Department of Medical Laboratory Science

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has presented a major threat to public health worldwide. COVID-19 is the result of infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that was first identified in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China on December 2019. It is highly contagious and transmission is via respiratory droplets and direct contact. There are no specific antiviral measures available to treat COVID-19 but there are several treatment options that could be pursued as first-line therapy for COVID-19 which is the repurposing of drugs like Chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, zinc, selenium, lopinavir/ritonavir and ivermectin. The aim of this project was to evaluate and monitor the adverse effects of the recommended drugs for the treatment of COVID 19 in the liver Proteins of Wistar rats. 60 rats were used for this study and the parameters that was assayed for was albumin, total protein, direct bilirubin and total bilirubin. Albumin was analysed using bromocresol green reagent, total protein was analysed using biuret reagent, and bilirubin by Evelyn and Malloy's method. The data generated were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0 (IBM Inc. USA). The results showed that the Albumin of animals treated with Combination 7(2.93±0.14), Combination 8 (3.10±0.15) and combination 9 (3.08±0.15) were significantly lower than that of the control (4.17±0.18) (p<0.05). There was significant difference in direct bilirubin of experimental animals across most treated groups (p<0.05). It also showed that total bilirubin was significantly higher (p<0.05) in animals treated with ivermectin (0.93±0.10) and Lopinavir-ritonavir (0.92±0.06) when compared to control (0.47±0.07), and Total protein was significantly higher (p<0.05) in animals treated with ivermectin (8.62±0.45) when compared to control (7.02±0.22). In conclusion, the administration of these drugs adversely affected the synthetic and excretory functions of the liver. Regular assessment of liver function parameters, including albumin, total bilirubin, and total protein levels should be made compulsory in patients receiving COVID-19 drugs.

Psychiatric patients are considered at increased risk for blood-borne viral infections such as Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV), due to behavioral, social, and health-system factors. This study's aim was to determine the prevalence of Hepatitis B and C virus infection among inpatients at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Uselu, Benin City. A cross-sectional assessment was used for this study and One hundred and one (101) in-patients were recruited using simple random sampling technique. Demographic and clinical data were collected using structured forms. Blood samples were obtained from each patients and serum samples were obtained and tested for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV antibodies using rapid immunochromatographic assays. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to assess associations between infection status and demographic/clinical variables. Of the 101 participants used in the study, 70.3% were male and the majority (40.6%) was aged 21–30 years. Schizophrenia (38.6%) and mental and behavioral disorders (48.5%) were the leading diagnoses observed in the study. The prevalence of HBV was 2.97% (3/101), while no HCV infection was detected. No significant association was found between psychiatric diagnosis and HBV status. However, ethnicity and marital status were significantly associated with HBV positivity. Age, sex, occupation, and religion were not significantly associated with infection. Psychiatric diagnosis was not associated with HBV, but ethnicity and marital status showed significant associations, suggesting household and community transmission influences. Thus, this study emphasizes the importance of routine HBV/HCV screening of psychiatric in-patients. HBV vaccination for non-immune patients, staff and household contacts, and integration of hepatitis services into psychiatric care are also strongly recommended.

Lead is a toxic heavy metal associated with renal and hepatic injury through oxidative stress and biochemical disruption. This study evaluated the histomorphological and protective effects of Manihot esculenta leaf extract on lead-induced renal and hepatic toxicity in albino rats. Literature highlights lead’s mechanisms of toxicity and the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and organoprotective properties of M. esculenta. Twenty-five albino rats were divided into five groups: control, lead only (60 mg/kg), lead plus extract (500 mg/kg), lead plus extract (1000 mg/kg), and extract only (1000 mg/kg). Treatments were administered orally for 28 days, after which body weights, organ weights, biochemical parameters, and histological changes were assessed. Body and kidney weights showed no significant differences (p = 0.177; p = 0.753), but liver weights varied significantly (p = 0.010), with hepatomegaly in the lead plus extract (500 mg/kg) group. Biochemical markers (urea, creatinine, electrolytes, bilirubin, AST, ALT, ALP) were largely unchanged (p > 0.05), except chloride levels (p = 0.035), which were elevated in the lead plus extract (1000 mg/kg) group. Histological analysis revealed hepatocellular degeneration and renal tubular necrosis in the lead-only group, while extract-treated groups showed preserved hepatic cords, intact glomeruli, and reduced inflammatory changes. In conclusion, M. esculenta leaf extract demonstrated dose-dependent protective effects against lead-induced renal and hepatic toxicity, with moderate doses (500 mg/kg) offering optimal benefit. These findings support its potential as a complementary therapeutic agent in managing heavy metal toxicity.

