Abstract:In the course of a study of parasitic infections by cyst and ova on fruits and vegetable sold in middle-belt Nigeria, three different major public markets was selected. Six different fruits and vegetables total to 2406 samples were examined.Data obtained were statistically analyzed using anova for the level of significance difference where appropriate. Of the 1755 fruits examined, 4.3% were positive for parasites ova and 2.5% for cysts. Of the 761 vegetables examined, 4.6% were positive for parasites ova and 2.8% for cysts.The contamination rate of protozoan cyst and ova found are Giardia lamblia (2.61%) Entamoebs histolytica (0.66%). The difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05).Cases of contamination rate of protozoan cyst and ova were small compared to helminthic contamination. However, helminths such as Strongylodies stercoralis Trichiuris trachura and Ascaris lumbricoides were predominant in that order. The public health implication on the subjects is discussed. Through washing of all fruits and vegetables with clean water prior to consumption is recommended.

Introduction: Trypanosomiasis often caused by trypanosome is common among wildlife and domestic animals. Aim and Objectives: This study assessed the antitrypanosomal and anti-anemic activities of bitter leaf ethanol extract (BLEE) against Trypanosoma congolense. Methodology: Forty (40) healthy wistar rats of both sexes weighing 120-150 g were used at the beginning of the experiment. They were randomly divided into six groups (A, B, C, D, E and F). In A, B, D, E and F (n = 5) but group C was started with fifteen (15) rats till death reduced the population to five (5). Group A rats were uninfected and untreated; group B rats were uninfected but treated (500 mg/kgbwt BLEE); group C rats were infected but not treated; groups D, E and F rats were infected and treated (100, 300 and 500 mg/kgbwt BLEE, respectively). Infection of the rats was carried out by injecting 0.1 ml of blood containing approximately 1 × 103 trypanosomes intraperitoneally into each rat in the infected groups. The effects of BLEE on the infected rats were determined. Changes in haemoglobin level and packed cell volume (PCV) were determined prior, during and post infection. Results: The results obtained revealed that the percentage values for haemoglobin level and PCV of infected rats in this study were remarkably reduced compared with the uninfected rats. A marked association between the prevalence of Trypanosoma congolense, haemoglobin level and PCV was observed in this study. The extract immobilized the trypanosome in the treated groups as compared to the infected but untreated group. The BLEE was able to cause a remarkable reduction of parasitaemia level, improved haemoglobin level and PCV as compared to the infected-untreated rats. Conclusion: Our findings thus has given an indication of in vitro and in vivo antitrypanosomal and anti-anemic activities of Vernonia amygdalina against Trypanosoma congolense.

The study was carried out to investigate the in silico and in vitro antimicrobial activity of Vernonia amygdalina aqueous extract (VAAE) against Escherichia coli on rats already infected with Trypanosoma congolense. Forty Wistar rats of 16 weeks old were used, and were randomly selected into six groups, where n = 5 in groups A, B, D, E and F; n = 15 in group C. Group A: uninfected-untreated; group B: uninfected-treated (500 mg/kgbwt VAAE); group C: infected-untreated; groups D: infected-treated (100 mg/kgbwt VAAE), E: infected-treated (300 mg/kgbwt (VAAE) and F: infected-treated (500 mg/kgbwt (VAAE). Using docking simulation, a number of phytochemicals were screened and identified in the VAAE used in the study. The findings have given an indication of in vitro antimicrobial activity of aqueous extract of Vernonia amygdalina leaves against Escherichia coli. Docking with topoisomerase iv (3FV5) revealed that 3 compounds (−8.5 to – 8.3 kcal/mol) with docking scores lower than the co-crystalized PBE (-6.1kcal/mol). The five topmost docked compounds including vernonioside A22, vernonioside A42, luteolin-7-rutinoside, vernonioside D2 and proline betaine (PBE) with the lowest docking scores exhibited the highest binding tendency with topoisomerase iv, upon interaction analysis. Residues involved in the intermolecular interaction include Asp69, Ile116, Ser117, Leu94, Gly73 Leu89, Arg93, Ile90, Glu46 and Val39 (h-bonds), Val118, Ile90, Met74, Gly73, Arg72, Pro75, Val39, Val165 and Tyr505 (π-π stacking interactions) and Glu46. Our findings revealed the stability of vernonioside A22, vernonioside A42, luteolin-7-rutinoside, vernonioside D2 and proline betaine (PBE) on the target topoisomerase iv in the target organism, which in support of the in vitro study has also shown that Vernonia amygdalina leaves have antimicrobial potential and as such be considered as a formidable source for the search for new drugs against bacteria.

The current research investigated the nutritional value of the Moringa oleifera leaves Four diets, different in their composition were used on sixteen male albino rats (n=4). Commercial vitamins and minerals premix (75.0 g) were used solely in diet 1; diet 2 contained 37.5 g of the vitamin-mineral premix and 37.5 g MOL. Diet 3 contained 19.0 g of vitamin-mineral premix and 56.0 g of MOL. Diet 4 contained only MOL (75.0 g) as the sole source of vitamins and minerals. Diets 1, 2, 3 and 4 were provided for groups A (control), B, C and D respectively. Nutritional evaluation of the Moringa oleifera leaves contained protein (28.23±0.02%), dry matter (25.56±05%), Calcium (723.01 ±0.11 mg), Magnesium (677.28±0.00 mg) and Zinc (214.51±0.02 mg). Concerning the respective diets on feed consumption, bodyweight gain and growth performance, results showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in dose-dependent manners compared with control (A). Groups C and D showed a significant decrease (p > 0.05) in the efficiency of feed conversion when compared to control. The organs of all the test groups showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) in weight compared to control. Conclusively, the study suggests the use of MOL may be needful only as a supplement, condiment or ingredient to enrich diets with essential vitamins and minerals but not for growth or bodyweight gain.