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Serological Evidence of Past Infections of Zika Virus among Pregnant Women Attending a Tertiary Hospital in Rivers State, Nigeria

¹Nwachukwu, D., ¹Chukwu, A. O., ²Okonko, B. J., ¹Okerentugba, P. O. & ¹Okonko, I. O.

¹Virus & Genomics Research Unit, Department of Microbiology, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Nigeria.

²Medical Microbiology & Epidemiology Research Unit, Department of Microbiology, Madonna University Nigeria, Elele, Rivers State, Nigeria

Corresponding author’s email address: David_nwachukwu@uniport.edu.ng

ABSTRACT: Pregnant women constitute a significant demographic greatly impacted by the Zika virus, posing a substantial public health challenge necessitating prompt and thorough investigation. The focus of this research is to ascertain the serological epidemiology of the Zika virus specifically among pregnant women in Rivers state, Nigeria. To achieve this, plasma samples from 93 confirmed pregnant women receiving care at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital in Rivers State were analyzed for the presence of antibodies targeting the Zika Virus utilizing an IgG ELISA assay. The findings revealed an overall prevalence rate of 63.4% (59 out of 93) in terms of ZIKV IgG-specific antibodies. Notably, the study highlighted the highest seropositivity rates among individuals aged 0-26 years (70.0%), civil servants (87.9%), single participants (71.0%), those with a primary educational background (80.0%) and  those in their second trimester (45.0%). This underscores the importance of targeted interventions and heightened awareness campaigns, particularly within these demographics, to mitigate the impact of the Zika virus. Expanding on these results, it becomes evident that specific demographic factors play a crucial role in the prevalence of Zika virus antibodies. For instance, the high seropositivity rate among civil servants could be attributed to potential occupational exposures, while the prevalence among younger participants might indicate greater susceptibility or exposure in certain age groups. Moreover, the elevated prevalence among individuals with primary education underscores the importance of tailored educational initiatives to enhance awareness and prevention strategies. In conclusion, these findings shed light on the intricate dynamics of Zika virus prevalence among pregnant women in Rivers State, emphasizing the need for targeted public health interventions and further research to effectively combat this pressing issue.

[Nwachukwu, D., Chukwu, A. O., Okonko, B. J., Okerentugba, P. O. and Okonko, I. O. Serological Evidence of Past Infections of Zika Virus among Pregnant Women Attending a Tertiary Hospital in Rivers State, Nigeria. Researcher 2026;18(5):1-6]. ISSN 1553-9865 (print); ISSN 2163-8950 (online). http://www.sciencepub.net/researcher. 01. doi:10.7537/marsrsj180526.01

Keywords: Antibodies; IgG; Zika Virus; Rivers State

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Evidences showing that the world systems move forward fronting and carrying heavy rains and floods in the coming years until 2055 : Necessity to establishing the Indo-china Monsoon Time Scale

Gangadhar

H.No.5-30-4/1, Saibabanagar, Jeedimetla, Hyderabad, India-500055

                                                        E-mail: gangadhar19582058@gmail.com

 Abstract:    There are many mysteries and unsolved issues in the monsoonal climate and Weather systems that cannot explain and solve. I proposed and designed the Basics of Monsoon Time Scales for all world global, regional, local monsoon systems along with countries for unraveling the mysteries of climate, weather, monsoons; studying the characteristics of mechanism of climate, weather and monsoons and exercising the benefits of mankind and development of monsoonal climate and weather sciences.  According to the researches and studies on the Monsoon Time Scales, it is known that there will be major global climate changes in the coming years "i.e"  heavy rains, floods and storms etc. will occur until about 2075 and there will be droughts and famines etc. until about 2150. Through the establishment of Monsoon Time Scales, we can know the future consequences of the climate changes. Plans can be made accordingly. So, scientists can establish the Monsoon Time Scale and predict what is going to happen in the monsoonal climate in the coming years roughly. I call on the world scientists to design and establish the Monsoon Time Scales following the Basics of Monsoon Time Scales outlined below, based on the India Monsoon Time Scale which is successfully proved out in practice. Indo-China monsoon is a key system in  global monsoon systems. I have conducted many scientific researches on this monsoon system  and as a part these researches, I proposed and designed the Basics of Indo-China Indo-China Monsoon Time Scale  which can help to study the past, present and future conditions of the Indo-China monsoon.

[Gangadhar. Evidences showing that the world systems move forward fronting and carrying heavy rains and floods in the coming years until 2055 : Necessity to establishing the Indo-china Monsoon Time Scale. Researcher 2026;18(5):7-93]. ISSN 1553-9865 (print); ISSN 2163-8950 (online). http://www.sciencepub.net/researcher. 03. doi:10.7537/marsrsj180526.03

Keywords: Ecological Forecasting Time Scales (1965-70); A New Model of Cosmology (1970-80); Basics of Geoscope (1980-87); Basics of Monsoon Time Scales (1987-91); Astro-Climatic Numerical Periodic Tables (1991-2000); Designs of Geoscope (2000-2015); Designs of Global Monsoon Time Scales (2015-still).

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Isolation and Characterization of Bacteria Associated With Heavy Metal Polluted Soil in Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria

Oyetunji,i Funmitan Nike

Department of Life Science, National Space Research and Development Agency

                                               Email: Ofunmitan@gmail.com

Abstract: This study investigated the isolation and characterization of bacteria associated with heavy metal–polluted soils in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria. A total of fifteen soil samples were collected from Lugbe, Gwagwalada, and Dutse-Alhaji and analyzed for physicochemical properties and microbial content. Standard microbiological techniques, including serial dilution, culture on selective media, and biochemical tests, were employed for the isolation and identification of bacterial species. The results revealed that soil pH ranged from 5.1 to 5.6 while the moisture of the soil ranged from 2.12 to 2.81. The organic matter content and the water holding capacity content also ranged from 1.03 to 2.03 and 3.35 to 3.43 respectively. A total of nineteen bacterial isolates were identified, including Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus megaterium, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. In Gwagwalada, B. cereus (3) was the most occurring bacteria, followed by Bacillus licheniformis (2) and only one (1) B. subtilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa each, were isolated. In Dutse, Bacillus subtilis (3) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (2) were the only bacteria present in the soil samples. Meanwhile, B. subtilis (3) was the most prevalent in Lugbe soil, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (2), B. Megaterium and Klebsiella pneumonia present recorded only one each. The bacterial associated with the heavy metal polluted soil at different locations in FCT, Abuja was not significantly different (P≤ 0.05). Among these, Bacillus subtilis (37%) was the most frequently occurring species, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (26%), three B. cereus (16%), and two Bacillus licheniformis (11%) while only one (1) B. Megaterium and Klebsiella pneumonia represented 5% each were isolated. The findings highlight the presence of indigenous bacteria with significant potential for bioremediation of heavy metal–polluted soil. The study therefore recommends further exploration of these bacterial isolates for sustainable and eco-friendly soil remediation strategies.

[Oyetunji,i Funmitan Nike. Isolation and Characterization of Bacteria Associated With Heavy Metal Polluted Soil in Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. Researcher 2026;18(5):94-100]. ISSN 1553-9865 (print); ISSN 2163-8950 (online). http://www.sciencepub.net/researcher. 03. doi:10.7537/marsrsj180526.03

Keywords: Bacterial isolates; Heavy metal; polluted soil

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