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Schistosomiasis remains a significant public health concern in many developing nations,
particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. While synthetic compounds such as
Niclosamide have been developed to combat snail-borne diseases, these synthetic
molluscicides are either scarce, expensive or toxic to non-target organisms in the snail habitat.
In contrast, plant-derived products have been extensively studied for their molluscicidal
properties, whereas animal-derived compounds, notably toad venom, have received less
attention. This study explores the potential of toad venom as an alternative molluscicide for
controlling snail intermediate hosts of Schistosoma. Toad venom was extracted and analyzed
for zoochemicals and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) Analysis.
Molluscicidal evaluation of toad venom crude extract was conducted following World Health
Organization (WHO) guidelines. Adult snails of Biomphalaria pfeifferi, Bulinus forskalii, and
Bulinus globosus species were exposed to graded concentrations (200, 100, 50, 25, 12.5, and
6.5 mg/L) of the toad venom crude extract. Analysis of results was performed using ANOVA
and Probit Regression analysis. Results on qualitative zoochemical screening of crude extract
of toad venom revealed the presence of cardiac glycoside, carbohydrate, saponins, steroids
IJABR Vol. 15(1): 174 - 189 (2024)

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and terpenoids. GCMS analysis of crude toad venom revealed 30 peaks representing 25
bioactive compounds, with 9-Octadecenoic acid, methyl ester being the most abundant

constituents in the crude toad venom. The toad venom extract showed a dose and time-
dependent activity against the exposed mollusks. Exposure of B. pfeifferi, B. globosus, and B.

forskalii to 100 mg/L concentrations resulted in mortality rates of 73.3%, 66.6%, and 60%,
respectively, after 24 hours. After 24 hours of exposure period, the lethal concentrations
required to kill 50% (LC50) of B. pfeifferi, B. globosus, and B. forskalii snails were 46.77, 70.79,
and 79.43 mg/L, respectively. Notably, the effective doses of toad venom against the three snail
species exhibited minor variations despite their coexistence in common habitats. In
conclusion, this study underscores the molluscicidal potential of toad venom as a promising
lead agent for controlling snail intermediate hosts of Schistosoma.

Gastrointestinal parasites of chicken cause significant harm and financial losses on the poultry
sector as they can induce weight loss, reduce egg production and feed conversion ratio, causing
malnourishment and mortality. This study aimed to identify the gastrointestinal parasites of
chicken slaughtered in Ariaria Junction Market, Abia State. A total of 150 chicken intestines
were collected from poultry butchers, after obtaining their consent, into a labelled container
indicating the breed and sex of the chickens. The samples were transported to the laboratory
for visual and microscopic examinations. The samples were processed using floatation
technique and all gastrointestinal parasites were identified directly under the microscope. The
result showed that 126(84%) chicken samples were infected with the eggs and adults of
gastrointestinal nematodes only from three (3) genera. The nematodes present were Ascaridia
galli 86(68.3%), Heterakis gallinarum 15(11.9%), Subulura brumpti 25(19.8%); with A. galli
being the most prevalent. The small intestine, large intestine and the caecum of the chicken
were particularly infected. Mixed infections (A. galli and S. brumpti) were seen in female
broilers and old layers (H. gallinarum and A. galli); as male broilers had only single infection
with egg of A. galli. The parasites showed some degree of preference for female chickens as the
difference in the infection rate was significant between the sexes (P<0.05), although the type
of breed had no impact on the rate of the infestation (P>0.05). Veterinary extension officers
should educate farmers about gastrointestinal parasites, focusing on local farmers'
management practices to protect poultry health and promote public health.
Keywords: Chicken, gastrointestinal infestation, helminthes, nematode, prevalence

