DSpace Community: Department of Environmental Health Sciences

INDOOR AIR QUALITY AND RISK OF RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS AMONG UNDER-FIVE CHILDREN PRESENTING IN TWO HOSPITALS IN IBADAN, NIGERIA

Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Title: INDOOR AIR QUALITY AND RISK OF RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS AMONG UNDER-FIVE CHILDREN PRESENTING IN TWO HOSPITALS IN IBADAN, NIGERIA Authors: FAKUNLE, A.G. Abstract: Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among under-five children in developing countries. In Nigeria, studies on indoor air quality, particularly, the microflora that are associated with respiratory infections are scanty. This study was therefore designed to determine risk factors in the indoor environment that could predispose under-five children in Ibadan to respiratory infections. A prospective hospital-based case-control study of 220 under-five children each with ARIs (cases) and without ARIs (controls) presenting consecutively in two major hospitals in Ibadan; Oni-memorial Children Hospital and University College Hospital, was carried out. Cases and controls were recruited from January to April, 2010 and matched for age, sex and parent's education. A community-based follow-up of cases and controls was carried out using a checklist to assess indoor housing indicators such as ventilation, temperature and relative humidity. Interviewer-administered four hundred and forty questionnaires were used to elicit information from mothers of under-five children among cases and controls on risk factors for ARIs. Temperature and Relative Humidity (RH) of the living room, bedroom and Kitchen were measured between 8-11am using multi-tester N21FR. Airborne microbial samples were collected using non-volumetric method. The total bacterial and fungal counts per cubic metre were determined and compared with the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) guideline for residential buildings. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square, t-test and logistic regression at p=0.05. Mean ages of cases and controls were 20.4 ± 2.5 and 20.9 ± 2.4 months respectively. Mean number of occupants per room among cases was 3.0 ± 1.1 compared to 2.0 ± 0.7 among controls (p<0.05). Forty percent of houses among cases had a minimum of two windows per room compared to 60% among controls (OR=3.3, CI:1.4-10.0). Mean indoor temperature and RH was significantly higher among cases (33 .7 ± 1.6°C and 66.3 ± 5.6%) than controls (31.6 ± 1.8°C and 61.9 ± 6.3%). Streptococcus spp. (33.0%, 12.0%), Staphylococcus spp. (35.0%, 22.0%) and Aspergillus spp. (28.0%, 29.0%) were isolated from the indoor air environment among cases and controls respectively. Indoor total bacterial count among cases (9.6x10 cfu/m3) was higher than among controls (3.5x10 cfu/m3) and the AIHA guideline (≤5.0x10 cfu/m3) (p<0.05). Indoor fungal count was similar among cases and controls (0.2x10 cfu/m3) . The living room recorded the highest bacterial count of 5.4x10 cfu/m3 and 1.4x10 cfu/m3 for cases and controls respectively (p<0.05). Under-five children sleeping in same room with more than two adults were found to be twice more likely to develop respiratory infections than those who slept with less than two adults (OR=2.7, CI:1.7-3.6). The use of mosquito coil (OR=1.6, Cl:1.0-2.3), lantern (OR=4.1, Cl:2.4-6.9) and firewood for cooking (OR=9.3, Cl:3.6-24.1) were found to be risk factors for ARIs. Environmental risk factors were higher among cases than controls. These may have contributed to an increased vulnerability to respiratory infections among cases. Health education on adequate ventilation, personal hygiene and good housing conditions are therefore advocated to minimise the risk of respiratory infections associated with poor indoor air quality. Description: A Dissertation submitted to the Department of Epidemiology, Medical Statistics and Environmental Health (EMSEH), Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, in partial fulfillment for the requirement for the award of Masters of Public Health (Environmental Health) Degree of the University of Ibadan

EFFECT OF COOKING METHODS ON CADMIUM AND LEAD CONCENTRATIONS IN AFRICAN CATFISH (Clarias gariepinus)

