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International Journals of Applied Biological Research is an international journal rooted in academic system that is orchestrated to be a knowledge bank for academic researchers, as well as other independent researchers. IJABR is an academic journal of School of Life Sciences, Federal University of Technology Minna, Niger State. The International Journal of Applied Biological Research provides rapid publication (biannually) of articles in all areas of pure and applied Biology, such as Environmental Biology, Agricultural Science, Clinical Microbiology, Immunology, Virology, Bacteriology, Phycology, Mycology and Parasitology, Protozoology, Microbial Ecology, Probiotics and Prebiotics, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Food Microbiology, Industrial Microbiology, Cell Physiology, Environmental Biotechnology, Genetics, Enzymology, Cellular Biology, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Biomedical Sciences, Botany and Plant Sciences, Soil and Environmental Sciences, Zoology, Endocrinology, Toxicology, Pollution, Medicine and Pharmacy. The Journal welcomes the submission of manuscripts that meet the general criteria of significance and scientific excellence. Papers will be published approximately two months after acceptance. All articles are peer-reviewed.

Phytoplankton composition, abundance, diversity indices and water quality parameters
were monitored for twenty-four months to assess the health status of River Ethiope at
the source in the Umuja watershed following standard methods. The physicochemical
parameters indicated an oligotrophic system. The phytoplankton structure was
composed of Chlorophyta with 55 species constituting 34.16%, Bacillariophyta 48
species (29.81%), Cyanophyta 45 species (28.0 %), Euglenophyta 7 species (4.35 %),
Rhodophyta ( 2.48 %), Xanthophyta and Chrysophyta had 0.62 % each different from
numerical structure (Cyanophyta accounting for 45.0% of 711 individuals,
Bacillariophyta (41.63%), Chlorophyta (11.25%), Centrales (1.12%) and Euglenophyta
(0.98%)). The phytoplankton taxa were diverse and quantitatively low. The coefficient
factors and factor analysis of phytoplankton abundance indicated the influence of air
and water temperatures, total solids, TSS and TDS, nitrate, sulphate and phosphate (p<
0.05) on its composition and abundance. Low diversity indices (0.00 - 1.277) and the
abundance of organic loving and toxins producing organisms are signatories to
organically polluted water body. However, the presence of freshwater species despite
biological signs of pollution indicates the system’s resilience and possible recovery with
adequate sanitary awareness or sensitization. 

The macroinvertebrate community of Agbara- Otor River system at Agbara-Otor,
Omavovwe and Afiesere in Delta state were studied, to evaluate the ecological impact of
dredging on their community structure from March to May, 2017. Kick sampling
method was adopted for macroinvertebrate sample collection. Two litres of water
sample was also collected for the evaluation of the environmental variables. The range
of results for air temperature(31.0-37.5°C), water temperature(27.3-32.3°C),
transparency (0.03-0.81m), total solids (0.35-0.7mg/L), conductivity (27.03-51.6
µm/Scm), pH (7.8-9.7), alkalinity(13.0-33.3mg/CaCO3), acidity (25.0-72.5), dissolved
oxygen (3.1-5.7mg/L), biochemical oxygen demand (1.53-5.7mg/L), nitrates (0.005-
0.006mg/L) and phosphates (1.13-1.67mg/L) were obtained. A general low taxa (7)
comprising of 403 individuals with15 families were recorded. Coleoptera (41.2%) was
the dominant family, followed by Odonata (16.1%), Ephemeroptera (10.7%),
Hemiptera (10.4%), Trichoptera (9.93%), Decapoda (8.68%) and the least, Diptera
(2.98%). The highest diversity indices range for Shannon-weiner of 1.6-1.7 was
obtained indicating very poor water quality and unstable system. The first axes of the
three principal components in all stations extracted over 90% of the macro
invertebrates- environmental variables influence implicating nutrients, organic load
and sediments. Therefore, this study identified dredging as a serious threat to this water
quality and its macroinvertebrates. Targeted ways of dredging must be adapted to
reduce ecological impacts and allow for re-establishment and protection of
macroinvertebrates and improved water quality.

