, damage of the epithelial tissues; glandular enlargement of the epithelial tissues, prominent vacoulations and pyknotic cells. The result of the study showed that both mortality and histopathology data could be used in environmental risk assessment of Atrazine.
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine, 2021
Objective: To screen phytochemicals in ethanolic leaf extracts of Phyllanthus amarus collected fr... more Objective: To screen phytochemicals in ethanolic leaf extracts of Phyllanthus amarus collected from three different geographical zones in Nigeria and evaluate their effects on larva and adult of Anopheles gambiae. Methods: The sample extracts of Phyllanthus amarus prepared with ethanol solvent were tested against Anopheles gambiae at two important developmental stages of its life cycle using slightly modified WHO protocols. Results: Alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, phenols, and terpenes were detected in each extract. Among these samples, the extract from northwest exhibited the highest larvicidal activity (LC50=263.02 ppm), followed by southeast and southwest extracts (LC50=288.40 and 295.12 ppm, respectively after 48 h), while the extract from southwest exhibited the highest adulticidal activity (LC50=275.42 ppm), followed by northwest and southeast extract (LC50=301.99 and 316.22 ppm, respectively after 24 h). A 50% larva mortality was almost attained at 600 ppm after 48 h duration of exposure to the northwest extract. Conclusions: The tested samples possess strong larvicidal and adulticidal property against Anopheles gambiae which depends on their chemical composition and localities of collection. Further studies are needed to explore the insecticidal activity against a wider range of mosquito species, and to identify active ingredient(s) of the extract responsible for such activity.
Annals of Global Health, 2019
Background: Parasitic infections of the gastrointestinal tract is one of the highest causes of mo... more Background: Parasitic infections of the gastrointestinal tract is one of the highest causes of morbidity and mortality among HIV infected individuals. This is due to the colonization of the intestinal tract by parasites influenced by induced enteropathy caused by HIV infection. CD + 4 t-lymphocytes count is a marker of the immune status of HIV infected individuals. Objective: This study investigated the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infections among HIV coinfected individuals in relation to their immunological status. Methods: CD + 4 t-lymphocytes count was determined using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) count system. Parasitological examination of faecal samples was conducted using direct wet mount, modified Z-N and Giemsa stain techniques. All prepared slides were examined under x10 and x40 objectives. Findings: Out of the 891 HIV seropositive participants on antiretroviral therapy that were studied, 641 (71.9%) had CD + 4 counts equals to or greater than 500 cells/mm 3. All other seropositive participants had CD + 4 counts below 500 cells/mm 3. Gastrointestinal parasitic infections were recorded in 187 (20.9%) seropositive participants, with females (n = 108, 12.1%) having more infections than males. Multiple gastrointestinal parasitic infections were recorded in 28 (3.1%) seropositive participants. Out of the 150 seronegative participants, 79 (52.7%) of them had at least one gastrointestinal parasitic infection. Female seronegative participants also accounted for higher infection rate (n = 42, 28.0%) than males (n = 37, 24.7%). Multiple infections were also recorded in 18 (12.0%) seronegative individuals. The overall prevalence rate of infection between both positive and negative individuals was 25.5%. There was statistical significant difference in the infections of Cryptosporidium parvum (p < 0.003), Cyclospora cayetanensis (p < 0.011) and Cystoisospora belli (p < 0.011) between HIV seropositive and HIV seronegative individuals. Also, there was statistical significant difference in the infections of hook worm (p < 0.002) and Trichuris trichiura (p < 0.020) between seronegative and seropositive individuals. Gastrointestinal parasitic infection rate was significantly higher among seropositive participants with CD + 4 counts between 200 and 350 cells/mm 3 (n = 109, 58.3%). Conclusion: The study shows that HIV infected individuals continue to experience gastrointestinal infections even with antiretroviral treatment, especially those with CD + 4 counts below 350 cells/mm 3. Health care providers should prioritise routine screening of HIV patients for gastrointestinal parasites and provide prompt treatment. Antiparasitic drugs should also be provided as prophylaxis.
