Male Hostels Research Articles

Survey of mosquitoes larvae at Bayero University, Kano students’ hostels (Old Campus) (Culicidae: Diptera)

The risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases upon being bitten by an infected mosquitoraises serious health concerns for both staff and students in educational settings. Consequentlya survey was conducted to identify various mosquito species and breeding sites within the oldcampus hostels of Bayero University, Kano, during January and February 2023. The surveyencompassed breeding sites such as stagnant pools of water, drainages, gutters, and discardedcontainers. Mosquito larvae were sampled using dippers and scoops, and their enumerationwas performed with a Pasteur pipette. Three genera were identified: Anopheles, Aedes, andCulex spp. A total of 1,115 larvae were sampled from six locations, per volume of water comprising three each from female hostels and three from male hostels respectively. Theprevalence of mosquitoes was higher in female hostels (785 larvae, 69.4%) compared to malehostels (370 larvae, 32.7%). In female hostels, Aedes sp. exhibited greater abundance (400, 50.9%) than Culex sp. (337, 42.9%), with Anopheles sp. being the least abundant (48, 6.11%).Conversely, in male hostels, Culex sp. dominated with 186 (50.2%), followed by Aedes sp. with 179 (48.3%), while Anopheles sp. was the least abundant with 5 (1.35%). Consequently, the mean abundance of mosquitoes between male and female hostels demonstrated a significantdifference. This study contributes valuable insights into the larval habitats of mosquitoes in thestudents’ hostels of Bayero University, Kano, specifically during the dry season. Factors suchas student activities, inadequate sensitization, and poor sanitation were identified as majorcontributors to the creation of breeding sites for mosquitoes in the hostels.

Bacteriological Assessment of Air Quality in Male and Female Hostels At Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State

The evaluation of microorganisms present in indoors has become necessary, as how safe the air in our surrounding environment where we spent time is fundamental to our wellbeing. Hence, this study was aimed at assessing the indoor air quality of Male and Female hostel in Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State. Using the settle plate sampling technique using open Petri dishes containing culture with sampling done twice daily morning and evening consecutively. The microbial isolates were characterized and identified based on macroscopic, microscopic and biochemical characteristics. Total aerobic bacterial isolated ranged between the average of 40cfu/m3 - 164cfu/m3& 20cfu/m3 – 182cfu/m3for male and female respectively. The predominant bacterial species isolated and characterized from all sample were Staphylococcus spp, Micrococcus spp and Bacillus spp. Staphylococcus sp having the highest percentage of 57.7%, followed by Bacillus spp with 32.78% and Micrococcus spp having the least with 9.83%. The result of this studies shows that the organisms isolated which are Staphylococcus spp, Micrococcus spp and Bacillus spp. May be the potential cause of several infections to the students living in the hostels which may be due to overcrowding, limited indoor air and higher activities of the occupants.

Assessment and evaluation of residents’ excess lifetime cancer risk of federal university of Kashere, Gombe State, Nigeria

A Study of indoor and outdoor radiation dose rate level measurements for male and female hostels at the Federal University of Kashere Hostels, Gombe State, Nigeria, has been carried out with the radiation alert smart 4 to ascertain the radiation level. The measured radiation dose rates were used to calculate the excess lifetime cancer risk and assess radiological health risks. The mean annual outdoor and indoor equivalent doses were 0.025 mSv/y. and 0.370 mSv/y. were recorded, with less than 1 mSv/y. maximum recommended limit for the general public. The mean annual outdoor and indoor effective doses were 0.017 mSv/y. and 0.086 mSv/y. respectively with a total of 0.103 mSv/yr. respectively. were computed. Mean outdoor and indoor ELCR values of 0.061X10-3and 0.302X10-3 respectively, with a mean total of 0.363X10-3 were also computed.

