1. Introduction Tomatoes have been shown to be important sources of vitamin A and C (Gould, 1983). However, nutritional composition of tomatoes varies with species, stages of ripeness, year of growth, climatic conditions, light, temperature, soil fertilization, irrigation and other conditions of cultivation, handling and storage. They are highly perishable and large quantity of tomatoes is wasted due to poor handling/storage facilities. The great majority of plant diseases are caused by pathogenic microorganisms, which cause losses by attacking the tomato fruit directly, rendering them unfit for consumption or sufficiently detracting from the appearance to reduce consumer preference, result in reduced yield and monetary losses. The pathogens attacking tomato can be classified into three major groups: fungi and fungal-like microbes (hereafter referred to as fungi), bacteria and viruses (Pernezny and Purdy, 2003). Fruits and vegetables usually show high rates of transpiration and respiration during periods of high temperatures and therefore need shade from the sun's heat (Harvey and Harris, 1986; D'sousa and Ingle, 1989; Eckert and Eaks, 1989; Robbins and Moore, 1992). For this reason, it is recommended that tomatoes are harvested in the morning to ensure the coolest possible temperature during delay period between harvest and initial cooling. In addition to perishability, tomatoes are highly susceptible to mechanical damage with poor handling and transportation (Bani et al. 2006). Most often also, losses of fresh vegetables occur along the long chain of supply from the producer to the consumer.
Urinary Schistosomiasis (Bilharziasis) is a neglected, water-borne disease of major public health concern and can lead to chronic ill health condition mostly in rural environments. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of urinary schistosomiasis among students of three selected secondary schools in Dutsinma Local Government Area of Katsina State. A school–based questionnaire were administered to collect data on students’ population, report of hematuria, student’s age, sex, attitude and practices of the students. A total of four hundred and forty-two (442) samples were collected and examined using a Visual Test Procedure (VTP) with Combi – 10 Uri screen® (German Technology) and Microscopic examination was carried out using x10 objective lens for the detection of Schistosoma haematobium (S. haematobium) eggs. Eggs of Schistosoma haematobium were detected in one hundred and forty (140) urine samples representing 31.7%; 134 (30.3%) were from males while only 6 samples (1.4%) were from females (P<0.05). The prevalence of hematuria was significantly higher (P<0.05) in males than in females. The highest prevalence was observed among age group 15 – 17 years (16.74%) while the least prevalence was observed in age group 9 – 11 years (0.23%). The study identified factors such as closeness of water bodies (OR= 2.9, P-value= 0.002) and swimming (OR= 7.5, P-value= < 0.0001) as risk factors for Schistosomiasis in the study area. The study confirmed high prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium in the study area. The study suggests that water control measures, proper sanitation and public enlightenment are highly needed to lower the prevalence of the urinary Schistosomiasis in the study area. Keywords: Prevalence, risk factors, Schistosomiasis, Hematuria
Water is the second most important compound after air for the sustenance of life on our planet. It is the most abundant molecule in living cells, essential for the proper functioning of cells. It is one of the cheap vehicles that transport gastro-intestinal diseases. Therefore, water for human consumption must be free from chemical substances and microbes that may cause disease in man. This study was carried out to determine bacteriological quality of water sold in jerry cans within Katsina metropolis. Twenty different water samples (Five each from Kofar kaura, Kofar marusa, Dakitara and Filin polo) were collected and transported to the laboratory for analyses. Temperature and pH values of each sample were measured accordingly. The samples were subjected to aerobic mesophilic bacterial count, Coliform count and detection of Escherichia coli. The result showed temperature values in the range of 23oC to 26oCwhile pH measurements were in the range of 6.9 to 7.3. Samples from Kofar kaura, Kofar marusa, Daki tara and Filin polo had mean bacterial counts of1.718×106 , 1.052×106 , 2.042×106 and 1.612×106colony forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL) respectively, and mean coliform counts of 25.2, 122.6, 77 and 128 CFU/mL respectively. All samples from all the sampling points contained E. coli. The study stresses the need for environmental and personal hygiene by all water vendors. It is, however, recommended that water retailing by truck pushers be monitored and regulated to avoid the risk of a pointsource epidemic. Key words: coliforms, water quality, bacteriological quality, water vendors, Katsina
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