Herbal remedies are widely utilized in traditional medicine, but scientific validation of theirsafety, particularly in combination, remains limited. This study investigated the gastrointestinal histopathological effects of aqueous extracts of Tetrapleura tetraptera fruit and Jatrophacurcasleaves in female Wistar rats. Twenty-four adult rats (107–155 g) were assigned into four groups(n = 6): Group A (control) received feed and water only; Group B received T. tetrapteraextract
(200 mg/kg); Group C received J. curcas extract (400 mg/kg); and Group Dreceivedbothextracts concurrently at the same doses. Treatments were administered orally for 28 consecutivedays. Parameters assessed included body weight, organ weight, fecal occult blood, andhistopathological evaluation of the stomach, small intestine and rectum. Statistical analysisrevealed no significant differences (p > 0.05) in body weight, organ weight, or fecal occult bloodamong the experimental groups. Histological findings showed that both T. tetrapteraandJ. curcas extracts preserved normal gastrointestinal cytoarchitecture, with intact epithelial linings, well-organized lamina propria, and continuous muscularis mucosae. The small andlargeintestines displayed healthy villi and abundant goblet cells without evidence of necrosis, erosion, or inflammatory infiltration. However, sections of the stomach from the combined-extract grouprevealed mild gastric erosion with focal epithelial disruption and minimal inflammatorycell presence. These findings indicate that while aqueous extracts of T. tetraptera and J. curcas areindividually safe at the tested doses, their concurrent administration may induce mildgastricirritation, suggesting a possible herb–herb interaction. Further phytochemical and chronictoxicity studies are recommended to clarify the mechanisms of interaction and establishsafeusage parameters for polyherbal formulations containing these species.

Cymbopogon citratus is a widely used medicinal and culinary herb known to contain a variety of vitamins and bioactive compounds. Solvent-based extraction plays a crucial role in determining the yield and profile of these nutrients, particularly vitamins, which differ in polarity and solubility. This study aimed to compare the vitamin composition of polar (ethanol) and non-polar (diethyl ether) extracts of C. citratus to determine which solvent more effectively recovers specific vitamins. Extraction was carried out using standard maceration techniques with ethanol and diethyl ether as solvents. Vitamin analysis was conducted spectrophotometrically, and data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Relevant literature was sourced from peerreviewed journals indexed in scientific databases and pla forms such as PubMed, ResearchGate, Google Scholar, and ScienceGate. The results showed that the polar extract contained
significantly higher levels of vitamin A (51.02 ± 0.004 ppm), vitamin B6 (2.533 ± 0.010 ppm), and vitamin D (55.89 ± 0.020 ppm). In contrast, the non-polar extract yielded significantly higher concentrations of vitamin B12 (2.957 ± 0.155 ppm), vitamin C (59.71 ± 0.035 ppm), vitamin E (36.07 ± 0.2335 ppm), vitamin K (19.90 ± 0.2137 ppm), and benzoic acid (6.124 ± 0.027 ppm), all with p-values < 0.05. In conclusion, the choice of solvent significantly affects the recovery of vitamins from C. citratus. Ethanol is more suitable for extracting water-soluble or moderately polar vitamins, while diethyl ether is better for highly lipophilic compounds. It is recommended that future research include in vivo investigations to evaluate the biological relevance, bioavailability, and therapeutic potential of the extracted vitamins, building upon the in vitro findings of this study.

The rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a critical threat to effective infection management, with Escherichia coli recognized as a key contributor due to its role in both community and hospital-acquired infections of particular concern are extended- spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing strains, which hydrolyze third-generation cephalosporins and are frequently associated with multidrug resistance. This study investigated the relationship between the Multiple Antibiotic Resistance (MAR) index and ESBL production among E. coli isolates obtained from clinical specimens at the
University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). A total of 51 isolates were analyzed
using standard microbiological and susceptibility techniques. ESBL production was confirmed in 9 isolates (17.6%), all from urine samples, consistent with previous reports that highlight urinary tract infections as the leading source of ESBL-producing E. coli. The MAR index values ranged from 0.1 to 1.0, with 31.4% of isolates
exhibiting MAR = 1.0, underscoring the high antibiotic selection pressure in hospital environments. Although ESBL production was more frequent at higher MAR values, statistical analysis showed no significant correlation (p = 0.1677). This contrasts with
findings from other regions where ESBL producers consistently demonstrate elevated MAR indices. The presence of multidrug-resistant ESBL-producing E. coli in UBTH underscores the urgent need for robust antimicrobial stewardship and infection control strategies to mitigate treatment failures and resistance dissemination in Nigeria.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a clinical syndrome associated with deficiency of insulin secretion or action. It is considered one of the largest emerging threats to health in the 21 st century. It is estimated that there will be 380 million persons with Diabetes mellitus in 2025 (Atkins et al., 2010). Besides the classical complications of the disease, DM has been associated with reduced response of T cells, neutrophil function, and disorders of humoral immunity (Muller et al., 2005). Consequently, DM increases the susceptibility to infections, both the most common ones as well as those that almost always affect only people with DM (e.g. rhinocerebral mucormycosis)(Peleg et al., 2007). Such infections, in addition to the repercussions associated with its infectivity, may trigger DM complications such as hypoglycemia and ketoacidosis. Fungal infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in immune compromised individuals (such as diabetes mellitus) and Candida are among the most common pathogens in these patients (Pahwa, 2015). The prevalence of diabetes has been on the increase. Diabetes is associated with certain diseases such as candidiasis (Bader et al., 2015). Candida species are important nosocomial pathogens in critically ill patients and are associated with substantial mortality and 1 prolonged hospitalization in the intensive care unit

