Browsing by Author "Amaechi,E.C"

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    A study of knowledge, attitude and practices regarding malaria among inhabitants of Ezinihite LGA, Imo State, eastern Nigeria
    (National Open University, Zimbabew, 2017) Ukpai,O.M; Irole Eze,O.P; Amaechi,E.C
    Accurate knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the individuals of a community remain vital to effective malaria control. The study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding malaria among respondents in selected communities of Ezinihite L.G.A. of Imo State using structured questionnaires. Four communities in Ezinihite L.G.A with indigenous malaria cases were randomly selected. All the household heads were visited prior to the study. A total of 443 respondents from the four communities participated. Sociodemographic data showed that the respondents were of different age groups and educational, marital, and occupational status. The Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) studies regarding the infection showed that there was a high level of knowledge on the causative agent of malaria (65.01%). Many respondents resorted to self-medication (42.0%). On different symptoms of malaria, 65.68% reported fever as a major symptom of malaria. Regarding treatment, a good number (55.08%) visited patent drug stores for treatment of malaria. A few of the respondents (37.47%) used mosquito treated nets. Data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 16.0. The knowledge, attitudes, and practices of respondents in this study about malaria were moderate but in general need to be improved upon with proper educational programs.
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    Antiplasmodial and immunomodulatory activities of dichloromethane extract of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis in Plasmodium berghei infected mice
    (Indian Society for Parasitology, 2025-01-08) Amaechi,E.C; Owolodun, O.A; Lambe,K.O
    Increased resistance of malaria parasite to first line antimalarial drugs has led to the search for alternatives in the manage ment of malaria. This study evaluated the anti-plasmodial and immunomodulatory effect of dichloromethane plant extract of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis in Plasmodium berghei infected mice. Chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium berghei infected mice were separated into five treatment groups (200 mg/Kg, 400 mg/Kg, and 600 mg/Kg) with a negative control (given distilled water only) and a positive control (treated with Piperaquine-Dihydro-artemisinin), a standard drug. The plant extracts and the standard drugs were administered orally. Parasitological examinations and survival rates of the animals were monitored for 30 days, post infection. Phytochemical screening of the plant extract was performed using the standard method. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was carried out to ascertain the immunomodulatory potential of the plant extract. Leaf extract of S. jamaicensis revealed the presence of alkaloids only. The extract showed significant (P<0.05) antiplasmodial effect on Day 11 post-infection and at 200 mg/kg dose mediated parasite clearance and improved survival throughout the study. The intense and sustained TGF-β level stimulated by S. jamaicensis at 200 mg/kg dose may have translated into the prolonged survival observed in the mice. S. jamaicensis modulated both pro and anti-inflammatory responses in early and late infections, thus preventing pathological outcomes associated with excessive expression of the pro-inflammatory (IFN-γ) and anti-inflammatory (TGF-β) cytokines. S. jamaicensis may therefore be explored as alterna tives for development of novel antimalarial and immunomodulatory candidates.
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    Burden, knowledge and perception of lymphatic filariasis in resource poor communities in north central Nigeria
    (Indian Society for Parasitology, 2024-07) Amaechi,E.C; Ariyo,A.A; Aderogba,A.A; Nwachukwu,P.C; Nwadike,C.C; Ezekiel,O.O; Oyinloye, F.O.P
    A number of vector-borne diseases are known to affect humans in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Lym phatic filariasis is one of such debilitating disease caused by a nematode, Wuchereria bancrofti. The present study assessed the prevalence of lymphatic filariasis by screening individuals with filariasis test strip and clinical examination. A sample of 765 consenting individuals were screened for filarial antigenemia using filariasis test strip and clinical examination and interviewed for knowledge and perception of filariasis using a structured questionnaire. Overall antigenemia prevalence was 8.8% and the disease prevalence varied among villages with Shonga (16.7%) having the highest and Tada (1.6%) the least infected.In relation to age group, 40-49years had the highest (49.3%) while 0–9 years did not record any infection. Among the respondents infected, a greater number (43.3%) believed that the disease was caused by stepping on charm, 45.4% of those unaffected also believed in the same cause. A greater number of the respondents (28.4%) believed that avoiding sexual intercourse with affected individuals can help prevent the disease. A majority(67.2%) of the study partici pant had a misconception about its preventive measure. Misconceptions on the preventive measures included sacrifice to appease the gods and avoiding sexual intercourse with affected individuals. This study showed filarial antigenemia was above the threshold of 2% in the study area with misconception on the disease transmission and therefore this area war rants strategies to prevent transmission.
