Preliminary study on the induction of sperm head abnormalities in mice, Mus musculus, exposed to radiofrequency radiations from global system for mobile communication base stations.

The exposure of male mice to radiofrequency radiations from mobile phone (GSM) base stations at a workplace complex and residential quarters caused 39.78 and 46.03%, respectively, in sperm head abnormalities compared to 2.13% in control group. Statistical analysis of sperm head abnormality score showed that there was a significant (p < 0.05) difference in occurrence of sperm head abnormalities in test animals. The major abnormalities observed were knobbed hook, pin-head and banana-shaped sperm head. The occurrence of the sperm head abnormalities was also found to be dose dependent. The implications of the observed increase occurrence of sperm head abnormalities on the reproductive health of humans living in close proximity to GSM base stations were discussed.

Adverse reactions from community directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI ) for onchocerciasis and loiasis in Ondo State, Nigeria

Onchocerciasis is an endemic disease in Ondo state, Nigeria. Community directed distribution of ivermectin is currently on-going in some local government areas of the state. Randomly selected persons (2 331 males and 2 469 females) were interviewed using a modified rapid assessment procedure for Loa loa (RAPLOA) to assess community directed treatment with ivermectin. The retrospective study evaluated the coverage, impacts and adverse reactions to the drug treatment. A questionnaire was administered by house-to-house visit in six local government areas, implementing community directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI) in this bioclimatic zone. A total of 2,398 respondents were reported to have participated in the treatment. The overall ivermectin coverage of 49.96% was recorded (range 0 - 52% in different communities). Adverse reactions from ivermectin administration were experienced in 38% of individuals. Diverse adverse reactions experienced included predominantly itching (18.50%); oedema, especially of the face and the limbs (8.2%); rashes (3.4%) and body weakness (2.4%). Expulsion of intestinal worms occurred in 0.96% of the respondents. The occurrence of adverse reactions in relation to age categories was statistically significant. Neither fatal nor severe adverse reactions were reported by respondents. Significantly, despite experienced adverse reactions, continued participation, acceptability and compliance to ivermectin treatment was expressed by the various communities. This attitude is in consonance with the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC) objectives. Rev. Biol. Trop. 56 (4): 1635-1643. Epub 2008 December 12.

La oncocercosis es endémica en el estado Ondo, Nigeria. Se seleccionaron 4 800 personas al azar para evaluar con encuesta retrospectiva la cobertura, efectos y reacciones al tratamiento farmacológico con ivermectina administrado por la misma comunidad. La cobertura global de ivermectina fue 50 % con reacciones adversas en 38 % de los individuos. Estas fueron comezón picazón (18%), edema, especialmente de la cara y las extremidades (8%), erupciones cutáneas (3%) y debilidad (2%); dependieron de la edad y no hubo reacciones más graves. La expulsión de las lombrices intestinales se produjo en 96% de los encuestados. A pesar de las reacciones adversas, hubo continuidad, aceptación y cumplimiento del tratamiento con ivermectina, en consonancia con los objetivos del Programa Africano para el Control de Oncocercosis (APOC).

Identification of three members of the Simulium damnosum (Diptera Simuliidae) group in South Western Nigeria.

Identification of the specific Simuliium species at play in the transmission of Onchocerca volvulus is important because it helps to explain the epidemiology and clinical presentation of the disease and guides in monitoring of long term impact of ivermectin treatment on onchocerciasis transmission. The study therefore sought to use molecular markers for vector identification. A combination of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assay and Restriction fragment Length polymorphism (RFLP) was used to identify members of Simulium damnosum complex in forest area of south western Nigeria. The results revealed the presence of three members of the Simulium damnosum complex: S. yahense, S. sirbanum and S. damnosum ss. S. yahense was the predominant and major vector in the study sites. This provides baseline data for future monitoring vector of human onchocerciasis in the area.

Adverse reactions from community directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI) for onchocerciasis and loiasis in Ondo State, Nigeria.

Onchocerciasis is an endemic disease in Ondo state, Nigeria. Community directed distribution of ivermectin is currently on-going in some local government areas of the state. Randomly selected persons (2331 males and 2469 females) were interviewed using a modified rapid assessment procedure for Loa loa (RAPLOA) to assess community directed treatment with ivermectin. The retrospective study evaluated the coverage, impacts and adverse reactions to the drug treatment. A questionnaire was administered by house-to-house visit in six local government areas, implementing community directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI) in this bioclimatic zone. A total of 2,398 respondents were reported to have participated in the treatment. The overall ivermectin coverage of 49.96% was recorded (range 0-52% in different communities). Adverse reactions from ivermectin administration were experienced in 38% of individuals. Diverse adverse reactions experienced included predominantly itching (18.50%); oedema, especially of the face and the limbs (8.2%); rashes (3.4%) and body weakness (2.4%). Expulsion of intestinal worms occurred in 0.96% of the respondents. The occurrence of adverse reactions in relation to age categories was statistically significant. Neither fatal nor severe adverse reactions were reported by respondents. Significantly, despite experienced adverse reactions, continued participation, acceptability and compliance to ivermectin treatment was expressed by the various communities. This attitude is in consonance with the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC) objectives. Rev. Biol.

