Showing papers by "University of Zimbabwe published in 1990"
TL;DR: A survey conducted among post-independence migrants in Harare's high-density areas found that many changes had occurred, and in particular there had been a shift towards longer-term migration as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Prior to independence in 1980 the urbanisation of Zimbabwe's African population occurred under a restrictive regime which prevented many urban workers from obtaining rights to remain permanently in urban areas. As a result many families had no choice but to maintain their links with the overcrowded rural areas, to which they would eventually have to return. Once restrictions were lifted it was to be expected that migration patterns would alter. Surveys conducted amongst post‐independence migrants in Harare's high‐density areas found that many changes had occurred, and in particular there had been a shift towards longer‐term migration. Many families now accompany the household head for at least part of the year. Nevertheless, only a minority of migrants planned to remain permanently in town. There was a strong perception that the maintenance of rural links was essential as economic security for the eventualities of old age and unemployment when urban expenses could not be covered. There is, however, pressu...
122 citations
TL;DR: A review of available data shows that the configuration of the main (Bulawayan and Shamvaian Groups) greenstone belts of Zimbabwe can be explained in terms of a progressive main deformation model involving SW movement of the Zimbabwe Province relative to the Limpopo Province; continued deformation of an early cross-fold pattern led to intra-block movements on different scales involving major strike-slip deformation zones and thrusting as discussed by the authors.
105 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that magnesium sulphate has advantages over diazepam for the mother and the infant in the treatment of eclampsia, but the trial is small and should be replicated on a larger scale.
89 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the effect of moisture content on CO2-C production from manure at 25°C was determined and different non-linear regression models were applied to describe cumulative CO 2-C evolution and a simple first-order model gave the best curve fit.
Abstract: In an incubation study the effect of moisture content on CO2-C production from manure at 25°C was determined. Different non-linear regression models were applied to describe cumulative CO2-C evolution and a simple first-order model gave the best curve fit. Derived data from the curve fitting procedure were plotted against moisture content. A linear relationship between moisture content and microbial activity up to 50% of the water-holding capacity was followed by a curvilinear response between 50% of WHC and saturation. Equations describing the effect of moisture on dry matter decomposition are given.
81 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that health education is urgently needed among CSWs, but that it is equally important to direct health interventions at clients, many of whom are resistant to condom use.
78 citations
TL;DR: Data support a casual relationship between S. haematobium infection and squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder in Zimbabwe.
Abstract: Bladder cancer is common in Zimbabwe, possibly due to the high prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium infection in some areas. We undertook a correlational study based on retrospective medical record review to see whether the number of bladder cancers could be related to geographical region and prevalence of S. haematobium infection. We also determined patient demographic characteristics and tumour histology. Of 483 patients identified (1984-1987), 69% with available histology had squamous cell carcinomas. The remainder had transitional cell carcinomas. Patients with squamous cell carcinoma were younger than patients with transitional cell carcinomas (50% vs 20% under 50 years old, P less than 0.05) and had a sex ratio of one. There was a positive geographical relationship between S. haematobium prevalence and the incidence of squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder: provinces with high prevalence of S. haematobium had more bladder cancer cases with a predominance of squamous cell carcinoma (r = 0.87, P less than 0.01). These data support a casual relationship between S. haematobium infection and squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder.
60 citations
TL;DR: Cost-benefit analysis shows that, in sub-Saharan Africa, the most effective way of controlling hepatitis B infection is through mass neonatal vaccination programmes integrated within the Expanded Programme on Immunization without prior testing for HBV markers.
59 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors proposed an alternative model to explain the Zambezi River's long profile by suggesting that the Upper and Middle Zambazi evolved as entirely separate river systems, which only joined together in comparatively recent times.
58 citations
TL;DR: This article examined the utilization of wild foods by rural people in seven villages located in the low rainfall regions of Zimbabwe during the 1980s and found that, unlike in other parts of the continent, there was no marked increase in the use of wild food as a strategy to mitigate the shortages.
