School of Biological Sciences

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Open Access
Design and evaluation of chronotherapeutic pulsatile drug delivery system of cilnidipine
(U. P., 2017) Nweje-Anyalowu, Paul C.; Anyalogbu, Ernest A. A.; Alalibo, White Jim
At present scenario the drug regimen based on circadian rhythm is recently gaining much attention worldwide by researchers. Justification behind it is that, there are various diseases like asthma, hypertension, and arthritis show circadian variation that demand time scheduled drug release for effective drug action. A chronodelivery system, based on biological rhythms, is a state-of the- art technology for drug delivery. The aim of present work is formulate and evaluate a press coated pulsatile release tablets of Cilnidipine using an admixture of hydrophilic polymer i.e. hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) and pH sensitive polymers (ethyl cellulose, eudragit S-100) in order to achieve a predetermined lag time for chronopharmacotherapy of Hypertension. Cilnidipine is the novel calcium antagonist accompanied with L-type and N-type calcium channel blocking function used for the treatment of hypertension. The tablets prepared were evaluated for different properties like bulk density, tapped density, Angle of repose and Carr’s index), hardness, thickness, weight variation, friability, drug content uniformity and in vitro drug release study.
Open Access
Effect of maceration time on micronutrient concentrations of canarium schweinfurthii pulp flour
(SCIENCEDOMAIN International, 2014-06-25) Monanu, Michael O.; Anyalogbu, Ernest A.; Onyeike, Eugene N.
The effect of wet heat-processing on the micronutrient composition of Canarium schweinfurthii (CS) pulps eaten as traditional snack in most parts of Nigeria was investigated. Fresh wholesome seeds of C. schweinfurthii, obtained from Aba (Abia State, Nigeria) were washed in several changes of distilled water and divided into four lots. The first lot was used raw (CSraw) and the 2nd, 3rd and 4th macerated in water (55ºC) for 15, 30 and 45min to obtain CS15, CS30 and CS45 respectively. CS30 represents sample traditionally processed to accepted cooking tenderness. The raw and wet-heat treated seed pulps, dried for 48hr in air-circulatory oven (50ºC) and milled into flours were evaluated for vitamin and mineral contents using standard methods. The mineral and vitamin contents of the plant food were affected by the processing method. There were progressive increase in the concentrations of Ca, Na, P, Zn, and Pb; and decrease in those of Fe, I, K and Mg as maceration time was increased. The concentrations of Cu, Mn and Se were increased to their peak values and then reduced as the processing time was extended. Highest values were obtained (per 100g sample) for Fe (7.78mg), I (12.0µg), K (11.34mg) and Mg (8.37mg) in CSraw; Ca (21.41mg), Cu (289.33µg) and Mn (4.76mg) in CS15; Na (23.36mg), Se (8.0µg) and Pb (122.67µg) in CS30 and; P (21.33µg) and Zn (1.79mg) in CS45. Vitamins C (2.37mg/100g) and E (1.97mg/100g) were the mostabundant vitamins in the sample. The concentrations of all the vitamins investigated increased to their respective peaks values at 15min maceration (CS15) and then, with exception of thiamine, reduced with the extension of the processing time to 45min. It can be concluded that maceration for 15-30mins improves the micronutrient contents of CS pulp.
Open Access
Mineral and vitamin concentrations of heat processed plukenetia conophora seed kernel consumed in Nigeria
(SCIENCEDOMAIN International, 2014-08-21) Anyalogbu, Ernest A.; Onyeike, Eugene N.; Monanu, Michael O.