Annals of Global Health, 2019
Annals of Global Health, 2019
Background: Mapping the distribution of parasitic diseases in time and space has a pivotal role t... more Background: Mapping the distribution of parasitic diseases in time and space has a pivotal role to play in their control. Objective: This study mapped urinary schistosomiasis in Anambra State. Methods: Sampling covered the three senatorial districts, Anambra North, Anambra Central and Anambra South. However, only nine of the 21 local government areas (LGAs) and one town in each LGA were covered. A geographic information system (GIS) was used to map the distribution of schistosomiasis in the state. With the aid of GIS, the distance of the towns to water bodies was calculated. A total of 450 urine samples collected from the nine LGAs were examined for haematuria and Schistosoma haematobium eggs. A questionnaire was used to assess exposure and risks status to infection. The urine samples were examined for haematuria using dipstick and microscopy. Findings: Overall prevalence of infection in the study was 2.9% and 5.5% for microscopy and haematuria, respectively. Prevalence of schistosomiasis was different between the districts, and this was statistically significant (χ² = 7.763, p = 0.021). Prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in the towns had a significant negative linear relationship with distance to water body (r =-0.767, p = 0.016). Based on infection status from microscopy, the adjusted odds of infection in fishers was over 103 times higher than in students; the difference was significant statistically (AOR = 103.0443, 95% CI = 4.6278-7093.972, p = 0.0114). People who washed things in stream had 12 times significantly greater odds of infection than those that did not (AOR = 12.4585, 95% CI = 1.9590-258.8108, p = 0.02542). The distance of respondents to stream was a major determinant of infection with urinary schistosomiasis in the state. Those who lived close to water were approximately 1131% more likely to be infected than those who lived far from water bodies (AOR = 11.3157, 95% CI 2.2473-90.6889, p = 0.00713). Conclusion: Anambra State is endemic for urinary schistosomiasis. There is therefore a need for focal studies; and there may probably be a need to design a health program aimed at controlling the infection in focal areas in the state. The study also provides relevant information for designing a plan of action for the selective integrated and targeted control of urinary schistosomiasis in the LGAs.
Journal of Helminthology, 2008
The diagnostic accuracy of urine dipsticks was investigated using two different brands in five en... more The diagnostic accuracy of urine dipsticks was investigated using two different brands in five endemic communities of south-western Nigeria. The BM-5L test was used in 1992 to screen 566 subjects in two communities in Ogun State, while 1457 subjects in three other communities in Osun State were screened with the Combur-9 test in 2006. Haematuria gave a higher prevalence of infection than proteinuria irrespective of which strip brand was used (e.g. BM-5L test: 58.3 and 36.2%; Combur-9 test: 46.5 and 41.9%, respectively). Compared with egg microscopy (gold standard), haematuria identified over 90% of egg-positive samples using either the BM-5L test in 1992 or the Combur-9 test in 2006. The corresponding values for proteinuria were 58% using the BM-5L test and 82% using the Combur-9 test. Sensitivity of haematuria to infection was higher using the BM-5L test (92.4–93.5%) than Combur-9 (58.6–73.3%), while sensitivity of proteinuria to infection was higher using Combur-9 (55.5–80.4%) tha...
International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science, 2021
The increasing resistance of the malaria parasite to currently used antimalarial medicines has in... more The increasing resistance of the malaria parasite to currently used antimalarial medicines has intensified the research for new novel antimalarial drug leads from natural sources. This study was carried out to evaluate the antiplasmodial potential, phytochemical composition and toxicity status of aqueous root extract of Alstoniaboonei (Apocynaceae), a medicinal plant used in treating malariain Nigeria and other African countries. The extract showed substantial dose dependent antiplasmodial activity as indicated by the, suppressive (40.18%, 55.72% and 61.55% for 100, 200 and 400 mgkg-1 body weights), prophylactic (51.39%, 65.27% and 68.35% for 100, 200 and 400 mgkg-1 body weights), and curative (48.63%, 59.59% and 60.88% for 100, 200 and 400 mgkg-1 body weights) effects on Plasmodium berghei infected albino mice. The antiplasmodial activity was significantly different compared to the negative control at P < 0.05.Chemical compounds obtained from the phytochemical evaluation of the extract include tannins, flavonoids, steroids, phenols, alkaloids, saponins, glycosides and terpenoids. There were no observed signs of toxicity in all the oral doses tested on albino mice. It was concluded that the extract contains important active antimalarial compounds that are not toxic and should be further investigated for antimalarial drug development.