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    Co-infection of malaria and anemia in children attending a tertiary health facility in Ilorin, North Central Nigeria
    (Federal University, Dutse, 2025-03-01) Nwachukwu,P.C; Abdulkodri,M.D; Jeremiah, A.J; Ejike,B.U; Ezekiel, O.O; Amaechi,E.C
    Malaria and anemia in children continue to pose significant public health challenges. This study aimed to assess the effect of malaria on anemia and to identify co-infection rates among children visiting the General Hospital in Ilorin, Kwara State, North Central Nigeria. Two hundred and eighty blood samples were obtained from outpatients aged 0 to 12 years and were screened for malaria using both thick and thin blood films, which were examined microscopically. The anemia status was assessed by measuring the Packed Cell Volume (PCV). Out of the 280 samples tested, 137 (48.9%) tested positive for malaria, with a higher prevalence noted in females (57.8%) compared to males (46.0%). The age group of 0-3 years showed the highest infection rate (73.1%), while the lowest was observed in the 10-12 year age group. There was a noticeable trend of decreasing infection rates as age increased. Regarding anemia, an overall infection ratio of 43.2% was recorded. The patterns of malaria infection were similar for both gender and age. A significant number of cases (91.2%) showed co-infection for both malaria and anaemia. Malaria continues to be a prevalent infection among children in the region studied and significantly contributes to anaemia in this population. There is a pressing need for public education and the promotion of preventive measures, such as the use of insecticide-treated bed nets, particularly among mothers and caregivers.
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    Co-infection of Plasmodium falciparum and Wuchereria bancrofti in an irrigated farming community, north central Nigeria
    (Moroccan Society of Biology, 2020-12) Amaechi,E.C; Ohaeri,C.C; Ukpai,O.M
    Background: Plasmodium falciparum and Wuchereria bancrofti infections have similar geographical distribution and co-infection is a common-place. Risk is generally elevated for residents living in and around stagnant water bodies such as dams and irrigated farming projects. This study was aimed at establishing the current status of malaria and Lymphatic filariasis (LF) in Omi-a rural irrigated farming community located in north central Nigeria. Methods: Five hundred and thirty nine (539) individuals were examined. Their blood samples subjected to microscopic examination and immunochromatographic test, for identification of Plasmodium falciparum and Wuchereria bancrofti parasites respectively. Results: Out of the 539 blood samples examined, 332 (61.6%) were positive for malaria parasite and 17 (3.2%) were positive for Wuchereria bancrofti, while 10(1.9%) were positive for both malaria and W. bancrofti. However, prevalence of malaria parasite was not statistically significant in relation to sex (P > 0.05).The prevalence of Lymphatic filariasis was statistically higher in males (3.5%) than in females (2. 8%).Concerning overall prevalence of concomitant infections, 10 (1.9%) were infected with more males 6 (2.4%) infected than females 4 (1.4%). Conclusion: The result of this study reveals a low concurrent transmission of both infections. An integrated control strategy for malaria and LF should be adopted in this area and also the need to educate the populace on measures of reducing vector-human contact is advocated.