The influence of roasting and sundrying on the mineral contents of edible grasshopper consumed
in Niger State, Nigeria was determined using standard methods. Analysis was done on fresh,
sundried and roasted grasshopper samples. The results of the study revealed that sundried
grasshopper (SGH) had the highest Mn (10.57±0.21), Ca (1467±2.83) and Fe (23.35±0.21)
contents. Fresh samples (FGH) had the highest Cu (11.05±0.21) content and least K (67.00
±1.14), Mn (2.35 ±0.07), Na (16.55±0.35) and P (57.40±0.99) contents. Roasted grasshopper
prepared in the laboratory (RGHL) had the highest Zn (1.06±0.04), Na (94.70 ±0.14), K
(133.79±0.86), Mg (411.50±10.61) and P (107.00±1.41) contents while roasted grasshopper
obtained from the market (RGHM) had the least Fe (14.95±0.49), Zn (0.54±0.01), Na
(14.90±0.42), Mg (234.00±1.41) and P (59.10 ±0.57) contents. The composition of Cu, Fe and
Ca in all the samples of grasshopper analyzed were above the WHO recommended limit. The
results of this study showed that insect samples processed by roasting provided good sources of
many minerals. Therefore, roasted grasshopper prepared in the laboratory is deemed suitable as
complementary food source to alleviate under-nutrition especially among vulnerable groups
(women and children) in developing countries. 

Dung beetle larva is a traditional delicacy of the Gbagyi people of Niger State, Nigeria. The
microbial load of dung beetle larva was assayed using the pour plate method while
enumeration of organisms was done using the colony counter. The highest aerobic
bacterial load was obtained from the external surface of fried dung beetle larvae obtained
from the market, FDBM (6.53×106 cfu/mL) while the least was from fried dung beetle larva
processed in the laboratory, FDBL (0.25×106 cfu/mL). Similar bacterial count was obtained
from external surface of fresh dung beetle, FDB (3.0×106 cfu/mL) and sundried dung
beetle, SDB (3.0×106 cfu/mL). Higher aerobic bacterial load was recorded on the whole
body of FDBM (2.03×106 cfu/g) while FDB (4.9×106 cfu/g), SDB (5.1×106 cfu/g) and FDBL
(5.6×106cfu/g) had similar bacterial load on their whole body. The highest anaerobic
bacteria count was obtained from the external surface of FDB (9.3×106 cfu/mL) and SDB
(8.7×106 cfu/mL) followed by FDBL (2.9×106 cfu/mL). The least anaerobic count was
recorded on external surface of FDBM (2.5×106 cfu/mL). The highest anaerobic bacteria
count was obtained from whole body of FDBM (10.9×107 cfu/g) while the least was from
FDB (4.2×106 cfu/g) and FDBL (4.4×106 cfu/g). The highest fungal count was obtained
from external surface (9.00×104 cfu/mL) and whole body (48.00×104 cfu/g) of FDB while
the least was from FDBL external surface (5.67×104 cfu/mL) and whole body (5.00×104
cfu/g). The bacterial counts in dung beetle larva except for FDBM were within the
acceptable limits when compared with the recommended limits (104 – 106 cfu/g) by
International Commission on Microbiological Specification for Foods (ICMSF). The total fungal count obtained from the present study was above the recommended limit
(103cfu/g). Species of Bacillus, Pseudomonas and Streptococcus were isolated from
external surface of FDB and SDB respectively while FDBL had species of Bacillus and
Proteus sp. on its external surface. Only Bacillus sp. was isolated from the external surface
of FDBM. From the whole body of FDB and SDB, Bacillus was isolated while species of
Bacillus and Proteus were isolated from FDBM. Species of Pseudomonas and Micrococcus
were isolated from whole body of FDBL. Bacillus sp. was the most frequently isolated
bacterium while Streptococcus sp. was the least. Aspergillus niger was the most frequent
fungus isolated while Aspergillus fumigates was the least. The results of the study revealed
that fried dung beetle larva prepared in the laboratory had the least microbial count.
Samples of dung beetle larva studied contained both pathogenic and non-pathogenic
microorganisms. Thus adequate precaution should be taken during processing and
handling.

This study investigated the prevalence of haemoparasites and haematological indices of slaughtered cattle in Ijebu-Ode, Southwest Nigeria. A total of one hundred blood samples of slaughtered cattle were randomly collected. Thin smears of blood were prepared for haemoparasite detection, lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes and eosinophils. The packed cell volume was determined using microhaemocritic centrifugation method. The red blood cells, white blood and the platelets counts were obtained using the automated machine (Hema Vet® 950) .The overall prevalence was (12%), the two genera of haemoparasites encountered were Theilera sp and Trypanosoma sp, with prevalence of (6%) each. Haematological parameters in the blood of the screened cattle such as Packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), red blood cells (RBC) and lymphocytes of infected cattle were significantly lower when compared to uninfected cattle (p<0.05) while higher counts of white blood cells, platelets and neutrophils were recorded in the infected cattle compared to uninfected cattle. Though the prevalence of haemoparasites was low, there is the need for frequent investigation in the study area, on haemoparasites and the associated haematological parameters in view of scarcity of information on it, to raise alert in case of incidence in order not to hamper the productivity of the conventional livestock industries and to make protein diet continuously available to the citizens.

