Phytochemical profiling and anthelmintic potential of extracts of selected tropical plants on parasites of fishes in Epe Lagoon.

This research aims to study the anthelmintic properties of selected five (5) tropical plant extracts, ascertained margin of fish host safety in reference with praziquantel, a commonly used chemo-therapeutics. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of Alligator pepper seeds (Aframomum melegueta), Moringa leaves (Moringa oleifera), Neem leaves (Azadirachta indica), Ginger bulbs (Zingiber officinale) and Garlic (Allium sativum) and their potencies in reference to praziquantel against Clarias gariepinus and different classes of helminth parasites were investigated. The results obtained show that the 70% ethanol extract had 80 to 100% presence of the phytochemical content, compared with the 100% aqueous and 100% ethanol extracts with 50 to 80% and 50 to 90%, respectively. Among the five tropical plants, the richest in saponin and flavonoids are alligator pepper and neem with alkaloids, tannin, flavonoid and saponin in ratios 1:1:3:9 and 1:1:4:3 respectively. While, moringa, garlic and ginger are rich in alkaloids with alkaloids, tannin, flavonoid and saponin in ratios, 8:1:10:1, 6:2:1:4 and 6:3:2:1, respectively. Aframomum melegueta and praziquantel showed above 70% potency (at 96 h LC5) against all the classes of parasites; Wenyonia spp (cestode), Procamallanus spp (nematode), Tenuisentis spp (acanthocephalan), and Electrotaenia sp (cestode) as compared to the other plant extracts that showed above 70% potency (at 96 h LC5) only against Electrotaenia spp. Sub-lethal Concentrations (96 h LC5) of praziquantel and Aframomum melegueta on the juvenile fish host (12.36 mg/l and 9.9 mg/l respectively) were found to be 90.9% and 93.5% effective against adult Electrotaenia spp after 8 to 10 min of exposure. These concentrations were 78 to 85.7% and 89.7 to 88.4%, respectively, effective against the other classes of parasites after 18 to 25 min and 15 to 21 min of exposure. These concentrations were tested on the post juvenile of the fish to determine behavioral changes; there were no significant behavioral responses after 24 h of exposure. The effective concentrations indicate the widest margin of safety for the fish host.

Bioaccumulation of Organochlorine Pesticides, Procamallanus sp. (Baylis, 1923) infections, and Microbial Colonization in African Snakehead fish Sampled from Lekki Lagoon, Lagos, Nigeria / Bioacumulação de pesticidas organoclorados, infecções por Procamallanus sp. (Baylis, 1923) e colonização microbiana em peixes africanos Snakehead coletados na lagoa Lekki, Lagos, Nigéria

Abstract The exponential rise in the Nigerian population has necessitated the use of agrochemicals for enhanced agricultural yields to meet the ever-rising demand for food. However, agrochemicals such as organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) have caused several devastating health and ecological challenges. The study was therefore aimed at assessing the bioaccumulation of OCPs and the associated parasitological and microbial susceptibility in P. obscura to determine the possible ecological impacts of the chemical. A total of 106 specimens of Parachanna obscura fish species were sampled between July and November 2019 from Lekki Lagoon in Lagos, Nigeria. Four culture media, namely nutrient agar (NA), MacConkay agar (MCA), eosin methylene blue (EMB), and sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) were employed in microbial culture. These microbes were subjected to ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, cefuroxime, gentamicin, ofloxacin, augmentin, nitrofurantoin, ciprofloxacin, and erythromycin to test for resistance, susceptibility and intermediate statuses before and after curing. OCPs were tested in the water, sediment, and tissues of P. obscura using gas chromatography flame ionization detector (GC-FID). P. obscura sampled in the lagoon had poor growth exponent which was characterized by negative allometry (slenderness) in the sampled fish. Although the incidence of parasitic infection in the fish was not alarming, the situation might be aggravated if the prevalent anthropogenic activities persist, resulting in immunosuppression. Regulation of anthropogenic activities in the catchment area is recommended to forestall the prognosis of health and environmental hazards associated with the agricultural, industrial, pharmaceutical, and municipal activities around the lagoon. Bacteria that conferred the most resistance to the majority of the antibiotics were Staphylococcus sp., Micrococcus sp. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella sp., testing positive to plasmid profile. They conferred high resistance to the antibiotics before plasmid curing but became highly susceptible post- plasmid curing. This implies that the gene for resistance in the bacteria isolates was plasmid-mediated, that is, they were obtained from the environment. In the event of an outbreak of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, dysentery, and diarrhea, there may be non-response to treatment among the infected inhabitants. The incidence of antibiotic resistance in bacteria colonies recorded in this study is of great public health concern, given the possibility of the antibiotic-resistant bacteria strains being passed to humans through fish consumption, resulting in increased multi-drug resistance in humans. Regulation of anthropogenic activities around the lagoon is recommended to forestall prognosis of health and environmental hazards associated with OCPs from agricultural, industrial, pharmaceutical, and municipal sources.

