Adult Education

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Contaminants In Local Alcoholic Beverages: Zinc And Manganese Contamination
(International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences, 2008) S. Y. Gazuwa; J. D. Dabak; G. A. Ubom
Abstract The Extent Of Leaching Of Zinc (Zn) And Manganese (Mn) From The Vessels Used During The Preparation Of Two Local Alcoholic Drinks, Pito And Burukutu Has Been Assessed. Leaching Of These Metals During The Four Phases Of Fermentation Was Monitored By Determining The Levels Of The Metals In Each Phase Using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric Technique; In Each Complete Fermentation Protocol, Metallic Or Clay Container Was Used. Contamination Appeared To Be Due To The Fermentation Process, Container Used Or A Combination Of The Two. Comparatively, There Was Increase In The Levels Of These Metals From The Initial To The Final Phase Of Fermentation For Both Types Of Vessels; In Each Case, Appropriate Controls Were Used. Compared To Control Values, The Average Increase In The Level Of Zinc In Burukutu And Pito For Metallic And Clay Containers Is 343%; 325% And 295%; 252% Respectively; Whereas For Manganese The Increases Are 815%; 1438% And 1292%; 1150% In That Order. The Differences In The Levels Of These Metals Among The Phases In Each Of The Drinks Were Significant (P<0.05)
Design, Construction, Test and Evaluation of a Stand alone 75 Watts Solar Electric Generator
(Medwell Journals, 2010) Alade M.O.; Ogherowo E.P.; Durodola O.M.
In this study, a stand alone 75 watt solar electric generator is designed and constructed to convert the solar radiation of appropriate wavelength from the sun into direct electric current based on photovoltaic principle. The system has proven to meet the necessary requirement under laboratory testing with only few shortcomings. The system can be employed to supply power to laboratory equipment such as signal generator, oscilloscope, network analyzer and spectrum analyzer (all in the power range of 75 watts) useful in field research of electronic communication research. The 75 watt solar electric generator designed and constructed is also useful in remote areas to produce electric power where there is no easy accessibility to utility electric power or other useful sources of electric power.
Microbiological Quality of Pre-cut Fruits on Sale in Retail Outlets in Nigeria
(African Journal of Agricultural Research, 2010-09-04) Chukwu C. O. C.; Chukwu I. D.; Onyimba I. A.; Umoh E. G.; Olarubofin F.; Olabode A. O.
Microbiological quality of pre-cut fruits sold in retail outlets in Kano metropolis in Nigeria was evaluated. One hundred and fifty pre-cut fruit samples comprising pineapples (50), paw-paw (50) and watermelon (50) at the point of stand retail outlets were tested by standard microbiological methods to determine bacterial and parasite contamination. Out of these, 136 (90.67%) were contaminated with bacteria. Parasites were absent in all samples. The general distribution of the bacterial contaminations were; Escherichia coli 69 (46.00%), Staphylococcus aureus 29 (19.33%), Salmonella species 13 (8.67%), Proteus species 18 (12.00%), Enterobacter aerogenes 3 (2.00%), Klebsiella pneumoniae 2 (1.33%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 2 (1.33%). Among the 50 pineapple cuts - E. coli 26, S. aureus 6, Salmonella species 7, Proteus species 9, P. aeruginosa 2; the 50 watermelon had E. coli 22, S. aureus 13, Salmonella species 3, Proteus species 5, E. aerogenes 2 and K. species 2. From 50 paw-paw cuts E. coli 21, S. aureus 10, Salmonella species 3, Proteus species 4 and E. aerogenes 1 were isolated. These findings demonstrate that microbiological quality of pre-cut fruits sampled, suggest that the risk of foodborne illness from pre-cut fruits is high. There is a need to enforce good food hygiene practices to avoid contamination of pre-cut fruits.
Application of extracts of Henna (Lawsonia inamis) leaves as a counter stain
(African Journal of Microbiology Research, 2011-10-09) Chukwu O. O. C.; Odu C. E.; Chukwu D. I.; Hafiz N.; Chidozie V. N.; Onyimba I. A.