Bacteria Load Assessment from Hands of Students in a Tertiary University in South-South Nigeria

Clean hands are the single most important factor in preventing the spread of pathogens and reducing the incidence of infections. The good hand hygiene practices promote health safety and prevent infections. This study was carried out to assess the presence of bacteria from hands of Ambrose Alli University Students. Of all fifty (50) samples analyzed, at least one or two bacteria were isolated. The colony counts of students from each site were properly recorded with the highest found amongst dwellers of male hostels i.e 4.85 x 105cfu/ml, compared to dwellers at female hostels. However, there was considerable increase amongst students at Microbiology laboratory, which may be attributed to lack of good hand hygiene procedures not been adhered to. The considerable increase in the frequency of Escherichia coli and as well as Proteus sp is indicative of poor hygiene practices. The low colony counts recorded amongst students from school gate could be as a result of the student have taken their bath before coming to school. The frequency of occurrence of the isolates includes: Staphylococcus aureus 50 (100%), Escherichia coli 35 (70%), Klebsiella sp 15 (30%), Salmonella sp 21 (42%), Streptococcus sp 10 (20%), Bacillus sp 4 (8%), Pseudomonas sp 2 (4%) and Proteus sp 2 (4%). From the study, it was shown that there was considerable increase in poor hygienic practices amongst students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma Edo State, Nigeria.

Physicochemical and Bacteriological Quality Assessment of Selected Tap Water from Male and Female Hostels within Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, FCT

Water is a resource that all living things require to survive. Water should have good physical, chemical and microbiological quality. The present study aimed to assess the quality of drinking water in Nile University male and female hostels which was determined by; examining the physicochemical parameters with reference to the standards set by the World Health organization (WHO) and Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON). Isolation and conventional identification of bacterial isolates using biochemical tests, the molecular identification and the antibiogram of bacteria isolates were carried out. A total of ten (10) water samples, five (5) samples each from the male and female hostels were aseptically collected in sterile sample bottles. Physicochemical parameters examined in each water sample were within the limits recommended with the exception of Total hardness in water samples (F1, F2, F3, F4, M1, M2, M5) and color in the water samples (F1, F2, F3, F5, M1, M2, M4, M5). Total bacterial counts in water samples ranged from (1.03 x 106 - 2.78 x 106 CFU/mL) in the female hostel water samples and ranged from 1.40 x 106 - 2.24 x 106 CFU/mL in the male hostel water samples. The total coliform counts in water samples ranged from 0 - 5.0 x 105 CFU/mL in the female hostel and 3.2 x 105 - 5.5 x 105 CFU/mL in the male hostel respectively. The probable organisms identified were various groups of microorganisms which included: Bacillus species, Staphylococcus species, Listeria species, Aeromonas species, Proteus species and Alcaligenes faecalis. However, the molecular identification of some of the bacterial isolates confirmed the presence of Alcaligenes faecalis in the sample F1, F2, M1 and M3. The most sensitive antibiotics against each bacterial isolates in water samples was Gentamicin at concentration of 10μg/mL, ciprofloxacin at concentration of 5μg/mL and nitrofurantoin at concentration of 10μg/mL. This study shows that ,although the organisms identified and confirmed are usually opportunistic and don’t necessarily cause major health hazards, the quality of the drinking water in the male and female hostels at Nile University of Nigeria needs to be managed better and treated more often to prevent the presence of any opportunistic microorganisms.

Pattern of Water Consumption among Students in Cross River University, Calabar Campus, Nigeria

The study analysed the pattern of water consumption among students in Cross River University, Calabar Campus, Nigeria. Specifically, the study examine the extent and ways water is consumed. Data for the study were obtained using interviews, observations and questionnaire.in eliciting data. A total of 300 copies of questionnaire were distributed in the residential hostels. In order to have a general impression of the situation under investigation, 150 copies of questionnaire were distributed in male hostels and same were distributed in female hostels. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, simple percentages and means. A 5-point likert scale was used in understanding the level in which certain variables contribute in water consumption in the study area. The study noted that water consumption was significantly influenced by gender and age. For instance, the study highlighted that females consumed larger water quantity than males. Equally, students within the ages of 18 years and 25 years constitute larger percentage of water consumers. It was also noted that water consumption among students in the hostels was influenced by particular periods of the day. For instance, the quantity of water consumed in the morning was observed to be higher than in other periods of the day. Furthermore, bathing account for the largest quantity of water consumption while drinking constitute the least. Based on the above observations, it was suggested that the quality of water that is supplied for consumption be improved so as to allow students to drink. Finally, should be supplied at required quantity and regularly.
 Keywords; Hostels, school environment, quantity/quality of water, water demand, water supply,