Abstract: Studies in various parts of Africa have shown marked increases in the use of the wild as a source of food in times of severe food shortage. This paper examines the utilization of wild foods by rural people in seven villages located in the low rainfall regions of Zimbabwe. These regions experienced repeated droughts and food shortages during the 1980s. It is shown that, unlike in other parts of the continent, there was no marked increase in the use of wild foods as a strategy to mitigate the shortages. Instead, wild foods are used mainly as a supplement to the diet even during periods of severe stress. This is attributed to a number of factors, particularly the availability of alternative sources of cash which can then be used to purchase food as well as recourse to government food transfer programmes.
57 citations
TL;DR: Home range data were collected concurrently from four syntopic browsing ruminant species in a conserved savanna ecosystem to assess the home range area of giraffe, kudu, impala, Impala and steenbok.
Abstract: Home range data were collected concurrently from four syntopic browsing ruminant species in a conserved savanna ecosystem. Mean home range areas were: giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) 282 km2; kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) 21.9 km2; impala (Aepyceros melampus) 5.82 km2; steenbok (Raphicerus campestris) 0.62 km2. Home range area (A
hr) scaled on body mass (M) as: A
hr=0.024 M
1.38 (r
2=0.99).
47 citations
TL;DR: The reproductive cycle of the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) was studied in Zimbabwe and elevated levels of plasma testosterone in reproductive females corresponded to the time of courtship and mating.
Abstract: The reproductive cycle of the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) was studied in Zimbabwe. Females attained sexual maturity after they had reached a total length of about 262 to 287 cm and males, 270 to 295 cm. Some adult females did not reproduce every year. Follicle growth and vitellogenesis occurred from April to mid August during the dry winter. During this time reproductive females had elevated levels of plasma oestradiol-17β, testosterone, calcium and magnesium, but lowered levels of iron. The measuring of plasma calcium was an ‘early pregnancy’ test, reliable up to four months before nesting. Elevated levels of plasma testosterone in reproductive females corresponded to the time of courtship and mating. Ovulation occurred during the latter half of August. Males had viable sperm from mid May to mid September, during the winter. Courtship and mating occurred from late June to mid August, when crocodiles were confined to pools. Females nested on the higher sand ridges in the dry river bed from early September to early October, and eggs hatched during December.
TL;DR: The growth and survival of pathogenic and non-pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli was determined in traditionally fermented pasteurized and unpasteurized milk and in Lacto, an industrially fermented milk.
Abstract: Feresu, S. & Nyati, H. 1990. Fate of pathogenic and non-pathogenic Escherichia coli strains in two fermented milk products. Journal of Applied Bacteriology69, 814–821.
The growth and survival of pathogenic and non-pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli was determined in traditionally fermented pasteurized and unpasteurized milk and in Lacto, an industrially fermented milk. Each milk treatment was incubated at 20dC for 24 h and then stored at either 20dC or 5dC for 96 h.
Lacto inhibited all the three E. coli strains. Two strains could not be recovered and the third survived only in very low numbers after 24 h storage of Lacto at both 20dC and 5dC. All three E. coli strains survived and multiplied to maximum cell numbers in the range 107-109/ml during traditional fermentation of unpasteurized milk. Cell numbers decreased to 103-106 and 102-105 during storage of the fermented product at 20dC and 5dC respectively. Higher maximum numbers, 109-1010, of the three strains of E. coli were attained during traditional fermentation of pasteurized milk. The numbers decreased to 105-108 and 104-107 during storage of the fermented product at 20dC and 5dC respectively. Generally, fewer E. coli survived when the fermented milk products were stored at refrigeration temperature.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The case records of 161 babies admitted to Harare Neonatal Unit and compared with records of 50 babies admitted from the same catchment area and during the same time period but who had negative blood cultures found that babies with early (less than 48 hr) onset or late onset sepsis tended to have lower birth weights and shorter gestational ages than controls.
