Zoology Research Papers/Topics

The natural history of Myrmarachne melanotarsa, a social ant-mimicking jumping spider

Abstract: Myrmarachne melanotarsa, an ant-like jumping spider (Salticidae) from East Africa, is an accurate mimic of Crematogaster sp. and associates unusually closely with its models. M. melanotarsa is remarkable in that it forms dense aggregations and builds large nest complexes (numerous individuallyoccupied nests connected to each other by silk).Other salticids (Pseudicius spp., Menemerus spp.) live with M. melanotarsa in the same nest complex.These aggregations, which can exceed 50 cons...

Observations of Portia africana, an araneophagic jumping spider, living together and sharing prey

Abstract: Instances are documented of finding individuals of Portia africana in the field living aggregated in the webs of other spiders, in the nest complexes of other salticids, around solitary nests of other salticids, and around the nests of oecobiid spiders. Aggregation members included all active juvenile stages of P. africana, as well as adult males and females. More than one individual of P. africana sometimes fed on the same prey. Small juveniles of P. africana were more often than ...

Arboviruses and blood-meal sources in zoophilic mosquitoes at human-wildlife interfaces in Kenya.

Abstract: Background: Zoophilic mosquitoes play an important role in the transmission of arboviruses of medical importance at human-wildlife interfaces, yet arbovirus surveillance efforts have been focused mostly on anthropophilic mosquitoes. Understanding the diversity of zoophilic mosquitoes and their associated feeding patterns and arboviruses can inform better vector control strategies. Materials and Methods: We morphologically identified mosquitoes collected from two game reserves in Ke...

A Review of African Blastobasinae (Lepidoptera: Gelechioidea: Coleophoridae), with New Taxa Reared from Native Fruits in Kenya

Abstract: Adamski, David, Robert S. Copeland, Scott E. Miller, Paul D. N. Hebert, Karolyn Darrow, and Quentin Luke. A Review of African Blastobasinae (Lepidoptera: Gelechioidea: Coleophoridae), with New Taxa Reared from Native Fruits in Kenya. Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology, number 630, vi + 68 pages, 62 figures, 13 maps, 2 tables, 2010. — Twenty-five species of African Blastobasinae (Lepidoptera: Coleophoridae) are reviewed; 12 species are redescribed, and 13 species are described a...

Species composition and temporal distribution of mosquito populations in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria

Abstract Nigeria has a high burden of vector borne diseases such as malaria and lymphatic filariasis (LF). This study aimed to determine the species composition of mosquitoes in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria as well as determine their role in malaria and LF transmission. Adult mosquitoes were collected by Pyrethrum Spray Catch (PSC) and identified and graded according to their abdominal conditions. The mosquitoes were dissected to determine the parity status and to check for microfilariae of Wuc...

Differential expression of metallothionein-1 and cytochrome p450-2a5 (cyp2a5) in mice in response to lead acetate exposure and industrial effluents in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract Metallothionein-1 (MT-1), cytochrome P450-2A (CYP2a) and other genes are involved in the detoxification of xenobiotics such as heavy metals and toxins. Changes in their expression precede overt toxic effects and can serve as a marker for exposure to pollutants. We used a mouse experimental system and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction to determine changes in gene expression and the direction of change, in response to exposure to lead acetate (LA) and waste ...

Cellular responses to modified Plasmodium falciparum MSP119 antigens in individuals previously exposed to natural malaria infection

ABSTRACT Background: MSP1 processing-inhibitory antibodies bind to epitopes on the 19 kDa C-terminal region of the Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP119), inhibiting erythrocyte invasion. Blocking antibodies also bind to this antigen but prevent inhibitory antibodies binding, allowing invasion to proceed. Recombinant MSP119 had been modified previously to allow inhibitory but not blocking antibodies to continue to bind. Immunization with these modified proteins, therefore,...

Epidemiological factors that promote the development of severe malaria anaemia in children in Ibadan.