International Journal of Innovative Research and Development, 2021
This study, which is part of a project on the antimalarial potential of different extracts of Als... more This study, which is part of a project on the antimalarial potential of different extracts of Alstonia boonei plant parts, was carried out to determine the antimalarial property, chemical constituents and toxicity level of Alstonia boonei aqueous stem bark extract in white albino mice infected with Plasmodium berghei. The extract exhibited substantial dose dependent antimalarial property as shown by the suppressive effect (41.
African Journal of Biotechnology, 2014
Diethyl Phthalate (DEP) is used as a plasticizer, a detergent base, in aerosol sprays, as a perfu... more Diethyl Phthalate (DEP) is used as a plasticizer, a detergent base, in aerosol sprays, as a perfume binder and after shave lotion. It is known to be a contaminant of fresh water and marine ecosystem. Therefore, a study was designed to determine the acute toxicity effects of DEP on a fresh water fish, Clarias gariepinus fingerlings. The fish was treated with 50, 75, 100 and 150 µg/l. DEP was dissolved in distilled water to determine the LC50. There was 100% mortality observed in 150 µg/l. The LC50 of DEP was estimated at log toxicant concentration as 2.217, 2.734, 3.435 and 3.931 µg/l at 24, 48, 72, 96 h and 1.871µg/l for the total death. This shows that the impacts are dose and time dependent with respect to marked reduction in mortality rate. At sub-lethal concentrations of the test substance at 30, 40, 60 and 80 µg/l in a renewal bioassay system, the water and the test compound were changed intermittently. One group was maintained as a control in dechlorinated water. There was sig...
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
The livers of slaughtered cattle were examined by visualization, palpation and incision. Macrosco... more The livers of slaughtered cattle were examined by visualization, palpation and incision. Macroscopically, some of the infected livers appeared to be slightly swollen with pale color at the round edges, while some appeared greatly swollen, with a few small irregular whitish areas indicating fibrosis over the parietal surface. In some cases, the capsule was thick and rough with whitish or reddish discoloration and parenchyma was hard due to fibrous tissue. Fibrosis of the bile ducts with numerous small and large patches scattered over the parietal surface and the pipe stem appearance of the liver were noticed. It could be concluded that the histopathological changes in the livers of cattle infected with Fasciola gigantica reflected tissue damage, which can amount to significant economic losses in animals and great health problems in man. Serious care and attention are required of both the veterinary workers and the public health planners in the state to ensure that seriously damaged livers are not passed on for human consumption despite their deranged nutritional values and health risk problems. The grazing of cattle should be highly restricted to areas of lesser snail infected site to reduce the rate of animal infection and the consequent economic losses.
Animal Research International, 2010
Seventy-seven Bulinus snail species were fed for eight weeks with eleven diets consisting o diffe... more Seventy-seven Bulinus snail species were fed for eight weeks with eleven diets consisting o different feed-formulations and vegetables. Snails reared exclusively on grower's mash, corn fibre meal and fish meal did not survive for up to two weeks. The result from this investigation indicates that there is no signi icant difference in body grow h gain between lettuce + blood meal, lettuce + groundnut fibre meal, blood meal, lettuce and cabbage. But they showed significant d fference with lettuce + corn fibre meal and lettuce + fish meal. It is therefore recommended that in a situation where lettuce which is well known as the snail's food is not available as during the peak of rainy season, feeds like blood meal and cabbage can be used as viable substitutes for rearing experimental Bulinus snail species in the laboratory. Also, lettuce + blood meal has been shown by this study as the best feed formulation for the optimal growth and development o Bulinus sp in the laboratory. f
Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 2009
The risk factors predisposing children to ascariasis transmission in a rural community of Osun St... more The risk factors predisposing children to ascariasis transmission in a rural community of Osun State, Nigeria were investigated from November 2005 to April 2006. Children below 16 years of age were examined at the household level after information on biodata, access to water supply and sanitation, socio-economic status of their parents and degree of cohabitation with their parents was collected using a questionnaire. Of 440 children examined, overall prevalence was 60% and median intensity was 1548 eggs per gram (epg) (min. 48 epg; max. 55464 epg). Infection patterns were gender comparable and age dependent, with peak prevalence (67.8%) occurring in children aged 5-9 years and peak median intensity (4368 epg) in children aged >or=15 years. Logistic regression analysis revealed that prevalence was influenced by patterns of water supply and sanitation, parents' educational background, number of biological parents living with a child and number of playmates a child has. These findings suggest that socio-environmental risk factors which play a role in disease transmission need to be taken into account when formulating sustainable control strategies for ascariasis and other intestinal parasites in Nigeria and elsewhere.