A comparative study of the parasitic helminth fauna of Gymnarchus niloticus (Gymnarchidae) and Heterotis niloticus (Osteoglossidae) from Lekki Lagoon, Lagos, Nigeria.

A comparative study of the gut helminthes of Gymnarchus niloticus and Heterotis niloticus were undertaken. A total of 38 fishes comprising of 20 Gymnarchus niloticus and 18 Heterotis niloticus were examined for helminth parasites. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections was 34.2%, which implied that 13 of the specimens examined were infected with parasites. A total of 18 parasites were recovered from the fish specimens. The male specimens of Heterotis niloticus had 38.9% prevalence of infections while the male specimens of Gymnarchus niloticus had 0% prevalence of infections. The female specimens of the two fishes had 50% prevalence of infections. Gymnarchus niloticus harboured two nematodes; Raphidascaroides species in the stomach and the Philometrids, Nilonema gymnarchi, in the intestine. Heterotis niloticus were infected with a trematode Brevimulticaecum heterotis in the liver and Tenuisentis niloticus and Sandonella sandoni in the intestine. The worm burden and intensity were low and independent of sex and age of fish with no seasonal variation in parasite intensity observed. The low prevalence of infection is possibly due to the randomness of specimens' selection.

An in vivo evaluation of induction of abnormal sperm morphology by ivermectin MSD (Mectizan).

The in vivo effects of orally administered ivermectin (Mectizan) on sperm head morphology of albino mice were evaluated. Four different dose levels of 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 x the human therapeutic dose of 150 g kg(-1) body weight, were administered to the animals. The animals were exposed to a single oral treatment. The sperm of the mice from the cauda epididymes were examined 5 and 7 weeks after treatment. Ivermectin (Mectizan) induced sperm head abnormalities; however, the induction was not significantly elevated above the negative control value. Furthermore, the induction of the sperm head abnormalities was not strictly dose-dependent and there was also no correlation between dose level of administered drug and incidence of abnormal sperms. This indicates that the drug might not be mutagenic.

An in vivo evaluation of the induction of abnormal sperm morphology by sulphamethoxypyridazine: pyrimethamine (Metakelfin).

The effects of sulphamethoxypyridazine: Pyrimethamine (Metakelfin) a combination antimalarial drug on mouse sperm head morphology were evaluated in University of Ibadan Veterinary F1 mice. Five different dose levels of 3.85:0.19; 7.7:0.38; 15.4:0.76; 23.1:1.13 and 30.8:1.54 mg kg(-1) body weight of sulphamethoxypridazine:pyrimetamine, respectively were administered to the animals by a schedule of 5 consecutive daily intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections. The sperm of the mice from the cauda epididymis were examined 5 weeks after treatment. Metakelfin induced sperm head abnormalities; however, of the 5 doses sampled; only the 7.7:0.38 mg kg(-1) dose, corresponding to 0.5x the human therapeutic dose (HTD0), gave a statistically significant (p > 0.05) increase over the negative control value of 2.53% abnormality. All the other dose level treatments did not yield statistically significant increase over the negative control value. The 15.4:0.77 mg kg(-1) dose showed 3.5% abnormality and fewer abnormalities than the preceding lower dose. The drug is probably not mutagenic as induction of sperm head abnormality was not dose dependent.

Helminth Parasites of Clarias gariepinus (Clariidae) in Lekki Lagoon, Lagos, Nigeria

A total of 360 randomly selected specimens of Clarias gariepinus (Clariidae) recovered from Lekki Lagoon were examined for intestinal helminth parasites. Parasite prevalence and worm burden were low; 17 (4.72%) of the specimens examined were infected with gastrointestinal helminths. The helminth worms recovered include, three cestodes Polyonchobothrium clarias, S tocksia pujehuni and Wenyonia acuminata and a nematode, Paracamallanus cyathopharynx. There was no statistically significant difference in the infection of the male and female Clarias gariepinus; the infection rates in male and female samples were 5.75% and 3.76% respectively. Parasite prevalence was related to the length and weight of the specimens. The fish samples were observed to show negative allometric growth and smaller samples recorded higher helminth infection.

Herbal remedy in the treatment of malaria: cross sectional survey of residents of Lagos State, Nigeria.

