Animal Research International

647 – 649

Authors: EWUIM, Sylvanus Chima, EGWUATU, Robinson and NWANA, Ifedioramma Eugene

A study was carried out to investigate the coleopteran fauna of two agroecosystems (cultivated farmland and fallow plot at the Permanent Site of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka) for twelve months using the pitfall technique. Eight pitfall traps made up of plastic containers with mouth diameters of 9.80 cm and 6.20 cm deep were set monthly at random in the two sampling sites. The traps, which were filled to one-third with 5 % formalin, serving a preservative, were inspected every twenty-four hours and the insects caught sorted and counted under a dissecting microscope. Species of Coleoptera obtained from the cultivated plot were Macrocheilus labrosus, Hyparpalus sp., Carpophilus fumatus, Podagrica uniforma, Tetragonothorax sp., Chlaenius sp., Pheropsophus parallus, Silidas apicalis, Tenebroides mauritanicus, Heteroderes sp., and Heterorynchus licas while only Hyparpalus sp., and Mylabris sp., were obtained from the fallow plot. The result of Fisher’s Least Significance Difference (F-LSD) test shows that the pitfall catches of Coleopterans from the two sampling sites were significantly different at p-value of 0.0053 and a mean difference of 2.500. The heterogeneity of the coleopteran species at the cultivated plot was traced to cultivation. The role of certain coleopteran families as faunal indicators was highlighted. Other factors, which influenced the Coleopteran species at the farmlands were also discussed.

653 – 661

Authors: IVOKE, Njoku

A cross-sectional coprological survey involving 420 primary school pupils of both sexes aged 6-14 years, was conducted in 8 primary schools at different locations in Ishielu Local Government Area (L.G.A.) of Ebonyi State, Nigeria, to determine the prevalence and intensity of infection of the geohelminth (soil-transmitted helminth) parasites. The dominant geohelminth parasites identified were Ascaris lumbricoides (32.9%), Trichuris trichiura (20.5%), and hookworms (3.8%). Altogether 240 respondents composed of 124 (29.4%) males and 116 (27.6%) females were infected with one or more of the parasites thus establishing an overall prevalence of 57.1%. In 7/8 (87.5%) of the study primary schools, over 50% of the children harboured the ova of the parasites. The distribution of the infections were not gender-dependent, and the between-sex prevalence was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The prevalence of the infections appeared to be generally age-dependent but not over- dispersed as there was a marked association between age of the pupil and the infectious process. Concomitant infection involving 13.3% of all the infected pupils was recorded. Generally, the intensity of the geohelminthiasis was of the light category for A. lumbricoides (< 4999 eggs per gram faecal matter(epg); T trichiura (< 999 epg); and hookworm (< 999 epg). Moderate infections (1000 – 9999 epg) of trichiuriasis was recorded in all the study schools. A deworming programme of the infected schools and the at–risk population is recommended.

666 – 672

Authors: EWUIM, Sylvanus Chima

The pitfall technique was used to study ants in a secondary re-growth forest and a fallow plot at the Permanent Site of Nnamdi Azikiwe Awka from January to December, 1998. The selected environmental variables including mean soil temperature, mean relative humidity and rainfall. Species of ant obtained from the two sampling sites were Acantholepsis sp. Camponotus acvapimensis, C. perrisi, Myrmicaria striata, C. maculatus, Dorylus affinis Paratrechina sp., Megaponera foetans, Pheidole sp., Crematogaster sp. and Oecophylla longinoda. Statistical differences existed only in the distribution of Camponotus acvapimensis and C. perrisi with less catches recorded at the forest than the fallow plot. There was positive correlation coefficient between the density of Dorylus affinis and mean soil temperature (r = 0.84) at the forest while at the fallow plot negative correlation value (r= -0.61) was obtained between the population density of Acantholepsis sp. Populations of Acantholepsis also recorded a positive correlation (r = 0.54) with monthly mean soil temperature and mean relative humidity. These results do not only suggest a reflection of response of these ant species to these environmental variables during their foraging activities but their implications during the exploratory activities of these ants carried out in relation to temporal organization of the foraging systems, with these ants species exhibiting centrifugal polytheism associated with ant societies. The environmental implications of the trapping of these formicid species in the habitats studied were also discussed.

677 – 679

Authors: AVOAJA, Diana Akudo, INYANG, Nicholas Mathias and MGBENKA, Bernard Obialo

The macrobenthic fauna of a humid tropical zone water reservoir was investigated from January to December 2002. Benthos was obtained using an improvised Surber Stream Bottom Sampler. Three phyla of macrobenthos (Arthropoda, Mollusca and Annelida) prevail in the reservoir, with quantitative variations. A total of 1,279 macrobenthic animals were recorded. The Arthropoda was represented by larvae of five genera of insects, with a total of 644 (50.4 %), while Mollusca was represented by two genera with a total of 165 (12.9 %), and Annelida by three genera, with a total of 470 (36.7 %) of the benthos. There was significant difference (P<0.05) among the phyla populations of the benthos.

