Proximate Composition and Parasitic Contamination of Hibiscus sabdariffa Seed Cake (Roselle Seed Cake): A Soup Condiment Produced by North-Western Community, Nigeria

Background: Soup condiments are edible food items which are added to dishes, used as thickeners for soup and also as food supplements such as sauce that is added to food to impact specific flavours. They are abundantly produced in Nigeria especially in North-Western part of the country. Aims: The aim of this research was to determine the proximate composition and parasitic contamination of Hibiscus sabdariffa seed cake (Roselle seed cake): a soup condiment produced by North-Western Community, Nigeria. Study Design: Samples were purchased and collected at random from the markets of different places in the study areas, aseptically placed into polythene bags and labelled correctly. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Zuru and Sakaba Local Government Areas of Kebbi State, North-Western Nigeria. Methodology: The proximate analysis carried out include: moisture determination, ash determination, determination of crude protein, lipid determination, fibre determination and carbohydrate estimation by difference. The protozoa present in the samples were identified by direct microscopy. Results: The proximate composition of Hibiscus sabdariffa seed cake in the study areas had a very high level of carbohydrate content (52.44±1.03%), followed by the moisture content (15.43±0.10%), lipid content (12.00±0.50%), fibre content (11.16±0.58%), ash content (7.80±0.05%) and crude protein content (1.16±0.13%) which was the lowest. The highest prevalence rate of the identified protozoa was recorded in Entamoeba histolytica 2(50.0%) followed by Giardia lamblia 1(25.0%) in Zuru Local Government Area. No protozoa was seen in Zuru sample 0(0.0%). In Dabai sample, Giardia lamblia was seen 1(25.0%). While in Bedi sample, Entamoeba histolytica 2(50.0%) was seen which was the most prevalent. However, in Sakaba Local Government Area, a total of nine protozoa was seen and all were Entamoeba histolytica. Dirin-Daji sample showed 1(11.1%), Doka 2(22.2%), Dankolo 2(22.2%), Janbirni 1(11.1%), Laraba 1(11.1%) and Makuku 2(22.2%) respectively. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the available carbohydrate and moisture contents were higher than other parameters and the local soup condiments were heavily contaminated with protozoa and Entamoeba histolytica had the highest prevalence which can cause serious food-borne diseases in humans in the study areas. Finally, the need to apply good manufacturing practices in processing the condiments in the study areas and North-Western Nigerian Community as a whole is highly recommended.

Microbial Quality and Aflatoxin Levels of Bread and Flour Products Vended in Akure Metropolis, Ondo State, Nigeria

Aim: This study evaluated the microbial quality characteristics of bread and flour-made products vended for human consummation in Akure metropolis. Methods: The sample products including bread, buns, puff puff, meat pie and cake collected from different locations were analysed using standard microbiological methods to enumerate the bacterial and fungal consortia. Macro and micro-morphological identification of the implicated fungi in the food samples were done via standard techniques. The presence and quantity of some aflatoxin types were also investigated using standard techniques. Results: The fungal organisms enumerated include species of Fusarium, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Mucor, Sacharomyces cerevisiae, Rhizopus and Penicillium. Bacteria consortium implicated in sample products include; Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus sp., Escherichia coli, Clostridium sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the likes. The levels of aflatoxin B1 and B2 produced were predominantly associated with Aspergillus flavus enumerated from bread products which serve as a rider to the aflatoxin contamination in vended flour products. Conclusion: The toxicity and potency of aflatoxins make them a primary health hazard and as well accountable for losses associated with contamination of processed foods and ready-to-eat foods. It is recommended that bakers should implement the use of heat-treated flour in the production process of ready-to-eat products for human safety.

Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) among Antenatal Clinic Attendees in Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

The aim of this research was to determine the prevalence of Hepatitis B virus (HBsAg) among antenatal clinic attendees in Massaka, Karu Local Government Area of Nassarawa State, North Central Nigeria. Formal consent was obtained from the State Hospital Board to carry out the survey. The study which involved 200 pregnant women aged 18-45 years randomly selected using a systematic random sampling technique was conducted between the months of May-June was a cross sectional health facility-based study. Structured questionnaire was used to generate data from respondents, after which blood samples aseptically collected were screened for hepatitis B surface antigen. Socio-demographic characteristics as well as some of the factors that influence infection were evaluated. Results obtained from the study revealed a 6.5% prevalence rate of infection in the studied population. Prevalence of infection among the subjects within the age range of 35-45 years was lowest (5.8%). However, while it was 5.2% for the married, it was 6.6% for the unmarried. Prevalence of infection was higher among the category with no formal education. Similarly, prevalence was higher among the rural dwellers (6.8%) than their urban counterparts (5.6%). Factors examined were not statistically significant predisposing to HBV infection. In conclusion, the prevalence of HBsAg among ante-natal clinic attendees in Masaka was (6.5%) lower than the reported national prevalence (14.1%). Owing the outcome of this study, it is recommended that improved surveillance for HBV infection and screening of women attending ANC be instituted.

