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This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of ascariasis among children of 1-15 years old in Wadata, Wurukum, Northbank, Fiidi, and Modern market of Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. Prevalence of Ascariasis among children was conducted between January to march 2020. A total of 230 stool samples were randomly collected from children of both sexes and analyzed, using formol-ether concentration technique to determine the presence of eggs of Ascaris lumbricoides. Out of the samples analyzed, 64(27.83%) were positive for Ascariasis. Wadata had the highest prevalence of 23(35.92%). There was a direct relationship between the parasite load and the location (P<0.05). There was also a positive correlation (P<0.05) between the parasite load and the family size. Children that were provided with modern toilet facilities had the lowest prevalence 13(20%). Children of farmers recorded 23(35.94%). Hence ascariasis is endemic in Makurdi. There should be grassroots enlightment on sanitation and hygiene. There is need for provision of screening materials and drugs at affordable rate to all patients. Communities should also embark on environmental sanitation and personal hygiene to curb the menace.

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) or glutamate is a commonly used flavour enhancer, naturally found in protein-rich foods; although produced commercially through the fermentation of molasses. MSG is essential in the metabolism of living bodies. The increase in MSG consumption has become a growing concern due to the lack of adequate data on its effects. This study investigates the effects of MSG on weight and blood glucose levels of adult albino rats for an experimental period of eight (8) weeks. Twenty-four (24) albino rats weighing between 48.7 g to 94.6 g were randomly divided into four (4) groups of six (6) rats each: 1 control group and 3 test groups. Test groups were fed and daily doses of MSG dissolved in water (8 g/L, 10 g/L and 15 g/L respectively) were administered orally. The control group were fed on plain water and rat chow (grower’s mash) only. Weekly weights, fasting blood glucose levels of rats were measured, and change in behaviour and exploratory tendencies observed, all through the experimental period. Glycosylated haemoglobin was tested at the end of the experimental period to confirm the weekly blood glucose levels. There was no significant difference in the average weights (P ˃ 0.05). Blood glucose levels maintained a normal range of 4.5 – 5.1 % (good glycemic control) over the experimental period. The study illustrates that Monosodium Glutamate has no adverse effects on weight and blood glucose levels when consumed daily, but not exceeding a 15 g dose. Further research to validate casual inference may be necessary. The consumption of MSG should be in moderation and individuals prone to hypoallergenic reactions should ensure to check product labels for MSG before the consumption of foods. Further research can be carried out using higher doses as well as other metabolic markers in the body to further consolidate empirical data.

Gastrointestinal parasitic infection is usually asymptomatic thus goes unnoticed and untreated for long periods of time, often resulting in other serious health complications. In HIV positive patients, the effects usually are more devastating owing to the fact that such patients are already immunocompromised. For this study, HIV positive patients were raised from the BSUTH STD/ART clinic records while HIV negative patients were recruited from other clinics by confirming their HIV status  using Determine test strips to check for HIV antibodies; socio-demographic data was generated from questionnaires administered. Patients already placed on anti-helminths or anti-protozoan medicines were exempted from the study. Stool samples (n=550; 304 males 246 females) were examined for intestinal parasites using the standard parasitological procedures for direct wet mount and Formol-Ether Concentration methods. Gastrointestinal parasites were identified from 199 (36.2%) samples implying positive results for these infections: Giardia lamblia (3.8%), Entamoeba histolytica (8.9%), Ascaris lumbricoides (7.1%), Entamoeba coli (4.2%), Trichuris trichuria (3.3%), Strongyloides stercoralis (2.2%), Taenia sp. (1.8%), Trichomonas hominis (0.5%) and hookworms (2.9%). Out of this 199 only 55 (27.6%) were HIV positive; statistically there was a significant relationship between HIV status and the rate of parasitic infection (P<0.05). Personal hygiene practices, environmental sanitary conditions, overcrowding, limited access to clean potable water and poor drainage systems influenced gastrointestinal parasitic infection in both HIV positive and negative patients, HIV status may have increased intensity of gastrointestinal parasitic infection. The need for preventive awareness campaigns and mass chemoprophylaxis exercises cannot be overemphasized; government and private sector collaborations will have a wider coverage area and make a lot of impact.

Gastrointestinal parasitic infection is usually asymptomatic thus goes unnoticed and untreated for long periods of time, often resulting in other serious health complications. In HIV positive patients, the effects usually are more devastating owing to the fact that such patients are already immunocompromised. For this study, HIV positive patients were raised from the BSUTH STD/ART clinic records while HIV negative patients were recruited from other clinics by confirming their HIV status  using Determine test strips to check for HIV antibodies; socio-demographic data was generated from questionnaires administered. Patients already placed on anti-helminths or anti-protozoan medicines were exempted from the study. Stool samples (n=550; 304 males 246 females) were examined for intestinal parasites using the standard parasitological procedures for direct wet mount and Formol-Ether Concentration methods. Gastrointestinal parasites were identified from 199 (36.2%) samples implying positive results for these infections: Giardia lamblia (3.8%), Entamoeba histolytica (8.9%), Ascaris lumbricoides (7.1%), Entamoeba coli (4.2%), Trichuris trichuria (3.3%), Strongyloides stercoralis (2.2%), Taenia sp. (1.8%), Trichomonas hominis (0.5%) and hookworms (2.9%). Out of this 199 only 55 (27.6%) were HIV positive; statistically there was a significant relationship between HIV status and the rate of parasitic infection (P<0.05). Personal hygiene practices, environmental sanitary conditions, overcrowding, limited access to clean potable water and poor drainage systems influenced gastrointestinal parasitic infection in both HIV positive and negative patients, HIV status may have increased intensity of gastrointestinal parasitic infection. The need for preventive awareness campaigns and mass chemoprophylaxis exercises cannot be overemphasized; government and private sector collaborations will have a wider coverage area and make a lot of impact.

Gastrointestinal parasitic infection is usually asymptomatic thus goes unnoticed and untreated for long periods of time, often resulting in other serious health complications. In HIV positive patients, the effects usually are more devastating owing to the fact that such patients are already immunocompromised. For this study, HIV positive patients were raised from the BSUTH STD/ART clinic records while HIV negative patients were recruited from other clinics by confirming their HIV status  using Determine test strips to check for HIV antibodies; socio-demographic data was generated from questionnaires administered. Patients already placed on anti-helminths or anti-protozoan medicines were exempted from the study. Stool samples (n=550; 304 males 246 females) were examined for intestinal parasites using the standard parasitological procedures for direct wet mount and Formol-Ether Concentration methods. Gastrointestinal parasites were identified from 199 (36.2%) samples implying positive results for these infections: Giardia lamblia (3.8%), Entamoeba histolytica (8.9%), Ascaris lumbricoides (7.1%), Entamoeba coli (4.2%), Trichuris trichuria (3.3%), Strongyloides stercoralis (2.2%), Taenia sp. (1.8%), Trichomonas hominis (0.5%) and hookworms (2.9%). Out of this 199 only 55 (27.6%) were HIV positive; statistically there was a significant relationship between HIV status and the rate of parasitic infection (P<0.05). Personal hygiene practices, environmental sanitary conditions, overcrowding, limited access to clean potable water and poor drainage systems influenced gastrointestinal parasitic infection in both HIV positive and negative patients, HIV status may have increased intensity of gastrointestinal parasitic infection. The need for preventive awareness campaigns and mass chemoprophylaxis exercises cannot be overemphasized; government and private sector collaborations will have a wider coverage area and make a lot of impact.