Abstract: During February to June 1987, one hundred and sixty one babies admitted to Harare Neonatal Unit had positive blood cultures, giving a sepsis rate of 21/100 live births at Harare Hospital. The case records of these 161 babies were reviewed and compared with records of 50 babies admitted from the same catchment area and during the same time period but who had negative blood cultures. Babies with early (less than 48 hr) onset or late onset sepsis tended to have lower birth weights and shorter gestational ages than controls. Significant risk factors in maternal history were poor antenatal care and prolonged rupture of membranes. Hypothermia, respiratory distress, jaundice and hypoglycaemia were all common findings in babies with sepsis. Staph. aureus and Group B streptococci (GBS) were the most common isolates in both early and late onset sepsis, with Esch. coli and Klebsiella sp. being more common in early than in late onset disease. Cultures from the genital tract were obtained from 28 of the mothers whose babies developed sepsis. Only rarely, however, was an organism with similar identity and antibiogram to that isolated from the blood culture of the baby obtained from the mother. Nevertheless mothers of blood culture positive babies showed high carriage rates of GBS, B. melaninogenicus and Klebsiella. The overall mortality in sepsis cases was 28.5 pc, but mortality was discouragingly high where coliforms or Staph.epidermidis were isolated.
TL;DR: This article suggests that the special case of southern African countries (Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe), in which the majority of permanent movers have historically been whites of European origin, requires that greater attention should be given to the politico-structural context of voluntary international migrations.
Abstract: This article suggests that the special case of [international migration in] southern African countries (Namibia South Africa and Zimbabwe) in which the majority of permanent movers have historically been whites of European origin requires that greater attention should be given to the politico-structural context of voluntary international migrations [as compared to economic motivation]. Statistical data on international migrations to and from Zimbabwe during the past quarter of a century are used to demonstrate that the temporal magnitude and spatial patterns of population movements are best explained by reference to the changing political rather than economic conditions within the country. (EXCERPT)
TL;DR: There is considerable small-scale patterning in soil development and recruitment during the early succession of forest woody species, with the intensity of recruitment being dependent on the distance to seed sources.
Abstract: Within a few years of field abandonment on the coastal dunes, a considerable number of species of trees and woody lianes of the climax evergreen forest enter the succession. At a relatively large-scale of analysis (a 100 m2 plot), there is no evidence of soil development during the early succession, with no accumulation of soil organic matter nor nutrients being detected. At this scale there is, therefore, little support for the facilitation model of succession. However, when smaller scales of analysis are employed (e.g. a plot equivalent to the canopy area of a sapling) a very different picture emerges; most recruitment of forest woody species occurs beneath saplings found in early succession. Nutrient concentrations were higher in soils under sapling canopies than in soils beyond sapling canopies. With increasing sapling size, an increasing number of seedlings of forest woody species were found and there is progressive soil amelioration. Thus, during the early succession, there is considerable small-scale patterning in soil development and recruitment. This pattern is largely established through bird dispersal, with the intensity of recruitment being dependent on the distance to seed sources.
TL;DR: Ten predominant lactic acid bacterial isolates from traditionally fermented milk and four isolate from an industrially fermented milk, Lacto, together with 14 reference strains of Lactobacillus and three ofLactococcus were examined for 32 characteristics.
Abstract: Ten predominant lactic acid bacterial isolates from traditionally fermented milk and four isolates from an industrially fermented milk, Lacto, together with 14 reference strains ofLactobacillus and three ofLactococcus were examined for 32 characteristics. Data were analysed using the simple matching coefficient and clustering was by unweighted pair group average linkage. All the isolated from traditionally fermented milk belonged to the genusLactobacillus. Seven isolates could be identified as belonging toL. helveticus, L. plantarum, L. delbrueckii subsp.lactis, L. casei subsp.casei andL. casel subsp.pseudoplantarum. Three of the isolates could only be identified as either betabacteria or streptobacteria. The four isolates from Lacto were identified asLactococcus lactis. However, they could not be identified to subspecies level.
TL;DR: In this article, a case-control study of 160 Treaty Indian cases (n = 160) resident in Alberta, Canada, presenting during a 5-year period (1975-1979) were individually matched for age, sex, and Band with two nontuberculous controls.
Abstract: Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccination against tuberculosis has been used around the world for 60 years, yet its efficacy in large, controlled prospective studies is inconsistent. The factors influencing BCG protection include variation in immunogenic potential, background exposure to environmental mycobacteria, and differences in host response to vaccine. As a means of addressing regional differences in protection, case-control studies provide a relatively inexpensive, rapid means of assessing regional vaccine effects. Treaty Indian cases (n = 160) resident in Alberta, Canada, presenting during a 5-year period (1975-1979) were individually matched for age, sex, and Band with two nontuberculous controls. A 57 percent protection by BCG vaccination was demonstrated. These results support the usefulness of case-control studies and their importance in planning tuberculosis control programs.