Mineral and vitamin concentrations of heat processed Plukenetia conophora seed kernelconsumed as snacks in Nigeria were investigated. The seeds which were obtained from Ojoto in Anambra State, Nigeria were washed in several changes of distilled water, divided into four lots - PCraw (raw sample), PC45, PC90 and PC135 (samples cooked for 45, 90 and 135min respectively), oven-dried and milled into flours. Concentrations of the minerals (Ca, K, Mg, Na, Pb, Cu, Fe, I and Mn) in PCraw decreased as the time of cooking increased from 45min (PC45) to 135min (PC135), while for P, Zn and Se the concentrations increased over time of heat processing. The most abundant mineral was sodium (27.41mg/100g) followed by calcium (21.04mg/100g) and lowest in iodine (3.0µg/100g).Iodine was the most heat-labile mineral followed by iron and then lead. Plukenetia conophora seed kernel flours were found to be excellent sources of vitamins E, K, B1, B6 and B9 and good sources of vitamins D, B2, B3, B5 and thus the plant food is recommended for consumption sinceit could provide significant amount of the recommended daily allowance of these micronutrients for adults.
Open Access
Amino acid profile of heat-processed canarium schweinfurthii pulp
(SCIENCEDOMAIN International, 2014-06-19) Anyalogbu, Ernest A.; Onyeike, Eugene N.; Monanu, Michael O.
Amino acid composition of a plant food is an indicator of its protein quality. This could be altered by the processing method. Processed fruit of Canarium schweinfurthii, a Bursereceae, is common traditional snacking item in Nigeria. The pulp of raw and macerated samples of C. schweinfurthii were dried, ground into powders and analyzed for protein and amino acid contents using standard methods. The pulp of raw and macerated samples contain all the amino acids found naturally in plant protein. Glu (6.72-9.03g/100g protein), a non-essential amino acid was the most abundant amino acid followed by Leu (5.35-6.21g/100g protein) an essential amino acid. The concentrations of Glu, Gly, Ala, Cys, and Tyr and those of all the essential amino acids were increased by macerating the sample for 15 to 45min while others decreased. Peak values (on g/100g protein basis) were obtained for Lys(3.10), Thr(3.00), Val(3.66), Met(0.89), Ile(3.08), Phe(3.30), Glu(9.03), Gly(3.14), Ala(2.86), Cys(0.79), and Tyr(2.74) at 30min maceration (CS30). The sample processed to accepted eaten tenderness (CS30) on g/100g protein basis also recorded the highest values for the protein quality parameters: total amino acid(56.05), total essential amino acid with His(28.5), total non-essential amino acid(27.8), total neutral amino acid(33.4), total acidic amino acid(14.4), total sulphur amino acid(1.68) and total aromatic amino acid(6.04). Based on whole hen’s egg and 1957 FAO provisional amino acid patterns, Met (0.57-0.89g/100g protein) scored lowest to become the first limiting amino acid in the sample. The plant food has potential as a source of high quality dietary protein.
Open Access
Environmental metals pollutants load of a densely populated and heavily industrialized commercial city of Aba, Nigeria
(Academic Journals, 2013) Ezejiofor,Tobias I. Ndubuisi; Ezejiofor, A. N.; Udebuani, A. C.; Ezeji, E. U.; Ayalogbu, E. A.; Azuwuike, C. O.; Adjero, L. A.; Ihejirika, C. E.; Ujowundu, C. O.; Nwaogu, L. A.; Ngwogu, K. O.
Diseases and their associated health defects are most often related to the quality of the total environment which in itself is also related to the quality and quantity of wastes generated in those areas, as partly defined by the nature of activities carried out by the populace. This environment-health relationship dynamics are particularly evident in most tropical environments like Nigeria where various environmental media are laden with sundry pollutants including metals, most of which are often furnished by wastes. This study aims at investigating the environmental metal load of Aba, a major commercial city in South-east Nigeria which is home to many artisanal, small- and medium-scale industrial activities, but presently experiencing waste-related menace. Randomly collected soil samples from different areas of Aba metropolis and a sub-urban community considered less polluted (to serve as control) were analyzed for heavy and non-heavy metals. Results show that while the mean of the estimated heavy metals in the six sites ranged from 0.31 ± 0 to 1293.75 ± 0 µg/g, for non-heavy metals it ranged between 55.01 ± 24.88 and 903.74 ± 1081.25. In the control site, the range is between 0 and 1293.75 ± 0 for heavy metals while for the non-heavy metals, it is between 72.73 ± 0 and 410.50 ± 0. The results indicate that the mean concentrations for most of the metals were high with respect to the Nigerian Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) and World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Findings in this study have serious implications for public health.