Aqueous (cold and hot) and ethanol extracts solutions of the Henna plant (Lawsonia inamis) leaves was adapted for the first time as a counter stain in Gram staining reaction. Different extracts of L. inamis leaves were formulated into various staining solutions of different concentrations and modified with hydrogen peroxide, ferric chloride, potassium alum and potassium permanganate. These staining solutions were used to stain both known Gram positive and Gram negative bacterial isolates using Gram staining technique. The experimental Henna plant extracts solutions were used with usual counter stains (neutral red, safranine and dilute carbol fuchsin) as positive controls. Phytochemical screening of the extracts revealed the presence of tannin (hennatonic acid or Lawsone) and saponin. The aqueous extracts of the Henna plant (cold and hot) oxidized with potassium permanganate (pH 7.00 to 7.16) gave a better staining reaction with Gram negative bacteria, while the ethanol extract oxidized with potassium permanganate (pH 6.55) had no staining reaction with Gram negative bacteria. Hence the aqueous Henna leaves extracts (cold or hot) when oxidized with potassium permanganate can be a substitute to the usual counter stains used in Gram staining procedure. The results of staining ability of the various henna leaves extracts solutions are discussed.
Carrot (Daucus carrota), Garlic (Allium sativum) and Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Extracts as Bacteria Selective Agents in Culture Media
(African Journal of Microbiology Research, 2011-12-23) Chukwu O. O. C; Odu C. E.; Chukwu I. D.; Chidozie V. N.; Onyimba I. A.; Bala Z.
Extracts of carrot, garlic and ginger as selective agents in basal bacteriological media were carried out on Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 15313, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 2522, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 using a standard method. Ethanolic extracts, aqueous cold and hot extracts of the experimental plant products were made at the concentration of 200 mg/ml (2 g/10 ml). The ethanolic extracts inhibited the growth of all the test bacterial isolates. The cold aqueous extracts of garlic had inhibitory effects on the S. aureus and L. monocytogenes bacterial isolates but selectively allowed the growth of E. coli. The hot aqueous extract of ginger had no effect on any of the test bacteria. The hot garlic extract selectively allowed the growth of L. monocytogenes and E. coli. Phytochemical analysis of the carrots, garlic and ginger contained saponnin, resins, alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids and terpenes in varied proportions. We assume these products may have influenced the actions of the extracts on the test organisms. The results of this preliminary study suggest that aqueous extracts of carrots, garlic and ginger when incorporated in appropriate concentrations can serve as alternative selective agents in bacteriological culture media for bacterial isolation from highly contaminated biological specimens or separation of mixed cultures of bacteria in the laboratory.
Design and Performance Analysis of Log Periodic Dipole Antenna at Uhf Band.
(IOSR Journal of Electronics and Communication Engineering (IOSR-JECE), 2012-10) Ogherohwo E. P.; Adeniran A. O.
Abstract: The paper described the design and performance analysis of log periodic dipole antenna at frequency 1800MHz -2500MHz (Ultra High Frequency Band), the antenna has been modeled using ADS layout and the S parameter was presented. A good impedance match in a wide frequency range has been achieved by a suitable choice of the antenna feeder impedance. The radiation pattern, Directivity, Return loss, Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) and Gain are in accordance with the desired valuesare presented.
Bio-Ethanol Production from Banana, Plantain and Pineapple Peels by Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation Process
(International Journal of Environmental Science and Development, 2013-04) Itelima J.; Onwuliri F.; Onwuliri E.; Isaac Onyimba,; Oforji S.
Most nations, whether economically advanced or at different stages of development are faced with the problem of disposal and treatment of wastes. Wastes could be treated in several ways (e.g. by reducing its bulk or by recovering and reprocessing it into useful substance) to meet sanitary standards. Ethanol fermented from renewable sources for fuel or fueladditives are known as bio-ethanol. In Nigeria, many food crops have been specifically grown for the production of bio-ethanol. However, bio-ethanol production from waste materials removed from fruits is very rare. In the present study, wastes from fruits such as banana, plantain and pineapple peels which are in abundance and do not interfere with food security were subjected to simultaneous saccharification and fermentation for 7days by co–culture of Aspergillus niger and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Biomass yield, cell dry weight, reducing sugar concentration and the ethanol yield were determined at 24 hours interval. The results of the study showed that after 7 days of fermentation, pineapple peels had the highest biomass yield of 1.89 (OD), followed by banana peels 1.60 (OD), while plantain peels had the least 0.98 (OD). The reducing sugar concentrations ranged between 0.27 – 0.94 mg/cm3 for pineapple, 0.20 – 0.82 mg/cm3 for banana and 0.16 – 0.45 mg/cm3 The optimal ethanol yields were 8.34% v/v, 7.45 % v/v and 3.98 % v/v for pineapple, banana and plantain peels respectively. These indicate that pineapple and banana peels ethanol yields were significantly higher (P<0.05) than plantain peel ethanol yield. The findings of this study suggest that wastes from fruits that contain fermentable sugars can no longer be discarded into our environment, but should be converted to useful products like bio-ethanol that can serve as alternative energy source.
