International Journal of Environmental Science and Toxicology Research

Number Vol. 2(11), 2014

217-222
Assessment of Entomological and Parasitological Parameters of Malaria Transmission in Gwagwalada Area Council Abuja Nigeria

Authors: GIMBA, U.N.

Abstract

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A total of 867 mosquitoes were collected and identified: 420(48.44%) from Dukpa and 447(51.55%) from Kutunku. The collected mosquitoes were subsequently dissected for parity (egg laying status) and sporozoite rates using standard procedures. The results obtained indicates that Anopheles mosquitoes had a relative abundance of 542(62.51) with the females constituting 380(70.11%) and the males 162(29.88%). Kutunku had the higher number of Anopheles mosquitoes of 287(52.95%) compared to Dukpa with 55(47.04%). Out of the 380 females dissected, 210(55.26%) were positive for both sporozoites and parity rates, while 170(44.73%) were negative for both. Also, a total of 425 blood samples were collected and examined for malaria parasites from both locations. On the whole 277(65.20%) of the samples were positive while 148(34.80%) were negative at both locations with Dukpa having 70.00% infection rate compared to Kutunku with 60.10% respectively. Generally, there was no significant difference in the distribution of the mosquito vectors and the malaria parasites within the study areas (P>0.05). The heavy burden exerted by mosquito-borne diseases was the reason for this study to evaluate the entomological and parasitological indices of malaria disease transmission in Kutunku and Dukpa, FCT, Abuja, Nigeria. This is a survey type study conducted in two selected communities in Gwagwalada Town, FCT, Abuja, North Central Nigeria. Mosquitoes were sampled using Pyrethrum Spray Catches (PSC). The population indoors was sampled by covering the floor with a white cloth of 5m x 5m each edge being held to the wall by a masking tape. The room was spread with an insecticide a pyrethroid and then left for 10 minutes, with every opening being shut. This study therefore will be useful as a baseline data to help in designing strategies for the control of mosquito-borne diseases in Gwagwalada, Abuja and its environs. Keywords: Assessment, Entomological, Parasitological, Parameters, Malaria Transmission.

223-228
Compliance to Bacteriological Standards for Bottled Drinking Water Sold in Lusaka District, Zambia

Authors: Chisala D. Meki *1, Allan R. Mbewe1, Selestine H. Nzala2 and Charles C. Michelo3.

Abstract

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Number of views: 390

Many people in Zambia and the world over perceive bottled water as safe for consumption. However, studies indicate that not all bottled water is up to standards. This study aimed at assessing the bacteriological quality of bottled drinking water sold in Lusaka and level of compliance to standards by water bottling companies of Lusaka district. Fourteen brands of bottled water were sampled from companies and on the market (supermarkets, grocery shops and distribution centres). A total of 56 bottled water samples were collected and tested for total and faecal coliform using membrane filtration technique. The study revealed 8.9% of samples positive for both faecal and total coliforms. Contamination levels ranged from two coliform forming units (cfu) to too numerous to count (TNTC) and nine cfu to TNTC for faecal and total coliforms respectively. The majority of the samples that tested positive were from the market representing 7.1%. The study revealed that not all water sold in Lusaka district was of good quality. This is an indication of the risk related to consumption of bottled water and calls for attention. Keywords: Compliance, Bottled drinking water, Bacteriological, Standards, Lusaka.

229-235
Comparing incidences of diarrhoea between WASHE-serviced and non-WASHE rural areas of Monze district from 2008 to 2012

Authors: Isaac Sakala 1*, Allan Rabson Mbewe 2, Kumar S. Baboo 3

Abstract

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The main objective of this study was to compare incidences of diarrhea between (WASHE)-serviced and non-WASHE (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Education) rural areas of Monze from 2008 to 2012 inclusive. The year 2007 was used as the ‘before intervention’ year. The study was achieved by using a Quasi-experimental study (i.e. non-randomized, but controlled before and after) to help in determining the impact of WASHE programme on incidences of diarrhoea in WASHE-serviced areas. The study site was purposively selected. It included all households in rural areas whether WASHE-serviced or not from the 2007 to 2012 inclusive. A census of WASHE annual reports and the diarrhoea Health Management Information System reports (derived from DHIS2 (District Health Information Software)), from 2007 to 2012 inclusive, were used as secondary data. The six WASHE indicators used in the study were water supply, latrines, hand-washing facilities, dish racks, refuse pits and bath shelter. The findings were that in the WASHE-serviced areas, only latrines and hand-washing facilities (though with the least coverage at 11% and 15% respectively), had significant impact on the incidence of diarrhoea from 2008 to 2012. Linear regression showed a negative relationship between some WASHE indicators (latrines and hand-washing facilities) and the diarrhoea incidences: an increase in the number of latrines and hand-washing facilities reduced the incidence of diarrhoea per 1000 cases by 0.026 and 0.075 respectively, with p-values of 0.002 and 0.045 correspondingly. Although with least coverage among other indicators in the WASHE-serviced areas, latrines and hand-washing facilities significantly influenced the incidences of diarrhea in the period of study. The study also concluded that the diarrhoea incidence could not be attributed to the functionality of WASHE intervention only but also to other confounding factors outside the realm of WASHE programme. Keywords: WASHE, Diarrhoea incidence, Monze, WASHE-serviced areas.