Isolation and identification of bacteria associated with fermentation of melon seed for Ogiri Sold in Owerri, Nigeria

In order to ascertain the public health implication of the consumption of the fermented melon (Cucumismelo), known as Ogiri, consumed in all South Eastern Nigeria and beyond as a food condiment, thirty samples of locally fermented melon seeds, Ogiri, were randomly purchased from three markets in Owerri metropolis in Imo State. These samples were microbiologically analysed using pour plate technique on nutrient agar, MacConkey and Salmonella Shigella agar at 370C for 24 hours. The viable and mean counts were determined and the data obtained were statistically analyzed. There was no significant difference between the contamination of the samples (p>0.05). These organisms, following the order of predominance were isolated; Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. The presence of these microorganisms of public health importance in food condiments pose a risk of enteritis and other food borne diseases in some individuals after its intake. Thus, the health organizations should embark on public and personal enlightenment programs targeted at both the producer and the consumer.

Identification of Fungi Associated with Irvingia gabonensis (Ogbono) Seeds Spoilage in Benin City, Nigeria

Irvingia gabonensis (Ogbono) is one of the forest tree species of great domestic importance and its postharvest shelve life is affected by various species of fungi. This study is to investigate the effect of various species of fungi that attack Irvingia gabonensis seeds in post-harvest. Ready to use cotyledons of Ogbono were obtained from six (6) markets in Benin City (New Benin market, Aduwawa market, Uselu market, Oba market, Ikpoba Hill market, Santana market) Edo State, in sterile transparent polyethylene bags and transported to the laboratory for analyses. The proximate composition of the Ogbono seeds was determined using standard protocols. The pour plate method was used for isolation using a potato Dextrose Agar which was supplemented with streptomycin. The fungi were isolated based on their cultural and microscopic characteristics. The result of the highest and lowest fungal counts were too numerous to count and 3.3 × 103 cfu/g respectively. A total of seven species of fungi were isolated and identified in this study which included Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Mucor sp., Neurospora sp., Penicillium sp., and Rhizopus sp. Aspergillus flavus was the most prevalent fungi with prevalence rate of 48 (90.6%), while Neurospora sp. was the least prevalent fungi with prevalent rate of 04 (18.2%). The presence of these fungi especially Aspergillus species portrays a serious public health implication as regard food poisoning, mycotocosis and food security. Proper handling methods of Ogbono seeds, coupled with good orientation are necessary to ensure the safety of ogbono seeds.

Public health implication of solid waste generated by households in Bekwarra Local Government area

Background: This study was conducted in Bekwarra Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria, to determine the public health implication of solid waste generated by households. Methods: A cross sectional descriptive design was employed, using a semi-structured questionnaire together with an obser- vation checklist to elicit information from the respondents. Proportionate sampling was used to select 400 respondents of 18 years and above for the study area. Data collected were analysed using the Microsoft Excel 2007 and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20. Results: Respondents knowledge concerning solid waste disposal was assessed and the results showed that majority of the respondents 193 (63.7%) had high level of knowledge of solid waste disposal, while 170 (42.5%) had average level of knowl- edge of solid waste disposal. Wastes produced by households in the study include vegetables (95.5%), ash (94%), clothing/ rag (94.2%), wood (95%), and animal waste (86.2%) had the highest abundance. Diseases associated with these wastes pro- duced by households include cholera (18.2%), malaria (47.2%), lassa fever (10.7%) and diarrhea (23.9%) with malaria been the most prevalence infection. Conclusion: The result shows solid waste posed a serious health hazard and lead to the spread of infectious diseases. These issues can be addressed through health education and enlightenment of the people on waste disposal. Keywords: Municipal waste; public health; infection; health hazard; environmental pollution.

Review on effect of dumpsite leachate to the environmental and public health implication

Over the years, there has been an increase in the rate of environmental pollution due to improper disposal and management of dumpsite waste. Leachate being generated as a result of the moisture associated within dumpsite, amount to contain various microbial pathogens and hazardous substance like cyanides, heavy metals and other chemicals acquired from the dumpsite. This can serve as a risk factor to the environment and public health when there is leachate migration. The migration of leachate into the environment potentially results in the contamination of soil, food products, animals, ground water, surface water and the air environment’ which in turn affect the health of human especially those who consumes from the contaminated products, those who inhabits around the dumpsite and other vulnerable like; young children, waste workers and immunocompromised persons. In Nigeria, though there are municipal waste dumpsites across the nation, these sites are below standard and are not properly managed. Being a great concern to the society, the need for proper design and reconstruction of a well-engineered landfill cannot be over emphasized, among others. This paper will therefore review the environmental and public health implication of dumpsite leachate so as to create more awareness on the need for proper waste management in Nigeria. It concludes by recommending some proper means of waste disposal and management which could be considered for a better health and environment in Nigeria.

Public Health Implication of Drinking Water Sources Contaminated with Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. in South Ethiopia

Background: Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. are topmost causes of gastrointestinal diseases mainly in socio-economically disadvantaged regions. Understanding the molecular diversity and distribution of these parasites in water sources and the environmental variables that influence their prevalence is important to effectively control infections in at-risk populations, however, the state of knowledge about risks of these parasites associated with source water is little in Africa. This study aimed at characterizing risks of Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. from water sources in southern Ethiopia.Methods: Twenty-one water samples (10L per source) were collected from five different types of drinking water sources. Sample was analyzed using immunofluorescence assay with fluorescein isothiocyanate–monoclonal antibodies and nested PCR; tpi-PCR was used for genotyping purpose in Giardia duodenalis isolates and SSU-rRNA and gp60-PCR in Cryptosporidium spp. isolates. Statistical analysis was performed using Spearman’s rho correlation and independent-samples nonparametric test.The risk was characterized using quantitative microbial risk assessment.Results: The immunofluorescence assay showed that cyst was detected in 81% (17/21) and oocyst in 71% (15/21) of the samples with mean concentrations of 64.6 cysts.10 L-1 and 62.8 oocysts.10 L-1. Genotypic analysis showed that Giardia duodenalis assemblage B was genotyped in 29.4% (5/17), assemblage A in 17.6% (3/17) and assemblages A+B in 52.9% (9/17) of the samples. Cryptosporidium spp. genotype was detected in 57.1% (12/21) of the samples; Cryptosporidium parvum in 38.1% (8/21), Cryptosporidium hominis in 14.3% (3/21) and Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium hominis in 4.7% (1/21) of the samples. The average probability of illness from the water sources was 0.06 for Giardia duodenalis and 0.22 for Cryptosporidium spp.Conclusions: The finding highlights the significance of water for transmission of Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. in southern Ethiopia. Genotypes detected in the samples indicate multiple sources likely contaminated the sources. Health risk that is inferred from the water sources to the public are significantly higher than most other reported findings. This study recommends the need of regular follow-up, improvement in water treatment facilities and setting appropriate legislation in areas where cycles of parasitic infection is linked to water sources.