Zoology

The root powder of Lonchocarpus cyanescens was evaluated under ambient laboratory conditions for its insecticidal properties against adult Sitophilus zeamais on maize and wheat grains. The root powders of L. cyanescens were applied separately on maize and wheat grains in the concentrations of 0g (Control), 10g, 15g, 20g, 25g, and 30g respectively. Daily mortality count of adult S. zeamais was recorded for 3weeks and numbers of dead S. zeamais obtained from each concentration and the control were compared. The data were statistically analysed and results reported. In both grains, all concentrations of Lonchocarpus cyanescens recorded higher mortality than the control. The root powder application at 30g concentration gave the highest mortality of S. zeamais while lowest mortality of S. zeamais was recorded in maize and wheat grains treated with 10g concentration during the exposure period. Statistically, grains treated with root powders were significantly (P<0.05) different from the control in adult mortality. The root powder of L. cyanescens could be used as protectants in the storage of maize and wheat grains.

This research was conducted to evaluate the potency of Prosopis africana leaf extract in the treatment of pain in rats. The work investigated the antinociceptive (anti pain) activity of the leaf extract of this plant. The experimental rats were grouped into three; Group A negative control, the rats in this group were given 0.2ml of normal saline, Group B contained rats that were given 0.2ml of aspirin, this served as positive control and the last Group C were given 0.2ml of the leaf extract. At the end the rats in group A experienced the highest pain, having mean value of 2.925. But in the rats in groups B and C, there was no significant difference (P < 0.05), having the mean values of 1.600 and 1.575 respectively. At the end of this research, it was observed that the leaf extract of Prosopis africana plant relieved pains in the rats studied.

This study was carried out for a period of two months to access earwigs as ectoparaiste of the African giant rat (Cricetomys gambianus) in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. Three hundred and forty eight (348) trap-night efforts were made with the aid of 8 mammal traps during the study and a total of 12 giant rats comprising of 7 males and 5 females were trapped and examined for ectoprarsites. Six of the males were infested (85.7%) and 3 of the females were also infested (60%). Giant rat are parasitized by many ectoparasites like lice and mites but during the study one particular species of earwig (Hemimerus talpoides) was observed and was found mainly on the abdomen and dorsal region. The infestation of the giant rat in the different sites shows no statistical difference (P > 0.05) with reference to the sex of the giant rat and also the location.

The influence of cassava varieties on the developmental biology of Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) was investigated. This beetle was reared on flour varieties of cassava, namely: Danwari, Nwugo, Aburu-Asua and Ant-Ota. More eggs were la d in Danwari (132.0 i i + 6.1 egg) than in other cassava variety. The least number of eggs laid was in Nwugo (118.3 +-4.5) in No-choice experiment. In Free-choice test, the highest number of eggs was recorded in Aburu-Asua (64.0 + 1 7 eggs) and the lowest (41.6. + 3 1 eggs) on Anti-Ota. The average total developmental period in, Aburu-Asua, Nwugo, Danwari and Ant-Ota were 32.5. i + 0.4, 30.6 + 0.2, 28.5 + 0.1 and 34.7 + 0.1 days respectively. The low oviposition preference for Nwugo was attributed to the presence of oviposition deterrents in this variety, which might have protected it against the beetle attack.

Rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae causes severe damages to rice and other cereals. Plant powders prepared from two plant species, Citrus sinensis (Orange peels) and Psidium guajava (Guava leaf) were used against adult rice weevil. 10g of the experimental powders in the proportions of Pg100%, Cs100%, Cs20%:Pg80%, Cs80%:Pg20% and Cs50%:Pg50% was added separately into 20g of rice grains and was evaluated under ambient laboratory conditions (27±2 • C and 75±2%). Mortality of adult S. oryzae at 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120hrs after treatment were recorded and compared with control. The powder application at Cs100% caused the highest mortality during the period of exposure. The use of the two powders at mixed proportions could not cause significant mortality of adult rice weevil.

The study was carried out to evaluate the insecticidal actions of two common plant powders on maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais on maize grains. The plant species studied were Psidium guajava (guava) and Cymbopogon citratus (lemon grass). The test powders were applied separately on maize grains at various concentrations of control, 2 g, 4 g and 6 g. All powders concentrations test caused higher mortality than control group. The insecticidal effect of the test powders was found to be dose dependent. The mortality of adult S. zeamais in maize grains treated with these common plant powders was higher than the control group. The results showed that there was significant difference only in the highest concentration (6 g) of C. citratus and the control (P<0.05). The two test powders are both cheap and safer for human consumption hence is recommended to be used as maize protectants in storage. Further studies on the packaging and sales of these plant powders for easy accessibility to farmers and consumers of maize is also suggested.

