DSpace Collection: Scholarly works

Guinea worm disease and its persistence in some rural communities in Nigeria

Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Guinea worm disease and its persistence in some rural communities in Nigeria Authors: Morenikeji, O. A.; Alade, A. O.; Odaibo, A. B. Abstract: Studies were carried out in six villages of Ogun State, Nigeria from January to December 2004 to identify the reasons for the persistence of guinea worm disease in spite of eradication measures. Pre-tested structured questionnaires were administered to 250 head of households in the endemic villages to assess their knowledge attitude and practice (KAP) in the management of guinea worm disease. The overall prevalence of infection for the study-period was 1.0%. 96.0% of the respondents depended solely on ponds for drinking water during the dry season. 80.0% of the respondents had been infected before 68.0% think that the disease is caused by spiritual attack, while 4.0% associated the disease to drinking bad water. 77.5% did not know if it is possible to prevent the disease. It was observed that immigrant farm labourers and apathy on the part of eradication officials may play vital roles in the transmission of the disease in the area. This study shows that there is need to ascertain and specifically address reasons for the persistence of the disease in areas still endemic.

Spatial variation in physical and chemical parameters and benthic macro-invertebrate fauna of River Ogunpa, Ibadan

Sat, 01 Jan 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Spatial variation in physical and chemical parameters and benthic macro-invertebrate fauna of River Ogunpa, Ibadan Authors: Atobatele, O. E.; Morenikeji, O. A.; Ugwumba, O. A. Abstract: A fluviatile ecosystem, River Ogunpa, was studied between the months of May and July 2000, to assess spatial variations in physical and chemical parameters and benthic macro-invertebrate faunal composition. Water and qualitative benthic samples were collected four times from five stations located along the river for laboratory analysis. High mean value of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) of 20.15 ± 4.18 mgO2/l, chemical oxygen demand (COD) of 121.95 ± 19.04 mg02/l ammonia of 1.53 ± 0.44mg/l, total suspended solids (TSS) of 152.2+12.85mg/l, lead of 0.126 ± 0.06mg/l, copper of 0.3+0.07mg/l and zinc of 0.49 ± 0.07mg/l were recorded. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant differences (P<0.05) in mean values of pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), COD, turbidity, iron and copper from the five stations. Six benthic macroinvertebrate fauna; Melanoides tuberculata, Physa waterloti, Bulinus globosus, Tubifex spp; Chironomus spp and Brachydeutera spp. were recorded. The result showed that the river is under pollutional stress from oxygen demanding organic wastes. Heavy metals analyzed show that lead, copper and zinc levels may be increasing to dangerous levels in the river. Spatial variations along the river showed some stations to be more polluted than others. All the benthic macro-invertebrate fauna recorded were pollution tolerant species.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of abate™ used for the treatment of community drinking ponds in the Nigeria guineaworm eradication program

Sat, 01 Jan 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Evaluation of the effectiveness of abate™ used for the treatment of community drinking ponds in the Nigeria guineaworm eradication program Authors: Morenikeji, O. A.; Ajulo, B. O.; Odaibo, A. B. Abstract: A study was carried out to ascertain the effectiveness of the Abate™ (0-0-0(1)-0(1)-tetramethyl - 0-0(1)-thiodi-P-phenylene phosphorothiote) an organophosphorous compound used for the treatment of community drinking ponds in the Nigeria Guinea Worm Eradication Programme in South-West Zone of Nigeria. The Abate™ was used in treating 3 large rectangular concrete tanks lined with pond mud, and filled with pond water harbouring cyclops, the crustacean vector of guinea worm disease. A fourth tank containing untreated water served as control. The initial and final cyclops populations of each tank was determined daily for seven days and then weekly up to the 28th day after Abate™ treatment. The standard concentration used in guinea worm eradication program (0.1ml of Abate™ to 50 litres of water) was added. At this concentration, cyclops is known to become paralysed within 72 hours. It was deduced that the population of cyclops, Thermocydops decipiens, was not effectively controlled since it took more than 5, 6 and 14 days to eliminate them from tanks A, B and C respectively. The population of cyclops however, increased in the control tank over the study period. In the control of guinea worm disease vectors, it is necessary to take into cognisance the potency of the chemical used in order to achieve the desired result.

Cyclopoid copepods in domestic water sources in three villages in Akinyele local government area of Oyo State, Nigeria

Tue, 01 Jan 2002 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Cyclopoid copepods in domestic water sources in three villages in Akinyele local government area of Oyo State, Nigeria Authors: Falode, O. A.; Odaibo, A. B. Abstract: The distribution and infective rates of cyclopoid copepods ( the vectors of guineaworm, Dracunculus medinensis ) in ponds was studied in 3 infected villages in Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo state, Nigeria during the period of September 1994 to January 1996 (the peak period of guineaworm eradication activities in the country). The density of cyclopoid copepods was highest in the dry season, reaching 149.8 copepods/litre in February 1995. The abate (Temephos) application and amount of rainfall affected the cyclops in ponds. Thermocyclops, Mesocyclops and Halicyclops species of cyclops were recovered from the ponds while none was found to be infected with D.medinensis larvae.