Resumo O aumento exponencial da população nigeriana exigiu o uso de agroquímicos para aumentar a produção agrícola e, assim, atender à crescente demanda por alimentos. No entanto, agroquímicos como pesticidas organoclorados (OCPs) causaram vários problemas de saúde e ecológicos. Portanto, o estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a bioacumulação de OCPs e a suscetibilidade parasitológica e microbiana associada em Parachanna obscura, a fim de determinar os possíveis impactos ecológicos desse produto químico. Foi amostrado um total de 106 espécimes de P. obscura entre julho e novembro de 2019 da lagoa Lekki, em Lagos, Nigéria. Quatro meios de cultura, como o ágar nutritivo (NA), o ágar MacConkay (MCA), o ágar eosina azul de metileno (EMB) e o ágar sabouraud dextrose (SDA), foram empregados na cultura microbiana. Esses micróbios foram submetidos a ceftazidima, ceftriaxona, cefuroxima, gentamicina, ofloxacina, augmentin, nitrofurantoína, ciprofloxacina e eritromicina para testar resistência, suscetibilidade e status intermediário antes e depois da cura. Os OCPs foram testados na água, sedimentos e tecidos de P. obscura usando um detector de ionização de chama por cromatografia em fase gasosa (GC-FID). Os peixes amostrados de P. obscura da lagoa apresentaram um expoente de crescimento ruim, caracterizado por alometria negativa (esbelteza). Embora a incidência de infecção parasitária nos peixes não tenha sido alarmante, a situação pode ser agravada se as atividades antropogênicas prevalecentes persistirem, resultando em imunossupressão. Recomenda-se a regulamentação de atividades antropogênicas na área de captação para prevenir o prognóstico de riscos à saúde e ecológicos associados a atividades agrícolas, industriais, farmacêuticas e municipais ao redor da lagoa. As bactérias que conferiram maior resistência à maioria dos antibióticos foram Staphylococcus sp., Micrococcus sp., Escherichia coli e Klebsiella sp., com teste positivo para o perfil plasmidial. Elas conferiram alta resistência aos antibióticos antes da cura do plasmídeo, mas se tornaram altamente suscetíveis após a cura dele. Isso implica que o gene de resistência nos isolados de bactérias foi mediado por plasmídeo, ou seja, foi obtido do ambiente. No caso de surtos de doenças transmitidas pela água, como cólera, febre tifoide, disenteria e diarreia, pode haver não resposta ao tratamento entre os habitantes infectados. A incidência de resistência a antibióticos nas colônias de bactérias registradas neste estudo é de grande preocupação para a saúde pública, dada a possibilidade de que as cepas de bactérias resistentes a antibióticos sejam transmitidas aos seres humanos por meio do consumo de peixes, resultando em maior resistência a múltiplas drogas em seres humanos. Recomenda-se a regulamentação de atividades antropogênicas ao redor da lagoa para impedir o prognóstico de riscos à saúde e ecológicos associados aos OCPs de fontes agrícolas, industriais, farmacêuticas e municipais.

Comparative Bioaccumulation of PAH and BTEX in Malapterurus electricus (Siluriformes: Malapteruridae) and its Enteric Parasite, Electrotaenia malopteruri Sampled from Lekki Lagoon, Lagos, Nigeria / Bioacumulação comparativa de HAP e BTEX em Malapterurus electricus (Siluriformes: Malapteruridae) e seu parasita entérico, Electrotaenia malopteruri, coletado na lagoa Lekki, Lagos, Nigéria

Abstract Contamination of Lekki lagoon by petrogenic chemicals such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) has been widely reported. The study was aimed at investigating the bioaccumulation of PAH and BTEX in Malapterurus electricus collected from Lekki lagoon in Lagos, Nigeria. BTEX was analyzed in the intestine, water, and sediment samples using 8260B Agilent 7890B gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer (GC-MS). While PAHs were tested in the same media using a gas chromatograph coupled to a flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Histopathological analysis of the fish intestine was conducted using haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stains. Parasite intensity, antioxidant enzymes, and lipid peroxidation activities were investigated in the fish. The parasitic infection detected in Malapterurus electricus was Electrotaenia malopteruri. The parasite showed weak and no depurative capacities for BTEX and PAH respectively. The decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and reduced glutathione (GSH) in conjunction with an increase in Malondialdehyde (MDA) characterized relatively higher susceptibility among the male fish. Varieties of tissue injuries increased with the standard length of the fish groups. Results suggest that lengthier and uninfected M. electricus were more susceptible to PAH in Lekki lagoon than the shorter and infected ones. The study demonstrated a promising tendency of the enteric parasite, E. malopteruri to depurate chlorobenzene, ethylbenzene, o-xylene, m+p-xylene, and 1,4-dichlorobenzene from the intestine of its host fish, M. electricus, while PAHs were poorly mediated by the parasite.

Resumo A contaminação da lagoa Lekki por produtos químicos petrogênicos, como hidrocarbonetos aromáticos policíclicos (HAP) e benzeno, tolueno, etilbenzeno e xileno (BTEX), foi amplamente relatada. O estudo teve como objetivo investigar a bioacumulação de HAP e BTEX em Malapterurus electricus, coletados na lagoa Lekki, em Lagos, Nigéria. O BTEX foi analisado no intestino, na água e nas amostras de sedimento usando o cromatógrafo de gás Agilent 7890B 8260B acoplado a um espectrômetro de massa (GC-MS). Já os HAP foram testados no mesmo meio utilizando cromatógrafo gasoso acoplado a detector de ionização de chama (GC-FID). A análise histopatológica do intestino do peixe foi conduzida usando colorações de hematoxilina e eosina (H&E). Intensidade de parasitas, enzimas antioxidantes e atividades de peroxidação lipídica foram investigadas nos peixes. A infecção parasitária detectada em Malapterurus electricus foi Electrotaenia malopteruri. O parasita mostrou fraca e nenhuma capacidade depurativa para BTEX e HAP, respectivamente. A diminuição da superóxido dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) e glutationa reduzida (GSH), em conjunto com o aumento do Malondialdeído (MDA), caracterizou a suscetibilidade relativamente maior entre os peixes machos. Variedades de lesões nos tecidos aumentaram com o comprimento padrão dos grupos de peixes. Os resultados sugerem que os M. electricus maiores e não infectados foram mais suscetíveis aos HAP na lagoa Lekki do que os menores e infectados. O estudo demonstrou uma tendência promissora do parasita entérico E. malopteruri de depurar clorobenzeno, etilbenzeno, o-xileno, m + p-xileno e 1,4-diclorobenzeno do intestino de seu peixe hospedeiro, M. electricus, enquanto os HAP foram mal mediados pelo parasita.

