Fungal composition, quantification of mycotoxins, and enzyme activity in processed Solanum tuberosum Linn (potato) products stored at different relative humidity.

AIM: Postharvest loss of potatoes at the peak of harvest is of global concern. This study aimed to determine the quality of stored processed potato products based on fungal composition, mycotoxin contamination, and fungal enzyme activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Potato products from three cultivars (Caruso, Marabel, and Nicola) were grouped as peeled or unpeeled, oven- or sun-dried, and all samples were in flour form. Samples were incubated separately for 6 weeks at 25%, 74%, and 87% relative humidities (RH) at 25°C. The pH, moisture content (MC), visible deterioration, mycotoxin, fungal identity by DNA sequencing, and enzyme activity were determined. RESULTS: Results of grouped products (based on variety, drying, and peeling method) revealed that MC increased in the oven-dried samples and the pH value reduced after incubation. About 26% of the products at 87% RH showed visible deterioration, low amounts of fumonisin were detected in fermented potato product and nine fungal genera were identified across the three RH levels. Enzyme activities by Aspergillus niger, Fusarium circinatum, and Rhizopus stolonifer isolates were confirmed. CONCLUSION: RH influenced deterioration and fungal activities in some stored processed potato products. Low levels of fumonisin were detected.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Towards COVID-19: An Epidemiological Survey in North-Central Nigeria.

The COVID-19 pandemic has become a major public health challenge globally with countries of the world adopting unprecedented infection prevention and control (IPC) measures to urgently curtail the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of the people toward COVID-19 is critical to understanding the epidemiological dynamics of the disease and the effectiveness, compliance and success of IPC measures adopted in a country. This study sought to determine the levels of KAP toward COVID-19 among residents of north-central Nigeria. A cross-sectional online survey with a semi-structured questionnaire using a Snowball sampling technique was conducted during the national lockdown. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson's correlation and regression tests. From a total of 589 responses received, 80.6, 59.6, 90.4 and 56.2% were from respondents between ages 18-39 years, males, had a college (Bachelor) degree or above and reside in urban areas respectively. Respondents had good knowledge (99.5%) of COVID-19, gained mainly through the internet/social media (55.7%) and Television (27.5%). The majority of the respondents (79.5%) had positive attitudes toward the adherence of government IPC measures with 92.7, 96.4 and 82.3% practicing social distancing/self-isolation, improved personal hygiene and using face mask respectively. However, 52.1% of the respondents perceived that the government is not doing enough to curtail COVID-19 in Nigeria. Pearson's correlation showed significant relationship between knowledge of COVID-19 and attitude towards preventive measures (r = 0.177, p = 0.004, r = 0.137, p = 0.001). Although 61.8% of the respondents have no confidence in the present intervention by Chinese doctors, only 29.0% would accept COVID-19 vaccines when available. This study recorded good knowledge and attitudes among participants, however, community-based health campaigns are necessary to hold optimistic attitudes and practice appropriate intervention measures devoid of misconceptions.

Is the COVID-19 pandemic masking the deadlier Lassa fever epidemic in Nigeria?

With the COVID-19 officially declared a pandemic, Nigeria alongside other countries is directing all its resources and manpower to contain this pandemic. However, the existence of Lassa fever (LF), a more severe, zoonotic, endemic and viral haemorrhagic fever caused by Lassa virus with higher case fatality ratio (CFR) rages on across Nigeria while receiving little or no public health attention. The simultaneously increasing cases of COVID-19 and LF across Nigeria would be catastrophic unless infection prevention and control measures toward both LF and COVID-19 outbreaks are considered alongside.