Open Access
Phytochemical screening and anti-malaria /typhoid fever activities of alstonia boonei (de wild) stem bark powder
(Global Science Book, 2013) Analogbu, Ernest. A.; Ezeji, Ethelbert U.; Nwalozie, Chiaka J.
Anti-malaria/typhoid fever potential of graded doses of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Alstonia boonei bark stem powder were investigated. The stem bark powder was also screened for the presence of some phytochemicals. The percentage chemo-suppressive activity (on early malaria infection in mice) of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight doses were found to be 81, 85 and 75%, respectively for the ethanolic extract and 56, 78 and 80%, respectively for the aqueous extract. This is substantial when compared to the 97% chemo-suppressive effect produced by 5 mg/kg body weight of chloroquine. The extracts did not produce any observable activity against Salmonella typhii. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponin, flavonoids, terpenes, sterol and resins in the stem bark powder. These results further confirmed earlier reports that A. boonei possesses antimalarial activities.
Open Access
Determination of reduced glutathione and glutathione S-transferase of poultry birds exposed to permethrin insecticide
(U. P., 2012) Ezeji, Ethelbert U.; Anyalogbu, Ernest A.; Ezejiofor, Tobias N.; Udensi, Justina U.
The experiment was carried out to determine the effect of a permethrin insecticide on reduced Glutathione (GSH) and Glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity in the liver and serum of poultry birds. Six weeks old poultry birds (broilers) weighing between 400-600 g, divided into four groups of five birds each. The poultry birds were exposed for 30 days to different concentrations (1, 5 and 10%) of a locally manufactured insect powder called ‘Rambo’ which contains 0.6% permethrin. The control group had no insecticide added to their feed. The levels of reduced glutathione in the treated groups were significantly higher than those in the control group (p<0.05) in both the serum and liver of the poultry birds. Liver and serum Glutathione S-transferase activity was significantly lower (p<0.05) in 1, 5 and 10% insecticide concentrations as against the control. The total liver protein was significantly higher at all levels of pesticide exposure compared with the control while serum protein content was significantly higher at 5 and 10% insecticide concentrations. Results of this experiment confirmed the use of GST as a biomarker in ecological evaluation of environmental pollutants.
Open Access
Phytochemical and antimicrobial properties of Anunuebe (Okoubaka aubrevillei) fruit
(ECRTD UK, 2022) Anyadoh-Nwadike, Sylvia O.; Alisa, Edith N.; Okeke, Peter C.; Alisa, Christopher O.
The increase in the development and spread of resistance against antimicrobials in recent times have spurred a renewed interest in the study of medicinal plants as alternative sources of antimicrobial treatments that are effective, natural, less-toxic and affordable. Medicinal plants owe their activity to their phytochemical constituents, particularly, their secondary metabolites. This highlights the need to study these plants with the view to identify the phytochemicals that confer on them their unique medicinal properties. Although many plants have been extensively studied, there are still a number of plants that are used in the therapeutic treatment of ailment whose phytochemical constituents have not been determined. Of such plants is Anunuebe (O. aubrevillei), which is a medicinal plant that is commonly used among locals throughout its areas of distribution for the treatment of ailments. This study was therefore conducted to determine the phytochemical and antimicrobial properties of Anunuebe fruit. The phytochemical parameters of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts were assessed using standard procedures. Agar well diffusion method was used to ascertain antimicrobial activities of the different fractions – ethyl acetate, butanol, aqueous and crude – of the extracts against four common human pathogenic microorganisms; Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive bacteria), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli (Gram-negative bacteria) and Candida albicans (fungi). The qualitative analysis showed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, proteins, carbohydrates, and reducing sugars in the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the fruit. The antimicrobial test showed that although ethyl acetate, butanol, aqueous and crude fractions of Anunuebe (O. aubrevillei) fruit extract had activity against at least one of the test organisms, the best activity was observed in the ethyl acetate fraction followed by the crude extract which had activity against all the test organisms. Candida albicans was susceptible to all the fractions, while E. coli was susceptible to only the ethyl acetate fraction. This study showed that the fruit extracts had broad-spectrum antimicrobial and antifungal activities that is dependent on the extraction solvent and concentration used. Furthermore, it can be effectively used in traditional medicine for the treatment of microorganism that infect humans.
