Mary Slessor Journal of Medicine

Epidemiology of Paragonimiasis in Oban Community of Cross River State, Nigeria.

NO Umoh, MF Useh

Abstract: The epidemiology and perception of Paragonimus infection were investigated in Oban community of Cross River State, Nigeria between January and June, 2006. Sputum samples collected on each of three consecutive days from 311 participants with productive cough were examined using standard parasitological procedures for the detection of ova of Paragonimus Spp. The samples were also processed and stained using the Ziehl-Neelsen technique to exclude Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Crabs collected from the village streams were dissected and examined for the presence of metacercariae of Paragonimus Spp. A questionnaire was also administered to test the perception of the disease.
Paragonimus uterobilateralis was confirmed as the aetiologic agent of paragonimiasis with a prevalence of 4.2%. Peak prevalence of 7.7% was found among children aged between 1 to 10 years. More males (4.5%) were infected than females (3.9%) (P > 0.05). The mean egg count was high (222 egs/5ml of sputum). The intensity of infection was found to
correlate moderately and strongly with haemoptysis (r = 0.6) and chest pain (r=0.8) respectively. Only 1.6% of the subjects had tuberculosis and presented with symptoms which mimic paragonimiasis. Sudanonautes africanus is the suspected vector of the disease in this locality. The disease, its vector and mode of transmission were poorly perceived by the
respondents. The study has confirmed the endemicity of paragonimiasis in Oban community as well as provides comprehensive information on the disease and its transmission in this locality. There is urgent need to initiate the control of this disease in this community.

Histochemical Characterization of Rain-Forest Strain of Onchocerca Volvulus Microfilariae Isolated in Akamkpa, Cross River State, Nigeria.

AW Essien, PC Inyang-Etoh, GC Ejezie

Abstract: The histochemical characterization of rain-forest strain of Onchocerca volvulus isolated in Akamkpa of Cross River State, Nigeria was studied. In a preliminary survey of 350 persons from eight villages, 75(21.4%) were found to be positive for the parasite. Males (23.6%) were more infected than the females but there was no statistically significant difference in the presence of infection by gender (p=0.506). Staining pattern of the parasite using Lead nitrate method for the demonstration of acid phosphatase activity revealed that of the six patterns, four corresponded to the enzyme types already described by some authors in West African rain-forest, and Sudan. One corresponded to the type found in Guinea savannas while the remaining did not correspond to any of the strains described elsewhere. The multiple enzyme staining patterns of Onchocerca volvulus microfilariae in the study area is indicative of polymorphic strain than that of West African strains. This variation in strain might contribute to the degree of pathogenicity and clinical manifestation of onchocerciasis in this endemic zone.

A Controlled Study of Effect of Counseling on Psychological Symptoms Among People Living with HIV/AIDS in Uyo, Nigeria

F Abasiubong, JU Ekott, EA Bassey, EA Etukumana, M Edyang-Ekpa

Abstract: Psychological symptoms are common complications of HIV/AIDS. More often, decision making during management neglects the use of counseling, a common but important therapy in people living with HIV/AIDS. The increasing morbidity due to maladjustment to supportive care often results in poor quality of life. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of counseling in people living with HIV/AIDS and compare the levels of anxiety and depression in them. Four hundred and twenty newly diagnosed persons living with HIV/AIDS referred to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital in January 2007 were randomly divided into two groups; 1 and 2. Group 1 was instantly assessed for symptoms of anxiety and depression, using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), while, Group 2 was assessed one month later after undergoing intensive counseling. A total of 392 respondents, consisting of 210 in group 1 and 182 in group 2 were analyzed, 28 (13.3%) respondents in group 2 defaulted from the clinic and were excluded from the study. The sociodemographic characteristics of the respondents in both groups were similar. Majority, 162 (77.1%) respondents in group 1 and 137 (58.8%) in group 2 aged between 20-49 years. Although, anxiety and depression were markedly reduced in 137 (34.9%) and 35 (19.2%) respondents in group 2 with counseling compared to 199 (50.8%) and 90 (42.8%) respondents in group 1 without counseling, the demographic variables of the respondents
did not influence the level of anxiety and depression. However, depression was high in 24 (54.9%) respondents in group 2 who had counseling and were unemployed; depression was associated with occupation (P<0.04). Counseling reduces psychological symptoms in people living with HIV/AIDS. Therefore its use should be encouraged in people living with
the disease to boost self-esteem needed for improved quality of life.