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    Concurrent intestinal schistosomiasis and soil transmitted nematode infections in primary school children, Benue State, north central Nigeria
    (University of Peradeniya, 2020-07) Ikpe,R.T; Taiwo,O.O; Edungbola,L.D; Nyamngee,A; Amaechi,E.C
    Intestinal schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted nematode (STN) infections are among the major public health problems globally, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria inclusive. School-aged children carry the highest burden of both infections with significant morbidities in Nigeria. Data on co-endemicity of these infections especially amongst internally displaced persons (IDP) is scarce. To fill this gap, we performed a school-based cross sectional study in three rural communities in North Central Nigeria in which internally displaced persons co-existed. The study aimed to determine the co-endemicity of Schistosoma mansoni and soil-transmitted nematodes infections among primary school children in six primary schools in Guma Local Government area, Benue State, north central Nigeria. Four hundred and forty three primary school pupils were included in the study between January and March 2018 by using simple random technique. A single stool specimen was collected from each participant, and a portion about 1 gram of each specimen was processed by Kato Katz technique. Of the 443 pupils examined, 219(49.4%) were found positive for the characteristic egg of at least one STN. Of the total children, 46(10.4%) had Schistosoma mansoni infection. Co-infection of atleast one STN and S.mansoni occurred in 21(4.7%) of the 443 pupils sampled. Co-infection of Schistosoma mansoni and Ascaris lumbricoides was observed in 11(23.9%) while Schistosoma mansoni and hookworm occurred in 10(21.7%) of the children. There was higher intensity in the total egg count among the males (51.99±60.67) than the females (48.42±59.89) in both genders. The intensity of egg count was highest in age group 7-9 years (55.27±65.03). The lowest intensity was observed in age group 13-15 (41.47±46.08).Integrated interventions such as health education, school feeding program for improved nutrition and mass chemotherapy is advocated.
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    Distribution and seasonal abundance of Anopheline mosquitoes and their association with rainfall around irrigation and non irrigation areas in Nigeria
    (UNED: Research journal in Costa Rica, 2018-12) Amaechi,E.C; Ukpai,O.M; Ohaeri,C.C; Ejike, B.U; Irole-Eze,O.P; Egwu, O; Nwadike, C.C
    The abundance of Anopheline mosquito species is the most common entomological measurement to determine the relationship between vectors and malaria incidence. We conducted an entomolog ical survey to determine mosquito species diversity and abundance in relation to rainfall in Omi reservoir irrigation area, Nigeria. We col lected adult mosquitoes from 10 randomly selected residential houses using Pyrethrum spray sheet and Human Landing Catch methods. We grouped the samples into irrigated (intervention) and non-irrigated (control) communities. During the 12-month sampling period, we col lected a total of 4 285 mosquitoes belonging to 10 species in one fam ily. The three most common species during this study were Anopheles gambiae, Anopheles funestus and Culex quinquefasciatus. Irrigated community has higher numbers of mosquitoes (69,4%) compared to those collected in non-irrigated community (32,0%). Comparing the two collection methods used, Pyrethrum spray sheet has a greater number 2 225(75,4%) of mosquitoes than those with Human Landing Catch method 724(24,6%). During dry season, we collected fewer mos quitoes. The lowest number was collected in February (114) and the highest occurring during the wet season in July (445).
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    Ethno-ornithological knowledge and uses of birds in Omi aro and Labaka villages, Kwara State, Nigeria
    (West African Ornithological society, 2015) Weliange,W.S; Kolawole, R.A; Prasannajith,N.S; Afolabi, A.S; Amaechi,E.C
    Information was gathered in two villages of western Nigeria on the vernacular names, food value, ornamental value, use in traditional healing, associated superstitions and augury, folklore, proverbs and quotes, and behavioural aspects such as feeding, mating, nesting and vocalizations, of 21 species of bird. Guided interviews using a questionnaire were employed to elicit responses from the informants, complemented by photographs of the 21 species. The villagers provided vernacular names and information on the cultural significance of the 21 bird species shown to them. Thirteen of the 21 species are common food sources, four species have magico-medicinal uses, feathers of six species are used in ornamentation and ten species are objects of superstitions. Birds are important in the language, with proverbs, idioms, wise sayings and poems rich in local bird names. The villagers in Omi-aro and Labaka have a strong relationship with birds, which have considerable cultural and economical significance to them. Further studies on traditional healing practices using birds, hunting methods and seasonality in hunting, are needed to improve understanding of the harvesting of birds for these purposes.