Assessment of drinking water from storage tanks in Federal University Dutse Nigeria

The study assessed the quality of water obtainable in six (6) storage tanks present in the male and female hostels on the Federal University Dutse campus. Physicochemical analyses; temperature, pH, turbidity, electrical conductivity, nitrate, and phosphate were conducted using standard methods. Presumptive, confirmed, and completed tests were employed to determine total and fecal coliforms from the water samples using the most probable number (MPN) technique. Generated results from the parameters were compared with the allowable standards of the Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ) and the World Health Organisation (WHO). Results obtained on the physicochemical status of the water indicate that all measured parameters conformed to NSDWQ and WHO permissible standards. The results obtained in this study also show the presence of bacteria in the water present in the storage tanks which may constitute a health risk amongst students drinking it. It is therefore recommended that the water pumped and stored in these storage tanks should be adequately treated. Keywords: Coliforms; Fecal; storage tanks; quality; water.

Bacteriological Assessment of the Indoor Air of a Private University in Nigeria

The bacteriological assessment of indoor air of the male hostel at Rhema University Nigeria was undertaken in this study. Bacteriological analyses of Air samples from male hostels was carried out weekly for 4 weeks using standard microbiological methods in June, 2021 to determine their bacteriological content. Data obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented in tables. The result showed that the concentration of bacteria isolates increased as the duration of exposure of the media increased. The highest bacteria concentration was seen at room 205 at 40 minutes (29.8 x 102CFU/M3) and the least at room 204 at 20 minutes (0.9 x 101 CFU/M3). The concentration of bacteria at other rooms were room 305 at 40 minutes (17.7 x 102 CFU/M3), room 304 at 20 minutes had 1.3 x 101 CFU/M3, room 405 at 40 minutes had 17.8 x 102 CFU/M3, room 404 at 20 minutes had 3.6 x 101 CFU/M3, room 504 at 40 minutes had 17.6 x 102 CFU/M3 and room 503 at 20 minutes had 11.9 x 102 CFU/M3. A total of eleven (11) different bacteria species were isolated and identified as Staphylococcus aureus (100%), Escherichia coli (75%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (75%), Klebsiella spp (75%), Bacillus subtilis (75%), Streptococcus pyogenes (50%), Bacillus megaterium (50%), Bacillus cereus (50%) and Serratia marcescens (25%). Staphylococcus aureus is the most occurring bacteria specie (100%) while Serratia marcescens is the least occurring bacteria specie (25%). Potential pathogenicity testing of isolates revealed Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Streptococcus pyogenes as potential pathogenic species found in the hostel rooms. Bearing in mind that some of the bacteria species isolated showed potential pathogenic abilities, it means that the air quality of the male hostel rooms may have health implications. There is therefore need for periodic air quality evaluation in the male hostel to discover and manage those environmental variables which favours the multiplication of bacteria. Students are advised to implement good sanitation and hygiene practices to improve indoor air quality in the hostels and prevent possible infection or disease.

Bacteriological Examination of Used Towels from Female and Male Hostel of Federal University of Lafia

Bath towels have the ability to retain microbes, moist and warm environment offers microbes a favorable place to grow and survive. These microbes can be transmitted through direct contact with our hands and other inanimate objects within the environment. This study aimed at examining bacterial contamination of used towels. Used towels from male and female hostels at Federal University of Lafia, were assessed to determine their bacterial concentration. A total of sixteen (16) used towels were sampled, eight towels each from female and male hostels were sampled between April and May 2021. Identification and characterization of bacterial isolates was carried out using standard cultural, morphological and biochemical methods. Pseudomonas spp, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella spp, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus, Micrococcus spp, Serratia sp and Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus were identified as contaminants in the towel samples analyzed. The female towels assessed in this study had the highest number of colonies with 4.39 x 109, while the male towels had the least number of colonies 3.88 x 109. Male and female towels sampled were all contaminated, but with no significant difference in the contamination rates (p>0.05). Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus were the most prevalent organisms isolated from male (62.5%; 5/8) and female (100%; 8/8) towels respectively. The high prevalence of diverse bacterial species is worrisome considering the epidemiology and clinical importance of the isolates, compounded by antimicrobial resistance and high mortality rate. Hence, there is need to enforce and improve hygiene practice among students. Frequent washing of towels and use of medicated soaps and disinfectants in bathing and washing water is hereby canvassed.