Placenta Praevia at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital: A Five Year Retrospective Study.

JI Ikimalo, G Bassey

The Assessment of Heavy Metals and By-Products on Fried Foods Sold by Roadside Vendors in Calabar, Nigeria

E CA Ikpeme, VS Ekam, CA Eneji

Abstract: The assessment of heavy metals (lead and mercury) and by-product (sulphur) on fried food sold by roadside food vendors in Calabar, Nigeria were investigated. The food samples which were covered and uncovered after frying were obtained randomly from 20 street food vendors. The food samples were obtained from 10 busy roads and 10 non- busy roads in Calabar, Nigeria. The busy roads were those roads that recorded more than 20 cars per minute, while the non-busy roads recorded less than 10 cars per minute. The result showed that the busy roads had significant (P<0.05) higher depositions of heavy metals and by-products than the non-busy roads. Lead deposits on the food samples was significantly (P<0.05) higher than the amount of mercury and significantly (P<0.05) higher than the amount of sulphur deposit. The amount of sulphur deposit on the food samples was significantly higher (P<0.05) than mecury. The food samples that was uncovered after frying had a significantly higher (P<0.05) deposit of heavy metal and by-product than the food samples that were covered after frying. This result suggest that fried foods vended in calabar by the road-side have a serious public health concern.

Factors Influencing Utilization of Modern Family Planning Services among Women of Child Bearing Age (15 - 49 years) in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar.

NC Osuchukwu, EC Osuchukwu

Abstract: This study investigated factors influencing utilization of modern family planning services among women of childbearing age (15-49 years) in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar. Three research questions and three hypotheses were formulated. Descriptive survey design was adopted for it. Using accidental sampling technique, 150 women of childbearing age were selected to constitute the sample. Data were collected using a 22-item questionnaire while data collected were subjected to statistical analysis using percentages and contingency Chi-square. Results obtained indicated that religious background of the women significantly relates to utilization of modern family planning services, (P<0.05,df3, critical x2 value = 7.81), educational level of the women also significantly relates to utilization of modern family planning services, and family income significantly related. (P<0.05,df3, critical x2 value = 5.99). Enlightenment programme, which should involve the religious leaders, is recommended as a vital strategy to improve utilization of modern family panning services among women of child bearing age in the study area. Recommended also is the need to improve the literacy status of women by making education free and compulsory for the girl child. Advocated in addition is the need for the necessary political will to empower families financially.

Evaluation of Heavy Metals in Canned Meat and Fish Sold in Calabar, Nigeria.

ECA Ikpeme, CA Eneji, VS Ekam

Abstract: The evaluation of heavy metals in canned meat and fish foods sold in Calabar, Nigeria was investigated. Ten samples from six different brands of canned meat and fish sold in Calabar were obtained from randomly selected markets and grocery shops. Each of the different sample types were then pooled together brand-wise and then evaluated for heavy metal deposits; lead, Mercury, Arsenic and cadmium, using standard techniques. Lead level in canned fish (0.988mg/kg), (0.816mg/kg) in meat were significantly higher (P<0.05) than WHO standard of 0.5mg/kg, and 0.1mg/kg respectively and also higher than the levels of mercury, arsenic and cadmium. The amount of cadmium (<0.193mg/kg; <0.117mg/kg), arsenic (<0.001mg/kg; < 0.001mg/kg) and that of mercury (<0.001 mg/kg;<0.001mg/kg) for fish and meat were less than the maximum WHO recommended daily intake. Though the levels of cadmium found in the fish was significantly (P<0.05) higher than
that on canned meat. These values were irrelevant since they were below WHO standards. The result showed that canned fish and meat had invariably less level of cadmium, arsenic and mercury and a significantly high (P<0.05) deposit of lead. This significant level of lead in the canned flesh food is very alarming as lead poisoning is a major public health concern that can result in serious damage to brains, kidneys nervous system and red blood cells. Therefore canned flesh food products imported into the country though low in other heavy metals is not fit for human consumption due to its high lead content, which has a major public health implication.

Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Fried Plantain Sold by RoadsideVendors in Calabar, Nigeria.