A study was carried out to evaluate effect of mulch and irrigation on growth and water use
efficiency of lettuce (lactuca sativa L.) cultivars under irrigation during 2016, 2017 and 2018
in semi-arid ecology of Northern Nigeria at Irrigation Research Sub-Station farm (IRS) of the
Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University at Kadawa, (110 39/ N, 0800
027/ E and 500 m above sea level) in the Sudan Savanna Ecological Zone of Nigeria.
Treatments were factorial combinations of three irrigation levels (50, 75 and 100 % of
reference evapotranspiration (ETo), three lettuce cultivars (Great Lake, Slaai and Baby leaf
mix) and two levels of mulch (no-mulch and mulch) laid out in a split plot design with three
replicates. Water applied before and after irrigation was monitored throughout the seasons.
Results indicated that different levels of irrigation and mulch on all growth characteristics,
crop water use efficiency and irrigation water use efficiency were significant with the highest
irrigation level of 100 % ETo recording the highest yield of 8.5, 8.4 and 8.6 tonnes ha-1 in
2016, 2017 and 2018 seasons respectively while 50 % ETo recoded the least yield of 7.3, 6.7
and 7.5 tonnes ha-1 across the three years. Increase in water application increase yield of
about 7.6% in 2016; 11.6 and 10.6 % in 2017 and 2018 respectively with 100% ETo.
Mulching significantly improved the crop water productivity irrespective of the cultivar in
the study area. Since there were only minor differences between growth characters of lettuce
obtained from 75 and 100% ETo, it can be said that water application should be kept at 75%
weekly crop consumptive use in this region.

Seasonal adaptive distribution of mosquito species in rice fields was investigated in four
widely spaced sites located in Bosso, Maitumbi, Fadikpe and Chanchaga areas of Minna,
Niger State. Mosquito larvae were collected from the four sites during the rainy season
while soil samples were collected by excavation and flooded with water in plastic
containers to allow aestivating eggs and immature to emerge. Immature mosquitoes
recovered for both seasons were reared to adults and identified in the laboratory using
standard morphological keys. The results revealed three mosquito genera (i.e Aedes,
Anopheles and Culex) species co- existing in rice fields in Minna, with Culex been
dominant. The distribution of the ten species of mosquitoes occurred in the following
order of decreasing abundance during the rainy season; Culex pipiens pipiens
651(21.9%)> Culex quinquefasciatus 421(14.2%)> Anopheles gambiae 400 (13.5%)>
Anopheles funestus 334 (11.2%)> Culex restuans 297 1(10.0%)> Anopheles
maculipalpis 187(6.3%)> Anopheles quardrimaculatus 178(6.0%)> Aedes dorsalis 173
(5.8%)> Aedes aegypti 169 (5.7%)> Aedes vexans 162 (5.5%). While that of dry season
was Cx. pipiens pipiens 78(30%)> An. gambiae 6(23%)> Cx. quinquefasciatus 34
(13%)> An.funestus 32 (12.3%)> Ae. aegypti 20 (7.7%)> An. maculipalpis 10 (3.8%)>
An. quadrimaculatus 9(3.4%)> Cx. restuans 8(3.1%)> Ae. dorsalis 6(2.3%)> Ae vexans
4(1.5%). Findings further revealed a negative correlation between Aedes vs Anopheles
and Anopheles vs Culex mosquitoes in rainy season. But a positive correlation was
exhibited between the three mosquito genera during the dry season. Statistically
however, there was significant difference (P > 0.05) in the distribution of mosquito
species in the studied areas in both seasons. Thus, there is an urgent need for an effective
mosquito larvicidal programme for vector control in rice-fields in Minna, for sustainable
rice production. 

