The influence of temperature on the development and survival of Toxocara canis larvae was investigated under laboratory conditions, in water at 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35°C and at room temperature 22°C ± 1°C. T. canis eggs were able to develop to the larvated stage at all the tested temperatures. Development rate increased with temperature. Linear regression of development rate against temperature predicted a lower development threshold of 11.8°C. Eggs survived cooling to 1 and -2°C for 6 weeks, and could develop to the infective, larvated stage when transferred to higher temperatures, but their development rates were then retarded compared with non-chilled eggs. Larvated eggs remained viable after 7 weeks of incubation across the tested temperature range, with the highest percentage viability (47%) obtained at 25°C. Development of eggs to the infective larval stage required, on average, 121 degree days between 20°C and 30°C. Results provide a basis for predicting variation in the infectivity of eggs in the environment over time in different climates.

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Fresh salad vegetables are essential for good health and they form a major component of human diet in every family in Nigeria. Raw vegetables can be agent of transmission of intestinal parasites. The aim of this study is to determine the parasitic contamination of salad vegetables sold at wholesale and retail markets around Ilorin metropolis. A total of 150 samples of salad vegetables obtained from five different markets were examined for both protozoa and helminth parasites using standard methods. About 25 samples each of lettuce, cabbage, carrot, cucumber, tomato and onion were examined. Eggs of Ascaris lumbricoides, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, Enterobius vermicularis, cysts of Giardia lamblia, Fasciola hepatica, Trichuris trichiura, Strongyloides stercoralis, Balantidium coli and Necator americanus were detected in 28.0%,

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The abundance of Anopheline mosquito species is the most common entomological measurement to determine the relationship between vectors and malaria incidence. We conducted an entomological survey to determine mosquito species diversity and abundance in relation to rainfall in Omi reservoir irrigation area, Nigeria. We collected adult mosquitoes from 10 randomly selected residential houses using Pyrethrum spray sheet and Human Landing Catch methods. We grouped the samples into irrigated (intervention) and non-irrigated (control) communities. During the 12-month sampling period, we collected a total of 4 285 mosquitoes belonging to 10 species in one family. The three most common species during this study were Anopheles gambiae, Anopheles funestus and Culex quinquefasciatus. Irrigated community has higher numbers of mosquitoes (69,4%) compared to those collected in non-irrigated community (32,0%). Comparing the two collection methods used, Pyrethrum spray sheet has a greater number 2 225(75,4%) of mosquitoes than those with Human Landing Catch method 724(24,6%). During dry season, we collected fewer mosquitoes. The lowest number was collected in February (114) and the highest occurring during the wet season in July (445).

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The present study aimed at evaluating the prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium among school children of ages 5 to 16 years in Afikpo North L.G.A. of Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The study was carried out between February 2016 and January 2017. Urine samples were analyzed in the laboratory using the sedimentation and centrifugation technique. Of 504 persons (250 males and 254 females) that were randomly selected and screened for S. haematobium infection, 20 (3.97 %) were found to be infected. The intensity of infection was greater in males (n=12; 2.38 %) than in the females (n =8; 1.59 %). The sex of an individual was not statistically associated with the prevalence of S. haematobium. The highest prevalence rate of S. haematobium was recorded in the age bracket of 14-16 yrs. 7 (1.39 %) while the least prevalent was recorded among the 5-7 yrs. 2 (0.40 %). There is no significant relationship between the age and the prevalence of S. haematobium (p> 0.05). No case of infection was found in the pupils using boreholes and rain water. The highest prevalence with respect to the source of water was in pupils using the stream 15(2.98%). There was a significant relationship between the source of water and the prevalence of S. haematobium. Additionally, there was no significant relationship between occupation of the parents and the prevalence of S. haematobium (p> 0.05). The results reveal that the prevalence of S. haematobium is not location specific, but there is a need to integrate the control of snails to reduce the prevalence of S. haematobium in Afikpo North L.G.A. Ebonyi State.