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    Evaluation of in vivo antimalarial activity of the ethanolic leaf extract of Chromolaena odorata and Cymbopogon citratus in mice
    (Biotechnology Society of Nigeria, 2012) Ukpai,O.M; Amaechi,E.C
    Malaria has remained a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in tropical countries of the world due to the resistance posed by malaria parasites to most commonly affordable anti-malarials. The anti plasmodial activities of the ethanolic leaf extracts of Chromolaena odorata and Cymbopogon citratus on chloroquine sensitive Plasmodium berghei berghei in mice was evaluated. C. odorata and C. citratus exhibited significant (p< 0.05) blood schizontocidal activity in a four- day early infection test and in established infection with a considerable mean survival time comparable to that of the standard drug chloroquine ( 5mg/ kg/ day). The efficacy of both treatments is further indicated in the consistent increase in weight and slight increase in the PCV levels of the treated groups as against those of the untreated groups. The extracts from both plants showed significant (p<0.05) anti-plasmodial activity and could serve as possible candidates for the development of new effective drugs for the treatment of malaria.
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    Evaluation of microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests for diagnosing malaria among febrile subjects in Ezinihitte Local Government Area, Imo State, nigeria
    (Institute of Biology, 2019) Irole-Eze,O.P; Ukpai,O.M; Ejike,B.U; Nwadike,C.C; Egwu,O; Okorocha, N.A; Amaechi,E.C
    Malaria is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria, the country accounting for the highest devastation worldwide. This study aimed at evaluating the performance of microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for diagnosis of malaria. A total of 443 suspected Plasmodium falciparum infected patients in hospitals in selected communities of Ezinihitte Local Government Area south eastern Nigeria between January and June 2014 were examined by using microscopy and RDTs. Thick and thin blood smears made on clean slides from venipuncture blood collected from febrile subjects have been examined for the presence of malarial parasites. Serological diagnosis was performed using Carestart, SD Bioline and Antec kits. The overall prevalence of the three RDTs were Carestart pf (41.8%), SD Bioline pf (52.8%), and Antec pf/pv (25.3%) as against microscopy the standard (44.9%). The varied prevalence observed from the three kits did not differ statistically (p>0.05).The females appeared to have more infected (42.4%) than the males (39.6%) with no significant difference between the diagnostic methods. The overall sensitivities of Carestart pf, SD Bioline pf and Antec pf/pv were 71.9%, 86.9% and 50.8% respectively while their corresponding specificities were 82.8%, 75.0%, and 95.5% respectively. SD Bioline HRP2 based test demonstrated a superior sensitivity compared to microscopy. Some RDTS can be useful alternatives to microscopy in the diagnosis of P. falciparum especially in resource limited communities.
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    Genomic data reveal a north-south split and introgression history of blood fluke populations across Africa
    (Nature Research, 2025-04-13) Platt,R.N; Enabulele, E.E; Adeyemi, E; Agbugui,M.O; Ajakaye, G.O; Amaechi,E.C; Ejikeugwu, C.P
    The human parasitic fluke, Schistosoma haematobium hybridizes with the livestock parasite S. bovis in the laboratory, but the frequency of hybridization in nature is unclear. Here, we analyze 34.6 million single nucleotide variants in 162 samples from 18 African countries, revealing a sharp genetic discontinuity between northern and southern S. haematobium. We find no evidence for recent hybridization. Instead the data reveal admixture events that occurred 257–879 generations ago in northern S. haematobium populations. Fifteen introgressed S. bovis genes are approaching fixation in northern S. haemato bium with four genes potentially driving adaptation. Further, we identify 19 regions that are resistant to introgression; these are enriched on the sex chromosomes. These results (i) suggest strong barriers to gene flow between these species, (ii) indicate that hybridization may be less common than cur rently envisaged, but (iii) reveal profound genomic consequences of rare interspecific hybridization between schistosomes of medical and veterinary importance.