Bioaccumulation of Pyrethroid in Parasite Wenyonia acuminata (Cestoda: Caryophyllaeidae) and Host fish Synodontis clarias (Linnaeus, 1758) from Lekki Lagoon, Lagos Nigeria / Bioacumulação de piretroide no parasita Wenyonia acuminata (Cestoda: Caryophyllaeidae) e peixe hospedeiro Synodontis clarias (Linnaeus, 1758) da lagoa de Lekki, Lagos, Nigéria

Abstract This study was aimed at determining the concentration of pyrethroid in the surface water, sediment, Weyonia acuminata and Synodontis clarias fish in Lekki lagoon, Lagos, Nigeria. In-situ physicochemical analysis of the surface water was conducted using a calibrated handheld multi-parameter probe (Horiba Checker Model U-10). Intestinal samples from infected and uninfected fish were analyzed for pyrethroid concentrations, microbial colonization, proteins (PRO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), malonaldehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). The histopathology of infected and uninfected intestinal tissues were analyzed using Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) stains and examined under a binocular light microscope (Model 230485). A total of 39 out of 98 S. clarias fish were infected with cestode parasite, Wenyonia acuminate, amounting to 39% parasite prevalence. Among the tested pyrethroids, Cyfluthrin and Alpha -cypermethrin had significant sorption of 1.62 and 3.27 respectively from the aqueous phase to the bottom sediment of the lagoon. Pyrethroid concentration was in the order of sediment > parasite> water > intestine> liver. The cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL (low density lipids) in the parasite were higher than in the host fish (p<0.05). On the other hand, the fish hepatic protein, high density lipids (HDL) and glucose were higher than the levels in the parasites (p<0.05). There was a high prevalence of gut microbes (30 - 40%), which include Salmonella sp, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas sp and Bacillus sp among individuals infected with gut Cestodes, Wenyonia sp compared with uninfected individual which had higher gut Staphylococcus sp., Klebsiella sp., and Proteus sp. (10- 40%). among the congeners of pyrethroids analyzed, Cyfluthrin > Alpha-Cyermethrin had significant sorption on the sediment, however unlike a benthopelagic fish, no pyrethroid was accumulated in the S. clarias from the sediment. The fish however accumulated Alpha-Cypermethrin from the aqueous phase. The parasite on the other hand accumulated Bathroid significantly from the surface water and bottom sediment which may be linked to the higher stress levels observed in the parasite than the host fish. The parasite in turn inflicted histological alterations on the host intestine, marked by moderate inflammation of mucosa, alteration of the villi microstructure, moderate stunting of the villous structure and moderate fibrosis of villous structure. The study demonstrated the efficiency of histopathological and microbial analysis in biomonitoring studies enteric parasites and early detection of pyrethroid toxicity respectively compared to bioaccumulation analysis.

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar a concentração de piretroide nos peixes de águas superficiais, sedimentos, Wenyonia acuminata e Synodontis clarias na lagoa de Lekki, Lagos, Nigéria. A análise físico-química in situ da água de superfície foi realizada usando uma sonda multiparâmetro manual calibrada (Horiba Checker Modelo U-10). Amostras intestinais de peixes infectados e não infectados foram analisadas quanto a concentrações de piretroides, colonização microbiana, proteínas (PRO), superóxido dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutationa reduzida (GSH), malonaldeído (MDA) e glutationa peroxidase (GPx). A histopatologia dos tecidos intestinais infectados e não infectados foi analisada usando manchas de Hematoxilina e Eosina (H&E) e examinada sob um microscópio de luz binocular (Modelo 230485). Um total de 39 dos 98 peixes de S. clarias foi infectado com o parasita cestoide Wenyonia acuminata, totalizando 39% de prevalência do parasita. Entre os piretroides testados, ciflutrina e alfa-cipermetrina tiveram sorção significativa de 1,62 e 3,27, respectivamente, da fase aquosa ao sedimento de fundo da lagoa. A concentração de piretroides estava na ordem de sedimentos > parasita > água > intestino > fígado. O colesterol, os triglicerídeos e o LDL (lipídios de baixa densidade) no parasita foram maiores que no peixe hospedeiro (p < 0,05). Por outro lado, a proteína hepática dos peixes, os lipídios de alta densidade (HDL) e a glicose foram superiores aos níveis nos parasitas (p < 0,05). Houve uma alta prevalência de micróbios intestinais (30-40%), incluindo Salmonella sp., Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas sp. e Bacillus sp. entre indivíduos infectados no intestino com o parasita cestoide Wenyonia sp. em comparação com indivíduos não infectados com Staphylococcus sp., Klebsiella intestinal sp. e Proteus sp. (10-40%). Entre os congêneres dos piretroides analisados, ciflutrina > alfa-cipermetrina teve sorção significativa no sedimento, porém, diferentemente de um peixe bentopelágico, nenhum piretroide foi acumulado no S. clarias do sedimento. No entanto, os peixes acumularam alfa-cipermetrina a partir da fase aquosa. O parasita, por outro lado, acumulou Bathroid significativamente da água superficial e do sedimento do fundo, o que pode estar relacionado aos níveis mais altos de estresse observados no parasita do que no peixe hospedeiro. O parasita, por sua vez, causou alterações histológicas no intestino hospedeiro, marcadas por inflamação moderada da mucosa, alteração da microestrutura das vilosidades, atrofia moderada da estrutura das vilosidades e fibrose moderada da estrutura das vilosidades. O estudo demonstrou a eficiência da análise histopatológica e microbiana nos estudos de biomonitoramento de parasitas entéricos e detecção precoce da toxicidade dos piretroides, respectivamente, em comparação à análise de bioacumulação.

Comparative Bioaccumulation of PAH and BTEX in Malapterurus electricus (Siluriformes: Malapteruridae) and its Enteric Parasite, Electrotaenia malopteruri Sampled from Lekki Lagoon, Lagos, Nigeria.

Contamination of Lekki lagoon by petrogenic chemicals such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) has been widely reported. The study was aimed at investigating the bioaccumulation of PAH and BTEX in Malapterurus electricus collected from Lekki lagoon in Lagos, Nigeria. BTEX was analyzed in the intestine, water, and sediment samples using 8260B Agilent 7890B gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer (GC-MS). While PAHs were tested in the same media using a gas chromatograph coupled to a flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Histopathological analysis of the fish intestine was conducted using haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stains. Parasite intensity, antioxidant enzymes, and lipid peroxidation activities were investigated in the fish. The parasitic infection detected in Malapterurus electricus was Electrotaenia malopteruri. The parasite showed weak and no depurative capacities for BTEX and PAH respectively. The decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and reduced glutathione (GSH) in conjunction with an increase in Malondialdehyde (MDA) characterized relatively higher susceptibility among the male fish. Varieties of tissue injuries increased with the standard length of the fish groups. Results suggest that lengthier and uninfected M. electricus were more susceptible to PAH in Lekki lagoon than the shorter and infected ones. The study demonstrated a promising tendency of the enteric parasite, E. malopteruri to depurate chlorobenzene, ethylbenzene, o-xylene, m+p-xylene, and 1,4-dichlorobenzene from the intestine of its host fish, M. electricus, while PAHs were poorly mediated by the parasite.