685 – 690

Authors: ADIKWU, Michael Umale and ENEBEKE, Tonia Chidinma

Snail mucin was obtained from the mucilage of Archachatina marginata (Family Arionidae). The wound healing effect of the snail mucin was evaluated with special attention to the effect when combined with honey in Brachystegia eurychoma gel preparation. Brachystegia eurycoma gum, snail mucin and honey were combined in different concentrations in the treatment of wound made by excision model in rats. It was observed that mucin when combined with honey and in the Brachystegia eurycoma gel heals faster than when used alone. Brachystegia eurycoma gum was also observed to effect fast healing of the wounds when used alone. Complete healing was observed in 15 days post treatment. Honey in combination with mucin as well as the Brachystegia eurycoma gel should be harnessed in pharmaceutical formulations for the treatment of wounds. Brachystegia eurycoma gum in right combinations with mucin and honey for wound healing, prevents bacteria infection, scar formation and promotes regeneration of hair follicles.

698 – 701

Authors: IWUEKE, Adaku Vivian and NWODO, Fred Okwesili

Investigations were carried out to evaluate the blood sugar lowering activity of the aqueous extract of Sarcocephalus latifolus roots (SLA) in normal and streptozotocin-diabetic rats. The extract (250 mg/kg body weight; p.o) caused 76 % reduction in blood glucose within 6h in fasted diabetic rats. However, the extract at the same dose showed no effect in normorglycaemic rats. Acute toxicity studies of the extract in mice gave an oral LD50 value greater than 5000 mg/kg. Phytochemical tests revealed that SLA tested positive for alkaloids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, reducing sugars, carbohydrates, sterols and glycosides. The results show that the aqueous root extract of S latifolus has blood glucose lowering effect, which is consistent with the use of the root in folklore diabetes management.

705– 712

Authors: ODO, Gregory Ejikeme., NWANI, Christopher Didiugwu., NGWU, Godwin Ikechukwu and EYO, Joseph Effiong

The management-oriented background for harnessing aquatic physicochemical parameters influencing macro invertebrate fauna of Anambra River basin for sustainable fish productivity was studied. The intra seasonal variability in the water quality of the river revealed mean transparency of 1.79 cm, Conductivity of 28.81 µscm-1, nitrate-nitrogen of 3.23 mgl-1, total hardness of 6.43 mgcaco3L-1, biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) of 3.62 mgl-1, No3-N/Po4-P 0.54 ratio and Co2/DO of 0.81 were significantly higher in the dry season than all other parameters which were significantly higher in the wet season. A total of 1808 individuals (mostly adults) belonging to 97 species of macro-invertebrate fauna were collected. The overall composition of the fauna in the river basin was dominated by coleopterans and the hemipterans. The estimated annual fish yield of the river basin was 72.91 kg/ha based on a morphoedaphic index. The water quality of the River can be harnessed by controlling and/or prohibiting the discharge of municipal effluents and domestic garbage into the river as well as the continuous use of the riparian zone for agronomy. The maintenance of peripheral 50/60 m of thick riparian vegetation can act as buffer strip to check bank erosion is suggested.

591 – 596

Authors: OTI, Egwu Emmanuel and NWANI, Christopher Didigwu

The impact of acute exposure of karate (Lambda cyhalothrin pyrethroid) insecticide was evaluated in a 4–day exposure period at 20, 40, 60, and 80 ppm to Heterobranchus bidosal s(+) X Clarias gariepinus(♂) fingerlings showed the 96-hlc 50 as 25.11 ppm. The threshold value was 25. 11 ppm. The gills of the exposed fish analyzed showed a significant decrease in all major cations and anions(C1-, Ca2+, Na+, K+, Mg2+ ) at P < 0.05). There was no inhibition of uptake of the cat ons and anions (C1-, Ca2+ Na+, K+, Mg2+). Their uptake increased rapidly during the 24-hour period and dropped at 48 hr and 72 hr and gradually increased at the end of 96 hr showing that it was time-dependent. During the exposure period, the fish stood in an upright position with their snouts above the water surface gasping for air. Other behavioral characteristics of the exposed fish were peeling of the skin, the initial increase in opercula movement, curvature of the body, loss of balance, erratic swimming, and quietness Based on the outcome of this research and under similar experimental condition this research recommends that this pyrethroid will affect the uptake of the major cations and anions. It further advises environmental officers, crop farmers, and insecticides habitual users to be cautious about the use of this insecticide because of the resultant consequences of the misuse