Toxicological properties of crude leaf extract of Mangifera indica were carried out using
standard procedures in laboratory mice. Forty Swiss albino mice grouped into four groups
each for the acute and sub-acute toxicity study were administered doses of 100, 200,
300mg/kg and normal saline (control). The results of showed increased in weight from
21.54±0.95g to 29.53±0.48g, 21.45±0.84g to 29.16±3.33g, 21.23±0.90g to 23.81±1.28g
for 300mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 100mg/kg respectively after 14 days of treatment. The mice
treated with 300mg/kg progressively increased in weight from 18.52±0.48 to 26.93±0.74g
after 21days (week 3), the 200mg/kg treated group increased from 19.14±0.98 to
30.76±0.56g in week 4 while the 100mg/kg treated group increased from 19.46±0.76 to
30.23±0.45 in week 3 respectively after 28 days of treatment. The haemoglobin counts
were 10.15±0.35g/dl, 10.78±0.50g/dl, 9.78±0.33g/dl and 10.12±0.32g/dl for 300, 200,
100mg/kg and control groups respectively. The packed cell volume (PCV) increased from
28.00±2.09% control group to 28.80±0.97%, 32.50±1.85% and 29.25±2.14% for 100, 200
and 300mg/kg respectively. Furthermore, the red blood cell (RBC) counts also increased
from 3.82±0.29x1012/L to 4.33±0.35 x 1012/L for 200mg/kg. There was a general increase
in the white blood cell (WBC) levels 5.36±1.03 x 109/L, 6.21±0.78 x 109/L, and 5.84±1.13
x 109/L for 100, 200 and 300mg/kg compared to the control 3.98±0.55 x 109/L. The mean
corpuscular volume (MCV) revealed an increase that is dose dependent 7.56±0.84,
8.05±1.00 and 8.12±0.79cuµ for 100, 200 and 300mg/kg respectively while the mean
corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) 2.57±0.30, 2.56±0.28 and 2.84±0.29pg did not follow
this pattern and the mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) 34.04±0.32,
33.23±0.81 and 33.04±1.01% for 100, 200 and 300mg/kg decreased respectively. The
histophatological defects observed were enlargement of nuclei on the liver and necrosis of
the glomeruli of the kidney administered with higher doses of the kidney.
Keywords: Mangifera indica, haematological indices, histopathological, albino mice.

Benthic macro invertebrate’s ability to indicate various types of anthropogenic
stressors is widely recognized as an integral component of freshwater biomonitoring. In
case of pollution, biodiversity of the aquatic community can be affected and the species
composition changes from natural species to tolerant species. Study on the benthic
macro invertebrates as potential indicator of water quality in Ajiwa reservoir, Katsina
State was carried out from November, 2015 to October, 2016, in terms of physical and
chemical parameters and biotic indices. For this purpose, macro benthic invertebrates
and water samples were taken from five sampling location once monthly. Benthic macro
invertebrate samples were collected with the aid of Ekman grab and was transferred
into labelled plastic storage bottle and preserved with 70% ethanol prior to sorting and
identification with the aid of standard keys. Physicochemical parameter were
determined using standard methods, procedures and instruments. The results of
identification and counting of the abundance of benthic macro invertebrate was used to
determine some biotic indices (Biological Monitoring Working Party-BMWP and
Average Score Per Taxon -ASPT) and diversity indices (Margalef, Simpson and Shannon
and Weaver Diversity indices). Fifteen physicochemical parameters were determined.
Some of their mean value were; Water Temperature (27.15±2.42 ), pH, (7.85±2.01),
Free CO2 (3.47±0.78mg/L), Turbidity (98.0±2.28NTU), TDS (85.68±2.71mg/L),
Electrical Conductivity (158.55±3.04μS/cm), Total Hardness (72.16±2.37mg/L), DO
(6.10±0.13mg/L), BOD (3.41±2.31mg/L), Calcium (64.34±1.35mg/L), Total alkalinity
(96.27±3.09mg/L), COD (4.11±1.10mg/L), Magnesium (5.36±2.46mg/L), Phosphate
(1.42±0.96mg/L) and Nitrate (2.07±1.13mg/L). Thirty five (35) different taxa
belonging to twenty four (24) families from a total of 4550 individuals’ organisms were
recorded. The relative percentage composition of the major taxonomic groups to the
overall macro benthic population at the different stations revealed that the study area
was inhabited by the following order Oligochaete (40.28%), Molluscs (24.08%), Diptera
(19.29%), Odonata (5.78%), Coleoptera (3.94%), Nematodes (3.38%) and Hemiptera (3.24%). BMWP had 57 scores; indicating moderately polluted water body in station 1
and 5 with abundance of pollution tolerant taxa such Chironomidae, Lymnaeidae,
Tubificidae and Planorbidae which revealed the impact of anthropogenic activities at some sampling locations of the reservoir. It is therefore recommended that
uncontrolled discharge of agrochemicals within the vicinity of the reservoir through
irrigation and other anthropogenic activities such as cattle rearing, bush burning etc.
should be controlled in order to curtail degradation of the aquatic biota over a period of
time. 