Gmelina arborea plantation is one of the largest plantations in Nigeria from which raw
materials for paper industries, buildings, constructions and carpentry works is obtained. This
research was aimed at investigating the mycoflora associated with the wood of Gmelina
arborea, many of which led to wood decay in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
Samples were collected from the affected part of the wood in three strategic study areas
(Timber sheds) namely: Kasuwar Katako, Main market, and Muhammad Bwala timber shed.
Isolation was carried out by inoculating the different samples on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA)
plates in the laboratory of the Department of Biology, Nigerian Army University Biu; and
incubated at a temperature of 280C for a week from which pure cultures were obtained after
subculturing the different fungal colonies. Identification of the fungal species was carried out
using macroscopic and microscopic examinations. These are Absidia corynbifera,
Microsporum jypseum, Microsporum fulvum, Rhizopus microsporus and Rhizopus orizae. The
percentage frequency of each of these fungi was also determined using the means. The result
obtained from this research shows that Rhizopus microsporus is the most prevalent found in
all the three study areas while the other four species were encountered only once in one study
area or the other. Therefore, further research should be carried out on the treatment and
proper storage of wood decay to minimise spoilage and boost the economy.

Crude oil, a highly hazardous chemical, is composed of up to 10,000 distinct hydrocarbons,

posing significant risks to aquatic life. This review focuses on assessing both short- and long-
term impacts of crude oil on aquatic ecosystems, including its effects on diversity, food webs,

and ecological balance. The review also highlights sources of crude oil, its composition, and
its transportation and fate within aquatic environments. Major sources of oil spills in aquatic
ecosystems stem from oil exploration, transportation, and refineries. Various factors, such
as oil weathering processes (e.g., evaporation, dissolution, emulsification, biodegradation,
sedimentation, and photooxidation), physio-chemical changes (including partitioning,
adsorption, sorption, hydrolysis, oxidation, volatilization, and emulsification), and
environmental conditions (like oxygen levels, sediment presence, water currents, salinity,
wave action, and temperature), influence the fate and transport of crude oil within aquatic
ecosystems. In Nigeria, short- and long-term impacts of crude oil spills include immediate
environmental damage, loss of livelihoods, degradation of ecosystems, disruption of food
webs, and loss of aquatic biodiversity. Remediation efforts primarily rely on physical,
chemical, and biological methods to mitigate the effects of oil spills. The damages inflicted by
crude oil on human health and ecological systems are manifold, encompassing respiratory
problems, skin irritations, cancers, neurological effects, habitat destruction, disruption of
food chains, and loss of ecosystem services. These consequences highlight the urgent need
for effective prevention, response, and remediation strategies to safeguard aquatic
environments and human well-being from the adverse effects of crude oil contamination.

Petroleum and its byproducts are still the main sources of energy for many different types of

businesses and daily living. However, because some products are acutely poisonous or have

mutagenic, teratogenic, or carcinogenic qualities, their discharge into the environment is a

global problem. Indiscriminate disposal of crude oil into the environment has no doubt

increased hydrocarbon pollution in Nigeria. Microorganisms have been identified as major

contributors in fighting pollution by utilizing hydrocarbons to enhance cell growth and

energy needs. This study was aimed at detecting alkB and nahAc genes from Pseudomonas

sp. isolated from petroleum contaminated soil of Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical

Company (KRPC), Kaduna, Nigeria. Bacteria from the petroleum contaminated soil were

isolated and confirmed using standard biochemical tests and molecular methods. The

bacterial isolates were screened using soil enrichment technique. Out of the 18 bacteria

isolated, Pseudomonas sp. having the highest hydrocarbon utilizing ability was selected for

further studies. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) experiments with specific primers

confirmed the presence of alkB and nahAc genes in Pseudomonas sp. The presence of alkB

and nahAc genes in Pseudomonas sp. from this study indicates that Pseudomonas sp. from

the petroleum contaminated soil may have the potential to degrade petroleum and therefore

be useful in the bioremediation of petroleum contaminated soil.