601 – 607

Authors: ONYECHI, Uchenna Agatha, ELLIS, Peter and JUDD, Patricia Ann

Detarium microcarpium is a leguminous plant food used traditionally among the Ibos in the southeastern part of Nigeria as a thickening agent in vegetable soups. Detarium is largely un-characterised and under-exploited. There is a dearth of information in the literature on this plant food. The study aims to process, analyze, and characterize detarium flour; screen detarium using rats to investigate its physiological effect on the general metabolism of rats, compare detarium to guar gum (GG) as a positive control, to determine the effects o the two foods on the plasma cholesterol level o rats. The result of the analysis showed that powdered detarium has a mean particle size of 464µm. The SNSP content per 100 g food sample was 59.8 g The viscosity of 1% aqueous dispersion of the powdered detarium food sample obtained using the U tube capillary viscometer was 4000 – 24000 cp. The main SNSP fraction of detarium was dented to be a high molecular weight xyloglucan. In the rat study, the experimental diet contained detarium or guar gum, as positive control, at a level providing 80g soluble NSP/kg d et. Food intake, faecal output, weight gain, digestibility, food efficiency ratio, and plasma cholesterol (after overnight fasting) were measured. The result showed that the cholesterol levels of rats fed detarium and guar gum diets were significantly lower than the control (P < 0.05) using the analysis of variance. Detarium and guar gum covariates such as weight gain, food intake, and faecal output. The results obtained indicate that detarium may possess properties as guar gum which may be useful in the management of diabetes and disorders of lipid metabolism in humans.

611 – 616

Authors: ODO Gregory Ejikeme, INYANG Nicholas Matthias, EZENWAJI Henry Maduka Godfrey and NWANI Christopher Didiugwu

A survey of macroinvertebrate fauna of the Anambra River was carried out for 22 months at Otuocha, Ogurugu, and Nsugbe. The macro invertebrates were sampled using kick sampling techniques and scoop nets. Sampled specimens were identified to generic level. During the study, a total of 21 genera of macroinvertebrates belonging to 13 families were identified. The fauna was composed of Gyrinus sp. (29.2%), Macrobranchium sp. (19.6%), Ranatra sp. (13.2%), and Agabus sp. (3.5%). The Margalef’s index of fauna richness showed that Otuocha station had the highest species richness (12.70), followed by Nsugbe (7.01), and Ogurugu (6.80) stations. The least fauna diversity of 0 21 was registered at Nsugbe as against 3.15 at Otuocha and 0.86 at Ogurugu. The Mc Naughton community dominance index was more pronounced at Nsugbe (53.1) than at Otuocha (49.69) and Ogurugu (47.04). Jackson’s fauna similarly index showed that the fauna at Otuocha and Ogurugu were more closely related (0.64) than the fauna at Nsugbe.

621 – 625

Authors: ONYECHI Uchenna Agatha, JUDD Patricia Ann and ELLIS Peter Rory

The effects of vegetable flour prepared from indigenous plant Afzelia africana, a legume, on the fasting plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels of rats, were investigated. Chemical analysis indicated that Afzelia flour contained significant amount of non-starch polysaccharides (NSP). The flour of Afzelia was incorporated into a semi-synthetic diet to provide 10g of dietary fibre which is 300g/kg Afzelia f our. This rep aced some of the casein, oil, and starch in the control diet. The test and control diets were fed to young Sprague-Dawley rats for 14 days ad libitum. Food intake, weight gain, crude digestibility, faecal fat excretion, fasting plasma cholesterol, and triglyceride were evaluated. The result showed a statistically significant difference (p > 0 05) between the control diet and the test diet in food intake, weight gain, and energy digestibility. Afzelia-fed rats had significantly higher fasting plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels than rats fed the control diet.