Antibiotic Sensitivity Pattern of Diverse Soil and Air Flora of Federal University of Technology campus, Akure, Nigeria

Aim: This study was conducted to comparatively investigate the soil and air microflora of selected locations within the Federal University of Akure (FUTA), Ondo State, Nigeria.
 Study design: Experimental design
 Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at The Federal University Technology, Akure (FUTA), Ondo State, Nigeria comprising; School of Sciences, School of Agricultural and Agricultural Technology, School of Engineering and Engineering Technology, School of Health and Health Technology, Microbiology department, FUTA Health Centre, postgraduate hostel, female hostels (main Jibowu and Jibowu annex 1) and the male hostels (Akindeko and Abiola hall of residence) between June and July, 2019.
 Methodology: Isolation of bacteria and fungi from soil samples and air was conducted using specified techniques. Antibiotic susceptibility test was conducted via agar disc diffusion technique. Plasmid analysis and curing was conducted via standard protocols.
 Results: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Bacillus cereus, B. subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, S. saprophyticus were isolated as soil and air microflora while Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus, with Fusarium oxysporium were isolated from soil as A. flavus, A. niger, Penicillium chrysogenum was implicated in air. Bacillus cereus and B. subtilis showed utmost resistance to ceftazidime, cefuroxime, cloxacillin, augmentin, ceftriaxone, whereas Enterobacter aerogenes and Proteus vulgaris were susceptible to gentamycin at 17.66±1.52 mm and 16.00±2.00 mm respectively. Staphylococcus aureus was sensitive to gentamycin and ofloxacin at 17.30±0.57 mm and 18.66±0.57 mm. The multidrug resistant (MDR) bacterial strains were positive for plasmid DNA with 10 kilobase pairs, but were sensitive to all the antibiotics after curing indicating plasmid-borne resistance.
 Conclusion: Findings from this study inferred possible health consequences of MDR soil and air microflora as potential threat to human health which necessitates proper sanitary practices across different sampling areas adopted for this study to reduce potential incidence of bacterial and mycotic infections.

Dampness Patterns in Halls of Residence in Lagos Metropolis: A case study of the University of Lagos

Studies have established that comfort level, emotional balance, wellbeing and productivity are linked to the functionality of buildings. Functional buildings, however, require less energy for sustainability purposes. To achieve these advantages, there is a need to seek improvement in the existing stock of buildings or procure newer ones. Seeking improvement connotes reducing building defects/failures and improving occupant-comfort. Dampness plagues both new and old buildings and contributes more than 50% of building envelopes’ defects, discomfort, or failure. This study, therefore, examined dampness in halls of residence in selected tertiary institutions in Lagos metropolis, using the University of Lagos as a case study. The objectives were to evaluate the incidence and causes of dampness in the halls of residence in the institution. As a preliminary assessment of dampness evaluation in halls of residence, the institution used is the University of Lagos, as a case study. This is selected based on its location and proximity. The study population consists of undergraduate and postgraduate halls of residence while the sample frame is undergraduate male hostels. The four undergraduate male hostels are taken as the sample size, using the census as the sampling technique. From the four male halls of residence; eighty rooms and two maintenance staff per block were selected using a purposive sampling technique. Analyses were done using mean, percentage, and relative importance index. The results revealed the presence of the four types of dampness, with dampness from leaking pipes as the most prevalent. The dampness originated from a combination of a host of factors, with those emanating from the negligence of maintenance culture and lack of materials/workmanship consideration as the top two causes. The study concluded that symptoms of the four dampness types are in existence in the four sampled halls of residence and the factors causing dampness are many and allen compassing, but if the issue of maintenance and materials/workmanship are professionally handled, dampness will reduce, hence better comfort and building longevity can be guaranteed. The symptoms of buildings deterioration and defects can be minimised with ease of maintenance and through the use of professionals that are apt in the knowledge of materials and components inter-relationship. The study emphasised the significance of a healthy building and recommended that such should be procured with all hands-on deck and handled by the professionals in the built environment.

