Aim: This study was carried out to investigate the microbial load and nutritional qualities of fermented Ugba Study Design: This research study was done using random sampling technique. Place and Duration of Study: Mbaise Markets, Mbaise, Imo State; Department of Microbiology, Madonna University, Elele Campus, Rivers State, between October 2014 and March 2015. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 samples of ugba were purchased from different locations in Mbaise markets - Orie-Ikpa, Nkwo-Ogwu, Orie-Amaigwe and Afor-Ajaala. Pour plate technique was used for enumeration while streak plate method was used for isolation. Nutrient agar, MacConkey agar, Eosin methylene blue agar and Sabouraud dextrose agar were used to determine total aerobic plate count, coliform count, Escherichia coli and fungal count respectively. Results: For Total Aerobic Plate Count (TAPC), Afor-Ajaala had the highest count (8.05±0.11 log₁₀ cfu/g) while Orie-Ikpa had the lowest count (7.98±0.14 log₁₀ cfu/g). For Colony Count (CC), Orie-Ikpa had the highest count (5.88±0.17 log₁₀ cfu/g) while Orie-Amaigwe had the lowest count (5.75±0.15 log₁₀ cfu/g). For E. coli Count (EC) counts, Nkwo-Ogwu market had the highest (4.34±0.40 log₁₀ cfu/g) while Orie-Amaigwe had the least (4.12±0.30 log₁₀ cfu/g). For Fungi Count (FC), Nkwo-Ogwu had the highest count (5.27±0.48 log₁₀ cfu/g) while Orie-Ikpa had the least count (5.03±0.48 log₁₀ cfu/g). Bacteria isolated include Staphylococcus sp (80%), Bacillus sp (95%), Lactobacillus sp (90%), Klebsiella sp (35%) and Escherichia coli (35%). Fungi isolates were Aspergillus spp (45%), Penicillium spp (35%) and Saccharomyces spp (100%). The proximate analysis (%/100 g) yielded crude protein content (29.3), ash content (8.83), crude fibre (5.75), moisture content (33.7), lipid (18.32), Carbohydrate (3.55) and dry mass (66.23). Conclusion: This study revealed that consumers of Ugba processed or sold in poorly sanitized condition are exposed to food poisoning and gastroenteritis, hence, the need to control microbial growth on Ugba sold in Imo State. However, Ugba prepared and sold in a hygienic environment serves as an adequate proteinaceous food.

Aim: To determine the prevalence rate and severity of haemoparasitic infections in small ruminants, using age and sex as associating factors. Study Design: This research study was done using random sampling technique. Place and Duration of Study: Karu Local Government Area abattoirs, Nasarawa State; Department of Biological Sciences, Bingham University, Karu, between April 2015 and July 2015. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and sixty five (265) blood samples were examined microscopically at ×100 objective using oil immersion. Thin blood films were prepared using Giemsa’s stain, 87 sheep blood samples and 178 goat blood samples were included. Packed cell volume (PCV) was determined using capillary tubes, Hawksley haematocrit centrifuge and reader. Results: A significantly high prevalence rate of 43.39% was recorded for haemoparasites of small ruminants (P<0.001). The genera of haemoparasites observed were Anaplasma, Babesia and Theileria, with A. marginale having the highest prevalence of 13.96% and T. hirci having the least prevalence with 1.88%. Anaplasma was most prevalent (20.7%) in goats while the most prevalent in sheep was Babesia (34.48%). Theileria had the least prevalence in both sheep (8.05%) and goats (2.81%). In goats, males had the most prevalence while females were most prevalent for sheep. Blood samples with A. marginale had the highest mean PCV of 35.89%, while B. motasi had the least mean PCV of 31.82% (P<0.05; P=0.01). However, the PCV results significantly showed neither anaemic conditions nor dehydration as they fell within 22-38% range. Conclusion: There was high rate of haemoparasitaemia of small ruminants in both sexes, although the infections were not severe. This could have a negative effect on meat and milk production, as well as their consumers, hence, measures should be taken to prevent and provide control strategies against these haemoparasites and enhance food security to meat consumers.

