Induction of genetic alterations and oxidative stress in giant African land snail (limicolaria aurora) exposed to municipal waste leachate

Uncontrolled waste disposal has continuously threatened the health of the surrounding environment through the leaching of hazardous xenobiotics. Systemic toxicity and genotoxicity potential of waste leachates from Onitsha municipal dumpsite were investigated in giant African land snail (Limicolaria aurora) through oxidative stress biomarker and micronucleus test assessment respectively. Physicochemical indices were evaluated in the leachate following standard protocols. Snails were exposed to different concentrations (0, 6.25, 12.5, 25.0 and 50.0%) of waste leachate for 21 days; oxidative stress biomarkers and micronucleus analysis performed on snail digestive gland and hemocyte respectively. The leachate induced dose-duration dependent increase (P< 0.05) in Superoxide dismutase, Catalase, malondialdehyde and Glutathione peroxidase levels with associated decrease in total protein concentrations in the exposed snails compared to the control. Similarly, the frequency of micronucleus and other nuclear abnormalities shows concentration dependent increase (P< 0.05) in treated groups. This observed genotoxic effect might be induced by the oxidative stress, via the production of reactive oxygen species. This shows that waste leachate contains hazardous and genotoxic compounds capable of inducing oxidative stress and DNA damage. Therefore, continuous exposure of waste leachate into the environment could pose a grave health risk to the surrounding biota, humans included

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First Record of Co - infection of Three Clinostomatid Parasites in Cichlids (Osteichthyes: Cichlidae) in a Tropical Freshwater Lake.

The present study investigated the effects of first record of co-infection of three Clinostomum sp.; Clinostomum Complanatum (Rudolphi, 1819), C. tilapiae (Ukoli, 1966), and Euclinostomum hetereostomum (1809) in Tilapia zilii. There was differential parasitic effects resulting in selection for relatively better adaptiveness to host's microhabitats, more population size, and frequent host location of these parasites during the one year survey (Nov 2007-Oct 2008) in Opi Lake, Nigeria. Prevalence of 9.4 % was recorded in C. complanatum, 10.4 % in E. heterostomum and 4.8% in C. tilapiae. The parasites were recovered from three major microhabitats of buccal cavity, skin and eye.

Urinary schistosomiasis among pregnant women in some endemic tropical semi – urban communities of Anambra State, Nigeria

Urinary schistosomiasis is caused by the deposition of eggs by adult flukes in the blood vessels surrounding the bladder of the infected host. Schistosomiasis is ranked the second most important parasitic disease of man and undoubtedly the most important of helminth origin. This paper reports the prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium infection among pregnant women in some endemic tropical semi – urban communities of Anambra State, Nigeria, screened using Medi-Test Combi 9 and urine centrifugation methods. Laboratory analysis of urine samples collected from 172 pregnant women indicated that 41 (23.8%) had urinary schistosomiasis with Anam community having the highest prevalence of 35.1% among other communities. The overall prevalence and intensity of infection among age groups showed that the youngest age group in the study, 16-20 years had the highest prevalence. Out of 24 women within this age group, 12 (50.0%) were infected among which 8 (33.3%) had light infection while 4 (16.6%) had moderate infection. The peak mean intensity of 7.6 eggs/10ml urine was observed in age group 16-20 years while the oldest age group, 41-45 years had the lowest mean intensity of 1.0 egg/10ml urine. Haematuria and proteinuria which are diagnostic for schistosomiasis were higher within age group 16-20 years in all the communities with Anam community having the highest prevalence of 50% for both biochemicals within age group 16-20 years. The findings from this study will be useful in developing specific programme for this special group of women.

What does the medical student know about eye donation/corneal transplant? The University of Nigeria scenario / ¿Qué saben los estudiantes de medicina acerca de la donación de ojos/transplante de córnea? Panorama de la Universidad de Nigeria

OBJECTIVE: The study was designed to determine the knowledge of eye donation and corneal transplant among final year medical students of The University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC). METHODS: Self-administered structured questionnaires were distributed to the members of the final year (graduating) class of the Medical College of UNEC in June 2007. Responses were obtained to questions bordering on eye donation and corneal transplant. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-one students out of 183 eligible students participated in the study (response rate = 71.6%). One hundred and four students (79.4%) were aware of eye donation/corneal transplant. However, 95 students (72.5%) were not aware that the eyes can only be removed from a dead donor. Eight-yfour students (64.1%) were not aware that eyes with cataract could be donated. Eighty-seven (66.4%) students were not willing to pledge their eyes for donation. CONCLUSION: Medical students lack adequate knowledge about some aspects of eye donation and corneal transplantation. This may be a predictor of the level of awareness among the general public. Concerted innovative education and information dissemination strategies are required at this stage of national development to address the misconceptions surrounding eye donation and corneal transplant. There is a need to target medical students as future motivators, counsellors and eye donors. This should help advance the eye donation rates in Nigeria whenever the plans for the establishment of an eye-bank are finalized.

OBJETIVO: El estudio fue diseñado para determinar el conocimiento sobre la donación de ojos y el trasplante de la córnea entre estudiantes del último año de medicina en el Campus Enugu de la Universidad de Nigeria (UNEC). MÉTODOS: Se distribuyeron encuestas estructuradas auto-administradas entre los miembros de la clase del último año (graduandos) de la Facultad de Medicina de UNEC en junio de 2007. Se obtuvieron respuestas a preguntas en torno a la donación de ojos y el trasplante de córnea. RESULTADOS: Ciento treinta y un estudiantes de un grupo de 183 estudiantes elegibles, participaron en el estudio (tasa de respuesta = 71.6%). Ciento cuatro estudiantes (79.4%) conocían de la donación de ojos/trasplante de córnea. Sin embargo, 95 estudiantes (72.5%) no sabían que los ojos sólo pueden ser extraídos de un donante muerto. Ochenta y cuatro estudiantes (64.1%) no tenían conciencia de que se podían donar ojos con catarata. Ochenta y siete (66.4%) estudiantes no estaban dispuestos a ofrecer sus ojos para una donación. CONCLUSIÓN: Los estudiantes de medicina carecían de conocimientos adecuados sobre algunos aspectos de la donación de ojos y el trasplante de la córnea. Éste puede ser un predictor del nivel de conocimiento en el público general. Se necesita concertar una educación innovadora y estrategias de difusión de la información en esta fase de desarrollo nacional, a fin de abordar las concepciones erróneas en torno a la donación de ojos y el trasplante de córnea. Hay que hacer un trabajo de captación de los estudiantes de medicina como futuros motivadores, orientadores, y donantes de ojos. Esto debe contribuir a elevar las tasas de donación de ojos en Nigeria, en cuanto se concreten los planes para la creación de un banco de ojos.