The Environmental Benefits of Trees in a Changing Climate: A Nigerian Experience

The paper presents a micrometeorological study on the environmental benefits of trees in the Taraba State University, Jalingo in Nigeria. Temperatures under three different surfaces (under trees and among different tree species, bare-ground and asphalted surfaces) within the campus were measured. The temperature under trees such as Mahogany (Khaya senegalenses), Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus sp.), Gmalaina (Gmalaina aborea), Mango (Mangifera indica) found on the University campus alongside bare-ground (no vegetal coverage) and asphalted road surfaces were measured in degree Celsius for a period of three weeks. Additionally, 113 copies of some self-structured questionnaires were administered to the students of the University from the departments of Geography, Agricultural Science, Biological Science, Medical Laboratory Technology as well as the Male and Female hostels on campus. Data collected were analysed using frequency, percentage, line graph and pie chart. The study showed that there is a temperature variation under different surfaces. Under the trees recorded lowest mean temperature of 29.5°C followed by bare-ground with 32.5°C whereas asphalt surface recorded the highest mean temperature of 37.5°C. The temperature under different tree species shows that trees with bigger crown and broad leaves had lower temperatures. Mean temperature under the Mango tree was 28°C while under the Neem tree, mean temperature was 32°C. On the benefits of trees to the University campus, trees as a wind breaker constituted the highest benefit as expressed by the respondents (how many in %). The following recommendations were made among others; Students should be encouraged to plant trees by giving those who are willing the seedlings of trees as incentives and water should also be made available and accessible in different in locations order to maintain the planting and maintenance of trees. Cutting down of trees should be discouraged and environmental education on the benefits of trees should be a routine activity. There should be a follow-up study on carbon sequestration in Nigeria based on solid data on benefits.

Bacteriological Assessment of Toilet Seats in a Nigerian University

Exposure to enteric pathogens through direct contact with contaminated toilets surfaces and associated water is one of the major sources of disease transmission in public settings. The bacterial profile of toilet seats in students’ dormitories was investigated to determine the pattern of bacterial contamination of public toilet seats in a university setting. Samples were collected from the male and female hostels in the University, and Total Heterotrophic Bacterial Count (THBC) as well as Fecal Coliform Counts (FCC) were carried out using standard microbiological procedures. The male hostels had a mean THBC of 11.4 ± 4.9 x 105 cfu/ml and 2.7 ± 0.7 x105 cfu/ml for the water and swab samples collected from the toilet bowl (WC), respectively. The female hostels on the other hand had a mean THBC of 7.7 ± 0.6 x 105 cfu/ml and 2.0 ± 2.7 x 105 cfu/ml for the water and swab samples from the WC, respectively. The result also revealed that the water in the WC accounted for 80.7% of the bacterial isolates while the toilet seat surfaces accounted for 19.3%. However, there was a statistical difference in the bacterial counts between the male and female hostels as well as the water and swab samples from the WC (p < 0.05). A total of thirty seven isolates (37) belonging to five (5) genera were identified as Staphylococcus spp. (32.4%), Bacillus spp (32.4%), Klebsiella spp (13.5%), Escherichia coli (13.5%), as well as Coccobacilli (8.2%). This research has shown the pattern of bacterial contamination of toilet seats and the potential pathogenic bacteria that may pose health challenges. Reduction in the number of students per toilet as well as proper sanitary practice is recommended, to prevent toilet associated infections amongst students.

A candle in the wind: An assessment of sanitation behavior among students of tertiary educational institutions in southwest Nigeria

Abstract This article examined sanitation behaviour among students’ of tertiary education institutions in southwest Nigeria. The study surveyed the behaviour of the students in the residential hostels across gender differences. A total of 125 students were selected for the survey using a systematic sampling technique. The study revealed that the majority 194 (96.8%) were below 28 years of age. Findings revealed that the number of occupants in a student room was higher than the number of students allocated to the room. Due to overpopulation in rooms within the hostels, the available sanitary installations are overstretched. The study found that the average per capita use of toilets and bathrooms in male and female hostels was 27 and 21 students respectively. The study reports on poor sanitation behaviour among the students in terms of washing of hands after defecation, hand cleaning materials used by the student after using the toilet, flushing the toilet after use, sanitary alternatives when the toilet is in a bad condition and cleaning of students’ rooms. It recommends a mind-set reorientation for the students about adequate sanitary behaviour through effective sanitation education and provision of adequate sanitary amenities to cater for the students residing in the hostels. The findings of this study will have implications for effective policy making on sanitation behaviour among students in tertiary education institutions with a similar background.