Bioaccumulation of Organochlorine Pesticides, Procamallanus sp. (Baylis, 1923) infections, and Microbial Colonization in African Snakehead fish Sampled from Lekki Lagoon, Lagos, Nigeria.

The exponential rise in the Nigerian population has necessitated the use of agrochemicals for enhanced agricultural yields to meet the ever-rising demand for food. However, agrochemicals such as organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) have caused several devastating health and ecological challenges. The study was therefore aimed at assessing the bioaccumulation of OCPs and the associated parasitological and microbial susceptibility in P. obscura to determine the possible ecological impacts of the chemical. A total of 106 specimens of Parachanna obscura fish species were sampled between July and November 2019 from Lekki Lagoon in Lagos, Nigeria. Four culture media, namely nutrient agar (NA), MacConkay agar (MCA), eosin methylene blue (EMB), and sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) were employed in microbial culture. These microbes were subjected to ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, cefuroxime, gentamicin, ofloxacin, augmentin, nitrofurantoin, ciprofloxacin, and erythromycin to test for resistance, susceptibility and intermediate statuses before and after curing. OCPs were tested in the water, sediment, and tissues of P. obscura using gas chromatography flame ionization detector (GC-FID). P. obscura sampled in the lagoon had poor growth exponent which was characterized by negative allometry (slenderness) in the sampled fish. Although the incidence of parasitic infection in the fish was not alarming, the situation might be aggravated if the prevalent anthropogenic activities persist, resulting in immunosuppression. Regulation of anthropogenic activities in the catchment area is recommended to forestall the prognosis of health and environmental hazards associated with the agricultural, industrial, pharmaceutical, and municipal activities around the lagoon. Bacteria that conferred the most resistance to the majority of the antibiotics were Staphylococcus sp., Micrococcus sp. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella sp., testing positive to plasmid profile. They conferred high resistance to the antibiotics before plasmid curing but became highly susceptible post- plasmid curing. This implies that the gene for resistance in the bacteria isolates was plasmid-mediated, that is, they were obtained from the environment. In the event of an outbreak of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, dysentery, and diarrhea, there may be non-response to treatment among the infected inhabitants. The incidence of antibiotic resistance in bacteria colonies recorded in this study is of great public health concern, given the possibility of the antibiotic-resistant bacteria strains being passed to humans through fish consumption, resulting in increased multi-drug resistance in humans. Regulation of anthropogenic activities around the lagoon is recommended to forestall prognosis of health and environmental hazards associated with OCPs from agricultural, industrial, pharmaceutical, and municipal sources.

Bioaccumulation of Pyrethroid in Parasite Wenyonia acuminata (Cestoda: Caryophyllaeidae) and Host fish Synodontis clarias (Linnaeus, 1758) from Lekki Lagoon, Lagos Nigeria.

This study was aimed at determining the concentration of pyrethroid in the surface water, sediment, Weyonia acuminata and Synodontis clarias fish in Lekki lagoon, Lagos, Nigeria. In-situ physicochemical analysis of the surface water was conducted using a calibrated handheld multi-parameter probe (Horiba Checker Model U-10). Intestinal samples from infected and uninfected fish were analyzed for pyrethroid concentrations, microbial colonization, proteins (PRO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), malonaldehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). The histopathology of infected and uninfected intestinal tissues were analyzed using Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) stains and examined under a binocular light microscope (Model 230485). A total of 39 out of 98 S. clarias fish were infected with cestode parasite, Wenyonia acuminate, amounting to 39% parasite prevalence. Among the tested pyrethroids, Cyfluthrin and Alpha -cypermethrin had significant sorption of 1.62 and 3.27 respectively from the aqueous phase to the bottom sediment of the lagoon. Pyrethroid concentration was in the order of sediment > parasite> water > intestine> liver. The cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL (low density lipids) in the parasite were higher than in the host fish (p<0.05). On the other hand, the fish hepatic protein, high density lipids (HDL) and glucose were higher than the levels in the parasites (p<0.05). There was a high prevalence of gut microbes (30 - 40%), which include Salmonella sp, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas sp and Bacillus sp among individuals infected with gut Cestodes, Wenyonia sp compared with uninfected individual which had higher gut Staphylococcus sp., Klebsiella sp., and Proteus sp. (10- 40%). among the congeners of pyrethroids analyzed, Cyfluthrin > Alpha-Cyermethrin had significant sorption on the sediment, however unlike a benthopelagic fish, no pyrethroid was accumulated in the S. clarias from the sediment. The fish however accumulated Alpha-Cypermethrin from the aqueous phase. The parasite on the other hand accumulated Bathroid significantly from the surface water and bottom sediment which may be linked to the higher stress levels observed in the parasite than the host fish. The parasite in turn inflicted histological alterations on the host intestine, marked by moderate inflammation of mucosa, alteration of the villi microstructure, moderate stunting of the villous structure and moderate fibrosis of villous structure. The study demonstrated the efficiency of histopathological and microbial analysis in biomonitoring studies enteric parasites and early detection of pyrethroid toxicity respectively compared to bioaccumulation analysis.