Agricultural Waste Annona squamosa L. Peel and Seed Extract: Biosynthesis of Hand Sanitizer Gel against Skin Pathogens

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are being recommended as an infection prevention measure for COVID-19. Washing hands is a simple matter to eliminate and minimize germs on the hands with water and by adding certain ingredients, the use of hand sanitizer becomes must in recent circumstances. We have developed reliable and eco-friendly process for the synthesis of hand sanitizer gel that is a really useful tool in the fight against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Considering scanty literature available on the use of custard apple peel and seed for preparation of hand sanitizer gel, present study was undertaken to evaluate effect of hand sanitizer from custard apple peel and seed extract. The antimicrobial activity of the formulated gel was tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis subsp. spizizenii, Salmonella typhimurinum and Shigella sonnei by The Quality Assurance and Testing Center 3 (QUATEST 3) in Ho Chi Minh city, Viet Nam.

Delicious to the Last Piece: Why Ectoparasite Prefer Human Skin

The interaction of ectoparasite in correlation to its host’s skin is important. The extent of interaction somewhat makes these parasites able to survive in the harsh conditon of the host’s skin. Their existence mostly in the context of gaining their nutrition and perhaps continue its regeneration. Because these diseases caused by ectoparasite are easility transmitted, widespread, and the state of polyparasitism is often took place in a single vulnerable host, and significant primary and secondary morbidity and or complication occurs, which can worsen the course of the inital disease. This minireview aim to discuss about the interlinkage of some EPSD agents in correlation to its host’s skin, their interaction and what makes these endoparasites able to survive in the skin in the context of gaining their nutrition.

Fungal Pathogens Associated with Damping-off Disease of Cashew Seedlings in Nigeria

Aim: This study was designed to isolate fungal pathogens associated with damping-off of cashew seedlings. Study Design: The cashew seedlings for this study were selected randomly from a number of infected cashew seedlings in the screen house. Methodology: Associated fungal pathogens were grown on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and identified using their characteristics and morphological features observed under the microscope with reference to published identification manuals. Results: The result showed that damping-off of cashew seedling is mostly associated with fungal pathogens such as such as Fusarium spp, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Pythium spp., Alternaria sp., Curvularia sp., Aspergillus niger, and Lasiodiplodia theobromae. However, Fusarium spp, and Pythium spp. were predominant and frequently isolated than other pathogens. Conclusion: The knowledge of these pathogens is important for designing strategies to safeguard cashew plant health against diseases in order to ensure sustainable cashew production in Nigeria.

Rotavirus Genotypes in Abuja, Nigeria

Introduction: Nigeria had planned to introduce the rotavirus vaccine in the National Immunisation Programme in 2014, but this has yet to be done. Nigeria has the continent's highest mortality due to diarrhoeal diseases with little information on specific, prevalent genotypes. Aim: The study's main objectives were to identify the predominant rotavirus genotypes and examine the effects of existing local vaccination programs on prevailing rotavirus genotypes and on preventing rotavirus diarrhoea. Methodology: A one-year prospective descriptive study of children under 5 with acute diarrhoea was conducted from June 2018 to May 2019. Children with acute diarrhoea attending Asokoro District Hospital, Abuja. Children without diarrhoea were also recruited as a control group. Rotavirus ELISA and RNA extraction were done with commercially available kits, and positive samples were subjected to RT-PCR and electrophoresis to determine VP7 (G) and VP4 (P) genotypes. Results: Rotavirus-ELISA was positive among 231 (17.8%) children with diarrhoea and 29 (2.2%) of controls, with November, December. The predominant VP7 genotypes was G1 (n=116, 50.2%) followed by G9 (n=66, 28.5%). Viral Protein, VP4 (P) was mostly P [8] (n=143, 74.8%) followed by P [4] (n=21, 10.9%). The predominant genotype combinations found were G1 P [8] (n=108, 46.7%), G9 P [8] (n=62, 26.8%), and G2 P [4] (n=18, 7.7%). Very few mixed infections were found in the study, 2 (0.8%). Among 94 unvaccinated children with rotavirus isolates that were genotyped, G1 P [8] (n=88, 49.4%) and G9 P [8] (n=43, 24.1%) were predominant. Among 32 vaccinated children, G1 P [8] (n=13, 40.2%) and G9 P [8] (n=9, 28.1%) were predominant. Conclusion: The emergence of new genotypes such as G 12 P [4] found in this study emphasize the need for continued prospective monitoring of rotavirus at the molecular level to detect new threats to vaccine programs in future.