Journal of Helminthology, 2010
A survey of gastrointestinal helminth parasites of stray dogs (Canis familiaris) was conducted at... more A survey of gastrointestinal helminth parasites of stray dogs (Canis familiaris) was conducted at Obollo-Afor and Ekwulobia markets, in Enugu and Anambra States, south-eastern Nigeria, respectively, to determine the patterns of infection among dogs in different parts of south-eastern Nigeria. Faecal samples collected, using long forceps, from every dog encountered in the markets between June 2007 and December 2008 were analysed by the Kato–Katz technique. Out of 413 dogs examined in both markets, 217 (52.6%) were infected with at least one of five parasites (Toxocara spp., Dipylidium caninum, Ancylostoma caninum, Taenia spp. and Trichuris vulpis). Overall faecal egg intensity of infection was 49.9 ± 58.7 eggs/g (epg). The prevalence of infection was comparable between the markets and between the male and female dogs, but varied significantly (P < 0.05) by age, decreasing from 78.9% in pups to 36.0% in adult dogs. The mean intensity pattern was similar to that of prevalence, decre...
Helminthologia, 2015
A study was carried out in Nsukka cultural zone, Nigeria, with the aim of determining the prevale... more A study was carried out in Nsukka cultural zone, Nigeria, with the aim of determining the prevalence, intensity and abundance of intestinal endoparasitic fauna of commonly consumed wildlife or bushmeat. From the 143 wild animals sampled, 141 (98.6 %) were found at least infected with one intestinal parasite. Ascaris lumbricoides was the overall most prevalent (48.8 %). Dicrocoelium hospes differed significantly in age-related prevalence of infection. Significant sex-related difference in infection (P<0.05) was recorded for Strongyloides papillosus, A. lumbricoides, Oesophagostomum columbianum and Moniliformis moniliformis while Taenia saginata and Entamoeba histolytica showed significant seasonal differences in intensity of infection. The results suggest that bush-meats were hosts of various parasites of medical and veterinary importance. There is need for health inspection of bush-meat for trade and consumption.
International Journal of Innovative Research and Development, 2021
Animal Research International, 2011
Cypermethrin has being seen to be a contaminant of freshwater and marine ecosystem. Therefore, a ... more Cypermethrin has being seen to be a contaminant of freshwater and marine ecosystem. Therefore, a study was designed to determine the sublethal effects of cypermethrin on freshwater fish, Clarias gariepinus. The fish was treated with 0.01 mg/L, 0.05 mg/L and 0.1 mg/L cypermethrin dissolved in distilled water. Fish were killed by cold narcosis on an ice block and dissected to obtain liver and muscle samples; 10% homogenates in an ice-cold saline were prepared. Liver aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), liver and muscle acid phosphatase (ACP) were measured. There was a significant increase in liver and muscle ACP in cypermethrin treated catfish compared to the control. Liver AST level significantly increased at all concentrations for experimental duration (P<0.05) compared to the control. These alterations in enzyme activity may have long-term effects on organisms (fish) that are continuously exposed to low doses of cypermethrin in an aquatic ecosystem.