DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder associated with multiple complications, including increased susceptibility to infections of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV).The coexistence of diabetes and viral hepatitis poses significant clinical risks, potentially accelerating progression to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver-related mortality. This study investigated the prevalence of HBV and HCV infections among diabetic patients attending the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Nigeria. A hospital-based crosssectional design was employed, involving 200 diabetic patients recruited through purposive sampling. Venous blood samples were aseptically collected from each participants and spun at 3,000 rpm. The serum samples obtained were each screened for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and HCV antibodies using rapid chromatographic immunoassays with high sensitivity and specificity. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression. The overall prevalence of HBV infection was 2.0%, (P>0.023) while no HCV infection was detected. HBV prevalence showed no statistically significant association with demographic or clinical variables, though bivariate analysis suggested possible links with duration of diabetes, intravenous drug use, and invasive practices. The absence of HCV infection may reflect regional variability or low transmission risk in this population. Findings highlight a relatively low HBV prevalence compared to national estimates but underscore the need for routine hepatitis screening among diabetic patients, considering their increased vulnerability to chronic liver disease. Strengthening public health strategies through awareness, vaccination, and integration of viral hepatitis screening into diabetes care is recommended to reduce morbidity and mortality in this high-risk group.

Plasmodium berghei, a rodent malaria parasite, is widely utilized in experimental models to investigate malaria-induced pathology. This study evaluated the histopathological effects of graded parasitemia on cardiac tissues of albino rats. Sixteen (n = 16) adult female albino rats weighing 130–174 g were randomly assigned into four groups (n = 4 per group): a control group (uninfected) and three treatment groups inoculated intraperitoneally with low (~1 × 10²), medium (~1 × 10⁴), and high (~1 × 10⁶) concentrations of parasitized red blood cells (iRBCs). The animals were housed under standard conditions at the University of Benin Histopathology Laboratory and observed for 42 days. At the end of the study, hearts were harvested, fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin, processed, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histopathological analysis. The results showed that across all treatment groups, cardiac myocytes retained normal histological features, including peripherally placed nuclei, abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm, striated fibers, and intact intercalated discs. No evidence of necrosis, vacuolation, fibrosis, or inflammatory cell infiltration was observed in the myocardium. Morphometric analysis of body and organ weights revealed no significant differences in initial weight (p = 0.706), final weight (p = 0.553), or heart weight (p = 0.939) between groups. These findings suggest that P. berghei infection, within the experimental timeframe and across the administered parasite concentrations, does not produce overt histopathological or morphometric alterations in the cardiac tissue of Wistar rats. Further studies incorporating molecular and functional assessments are recommended to explore potential subclinical or biochemical cardiac effects of malaria parasitemia

Parasitic diseases are problems wherever poultry are raised whether in large commercial operations or in small backyard flocks, and economic losses caused by parasites on poultry can be significant. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasites in poultry, focusing on chickens and turkeys slaughtered in Benin City, Southern Nigeria. A total of 150 fecal samples were analyzed, comprising samples from 35 broilers, 30 native fowls, 35 layers, and 50 turkeys. The fecal samples was processed using standard Parasitological techniques, and then viewed microscopically. Prevalence rates varied significantly among the different bird species, with the highest total prevalence observed in Native fowls (143.3%), followed by Broilers (60.0%), Layers C(54.3%), and Turkeys (40.0%). Notably, Ascaridia galli was the most prevalent parasite overall (60.4%), with the highest prevalence in native fowls (63.3%). The study also found significant geographical variations in parasite prevalence. In broilers, Ascaridia galli prevalence was significantly different across the LGAs (p=0.045), with the highest rate in Ikpoba-Okha (33.3%). Similarly, in native fowls, Strongyloides avium showed a significant difference (p=0.003), with a high prevalence of 60.0% in Ikpoba-Okha. In turkeys, the prevalence of Ascaridia galli varied significantly across the LGAs (p=0.043). The findings highlight that poultry in the study area are widely infected with gastrointestinal parasites, emphasizing the need for targeted management strategies and regular treatment to mitigate infection risks