In addition to providing data of prey items, field surveillance of foraging activities in
lizards offers information on behavioural responses to changing habitat; food resource
conditions, such as, prey density; and the manner the prey is captured. The present
work, conducted near suburban settlements and towns in the Savannah belt of Nigeria,
West Africa, sought to use a natural history approach, with a mix of analytical methods
in order to enhance the characterization of the dietary ecology of A. agama through
direct field surveillance of foraging habits. This work reports, possibly for the first time,
some age-sex differences in diet-related behaviour of A. agama. Surveillance was made
four times in each of four sites, over four seasons, during June, 2015 to May, 2017. Five
transects of 100 meters each, spaced at 20-meter intervals were established in each of
the four sites. On every surveillance occasion, bouts of 30-minute walks were made on
each transect, pausing for longer periods whenever needed. Observations were
completed mainly with unaided eye, except for infrequent use of binoculars. Five
dietary items, namely dipterans, hymenopterans, isopterans, fungus, and orthopterans
had the highest frequency of selection ranks, in the order listed. The young & juvenile
lizards (of both sexes) displayed a rather peculiar manner of catching their dipteran
prey, described here as The Agama Predatory ‘Dance’ Significantly greater proportion
of young & juvenile lizards deployed this technique more than the adults (Fisher's
exact test, P = 0.002; Test for difference = 0 (vs not = 0); Z = -3.46; P-Value = 0.001).
Other diet-related observations noted included cannibalism and pest tendencies.
Perhaps, degraded habitat and poor food resource conditions were related to certain
bizarre dietary behaviours seen in A. agama.

The Influence of insecticide treatment and environmental conditions on reproductive attributes
(egg fertility, adult survivorship rate and daily adult emergence) of beans weevil (Callosobruchus
maculatus) infesting stored grains was investigated. Insecticide-free grains of white cowpea
(Vigna unguiculata) and test insecticide (Dichlorvos) were obtained from cowpea and
agrochemical vendors respectively, in Minna, Nigeria. Nulliparous female individuals of C.
maculatus, for the experimentation, were obtained from Stored Produce Research Institute, Ilorin.
The weevils were exposed to five graded concentrations of the insecticide prior to experimentation,
with negative and positive Controls. All experimental set-ups were in 5 replicates. The results
revealed significant effects of the insecticide on all reproductive traits investigated. Increase in
insecticide concentration significantly (P < 0.05) affected egg fertility (76.63±6.98, 35.75±7.67),
adult survivorship rate (44.29±5.48, 19.21±5.49 (%)) for Negative Control (NC) and Treated beans
(T5) respectively, as well as, daily adult emergence. Correlation between adult emergence and
Temperature (r = -0.2706, -0.8222); relative humidity (r = 0.47657, -0.2747) for NC and T5
respectively. The tested insecticide had significant effects on reproductive attributes of the insect
species. This information can assist cowpea farmers and stakeholders in pre and post storage
planning activities, as well as, monitoring insecticide contamination in stored grains.

Cyperus esculentus L., commonly known as Tiger nut, is a crop of the sedge family found
widespread across the world. Comparative nutritional compositions of raw and processed
(dankuwa, tiger nut cake) tiger nuts were carried out according to the standard methods.
Raw and processed tiger nuts (Cyperus esculentus L.) was found to contain high fat, crude
fiber, carbohydrate contents but low moisture content. The result of the proximate analysis
revealed that the moisture contents of raw tiger nuts (9.67percent), crude fat
(28.61percent) and crude fiber (24.94 percent) were significantly (p<0.05) higher than,
those of the processed tiger nut; (7.86%), (25.53%) and (22.34%) respectively. However,
the ash (3.00%), and carbohydrate (35.46%), contents of processed tiger nut was
significantly (p<0.05) higher than those of the raw tiger nuts; (1.61 %) and (25.53 %)
respectively. The Sodium (218.04mg/100g) and Calcium (0.65 mg/100g) contents of raw
tiger nuts were significantly (p<0.05) higher when compared to Sodium (139.53mg/100g)
and Calcium (0.00) contents of processed tiger nuts while the Potassium (38600.46
mg/100g), Iron (10.9), Copper (0.45mg/100g) and Zinc (7.85 mg/100g) contents of
processed tiger nuts were significantly (p<0.05) higher than those of the raw tiger nuts
(1225.50mg/100g), (6.15mg/100g), (0.40 mg/100g) and (4.10mg/100g) respectively. The
vitamin C (103.5mg/100g) and vitamin A (0.38mg/100g) contents of raw tiger nut were
significantly (p<0.05) higher to those, vitamin C (93.16 mg/100g) and vitamin A
(0.16mg/100g) contents of processed tiger nut. It can be concluded from the results of this
study that raw and processed (dankuwa) tiger nut contain appreciable amounts of micro
and micronutrients which could be included in the daily dietary pattern of human. This will
help to minimize the risk of nutritional deficiencies. 