Wed, 01 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Title: EFFECT OF COOKING METHODS ON CADMIUM AND LEAD CONCENTRATIONS IN AFRICAN CATFISH (Clarias gariepinus) Authors: AKANDE, O. A. Abstract: Cadmium and Lead are heavy metals whose presence in water bodies account for seafood contamination. Consumption of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) contaminated fish poses carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks to man. African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) largely produced in Nigeria and consumed worldwide is capable of bioaccumulating Cd and Pb from its aquatic environment. Cadmium and lead levels of raw Clarias gariepinus have been investigated; however, levels of these residue in the cooked fish have not been fully explored inspite of their public health importance. This study therefore determined the effect of cooking methods on Cd and Pb concentrations in Clarias gariepinus. A laboratory-based experimental study design was adopted using fish samples maintained in plastic aquaria. A preliminary 24 hour bioassay was conducted to determine the 50% lethal concentration (LC₅₀) of Cd and Pb in Clarias gariepinus using standard methods. A total of 36 fish samples were later randomly distributed into 3 groups of 12 fish each. Group A was exposed to 4.9 mg/L cadmium (30% LC₅₀), B to 24.2mg/L lead (30% LC₅₀) for 4 weeks while group C served as control (0% LC₅₀) . Three fish samples were randomly selected from each group weekly. Each fish sample was sacrificed to isolate gills, liver and flesh. Flesh sample was cut into 4 pieces. For the 4 flesh pieces, one was boiled, another fried,the third piece was roasted on a charcoal gill while the fourth was not cooked. All samples were oven-dried, acid digested and analysed for Cd and Pb using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Data obtained for gills, liver and cooked flesh samples were compared with uncooked flesh samples using ANOVA at 5% level of significance. The LC₅₀ of Cd and Pb were 163±0.5mg/L and 80.6±0.6 mg/L respectively. For group A, cadmium concentrations in gills, liver and uncooked flesh samples were 31.4±10.5 mg/kg, 38.31.11.6 mg/kg and 8.8±5.1 mg/kg respectively. Cadmium concentration in boiled, fried and charcoal-grilled flesh samples were 2.2.±2.0 mg/kg, 2.8±2.0 mg/kg and 5.7±1.6 mg/kg respectively. Lead concentration in gills, liver and uncooked flesh of group B samples were 123.3±42.9 mg/kg. 82.6±29.1 mg/kg and 44.6±22.5 mg/kg respectively. Lead concentrations in boiled, fried and charcoal-grilled samples were 25.8±22.0 mg/kg, 30.8±22.5 mg/kg and 38.6±25.5 mg/kg respectively. Cadmium and lead were not detected in the gills, liver and flesh of fish samples in the control group C. Cadmium and lead concentrations reduced in all cooked samples compared to uncooked. Concentrations of cadmium and lead in samples varied in the following order: boiled < fried < charcoal-grilled < uncooked samples. Reduction of cadmium and lead concentrations was highest in boiled samples. Significant reduction in cadmium concentration was obtained for all cooked samples compared to uncooked samples. Cooking methods reduced heavy metal concentration in African catfish. Effect of cooking methods on concentration of heavy metals in fish Is dependent on the specific heavy metal and cooking medium. Boiling of fish before consumption is advocated for the reduction of Cadmium and Lead concentration in Clarias gariepinus. Description: A Dissertation submitted to the University of Ibadan in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of Master of Public Health (Environmental Health Sciences) Degree of the University of Ibadan, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

MICROBIAL LOAD AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY OF OPERATING THEATRES IN THE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE HOSPITAL, IBADAN

Wed, 01 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Title: MICROBIAL LOAD AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY OF OPERATING THEATRES IN THE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE HOSPITAL, IBADAN Authors: OGUNDARE, J. O. Abstract: Microbial contamination of indoor air of operating theatres is one of the risk factors for the development of Surgical Site infections (SSI). Operating theatre environment, including personnel can become contaminated with microorganisms capable of causing SSI, morbidity, prolong hospitalization of patients or even death, Studies on indoor quality particularly the airborne microbes that are associated with SSI have not been adequately investigated. This study was therefore designed to determine the airborne microbial load and indoor air quality of operating theatres in the University College Hospital, lbadan. A descriptive cross-sectional design which involved purposive selection of seven operating theatres viz: main (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5), gynaecology (T6) and emergency (T7) theatres was adopted. Temperature and Relative Humidity (RH) of the indoor environments of the theatres were measured three times a week before and after surgery using multi-tester N21FR. Values obtained were compared with the Association of peri-Operative Registered Nurses (AORN) guideline limits of 22.0⁰C and 55.0% respectively. Particular matter (PM₁₀) concentrations in the indoor environments were measured using Met-one particle counter and compared with the World Health Organisation Guideline Limits (WHOGLs) of 50ug/m³, Air-borne microbial samples were collected using non-volumetric method. Total Bacterial Counts (TBC) and Total Fungal Counts (TFC) per cubic-metre were determined and compared with the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AlHA) guideline limit of 50 cfu/m³. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA and Spearman's rank correlation at 5% level of significance. Indoor temperature and Relative Humidity across the seven theatres were significantly higher after surgery (29.9±1.5⁰C and 62.1±7.0%) than before surgery (27.6±1, 1⁰C and 61.2±8.2%) and were not within AORN guideline limits. Indoor PM₁₀ after surgery (60.2±21.2ug/m³) was higher than before surgery (47.8±18.3ug/m³) and the WHOGLs. Indoor TBC after surgery was 2.1x10² cfu/m³ and then was higher than before (0.5x10² cfu/m³). Similarly, indoor TFC across the theatres after surgery (0.17x10² cfu/m³) was higher than before (0.03x10² cfu/m³) but lower than the AlHA guideline limits. Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp., and Aspergillus spp were among the organisms isolated from the indoor air environment before and after surgery. Emergency theatre T7 recorded the highest RH (61.9±8.0%), PM₁₀ (69.1±25.3ug/m³), TBC (1.52x10² cfu/m³) and TBC (0.16x10² cfu/m³). A significantly positive correlation was observed between indoor TFC and RH (r=0.124) and in TBC and PM₁₀ (r=0.099). Microbial load in the selected operating theatres was higher than the internationally recommended values for an ideal and safe operating theatre. Therefore, operating techniques and environmental conditions should be properly monitored to ensure compliance with recommended standards. Description: A Dissertation submitted to the University of Ibadan, in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of the Degree of Master of Public Health (Environmental Health) Degree, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