The use of yeast for ethanol production from biomass has been well reported, however the
performance of various yeast strains is limited due to high temperature involved of the fermentation
process as well as the ethanol concentration. Efficient production of bioethanol, therefore, requires
strains that are both thermo-tolerant and ethanol tolerant. This paper aimed at producing bioethanol
using ethanol, pH and temperature tolerant yeast species from isolated from local brews in Nigeria.
The study involves the isolation, identification and characterisation of yeast strains using
morphological techniques from local brews samples in Minna, Niger state, Nigeria. All isolates
assimilated xylose sugar; however they showed significant variations in sugar fermentation pattern.
The growth of all the yeast isolates at 45 °C was observed in temperature tolerant activity and
between pH range of 2 to 6; also, all isolates were tolerant to 14% ethanol, however, some showed
the ability to grow at 17% ethanol. All yeast isolates produced ethanol in quantities between 0.73 –
18.43 g/L, however the highest production was observed by isolate B21 on day 2. The study
demonstrated that most of the identified yeast species are temperature and alcohol tolerate up to 45
oC and 14% ethanol. The assimilation of pentose sugars further suggests that these isolates could be
applied for the production of high yield bioethanol and the use of indigenous local brews could be
exploited by various industries for alternative fuel production.

Study was conducted to determine the time of commencement of life stages and duration of
time spend in each immature life stages of beans weevil (Callosobrochus maculatus) raised
on insecticide-treated grains in storage. White cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) was obtained
from Minna Central market, sowed during 2016 raining season without applying any
insecticide/pesticide in order to clear the beans seed from potential chemical processing
during storage. The experimental design was completely randomized, involving 7 test, 2 as
control (positive and negative controls) and the remaining 5 were treated with varying
concentration of malathion insecticide prior to commencement of the study. Results were

recorded for two phases of immature life stages with larval and pupal stages having sub-
stages of development. The results further revealed that the time of commencement of next

life stage from previous once were significantly (P = 0.05) faster in days with decrease in
insecticide concentrations in storage. In another development, there was significant increase
in the duration (days) egg spend before hatching, from the maximum time allowed for
oviposition uniformly (5.00±0.00 and 4.00±0.00 days for highest and lowest insecticide
application) respectively, as the concentration of insecticide increases. More so, total larval
duration (TLD) and total immature duration (TID) also varied significantly as the former
(15.00±0.00 and 18.00±0.00 days for TLD and 21.00±0.00 and 24.00±0.00 days for TID)
respectively, although there was no significant difference in total pupal duration (TPD)
(6.00±0.00 days) among weevils raised in all treatments. This result is an indication that,
insecticide in storage could affect egg hatching and larval developmental duration within the
beans seed. This information if articulated, can serve as early warning signals/biomarker of
grains treated with abused insecticide concentration for consumers and stakeholders of
cowpea and the knowledge can be applied to other stored product having similar immature
development process.

Distribution and diversity indices of principal vectors (Bulinus spp) of Schistosomiasis at
farms in Doko community, Lavun, Niger State was investigated in the year 2023.
Schistosomiasis is human infectious disease which results from penetration of the cercariae
of Schistosoma spp. through the skin. Farmers Survey as a first step measure was conducted
at the locality, farm type, abundance was observed from their farms, there was limited faring
activity within the sampling period. Aestivating snail samples were collected from soil
samples by excavating the soil at a shallow depth of 3cm (30 x 30cm), at three randomly
selected points, in each sampling site, more so, hand picking of available surface snails was
done simultaneously at three randomly selected points, in each sampling site. Through the
survey, it was established that, snail abundance was more at rice field farm, vegetable farms
and others respectively, with ability of aestivating during early dry season. Results revealed
significant variation in conductivity and water hardness, with rice farm water recording
significantly higher conductivity and hardness (290±22.46 μS/cm and 58.33±1.29 mg/ml)
respectively. Evenness diversity indices revealed that snail in vegetable farms had the
rearrests species distribution followed by others and Rice farm had the highest with the
following evenness index value of 0.9259, 0.9165 and 0.8231 respectively. More so, Eigen
value also revealed 82.95 and 17.05 % influence of environmental factors on the distribution
of the snails in the selected farms. Conclusively the study revealed a strong association of
availability of potential snail vector of schistosomiasis at various farms studied, which could
serve as a serious public health treat to the control of Schistosomiasis in the locality.