TL;DR: It is proposed that the continuous breeding in this population of Porcellionides pruinosus was the result of the constant presence of an environmental cue to reproduction evolved in temperate habitats.
Abstract: Most species of woodlice in temperate habitats have discrete breeding seasons. It is hypothesised that breeding synchronises with favourable environmental conditions to maximise offspring growth and survivorship (Willows 1984). We measured the breeding phenology of a species introduced to a tropical environment, primarily to consider the assumption that life histories in the tropics will differ fundamentally from those in temperate habitats. In addition to breeding phenology we considered variation in reproductive effort between individual females and the division of this effort between the size and number of young. A continuous breeding phenology was observed in a synanthropic population of Porcellionides pruinosus within the tropics. Reproductive effort varied between months, showed a weak relationship with female size and was independent of female fecundity. Female sizefecundity relationships varied between samples and when the proportion of reproductive females was high size-fecundity slopes were steeper than at other times. Mean offspring size varied between months and there was a wide range in offspring size within broods. Offspring size was not related to female body mass, reproductive effort or fecundity; consequently brood mass increased linearly with an increase in fecundity. Increased reproductive effort goes into more rather than larger offspring. We propose that the continuous breeding in this population was the result of the constant presence of an environmental cue to reproduction evolved in temperate habitats. Continuous breeding is not necessarily equivocal to high individual reproductive success even though overall population growth may be rapid. However, variation in reproductive effort suggests that individuals respond to current environmental conditions on short time scales.
TL;DR: The pattern of rheumatic disease in Africa differs from that in Europe and the United States and these differences may provide clues to its cause or pathogenesis.
Abstract: The pattern of rheumatic disease in Africa differs from that in Europe and the United States and these differences may provide clues to its cause or pathogenesis. In a six month prospective analysis of 141 patients (83 female) attending a rheumatic diseases clinic rheumatoid arthritis was the commonest disorder, occurring in 49 patients. Twenty seven of the 49 (55%) were seropositive, 25 (51%) had erosive disease with rheumatoid nodules (13/49, 27%), and extra-articular complications (6/49, 12%), indicating a pattern of disease unlike the early reports from Africa. Systemic lupus erythematosus found in 18/141 (13%), gout in 12 (9%), ankylosing spondylitis in six (4%), and Reiter's syndrome in five (4%), in contrast with their rarity in previous reports from Africa, were not uncommon, whereas tropical polyarthritis was seldom diagnosed. The pattern of rheumatic disease in Harare, a large city, is changing to approximate more closely the pattern seen in developed countries.
TL;DR: A study of the song of the bush cricket Platyeleis albopunctata and acoustic cues used in male competition by Tettigonia cantans, which revealed a courtship advantage for small males in Drosophila subobscura.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Spondyloarthropathies are rare in Africa and there is little data regarding HLA association, but B7-CREG antigen was found in 7 of the 10 patients with Reiter's syndrome and HLA-B27 tissue type was not found.
Abstract: Spondyloarthropathies are rare in Africa and there is little data regarding HLA association. We prospectively studied 19 patients with spondyloarthropathy, recording clinical details and performing tissue typing (ABC loci). There were 9 patients with ankylosing spondylitis (8 males), all had severe spinal disease but none had ocular or cardiac involvement and HLA-B27 antigen was not found in any of the 7 patients tested; only one patient possessed a B7 crossreacting antigen. The 10 patients with Reiter's syndrome (8 males) had typical clinical features but again the HLA-B27 tissue type was not found. B7-CREG antigen was found in 7 of the 10 patients with Reiter's syndrome.
TL;DR: Findings indicate that there is a high degree of antigenic heterogeneity among the tick-transmitted spotted fever group rickettsiae in Zimbabwe.