Studies on the effects of Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Ginger) aqueous and ethanolic extracts on some fungal and bacterial speies
(IOSR Journal of Pharmacy and Biological Sciences, 2014) Ogbonna, A.I.; Tanko, J.S.; Falemara, B.C.; Itelima, J.U.; Makut, M.D.; Onyimba, I.; Chuku, A.
Abstract: The effects of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Zingiber officinale (ginger) on some species of fungi isolated from soil samples collected from two barbers’ landfills and some clinical bacterial isolates were studied. The test isolates included Aspergillus flavus, Curvularia lunata, Fusarium solani, Penicillium species, Bacillus species, Citrobacter species and Staphylococcus aureus. The concentrations of the extracts used included 500mg/ml, 250mg/ml, 125mg/ml, 62.5mg/ml and 31.25mg/ml. The aqueous extract of Z. officinale proved to be more antimicrobial on the test organisms than the ethanolic extract with an inhibitory zone diameter of 46mm at a concentration of 500mg/ml. As for the clinical bacteria, S. aureus was the most inhibited, with an inhibitory zone diameter of 35mm by the same aqueous extract at 500mg/ml concentration. The effects of the said aqueous extract of the plant compared favourably with the effects observed from the standard drugs, nystatin 5μg/ml and gentamycin 40mg/ml on the test fungi and bacteria respectively. The implications of the results obtained have been discussed.
Priesthood and African Christatain Thoughts
(Apostle Emmanuel N. Kuru, 2014-01-05) Gideon Y. tambiyi
Survival Strategies of Market Women and Violent Conflicts in Jos, Nigeria
(Journal of Asia Pacific Studies, 2014-02) Lohna Bonkat
Jos, the capital city of Plateau State, Nigeria, have over the past one decade been subjected to internecine violent conflicts. The causes had range from mutual communal, ethnic to religious mistrust. Efforts have been made to halt the senseless violent disturbances to no avail. The conflict situation by any measure can best be described an active conflict, considering the abrupt and rampant nature of how the conflict most times occur. Women, in most conflict situations remain a vulnerable social category. Women engage themselves a lot in petty trading and marketing. They sell vegetables, fruits and also participate in wide range of other commercial activities in most markets that pervade Jos city. Centrally, the paper seeks to examine and analyze the various strategies and initiatives these market women employ to survive and make a living in their respective chosen businesses given the conflict prone nature of the environment within which they conduct their business activities. The paper depended on interviews and Focus Group Discussions carried out in 2012 and 2013 part of PhD research. The paper concludes that the strategies and initiatives employed by small-scale women entrepreneurs in Jos during violence has kept them safe and ensured their livelihoods especially for women who have assumed new roles of household heads. It further made suggestions to government and the general public on how to mitigate the intractable violent encounters in Jos in order to further promote women participation in commercial activities without unnecessarily resorting to stressful and risky survival strategies.
OCCURRENCE OF POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FUNGI IN EXPOSED BREWERY SPENT SORGHUM GRAINS
(European scientific journal, 2014-03) Isaac A. Onyimba; Chike I. C. Ogbonna; Chukwu, O. O. Chukwu; Collins C. E. Odu
Samples of environmentally exposed spent sorghum grains (SSG), commonly used as feedstuff in Nigeria, were obtained from the Jos International Brewery and screened for potentially harzardous fungi associated with them. A total of three samples, one per week, were used in the study. Truly colonizing fungi of the SSG were further determined by assessing the abilities of the fungal isolates to grow on specially formulated spent sorghum grain agar (SSGA). Fourteen fungal species belonging to nine genera were isolated from the SSG. Frequently occurring fungi included Aspergillus niger (89%), A. fumigatus (56%), A. flavus (78%), Rhizopus, oryzae (78%) and R. stolonifer (56%). The genus Aspergillus had the highest number of species (28.6%) among the isolates. The true fungal colonizers of SSG were found to include A. flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, A. ochraceus, Curvularia lunata, Geotrichum candidum, Humicola grisea, Penicillium sp, R. oryzae, R. stolonifer and Trichoderma harzianum. Among the fungal isolates were species that have been known to contain either pathogenic or toxigenic strains. The findings from the experiments showed that exposed SSG can be colonized by potentially hazardous fungi and as such, caution should be exercised in its use as a feedstuff.