630 – 634

Authors: EWUIM Sylvanus Chima and EZEANI Ifeoma

A study was carried out to access the insect fauna of a fallow plot in Awka, Nigeria, in relation to their diel activities and to report any differences in the pitfall catches as a result of differences in the fluid used. The fluid used in the three sets of six traps installed bimonthly at the sites for 12 hours in each case were 5% formalin, water with 0.01% banana flavour essence and ordinary water. Using the Student t-test, statistical differences existed in the diurnal and nocturnal activities of the Sminthurididae, Poduromorpha, Diptera, Acantholepsis, Paratrechina sp. and Camponotus, at probability level P<0 05 with more nocturnal catches obtained in all cases for water with banana flavour essence. Similarly, statistical differences also existed in the trapping of Poduromorpha, Entomobryomorpha, Acantholepsis and Camponotus sp., for pitfall traps containing water. For pitfall traps with 5% formalin statistical differences, existed in the trapping Sminthurididae Poduromorpha, Diptera, Acheta lefofevrei, Acantholepsis sp., Hymenoptera (other than formicids) and orthopteran larvae, with more nocturnal catches recorded for the pitfall traps with banana flavour essence, possibly indicating the attractive properties o this particular flavour essence. The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test also showed that statistical differences existed in the diurnal and nocturnal catches of insects obtained using the three killing agents. The Fisher’s Probability Least Significance Difference (F-LSD) also established statistical differences in the catches made using banana flavour essence and water and also with ordinary water and formalin, with the nocturnal catches being higher than the diurnal catches. The F-LSD also confirmed that the total nocturnal catches were significantly higher than the total diurnal catches obtained using all three killing agents. An approximate ratio of 1 2 was also obtained in the catches in relation to diurnal and nocturnal activities respectively

639 – 642

Authors: IVOKE Njoku, MGBENKA Bernard Obialo and OKEKE Ogochukwu

Twelve plastic basins each filled with 6 litres of dechlorinated tap water at pH 6, 7 (control), 7.5, and 8 such that each pH treatment was replicated three times in a Latin square design were used for the study. The tanks were randomly stocked with 10 four-week-old Clarias gariepinus (♀) x Heterobranchus bidorsalis (♂) hybrid juveniles (mean weight 3.32 ± 0.05 g) and fed 30.25% crude protein diets for five weeks. Fish growth was measured by weighing the juveniles every week and the weight differences, specific growth rate (SGR), and food conversion ratio (FCR) determined. Fish raised at pH treatment 7.0 recorded significantly higher weight gain (P < 0.05) than other pH treatments. Weight gain of fish raised at pH 6.0 was however not different (P > 0.05) from that of fish raised on pH 8.0 treatment. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the SGR of the juveniles raised at pH 6 and pH 8. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between the SGR of fish raised at pH 7 and pH 7.5 but there was a significant difference between the SGR of fish raised at pH 7 and fish raised at other treatments. Fish showed reduced growth when raised at pH 6 and pH 8 and positive growth when raised at pH 7 and 7.5 though there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the FCR of fish cultured at all pH treatments. Our results showed that the optimal pH range for raising the hybrid catfish juveniles was between 7.0 – 7.5 pH.

508 – 512

Authors: NDUKA, Florence Onyemachi., EGBU, Ada., OKAFOR, Chioma and NWAUGO, Victor Oluoha

A study of the prevalence of Malaria parasites in pregnant women attending pre - natal care in Government hospitals in two major towns (Aba and Okigwe) in Southeast Nigeria was carried out. Blood was collected by vein puncture from 500 pregnant women in different trimesters (300 from Aba and 200 from Okigwe) and 200 non - pregnant women, 100 from each town. Presence of Malaria parasite was observed microscopically on thin and thick blood smears prepared from each sample. Personal data were collected both orally and from maternity records of the women. The results were analysed statistically using the Chi - square test. Only the ring trophozoite and gametocyte forms of Plasmodium falciparum were observed in the infected samples. A total of 270 (54 %) pregnant women out of the 500 examined were infected with P. falciparum while 66(33 %) of the non - pregnant women sampled were infected. This represents a significant difference. Aba had 158 (52.6 %) out of the 300 pregnant women examined infected while Okigwe had 112(56 %) of the 200 pregnant women examined infected. There was no significant difference between the results obtained in the two towns. (P > 0.05). Peak prevalence was observed in the first trimester 64.1 % (100 out of 156) while 3rd trimester showed the lowest 45 % (68 of 150). Prevalence was also highest in primgraviidae and women in second pregnancy (67.96 %). Multiparous women (3rd pregnancy and above) had 39.31 % . Age was significant. Anaemia (Hb. < 11g/dl) was observed in 385 (77 % ) of the 500 pregnant women examined. Of the 270 infected women 254(94.07 %) were anaemic. Anaemia was significantly higher in women with higher parastemia (Z.cal. = 9.06). The implications of this result on the epidemiology of malaria are discussed.