Open Access
Screening of ethanol extract of combretum racemosum and euphorbia hirt leaves for possible activity on trypanosoma brucei brucei infected mice
(Scholars Academic and Scientific Publisher, 2016) Mgbemena, I. C.; Allison, L. N.; Udensi, U. J.; Nweke, K. E.; Nwachukwu, A. A.; Ezea, C. O.
Enrichment of medicinal plants with biologically active compounds which induce various chemo-therapeutic effects has made a good turn and philosophy in the science of pharmacology. In the light of the popular notion of the use of Combretum racemosum and Euphorbia hirta as potent ethnopharmaceutical botanicals, this study was done to determine the trypanocidal activity of the ethanol leaf extracts of the plants against Trypanosoma brucei brucei which was induced in Swiss albino mice. The animals were inoculated intraperitoneally (IP) with trypanosome load of 106, and were then kept under standard conditions for 10 days to enable circulation and reproduction of the parasite within them. Parasitaemia level was detected and analysed via microscopy. Both plants proved positive by overall reduction in the mean parasitaemia level as the days progressed at concentrations of 50,100 and 200mg/kg body weight respectively. Acute toxic dose for analysis of the high dose extract toleration was also checked by a 1000mg/kg administration of the extracts, while diminazene aceturate, a standard trypanocidal drug was used as control. Combretum racemosum exhibited its best trypanocidal activity at the 200mg/kg concentration, and Euphorbia hirta was at its best at 50mg/kg. Following the administration of diminazene aceturate (control) the parasites were cleared within four days of administration. The results derived were confirmed with statistical analysis using SPSS 16 software at p<0.05, and posits the possible utilization of these extracts of Combretum racemosum and Euphorbia hirta as trypanocidal agents.
Open Access
Effect of malaria parasite on platelet among pregnant women in Owerri, Imo State Nigeria
(eScience, 2017) Allison, L. N.; Mgbemena, I.; Amadi, A. N. C.; Ezike, M. N.; Ukoma, A. A.; Iwu, D. O.
Malaria is a formidable global parasitic infection that presents a major health challenge in Tropical countries especially among pregnant women and children. It has a profound alteration or reduction effects on hematological parameters such as platelets in pregnant women. The study was carried out to determine the effects of Plasmodium falciparum on platelets of pregnant women in Owerri, Imo state Nigeria. A total of one hundred and fifty (150) blood samples of pregnant women were collected at Holy Rosary hospital Emekuku in owerri. The blood samples were screened for malaria infection using thick and thin Giemsa blood films. Results showed that 50 (33.33%) were positive for malaria parasite showing significant signs, with visible fever accompanying the infections. Normal platelet number ranges from 150 X 109/ L; 400 X 109/L. The association of hematological parameters and diagnosis of malaria infection among people living in malaria endemic areas were retrieved. The most commonly changed parameters are platelet count. Presence of thrombocytopenia in pregnant women from endemic areas was useful as supportive diagnostic criteria for malaria in cases with low levels of parasite number. Therefore, when used with other clinical and microscopy parameters, it can significantly improve malaria diagnosis and timely treatment for malaria infection.