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    Giardiasis and its associated risk factors among school children in selected rural communities in south eastern Nigeria
    (De La Salle University, Manilla, Philippines, 2018) Ogbuu,O; Ohaeri,C.C; Amaechi,E.C; Ejike,B.U
    The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of giardiasis among school children in Afikpo North Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The study was carried out from June to October, 2015. Direct smear, iodine wet mounts, and the formol-ether concentration technique were used to analyze the stool samples. Out of 600 stool samples from pupils aged 5-16 years from six primary schools examined, 30 (5.0%) were infected. The prevalence rate was higher among males (5.7%) than among females (4.8%), although the difference was not statistically significant (χ2 = 0.91, df = 1, p > 0.05). Pupils in the 8- to 10-year age group had the highest prevalence (5.8%, n = 260), while those in the age group of 11-13 years had the lowest prevalence (3.9%, n = 230). Similarly, pupils in primary 2 had the highest prevalence (7.1%, n = 170) while those in primary 6 had the lowest (2.5%, n = 80). Infection was higher among children whose parents were traders (11.7%, n = 120) and farmers (10.0%, n = 100, than among those whose parents were civil servants (1.6%, n = 380). There was a significant statistical differene in the prevalence of giardiasis with respect to occupation of parents of these children (χ2 = 25.85, df = 2, p < 0.05). On the sources of drinking water, children who drank rain and stream water recorded high prevalence rates of (6.3% n = 270) and (5.7% (n = 230), respectively. There was statistically significant difference in the prevalence of giardiasis with respect to the sources of water (χ2 = 6.42, df = 2, p < 0.05). These findings indicate that giardiasis was prevalent among school children in Afikpo. It is recommended that adequate health education and sanitary measures be carried out in order to decrease the rate of Giardia infection in school children.
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    Parasitic contamination of local drinking water sources in Aba metropolis, Abia State, Nigeria
    (Sultan Qaboos University, Oman, 2021-06) Ejike,B.U; Ohaeri,C.C; Amaechi,E.C
    Water-borne parasitic infections have become a source of concern in recent times due to the contamination of various water sources. A survey on the parasitic contamination of local drinking water sources in Aba metropolis was carried out between August and October 2018. This was done to evaluate the extent of contamination of these water sources and their public health implications. A total number of eighty (80) water samples were investigated from five (5) major water sources within the study area using the standard sedimentation method and examined for parasite cysts, eggs and larvae. Physical/macroscopic examination was done to determine the pH, colour, odour, temperature and presence/absence of particles. Among the water sources analyzed, stream water samples had the highest rate of parasite contamination 27 (44.3%) followed by river water 14 (22.9%) while the least contaminated was borehole 7 (11.5%). Rainwater was found free from parasitic infestation. The differences in the level of contamination among the water sources analyzed were found to be statistically significant (P<0.05). Five parasites Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Ascaris lumbricoides of Entamoeba coli and Hookworm were observed. Each of the sample sources except rainwater harbored at least one of these. Among these parasites, Giardia lamblia had the highest rate occurrence of 15 (24.6%), followed by Entamoeba histolytica 14 (22.9%) and the least frequently occurring parasite was hookworm 8 (13.1%). Most of the identified water sources are utilized by the populace who lack access to potable water. The detection of protozoan and helminthic parasites in drinking water sources is a serious public health concern, hence the proper implementation of a supply of safe drinking water is vital