516 – 520

Authors: NWAMBA, Helen Ogochukwu, MGBENKA, Bernard Obialo, UGWU, Lawrence Linus Chukwuma and CHIFOMMA, Agnes Nkechi

The effects of exposing Heterobranchus bidorsalis juveniles (14.08 ± 0.12 g) to different concentrations of Bonny-light crude oil (BLCO) on amylase and cretinine kinase activities were studied. The exposure of the fish to 1.00, 2.00, 4.00, 8.00 ml L-1 BLCO and a control for 4 days toxicity period indicated that the significant increases (P < 0.01) in the serum amylase (SRA) and the hepatic cytosolic amylase (HCA) activities in the fish were BLCO concentrations dependent. Reduced SRA and HCA activities noticed within the first 14 days of the recovery period implied that the removal of the oil pollutant from the ambient water chemistry probably lowered the pressure on the blood serum and liver amylase enzyme to catalyse the metabolism of the ingested carbohydrates. Significant increases (P < 0.05) in the serum cretinine kinase (SRCK) and the hepatic cytosolic cretinine kinase (HCCK) activities in the fish also followed the pattern shown by the SRA and the HCA activities. The increased SRA, HCA, SRCK and HCCK activities in the blood serum and liver of the fish were indications of a shift in the carbohydrate metabolism due to crude oil exposure.

527 – 530

Authors: OCHIOGU, Izuchukwu Shedrack, UCHENDU, Chukwuka Nwocha and IHEDIOHA, John Ikechukwu

A new and simple method of detecting mated female albino rats was developed and tested for precision and accuracy. The method involved the gross observation of grey to yellowish protein coagulates (remnants of the copulatory plug) on vaginal smears of mated females made on clean glass slides. Results of test of the new method showed that the mean length of time between observation of the protein coagulates on vaginal smears and delivery of the mated pregnant females was 21.39  0.11 days (range = 20 – 23 days, n = 58), which concurred with the normal 21-day gestation length of rats. The coefficient of variation (CV) of imprecision of the new method was found to be 3.74 %. This new method is simple, easy to apply and does not interfere with fertilization and pregnancy, and also does not involve either the use of specially designed rat cages or microscopy of vaginal smears, which were the constraints of the former methods of confirming mating in rats.

534 – 539

Authors: ONYIDO Angus Ejidike, MAMAH Ngozika Juliana, IKPEZE Obiora Osegboka and ONONIWU Christian Ebele

Oral epidemiological assessment of dental disorders was carried out between April and July 2006 among the residents of Ugbo-Odogwu escarpment on Udi Hill near Enugu, Eastern Nigeria. Dental abrasions with prevalence rate of 37.3 %, attrition (31.3 %), calculus (87.5 %), caries (78.8 %), gingivitis (62.6 %), gum recession (53.8 %), halitosis (82.7 %), periodontitis (52.6 %), stains (78.6 %) and teeth erosions (24.8 %) were the specific dental disorders observed in the area. Every subject had one form or the other of these oral conditions occurring concomitantly. Gender and age specific prevalence of dental disorders as well as nutritional habits, suspected to play major roles in the initiation and development of dental disorders in the study population were discussed. The result of this study could be used to develop a Management Information System (MIS) for Dental Health Care in Nigeria. It may also stimulate further research interests in the relationships between dental disorders and the nutritional habits of other communities in the developing world.

545 – 548

Authors: UFELE, Angela Nwogor, MGBENKA, Bernard Obialo and UDE, Joan Frances

Trypanosomiasis is a disease of agricultural interest in livestock. The research was therefore aimed at finding out if adequate nutrition would ameliorate reproductive disorder in trypanosome-infected pregnant rats. Twenty female rats of 120 days old were used. They were kept 5 rats in each cage replicated three times. Four treatments diet each containing trypanotolerant; 80 mg of Vitamin E and 0.3 mg of selenium (additives) were used. In Treatment 1, trypanosome infected reproducing female rats were fed Diet 1 (Control) comprising chick mash mixed with the additives. In Treatment 2, the rats were fed Diet 2 comprising dietary protein and carbohydrate mixed with the additives. In Treatment 3, the rats were fed Diet 3 made up of dietary protein and the additives. In Treatment 4, the rats were fed Diet 4 made of dietary carbohydrate and the additives. The birth weight was measured and number of ratlets from each treatment was also counted to determine the effect of the diets on the birth. At the end of the experiment, it was observed that trypanosome-infected pregnant rats fed Diet 2 (with adequate concentrations of carbohydrate and protein) significantly (P < 0.05) had higher birth weight of offspring and multiple births than the rats fed with other treatments diets indicating that adequate nutrition promoted reproduction in trypanosome-infected rats.