Abstract Background: Effective control and management of severe malaria cases depends on a clear understanding of the local epidemiological factors and specific clinical manifestations of the disease in the different endemic regions. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of severe malaria and epidemiological factors that affect the development of malaria anaemia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among children below 5 years of age, at the Adeoyo State Maternity Hospital,...

Prevalence of HIV and Malaria parasites co-infection in pregnant mothers and their babies post .delivery

Abstract Worsened perinatal outcomes and increased rates (If maternal morbidity are consequences of co-infection of HI V and Plasmodium falciparum in pregnant-women. This study was designed to ascertain the proportion of co-infection of both diseases in pregnant mothers and babies born to HIV-infected mothers. A total of 149 pregnant mothers and 30 babies of HIV-infected mothers were engaged in a longitudinal study for III months in the endemic area of Saki and Ibadan. Only babies born to HI...

Seasonal Variations in antibody response to a Plasmodium falciparum recombinant circumsporozoite antigen in two villages in South Western Nigeria

ABSTRACT An Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), employing a recombinant peptide capture antigen (R32tet32) was used to detect antibodies against the circumsporozoite protein (CSP) of the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum in 169 serum samples from 16 subjects from two villages, Afefu (FA) and Tobalogbo (TB), in Igbo-Ora Community of Oyo State, over a period of 12 months. The maximum and mean Ab response for FA was higher than for TB samples (0.511 AU±0.170, 0.124±0.045U and 0.2...

Cytokine Profiles Among HIV and Malaria Co-Infected Pregnant Mothers and their Babies Post Delivery

Malaria and HIV co-infected mothers have an increased risk of poor birth outcome, spontaneous abortion, malaria infection and early progression of HIV to AIDS. This study examines the impact of HIV and malaria on the levels of cytokines in peripheral blood from mothers and their new borns. 149 pregnant mothers and 30 babies born to 63 HIV infected mothers were engaged in longitudinal study for 18 months in the endemic area of Saki and Ibadan. Blood samples collected from mothers and ba...

Life Expectancy and Lethal Effect of Culex Quinquefasciatus Larvae due to S-Hydroprene and Leaf Extracts of Azadirachta Indica

Abstract Culex quinquefasciatus is a dorminant mosquito species in Nigeria and a major cause of several diseases. The study seeks to determine the effects of S-Hydroprene and leaf extracts of Azadirachta indica on life expectancy of third instar larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus. Concentrations (ranging from 10 mg/L to 60 mg/L) were tested on the larvae for mortality, survival and life expectancy of the medically important Cx. quinquefasciatus mosquito species under laboratory conditions of te...

Maternal vitamin A supplementation delays time to first episode of parasitaemia and reduces malaria parasite densities among infants in rural communities in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

The study was a randomized mother –infant dyad placebo controlled field trial that evaluated the effect of maternal vitamin A supplementation on time to first episode of parasitaemia and on malaria parasite densities among infants in three rural communities in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. One hundred and fifty-two (152) pregnant women with pregnancies that had mature to at least six (6) months were equally randomized into supplemented and placebo groups. Ten thousand international unit (10,0...

Investigation Of The Infestation Of Dermestes Maculatus On Clarias Gariepinus At different intervals

Eating dried fish is one prevalent dietary habit for local Nigerians due to the requisite for nutritional quality, infested or not. The aim of this study is to investigate the infestation of smoked ready-to-eat dried Clarias gariepinus obtained from Oja-Oba market in Ikare, Ondo State, Nigeria and fresh catfishes processed in the laboratory by Dermestes maculatus at different intervals. A total of twenty catfish was obtained for the study. The twenty catfish were divided into 2 groups of ten ...

Methodology In Production Of Local Integrated Fish Meal Our Affordability In Abraka Delta State Nigeria

Fish for food is a vital resource for indigenous people in Nigeria, known for their hyper-prolific proteins and immerse contribution in rich dietary symbolism for daily nutritional healthiness. Due to high cost and shortage in commercialized fish meal, it was deemed to design a formulated preparation and processing techniques for local integrated fish meal which would provide a guide to unmarketable production and the catalyst for commercialization of integrated fish feed production process t...


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