Semi structured questionnaires. designed to capture information on the type. composition, method of preparation. dosage, mode of administration. and frequency of use of herbal preparations in malaria treatment, were administered to 1,593 adults of the 3 main ethnic groups and a forth group comprising other smaller ethnic groups designated as "others", all resident in Lagos metropolis in a cross sectional survey. The 1,593 respondents were made up of 892 males and 701 females and their ages ranged from 19 to 60 years. A high percentage in all the ethnic groups especially the Yorubas admitted to the use of herbs in treating malaria [Yoruba (69%), Hausa (47%). others (32%) and Igbo (30%)1. Effectiveness of herbs in treating malaria episodes featured as the major factor for their use. as claimed by the majority (>50%) of the respondents in each of the ethnic groups, while cost consideration was the next most important factor. Other factors mentioned included the absence of side effect in herbal use. to avoid the itchy side effect and ineffectiveness of chloroquine and some other anti-malarials. An appreciable percentage across the ethnic groups had no idea of the constituents of the herbal remedies they use for treating their malaria episodes since they buy these from traditional herbalists. Varied combinations of these herbs in combination with different types of fruits and other substances are claimed to be used, the main ones of which are Azardiracha indica and pineapple. A large majority of respondents in all the ethnic groups claimed to use the same herbs for the treatment and prevention of malaria and great improvement is experienced after use [Hausas (90%). Igbos (83%). Yorubas (77%) and the others (88%)]. There is usually no specific dose or dose regimen. however a high proportion in all the ethnic groups use herbal preparation thrice a day and a few of the respondents take unspecified measures at arbitrary intervals. The lack of standards in the use of these herbal preparations needs to be urgently addressed especially as use continued until the malaria symptoms and signs are deemed to have disappeared. There is also need to standardize the usage of herbs if they are to play a significant role in malaria prevention and treatment.

Helminth parasites of Clarias gariepinus (Clariidae) in Lekki Lagoon, Lagos, Nigeria.

A total of 360 randomly selected specimens of Clarias gariepinus (Clariidae) recovered from Lekki Lagoon were examined for intestinal helminth parasites. Parasite prevalence and worm burden were low; 17 (4.72%) of the specimens examined were infected with gastrointestinal helminths. The helminth worms recovered include, three cestodes Polyonchobothrium clarias, Stocksia pujehuni and Wenyonia acuminata and a nematode, Paracamallanus cyathopharynx. There was no statistically significant difference in the infection of the male and female Clarias gariepinus; the infection rates in male and female samples were 5.75% and 3.76% respectively. Parasite prevalence was related to the length and weight of the specimens. The fish samples were observed to show negative allometric growth and smaller samples recorded higher helminth infection.

An in vivo evaluation of induction of abnormal sperm morphology by some anthelmintic drugs in mice.

Using the murine sperm-head abnormality test, the mutagenicity of pyrantel pamoate, levamisole, albendazole, mebendazole and niridazole was evaluated. Pyrantel pamoate and niridazole induced increases in sperm-head abnormalities statistically significant over the negative controls at all the dose levels that were considered; the induction was dose-dependent indicating that both drugs might be mutagenic. Levamisole, albendazole, mebendazole and thiabendazole, all were unable to induce statistically significant increases in sperm-head abnormalities over the negative controls at all the dose levels tested; there was no correlation between dose level of administered drugs and incidence of abnormal sperms, indicating that the drugs might not be mutagenic.

Schistosoma mansoni: the sustentacular cells of the testes.

Studies on the multiple compact tests of Schistosoma mansoni have revealed 2 principle cell types: germinal and non-germinal cells. Two morphological forms representing different stages in the cytomorphosis of the sustentacular cells have been considered. The polymorphic sustentacular cells which are conspicuously stained with potassium permanganate contain abundant ribosomal endoplasmic reticulum, glycogen particles and ribosomal masses in comparison with the germinal component of the testes. Golgi complexes with associated secretory bodies and vacuoles are present in the cells. The cytoplasm of the sustentacular cells interdigitate between other cells in the testes. Based on their morphology, nutritive, supportive and phagocytic functions have been attributed to the sustentacular cells. The possible recycling of nutrients by the cells is discussed. It is suggested that the cell regulate the production of spermatozoa from a nutritive viewpoint and also that the translocation of nutrients from the parenchyma to the testes is facilitated by these cells whose cytoplasm extends directly adjacent to the basal lamina.

Schistosoma mansoni: the ultrastructure of the ducts of the male reproductive system.

The reproductive duct of the male blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni is relatively short and undulating, extending from the most posterior testis to the beginning of the gynecophoric canal. The reproductive duct may be divided into 3 main regions which differ in ultrastructure; the vas efferens/deferens, the seminal vesicle and the cirrus tube. The epithelium of the vas efferens/deferens consists of a single layer of elongate cells with abundant convoluted lamellae on their apical surfaces. The wall of the seminal vesicle and the circus tube are tegumentary in nature. The basic similarities in structure of the surface tegument, the seminal vesicle and the cirrus tube suggest a common embryological origin. The presence of complex lamellae on the luminal surface suggests that the vas efferens and deferens have secretory and possibly nutritive functions apart from temporarily storing developing germ cells. The primary function of the seminal vesicle appears to be that of sperm storage; while the cirrus tube with its complex infolded wall is extensible for insemination. The presence of abundant concentrically distributed sensory papillae around the male genital pore may assist in the pairing of males and females.