Parasitic contamination of drinking water remains a major public health challenge in
developing regions, where wells serve as primary water sources. These parasites can cause debilitating infections, reduce quality of life, and contribute to high morbidity rates. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and distribution of Micro organisms in well water sources across Benin City, Edo state. A total of 195 wells were sampled and examined using standard parasitological techniques and were analyzed microscopically for the presence of parasites. The data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics with SPSS version 25 and chisquare tests were applied to assess associations between parasite occurrence and location, with statistical significance set al p < 0.05.. Results revealed widespread contamination, with 88.2% of wells harboring at least one parasite. Ascaris was the most prevalent (26.7%), followed by Strongyloides (16.4%) and Entamoeba (12.8%). Giardia lamblia and Hookworm each accounted for 9.2%, while Schistosoma haematobium and Fasciola were least prevalent at 7.2% each. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences in parasite distribution across LGAs (p >0.05) except for Schistosoma haematobium, which was significantly associated with a location (p = 0.019). In conclusion, the findings highlight a high burden of parasitic contamination in well waters of Benin City, emphasizing the urgent need for improved water quality management and public health interventions.

This study investigated the effects of malaria parasite infection on kidney function using albino Wistar rats. The aim of the study was to determine kidney impairment induced by malaria through controlled infection with Plasmodium berghei, a rodent malaria parasite closely similar to Plasmodium falciparum. Sixteen male Wistar rats (130–174 g) were divided into four groups: control (uninfected), and three experimental groups infected with high (10⁶ iRBCs), medium (10⁴ iRBCs), and low (10² iRBCs) parasite doses, respectively. At the end of a 42-day experimental period, kidneys were harvested, processed, and examined histologically using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Results revealed dose-dependent renal pathology, with the high infection group showing a tendency of marked glomerular hypertrophy, tubular necrosis, vascular congestion, interstitial inflammatory infiltration, and hemosiderin casts, while moderate and mild changes were observed in the medium and low infection groups. Kidney weights however showed no significant increase in infected rats compared to controls, indicating parasitemia-related organomegaly. These findings demonstrate that malaria infection causes progressive, dose-dependent kidney damage characterized by glomerular and tubular injury, interstitial inflammation, and vascular alterations. In conclusion, malaria-associated nephropathy is a major complication of infection, and Plasmodium berghei-infected Wistar rats provide a
reliable model for studying malaria-induced renal dysfunction and for evaluating potential therapeutic interventions.

(garlic) has long been recognized for its antimicrobial potential, yet the comparative efficacy of its ethanolic and aqueous extracts against clinically relevant pathogens requires further evaluation. This study assessed the antibacterial
activity of ethanolic and aqueous garlic extracts against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from wound swabs. Garlic bulbs were authenticated, dried, pulverized, and subjected to maceration in ethanol and sterile water to obtain crude extracts with yields of 2.25% and 3.57%, respectively. Antimicrobial susceptibility was evaluated using ditch plate, cup plate, and agar dilution methods. Inhibition zone diameters (IZDs), minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) were determined. Both extracts displayed concentration-dependent antibacterial activity, with ethanolic fractions showing greater potency than aqueous fractions. Ethanolic extract inhibited K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa at 100 mg/mL (IZD: 12–14 mm), while aqueous extract required 200 mg/mL for measurable inhibition (IZD: 11–13
mm). MIC values were 100 mg/mL for ethanolic and 200 mg/mL for aqueous extracts, whereas MBC was achieved only with ethanolic extract at 200 mg/mL. Statistical analysis confirmed that concentration significantly influenced antibacterial activity (p = 0.000), while differences between organisms or extract types were not statistically significant (p = 0.292). These findings suggest that garlic exhibits concentration- dependent antibacterial activity, with ethanolic extracts demonstrating superior
efficacy.