CURRENCY NOTES AND ASSOCIATED RISK OF NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES: STUDY ON THE NIGERIAN NAIRA

Currency notes could play a role in the transmission of faeco-oral pathogens. This study aimed at identifying the possible role of the Nigerian Naira in the transmission of some neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and the implication on their intervention and control in Nigeria. Method: 250 samples of all denominations of mint, dirty and mutilated Naira notes were examined for presence of parasites using the rinse method. Result: 58.4% of notes were contaminated with 161 cysts and ova of a protozoan (45.3%) and helminths (54.7%): Entamoeba histolytica cysts (43.7%), Enterobius vermicularis ova (5.4%), Ascaris lumbricoides ova (34.7%) and Hookworm ova (12.6%). Parasite contamination was independent of currency denomination (X2 =45.4; P=0.05). Mutilated notes harboured more parasites (51.5%) than dirty notes (44.9%). Mint notes had zero contamination. This was statistically significant (X2 =5.6; P<0.05). Polymer notes were more contaminated (51.37%) than paper notes. This study has identified a public health risk and the potential role of the Naira notes in the epidemiology of some NTDs in the study area. Public education on the health implications of the abuse of the Naira, beyond reasons of patriotism is required now. The Central Bank should ensure quick withdrawal of mutilated notes from circulation.

Comparison of culture-based, vital stain and PMA-qPCR methods for the quantitative detection of viable hookworm ova

Accurate quantitative measurement of viable hookworm ova from environmental samples is the key to controlling hookworm re-infections in the endemic regions. In this study, the accuracy of three quantitative detection methods [culture-based, vital stain and propidium monoazide-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PMA-qPCR)] was evaluated by enumerating 1,000 ± 50 Ancylostoma caninum ova in the laboratory. The culture-based method was able to quantify an average of 397 ± 59 viable hookworm ova. Similarly, vital stain and PMA-qPCR methods quantified 644 ± 87 and 587 ± 91 viable ova, respectively. The numbers of viable ova estimated by the culture-based method were significantly (P &lt; 0.05) lower than vital stain and PMA-qPCR methods. Therefore, both PMA-qPCR and vital stain methods appear to be suitable for the quantitative detection of viable hookworm ova. However, PMA-qPCR would be preferable over the vital stain method in scenarios where ova speciation is needed.

HOOKWORM INFECTION

The study “Correlation of hookworm infection and Mean corpuscular haemoglonbin concentration”was carried out in rural population of Lulliani (Mustafaabad), located in District Kasur. The sampling method wasstratified random sampling. Sample size was calculated which was 1010 and the subjects were selected from the abovelocality. Among the sampled population 253 were found hookworm positive. Stool and blood samples of hookwormpositive cases were taken who were 253 in number, and calculation of MCHC level and hookworm infection burden interms of No. of ova per gm of faeces was made. Haemoglobin level was estimated by cyanmethaemoglobin methodand packed cell volume by microhaematocrit method. Quantitative estimation of hookworm ova in stool was carried outby stoll’s modified egg counting technique. Results of the study showed a significant relationship between M.C.H.C.level and No of hookworm ova per gram of faeces (r= --0.908), a strong negative correlation.

HOOKWORM INFECTION;

This study correlation of hookworm infection and packed cell volume, was conducted in rural population of Mustafaabad (Lulliani) District Kasur. Through a stratified random sampling 1010 adult male subjects were selected from the locality.253.ie; 25.05% were found hookworm positive. The positive cases were subjected to detailed stool examination and blood examination. A thorough study was conducted on 253 hookworm positive cases for correlation of PCV and No. of hookworm ova per gram of faeces, with coefficient of correlation as r = - 0.841, being a high degree of negative correlation.

HOOKWORM INFECTION

Objectives: To find out prevalence rate of hookworm infection in a rural community of Pakistan. Tofind out whether a significant correlation exists between hookworm infection and haemoglobin. This study “Correlationof hookworm infection and haemoglobin” was conducted in rural population of Mustafaabad (Iulliani) located in DistrictKasur. (Pakistan). By a stratified random sampling 1010 male adult subjects were selected from the above locality. 253i.e. 25.05% were found hookworm positive. Samples of stool and blood were collected. A thorough study on 253hookworm positive subjects was carried out for calculation of haemoglobin levels and intensity of hookworm infectionin terms of number of ova per gram of faeces. Haemoglobin levels were estimated by cyanomethaemoglobin methodand quantitative estimation of hookworm ova in stool was carried out by stoll’s modified egg counting technique. Theresults of the study showed statistically significant relationship between haemoglobin level and No. of hookworm ovaper gram of faces.(r = -- 0.876) for 253 hookworm positive cases, which reflects a high degree of negative correlation.