Floral and molecular characterizations of two morphotypes of Caesalpinia pulcherrima were
undertaken in this study. The sampled plants were growing in three different locations as
ornamentals within Ilorin metropolis, Kwara State. Leaf and floral samples were obtained and
transported to the laboratory of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Federal University, Oye Ekiti
where the floral characteristics (numbers of the floral leaves, their lengths and colours; the
fertility of the pollens, their diameter and their production per anther and also per flower)
were evaluated. Molecular analyses were also done at the Bioscience Center, Institute of
Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, following standard procedures. The variegated red type has red
coloured petals with yellow fringes while its sepal is tinged red. Its pedicels and ovule are
green coloured while its style, anther and the filaments were all red coloured. The yellow type
had yellowish petals and sepals, its pedicels and ovules are also green while the style, anther
and the filaments were all yellow coloured. The petals and the sepals in the two morphotypes
were five each; the pedicel, ovule and style for the flower were one each while the number of
anthers and filaments were 10 for each. The lengths of pedicels (variegated red, 2.98cm;
yellow, 1.86cm), styles (variegated red, 4.18cm; yellow, 2.94cm) and the filaments (variegated
red, 3.98cm; yellow, 2.90cm) were significantly different in the two morphotypes. Their pollen
diameters showed no significant differences while the pollens produced per anther (red,
3765.0; yellow, 3860.25) and pollen produced per flower (red, 37650; yellow, 38602.5)
showed significant differences between the two types. Their pollen fertilities (red, 77.5%;
yellow, 75.9%) were also statistically different. Molecular assays using bar code method also
revealed marked differences in their phylogenetic relationships. This study helps to
understand the importance of the floral features in plant diversity studies, in plant adaptation,
identification and classification.

Cough which is a symptom of respiratory illness affect people of all ages and medicinal plants
have been used for treatment of various ailments for ages. However, indigenous knowledge
about medicinal plants is slowly disappearing because of lack of documentation of these
precious endowments. This study was carried out to document medicinal plants that are used
for cough in Abeokuta-South local government of Ogun State. Fifty respondents which
comprised the herb sellers and traditional healers were interviewed on plants, plants parts

and mode of preparation of the plants use for cough. Data obtained was subjected to ethno-
botanical indices which are Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) and Use value (UV). A total

number of 25 plants from 19 families were used for the treatment of cough. The RFC for all
plants species ranged from 0.04 – 0.38. The most frequently mentioned plants were
Anacardium occidentale (0.38), Cola acuminata (0.30) and Garcinia kola (0.28). Other plants
recorded in this study are Abrus precatorius, Aframomum melegueta and Ficus exasperata.
The highest use value was recorded in Adansonia digitata (0.16), Allium sativum (0.12) and
Alstonia boonei (0.12). Leaves were the dominant part used for the treatment of cough. The
modes of preparation were concoction, decoction and maceration while the mode of
administration is orally. The represented plant species belong to family Amaryllidaceae,
Malvaceae, Apocynaceae and Fabaceae. This study revealed the diversity of plant species used
for the treatment of cough and the inventory contributes to database of valuable plant
resources in Nigeria.

The world's health is currently under threat from antibiotic resistance, as more and more
infections become practically impossible to treat or extremely difficult to manage. As a result
of this circumstance, there are now more illnesses, deaths, and financial obligations. One
intriguing treatment option among the many approaches to combat antibiotic resistance is the
use of bacteriophages, viruses that infect and kill bacteria. Despite its initiation almost a
century ago, phage therapy faced a setback following the successful introduction of antibiotics.
However, in the current landscape marked by rising antibiotic resistance, phage therapy is
experiencing resurgence. This review provides an overview of phage therapy starting with its
historical origins dating back to the early 20th century, it discusses the mechanism of phage
action, results of human clinical trials, also addressing the significant barriers hindering the
use of phages in clinical settings. Finally, this review discusses future directions and
opportunities for integrating phage therapy into clinical practice.