Ticks are arthropods with four pairs of jointed legs, two body division i.e. cephalothorax and
abdomen and they are wingless. The study was conducted to determine the incidence of ticks
on animals slaughtered at Sokoto central abattoir. A total of 200 animals made up of 50 each
of cattle, camel, Goat and sheep were examined during the study. The body of animals were
divided into four i.e. legs, anal region, udder and other parts for tick examination. Age and
sex of the animals were noted. 79 animals, representing 39.5% were infested. The results
showed that camel has the highest infestation of 21%, followed by cattle with 15%, the sheep
2% and Goat with 1.5%. A total of 1055 ticks were collected from 79 infested animals. Six
species of ticks belonging to three genera were recorded, the tick species encountered with
their prevalence percentage are Hyalomma dromedarri with 69.19% followed by Hyalomma
truncatun with 20.47%, Ambylomma Variegatum with 6.16%, Boophilus decoloratus with
3.15%, Hyalomma marginatum rufipes 0.75% and Hyalomma impeltatum with lowest
percentage of 0.28%.From the study, the intensity of tick infestation is high, hence the need
for strict adoption of preventive strategies. 

The effect of methanol extact of Sterculia setigera on some serum and liver enzymes, as well as,
haematological parameters in Plasmodium bergei-infected mice was investigated. Fifteen mice
were randomly allocated into six groups of three animals each. Group I and II were given normal
saline (2 ml/kg) and chloroquine (5 mg/kg) to serve as untreated and treated controls,
respectively. Groups III-V received the extract at 150, 300 and 600 mg/kg body weight,
respectively. All treatments were administered through the oral route. Haematological and
Biochemical parameters including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase
(AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities and total protein concentration in serum
and liver of mice were evaluated. Results showed that the liver ALP activities significantly
(p<0.05) increased in infected untreated mice. There were also increases in serum ALT and AST
activities with concomitant decrease in liver activity of infected untreated group when compared
with control mice and infected treated with extract. Treatment with methanol extract of S.
setigera, however enhanced the situation as observed in the serum and liver enzymes activities in
the treated mice. Total white blood cell was significantly lowered in untreated mice. There were
also significant increases in the red blood cells (RBC), haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume
(PCV) and mean cell volume (MCV) of infected extract (only at 600 mg/kg) treated mice when
compared with the infected untreated. The results suggest that S. setigera probably has the ability
to reduce Plasmodium berghei induce alteration in biochemical and hematological parameters. It
could therefore be a useful cheap agent for the management of malaria

The phytochemical analysis and antibacterial activity of methanol and chloroform leaf extracts
of Adansonia digitata on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were carried out using
disc diffusion method. The clinical bacterial isolates of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus
aureus were obtained from General Hospital Biu, Borno State Nigeria. The phytochemical
analysis of the methanol extract revealed the presence of аlkaloids, saponins and tannins while
the chloroform revealed the presence of alkaloids and saponins. The antibiotic showed a wide
range of inhibition which ranged between (24.0mm to 18.0 mm) and (26.0mm to 20.0 mm)
Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus respectively, followed by the chloroform leaf
extract of Adansonia digitata with (18.0mm to 10.0 mm) and (14.0mm to 9.0 mm) against
Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus respectively. Methanol extract had a zone of
inhibition of (16.0 to 11.0 mm) and (13.0 to 8.0 mm) against Staphylococcus aureus at 100
mg/ml to 25 mg/ml concentrations respectively. The result of the MIC was revealed at 75
mg/ml and 100 mg/ml on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus while the minimum
bactericidal concentration shows the presence of turbidity at both the concentrations.
Therefore, the Adensonia digitata leaves would be recommended for the treatment of any
disease caused by Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

Plantain, Musa paradisiaca L ., is a popular food in West African sub-regions, including

Nigeria, and a primary source of livelihood for a greater percentage of the people in Otuoke

community. Aside being food, the crop Musa paradisiaca L. has traditionally been used as

medicine. Its growth is hampered by soil nematodes. A survey to identify the endemic

nematode pest parasitizing plantain in Bayelsa State was conducted in Otuoke, one of the

plantains producing community in the state. Soil samples were randomly collected from the

root rhizosphere of a plantain mono-cultured farm of three hundred stands by the use of

hand trowel. Roots were also collected at the same time with soil using kitchen knife and

nematodes were extracted using the modified sieve plate technique and were identified to

genera level by means of nematode key. A total of 384 nematodes from 9 genera were

recovered. Among the 384 nematodes reported in this survey, 274 (71.4%) occurred in soil

and root tissues had 110 (28.6%). The occurrence of nematodes in soil and roots in this

survey could be attributed to nematode site of feeding preference. This observation suggests

that high concentration of nutrient around the root rhizosphere can discourage nematodes

from root burrowing. The study opined that nematodes of agronomical importance are

present in Otuoke and awareness should be created to minimized damage severity on

indigenous crops.