Abstract: Eight rickettsialike organisms were isolated in tissue culture from ticks of dogs and cattle from various areas of Zimbabwe. These isolates and a reference strain, Rickettsia conorii Simko, were tested by microimmunofluorescence against homologous and heterologous antisera raised in mice. From the titers obtained by this method, specificity differences (SPDs) were calculated between each of the rickettsiae. Only small serological differences were detected among the isolates from ticks obtained from dogs (mean SPD, 0.5) and also among the isolates from ticks obtained from cattle (mean SPD, 0.3). However, when isolates from ticks obtained from dogs and cattle were compared, the serological differences were greater (mean SPD, 1.3). The isolates from ticks obtained from dogs were found to be very similar serologically to the Simko strain of R. conorii (mean SPD, 0.8), while three of four isolates from ticks obtained from cattle were different enough (SPD, greater than or equal to 3) to be identified as separate serotypes. These findings indicate that there is a high degree of antigenic heterogeneity among the tick-transmitted spotted fever group rickettsiae in Zimbabwe.
TL;DR: The conservation status of dambos, a particular type of wetland associated with the headwaters of rivers draining the central plateau area of Zimbabwe, is examined in terms of past and present utilisation and erosion problems as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The conservation status of dambos, a particular type of wetland associated with the headwaters of rivers draining the central plateau area of Zimbabwe, is examined in terms of past and present utilisation and erosion problems. Pre- and post-1950 phases are recognized within both the commercial farming areas and the Communal Lands (or peasant farming areas). The pre-1950 phase on commercial farms was one of exploitation of dambos mainly for winter wheat production, such cultivation contributing towards locally serious erosion. Consequently legislation was passed to restrict disturbance of wetlands, especially for cultivation. The post-1950 phase on commercial farms was one of conservation, with minimal use of dambos for grazing and limited erosion. The pre-1950 phase within the Communal Lands, the former native reserves, was one involving progressive modification of the traditional farming system through, in particular, centralisation. Dambo cultivation, a well-established practice, continued throughout this place, but towards the end of this period there were localised signs of degradation associated, in part, with grazing. The post-1950 phase was one of increased pressure on land with a growing human and livestock population. Thus dambos were required to support more and more cattle throughout the year, whilst efforts to curtail dambo cultivation were not well-recieved by peasant farmers and may have compromised general conservation in the reserves.
TL;DR: Logistic regression identified belief in efficacy of condoms as the principal predictor of intended condom use among Zimbabwean adolescents in probation/remand homes.
Abstract: The association of AIDS knowledge, perceived susceptibility to HIV, efficacy of preventive measures, severity of HIV infection, cues to action, barriers to action and alcohol/drug use with intended condom use was examined among Zimbabwean adolescents (mean age = 16.9) in probation/remand homes. Eighty-six percent of males and 83% of females were reportedly sexually experienced of whom 28% of males and 14% of females reported consistent condom use. Those who knew that babies can be born with AIDS, that there is no vaccine against HIV and that traditional healers cannot cure AIDS were 2.50, 2.32 and 1.97 times as likely to definitely intend to use condoms. Individuals who believed condoms seldom break or leak and are effective against HIV were 4.12 and 4.65 times as likely to definitely intend to use them. Those who believed parents and boyfriend/girlfriends thought condoms should be used were 2.27 and 2.13 times as likely to intend to use them. Respondents who had talked about AIDS with friends, with their boyfriend/girlfriend or a schoolteacher or seen a picture or film of a PWA were, in comparison to those who had not engaged in these actions, 3.70, 2.33, 2.43 and 2.50 times as likely to definitely intend to use condoms. Those who were embarrassed to get condoms from a clinic, thought persons who use condoms are loose and or that the pleasure of unprotected sex was worth the risk of HIV were 3.87, 3.42 and 3.40 times as likely to intend to use condoms. Logistic regression identified belief in efficacy of condoms as the principal predictor of intended condom use.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
TL;DR: Although photosynthetic rates are lower and respiration rates are higher in flushing leaves than in mature, fully expanded leaves, flushing Leaves are fully photosynthetically competent and apparently require no net input of carbon for growth and development.