Selected food-borne parasites associated with cockroaches and houseflies in Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt

Cockroaches and houseflies are serious threat to public health owing to their ability to mechanically transmit human intestinal parasites. The study investigated the role of these insects in transmission of gastrointestinal parasites Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. A total of 125 houseflies and 112 cockroaches were caught and screened for possible intestinal parasites. Each housefly and cockroach were dipped into test tube containing 10 ml of normal saline for 5 minutes, the insects later transferred to another test tube with 70% alcohol for preservation. The supernatant were decanted and the residue viewed under microscope for parasites. Data were analysis with analysis of variance, measures of central tendency and least square difference. Results revealed that 32 (25.6%) of the 125 houseflies and 35 (31.3%) of the 112 cockroaches screened harboured parasites of medical importance. Twenty-one (35.0%) of the 60 houseflies caught from eatery area, 8 (20.0%) of the 40 from female hostels and 3 (12%) of the 25 flies from male hostels harboured parasites. Also, 23 (44.2%) of the 52 cockroaches caught from eatery area, 7 (23.3%) of the 30 from female hostels and 5 (16.7%) of the 30 from male hostels harboured parasites. Of these, 20 (62.5%) were protozoa and 12 (37.5%) were helminthes from the houseflies while 19 (54.3%) were protozoa and 16 (45.7%) were helminthes from the cockroaches. The protozoa that were identified include; cysts of Balantidium coli , cysts of Entamoeba coli , Entamoeba Histolytica and Endolimax nana . Also, helminthes include; ova of Ascaris lumbricoides , ova of Enterobius vermicularis and ova of Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus . There was a significant difference ( p <0.05) in parasite burden at the eatery and the hostels. There was also a significant difference ( p <0.05) in protozoa and helminthes burden from the flies and roaches. Keywords: Synanthropic; dissemination; transmit; houseflies; cockroaches

Parental Participation on Academic Performance and Graduation of Male Students: A Case Study of A University in Western Region of Kenya

The aim of this study was to investigate ways in which parental participation affects academic performance and graduation of male students from a university in Western region of Kenya. The objective of this study was to investigate ways in which parental participation affects academic performance and graduation of male university students. This qualitative study was informed by relativist ontology and constructivist epistemology. Case study was the methodology adopted while phenomenology was the theoretical perspective that informed the study. Unstructured interviews and journal keeping were used in data collection. Six participants were engaged in the study and since the study was purposive, the assistance from male hostels caretaker’s office was sought to help identify the participants who met the target. Ethical considerations were observed throughout the study. Data was analyzed thematically and the results were presented as reported by the respondents with the aid of thematic networks. The study findings revealed that there was poor communication between parents and their sons where participants perceived their parents as frustrating in the sense that they were subjugating, heartless, they left them to survive on their own and that they were disappointing. In conclusion, parental participation in this study was found to be wanting. Parents ought to be concerned with issues affecting their sons so that they can offer genuine support and understanding. Parents also ought to have open forums with the university administration to enable them have close monitoring of the students’ academic affairs. The recommendations of the study would provide the university management and stakeholders with vital information on the need to set time frame for completion of studies. The findings and recommendations of this study would also add to existing reference for future researchers and readers.