553 – 561

Authors: IBEMENUGA, Keziah Nwamaka and INYANG, Nicholas

Macroinvertebrate fauna of Ogbei stream in Anambra state, Nigeria was studied from monthly samples taken from six stations or sites with a benthic scoop net and a serrated cylindrical sampler (SCS) for 12 months (May, 2002 – April, 2003). A total of 11420 macroinvertebrates were collected belonging to 4 classes, 13 orders, 28 families and 50 species. The fauna was dominated numerically by Insecta (98.29 %), Arachnida (0.81%) and Oligochaeta (0.66%). Diptera was the most abundant taxon (42.62%), followed by Odonata (36.89%), Coleoptera (9.76 %) and Hemiptera (8.22 %). Station 3 had the highest percentage of abundance of the macrofauna (28.56 %) followed by station 2 (19.54 %). The highest faunal diversity was recorded in station 6. The macroinvertebrate composition, distribution abundance and diversity were influenced by substrate composition, good water quality and availability of food.

566 – 569

Authors: SAGANUWAN, Alhaji Saganuwan and GULUMBE, Mohammed Lawal

The research was carried out to evaluate the in-vitro antimicrobial activity and phytochemical constituents of Cassia occidentialis. Cassia leaves were collected from Kacha town in Niger State and extracted using methanol, hexane, chloroform and water extraction methods. Serial concentrations: 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 and 100 % methanol, hexane, chloroform and aqueous extracts were prepared and sterilized. The bacterial isolates used; E. coli, P. multocida, S. typhi, S. typhimurium, S. pyogenes, S. pneumoniae and K. pneumoniae were authenticated using biochemical and serological methods. The suspension (0.5) of each bacterial isolate was prepared in isotonic sodium chloride. The disc agar diffusion method was performed on 70 Mueller-Hinton agar plates, 10 per microorganism , using serial diffusion concentration: 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 and 1000 mg of hexane, methanol, chloroform and water. The results showed that all the extracts of Cassia occidentalis have antimicrobial activity on E. coli at concentrations between 900 – 1000 mg. E. coli was most susceptible to hexane extract at concentration ranges between 500 – 1000 mg, there was no antimicrobial activity exhibited against the other tested microorganisms. Phytochemical analyses showed the presence of alkaloid, tannin, saponin, glycoside and flavonoid, steroid was absent.

573 – 580

Authors: EKPENYONG, Ekaette Asuquo and EYO, Joseph Effiong

Plasmodium infection in man is caused by the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. This results in the disease, malaria. Malaria has serious debilitating effects on man. It adversely affects man’s health, strength and productivity. Here, a review of Plasmodium infection in man including the life cycle, transmission, immunity, symptoms, diagnosis, pathology, prevention, control and treatment is given. Only by knowing about Plasmodium infection, the burden of infection on man and the prevention and control options can we understand the disease better and so be better prepare for the future management of this disease.

448 – 450

Authors: EKWUNIFE, Chinyelu Angela and ENEANYA, Christine Ifeoma

The presence of Fasciola gigantica in cattle slaughtered in Onitsha abattoir and three other abattoirs in Onitsha area of Anambra State, Nigeria was investigated from November to December 2004. The study involved actual postmortem inspection on the slaughtered cattle. The liver were examined for Fasciola by making length wise incision on the ventral side of the liver in such a way that the bile duct and gall bladder are cut open. All cases of Fasciola were detected from the liver. Afor-Igwe abattoir recorded the prevalence rate of 10.8% while the prevalence rates of 7.0%, 7.7% and 13.4% were recorded at Nkwor-Ogidi abattoir, Oye Olisa abattoir and Onitsha main market abattoir respectively. Out of a total of 1580 cattle examined, 166(10.51%) were infected with F. gigantica. Of the 166 diseased liver, 26(15.7%) had light worm load, 77(46.4%) medium worm load and 63(38%) had heavy worm load. The lowest number of worm recovered per liver was 3 while the highest was 88. This study has established the presence of F. gigantica in Onitsha Area. It was also observed that most diseased liver were not condemned. This situation calls for serious attention of the veterinary workers in the state. In view of the fact that these cattle which were brought from the Northern part of Nigeria were made to trek to places of pasture (near streams and rivers) within Onitsha area where the snail intermediate host of the parasite thrives, it is suggested that grazing of cattle should be highly restricted to lesser snail infected areas. The range land system (Artificial pasture land) seems to be the panacea to fascioliasis in cattle.

