Browsing by Author "Ukpai,O.M"

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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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    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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    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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    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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    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 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 helminthiasis among school children in some rural communities of Abia State, Nigeria
    (University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 2013) Amaechi,E.C; Ohaeri,C.C; Ukpai,O.M
    Soil transmitted helminths (STHs) are known to be endemic in developing tropical countries. A study on the prevalence and risk factors associated with STHs infections among children in three selected primary schools in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State was undertaken between February and July, 2012. The stool samples collected from 338 children aged 5 – 13 years in the three primary schools were analyzed using direct normal saline and formal-ether concentration technique for the presence of STHs. Closed ended pre-tested questionnaire was used for collection of data on socio demographic and personal health habits associated with STHs. Three different helminths were observed. These included Ascaris lumbricoides (8.2%), hookworm (5.1%) and Trichuris trichiura (3.9%). Multiple infections were however observed in individuals. Of the 338 stool samples examined, 256 were infected giving a prevalence of 75.7%. The prevalence of STHs was significantly higher in males than females in age group 5 – 7 years. A. lumbricoides was the most encountered parasites in the study, while Central Primary School, Obohia recorded the highest prevalence (90.2%) of infection in the three schools sampled. The month of July (peak of the rainy season) recorded the highest prevalence rate (92.9%). Those who defecated in bushes and other unhygienic places had the highest infection of 89.9%, while those that had water closet had the least infection of 40.5%. Those that used wells and streams as main source of water had an infection of 96.9%. Inadequate basic social amenities have contributed to the spread of parasite in the area. Government should make available the much needed amenities to the populace to alleviate the spread of the diseases in the study area and should also create public awareness on the dangers of the disease.