Herbal mixtures are widely consumed in many developing countries due to their perceived therapeutic benefits, affordability, and accessibility. However, poor preparation and storage practices increase the risk of microbial contamination. This study aims to isolate and identify the microorganisms present in selected herbal mixtures sold at Uselu, New Benin and Ring Road Market in Benin City, Edo state. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on herbal preparations collected from the three major markets. Microbiological assessment was performed to determine bacterial load and isolate species. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was carried out using standard disc diffusion techniques, and statistical analyses were applied to evaluate differences across dosage forms and locations. The overall mean bacterial load was 7.92 × 10⁷ CFU/ml. Powdered forms exhibited the highest mean load (1.33 × 10⁸ CFU/ml), followed by liquid forms (6.53 × 10⁷ CFU/ml), while paste formulations showed no detectable growth. Variations across dosage forms (p = 0.331) and market locations (p > 0.05) were not statistically significant. Bacillus subtilis was the most prevalent isolate (8 occurrences), followed by Klebsiella spp. (3), Bacillus cereus (2), and Staphylococcus aureus (2), with Pseudomonas aeruginosa identified once. Antibiotic susceptibility revealed complete sensitivity to Azithromycin and Levofloxacin (100%) and high sensitivity to Pefloxacin (76.5%). Moderate sensitivity was recorded for Gentamycin, Rifampicin, and Erythromycin (52.9%), while reduced activity was observed for Zidovudine (29.4%) and
Ampicillin (41.2%). Amoxicillin showed the lowest effectiveness, with resistance in 82.4% of isolates, confirmed by its minimal inhibition zone (4.41 ± 2.38 mm). The strongest inhibition zones were produced by Levofloxacin (19.06 ± 1.32 mm) and Azithromycin (16.94 ± 1.68 mm). In Conclusion, Locally marketed herbal mixtures in Benin City were found to harbor diverse bacterial contaminants, predominantly Bacillus subtilis. Although no significant differences were observed across dosage forms or market locations, the presence of pathogenic bacteria and high resistance to commonly used antibiotics such as Amoxicillin emphasizes it’s potential health risks.

Spondias mombin, a tropical medicinal plant, is widely employed in ethnomedicine, yet its safety profile on vital organs remains insufficiently defined. This study investigated the histopathological and biochemical effects of graded doses of Spondias mombin root extract on the liver and kidney of Wistar rats. Twenty-four male albino rats (150–200 g) were divided into
six groups (n = 4): a control group and five groups administered 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 mg/kg of the extract orally for 28 days. Serum electrolytes, urea, creatinine, and liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP) were analyzed using standard biochemical methods, while hematoxylin and eosin staining was employed for histological assessment of liver and kidney tissues. Body
weight, organ weight, and tissue integrity were evaluated to determine systemic effects. The results showed significant variation in body weight across groups (p < 0.05), with the highest gain at 800 mg/kg and the lowest at 200 mg/kg, though organ weights did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). Biochemical parameters remained largely stable across all doses, except for a significant reduction in serum creatinine at 1000 mg/kg (p = 0.006). Histological examination revealed normal hepatic and renal architecture up to 600 mg/kg, while higher doses (800–1000 mg/kg) showed hepatic ballooning degeneration and microvesicular steatosis, with kidneys appearing normal in all groups. These findings suggest that S. mombin root extract is relatively safe at low to moderate doses but may cause dose-dependent hepatic steatosis at higher concentrations. Further chronic toxicity and mechanistic studies are recommended to establish safe therapeutic limits and identify the bioactive compounds mediating both protective and toxic hepatic effects.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a growing public health burden in Nigeria, largely driven by insulin resistance. The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index has emerged as a simple, reliable surrogate marker for insulin resistance, but evidence from Nigerian populations remains limited. This case–control study evaluated the TyG index in 100 adults (50 T2DM patients and 50 non- diabetic controls) recruited from healthcare facilities in Benin City. Fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, and body mass index (BMI) were measured using standard procedures, and the TyG index was calculated, compared between groups, and correlated with demographic and clinical variables. The mean TyG index was significantly higher in T2DM subjects (9.24 ± 0.06) compared with controls (8.62 ± 0.02; p < 0.001). Overall, 79% of participants were classified into moderate-to-extreme TyG risk categories, predominantly among diabetic subjects. Within the T2DM group, the TyG index correlated strongly with fasting blood glucose (r = 0.734, p < 0.001), moderately with triglycerides (r = 0.455, p = 0.001), and weakly with BMI (r = 0.218, p = 0.029). Significant positive correlations were also observed with age (r = 0.486, p < 0.001) and presence of complications (r = 0.423, p = 0.002), whereas no associations were found with sex, family history, or duration of diabetes. The study concludes that the TyG index is significantly elevated in T2DM patients in Benin City and correlates with age, glycemic status, and complications, underscoring its potential as a low-cost, clinically meaningful marker of insulin resistance and metabolic risk in resource-limited settings.