Bioaccumulation of Pyrethroid in Parasite Wenyonia acuminata (Cestoda: Caryophyllaeidae) and Host fish Synodontis clarias (Linnaeus, 1758) from Lekki Lagoon, Lagos Nigeria

Abstract This study was aimed at determining the concentration of pyrethroid in the surface water, sediment, Weyonia acuminata and Synodontis clarias fish in Lekki lagoon, Lagos, Nigeria. In-situ physicochemical analysis of the surface water was conducted using a calibrated handheld multi-parameter probe (Horiba Checker Model U-10). Intestinal samples from infected and uninfected fish were analyzed for pyrethroid concentrations, microbial colonization, proteins (PRO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), malonaldehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). The histopathology of infected and uninfected intestinal tissues were analyzed using Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) stains and examined under a binocular light microscope (Model 230485). A total of 39 out of 98 S. clarias fish were infected with cestode parasite, Wenyonia acuminate, amounting to 39% parasite prevalence. Among the tested pyrethroids, Cyfluthrin and Alpha cypermethrin had significant sorption of 1.62 and 3.27 respectively from the aqueous phase to the bottom sediment of the lagoon. Pyrethroid concentration was in the order of sediment > parasite> water > intestine> liver. The cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL (low density lipids) in the parasite were higher than in the host fish (p 0.05). On the other hand, the fish hepatic protein, high density lipids (HDL) and glucose were higher than the levels in the parasites (p 0.05). There was a high prevalence of gut microbes (30 - 40%), which include Salmonella sp, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas sp and Bacillus sp among individuals infected with gut Cestodes, Wenyonia sp compared with uninfected individual which had higher gut Staphylococcus sp., Klebsiella sp., and Proteus sp. (10- 40%). among the congeners of pyrethroids analyzed, Cyfluthrin > Alpha-Cyermethrin had significant sorption on the sediment, however unlike a benthopelagic fish, no pyrethroid was accumulated in the S. clarias from the sediment. The fish however accumulated Alpha-Cypermethrin from the aqueous phase. The parasite on the other hand accumulated Bathroid significantly from the surface water and bottom sediment which may be linked to the higher stress levels observed in the parasite than the host fish. The parasite in turn inflicted histological alterations on the host intestine, marked by moderate inflammation of mucosa, alteration of the villi microstructure, moderate stunting of the villous structure and moderate fibrosis of villous structure. The study demonstrated the efficiency of histopathological and microbial analysis in biomonitoring studies enteric parasites and early detection of pyrethroid toxicity respectively compared to bioaccumulation analysis.

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar a concentração de piretroide nos peixes de águas superficiais, sedimentos, Wenyonia acuminata e Synodontis clarias na lagoa de Lekki, Lagos, Nigéria. A análise físico-química in situ da água de superfície foi realizada usando uma sonda multiparâmetro manual calibrada (Horiba Checker Modelo U-10). Amostras intestinais de peixes infectados e não infectados foram analisadas quanto a concentrações de piretroides, colonização microbiana, proteínas (PRO), superóxido dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutationa reduzida (GSH), malonaldeído (MDA) e glutationa peroxidase (GPx). A histopatologia dos tecidos intestinais infectados e não infectados foi analisada usando manchas de Hematoxilina e Eosina (H&E) e examinada sob um microscópio de luz binocular (Modelo 230485). Um total de 39 dos 98 peixes de S. clarias foi infectado com o parasita cestoide Wenyonia acuminata, totalizando 39% de prevalência do parasita. Entre os piretroides testados, ciflutrina e alfa-cipermetrina tiveram sorção significativa de 1,62 e 3,27, respectivamente, da fase aquosa ao sedimento de fundo da lagoa. A concentração de piretroides estava na ordem de sedimentos > parasita > água > intestino > fígado. O colesterol, os triglicerídeos e o LDL (lipídios de baixa densidade) no parasita foram maiores que no peixe hospedeiro (p 0,05). Por outro lado, a proteína hepática dos peixes, os lipídios de alta densidade (HDL) e a glicose foram superiores aos níveis nos parasitas (p 0,05). Houve uma alta prevalência de micróbios intestinais (30-40%), incluindo Salmonella sp., Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas sp. e Bacillus sp. entre indivíduos infectados no intestino com o parasita cestoide Wenyonia sp. em comparação com indivíduos não infectados com Staphylococcus sp., Klebsiella intestinal sp. e Proteus sp. (10-40%). Entre os congêneres dos piretroides analisados, ciflutrina > alfa-cipermetrina teve sorção significativa no sedimento, porém, diferentemente de um peixe bentopelágico, nenhum piretroide foi acumulado no S. clarias do sedimento. No entanto, os peixes acumularam alfa-cipermetrina a partir da fase aquosa. O parasita, por outro lado, acumulou Bathroid significativamente da água superficial e do sedimento do fundo, o que pode estar relacionado aos níveis mais altos de estresse observados no parasita do que no peixe hospedeiro. O parasita, por sua vez, causou alterações histológicas no intestino hospedeiro, marcadas por inflamação moderada da mucosa, alteração da microestrutura das vilosidades, atrofia moderada da estrutura das vilosidades e fibrose moderada da estrutura das vilosidades. O estudo demonstrou a eficiência da análise histopatológica e microbiana nos estudos de biomonitoramento de parasitas entéricos e detecção precoce da toxicidade dos piretroides, respectivamente, em comparação à análise de bioacumulação.

Comparative Bioaccumulation of PAH and BTEX in Malapterurus electricus (Siluriformes: Malapteruridae) and its Enteric Parasite, Electrotaenia malopteruri Sampled from Lekki Lagoon, Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract Contamination of Lekki lagoon by petrogenic chemicals such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) has been widely reported. The study was aimed at investigating the bioaccumulation of PAH and BTEX in Malapterurus electricus collected from Lekki lagoon in Lagos, Nigeria. BTEX was analyzed in the intestine, water, and sediment samples using 8260B Agilent 7890B gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer (GC-MS). While PAHs were tested in the same media using a gas chromatograph coupled to a flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Histopathological analysis of the fish intestine was conducted using haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stains. Parasite intensity, antioxidant enzymes, and lipid peroxidation activities were investigated in the fish. The parasitic infection detected in Malapterurus electricus was Electrotaenia malopteruri. The parasite showed weak and no depurative capacities for BTEX and PAH respectively. The decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and reduced glutathione (GSH) in conjunction with an increase in Malondialdehyde (MDA) characterized relatively higher susceptibility among the male fish. Varieties of tissue injuries increased with the standard length of the fish groups. Results suggest that lengthier and uninfected M. electricus were more susceptible to PAH in Lekki lagoon than the shorter and infected ones. The study demonstrated a promising tendency of the enteric parasite, E. malopteruri to depurate chlorobenzene, ethylbenzene, o-xylene, m+p-xylene, and 1,4-dichlorobenzene from the intestine of its host fish, M. electricus, while PAHs were poorly mediated by the parasite.