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.
Keywords: Prevalence, demographic, pathogens, susceptibility, antibiotic resistance

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of Senna alata on some haematological
indices of wistar rats infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei. Sofowora methods were
employed for phytochemical analysis to detect the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins,
flavonoids, carbohydrates, phenols steroids/terpenes and glycosides. Results revealed the
absence of steroids in all extracts, absence of saponins in petroleum ether and chloroform
extracts, absence of flavonoids only in petroleum ether extracts and presence of free
anthraquinones only in chloroform extract. Post infection treatment of animals stirred the
emergence of parasitaemia by Day 3. Only wistar rats receiving 200mg/kgb.wt of chloroform
extract survived by day 16. PCV and haemoglobin concentration (Hb) decreased significantly
(P<0.05) for the infected not treated group. Also, Infected-treated groups recorded the lowest
PCV (30.4%) and Hb (10.1g/dl) in wistar rats receiving aqueous extract on day 12. Highest
change in WBC (from 6.2X 103 /μl to 1.32X 104 /μl) was recorded in group receiving
200mg/kgb.wt of chloroform extract.. These results thereby demonstrate ameliorative
potentials of the extracts of Senna alata extract in some haematological indices of wistar rats
infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei. Keywords: Trypanosomiasis, Phytochemicals,
Haematology, Senna alata

The elimination of antibiotics from wastewater is a critical process aimed at alleviating
environmental pollution and safeguarding public health. Different ways and technologies such
as advanced oxidation processes, membrane filtration, biological treatment and antibiotics
chemical treatment are employed to effectively eliminate antibiotics from wastewater. In
addition to safeguarding human health from any potential negative consequences linked to
water sources tainted with antibiotics, this is crucial to stopping the spread of antibiotic
resistance in natural ecosystems, such as farmlands and water bodies. Antibiotics removal
from wastewater is not without its difficulties. One of such difficulty is the antibiotics' escape
during the treatment of organic waste water. Regular processes like organic filtration,
coagulation, flocculation and sedimentation cannot eliminate antibiotics completely. The use
of modern biotechnological discoveries such as nanotechnology is needed for complete
removal of antibiotics from waste water.

This study investigated the monthly variation in the physicochemical attributes of Lake Laiko in Niger
State, with the aim of using these parameters as indicators of the water integrity. Water samples were
collected from September 2019 to August 2020, between 6:00 to 9: 00 in the morning and 4: 00 to 6:
00 in the evening. Water samples were randomly collected from four stations 200m apart every month
along the lake. Various physicochemical parameters including temperature, turbidity, conductivity,
total suspended solids, total dissolved solids, pH, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, and
nutrient concentrations were analyzed using Analysis of Variance followed by Duncan multiple Range
Test which was employed to separate means of parameter with significant differences. Pearson
correlation coefficient was used to establish the relationship among the physicochemical parameters.
Analysis was assumed significant at P<0.05. Analysis was carried out using Microsoft excel, 2010, and
Statistical Packages for Social Sciences, 20th version. The results revealed significant variations in these
parameters across different months, with implications for the ecological dynamics and water quality
of the lake. Temperature showed very weak positive correlation with turbidity (0.114), conductivity
(0.137), P (0.124), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) (0.34), N (0.042) and negative weak
correlation with DT (-0.060), TSS (-0.165) and TDS (-0.070) respectively. Similarly, there was weak
positive correlation between Turbidity, and conductivity (0.035). Total dissolve solid also show weak
negative correlation with Ph (-0.023), Dept (DT) (-0.07), P-0.179) and N (-0.359) respectively. There
was very weak correlation between BOD and Temperature, BOD and conductivity was significant. The
study provides valuable insights into the seasonal variations of physicochemical parameters in Lake
Laiko, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and understanding these variations for effective lake
management and conservation. The moderate level of the measured parameters is an indication of the
good integrity of the lake for the survival of its bio community.

