An understanding of knowledge, attitudes and practices among different populations such as security guards temporarily outside the home due to occupational reasons are key determinants for policy makers in designing malaria prevention and control interventions. A survey on knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) on malaria prevention and control was conducted among two hundred and sixty-one (261) private security guards in Kaduna Metropolis, Kaduna State-Nigeria using a structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20 while associations between variables were tested using a Chi-Square test with the level of statistical significance set at 5%. There were 253 (96.94%) respondents with a high knowledge score about malaria, 201 (78%) of respondents with a positive attitude and there were 192 (74%) of respondents with good malaria practices score. The majority (97.7%) of the respondents have heard about malaria before while 96.9% of respondents correctly associated mosquito as malaria vector. The radio serves the majority (93.1%) as their source of information about malaria. Wearing long-sleeved shirts, trimming of bushes and use of ITNs are the leading malaria prevention methods practised by the respondents. Statistically significant association between malaria practice scores and respondent's age (p-value = 0.022), gender (p-value = 0.002) and level of education (p-value = 0.006) was reported. Respondent's knowledge about malaria (p = 0.008) and attitude towards malaria (p = 0.020) were found to significantly influence their practices towards malaria. For sustainable implementation of malaria intervention programmes, good malaria practices in conjunction with high level of awareness by the respondents are quite significant. One of the methods for malaria control that leads to morbidity and mortality reduction is educational based teachings on understanding individual knowledge, attitudes and practices on malaria.

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains from fermented cow milk (nono) sold inUnguwar Rimi, Kaduna markets were isolated on lactic bacteria specific medium (De Man Rogosa Sharpe MRS media). Isolated strains were identified and characterized using morphological, biochemical test and carbohydrate fermentation system (API-50 CHL). Six (6) pure colonies were distinctly obtained and identified as Lactobacillus strains. Out of the 6 isolated Lactobacilli, 5 were further identified as Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. lactis 2, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus acidophilus 2 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus. They were further screened for antimicrobial activity and antibiotic sensitivity. Lactobacillus acidophilus had higher resistance to all but one of the antibiotics used (Chloramphenicol 30 μg) with no zone of inhibition to Ampicillin, Amoxicillin, Gentamycin, Penicillin, Streptomycin and Tetracycline. The antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli exhibited varying degree of inhibitory activity. It can be concluded that the presence of these microorganisms in fermented cow milk (nono) is of great benefits to humans and animals either as supplements or food production processes.

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A cross sectional study was carried out between July and November, 2014 to determine the nutritional status and prevalence of intestinal schistosomiasis due to Schistosoma mansoni among Al-Majiri population in Kawo District, Kaduna Metropolis of Kaduna state, Nigeria. Three hundred and sixty (360) samples were collected and analyzed by formol-ether concentration techniques. Information on their ages and water contact activities were obtained through KAP questionnaire while anthropometric measurements were used to determine the nutritional status of the participants. Result obtained showed an overall prevalence of 18.6% and a mean intensity of 40 eggs/gram of stool. Prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni was not significantly different (p>0.05) among the age group. However, water contact activities significantly (p<0.05) influenced the prevalence of S. mansoni. There was an inverse correlation between intestinal schistosomiasis and nutritional status of Al-majiri population surveyed (r=-0.99). It is concluded that intestinal schistosomiasis is a significant health problem and a major cause of severe malnutrition among the population studied. To alleviate these problems, relevant government agencies and Non-Governmental Organization (NGOs) should embark on provision of potable water, adequate nutrition and regular mass literacy campaign on the need for improved personal hygiene.

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