457 – 460

Authors: SAGANUWAN, Alhaji Saganuwan

Haematological and biochemical effects of sulphadimidine were studied in Nigerian mongrel dogs. Five Nigerian mongrel dogs of either sex weighing between 7 and 12 kg were used for the study. The pretreatment blood and serum samples were collected and the weight of animals taken before the administration of 100 mg/kg body weight for a period of 7 days. The animals were weighed daily. The results showed that there was no significant difference between preadministration and post administration weights (P>0.05) of dogs. Packed cell volume decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with duration sampled dogs. Liver function test revealed significant decrease (P < 0.05) of total bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase. Other indices of liver function and electrolytes indices were normal (P > 0.05). The mean weight gain (8.8 ± 2.04 kga) of the animals before sulphadimidine administration was comparable with the weight gain (8.77 ± 0.89 kgb) of animals after the sulphadimidine administration. Sulphadimidine caused anaemia of moderate value (26.4 ±3.36%a) in the treated samples as compared to pretreated samples (46.4±6.27b). Total bilirubin (12.32 ±1.4 µmola) in pretreatment samples was decreased in comparison with treated (18.5 ±2.0 αmol/lb) samples. Alkaline phosphatase was decreased in preadministration samples (114.2 ±5.7µg/lb) as compared to post administration samples (130 ±9.61 µmol/la). Therefore longtime administration of sulphadimidine in anaemic mongrel dogs may aggravate anaemic condition. Sulphadimidine may increase renal excretion of bilirubin and decrease bone mineralization in mongrel dogs during bone formation.

466 – 472

Authors: UGWU, Lawrence Linus Chukwuma, MGBENKA, Bernard Obialo, ENEJE, Lawrence Odo, UDE, Emmanuel Fame and NWENYA, Jeremiah Igwe

Studies were carried out on the toxicity, growth and survival of Clarias gariepinus juveniles exposed to different concentrations of oil-polluted water. Thirty-nine aerated aquaria (60 × 30 × 30 cm3), arranged in a 4 × 3 Complete Randomized Block Design were used for the study. Three oil types: the Bonny light crude oil (BLCO), the premium motor spirit (PMS) and kerosene (DPK) at oil concentrations of 1.00, 1.50, 2.00 and 2.50 ml L-1 were used in triplicates of 5 ml to contaminate 15 L of dechlorinated tap water and 20 fingerlings of Clarias gariepinus (22 ± 0.24 g) exposed to it. A control treatment (0.00 ml L-1) of non-oil contamination was also used in triplicates. A 96-hour toxicity phase in the oil-polluted water preceded a 42 days recovery phase. 38% crude protein diet was fed to fish during exposure and recovery phases at 3% and 5% body weight per day, respectively. Water temperature, pH, fish mortality and normalized biomass index (NBI) of each aquarium were monitored. The total organic nitrogen, soluble organic nitrogen and colloidal organic nitrogen in addition to soluble and adsorbed ammonia in the aquaria water and sediments were analyzed using standard methods. Results showed that the water temperature was 26 ± 2.04° C, pH was 6.50 ± 0.30 and fortnightly feed intake of fish increased between days 14 and 42. This increase, which corresponded with the increase in the fortnightly weight gain, could be attributed to the reduction of stress caused during the 96-h toxicity phase. The increase in the soluble ammonium and the exchangeable ammonium concentrations of water correlated with the increase in the concentrations (1.50 – 2.50 ml L-1) of BLCO, PMS and DPK. Percent mortality of fish reduced between days 14 and 42 irrespective of oil treatment while fish exposed to the control treatment had lower percent mortality than those exposed to the oil treatments. This trend was corroborated by the relatively higher NBI for the control during the exposure (-0.02) and recovery {0.08 (14 days), 0.08 (38 days) and 0.21 (42 days)} periods than those of oil treatments (-49.64 to -0.10).

478 – 480

Authors: FAPOHUNDA, Olawumi Oluwafunmilola and OGUNKOYA, Mary

The proximate composition of fresh, smoked and deteriorated fish samples (Tilapia zilli, Parachanna obscura and Clarias gariepinus) were determined using standard methods of analyses. It was revealed that Tilapia zilli contained; moisture 4.11 - 67.33 %, protein 20.10 – 65.90 %, ash 3.41 – 14.64 %, fat 4.44 – 7.73 % and carbohydrate 4.72 – 11.89 %, Parachanna obscura had moisture 6.47 - 68.61%, protein 18.23 – 64.67%, ash 2.68 – 13.20 %, fat 3.55 – 8.87 % and carbohydrate 6.79 – 10.25 %, while Clarias gariepinus produced moisture 4.61- 56.99%, protein 17.21 – 68.05%, ash 4.82 – 15.32 %, fat 4.79 – 8.19% and carbohydrate 1.92 – 17.35%. It was observed that smoke drying methods increased the protein, ash and fat contents of the samples. The low fat content observed for the deteriorating sample might be due to rancidity with the resultant rancid odour.