ECA Ikpeme, CA Eneji, VS Ekam

Abstract: The chemical and biological evaluation of fried plantain sold by roadside vendors was investigated. Twentyone male wister albino rats weighing between 35g to 80g were divided into three groups of seven rats each. Group 1 (control) rats were fed with plantain fried with fresh vegetable oil (FVO); Group 2 rats were fed plantain fried with 7 days
used oil (degraded oil; DO); and Group 3 rats were fed with plantain fried with degraded oil but treated with antioxidant vitamin C (TDO). After 11 wks of feeding, the rats were anaesthetized with chloroform and dissected. The livers were removed, weighed, crushed and centrifuged in normal saline to obtain homogenates that were used for analysis of total protein and total lipids. The results showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in weight (g) (80.0 ± 1.4) and growth rate (g/ week) (7.3 ± 1.1) as well as a significant increase (p<0.05) in liver weight (g) in Group 2 that was fed with degraded oil compared to the control and treated degraded oil groups. The lipids/protein ratio was also significantly higher (p<0.05) in Group 3 fed with TDO (8.6 ± 1.10g/dl) compared to Group 2 fed on DO (7.2 ± 0.89g/dl); although the control, Group 1 that was fed with FVO fried plantain had the highest value (12.2 ± 0.20g/dl). Group 2 had a significantly higher (p<0.05) liver protein with a value of 0.65 ± 0.02g/dl compared to Group 3 and Group 1 with values (0.60 ± 0.06g/dl) and (0.54 ± 0.30g/dl) respectively. Results also showed that FVO had higher smoke point, lower viscosity and peroxide value that DO. The finding revealed that plantain fried with repeatedly heated oil had adverse effects on rats resulting in stunted growth as well as liver enlargement. This result might therefore have health implication in humans.

Consumer Awareness of Safe Food Handling by Food Service Establishments in Calabar, Nigeria

CA Ikpeme-Emmanuel, CA Eneji, VS Ekam

Abstract: Consumer awareness of safe food handling in food service establishments was investigated. The survey was carried out using 500 questionnaires administered at different food establishments in Calabar, Nigeria. The return rate of questionnaires was 74%. The survey result revealed that people who eat out regularly claimed that the standard of food hygiene in food establishments was important to them when deciding where to dine. 67% of respondents had concerns/ complaints about the hygiene standards of food establishments they used. 78% of consumers believed that they have the right to receive information on hygiene standards of eating places. Most would welcome a reliable system to help them judge hygiene standards. About 65% thought there was inadequate consumer information on hygiene standard of eating places. If access to information was made easier, 59% of respondents claimed they would eat out more often. Respondents preferred the use of scores to inform them on hygiene standards. Generally, consumers claimed to be unaware of food safety standards in food service establishments. The result therefore showed that the Nigerian consumer basically judged food safety in terms of sensory perception and lacked any form of judgment based on microbiological safety.

Aetiological Factors for Mandibular Fractures seen in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, South-South Nigeria.

CE Anyanechi, G Bassey, BDO Bassey

Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine prospectively the common aetiological factors leading to fractures of the mandible in patients seen in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Calabar, Nigeria. A total 252 patients with fractures of the facial skeleton were seen out of which 174 (69%) presented with mandibular fractures over a period of two years. Road traffic accidents, both vehicular road and traffic accidents (VRTA) and Motorcycle road traffic accidents (MRTA) were the commonest cause (79.9%) of mandibular fractures with MRTA accounting for 36.2% of total and 45.3% of all the RTS’s followed by assault, sporting events, falls from heights, gun shot and industrial accidents. Majority of the patients were males 142 (81.6%) with fewer females 32 (18.4%) giving a male-female ratio of 4.4:1. Most of the patients were aged between 21 and 30 years. Government should ban use of motorcycle as a means of commercial transportation and make more motor vehicles available for this purpose.

HIV/AIDS Awareness Among Traders in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

N Frank-Peterside, IA Ibanga

Abstract: A pilot study was carried out involving 193 market traders randomly selected from the three markets in the Port Harcourt metropolis, of Rivers State, Nigeria. A questionnaire was administered to investigate the HIV/AIDS awareness of these traders. Fifty (50%) percent of the respondents were in the age range of 21 to 30 years, 69% were single and 95% were Christians. The results indicate that the traders were knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS. However, there were some misconceptions. Though highly sexually active, only 18% considered themselves at risk of contracting or having contracted the virus. The news media scored highest as a source of HIV/AIDS information. A high percentage (56%) of the respondents claimed that their sexual behaviours have not been altered as a result of the HIV/AIDS awareness but 73% will now advise/ use a condom. It appears that these traders will now exercise caution in negotiating new sexual relationships. It is
recommended that awareness be scaled up, considering that majority of these traders are not literate, are making meager incomes and therefore might be tempted to consider sex, as a means of augmenting these meager incomes.