Soymilk, a plant-based drink, contains high nutritional content, including protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. However, its limited shelf life as a result of microbial activities poses a significant challenge. It is a fact that plant extracts inhibit the growth of microorganisms. The objective of this research work was to evaluate the assessment of spoilage in soymilk and explore techniques to extend its shelf life. Samples of sweetened and unsweetened soymilk were acquired from different locations, and transported to the laboratory for analysis. The pour plate method was employed to determine the microbial count and identified the microorganisms. The bacteria isolated include; Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella spp, and Pseudomonas spp, while the fungi isolated were Aspergillus spp, Fusarium spp, and Candida albicans. Furthermore, various plant extracts were tested against the organisms that had the highest population, and it was discovered that Azadirachta indica inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, whereas Sesamum indicum inhibited the growth of Aspergillus spp. This research finding indicated a substandard hygienic level in soymilk production, which contributed to spoilage caused by microorganisms. It also emphasizes the role of plant extracts from Azadirachta indica (Neem leaf) and Sesamum indicum (Sesame Leaf) in extending the shelf life of soymilk, albeit with potential effects on its organoleptic properties.

Despite the recent progress made in the control and eradication of malaria, the disease remains the first endemic especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Malaria often results in a series of clinical presentations, from severe to uncomplicated or mild, and in poorly understood asymptomatic infections. The progress of malaria control interventions has been hindered by the presence of asymptomatic carriage of malaria parasites, its mis-diagnosis, and especially false negative results. This phenomenon has been poorly attributed to the recent mass usage of the substandard Rapid Diagnosis Tests (RDTs) and on the other hand, the global malaria eradication program has focused on symptomatic malaria. Consequently, asymptomatic infection remains undetected and provides a silent natural reservoir that sustains transmission of Plasmodium species in the community. Experts have identified the possible intricacies between host, parasites, age, co-infection and/or environmental factors among others to the complexity of asymptomatic infection. Therefore, in order to achieve the recent World Health Organization developed Strategic Framework for malaria elimination from 2016 to 2030 to reduce malaria morbidity and mortality by 90% and eliminate malaria in 35 countries by 2030, it is critical to interrupt the ongoing malaria transmission from the asymptomatic reservoir. Evidence from these studies suggests the strict inclusion of asymptomatic patients in malaria intervention and the adoption of ultrasensitive diagnostics in malaria surveillance and treatment.

Intestinal helminthes are threat to the health of rural communities of developing countries. School children are predisposed to the infection caused by these parasites. This study reported the presence of intestinal helminthes among school children in Nkalagu area of Ishielu Local Government Area. Concentration method was used for microscopic analysis of the faecal samples. Out of the 100 faecal samples examined, 62(62%) were infected. Of which 53 males examined, 33(62.2%) was infected; 47 females, 29(61.7%) were infected; School 1 had the highest prevalence 34(68%). Significant differences was recorded at p<0.05. The total prevalence of infection among schools sampled is as follows; Ascaris lumbricoides 38(61.3 %), Enterobius vermicularis 15(24.2%) and Trichuris trichiura 9(14.5%). The prevalence of these intestinal helminthic parasites also varied significantly between the gender with females having comparatively more Ascaris lumbricoides 20(69%), Enterobius vermicularis 4(13.8%) and Trichuris trichura 5(17.2%) and the males having Ascaris lumbricoides 18(54.5%), Enterobius vermicularis 11(33.3%) and Trichuris trichiura 4(12.1%). The prevalence of these helminthic infections varied significantly among the age groups, 57 years was highly infected 25(64.1%), Ascaris lumbricoides infection was high in all the age groups. Our study indicated that intestinal helminthiasis has high prevalence in the area. Control measures such as, provision of adequate sanitary facilities and potable drinking water, improved personal hygiene and health education campaign should increase in the study area.

5Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, KOMU Imo State, Nigeria.