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    Parasitological examination of slender Amaranth Vegetable (Amaranthus viridis) and Bush Okra (Corchorus olitorius) from farms and markets in communities around Edu LGA, Kwara State
    (University of PortHarcourt, 2024-07) Amaechi,E.C; Nwachukwu,P.C; Ezekiel,O.O; Nwadike, C.C; Adewumi, A.F; Oladiti,A.B; Oyinloye, F.O.P
    dis) and bush-okra (Corchorus olitorius) from farms and markets in the communities around Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State of Nigeria between January and July 2023 for evaluation of parasites that infect humans using the sedimentation method. Parasites isolated from vegetable samples from the farm showed that Ascaris lumbricoides (17.6%) was the most encountered followed by Entamoeba histolytica (11.2%) and the least was Enterobius vermicularis (3.2%). In the market samples, Ascaris (11.2%) was the most prevalent parasites encountered while Trichuris trichiura, Strongyloides stercoralis and E. vermicularis (1.6%) were the least prevalent. One hundred and fourteen (45.6%) samples were contaminated with various parasites. Of the total contaminated vegetable, 74/125 (59.2%) were found in the farm vegetables while 40/125 (32.0%) were encountered in the market vegetables. Corchorus olitorius were found to be more contaminated in both the farms 39/110 (35.5%) and market 23/110 (20.9%). From the study, it was seen that the rate of contamination was highest in the month of July, while the month of January had the least rate of contamination for both farm and market vegetable samples. The difference in the contamination rate in both farm and market samples were seen to be significant (P < 0.05). This study recommends proper washing of vegetables prior to consumption and proper sewage treatment before usage as fertilizer.
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    Prevalence and attitude towards Trichomonas vaginalis infection among undergraduate students of a higher institution in south eastern Nigeria
    (National Open University, Zimbabew, 2022-11) Ukpai,O.M; Nwaodu,F.T; Amaechi,E.C
    A study to determine the prevalence and attitude towards Trichomonas vaginalis infection amongst undergraduate students of a higher institution in south Eastern Nigeria was conducted between January and June 2015. A total of 250 students comprising of 104 males and 146 females had their urine samples examined using the microscopy method for the presence of Trichomonas vaginalis. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from all the consenting participants after which high vaginal swabs were collected, processed and examined for T. vaginalis using microscopy. Out of this number, 40 (16%) were infected. Age related infection rate was highest in the 31 – 35 years (25%) age group. Symptoms associated with this infection included genital discharges, painful urination, painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea), itching, and irregular menstruation. Factors which affect the student’s attitude towards getting screened for the infection are fear, ignorance, poverty, self-medication, lack of time and even carelessness. Possible causes of T. vaginalis infection were revealed as: sharing of towels (10.0%), sharing of bathing sponge (6.0%), sharing of under wears (5.2%), unclean or infected toilet facility (2.0%). sharing of shaving sticks, razor blade and scissors (for pubic hair) (1.2%) and unprotected sex (0.8%). Known preventive measures against Trichomonas vaginalis infection included avoidance of sexual contact with infected persons (2.8%), use of condoms (32.8%), avoidance of premarital sex (9.2%), having only one sexual partner (12.8%), disinfecting and keeping the toilet clean (17.2%) and not sharing towels (6.0%). Public health enlightenment that is targeted at behavioural change is strongly advocated.