Occurrence and health implications of high concentrations of Cadmium and Arsenic in drinking water sources in selected towns of Ogun State, South West, Nigeria

Selected biomakers, Cholinesterase (ChE) and phagocytic activities have been investigated with the exposed green mussel Perna viridis in Indonesian coastal waters. An operative effect-based monitoring on two polluted sites and one reference area were investigated for aquaculture enterprises and human health aspects. Between two heavily polluted sites, green mussels from Cilincing indicated a lower level of the ChE activity than those from Kamal Muara. The phagocytic activity of green mussels from the polluted sites demonstrated significant higher activity than that of green mussels from the pristine site, Pangkep. However, there were no significant differences of phagocytic activities between the polluted sites. This might indicate that the existing pollutants in Jakarta Bay were more neurotoxic rather than immonotoxic substances. The results showed clearly that both selected biomarkers were potential valuable tools for effect-based monitoring and pollution impacts in coastal zones of Indonesia. Key words: Green mussel, biomarkers, coastal zone management, Indonesia.

Human host preference of Anopheles mosquitoes collected from students hostels in a Nigerian university

Human host preference of female Anopheles mosquitoes collected from studenthostels of the Lagos State University (LASU) in south ‐ western, Nigeriawas determined. Two hundred and seventy two (272) mosquitoes were collectedindoors out of which 219 (80.5%) female Anopheles were identifiedusing morphological characters. One hundred and thirty five (61.6%) femaleswere collected from male hostels whereas 84 (38.3%) were collected fromfemale hostels ( X2= 11.86 P&lt;0.05). Engorged female Anopheles was identifiedby their swollen abdomens. The blood meals were analyzed using directenzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods . From the male hostels,human blood index (HBI) was low as out of 94 blood meals analyzed,only two (2.1%) fed on human , 2 on rats (2.1%), 4 (4.2%) on goat and fifteen(15.9%) were having mixed blood of rat, goat and human, whereas theremaining 61(64.8%) were not found fed on either of these host. The HBI ofAnopheles Anopheles collected from male and female hostels respectively (X2=8.64 P&lt;0.05.) The result suggested that female students were more attractedto anthropophagic Anopheles, and therefore more vulnerable to acquiremalaria infection.collected from female hostels was significantly higher as 37(63.9%) mosquitoes were found fed on human, with 2 (3.4%) having mixedblood of human , rat and goat. The study indicated HBI of 18% and 67.2%from

A survey of adult mosquitoes in the hostels of the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

A survey of adult mosquitoes was carried out in the male and female hostels of the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta using two methods: human baits and residual spray catch. Volunteered human baits were positioned indoors and outdoors (with legs exposed) once in a week from 0600-0800 hours and 1800-2000 hours between September 2000 and August 2001. A total of 10,704 Mosquitoes representing four genera - Aedes, Anopheles, Culex and Mansonia - were encountered. Of all the genera collected, Aedes (59%) was the most abundant, while Anopheles and Mansonia spp. Were the least with 13.18 and 13.15%, respectively. From the human bait catch, 4,238 and 3,666 mosquitoes were caught indoors and outdoors, respectively, of which 8.16% of the Anopheles caught were blood fed and 8.14% gravid, 70.25% of the Aedes were fed and 60.5% gravid; 56.0% of the Culex caught were fed and 69.0% gravid; 30.50% Mansonia were fed and 32.0% gravid. The indoor and outdoor catches were not significantly different P>0.001. in all, 2,800 mosquitoes were caught resting indoors of which 36.75% were Aedes spp 29.00% Anopheles sp, 24.75% were Culex and 9.5% Mansonia spp. The Nigerian Journal of Parasitology Vol. 24 2003: 167-172

Inadequate Knowledge About Sexually Transmitted Diseases[STDS] And Risky Sexual Behaviour: The Risk Factors for Wild Spread Of STDS Among Youth in Developing Countries

Description A self developed validated and reliable questionnaire [r = 0.77] was used to collect the data needed for the study and percentage was used to analyze the data. The population of the study was made up of the resident undergraduate/ graduate students in male hostels in the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun state, Nigeria. The sample size is 636 selected through simple random sampling technique. The demographic data is as followings: Out of 636 respondents, 11 were below 16 years old, 95 were between 16 and 20, 309 were between 21 and 25, and 223, between 26 years and above. Two well developed tables were constructed. Relative Risk [RR] calculated is 1.7, i.e. RR > 1, indicating that the factors are risk factors, and the Confidential Interval [CI] for RR at 95% Significant level is 1.61<1.7<1.79 from the formula, CI Lower limit < RR < CI Upper limit.