Plant growth relies on soil nutrients. An agricultural soil's ability to remain viable is largely

dependent on its physicochemical characteristics, which can be restored through artificial or

natural fertilizer. When added to the soil as amendments, waste for soil enhancement can

positively impact soil physicochemical parameters and active associations, reducing

pathogen populations in cultivated fields. A study to determine the impact of improved soil

physico-chemical parameters on nematode population dynamics was conducted using raw

poultry filters. Soil sampling was done prior and post improvement of soil physicochemical

features by parasitological technique. Soil was collected using a modified soil auger on 0-15

cm depth. The extraction of nematode was done using the modified sieve plate technique and

nematodes were identified using nematode pictorial key. Sampling before the improvement

of the physicochemical parameters of soil revealed a total of 216 nematodes from 8 genera

while post application of composited poultry droppings had a total of 601 nematodes from

16 genera. High dynamics on nematode population was reported from the experimented plot

after the improvement of soil physiochemical parameters on application of composited

poultry droppings. This observation is indicative that improvement of soil physicochemical

features impact positively on nematode propagation. The study also noticed that the

populations of phyto-parasitic nematodes decrease as omnivorous and predatory nematodes

reports a reasonable increase in the soil post soil improvement, which depicts that the use of

omnivorous nematodes, if properly sourced, may fit in as an alternative option in the

management and control of plant feeding species of nematodes in the soil.

Animal Trypanosomiasis has remained a great threat to livestock in tropical Africa.

Chemotherapy of trypanosomiasis is faced with lots of problems. Fexinidazole recently

discovered in 2018 is not easily available and can only be used for the treatment of the first

stage of the disease, hence the need for cheaper drugs which will be easily available and

assessable. The study aimed to determine the effect of Senna occidentalis extracts on some

biochemical parameters of wistar rats infected with Trypanosoma congolense .

Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids

phenolic compounds and carbohydrates in both the ethanol and aqueous extracts. Acute

toxicity studies, determined by administering 1500, 3000 and 5000 mg/kg body weight (b.

wt) of extracts to wistar rats revealed significant (P<0.05) increase in AST and ALP in group

receiving 3000mg/kgbwt and 5000mg/kg b. wt of the extracts. There was no significant

difference in ALT in group receiving 1500 mg/kg b. wt and 3000mg/kg b. wt. of both ethanol

and aqueous extracts compared with the control. This showed that the plant is relatively

non-toxic. Post infection treatment of animals stirred the emergence of pasitemia by Day 5.

However, only animals receiving 250mg/kg b. wt of ethanol extract and 500mg/kg b. wt of

aqueous extract survived till day 13th post infection. A significant (P<0.05) decrease in AST

and ALP was discovered in all the test groups except the uninfected/untreated group. For

group receiving 500mg/kgbwt of ethanol extract, there was no significant difference in the

ALT and T.bil. No significant difference was observed in potassium, sodium, chloride, urea

and creatinine concentrations of group receiving 500mg/kg b. wt of ethanol extracts

compared with the uninfected/untreated rat. These results thereby demonstrate

ameliorative potentials of Senna occidentalis leaves on hepatic and renal functions of wistar

rats infected with Trypanoso ma congolense . Findings from the study recommend bioassay

guided fractionation to characterize the active components of the plant.

Endophytic fungi which reside in the tissues of higher plants without causing overt symptoms on

the plants in which they live – are reported to produce bioactive compounds which can be used in

agriculture, pharmaceuticals and the food industries. This study aim to evaluate the anti-

trypanosomal activities of endophytic fungi isolated from the leaves and stems of Psidium

guajava. Following surface sterilization, the plant parts were placed in potato dextrose agar (PDA)

to initiate fungal growth. Hyphae and spores of distinct fungal growth were further sub-cultured in

sabouraud dextrose broth to isolate pure fungal isolates. Each isolated fungal species was

subsequently grown in a 500ml Erlenmeyer’ s flask containing 100ml of liquid broth (pH 5.6) for