Evaluation of Bean Common Mosaic Disease and Associated Aphid Vector, Aphis fabae L., on Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Production in Lower Eastern Kenya

Production of common bean in Kenya is constrained by pests and diseases and to improve bean yields amongst majority small-scale farmers, appropriate management strategies should be adopted. Bean common mosaic disease (BCMD) caused by bean common mosaic virus and vectored by bean aphids and infected seeds, substantially inhibit common bean production in Kenya. An extensive and diagnostic field survey was conducted in six agro ecological zones (AEZs) of lower eastern Kenya during the long and short rains of 2018 to determine BCMD incidence (BCMD-I), severity (BCMD-S), bean aphid abundance (BAA), bean aphid incidence (BAI) and the management strategies applied by farmers. Significant (P≤0.001) variations observed for these traits between bean varieties, rainy seasons and AEZs implied that farmers could select and grow a tolerant bean variety or grow a variety either in a season or an AEZ with low BCMD and bean aphid pressure. Such included AEZ-UMSA with least mean BCMD-I (42%), BCMD-S (1.9) and BAI (11%) compared to two AEZs (LHSH & LM4) that showed BCMD-I of >70%, BCMD-S >3.0 and BAI >50%. The AEZs differences could be attributed to variations in altitudes, temperature and humidity that influences vector (aphid) movement. Of the nine bean varieties identified during the survey, Selian 14 was the most preferred by farmers (at ~35%) with relatively lower BCMD-I (~49%) and BAI (~35%) compared to the least (<5%) farmer-preferred variety Wairimu that showed higher BCMD-I (56%) and BAI (~68%). Therefore variety Selian 14 was considered tolerant to BCMD and bean aphid. Significant (P≤0.001) and positive correlations (r = 0.67) between BAI and BCMD-I implied an effective control of bean aphids could reduce the impact of BCMD on bean production. On visual diagnostics, >75% of farmers could generally identify diseased or pest-infested bean crops and stage of growth of the crop most affected. None (0%) could however identify BCMD symptoms although ~40% identified the vector bean aphids with ~26% implementing some form of aphid or pest management strategy. On management, season-driven early planting and bean intercropping were the most applied strategies (>80%), crop rotation and weed control accounted for ~71%, certified seeds at 1% and non-chemical or pesticide applications (0%). Both low adoption of certified seeds and no chemical aphid control were attributed to high costs, despite the possibility the two factors could have contributed to higher incidences and severity of BCMD in the study area as the disease is both seed and vector-borne. In summary, lack of knowledge and training among farmers on diagnosis and management of aphid-pests and BCMD, were cited as the main constraints for low bean cultivation. This study therefore recommends provision of adequate extension services and farmer training in lower eastern Kenya for improved bean yield and subsequent better family livelihoods and income.

Epidemiology of Malaria in Pregnancy and Associated Risk Factors in Nigeria: a Review

Each year, an estimated number of 300–500 million people are infected with malaria parasite, with an undesirable effect of over one million deaths. Pregnant women as well as young children, non-immune travellers visiting malaria-endemic zones are at the highest risk of suffering or experiencing life - threatening malaria infection. Maternal immunity, parasite density, parity, inadequate antenatal care services, drug misuse and abuse as well intermitted preventive treatment drug failure cum resistance are the most associated risk factors of malaria in pregnancy obtainable in endemic regions of sub-Saharan Africa. Identification and understanding of these factors will play a major role in reducing the burden as well as eliminating malaria disease among pregnant women living in endemic regions.

Cryptosporidium and Rotavirus Diarrhoea in Children under the Age of Five Years in FCT Abuja, Nigeria

Introduction: Diarrhoea is the second leading cause of death among children, and Nigeria has the continent's highest mortality with little information on the specific cause, proportion affected by Cryptosporidium and Rotavirus, and the prevalent genotypes for Rotavirus. Aim: To identify children with diarrhoea, in Abuja in the Federal Capital Territory; to estimate the proportion of children with Cryptosporidium and rotavirus diarrhoea. Study Design: One-year cross-sectional study of children under five years with acute diarrhea. Duration: The study was conducted in Abuja from June 2018 to May 2019. Methodology: Cryptosporidium and Rotavirus ELISA were done with commercially available kits. Results: Stool samples were collected from 1450 participants, of whom 1185 (81.7%) were ambulatory, 109 (7.5%) were hospitalized, and 156 (10.7%) were controls without diarrhoea. Cryptosporidium-ELISA was positive among 274 (21.1%) children with diarrhoea and 23 (1.7%) of children without diarrhoea, with August and September as peak months for infection. Rotavirus-ELISA was positive among 231 (17.8%) children with diarrhoea and 29 (2.2%) controls, with November, December, and January as peak months. Children of 12 to 17 months were most affected for both and Rotavirus (39.8%) and Cryptosporidium (37.2%). Conclusion: Cryptosporidium and Rotavirus are essential pathogens in children, especially among Rotavirus unvaccinated children in Abuja. Local and national infrastructure is inadequate for essential surveillance of diarrhoeal disease, and this will have to be improved, together with access to virological and parasitic stool testing, to monitor the planned vaccine program, especially for Rotavirus.