Prevalence of H. Influenzae among Under-Five Children Presenting At the Emergency Paediatric Unit (Epu) Of Two Teaching Hospitals in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.
(IOSR Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences (IOSR-JDMS), 2014-04) Yunusa, Thairu; Egah Dz; Banwat Eb
Abstract: Background: Haemophilus influenzae is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis in under-five children globally. It is also the leading cause of endemic bacterial meningitis in infants and young children. H. influenzae infection is severe where vaccine is not routinely used and one-third to one-half of the children either dies or suffers permanent disability such as deafness, paralysis or mental retardation. Objective: Therefore, this research set out to study and to determine the prevalence of H. influenzae in underfive children in Jos. Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. One hundred and sixty consecutive under-five children who presented with signs and symptoms consistent with H. influenzae infection were recruited. Sociodemography data was obtained with structured questionnaire. Specimens were collected and carefully processed for isolation of H. influenzae. Results: The prevalence of H. influenzae was low in Jos with prevalence of 6.3% among 160 under-five childrenstudied, with mean age of 34 months and M: F ratio of 1:1. About 60% of these isolates were obtained from patients with acute pyogenic bacterial meningitis and H. influenzae were isolated predominantly from children whose parents were Farmers and Artisans. Most of the isolates were biotype 1 and fifty percent of the isolates were serotype b. Conclusion: The outcome of this study can be used in the identification of H. influenzae and treatment of children with invasive H. influenzae infections in order to avoid complications.
Growth assessment and amylase production by Aspergillus niger and A. terreus isolated from soils of Artemisia annua l. Plantation
(European Journal of Biotechnology and Bioscience, 2015) Abigail I. Ogbonna; Isaac A. Onyimba; Aleruchi Chuku; Patience O. Nwadiaro; Chike I. C. Ogbonna; Festus C. Onwuliri
Fungi associated with soils of decomposing Artemisia annua L. process waste in an A. annua Plantation were studied. Two of the isolates, A. niger and A. terreus which had high frequencies of occurrence were assessed for their growth rates over an incubation period of 168hrs using Czapek Dox and Sabouraud Dextrose Agar media. Their abilities to produce glucoamylase of biotechnological importance using submerged fermentation (SmF) were studied. The two isolates grown in basal medium containing starch as sole source of carbon and were harvested at 24 hour intervals over a period of 168hours. A. niger and A. terreus were found to have colony diameters of 5.2cm and 5cm after the 7th day of incubation. The highest glucoamylase potential at pH 5.03 was demonstrated by A. terreus, with peak enzyme activity of 0.375mmol-L while that of A. niger was 0.281mmol-L on the 6th day of incubation. These two fungal species could be useful in the degradation of biological wastes.
Contraceptive use among women of child bearing age in two Muslim communities in JOS-North, Plateau State, Nigeria
(Atom and Cell Publishers, 2015) Benjamin Nasara Joseph*1, Maxwell Longji.Patrick Dapar1 , Fatima Ibrahim Muhammad 2 , Dauda Audi Dangiwa1 , Shalkur David1 , Nanloh Samuel Jimam
With a fertility rate of 5.7 and population growth rate of 2.6; Nigeria is yet to achieve the fertility rate of 4 children per woman fifteen years after the 2000 set time. This study assessed contraceptive prevalence rate and birth interval practices among women of child bearing age; it examined the effects of culture, religion and knowledge on contraceptive uptake. A cross-sectional study conducted among 288 women at Angwan-Rogo and Angwan-Rimi Muslim communities of Jos-North, Plateau State, Nigeria. The study found a contraceptive prevalence rate of 33% among women 15-49 years with married women accounting for only 13% compared to single women. About 80% of participants were sexually active; only 28% used modern contraceptives in their last sexual intercourse while one-third (33%) ever had deliberate abortion. Over 70% of respondents have their first child at the age of 15-20 years; 55% of them have co-wives, about half of them have 1-4 children while about 30% have 5-12 children per woman. Early marriage and early motherhood has cultural and religious origin that can be influenced by education and awareness. This study found a low contraceptive uptake corresponding with high sexual activity, low birth interval, high parity and polygyny.