485 – 488

Authors: OKOYE, Ikem Chris and SAMBA, Scholastica Atteh

The rates of infection of various hepatitis B virus serological markers were measured on the basis of age, sex and socio-economic activities amongst the community population of Mubi, a known border community in North-Eastern Nigeria. Sera of 992 subjects consisting of 613 males and 379 females were analysed by radioimmunoassay. The overall HBV exposure among the subjects surveyed was 40.3 %. The rate of HBsAg infection was 9.0 %; 19.0 % for anti-HBs and 12.2 % for anti-HBc. The occurrence of HBV markers by age of the subjects showed that infants less than 1 year old had the highest HBV exposure rate of 43.9%; the rate declined at the 1-10 years age group and increased steadily thereafter with age until the > 51 years age bracket. The incidence of the HBV markers by sex of subjects showed that infection rates were higher in males (43.4%) than in females (35.4%). The rate of HBs infection rose progressively with age and significantly higher (p<0.01) in males (20.1%) than in females (17.2 %). The infection rate of HBc did not correlate with increase in age and significantly higher (P < 0.01) in males (13.2 %) than in females (10.8%). The distribution of the HBV markers was associated with differences in socio-cultural environment and practices (Fig. 2); thus, prison inmates who constituted the bulk of commercial blood donors had the highest rate of infection (28.5 %), followed by traders/artisans (21.0%) and students/pupils (18.0%). This study suggests vertical (maternal to infant) and horizontal transmission early in life in the spread of HBV markers in Mubi area and recommends passive active HB immunization (anti-HB vaccine), personal and urban hygiene and that testing for HBsAg by the most sensitive methods should be required for all blood donors. HBsAg-carriers and People who are known to have the infection or to be at high risk e.g. prostitutes, prisoners, etc should be discouraged from donating blood.

494 – 504

Authors: UBACHUKWU, Patience Obiageli

The socio-economic impact of onchocerciasis (river blindness) on humans is reviewed with special reference to females and children. The results of many studies reveal that onchocerciasis is usually a serious threat to public health and an impediment to socio-economic development in areas with high intensity and high endemicity of the disease. In such places, blindness and serious visual impairment are common, and mortality among the blind may be four times as high as among non-blind persons of the same age in the same community. As a result of debilitation and blindness, the infected person is unable to maintain for long any type of productive activity. Inhabitants of fertile river valleys move to the less fertile upland country. Many young men migrate to urban areas, reducing the productivity of the community and disrupting family life. Employees classified as having a severe Onchocercal Skin Disease (OSD) earned 15 % less in daily wages than those not infected. People with Onchocercal Skin Disease are stigmatized in their communities. OSD limits the range of social involvement and can affect sexual life of affected individuals. With reference to women and children, young females with OSD suffer stigmatization more than young men. This affects their age of marriage and the kind of partners they marry, limiting them to already married men, divorced men, elderly men, childless men, etc. Severe itching that often accompanies OSD may reduce the period lactating mothers breastfeed their babies. Children, particularly females, from households headed by individuals with onchocerciasis, especially blindness and OSD are more at risk of being school dropouts. Academic performance of school children with visual impairment is adversely affected. To reduce these effects, there is need for intense public enlightenment to augment the efforts of World Health Organization (WHO) in combating the disease using mass treatment with ivermectin (Mectizan).

403 – 406

Authors: UMAR, Abba, KELA, Santa Larit and OGIDI, Jonathan Asadabe

Laboratory bioassays were conducted to evaluate the pupicidal activity of neem (Azadirachta indica) seed kernel extracts (NSKE) on Aedes aegypti. The neem seed kernel powder was sequentially extracted with hexane, benzene, ethyl acetate, acetone, DMSO, 2-propanol, ethanol, methanol and distilled water. Ten concentrations (0.0, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 50, 10.0,15.0 and 20.0%) of the neem extracts were used for the bioassays. Each treatment was replicated five times. Twenty-laboratory strains of Aedes aegypti pupae were exposed to each concentration Pupae were not fed during the exposure periods. Pupal mortality was assessed after 1 and 24 hours of exposure. The results of the effects of 1h exposure indicated decreased pupicidal mortality with decreasing extracts toxicity thus: ethyl acetate (LC 50 = 0.06%) > acetone > (LC50 = 0.29%) > benzene (LC50 = 0.82%) > hexane (LC50 = 3.13%) and propanol (LC50 = 763%). No pupal mortality was observed with extracts from Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), ethanol, methanol and distilled water. The results of the effect of extract for 24h exposure indicated pupicidal mortality in2-propanol (LC50 = 0.67%) and ethanol (LC50 = 1.70%). No pupcida mortality was observed with hexane, benzene, ethyl acetate, acetone, Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), methanol and distilled water extracts. The ability of some neem extracts to kill Aedes pupae at relatively low concentrations presents an alternative to the use of synthetic pesticides for the control of mosquitoes. This technique is environmentally friendly, biodegradable, less expensive, and locally available in mosquito endemic areas. Potentials for adoption in mosquito management programmes cannot be overemphasized.