7 days at 28°C at 220 rpm in an incubator shaker. The respective fungal growths were filtered from

the broth, air dried, weighed and stored in well labelled airtight containers. Ethyl acetate and

distilled water were used for extraction, and the respective extracts were evaluated for their in vitro

anti-trypanosomal activities. Three endophytic fungi were isolated namely Penicillium sp.,

Aspergillus niger, and Mucor racemosus. The phytochemical analyses revealed the presence of

alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, steroids, terpenoids, anthraquinone, cardiac glycoside, and

phlobatannins. The in vitro results indicated that the extracts of the ethyl acetate and aqueous

extracts of the endophytic fungi exhibited concentration dependent effect against Trypanosoma

brucei brucei between 0.15 and 10.0 mg/ml; the median lethal concentration (LC50) of the extracts

showed that ethyl acetate extract of Penicillium sp was the most active with an LC50 of 0.303

mg/ml.

The study investigated the prevalence and antibiotic resistance profile of Streptococcus

pneumoniae , within the study area. The screening of 768 specimens collected from the study

areas revealed that, 29.2% of the samples were positive for Streptococcus pneumoniae , while

Klebsiella pneumoniae , Streptococcus pyogenes , and Moraxella catarrhalis were identified in

10.2%, 14.8%, and 10% of the samples, respectively. Additionally, Haemophilus influenzae ,

Staphylococcus aureus , Escherichia coli , and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were observed in 4.4%,

19.9%, 8.2%, and 3.3% of the samples, respectively. The prevalence rate of S. pneumoniae

within the study locations were 30.6%, 26.1%, 29.2% and 31.5% from UATH, Keffi, Bida and

Lokoja centres respectively. The highest antibiotic resistance rates shown by Streptococcus

pneumoniae were observed against the more frequently consumed antibiotics such as

cefotaxime, ampicillin, tetracycline, co-trimoxazole, with average resistance rates of 53.8%,

53.7%, 53.7%, and 53% respectively. Conversely, the lowest resistance rates of 11.3%, 33%

and 37.5% were observed against levofloxacin, cephalexin and linezolid, respectively. The

study observed an average multidrug resistance rate (MDR) of 59.7% with the highest MDR

rate of 69.02% recorded from Gwagwalada center. Analysis, of infection rates by age

distribution, showed that the highest infection rate was among the pediatric patients, below

5 years (74.2%), followed by the age bracket above 65 years (66.4%). There was a higher

infection rate among females (66.1%), compared to males (52.4%). Patients with tertiary

education exhibited a slightly lower infection rate of 24.6%, in contrast to 32.9% and 27 % for

those without formal education and with secondary education, respectively. Slightly higher

infections rates were observed in the months of December and January. This was probably due

to the cold, windy and drier weather condition, which encouraged sneezing by carriers and so

increasing chances of the disease spreading to healthy persons.

Trypanosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease which affects the well-being of both humans

and animals. The socioeconomic effect of the disease cannot be overemphasized and drugs

used for the treatment of the disease are faced with several challenges ranging from

resistance to the parasite to high level of toxicity. Our study aimed at determining the effect

of Alstonia boonei and Morinda lucida on some haematological parameters of wistar rats

infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei . Phytochemical screening of the methanol extract

indicated the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, carbohydrates, phenols

and steroids/terpenes, while glycosides were not detected. Only four of the eight

constituents tested for were detected in the chloroform leaf extract of A. boonei , namely, :

alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, and carbohydrates. Alkaloids, tannins falvonoids, and

carbohydratses were detected in both the chloroform and methanol extract of Morinda

lucida . Acute toxicity studies revealed that the extract is relatively non-toxic from the Packed

cell volume indices and all the wistar rats used for the study survived. In infected rats treated

with 500 and 1000 mg/kg b.wt methanol extract of A. boonei , there was significant decrease

in packed cell volume. For the 500 mg/kg mg/kg b. wt group, the PCV values before infection

with T. brucei were 21.4±0.23 %, and 22.8±1.21 %. However, by the second and third day of

post infection, the respective PCV values were 19.4±0.15% and 17.1±1.26 % respectively. In

wistar rats treated with 1000 mg/kg methanol extract of A. boonei , the PCV prior to infection

was 20.8±1.46 %; on the first day of infection, the PCV was 21.5±0.39 %; while on the

second and third day post infection with T. brucei , the PCV values were 19.6±1.72 and

18.9±0.28 %, respectively. Therefore, the extracts of Astonia boonei should be characterized

and active components responsible for this ameliorative effect be detected and elucidated

structurally.