Submitted: November, 2022; Accepted: December, 2022; Published: December, 2022

Although chemical insecticide application against mosquito vectors has been the key element in malaria vector management programmes, their efficacy and potency have been greatly threatened by the evolution of insecticide-resistant mosquitoes. These situations have pushed the malaria vector control experts towards the discovery and development of new novel environmentally friendly bio-pesticide agents with distinct potential to combat the challenges associated with the use of synthetic insecticides. The uses of biological agents that are environmentally friendly against the malarial vector, Anopheline mosquito, are one of the vital parts of the recently launched malaria eradication programme. Entomopathogenic bacteria and fungi are some microorganisms that have the potency to grow on or in insects, eventually killing them. These microorganisms have been well documented to control larvae of both agricultural, forestry and medically important insect pest. In the current study, it is worthy of note that Bacteria isolates including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus polymyxa, Bacillus thuringiensis, as well as, Fungi isolates such as Beauveria spp and Metarhizium spp have been well reported to possess a variety of metabolites with mosquito-larvicidal and -adulticidal potencies. An attempt has been made in this current review to explore the recent development of Entomopathogenic bacteria and fungi in malaria vector control. Findings from the present review thus suggest proper exploitation of these microorganism communities in the development of novel integrated control against the malarial vector.

Malaria in pregnancy is a major public health concern in Nigeria and is characterized with deleterious effects on both the mother and foetus. The current study elucidated the influence of knowledge and usage of long-lasting insecticidal net (LLINs) on malaria incidence among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Dutse General Hospital. A total of 150 blood samples was aseptically collected and subjected to malaria test using Giesma-microscopic procedure. Their demographic characteristic as well as their knowledge of mosquito net usage were assessed using well-structured questionnaire. Out of the 150 pregnant women enrolled in the study, 98 (65.33 %) were positive for malaria. The age group 26-35 years recorded the highest prevalence (69.33 %). The prevalence also varied with respect to the other demographic characteristics of the study participants. This study found that majority of respondents used Long-lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) as a measure to prevent malaria during pregnancy. The knowledge and use of LLIN as a preventive measure against malaria was relatively high among the participants in this study, though still below national target. There is therefore a need to strengthen the policy of malaria prevention education as an integral component with distribution of free LLIN in health care setting to enhance its utilization

The presence of antibiotics resistance bacteria associated with herbal drinks commonly consumed has been a major public health concern. This study aims at determining Multiple Antibiotic Resistance (MAR) Index from “JIKO” a herbal drink consumed in some parts of Kaduna metropolis. Twenty-six bacteria were isolated from JIKO obtained from Kakuri and Ungwan-Tanko using spread plate method. The isolated bacteria were screened against fifteen (15) antibiotics belonging to five different classes, namely, quinolones (ciprofloxacin, perfloxacin, sparfloxacin, ofloxacin), penicillin (ampiclox, amoxicillin, augmentin), cephalosporin (ceftazidine, cefuroxime), aminoglycosides (streptomycin, gemtamycin, septrin), microlides and others (chloramphenicol, erythromycin, nalidixic acid). The antibiotic susceptibility testing of the bacteria revealed that 19 out of the 26 bacteria recorded varying degrees of resistance. The MARI values ranged between 0.1-0.9. The results identified some MAR bacteria of public health concern.

Jute mallow (Corchorus olitorius) is an important leafy vegetable widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions around the globe. Despite its widespread consumption in Nigeria, improved varieties are in short supply. This study investigated some growth and yield parameters of 26 jute mallow accessions in Nigeria. The experiment was conducted in 2020 rainy season, using randomised complete block design with three replicates. The data collected were subjected to analysis of variance and means separated using Student-Newman-Keuls test at p≤0.05. The study revealed significant morphological and yield differences among the evaluated jute mallow accessions. The accession NGB_00197 combined desirable plant height (64 – 74 cm) and leaf length (12 – 16 cm), just as NGB_00200 combined excellent leaf length (13 17 cm) with leaf diameter (6 8.5 cm). Moreover, NGB_00192 (46 cm), NGB_00193 (46 cm) and NGB_00195 (45.7 cm) performed excellently for stem diameter, whereas NGB_00225 exhibited a remarkable combination of leaf length (15 19 cm), leaf diameter (6 8.5 cm) and fruit diameter (2.5 cm). These jute mallow accessions could be developed into superior cultivars. Also, multi-location trials are essential to identify those that will exhibit specific or widespread adaptation. In the meantime, NGB 00225, which showed the most superior performance, is recommended for jute mallow farmers in the study area.