Resumo A contaminação da lagoa Lekki por produtos químicos petrogênicos, como hidrocarbonetos aromáticos policíclicos (HAP) e benzeno, tolueno, etilbenzeno e xileno (BTEX), foi amplamente relatada. O estudo teve como objetivo investigar a bioacumulação de HAP e BTEX em Malapterurus electricus, coletados na lagoa Lekki, em Lagos, Nigéria. O BTEX foi analisado no intestino, na água e nas amostras de sedimento usando o cromatógrafo de gás Agilent 7890B 8260B acoplado a um espectrômetro de massa (GC-MS). Já os HAP foram testados no mesmo meio utilizando cromatógrafo gasoso acoplado a detector de ionização de chama (GC-FID). A análise histopatológica do intestino do peixe foi conduzida usando colorações de hematoxilina e eosina (H&E). Intensidade de parasitas, enzimas antioxidantes e atividades de peroxidação lipídica foram investigadas nos peixes. A infecção parasitária detectada em Malapterurus electricus foi Electrotaenia malopteruri. O parasita mostrou fraca e nenhuma capacidade depurativa para BTEX e HAP, respectivamente. A diminuição da superóxido dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) e glutationa reduzida (GSH), em conjunto com o aumento do Malondialdeído (MDA), caracterizou a suscetibilidade relativamente maior entre os peixes machos. Variedades de lesões nos tecidos aumentaram com o comprimento padrão dos grupos de peixes. Os resultados sugerem que os M. electricus maiores e não infectados foram mais suscetíveis aos HAP na lagoa Lekki do que os menores e infectados. O estudo demonstrou uma tendência promissora do parasita entérico E. malopteruri de depurar clorobenzeno, etilbenzeno, o-xileno, m + p-xileno e 1,4-diclorobenzeno do intestino de seu peixe hospedeiro, M. electricus, enquanto os HAP foram mal mediados pelo parasita.

Bioaccumulation of Organochlorine Pesticides, Procamallanus sp. (Baylis, 1923) infections, and Microbial Colonization in African Snakehead fish Sampled from Lekki Lagoon, Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract The exponential rise in the Nigerian population has necessitated the use of agrochemicals for enhanced agricultural yields to meet the ever-rising demand for food. However, agrochemicals such as organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) have caused several devastating health and ecological challenges. The study was therefore aimed at assessing the bioaccumulation of OCPs and the associated parasitological and microbial susceptibility in P. obscura to determine the possible ecological impacts of the chemical. A total of 106 specimens of Parachanna obscura fish species were sampled between July and November 2019 from Lekki Lagoon in Lagos, Nigeria. Four culture media, namely nutrient agar (NA), MacConkay agar (MCA), eosin methylene blue (EMB), and sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) were employed in microbial culture. These microbes were subjected to ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, cefuroxime, gentamicin, ofloxacin, augmentin, nitrofurantoin, ciprofloxacin, and erythromycin to test for resistance, susceptibility and intermediate statuses before and after curing. OCPs were tested in the water, sediment, and tissues of P. obscura using gas chromatography flame ionization detector (GC-FID). P. obscura sampled in the lagoon had poor growth exponent which was characterized by negative allometry (slenderness) in the sampled fish. Although the incidence of parasitic infection in the fish was not alarming, the situation might be aggravated if the prevalent anthropogenic activities persist, resulting in immunosuppression. Regulation of anthropogenic activities in the catchment area is recommended to forestall the prognosis of health and environmental hazards associated with the agricultural, industrial, pharmaceutical, and municipal activities around the lagoon. Bacteria that conferred the most resistance to the majority of the antibiotics were Staphylococcus sp., Micrococcus sp. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella sp., testing positive to plasmid profile. They conferred high resistance to the antibiotics before plasmid curing but became highly susceptible post- plasmid curing. This implies that the gene for resistance in the bacteria isolates was plasmid-mediated, that is, they were obtained from the environment. In the event of an outbreak of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, dysentery, and diarrhea, there may be non-response to treatment among the infected inhabitants. The incidence of antibiotic resistance in bacteria colonies recorded in this study is of great public health concern, given the possibility of the antibiotic-resistant bacteria strains being passed to humans through fish consumption, resulting in increased multi-drug resistance in humans. Regulation of anthropogenic activities around the lagoon is recommended to forestall prognosis of health and environmental hazards associated with OCPs from agricultural, industrial, pharmaceutical, and municipal sources.

Resumo O aumento exponencial da população nigeriana exigiu o uso de agroquímicos para aumentar a produção agrícola e, assim, atender à crescente demanda por alimentos. No entanto, agroquímicos como pesticidas organoclorados (OCPs) causaram vários problemas de saúde e ecológicos. Portanto, o estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a bioacumulação de OCPs e a suscetibilidade parasitológica e microbiana associada em Parachanna obscura, a fim de determinar os possíveis impactos ecológicos desse produto químico. Foi amostrado um total de 106 espécimes de P. obscura entre julho e novembro de 2019 da lagoa Lekki, em Lagos, Nigéria. Quatro meios de cultura, como o ágar nutritivo (NA), o ágar MacConkay (MCA), o ágar eosina azul de metileno (EMB) e o ágar sabouraud dextrose (SDA), foram empregados na cultura microbiana. Esses micróbios foram submetidos a ceftazidima, ceftriaxona, cefuroxima, gentamicina, ofloxacina, augmentin, nitrofurantoína, ciprofloxacina e eritromicina para testar resistência, suscetibilidade e status intermediário antes e depois da cura. Os OCPs foram testados na água, sedimentos e tecidos de P. obscura usando um detector de ionização de chama por cromatografia em fase gasosa (GC-FID). Os peixes amostrados de P. obscura da lagoa apresentaram um expoente de crescimento ruim, caracterizado por alometria negativa (esbelteza). Embora a incidência de infecção parasitária nos peixes não tenha sido alarmante, a situação pode ser agravada se as atividades antropogênicas prevalecentes persistirem, resultando em imunossupressão. Recomenda-se a regulamentação de atividades antropogênicas na área de captação para prevenir o prognóstico de riscos à saúde e ecológicos associados a atividades agrícolas, industriais, farmacêuticas e municipais ao redor da lagoa. As bactérias que conferiram maior resistência à maioria dos antibióticos foram Staphylococcus sp., Micrococcus sp., Escherichia coli e Klebsiella sp., com teste positivo para o perfil plasmidial. Elas conferiram alta resistência aos antibióticos antes da cura do plasmídeo, mas se tornaram altamente suscetíveis após a cura dele. Isso implica que o gene de resistência nos isolados de bactérias foi mediado por plasmídeo, ou seja, foi obtido do ambiente. No caso de surtos de doenças transmitidas pela água, como cólera, febre tifoide, disenteria e diarreia, pode haver não resposta ao tratamento entre os habitantes infectados. A incidência de resistência a antibióticos nas colônias de bactérias registradas neste estudo é de grande preocupação para a saúde pública, dada a possibilidade de que as cepas de bactérias resistentes a antibióticos sejam transmitidas aos seres humanos por meio do consumo de peixes, resultando em maior resistência a múltiplas drogas em seres humanos. Recomenda-se a regulamentação de atividades antropogênicas ao redor da lagoa para impedir o prognóstico de riscos à saúde e ecológicos associados aos OCPs de fontes agrícolas, industriais, farmacêuticas e municipais.

