Four species of African giantl and snails(Archachatina marginata(ovum)Pfeiffer,Archachatina marginata(saturalis)Philippi, Achatina achatina and Limicolaria spp.) were assessed for their proximate and mineral compositions aimed at establishing their nutritive values on wet weight basis. Analysis of muscle revealed that composition of crude protein varied from 18.66%±0.57% in Limicolaria spp. and 20.56%±0.05% in Archachatina marginata (ovum) Pfeiffer; moisture content was 76.56% ±0.04% in Archachatina marginata (ovum) Pfeiffer and 78.68%±0.68% in Limicolaria spp. and ash was 1.34% ±0.02% in Achatina achatina and 1.44%±0.01% in Archachatina marginata (ovum) Pfeiffer. These values were statistically different from each other (P＜0.05). Carbohydrate and fat content were generally low. Crude fibre was not detected in any of the species.The concentrations of zinc, iron, manganese, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, sulphur, potassium and sodium in the flesh of the snails were determined. Values of iron, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium were consistently high while cobalt, copper and lead were not detected. Snails complement the required trace and minor elements needed for proper growth and development in human being, so it is recommended for regular consumption.

INTRODUCTION: Antibiotics have been used customarily in the treatment of uncomplicated diverticulitis since their introduction and have become the standard of care. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy versus no antibiotic therapy in the treatment of uncomplicated sigmoid diverticulitis. METHODS: An electronic search for randomized controlled trials comparing antibiotics versus no antibiotic therapy for uncomplicated diverticulitis was conducted. The outcomes considered were associated morbidity (abscess formation and sigmoid perforation); need for sigmoid colon resection, and recurrence of diverticulitis. The included studies were evaluated for risk of bias. Meta-analysis with Forest plot was performed using Review Manager Version 5.3. RESULTS: Two trials, consisting of 1,151 subjects, were included in the meta-analysis. There was no difference in the risk of sigmoid perforation (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.30, 3.49). Abscess formation and incidence of sigmoid resection were lower in the antibiotics groups (RR 2.24, 95% CI 0.51, 9.95 and RR 1.59, 95% CI 0.75, 3.36, respectively) but the differences were not significant. There was no difference in the recurrence of diverticulitis (RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.74, 1.78) between the two groups. CONCLUSION There is no definite advantage in giving antibiotics to patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis. Not giving antibiotics may be an acceptable treatment option for patients with acute uncomplicated sigmoid diverticulitis.