DESIGN OF A RENEWABLE ENERGY OUTPUT PREDICTION SYSTEM FOR 1000mW SOLAR-WIND HYBRID POWER PLANT.
(INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH SCIENCE & MANAGEMENT, 2015) Ogherohwo E.P; Barnabas.B; Alemika.T.E
Problems associated with non-renewable energy sources such as fossil fuels make it necessary to move to cleaner renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. But the wind and sun are both intermittent sources of energy therefore accurate forecasts of wind and solar power are necessary to ensure the safety, stability and economy of utilizing these resources in large scale power generation. In this study, five meteorological parameters namely Temperature, Rainfall, Dew Point, Relative Humidity and Cloud Cover were collected for the year 2012 and used to predict wind and solar power output in Jos, Nigeria. The study used prediction algorithms such as Regression techniques and Artificial Neural Networks to predict the output of a 1000mW Solar-Wind Hybrid Power Plant over a period of one year. Individual prediction techniques were compared and Isotonic Regression was found to have the highest accuracy with errors of 40.5% in predicting solar power generation and 35.4% in predicting wind power generation. The relatively high levels of error are attributed to several limitations of the research work.
British Microbiology Research Journal
(SCIENCEDOMAIN international, 2015-04-15) Nwadiaro P. O; Chuku A.; OnyimbaI . A; Ogbonna A. I.; Nwaukwu I. A.; Adekojo D. A.
Background: Tannery soils are very rich in keratinous materials such as fur, wool and hair that are by-products of the tanning industry where hides and skins are processed. A keratinase producing fungus belonging to the genus Penicillium was isolated from soils containing tannery wastes in Jos, Plateau State Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The fungus produced extra cellular protease on skim milk casein agar as an indication for keratinase production. The species had maximum proteolytic and keratinase activities in a Submerged Fermentation (SmF) using liquid basal medium supplemented with skim milk, chicken feathers and human hair as carbon and nitrogen sources. Results: The Spectrophotometric assay of the proteolytic and keratinolytic activity of Penicillium _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ *Corresponding author: E-mail: ogbonabi@yahoo.co.uk; Nwadiaro et al.; BMRJ, 8(1): 358-366, 2015; Article no.BMRJ.2015.128 purpurogenum, showed that it had the highest activity (13.5 U/ml) on chicken feathers. This was followed by human hair with activity of 12 U/ml. The least activity of 11.9 U/ml was observed in skim milk medium. It was observed that incubation temperature had an effect on the enzyme activity, with an optimum temperature of 37°C for both protease and keratinase. Conclusion: This non-dermatophytic keratinolytic fungus may have potential use in biotechnological processes involving keratin hydrolysis. The results of this work reiterated that keratinolytic activity is relatively widespread among common fungi and may have an important role in keratin degradation in the natural environment.
HEALTH INFORMATION NEEDS AND HEALTH INFORMATION SEEKING BEHAVIOUR OF THE RESIDENTS OF JOS AND ENVIRONS
(World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 2015-06-03) Jimam Nanloh. S.; Teyiremi Jude A.
Aim: To investigate the health information needs and health information seeking behaviour of the people of Jos and environs. Methods: The study was a cross sectional study design; with a study population consisting of individuals of both sexes living within the metropolis of Jos, cutting across people between the age of 10 years and above. The purpose of the study was explained to the target population and their consent individually obtained before a semi structured interviewer questionnaire was administered to all the eligible participants in the survey. Results: The result shows that majority (90.5%) of the respondents said that health workers are the common source of health information, followed by television (70%), and radio (48.5%) in their areas; with 88.5% of them admitting that health workers are the appropriate source for seeking health information. When asked of their reasons for seeking health information; 87.6% of the respondents said it was for treatment of diseases. This is not unconnected with the levels of education of the respondents in which about 57.6% of them had secondary education. Similarly, 81.7% of the respondents perceived environment as a factor influencing their health information needs and information seeking behaviours. Conclusion: The study shows that the respondents had good knowledge of the sources/formats of health information and reasons for seeking health information, with majority of them agreeing that environmental factors influences their health information needs and health information seeking behaviours. There is therefore need for proper information dissemination to the respondents in order to preserve their own health and the healthy environment of their surroundings which will help in solving some of the health needs as well as promoting good health among the citizens. KEYWORDS: Health, Information needs, Information seeking, Behaviours, Education.