Assessment of loiasis and outcomes of ivermectin masstreatment in Ijebu-North, Nigeria.

A total of 286 individuals from 3 selected communities (Areedi-Aje, Ipakodo/Ojokodo, and Ijebu-Igbo) of Ijebu-North, southwestern Nigeria were examined for Loa loa microfilaremia using finger prick blood smear, between December 2008 and March 2009. Rapid assessment procedure for loiasis (RAPLOA) was used to obtain information, from 187 Ijebu-Igbo residents, on adverse reactions experienced from retrospective treatments with ivermectin and history of eye worm. Only 33.9% of the respondents reported having had a history of eye worm while 33.2% had microfilaremia. The demographic factor of gender was not significant determinants of the prevalence (P>0.05) while age was significant (P<0.05). The highest prevalence of eye worm history and microfilaremia were recorded in 61-70 and 15-20 years of age categories, respectively. Ijebu-Igbo had 27.3% eye worm history, 32.1% microfilaremia, and the highest intensity of 140 microfilariae (mf)/ml. Ipakodo area had the highest eye worm history of 54.4% and the highest intensity of 420 mf/ml. Areedi-Aje had the highest occurrence of 45.2% microfilaremia and the highest intensity of 460 mf/ml. Predictably, Areedi-Aje and Ipakodo areas were high risk communities. The low intensity of L. loa infection with an insignificant (2.1%; P>0.05) adverse reactions from 187 subjects involved in the retrospective ivermectin administration confirmed that ivermectin delivery may be considered safe. The community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI) programme was most probably responsible for the low prevalence and intensity.

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).

Gastrointestinal Helminth Parasites of the fish Synodontis clarias (Siluriformes: Mochokidae) from Lekki lagoon, Lagos, Nigeria

A total of 362 specimens of the fish Synodontis clarias were randomly selected and subjected to parasitological examination for helminth parasites. They were collected over a period of one year from Lekki lagoon, Lagos, Nigeria. The prevalence of gastrointestinal infection was 38.7%. The helminth worms found include two cestodes, Proteocephalus spp., Wenyonia acuminata, and a nematode species, Raphidascaroides. Male specimens (196) presented a higher rate of infection (37.8%) than female specimens (166) which showed a rate of 23.5%. The overall worm burden was high (678) and it was independent of fish sex and fish size. Rev. Biol. Trop. 56 (4): 2021-2026. Epub 2008 December 12.

Se muestrearon aleatoriamente un total de 362 especímenes de Synodontis clarias, los cuales fueron sometidos a análisis parasitológicos. Los especimenes fueron recolectados durante un período de un año del lago Lekki, Nigeria. La existencia de infecciones gastrointestinales fue de un 38.7% del total de especímenes examinados, lo cual representó 114 especímenes infectados con parásitos helmintos. Los gusanos helmintos encontrados incluyen dos céstodos, especies de Proteocephalus, Wenyonia acuminata, y una especie de nemátodo, Raphidascaroides sp. Los especímenes machos (196) presentaron una tasa de infección mayor (37.8%) que la presentada por hembras (23.5%). La cantidad total de gusanos parásitos fue alta (678) y fue independiente del sexo y la talla del pez.

Prevalences of loiasis in Ondo state, Nigeria, as evaluated by the rapid assessment procedure for loiasis (RAPLOA).

The rapid assessment procedure for loiasis (RAPLOA) was used to assess the prevalences of loiasis among 4800 subjects in 60 villages in Ondo state, south-western Nigeria. Coverages for community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI) were assessed in the same communities, which were located in the Owo, Akure North, Ifedore, Akure South, Ondo East and Ondo West local government areas (LGA). In addition, fingerprick blood samples were collected from 80 individuals in each of six villages (i.e. one village in each LGA investigated) and checked for Loa loa microfilaraemia. Microfilaraemias were only detected in three of the villages where blood samples were collected and then only at low prevalences (1.25%-5.0%) and intensities (267-1600 microfilariae/ml). No serious adverse events were or ever had been related to the CDTI but mild or moderate adverse reactions were quite common, especially in Akure North (55.0%) and Owo (40.2%). A female subject was more likely to report an history of eye worm than a male subject (20.3%-35.7% v. 20.8%-26.5%, according to LGA). Although the subjects aged 41-50 years formed the age-group most likely to report an history of eye worm (32.7%), the highest CDTI coverage was recorded in the subjects aged 61-70 years (54.7%). The results indicated that CDTI had helped to reduce the prevalence and intensity of Loa microfilaraemia and that ivermectin can continue to be used for mass administrations in Ondo state with little risk of serious adverse events.

