DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE,

Gastrointestinal parasites pose significant threats to the health and productivity of goat populations, particularly in rural settings. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and impact of gastrointestinal parasites in goats at selected abattoirs in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A total of 200 goat fecal samples were obtained from goats across two selected abattoirs located in New Benin and Aduwawa markets within Benin City. These comprised 100 samples each from New Benin and Aduwawa abattoirs, with 20 fecal samples obtained from Red Sokoto goats and 80 fecal samples from West African Long-legged goats in each abattoir. Ethical approval was obtained, and informed consent was secured from all involved parties before the commencement of sample collection. The samples were examined microscopically using direct wet mount and formalin-ethyl acetate concentration techniques to detect gastrointestinal parasite. Key findings revealed a high overall prevalence of 82.5%, with Eimeria spp. (49.5%), Haemonchus spp. (48.5%), and Strongyloides papillosus (48.0%) being the most frequently identified parasites. Significant breed-related differences were observed, with Red Sokoto goats exhibiting a higher prevalence of Strongyloides papillosus at 85.0% compared to 38.8% in West African Long-Legged goats. Statistical analyses highlighted significant associations between market environment and the prevalence of Haemonchus spp, as well as breed differences in susceptibility to various parasites. The prevalence rates identified in this study emphasize the urgent need for effective management and control strategies to combat gastrointestinal parasitism in goat populations within the region. The findings emphasize the necessity for integrated animal health initiatives aimed at improving livestock management practices and enhancing overall animal productivity, consequently improving the livelihoods of local farmers in Benin City.

Occupational exposure to environmental pollutants poses significant health risks, particularly for street cleaners who are routinely exposed to dust, vehicle emissions, and other contaminants. This aim of this study was to evaluate the haematological and
haemorrheological changes among street cleaners in selected environs of Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A total of 100 participants, comprising 50 street cleaners and 50 age- and gender-matched controls, were recruited using a simple random sampling technique. Sociodemographic and occupational data were obtained via structured questionnaires. Venous blood samples were collected under aseptic conditions for analysis of complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and plasma fibrinogen concentration using automation, Westergren method and Clauss method respectively. Results indicated that street
cleaners in Benin City were slightly older (35.84 ± 8.09 years) than controls (33.84 ± 4.21 years), with a predominance of males in both groups (88.0% vs. 80.0%). Most street cleaners had 1–5 years of work experience and worked 4–8 hours per day, 3–5 days per week.

Parasitic contamination in aquaculture systems poses significant threats to both fish health and public safety, particularly in developing countries where food security depends heavily on freshwater fish production. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of parasitic contamination in fish ponds across Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, and evaluate the associated public health implications. A total of 50 water samples were collected from fish ponds across three local government areas: Ikpoba Okha (n=17), Ovia North East (n=16), and Oredo (n=17). Water samples were analyzed using direct microscopy, flotation, and sedimentation techniques to identify parasitic stages including eggs, larvae, and cysts. Key findings revealed a high overall prevalence of parasitic contamination at 54.0% across all examined ponds. Ascaris lumbricoides ova were the most frequently detected parasites
(44.0%), followed by Strongyloides stercoralis larvae (30.0%), Cryptosporidium parvum cysts (18.0%), and Schistosoma haematobium ova (8.0%). The highest contamination rates were observed in Ikpoba Okha (64.7%), followed by Oredo (52.9%) and Ovia North East (43.8%), though statistical analysis revealed no significant association between local government areas and contamination prevalence (p = 0.480). The majority of ponds (26%) harbored single parasites, while 4% contained four different parasitic species. The identification of zoonotic parasites with confirmed human health implications underscores the urgent need for improved aquaculture management practices, enhanced biosecurity measures, and comprehensive surveillance programs. These findings emphasize the necessity for integrated public health initiatives aimed at reducing parasitic transmission risks through
improved pond management, proper fish processing techniques, and consumer education programs to safeguard community health in Benin City

Cryptosporidium is a zoonotic protozoan parasite of significant public health concern. Cattle serve as major reservoirs, and abattoir contamination represents a potential route of human infection. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of ryptosporidium infection in cattle at Ikpoba Hill abattoir Benin city. A cross-sectional survey was conducted, and 180 fecal samples were collected post-slaughter. Samples were processed using the formol-ether concentration method and examined for Cryptosporidium oocysts with the modified Ziehl- Neelsen staining technique. The overall prevalence was 6.7% 12/180), with younger cattle showing higher infection rates than adults. The detection of Cryptosporidium in slaughtered cattle highlights a potential zoonotic risk, underscoring the need for improved sanitary practices within the abattoir and targeted health education for workers to reduce public health hazards.

The persistent burden of malaria in sub-Sahara Africa despite different interventions spanning decades makes it a major public health concern, especially in this region. The study was aimed at investigating how malaria infection affects these hemorheologic factors (haematocrit, fibrinogen and whole blood viscosity) and understand their implications in the severity of the disease. This research was conducted at the University ofBenin, Benin City, on a a total of 35 students within the age range of 18-25 years. Blood samples were collected from the participant and tested for haematocrit, fibrinogen and whole blood viscosity using a micro hematocrit centrifuge, the clauss method, reid and ugwu method respectively. Twenty five students who had no traces of malaria infection were used as control. Results showed a non-significant decrease in Packed Cell Volume (PCV) in the test subjects when compared with the control subjects. There was also no significant increase in fibrinogen level and whole blood viscosity between the test subjects and the control subjects. However, on the basis of sex, the malaria-infected males showed marked difference in their haemorrhegic factors when compared to the non-infected control male subjects. While the haemorrhaegic factors of the malaria-infected female subjects did not differ significantly from the haemorrhaegic factors of the female control subjects. Thus, implying that the male subjects were responsible for the significant difference observed in the overall number of malaria-infected subjects in this study, due to slight changes in PCV Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the haemorrhaegic factors between the groups of control subjects overall and on the basis of sex. It can thus, be concluded that malaria infection does have an impact on haemorrhegic factors. In view of the attempts at eliminating malaria in sub-sahara Africa, everyone in the region must contribute their quota to its elimination.