Open Access
Attitudes and local beliefs towards mosquito insurgence in Imo State, Nigeria
(U. P., 2010) Mgbemena, I. C.; Opara, F. N.; Okechukwu, R. I.
Different attitudes and beliefs towards the presence of mosquitoes in the environment in the three urban centers of Imo State were investigated. Structured questionnaire were randomly distributed and the responses recorded accordingly, among the 461 respondents that participated in the study. The attitudes of killing it / controlling it topped the lists of the responses. Other attitudes are irritating, bad/ very bitter, negative/ concern, hatred / inimical and sleeplessness/ restlessness which could reflect strong attitudes that can induce change in behavior. The various attitudes towards disease treatment rated as very effective (VE), fairly effective (FE), not effective (NE) and aggravate the sickness (AS) may reflect their perception of the seriousness of mosquito – borne diseases. The number that felt that mosquito – borne diseases was mild and not serious will definitely display attitudinal responses saddled with levity particularly towards treatment. Possibly they may not feel inclined to carefully adhere to drug dosage prescription. Differential misconceptions of mosquito and associated diseases reported by the respondents included: malaria is caused by drinking unclean water; hot sun predisposes people to malaria, prolonged malaria brings about yellow fever and mosquitoes carry AIDS virus etc. More enlightenment efforts should focus on the nature and severity of mosquito – borne diseases.
Open Access
Prevalence of intestinal parasites in HIV patients in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
(Esxon, 2012-12-24) Mgbemena, I. C.; Ebe, T.; Adjeroh, L. A.; Mbakwe, O. L.
One hundred (100) HIV seropositive patients were compared with thirty seronegative patients with respect to the prevalence of intestinal parasites. Stool samples were collected and examined for parasites using direct saline/lodine (wet mount preparation), formol-ether concentration method and Modified Acid Fast Stain (AFS), their HIV status was also confirmed with standard diagnostic kit by serological methods. 64% and 23.3% of HIV seropositive and seronegative patients respectively were found to have intestinal. Parasites identified included Gardia lambli, Entamoeba histolytica, Ascaris lumbricoides, Isospora belli, Hookworm and Entamoeba coli among which Entamoeba coli (34.4%) had the highest occurrence in the seropostive patients. Gardia lambli, Hookworms and Isospora belli were not observed in the seronegative patients. Infection was higher in younger age group (21 – 40 years). There was no significant difference in the degree of infection between male and female HIV seropositive patients (P≥0.05). Protozoan parasites (71.9%) had more prevalence than Helminth parasites (28.1%) in both HIV seropositive and seronegative patients. Results of this study recommend that HIV infection increases the risk of acquiring intestinal parasites. Therefore patients with HIV infection should be regularly examined with stool microscopy for early detection and treatment of parasitic infection so as to minimize the chances of these parasites adding to the complications associated HIV cases.
Open Access
Preliminary phytochemical screening and antibacterial activities of leaf extracts of terminalia catappa
(Scholarlink Research Institute Journals, 2012) Opara, F. N.; Anuforo, H. U.; Okechukwu, R. I.; Mgbemena, I. C.; Akujobi, C. O.; Adjero, A.