Market survey of loiasis: prevalence and adverse reactions to ivermectin using a rapid procedure for loiasis / Encuesta de mercado de loiasis: prevalencia y reacciones adversas a la ivermectina usando un procedimiento rápido para la loiasis

OBJECTIVES: 1. To assess the levels of endemicity of loiasis in a total of 30 selected villages covering an area of 5.2 sq km in Owo, Akure North, Akure South, Ondo East, Ondo West and Ifedore local governments in Ondo State, Nigeria, using Rapid Assessment for loiasis technique. 2. To obtain information on adverse reactions which occurred during previous administrations of the drug ivermectin used for the treatment of loiasis and onchocerciasis in the study area. METHODS: Consent was obtained from the chairman of each local government village head and individuals were co-opted into the study. A total of 480 individuals were interviewed, 80 from each of the six local governments, during the regular scheduled community market days. Survey for Loa loa was carried out according to specifications in "Guidelines for rapid Assessment of Loa loa (TDR, 2002). RESULTS: Among the 480 respondents, 80 (16.7%) reported having had a history of loiasis while 11 (2.3%) had recent occurrence of the disease. The local name given to the disease in all the villages studied is "aran oju". Respondents in Ondo East local government had an eyeworm history of 23 (28.8%) and occurrence of loiasis was 02 (2.5%), these were the highest figures recorded. Using the SPSS version 10 package for data analysis, demographic factors of age and gender were not significant determinants of prevalence (> 0.05). Ondo East and Ifedore local governments had significant levels of loiasis prevalence (p < 0.05). Adverse reactions from the retrospective ivermectin administration was 04 (0.83%). This was statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Market surveys in rural communities were considered to be cost effective and rapid in the determination of prevalence of any disease. Since less than 40% of the respondents in the study area reported having had a history of eyeworm, the entire area was classified as "low risk" as regards the administration of ivermectin.

OBJETIVOS: 1. Evaluar los niveles de endemicidad de loiasis en un total de 30 poblados seleccionados, que abarcan un area de 5.2 sq km in Owo, Akure North, Akure South, Ondo East, Ondo West y los gobiernos locales de Ifedore in Ondo State, Nigeria, usando una evaluación rápida para técnica de loiasis. 2. Obtener información acerca de las reacciones adversas que ocurrieron durante las administraciones previas del medicamento invermectina usado para el tratamiento de loiasis y onchocerciasis en el área de estudio. MÉTODOS: Se obtuvo el consentimiento del presidente de cada uno de los gobiernos locales de los poblados de cabecera, así como de los individuos cooptados para la realización del estudio. Se entrevistaron un total de 480 individuos, 80 de cada uno de los seis gobiernos locales, durante los días de mercado regularmente programados para la comunidad. Se llevó a cabo una encuesta de Loa loa de acuerdo con las especificaciones de las "Guías para la evaluación rápida de Loa loa". RESULTADOS: De los 480 encuestados, 80 (16.7%) reportaron haber tenido una historia de loiasis, mientras que 11 (2.3%) tuvieron padecimientos recientes de esta enfermedad. El nombre local dado a esta enfermedad en todos los poblados estudiados es "aran oju". Los encuestados en el gobierno local de Ondo East local tenían antecedentes de gusano ocular de 23 (28.8%) y la manifestación de loiasis fue 02 (2.5%). Estas fueron las cifras más altas registradas. Usando el paquete SPSS versión 10 para el análisis de datos, se observó que los factores demográficos de edad y sexo no fueron significativamente determinantes de la prevalencia (> 0.05). Los gobiernos locales de Ondo East y de Ifedore tuvieron niveles significativos de prevalencia de loiasis (p < 0.05). Las reacciones adversas de la administración de ivermectina retrospectiva fue 04 (0.83%). Esto fue estadísticamente significativo (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIÓN: Las encuestas de mercado en las comunidades rurales fueron consideradas costo-efectivas y rápidas en la determinación de la prevalencia de cualquier enfermedad. Puesto que menos del 40% de los encuestados en el área de estudio reportaron haber tenido una historia de gusano ocular, toda el área fue clasificada como de "bajo riesgo" en relación con la administración de la invermectina.

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.

Gastrointestinal helminth parasites of the fish Synodontis clarias (Siluriformes: Mochokidae) from Lekki lagoon, Lagos, Nigeria.

A total of 362 specimens of the fish Synodontis clarias were randomly selected and subjected to parasitological examination for helminth parasites. They were collected over a period of one year from Lekki lagoon, Lagos, Nigeria. The prevalence of gastrointestinal infection was 38.7%. The helminth worms found include two cestodes, Proteocephalus spp., Wenyonia acuminata, and a nematode species, Raphidascaroides. Male specimens (196) presented a higher rate of infection (37.8%) than female specimens (166) which showed a rate of 23.5%. The overall worm burden was high (678) and it was independent of fish sex and fish size.

Market survey of loiasis: prevalence and adverse reactions to ivermectin using a rapid procedure for loiasis.

OBJECTIVES: 1. To assess the levels of endemicity of loiasis in a total of 30 selected villages covering an area of 5.2 sq km in Owo, Akure North, Akure South, Ondo East, Ondo West and Ifedore local governments in Ondo State, Nigeria, using Rapid Assessment for loiasis technique. 2. To obtain information on adverse reactions which occurred during previous administrations of the drug ivermectin used for the treatment of loiasis and onchocerciasis in the study area. METHODS: Consent was obtained from the chairman of each local government village head and individuals were co-opted into the study. A total of 480 individuals were interviewed, 80 from each of the six local governments, during the regular scheduled community market days. Survey for Loa loa was carried out according to specifications in "Guidelines for rapid Assessment of Loa loa (TDR, 2002). RESULTS: Among the 480 respondents, 80 (16.7%) reported having had a history of loiasis while 11 (2.3%) had recent occurrence of the disease. The local name given to the disease in all the villages studied is "aran oju". Respondents in Ondo East local government had an eyeworm history of 23 (28.8%) and occurrence of loiasis was 02 (2.5%), these were the highest figures recorded. Using the SPSS version 10 package for data analysis, demographic factors of age and gender were not significant determinants of prevalence (> 0.05). Ondo East and Ifedore local governments had significant levels of loiasis prevalence (p < 0.05). Adverse reactions from the retrospective ivermectin administration was 04 (0.83%). This was statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Market surveys in rural communities were considered to be cost effective and rapid in the determination of prevalence of any disease. Since less than 40% of the respondents in the study area reported having had a history of eyeworm, the entire area was classified as "low risk" as regards the administration of ivermectin.

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.

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.