Across the world, aquaculture has been expressing significance influence on the sustainable health of community through nutrition, livelihood improvement and countries development. This triggered ichthyologist and other researchers to develop possible way of making aquaculture accessible and sustainable. Of various models and techniques for making aquaculture efficient; there is self-sustaining fish farm through integrated system. Therefore, the present review discussed various opinion from studies performed around various geographic areas about need assessment, design and establishment of sustainable fish farms. The required needs, possible design of structure and measures to consider and operational activities to make sure that the system is being more productive, have been discussed in this review. Furthermore, this review provided comparison of aquaculture in different countries of Africa where by Egypt, Uganda and Nigeria comes to the three top of fish producers in Africa respectively. Moreover, it is anticipated that this review will provide insights to the fish farmers, researchers, ichthyologist and policy makers on the possibilities of establishing reliable self-sustaining fish farm.

Ethanol Extracts of Allium sativum, Diospyrous mespiliformis and Bactericide (Z-Force solution) were subjected to pH and phytochemical susceptibility testing against bacterial blight of soybeans caused by Pseudomonas syringae. Ethanol Extracts of Allium sativum showed the highest mean pH values at (10.5) followed by Ethanol Extracts of Diospyrous mespiliformis at (7.1) which are both alkaline, while Z-Force solution showed the least mean pH values at (5.1) which is acidic on the pH scale. Ethanol extracts of Allium sativum (Bulb) showed the presence (+) of Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Glycoside, Phenols, Terpenoids, Saponins, Steroids and Tannins while ethanol extracts of Diospyrous mespiliformis (Root, Leaf and Stem) showed the presence (+) of Alkaloids, Saponins, Steroids and Tannins. Among all the plant extracts used in this studies, highest percentage composition was recorded in Allium sativum (Bulb) (Alkaloids, 4.39%). We recommended that extracts with wider pH and permeability rate such as ethanol extracts of Allium sativum and Diospyrous mespilifor

An abattoir is a place meant for the killing of animals and processing of meat for human use and consumption. Bioremediation potentials of some bacteria isolated from abattoir wastewater located within Kaduna metropolis, Nigeria were determined. The wastewater was collected and serially diluted, plated on nutrient agar for bacterial isolation using the pour plate isolation method. The isolates were identified according to their morphological, cultural and biochemical characteristics. The identified organisms included Escherichia coli, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella and Salmonella spp. The isolates were screened for biodegradation potential using the Mineral Salt Medium (MSM) for five days. Spectrophotometry was used to determine the optical density of the bacterial growth during the biodegradation analysis. Bacillus and Salmonella species were used separately, in addition to the consortium of Salmonella, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp for bioremediation of the wastewater. The physical and chemical parameters of abattoir effluents such as Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Electrical Conductivity (EC), temperature, pH, Nitrate and Phosphate concentrations were used in accessing the extend of the effluent’s degradation using standard laboratory procedures. Bacillus spp reduced TDS of the wastewater from 1996.0 mg/l to 430.7 mg/l, EC 2.56 mg/l to 0.671 mg/l, Nitrate 64.5 mg/l to 47.3 mg/l, BOD 947.7 mg/l to 514 mg/l. The consortium of the bacteria reduced TDS 446.3 mg/l to 430.7 mg/l, EC 0.678 mg/l to 0.671 mg/l, Nitrate 44.9 mg/l to 39.9 mg/l, BOD 858.7 mg/l to 473.6 mg/l, Bacillus reduced the pH 7.87 to7. 20, while the consortium reduced the pH 6.77 to 6.16 after 21 days of inoculation and treatment. The results revealed a significant difference (p < 0.05) among the parameters during the period of biodegradation. The results indicated that Bacillus and the consortium of bacteria are promising microorganisms for industrial application of abattoir wastewater.