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Asymptomatic bacteriuria is the presence of multiplying bacteria in the absence of any symptoms. The relevance of ASB lies in the insight it provides into symptomatic infections. Physiological and anatomical alterations during pregnancy make women more predisposed to urinary tract infection. This study seeks to determine the prevalence, risk factors, and bacteria profile among pregnant and non-pregnant women. A total of 230 pregnant women and 100 age-matched non-pregnant women were recruited. All pregnant women were recruited from individuals attending antenatal clinic and the controls recruited within the same hospital. Clean catch mid-stream urines ample was collected and microbial analysis done immediately. Significant ASB was identified and antibiotic sensitivity determined by conventional protocols. The overall prevalence of ASB in this study was 29.1% and 15% among pregnant and non-pregnant women respectively. The mean age was 25.3±5.2 and 24.2±5.6years for pregnant and non-pregnant women. Based on their parity among pregnant women, 112 (48.7%), 61(26.5%) and 57 (24.8%) were nulliparous, monoparous and multiparous respectively. Also, 37(16.1%), 70(30.4%) and 123(53.5%) of the pregnant women were in the 1 st , 2 nd and 3 rd trimester. Sixty-seven (29.1%), 125 (54.3%) and 37 (16.1%) pregnant subjects were housewives, self-employed and civil servants in their occupation. Trimester was a risk factor for asymptomatic bacteriuria in the 2 nd and 3 rd trimester. There was association between age, parity, trimester and ASB. The most common isolate in this study was Escherichia coli (28.4%), followed by Klebsiella pneumonia (23.9%). The Escherichia coli and other uropathogens isolates were multiple drug sensitive between 50-100%. Previous bacteriuria treatment seeking pattern among the pregnant women was 138(60%), 42(18.3%), 32(13.9%) and 1(0.4%) for individuals who had sought treatments in hospitals, patent drug dealers (chemists), multi-centres and traditionally respectively. It is recommended that routine urine culture screening be conducted for all pregnant women at least in the second and third trimesters and positive ASB promptly treated.

Background: Human activities adversely affect the distribution and diversity of zooplankton. They are diverse group of organisms with little or no locomotive ability and quickly respond to changes in their environment. This research was aimed at providing updated information on the distribution and seasonal variation of zooplankton in Great Kwa River. Materials and Methods: Two sampling stations (S1- Obufa Esuk and S2- Esuk Atu) were mapped along the river bank, samples were collected using plankton net of 55µm mesh size and preserved in 4% formalin. Species were identified using taxonomic keys. Data were analyzed using ecological indices. Results: The results revealed 12 taxa; belonging to 38 species. Tintinnida, Protozoa, Cladocera, Copepoda were 23.1%, 18.5%, 15.4% and 13.3% respectively. The lowest taxonomic groups were Diptera, Foraminitera, Atenatadata and Trichoptera having 1.85% for each order. The highest species was recorded in S2 having 31 species. In both Stations Ascampbelliella acuta was dominance over other species. Shannon-Weiner index (H) were 2.997 and 2.40 in S2 and S1 respectively. The evenness index were 0.576 and 0.547 for S1 and S2 respectively. Margalef,s diversity index were 8.171 and 4.111 for Esuk Atu-S2 and Obufa Esuk-S1 respectively. Zooplankton species were abundant in wet season than dry season. Conclusion: This present study provide updated information on the zooplankton distribution, diversity and seasonal variations of the Great Kwa River. The high dominance of Tintinnida in this study indicates a natural linkage between nano-planktons and macro-planktons in the food webs of the river.

Background: Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) in pregnancy is associated with adverse maternal and obstetric outcomes if untreated. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and susceptibility profile of ASB among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in traditional birth attendant homes in Ikono, Akwa-Ibom State.Methods: The study was a cross sectional survey using 350 pregnant women with ASB. Mid-stream clean catch urine samples were collected from the women using sterile containers. The urine samples were cultured, bacterial colonies were identified and antibiotic sensitivity was done. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 and significant was set at ≤0.05.Results: The overall prevalence was 33.4% using 350 asymptomatic pregnant women. The mean age was 26.21±3.6 years and aged 27-32 have the highest prevalence (13.4) of ASB. 55.1% attained primary school, while 33.4% had informal education, monoparous (54%), 3rd trimester was 44.6% with 15.8% positive cases. Multigravidae was 71.1% with 19.4% positive cases. There was significant association of age, education, parity, occupation, monthly income, etc with ASB. The most common isolates were Escherichia coli (29.9%), then Klebsiella pneumonia (19.7%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was susceptible to gentamicin (92%), Ciprofloxacin (83%) imipenam (83%) and azetronam (75%), while Staphylococcus saprophyticus was susceptible to imipenam (90%), then gentamicin at 80%. Multi-drug resistant were widespread in most of the isolates.Conclusions: Multi-drug resistant were observed in most of the isolates. Continuous and collaborative surveillance of ASB and antimicrobial resistance pattern are essential to reduce the consequence of asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnant women.