Effects of Rainfall Attenuation on Frequencies 1 and 3 GHZ in Nigeria
(I N T E R N A T I O N A L J O U R N A L O F C O M P U T E R S & T E C H N O L O G Y, 2016) Ogherohwo, E. P.; Bukar, B.; Baba, D. D.
Mobile communications are part of our everyday life. The non-ideal environment which is filled with many attenuation factors affects the electromagnetic waves, which radio communication depends. This study considers the spectral range of 1 and 3GHz. At these frequencies, interesting phenomena due to rain are supposed to happen. The study of this frequency spectrum has been undertaken in an attempt to evaluate the frequency dependence of rain effects on electromagnetic waves. The study of rain effects on communication presented in this study relied solely on rainfall data collected from Nigeria Metrological Agency (NiMet) station in Lagos, Nigeria. The months for January to December for 1981-2011 were summed together and the averages were determined. The average is then used to calculate the rain rate and rainfall attenuation using the extracted results for all the locations (Bauchi, Ikeja, Jos, Kebbi, Maiduguri and Warri). The results show that Warri has the highest rainfall rate followed by Lagos. Kebbi and Maiduguri has the least while Jos and Bauchi demonstrated moderate rainfall rates. This also deduced that attenuation has less impact on lower frequencies but increase with higher frequencies. The study reveals that at higher frequencies, the rainfall attenuation is observed to be greater.
Assessment of the Effects of Cucumis Metuliferus Fruits Alkaloids against Aewcastle disease Virus‑LaSota
(Wolters Kluwer - Medknow, 2016-12-25) Anyanwu Anne A.; Jimam Nanloh S.; Wannang Noel N.
Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the antiviral activity of the Cucumis metuliferus alkaloids against Newcastle disease virus‑LaSota (NDV‑L). Methods: Hemagglutination (HA) test method using embryonated eggs for study. Results: The result showed “nonlethality” of the alkaloids in 10 days old embryonated eggs. Exposure of the alkaloids to NDV‑L infected embryonated eggs showed negative HA test result from varying 2‑fold diluted concentration between 50 and 3.125 mg/ml of the alkaloid, while the concentration between 1.563 and 0.195 mg/ml gave positive HA test. Negative HA response means the alkaloids at that concentration have antiviral activities while positive HA test implies the presence of antibodies production in response to an antigen as seen with the control, meaning that viral replication was not inhibited when the embryonated eggs were exposed to lower doses of the alkaloids. Conclusion: The study showed that the alkaloids of C. metuliferus fruit pulp extract have good margin of safety with a high level of antiviral properties as confirmed by the result of the HA test.
Impact of prophylaxis with cotrimoxazole on malaria parasitaemia, PCV and CD4+ count in HIV-infected pregnant women in Jos, Nigeria
(Trends in Medicine, 2017) Ali M..A.; Agbo E.B.; Suleiman M.M.; Oguche S.; Musa J.; Okojokwu O.J.; Anejo-Okopi J.A.; Lar P.M.
The effect of prophylaxis with Cotrimoxazole (CTX) against malaria parasitaemia and other pregnancy outcomes among HIV-infected pregnant women in Jos was investigated. Peripheral blood from study women was used to prepare thin and thick blood smears for the identification and estimation of malaria parasitaemia as well as immunological and haematological investigations. Sulfadoxine pyrimethamine (SP) was used as control, being the standard used for prophylaxis against malaria in pregnant women. Result shows that Prevalence of malaria infection was reduced from 34.1-7.2% and from 25-10% among group A and B respectively. Mean parasitaemia was reduced from 1984.76 asp/µ to 1000.00 asp/µl and from 1960.38 asp/µ to 1118.18 asp/µ for CTX an SP respectively. Mean packed cell volume (PCV) was reduced from 33.09-33.02% with CTX and from 33.11-32.90% with SP. Mean CD4+ count increased from 223.55 cells/µl to 300.54 cells/µl with CTX but decreased from 570 cells/µl to 536.4 cells/µl with SP. Prophylaxis with CTX is associated with 89% reduction in parasitaemia, with immunological but no haematological benefits, while prophylaxis with standard Sp is associated with 76% reduction in malaria parasitaemia with neither immunological nor haematological benefits. There was no statistical difference between the two drugs throughout the study. The use of cotrimoxazole for antimalarial prophylaxis among HIV-infected pregnant women is strongly supported but with close monitoring of their PCV so as to detect and treat any possible anaemia.