Investigation of fungi responsible for the post harvest deterioration of Lycopersicum esculentus (tomatoes), Elaeis guineensis (palm fruit), Ipomoea batatas (sweet potato), Solanum tuberosum (Irish potato), Musa sapientum (banana), Doucus carota (carrot), Musa paradisiaca (plantain), Carica papaya (pawpaw), Persea americana (Avocado pear), Citrullus lanatus (water-melon) and Capsicum chinense (fresh red pepper) from five different markets and farm lands in Enugu state, Nigeria was carried out. Healthy and diseased samples were collected from the selected markets/ farmlands. Fungal species found associated with the deterioration of the various fruits and vegetables tested included Mucor species (M. indicus, M. amphibiorum, M. racemosus and M. hiemalis), Rhizopus species (Rhizopus stolonifer, R. nigrican and R. oligosporus), Candida albicans, Aspergillus species (Aspergillus fumigatus, A. niger and A. flavus) and Penicillum species (P. oxalicum and P. chrysogenum) and Fusarium species (F. accuminatum, F. oxysporum, F. eqiuseti and F. moniliforme, F. solani, F. dimerum). All isolated fungi were pathogenic to the different fruits and vegetables from the result of pathogencity tests carried out.

The microbiological quality of sachet and tap water in Enugu, State, Nigeria was analyzed. Sachet water was purchased from five different manufacturers.

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BackgroundThe National Malaria Strategic Plan for Malaria Control in Nigeria conducted an intervention package to reduce malaria-related mortality by 50% by the year 2020, by ensuring that at least 80% of the targeted populations utilize appropriate preventive measures. This study was aimed at reviewing the success of insecticide treated net (ITN) malaria control efforts and understanding the failures and the need to boost up the intervention measures.MethodsThe research design used for this study was the descriptive method. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data from 318 pregnant women receiving antenatal care at the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki. ResultsAmongst the respondents, 180 (56.6%) owned an ITN while 138 (43.4%) did not. A greater percentage (72.9%) of those who had positive attitude resulting in usage of ITNs purchased their nets themselves, only 8.4% of mothers who received their ITNs free of charge used the net, (P=0.159). Dislike of usage by spouses (63.3%), hot weather discomfort (17.8%) and forgetfulness (17.2%) were some of the factors that contributed to failures of net usage by the pregnant women. ConclusionCost Free distribution of ITN did not necessarily improve usage. Rather, success of this strategy will require carrying out more awareness campaign.