EFFECTS OF AQUEOUS EXTRACTS OF Vernonia amygdalina AND Telinum triangulare ON INDUCED CYANIDE POISONING IN WISTAR RATS

Wed, 01 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Title: EFFECTS OF AQUEOUS EXTRACTS OF Vernonia amygdalina AND Telinum triangulare ON INDUCED CYANIDE POISONING IN WISTAR RATS Authors: AJAO, M. Y. Abstract: There is a risk of cyanide poisoning in Nigeria through environmental exposure and consumption of improperly processed cyanide containing foods. Sulphur containing amino acids in vegetables like Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf) and Talinum triangulare (water leaf have potential detoxifying effects on cyanide poisoning. However, there is dearth of information about the ameliorating effects of these vegetables on cyanide poisoning when used as dietary supplements in animal models. The study was therefore designed to assess the effect of these two vegetables on induced cyanide poisoning in Wistar rats. Thirty 7 weeks old Wistar rats with mean body weight of (123.97± 17.7) gm, (124.9± 16.7) gm, (141.4± 21.0) gm, (128.4± 23.6) gm, (145.0±11.1) gm. (118.5±13.1) gm and (129.11±18.5) gm were fed on commercial rat pellets and water ad-libitum for two weeks and were randomly allocated to one control group and five treatment groups of five rats each. Lyophilized water extracts of Vernonia amygdalina and Talinum triangulare were reconstituted in water to give a concentration of 3mg/kg/day The groups were treated with KCN and aqueous vegetable extracts both at dose of 3mg/kg/day by oral gavage as follows: Aqueous KCN (group 1); KCN and Vernonia amygdalina extracts (group 2); KCN and Talinum triangulare extracts (group 3); Vernonia amygdalina extracts only (group 4): Talinum triangulare extracts only (group 5). The control group was treated with distilled water only (group 6. Body weight, presence of ocular lesion, and nasal discharge were documented daily. Elevated blood level of Aspartate Amino Transminase (AST) and Alanine Amino-Transminase (ALT) were used as indicators for liver damage. Histopathological changes in the brain, liver, kidney and spleen were documented. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Student's t-test and ANOVA. Slimy nasal discharge was round in 20.0% of rats in group 1 and 9.8% in group 5 only. There were no visible signs of ocular lesions in all rats. Mean values for AST were: 29.0±8.8 U/L 33.0±5.2 U/L,18.7±7.6 U/L, 24.7±13.3 U/L,16.0±7.2 U/L and 20.7±6.1 U/L (p>0.05) for groups 1 to 6 respectively. Mean values for ALT were; 17.7±3.5 U/L 18.0±7.0 U/L, 22.3±8.6 U/L, 22.3±.5.1 U/L,17.3±4.7 U/L and 21.3±7.1 U/L (p>0.05) for groups 1 to 6 respectively. Packed cell volume significantly increased in group 4 (45.2±3.3) as compared with control (37.0±4.4)(p<0.05). Haemoglobin significantly increased in group 4 (14.0±.2.3)when compared with control (12.4±0.5) (p<0.05). Histopathological changes observed with cyanide in group 1 was: multi focal fatty and portal lymphocytic degeneration of the liver: congestion, necrosis and glomerular cast of the kidney and splenic lymphoid depletion. Vernonia amygdalina and Talinum triangulare reduced cyanide toxicity in rats implying that they have some detoxification properties. Bioassay fractionating of the vegetables is recommended to isolate and identify the molecules responsible for the activities. Description: A Dissertation submitted to the University of Ibadan in partial fulfillment for the award of Master of Public Health (Environmental Health Sciences) Degree, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.