Abstract: Photosynthesis and dark respiration were studied during and after the spring flush in Brachystegia spiciformis Benth. Various parameters were examined including anthocyanin and chlorophyll content, Hill reaction activity, and gas exchange. Total chlorophyll content steadily increased reaching a constant value in fully expanded (25-d-old) leaves, whereas anthocyanin concentration increased as the chlorophylls but rapidly declined after 23 d. Hill reaction measurements confirmed that leaf material from every stage of the flush (bud burst to mature leaves) was photosynthetically functional. The activity was low in flushing leaves with high anthocyanin content and then dramatically increased as leaf anthocyanin content declined. Oxygen exchange measurements showed flushing leaves to have lower photosynthetic rates but higher respiratory activity than mature leaves (60% and 120%, respectively). Gas exchange and in vitro electron transport were also generally correlated; Hill reaction activity was 128% of gas exchange in mature leaves and 92% in flushing leaves. It is concluded that although photosynthetic rates are lower and respiration rates are higher in flushing leaves than in mature, fully expanded leaves, flushing leaves are fully photosynthetically competent and apparently require no net input of carbon for growth and development.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: A child who was stung by over 1,000 bees and developed acute renal failure and extensive scalp necrosis is reported.
Abstract: Although several cases of reactions to bee venom including acute renal failure have been reported, the literature from Africa is scanty and that concerning children virtually non-existent. We report a child who was stung by over 1,000 bees and developed acute renal failure and extensive scalp necrosis. The pathogenesis of these complications is discussed and the importance of their public awareness stressed.
TL;DR: P. carinii pneumonia does occur in patients with HIV infection in Africa and the diagnosis is relatively simple to make provided that transbronchial biopsy and bronchoalveolar lavage are carried out through a fibreoptic bronchoscope and specimens examined after appropriate staining.
TL;DR: Gonorrhoea is probably the commonest sexually transmitted disease in Africa and constitutes a serious health problem not only because of its frequency and the increasing costs of effective therapy but also because of the complications that result, including blindness from ophthalmia neonatorum, PID and puerperal sepsis.
Abstract: In Africa sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) have become a major public health problem on account of their frequency, their impact on maternal and child health and their social and economic consequences (including increased health expenditure and lost productivity).'\"'8 STDs are known to cause serious harmful effects on fertility, pregnancy and the neonate. Some infections may cause pregnancy wastage, failure of normal foetal development, congenital abnormalities, neonatal blindness and in women life threatening complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and ectopic pregnancy. Gonorrhoea is probably the commonest sexually transmitted disease in Africa and constitutes a serious health problem not only because of its frequency and the increasing costs of effective therapy but also because of the complications that result, including blindness from ophthalmia neonatorum, PID and puerperal sepsis. Gonorrhoea is the commonest cause of pelvic inflammatory disease in most parts of the developing world. Pelvic inflammatory disease is a potentially life-threatening complication and may lead to infertility and ectopic pregnancy. In addition, as a result of the spread of penicillinase-producing strains of Niesseria gonorrhoeae (PPNG) in such parts of the world, the costs of effective therapy have escalated. Where effective programmes for the control of STD at a national level do not exist the infection has spread rapidly. In some countries in Africa up to 85% of all gonococcal infections are caused by PPNG.'9 The prevalence of chlamydial infections has also been increasing, and like gonorrhoea, chlamydia may lead to salpingitis, infertility and ectopic pregnancies. Chlamydial ophthalmia neonatorum though not as hazardous as gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum is also frequently encountered in many African countries.6 Gonococcal and chlamydial infections may be responsible for the high levels at infertility and an
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The root attachment lengths were consistently greater in the cranial cervical (C3), midthoracic (T7), caudal lumbar (L5) and cranial sacral (S1) cord segment levels than the corresponding caUDal cervical, caudals thoracic, cranial lumbars and caudAL sacral levels respectively.
Abstract: The root attachment lengths were consistently greater in the cranial cervical (C3), midthoracic (T7), caudal lumbar (L5) and cranial sacral (S1) cord segment levels than the corresponding caudal cervical, caudal thoracic, cranial lumbar and caudal sacral levels respectively. As to the root emergence length the greatest values were obtained bilaterally at C3, T1, L4 and S1 cord segment levels respectively. The interroot intervals were maximum at C3, T13, L1 and S1 cord levels in the respective regions. The longest cord segments were located at C2, T13, L3 and S1 levels; the shortest were at C8, T1, L6, and S4 cord levels. The greatest diameter and cross-sectional area were confined to the last cervical, first 2 thoracic, last lumbar and first sacral cord segment levels. The spinal cord segments C2, T13, L4 and S1 were most voluminous in the respective regions. The topography of cord segments and the level of termination of the spinal cord have been studied and recorded.