Osteomyelitis of the Mandible in Sickle Cell Disease: Report of a Case

CE Anyanechi, GO Bassey

Abstract: The purpose of this article is to report a case of a known sickle cell anaemia patient who was nor in crisis but suffered from osteomyelitis of the mandible as a component part of the disease process. The patient, a 24-year old women, recovered uneventfully without complication following treatment.

Sperm Quality and Fertility Following Prolonged Immobilization Stress in Wistar Rats

OE Mesembe, AO Igiri, VA Fischer, SA Bisong, VS Ekam

Abstract: Sperm quality and fertility following prolonged immobilization stress in Wistar rats was studied. Twenty adult albino wistar rats randomly divided into 2 groups (A and B) of 10 rats each were used. Group A served as control while group B rats were immobilized for 4 hour a day for 2 months. All the females that were mated with the control males became pregnant and produced litters. On the other hand, none of the females that were mated with the immobilized males got pregnant. There was also a significant difference (p<0.05) between the sperm count and sperm motility of the immobilized group (group B) and the respective values of sperm count and sperm motility of the control group (group A). These results therefore, confirm and expand existing literatures reporting impaired fertility following long-term exposure to stress.

Chloroquine Induced Lipid Deposition in the Lateral Geniculate Body and Superior Colliculus of Adult Wistar Rats

TB Ekanem, A Caxton-Martins

Abstract: The effect of administration of chloroquine on lipid deposition was studied in intracranial visual relay centers. Adult Wistar rats (38) weighing averagely 200g were randomly assigned into treatment (28) and control (10) groups. The rats in the treatment groups received 2mg/kg body weight of chloroquine phosphate in distilled water for 13 days. The rats were sacrificed on days 1,3,5,7,9,11 and 13. The lateral geniculate body and the superior colliculus were dissected out and frozen. Frozen sections were stained with Sudan Black B. Results obtained showed that prolonged administration of
chloroquine caused increased and diffused lipid deposition in these tissues especially on the 13th day treatment group. This lipid deposition may interfere with the normal functions of these visual relay centers.

Modulatory Effect of Vitamin C and E on Dihydroartemisinin (Cotecxin) Induced Hepatotoxicity in Wistar Albino Rats

OE Mesembe, VS Ekam, CC Mfem, AO Igiri, TB Ekanem

Abstract: The modulatory effect of vitamin C and E supplementation during dihydroartemisinin administration on the body weight and serum liver enzymes in wistar albino rats investigated. Thirty two adult albino rats weighing between 180 – 260g were used. There were divided into four groups of eight rats each. Group A served as the control and was administered
distilled water. Groups B, C and D, were the experimental groups and were given cotecxin + vitamin A and cotecxin + vitamin E respectively for two weeks. The animals were weighed at the beginning and at the end of the experiment; water and feed were allowed ad libitum. In all the parameters estimated, there were significant differences at p<0.05 between the cotecxin
group and the control, as well as, between the cotecxin group and the group that received cotecxin and vitamin C and cotecxin and vitamin E groups. The results suggest that cotecxin is hepatotoxic in wistar albino rats, and that these effect can be ameliorated by antioxidants vitamin C and E supplementation.

Garcinia kola (Bitter Kola) as an Antimicrobial Agent: Effects on the normal flora of the mouth.

N Frank-Peterside, A Ebidiseabofa

Abstract: This work investigated the effects of Garcinia kola (bitter kola) on the normal flora of the mouth. Two methods were adopted in this work. In the first method, the bacterial load of saliva samples collected after chewing Garcinia kola for days 1-5 decreased drastically when compared to bacterial load from saliva samples collected without chewing G. kola. ln method two, Garcinia kola extract was obtained and impregnated on filter paper discs. These were used for sensitivity testing on samples collected from early morning mouth swabs of the volunteers. Various sizes of zones of inhibition were obtained and measured. The various results obtained from this research work, methods, 1and 2, showed that bitter kola possesses properties that reduces the bacterial load (normal flora: Streptococcus spp, Staphylococcus spp, Morexelle spp and Neisseria spp) of the mouth.