Minna Metropolis Research Articles

MICROBIOLOGICAL AND PHYSIOCHEMICAL ASSESSMENT OF STREET VENDED SOYABEAN CHEESE SOLD IN MINNA, NIGERIA

Objective: To evaluate microbial quality assessment of street vended soyabean cheese products (Tofu) sold in Minna metropolis Method: Standard microbiological pour plate technique was used to examine the microbial content of ready to eat soybean cheese and also to isolate, characterize and identify the microorganisms. Result: The results revealed the viable bacterial counts ranged from 1.40 x 105 cfu/ml - 8.40 x 105 cfu/ml, enteric bacterial counts ranged from 1.10 x 105 cfu/ml 7.60 x 105 cfu/ml and fungal counts ranged from 3.0 103 cfu/ml 36.0 x 103 cfu/ml. The bacteria isolated from the samples were Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and species of Klebsiella and Bacillus while fungi isolated include Microsporum canis , Trichophyton rubrum , Aspergillus niger and species of Candida and Mucor . The most frequently occurring bacteria was S. aureus while the most frequently occurring fungal was species of Mucor . Conclusion: The results suggested that the soybean cheese samples were contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms and could cause health hazard to the consumers. There is need to improve personal hygiene and environmental sanitation as a good hygienic practice in the production and preparation of the soybean cheese since it serves as a good source of protein, carbohydrate and fat being of great nutritional value to the consumers.

Urinary schistosomiasis epidemiological survey of urinary schistosomiasis among children in selected schools: A preliminary study in Minna, Nigeria

The study was carried out in Minna Metropolis, between August and December, 2005, with a total of 387 school children interviewed and 217 urine samples analysed. This research employs the use of questionnaires, validation of questionnaires by urinalysis and the microscopic examination of the urine samples. The research is aimed at appreciating prevalent level of urinary schistosomiasis in Minna metropolis. The overall prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis, as confirmed by the presence of egg of Schistosoma haematobium was 12.9%, reported blood in the urine 34.4%, microhaematuria 52.5%, protenuria 32.7% and red blood cells 24.6%. The frequency of gross haematuria, and the degree of microhaematuria and proteinuria detectable by chemical reagent strips was observed to correlate with intensity of infection. The urinary schistosomiasis prevalence, confirmed by urine microscopy, of 12.9% in the selected school children within Minna, in spite its urban status, suggests that Minna is an endemic area, and the state requires an effective urinary schistosomiasis control programme. A major concern which represents a serious issue in the study includes the very poor level of awareness about the possible cause of urinary schistosomiasis or reported blood in the urine, as only 0.78% of the children have knowledge about the infection and 12% of the children that reported having blood in their urine have visited a health center.

An evaluation of internet connectivity of information technology firms in Minna Metropolis

An evaluation of internet connectivity of information technology firms in Minna Metropolis

Studies on Some Major and Trace Metals in Smoked and Oven-Dried Fish

The mineral (Li, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn and Pb) composition of each of five species of fish, including Sarotherodon galilaues, Cyprinus carpio, Clarias gariepinus, Sardinella spp. and Labeo spp. Was determined in samples previously dried, either by traditional smoking method, or in laboratory oven, to gain knowledge of the quality and acceptability of the smoked products. The samples were brought from markets in Minna metropolis, Niger State of Nigeria. Portions of the meals of whole fish were digested in a nitric acid-hydrogen peroxide-perechloric acid (3:11) mixture and the digests were analysed spectrophotometrically. The concentration of lead was lowest in both smoked and oven-dried specimens with mean values ranging from 0.46 to 1.16mg/kg and 0.54 to 0.76mg/kg, respectively, while calcium with ranges of 592.98 to 7553.55mg/kg and 498.65 to 6460.85mg/kg was highest. Comparative studies showed that no significant differences existed between the mineral contents of the samples from the two drying methods, except in the few cases of lithium in S. galilaeus, zinc in C. gariepinus, copper and manganese in both Cyprinus carpio, and Sardinell spp, and lead in S. galilaues. Nonetheless, the smoked samples were consistently richer in their mineral content, suggesting the need for chemical examination of products of this drying method. Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management Vol. 8 (2) 2004: 5-9