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    Prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica among primary school children in Ukwa West LGA, Abia State, South east, Nigeria
    (Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, 2014-01) Amaechi,E.C; Ohaeri,C.C; Ukpai,O.M; Nwachukwu,P.C; Ukoha,U.K
    Amoebiasis is a cosmopolitan infection caused by Entamoeba histolytica and ranks third among parasitic infections that lead to death especially in children. Epidemiological data in most rural communities about this infection is scanty. Three hundred (300) children aged 0- 14 years were sampled for E. histolytica infection in five rural communities in Ukwa West Local Government Area, Abia State, South East Nigeria. The stool samples were examined for cysts of E. histolytica using saline and iodine preparations. The prevalence rate of 16.0 % was recorded. The prevalence by sex showed a higher infection rate in males (18.7 %) than females (13.3 %) which was significantly different (X 2 , p<0.05). This showed an association between sex and the prevalence of E. histolytica. There was also a slight association observed among the different age groups. The highest prevalence of 21.7 % was recorded in children from Umuelechi community, although there was no significant difference among the communities (X 2 , p>0.05). There is therefore an urgent need for improved sanitation, personal hygiene and a proper deworming scheme amongst school children in the study areas to alleviate the scourge.
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    Prevalence of falciparum malaria amongst pregnant women in Aba south Local Government Area, Abia State, Nigeria
    (Parasitology and Public health Society of Nigeria, 2017-03) Ejike,B.U; Ohaeri,C.C; Amaechi,E.C; Ejike,E.N; Okike-Osisiogu, F.U; Irole-Eze,O.P; Belonwu,A.C
    Malaria during pregnancy poses a substantial risk to mother and foetus especially an infection with Plasmodium falciparum. This study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of falciparum malaria among pregnant women in Aba South Local Government Area, Abia State, south-east Nigeria. Blood samples from 432 pregnant women who attended Primary Health Care Centre and Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH) were examined using Giemsa stained thick and thin films. Structured questionnaires were also administered to the women from whom blood samples were collected. A total of 173 (40.0%) were found to be infected with P. falciparum. It was the only type of malaria parasite species encountered. Distribution of infection among age groups was highest 12 (60.0%) among age group 15-20 years and lowest 121 (36.7%) among age group 26 years and above with significant difference (p<0.05). Occupational distribution showed that traders had the highest prevalence 88 (63.3%) while students were least infected 21 (17.9%) with significant difference (p<0.05). Primigravida had the highest prevalence rate of 99 (50.3%) while multigravida had the lowest rate 38 (27.1%) with significant difference (p<0.05). Respondents who were at their first trimester also showed a high prevalence rate 69 (56.6%) while those in their third trimester were least infected 28 (30.1%) with significant difference (p<0.05). It is therefore necessary to design an effective public health education programme targeted at this high risk group and also instituting an intermittent preventive treatment in hospitals and health centres in Aba South LGA that is known to have a high malaria prevalence.
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    Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminthes in pigs reared in research farms of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, south eastern Nigeria
    (Sultan Qaboos University, Oman, 2022-06) Amaechi,E.C; Dike, M.I; Ukpai,O.M; Ejike,B.U
    Gastrointestinal parasitism in swine production is a world-wide problem especially in tropical resource poor countries. These infections in animals result in significant economic losses. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and spectrum of gastrointestinal parasites of pigs reared in two research farms in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, South eastern Nigeria. From April, 2016 to July, 2016, 220 samples of pig faeces from two research farms (CASAP Research Farm and MOUAU Commercial Pig Farm) were analyzed using floatation and direct smear methods to identify varied parasitic stages present in the faeces. Data generated showed an overall prevalence of 64.6% (142/220) in the two farms. Five parasite species made up of four Nematode and one Cestode were observed namely Ascaris suum (26.4%), Trichuris suis (26.4%), Strongyloides spp (21.9%), Oesophagostomum dentatum (20.0%) and Pseudanoplocephala spp. (5.6%). Mixed infections were also observed. Those within the ages of 0-8months had the highest prevalence (74.12%). Further, 67.42% male pigs and 62.60% of female pigs were found to be infected with one or the other endoparasite revealing a high prevalence of parasitic problems within Umudike. It is recommended that pigs should be treated regularly to prevent or reduce infection to the barest minimal level