Various parts of Terminalia catappa, the Indian almond, are claimed useful in trado-medicine for the treatment of bacterial infections and some other ailments. The development of resistance to the antibiotics in current clinical use is a big concern. In view of this, the phytochemical screening and antibacterial activities of the leaf extracts of Terminalia catappa were evaluated using ethanol and hot water as solvents to determine the active components, antibacterial potency of the leaf extracts and the minimum effective concentration so as to reduce harm. Cold maceration method was adopted in extracting the active principle, having pulverized the leaves. Phytochemical analysis of the crude extracts indicated the presence of carbohydrates, saponins, tannins, steroids and terpenes. Antibacterial screening with 24hours cultures of clinical isolates of Salmonella typhi, and type cultures of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, using agar-cup diffusion method indicated that P. aeruginosa was the most sensitive while S. typhi the least; ethanolic extract was relatively more active than water extract. Minimum bactericidal concentration test showed that ethanolic extract exerted bactericidal effect at 62.5mg/ml on S.aureus, but was static on the rest test microorganisms at the said concentration. Water extract exhibited bactericidal activity at 125mg/ml on S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, but was static on E. coli and inactive on S. typhi. From the activity obtained, S.aureus and P.aeruginosa were more sensitive to ethanolic extract than water extract. The concentration should be higher than applied in this study to probably achieve marked activity. The results obtained suggest that T. catappa can be used in the treatment of ailments caused by the test microorganisms, and thus lends credence to the application of the plant in traditional medicine as remedy for various infections.
Open Access
Physicochemical and microbial characterization of Somberiro River in Ahoada East Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria
(INNSPUB, 2012) Mgbemena, I. C.; Okechukwu, I. J.; Onyemekara, N. N.; Nnokwe, J. C.
A total of six water samples collected at three different stations from Somberiro River were analyzed for the physico – chemical and bacteriological parameters. The physico – chemical parameters recorded highest concentration in site A except in conductivity while Phosphate, Potassium and Nitrate were found higher in site C and site B recorded highest in Chloride. Almost all the parameters were within WHO/FEPA limits except color which was 20, 195, 35, and 16co-pt in sites A, B, D and F respectively. Turbidity 72F.T.U was above the EPA/WHO stipulated range in site A Bacteriological analysis of the water samples using standard methods of isolation of bacteria on the different media gave a total of seven genera of bacteria comprising of Staphylocccus aureus, Eschericia coli, Bacillus species, Micrococcus luteus, Micrococcus roseus, Streptococcus faecalis and Salmonella species. Nutrient agar gave highest heterotrophic counts ranging from 5.7×106 - 2.22×107 with 19 bacterial isolates. The coliform forming unit per ml (CFU/ml) of bacterial isolates on MCA ranging from 2.9 ×105 - 1.44 ×106 produced a total of 18 isolates and the SSA ranged from 3.35×104 1.56×105giving a total of 12 bacterial isolates. These heterotrophic colonial counts of bacterial isolates in these media were all above EPA permissible limits. Three genera of bacteria, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus faecalis and Salmonella species isolated from this river are all of medical importance. They are coliform bacteria whose presence in water shows faecal contamination. Therefore their presence is an indication that this river is polluted and not good for usage.
Open Access
Microbiological quality of sachet and bottled water produced and marketed around Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Imo State, Nigeria
(U. P., 2016) Mgbemena, Ifeyinwa Celestina
Three methods of bacteriological analysis of the water samples, namely total viable count, multiple tube (most probable number) method and membrane filtration analysis, were used for this study. The bacterial organisms isolated were Staphylococcus aureus, Eschericia coli, Enterobacter spp and Salmonella spp. The total heterotrophic bacterial counts in sachet water sample ranged between 15 and 190 ml-1 and the Geometric Mean total heterotrophic counts varied from the lowest in Divine water (7. 45 ml-1) to the highest in Deogratias pure water (1.95 × 10-2 ml-1). Two brands of bottled water were found to contain total coliform that ranged between 1 and 120 100 ml-1. Geometric mean coliform counts varied from the lowest in Crystal water (4.23, 100 ml-1) to the highest count in Vriis water (2.04 × 10-2, 100 ml-1). These levels particularly those of sachet water samples far exceeded the limits of EPA Maximum Contaminant Levels(MCLs) of <1.0×102 of heterotrophic count in drinking water as stipulated by USEPA. The two groups of water samples (sachet and bottled waters) were found not to be satisfactory. It is therefore recommended that the enforcement agencies in the country (NAFDAC) and the Ministry of Health need to get the producers of packaged water to comply with the national drinking water guidelines while communities on their part should be educated and enlightened on the ill effects of patronizing fake vendors.