Human T-lymphotropic viruses (HTLV) are Deltaretroviruses that infect millions of individuals worldwide via the same transmission routes as HIV. With the aim of exposing the possible re-emergence of HTLV in West Africa since discovery, a systematic review was carried out, focusing on the distribution of the virus types and significance of frequent indeterminate reports, while highlighting the need for mandatory routine blood screening. Capturing relevant data from discovery till date, sources searched were Google Scholar, CrossRef, NCBI (PubMed), MEDLINE, Research Gate, Mendeley, abstracts of Conferences and Proceedings, organization websites and reference lists of selected papers. A total of 2626 references were initially retrieved using search terms: Worldwide prevalence of HTLV, HTLV in Africa, HTLV in West Africa, HTLV subtypes, HTLV 3 and 4 in Africa, HTLV of African origin, HTLV seroindeterminate results, Spread of HTLV. These references were rigorously trimmed down to 76. Although evidence shows that HTLV is still endemic in the region, West Africa lacks recent epidemiological prevalence data. Thorough investigations are needed to ascertain the true cause of indeterminate Western Blot results. It is imperative that routine screening for HTLVs be mandated in West African health care facilities.

Introduction: Human T-cell lymphotropic virus has long been associated with Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma, HTLV-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis, and hairy cell leukemia. Aim: The aim was to determine the prevalence of HTLV antibodies as well as the socio-demographic and risk factors associated with HTLV among women attending postnatal clinics in Zaria. Methodology: A total of 190 samples were collected within the months of January and June 2017 and qualitative determination of antibodies for HTLV in serum was performed by an antigen sandwich enzyme immunoassay method. Results: The study established an HTLV infection prevalence of 3.2% (6/190). Higher prevalence was observed among women from polygamous families [6.2% (4/64)], the self-employed [6.5% (4/62)], those in age group of 15–25 years [6.2% (5/72)] and women with only primary education [5.9% (2/32)] although the associations were not statistically significant. Similarly, there was no significant association between HTLV infection and history of family cancer (P = .629), intravenous drug use (P = .682), sharing of sharp objects (P = .596,) and history of X-ray exposure (P = .366), except for history of previous blood transfusion which shows significant association (P = .010). Conclusion: The study established a prevalence an HTLV of 3.2% that HTLV in Zaria therefore routinely screened is necessary.

Aim: To determine the bacteriological and physico-chemical qualities of borehole water in Auta Balefi, community. Place and Duration of Study: Auta Balefi, Community, Karu LGA, Nasarawa State; Department of Biological Sciences, Bingham University, Karu, between April 2015 and June 2015. Materials and Methods: Five water samples from different sources (boreholes) was collected randomly within the community. The total bacterial count was determined by pour plate technique. Total coliform count was determined using 3-3-3 regimen (3-tube assay). Identifications of isolates was carried out using standard methods. Results: Six genera of bacteria which include Escherichia spp, Klebsiella spp, Staphylococcus spp, Salmonella spp, Pseudomonas spp and Proteus spp was isolated from the water samples. Total Heterotrophic bacterial count in the borehole water sampled ranged from 1.03 x 10^-2 cfu/ml to 2.01 x 10^-2 cfu/ml, respectively. The total coliform count of the borehole water analyzed ranged from 19 Most Probable Number (MPN) index of coliform/100 ml to 26 MPN index of coliform/100 ml. The fecal coliform count of the water analyzed ranged from 2x10² cfu/ml to 6x10² cfu/ml. Important physico-chemical parameters such as Color, Salinity, Turbidity, Nitrate concentration, Total hardness, Chloride and Calcium levels were within the World Health Organization (WHO) standard for potable water though some parameters such as TDS and pH had values which were beyond these standards. Conclusion: This study revealed that the borehole water analyzed is not safe for consumption. However, improvisation of safe drinking water by individuals will reduce the spread of the water borne diseases and this can be achieved either by boiling or chlorination. The addition of sodium aluminate (alum), or ‘water guard’ which contains 1.0% of sodium hypochlorate to water will reduce water contaminants.