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    Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites among primary school pupils in Abayi, Osisioma Ngwa L.G.A, Abia State, Nigeria
    (National Open University, Zimbabew, 2022) Ukpai,O.M; Nwogwugwu,A.O; Amaechi,E.C
    Gastrointestinal parasitic infection is one of the neglected tropical disease known to be a significant contributor to mortality and morbidity especially amongst school children in tropical Africa. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites among primary school pupils in Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area Abia State, Nigeria between the months of March and October, 2015.Prior to the study, consent of parents and guardian of the pupils were sort and approval obtained. A total of 648 pupils aged 5-13 years made up of 324 males and 324 females in primaries one to six had their faecal samples examined. Direct smear and formol ether concentration techniques were the parasitological procedures used for the faecal examination. A total of 281 (43.36%) children were infected. Four parasites were observed namely Ascaris lumbricoides (40.8%), Entamoeba coli (38.9%), Hookworm (17.1%) and Trichuris trichiura (3.3%). Mixed infections were also encountered. The combination of A. lumbricoides and Hookworm was the most common (67.1%). The age group 5-7 years had the highest prevalence (83.33%). More females (46.60%) than males (40.12%) were infected though the result showed a statistically non significant difference. The public schools recorded a higher prevalence (48.46%) than the private schools (38.27%). Infection was highest in pupils in primary 3 (57.41%) (P > 0.05). Pupils whose mothers are farmers recorded the highest prevalence (96.67%). Many of the pupils (65,8%) responded “No” to eating food that fell to the ground. Those who used water closet system type of toilet had more infection (43.85%) than those who used pit latrine (41.67%) (P < 0.05). Infection based on sources of water for drinking and domestic purposes shows that those who used the combination of borehole and harvested rain water were the most infected (56.89%). This study recorded an overall parasitic infections of 43.4%. De-worming of pupils should be made an essential component of school health programmes. Adequate health education is also recommended and proper sanitary measures should be put in place to help reduce to the barest minimum infection with gastrointestinal parasites in school children. K
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    Prevalence of helminth parasites in some commercially important fish species of River anambra
    (Zoological Society of Nigeria, 2023) Nwadike, C.C; Ilozumba,P.C.O; Amaechi,E.C; Okeke,O.A; Nnatuanya,I.O; Okeke,J.J; Afoemezie, P.I; Udeh,N.P
    The demand for fish as a source of protein is on the increase. However, sustainable productivity by fish farmers is constrained by parasitic infections. Thus, an investigation was conducted on the prevalence of helminth parasites in some commercially important fish species of River Anambra, Nigeria. A total of 521 fishes belonging to 6 families (Claroteidae, Synodontidae, Mormyridae, Osteoglossidae, Bagridae, and Clariidae) and 20 species caught with hooks, nets, and local traps were examined using standard parasitological techniques. The overall prevalence was 23.80%. Fish samples belonging to 6 families had the following prevalence of infection: Bagridae (0.00%), Clariidae (2.11 %), Claroteidae (1.53%), Mormyridae (0.0%), Osteoglossidae (14.97%) and Synodontidae (5.18%). Helminth parasites recovered were: Weyonia species (4.65%), Weyonia youdeowii (15.97%), Weyonia synodontis (3.33%), Sandonella sandoni (37.41%), Polyonchobothrium clarias (17.98 %), Plerocercoid larva (13.33%) and unidentified cestode (35.47%) (Cestoda); Emoleptalea species (4.65%) (Trematoda); Procamallanus laeviconchus (2.72%), Dujardinascaris species (1.36%), Spirocamallanus species (3.99%) (Nematoda); Neoechinorhynchus species (24.61%), Tenuisentis niloticus (34.62%) and unidentified acanthocephalan (6.25%) (Acanthocephala). Weyonia species, Weyonia youdeoweii, and W. synodontis were recovered from synodontids only. Acanthocephalan, cestodes, nematodes and trematodes were found in decreasing order of abundance. The presence of trematode Emoleptalea sp in Clarias gariepinus is a new host record of the parasite for the geographical area.