Open Access
Comparative evaluation of larvicidal potentials of three plant extracts on aedes aegypti
(U. P., 2010) Mgbemena, I. C.
The activities of ethanol extracts of A. indica, O. gratissimium and C. citratus on Ae. aegypti larvae were investigated at 96 hours exposure. Mortalities were observed to increase with concentration (P  0.05).The larvae of Ae. aegypti exhibited differential susceptibility to the extracts of the three plants.. In C. citratrus, mortality was recorded all through the exposure period of 96hours comparing to A. indica and O. gratissimum in which activities ceased at 48 hours. Comparative evaluation of the LC50 of three plant extracts showed significantly high toxicities with A indica showing the greatest toxicity having LC50 at 8.32mg/ml, while on the other hand O. gratissimum and C. citratus had LC50 19.50mg/ml and 34.67mg/ml on Aedes aegypti respectively. There were also variations in the composition of the phytochemicals in the 3 plants with A. indica having highest amount of all the phytohemicals relative to other plants except flavonoids, while glycosides were completely absent in the 3 plants
Open Access
Distribution and occurrence of mosquito species in the Municipal Areas of Imo State, Nigeria
(U. P., 2012) Mgbemena, Ifeyinwa Celestina; Ebe, Tochi
A study of the ecology of drainage breeding mosquito vectors was conducted in the three urban centers (Owerri, Orlu and Okigwe) of Imo State, Nigeria. Four drainage sites located around markets, residential, stream and hotel premises were selected in each urban centre. Dipping method of sampling was employed and a total of 8,820 mosquitoes comprising eight species namely; Aedes aegypti, Aedes vittatus, Culex quinquefasciatus, Culex tigripes, Culex horridus, Culex cinereus, Culex annuliorus and Anopheles gambiae were encountered; in Owerri and Orlu with Cx. cinereus being completely absent in Okigwe. Cx. quinquefasciatus was predominantly present in all drainage sites with the highest occurrence of,474(50.74%) followed by Aedes aegypti 1814 (20.57%), An .gambiae 945(10.71%), Cx. tigripes 484 (5.48%) Ae. vittatus 420 (4.76%), Cx. horridus 264 (02.99%), Cx. cinereus 261 (2.96%), Cx. annuliorus 159 (1.88%). Of all sites sampled, market drainages had the highest abundance of mosquitoes which was significantly higher than (ANOVA, P≤ 0.05) those found in the residential, streams and hotel premises. Residential drainages recorded the second highest density followed by stream/vegetation drainages and hotel drainages which had the least. The abundance and distribution of mosquitoes in Owerri (130.06) the State Capital was significantly higher (ANOVA, P≤ 0.05) than those for Orlu (93.44) and Okigwe (52.13). The mosquito species identified in this study are of public health importance and there is an urgent need to desilt and clean up these drainages for free flow of water. This will not only rid these species of breeding sites but also free the State of the diseases associated with these organisms.
Open Access
Seasonal variation and relative abundance of drainage breeding mosquito species in Imo State, Nigeria
(INNSPUB, 2012) Mgbemena, I. C.; Adjeroh, L. A.; Opara, F. N.; Ezeagwuna, D.; Ebe, T.