Intestinal parasitic infections are a major public health concern in tropical regions, where
accurate diagnosis depends on proper preservation of stool specimens. Fresh samples degrade
quickly, making effective preservatives essential for maintaining parasite morphology.This
study aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of three preservatives 10% formalin, sodium acetate–acetic acid–formalin (SAF), and low-viscosity polyvinyl alcohol (LV-PVA)
in preserving intestinal parasites. A total of 20 stool samples were collected and examined
fresh to confirm the presence of parasites. Identified organisms included Trichostrongylus
eggs, Coccidia, Paramphistomum cervi, Trichuris trichiura, and Strongyloides larvae. Each
sample was then divided into three aliquots and preserved separately in the three fixatives. Preserved specimens were re-examined microscopically to assess morphological clarity and
diagnostic suitability over time.Results showed that 10% formalin gave the most consistent
preservation of helminth eggs and larvae. SAF also maintained good morphological integrity
across parasite types and was nearly as effective as formalin, with the added advantage of
being mercury-free and safer to handle. LV-PVA was less reliable for helminths but provided
better detail for protozoan structures, though further research is needed to optimize LV-PVA
for consistent use.

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple measure of body fitness and a potential predictor of kidney health. This study explored the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and renal function parameters among 150 apparently healthy undergraduates aged 16–25 years at the University of Benin. Participants were carefully screened to exclude confounding conditions, and anthropometric measurements were taken. Venous blood samples were analyzed for serum creatinine, urea, electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Data were processed using SPSS version 20. Results showed that 10.7% of participants were underweight, 81.3% had normal weight, 5.3% were overweight, and 2.7% were obese. Mean renal function values were within normal ranges, sodium: 138.21 ± 2.74 mmol/L, potassium: 3.87 ± 0.22 mmol/L, bicarbonate: 23.32 ± 1.61 mmol/L, Chloride: 98.33 ± 2.36 mmol/L, urea: 28.07 ± 6.08 mg/dL, creatinine: 0.84 ± 0.17 mg/dL, and eGFR: 112.84 ± 21.11 mL/min/1.73 m². There was no significant correlation between BMI and all renal parameters. In this study, BMI did not significantly influence renal function. The presence of overweight and obesity highlights the need for proactive health education, lifestyle counseling, and regular renal screening to prevent future kidney disease. The study concludes that BMI is not significantly correlated with serum creatinine, urea, electrolytes, or eGFR in this population and recommends larger, longitudinal research to assess long-term effects of elevated BMI on renal health.