Powders prepared from two plant species, Piper guineense and Zingiber officinale were used against adult cowpea weevil, Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab.) on cowpea grains. The powders of Piper guineense and Zingiber officinale were applied separately and in mixtures in the ratios of Zg0%:Pg100%, Zg100%:Pg0%, Zg20%:Pg80%, Zg80%:Pg20% and Zg50%:Pg50% respectively. They were evaluated under ambient laboratory conditions (30±3◦C and 75±3%). Mortality of adult C. maculatus at 24, 48 and 72hrs after treatment were recorded and compared with the control. All concentrations recorded higher mortality than the control except the mixture with the ratio Zg20%:Pg80%. The powder application at Pg100% proportion caused the highest mortality, during the exposure period. However, no significant difference exist (P&gt;0.05) in the mortality count of adult C. maculatus between the various powder applications and the control.

Malaria and Hepatitis B Virus co-infection during pregnancy is a significant public health issue causing increased morbidity and mortality among pregnant women and poor birth outcomes in new born babies. This cross-sectional study was aimed at determining the prevalence of malaria, hepatitis B virus and their co-infection among pregnant women visiting Rock Foundation Hospital and Maternity, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria. Two hundred and ten (210) peripheral blood samples were obtained from pregnant women attending antenatal and examined using HRP2-RDT and HBsAG test strip for the presence of malaria parasites and Hepatitis B Virus respectively. A structured questionnaire was also used to determine the knowledge, preventive measures taken and diagnosis of both Malaria and Hepatitis B among the pregnant women. The result showed that out of 210 pregnant women, 139 (66.2%) were positive for malaria parasite, while 8 (3.8%) were positive for Hepatitis B Virus and 5 (2.4%) were Co-infected with both Malaria parasite and Hepatitis B Virus. There was no significant association between prevalence of malaria and hepatitis B and the risk factors studied (p>0.05). The highest prevalence of malaria and hepatitis B among Age groups recorded was 36-40 (70.8%) and 41-45(20%) respectively and 45-45 had the highest (20.0%) co-infection. Third, second and first trimesters had the highest malaria prevalence (67.7%), highest HBV prevalence (4.2%) and highest (3.3%) co-infection respectively. The highest prevalence of malaria and Hepatitis B in relation to Parity recorded was Primi-gravidae (73.3%) and Multigravidae (4.8%) respectively and the multi-gravidae had the highest (2.7%) co-infection. The result also showed that only 35.71% sleep under insecticide treated nets and only 1.9% have received vaccination for the Hepatitis B Virus during Pregnancy. Malaria was still a problem among pregnant women and though the prevalence rate of Hepatitis B Virus infection may be low in the study area, it however cannot be neglected as it may result in congenital infection. Hence, routine tests should be conducted during antenatal visits to ensure early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Malaria and Hepatitis B Virus co-infection during pregnancy is a significant public health issue causing increased morbidity and mortality among pregnant women and poor birth outcomes in new born babies. This cross-sectional study was aimed at determining the prevalence of malaria, hepatitis B virus and their co-infection among pregnant women visiting Rock Foundation Hospital and Maternity, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria. Two hundred and ten (210) peripheral blood samples were obtained from pregnant women attending antenatal and examined using HRP2-RDT and HBsAG test strip for the presence of malaria parasites and Hepatitis B Virus respectively. A structured questionnaire was also used to determine the knowledge, preventive measures taken and diagnosis of both Malaria and Hepatitis B among the pregnant women. The result showed that out of 210 pregnant women, 139 (66.2%) were positive for malaria parasite, while 8 (3.8%) were positive for Hepatitis B Virus and 5 (2.4%) were Co-infected with both Malaria parasite and Hepatitis B Virus. There was no significant association between prevalence of malaria and hepatitis B and the risk factors studied (p>0.05). The highest prevalence of malaria and hepatitis B among Age groups recorded was 36-40 (70.8%) and 41-45(20%) respectively and 45-45 had the highest (20.0%) co-infection. Third, second and first trimesters had the highest malaria prevalence (67.7%), highest HBV prevalence (4.2%) and highest (3.3%) co-infection respectively. The highest prevalence of malaria and Hepatitis B in relation to Parity recorded was Primi-gravidae (73.3%) and Multigravidae (4.8%) respectively and the multi-gravidae had the highest (2.7%) co-infection. The result also showed that only 35.71% sleep under insecticide treated nets and only 1.9% have received vaccination for the Hepatitis B Virus during Pregnancy. Malaria was still a problem among pregnant women and though the prevalence rate of Hepatitis B Virus infection may be low in the study area, it however cannot be neglected as it may result in congenital infection. Hence, routine tests should be conducted during antenatal visits to ensure early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.