An ecological study of drainage - breeding mosquito vectors was conducted in the three urban centers (Owerri, Orlu and Okigwe) of Imo State, Nigeria. Twelve drainage sites located around markets, residence, streams and hotels were selected in each urban centre. Dipping method of sampling was employed and a total of 8,820 mosquitoes comprising eight species namely; Aedes aegypti, Aedes vittatus, Culex quinquefasciatus, Culex tigripes, Culex horridus, Culex cinereus, Culex annuliorus and Anopheles gambiae were encountered; in Owerri and Orlu with Cx. cinereus being completely absent in Okigwe. Cx. quinquefasciatus was predominantly present in all drainage sites with the highest occurrence of (372.83) followed by Aedes aegypti (151.17), An .gambiae (78.75), Cx. tigripes (40.25) Ae. vittatus (35.00), Cx. horridus( 22.00), Cx.cinereus( 21.75), Cx. annuliorus (13.25). Of all sites sampled, market drainages had the highest abundance of mosquitoes which was significantly higher than (ANOVA, P 0.05) the residential, stream and hotel drainages. Residential drainages recorded second highest density followed by stream and hotel drainages had the least. The abundance of mosquitoes in Owerri (130.06) the State Capital was significantly higher (ANOVA, P 0.05) than in Orlu (93.44) and Okigwe (52.13). Result of the Pearson correlation (2 - tailed) analysis showed significant correlation between mosquito abundance and rainfall in the three urban centers of Imo State with highest abundance in June. This work has actually provided information on 8 species associated with drains in the State together with the seasonality of these arsenals. During dry months, Culex species were found to be dominant while in rains Aedes and Anopheles. Possibly, effective larviciding against these various species could be targeted in these months.
Open Access
Asymptomatic malaria among students of Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Imo State, Nigeria
(U. P., 2016-09-05) Mgbemena, I. C.; Ezea, C. O.; Ebe, T. E.; Nwachukwu, A. A.; Nwannah, A. L.
The study aimed at determining the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria among students of Federal University of Technology Owerri, was carried out between July and September 2015. Blood samples of 160 students who lived both in school hostels and off campus residents were examined using Giemsa stained thick and thin films. A total of 40 students (25%) were infected with Plasmodium falciparium, with an overall asymptomatic case of 11.25%. Students of age 16-22 years had the highest prevalence of 28.28%, with an asymptomatic case of 46.43%, age group 23-29 years had a prevalence of 19.67%, with an asymptomatic case of 41.67%. It was observed that male students had the higher prevalence of 26.15%, with an asymptomatic case of 47.06%, while that of the females was 24.21%, with an asymptomatic case of 43.48%. On the relationship of malaria parasites and genotype, students with genotype ‘AA’ had an infection rate of 27.69%, with an asymptomatic case of 47.22% and students with genotype ‘AS’ had a prevalence of 13.33% with an asymptomatic case of 25%. The result shows that students with blood group O had highest prevalence of 60%, with an asymptomatic case of 61.1%. Blood group A has a prevalence of 27.5% with an asymptomatic case of 27.8%, and Blood group B has a prevalence of 12.5%, with an asymptomatic case of 11.1%, while blood group AB which was 5.62% of the study population had no case of prevalence. Asymptomatic malaria is prevalent in this community as reflected in this study; this could impact negatively on the health of the population. More efforts are needed to encourage public enlightenment on malaria diagnosis and treatment.
Open Access
Phytochemical characterization and insecticidal property of Jatropha plant
(Global Journals Inc. (USA), 2016) Mgbemena, I. C.; Ebe, T. E.; Ezea, C. O.; Irokanjo, C. E.; Okechukwu, R. I.
Phytochemical analysis on the pulverized leaf sample of Jatropha curcas as well as the insecticidal activity of the ethanolic leaf extract on Callosobruchus maculatus was carried out. The study investigated the mortality rate as a result of treatment of grains with the leaf extract at different dilutions of 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100mg/ml. These were tested against C. maculatus by treating 20g of bean sample with the extract and then infesting each in a plastic container with 20 adults of the insect and the untreated grains were used as the control. The plant extract resulted in a significant increase (P<0.001) in adult mortality at the end of 96 hours but there was no significance difference (P=0.084) after 24 hours. The result had a general dose-response characteristic. There was also significant variation in the phytochemical composition of the plant leaf. Compaared to other phytochemicals, the concentration of saponin and tannin were higher in the plant leaf.