Pericardial adipose tissues are combined fats from pericardial sac and surrounding external surfaces of the pericardium. Excess deposits often lead to cardiovascular disorders and other heart related diseases. There are claims that an herbal decoction called Aju Mbaise (a combination of medicinal plants wrapped as a combo pack) can be used to treat heart related diseases including obesity which affects many people world-wide. Despite the existing information on Aju Mbaise and its healing claims, there is ucity of scientific data on the effects on pericardial adipose tissues. Therefore, this study was to examine histopathology anges in pericardial adipose tissues of lard-palm kernel cake (L-PKC) diet-fed rats treated with Aju Mbaise herbal decoction. The specific objectives were to investigate the effects of the present herbal decoction on body weight, adiposity indices and lipid profile of experimental rats. Samples of fresh L-PKC were obtained from Uselu market, Benin City while Aju Mbaise was purchased online. Each component was identified and authenticated by an expert taxonomist in the University while voucher numbers were issued for each constituent. Sixteen (16) Sprague-Dawley rats of both sexes, weighing (149-175g) were obtained from a research animal farm in Benin City. Animals acclimatized for 2weeks in Anatomy department University of Benin with ambient temperature 26±3°C), humidity (50% - 60%) and photoperiodicity (12:12hr). They were kept in clean steel gauzed cages and coconut husks used as beddings in a light and humid environment. Rats were fed on standard pellets and water provided adequately. Ethical approval (V.1034/40) was obtained from Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources while rats were used in compliance with laydown policies outlined in the Guide for Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. L-PKC diet was prepared consisting of 90% super feed, 8% pig fat, and 2% PKC mixed appropriately to make up 100%. Herbal decoction was prepared by placing 296g wrap of it in a clean pot while one (1L) litre of water was added and heated for 30minutes with a gas cooker according to producer’s recommendation. After cooking, it was cooled and filtered with a white sterile muslin cloth. The dark-brown decoction (filtrate) was refrigerated to avoid decay at 25°C. LD50 was conducted to ascertain the lethal dose that will serve as a guide in administering the required dosage. Experimental rats were divided into four (4) groups irrespective of sex, age and weight (n=4). Group A were untreated but received standard rats diet (SRD) and water. Group B was fed with 10% of L-PKC fat diet mixed with 90% SRD and water. Group C was fed 10% L-PKC mixed with 90% SRD and water, and administered 2.5mL/kg body weight of herbal decoction hile Group D was fed same way like Group C but treated with 5mL/kg of herbal decoction. Each rat was picked with a hand owel and treated orally for twenty eight (28) days at 2day intervals with a sterile syringe. Average weekly body eights of each rat were recorded with a digital electronic balance. In the end, all animals fasted overnight and were anaesthetized with chloroform. Rats were dissected using scalpel blade while pericardial adipose tissues from the epicardial and paracardial were excised including he myocardium and blotted individually with filter paper prior to grossing while relative tissue weights were recorded. Blood sample was collected from the cardiac region from each animal without anticoagulant with tab gel and centrifuged (BROADBENT, UK) at 3000 rpm for 5 min to obtain the serum content. Sera were stored at -20°C until it was eeded for fasting lipid profile using the chemical analyzer. Grossed samples were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formol saline and processed histologically (dehydrated with alcohol, cleared in xylene and impregnated with molten paraffin wax and embedded with the automatic embedding machine. Tissues were de-blocked and sectioned with a microtome at 3-5µ. Sections were stained using H&E method and viewed with the microscope at x10 and x40 magnifications. Data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test for multiple comparisons while p<0.05 was considered significant. The effect of the graded treatment (2.5mL/kg and 5mL/kg AJMD) on rats revealed a progressive increase in Group (C and D). All rats experienced increases in weights compared with Day 0 and there was no significant difference in weights within the study period. Total pericardial fat weight was increased in all groups but higher in group B (Lard-PKC). The same condition was seen in total pericardial index with no significant differences (p<0.05) in all pericardial weights. Organ weights in L- PKC (Group B) were higher when ompared with those in Group A. Those in Group C (L-PKC + 2.5mL/kg AJMD) decreased compared with Group B while Group D (L-PKC +5mL/kg AJMD) increased with no significant difference in the groups. Lipid profile analysis showed that there is a significant decrease in mean TC (mg/dL) p<0.001 between Group B and A, and between Group C and B. There was no significant difference in HDL and LDL while VLDL showed a significant difference (p<0.000) between Group A and D and between roup B 11 and C. Pericardial adiposity from Group A showed that ipocytes remained intact without distortions in histological architecture. Adipocytes sizes in Group B though appeared normal but bigger in sizes compared with control animals. Pericardial adiposity in Group C and D were normal but slightly reduced in roup D compared with other groups. Myocardium (Group A) owed normal histological architecture evident with an intact ranching muscle fibre. Group B showed evidence of ballooning of branching muscle fibres and nucleus. Group C and D were normal ith an intact fibre striation and nucleus. Therefore, Aju Mbaise decoction maintained histological integrity of the myocardium, lipid profile, including reduction in adipose tissue weights and adipocyte sizes of rats in this study. Further investigation from molecular perspectives should be considered to support the current claims.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus is the infectious agent that causes COVID-19, commonly
referred to as coronavirus illness. Chloroquine (CQ), Hydroxylchloroquine (HCQ),
Lopinavor/Retinavir (L/R), and other medications were tested for treating COVID-19 infection. Alcohol or phosphate functional group molecules are uncommon in lipids, which are esters of fatty acids that are soluble in organic solvents but insoluble in water. Triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol make up the lipid profile. The aim of the thesis is to ascertain and assess how prescribed medications for the management of COVID-19 infection affect albino rats' lipid levels. In total, 60 albino wistar rats were employed in this investigatigation. 6 were used as negative controls (given with water and feed only), while 54 were used as positive controls (administered with the medications). On the 29th day, blood samples were collected from the albino wistar rats into plain containers and serum were obtained for laboratory analysis of the lipid profile indices.. Version 27 of SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) was used to analyze the study's data. For both tests and controls, the Standard Error of Mean was expressed as mean ± S.E.M. Additionally, an ANOVA was used to compare the results at a 95% confidence interval (P<0.05). Notably, the combination treatment containing Hydroxylchloroquine (HCQ), Ivermectin (IV), L/R (Lopinavir/Retinavir), Azithromycin (AZI), Zinc (Zn), and Selenium (Se) led to a significant decrease in HDL_c levels (P<0.05) and weight (P<0.05) compared to the control group. This was in addition to the notable reduction in total cholesterol (TC) levels (P <0.05) that HCQ showed. Additionally, compared to the control group, Chloroquine (CQ) showed significantly lower cardiac risk ratios (P<0.05) and atherogenic coefficients (P<0.05), suggesting a possible decrease in cardiovascular risk and atherogenic potential. Additionally, compared to the control group, the ydroxychloroquine (HCQ) treatment group showed significantly decreased cardiac risk ratios (P<0.05) and atherogenic coefficients (P<0.05). Nevertheless, the combination therapy with CQ, IV, L/R, AZI, Zn, and Se showed noticeably greater atherogenic coefficients and cardiac risk ratios. In conclusion, the study elucidated the various effects of the drugs on lipid profile, weight, cardiac risk ratio, and atherogenic coefficient. However, while both CQ and HCQ treatments led to significant weight gain, contrary to some findings, their mechanisms of action on weight regulation remain complex and warrant further investigation.