DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY

Malaria remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, particularly among children under ten years of age who are highly susceptible to infection. This study analyzed secondary malaria testing data from two primary health centres which are Ebelle Primary Healthcare Centre and Eguare Primary Healthcare Centre in Igueben Local Government Area (LGA), Edo State,
covering the period January 2024 to April 2025. The objectives were to determine the total number of children under ten recorded as tested, the total number recorded positive, the monthly prevalence rates, and to identify seasonal trends in malaria transmission. Data were extracted from facility registers and analyzed using descriptive statistics, with prevalence computed as (number positive ÷ number tested) × 100. Across both health centres, a total of 647 children under ten were recorded as tested, of which 517 (79.9%) tested positive for malaria parasites. At the facility level, Ebelle PHC recorded a prevalence of 73.3%, while Eguare PHC recorded 85.6%. Monthly prevalence varied between 56% and 100%, with the highest values recorded in March and April 2024 (Ebelle PHC) and June 2024 and March 2025 (Eguare PHC), corresponding to periods of intense rainfall and increased mosquito breeding. Both facilities showed sustained high transmission during the rainy and dry seasons, ndicating year-round endemicity. The findings demonstrate that malaria remains highly prevalent among children under ten in Igueben LGA. Strengthening preventive strategies such as consistent use of insecticide-treated nets, improved community awareness, environmental management to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, and continuous surveillance at health facilities are recommended to reduce malaria burden in the area.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) refers to a progressive, non-malignant enlargement of the prostate that is associated with urinary obstruction, hormonal imbalances, oxidative stress, and systemic hematological disruptions. Due to the side effects and high costs of conventional therapies, there is growing interest in medicinal plants such as Picralima nitida, which has traditionally been used to treat urinary tract disorders and inflammation. This study investigates the effects of an extract from the stem bark of Picralima nitida on hematological parameters and prostate health in male albino rats with testosterone-induced BPH. Fresh stem bark of Picralima nitida was collected, shade-dried, pulverized, and extracted using distilled water through decoction. The rats were divided into six (6) groups of five (5) rats each: a normal control group, a BPH-induced control group, a group was given Testosterone Pionate and standard, a group was treated with the standard medication finasteride, and two groups receiving different oral doses of the stem bark extract for a set treatment period. BPH was induced using subcutaneous testosterone propionate. Hematological parameters, including red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cell (WBC) count, platelet count, and differential leukocyte indices, were measured using automated hematology procedures. Prostate weight, prostate index, and histopathological examinations were performed to assess prostate architecture and inflammation. The results showed that BPH induction led to a significant decrease in RBC indices and an increase in WBC counts and the prostate index compared to the normal control group. Treatment with the Picralima nitida extract significantly improved parameters related to anemia, reduced the elevation of inflammatory leukocyte counts, and resulted in a marked decrease in the prostate index and tissue hyperplasia, similar to the effects of finasteride, in a dosedependent manner. This study concludes that the stem bark of Picralima nitida has promising hepatoprotective and anti-BPH effects, supporting its potential as a safe and affordable phototherapeutic alternative for managing BPH and minimizing associated ematological complications

Vernonia amygdalina leaf and carica papaya leaf have been employed to cure infections in traditional medicine, the plants have demonstrated a significant effect on microorganisms of bacteria, fungi and virus in various studies. The work aims to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of the decoction on the day old broiler chicks. The study decoction of pawpaw leaf and bitter leaf extract was extracted in ratio 1:1 in 5 liters of drinking water. Fifty (50), day old broiler chicks were used for the experiment. The study lasted for 4 weeks. Feed, drinking water and the decoction were provided ad libitum and standard routine management practices were followed. The chicks were divided into two treatments with 25 chicks per treatment. The first set labelled as T1 as control which were given plain water while the second set were labelled T2 as the treated chicks given the decoction as their drinking water. The result showed that there were distinct differencea in weekly weight gain and the final live weight p<0.05. Haematological indices showed that RBC, WBC, PCV, Lymphocytes and monocytes volume increased in the body of the chicks. Data were collected for body weight, (p<0.05). The results depict that there was significant (p< 0.05) differences observed in the body weight between T1 and other T2. In conclusion AVECAPA Decoction can be used in replacement of antibiotics.

Groundwater and borehole water remain a vital source of drinking water in many Nigerian cities, yet their quality is often compromised by physicochemical and microbial contamination. This study assessed the physicochemical and bacteriological analysis on water sources in University of Benin Ekenwan Campus Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A total of eighteen water samples
were collected from six hostel locations including Notre Dame, Uniben Table Water, Bore-hole source Water, Boy’s hostel, Postgraduate hostel, and Girl’s hostel, and analysed using the method of A.O.A.C. The microbiological analysis was analysed using standard microbiological methods. The results revealed that physicochemical analysis revealed that pH values of the
water ranged between 4.58 and 6.38, falling below the FEPA acceptable limit of 6.5–8.5. Most physicochemical parameters analysed were below permissible limits, however, iron (0.56–1.06 mg/L) and chromium (0.10–0.25 mg/L) exceeded the FEPA limits of 0.3 mg/L and 0.05 mg/L respectively. Microbiological results showed high contamination across hostel water samples. Presumptive coliform counts ranged from 6.67×10³ cfu/ml (Notre Dame) to 2.83×10⁴ cfu/ml (Boys hostel), aerobic bacterial counts ranged from 6.67×10³ cfu/ml (Notre Dame) to 8.67×10⁴ cfu/ml (Postgraduate hostel), while fungal counts ranged from 1.00×10¹ sfu/ml (Notre Dame) to 2.00×10² sfu/ml (Boys hostel). The microbial results exceeded WHO and FEPA permissible
standards. Identified bacteria include Staphylococcus aureus, Corynebacterium spp., Aeromonas hydrophila, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Klebsiella aerogens, Enterobacter aerogens and Chromobacterium violaceum, Penicillium notatum, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Microsporum audouinii. Among bacteria, K. aerogens had the highest occurrence (21.9 %)
while A. hydrophila had the least occurrence (9.4 %). Among fungi, A. flavus (35.7%) was the most frequently occurring, while M. audouinii (14.3 %) had the lowest occurrence. Antibiotic sensitivity testing before plasmid curing showed multidrug resistance across isolates. Staphylococcus aureus displayed resistance to amoxicillin, augmentin, pefloxacin, azithromycin, and ceftriaxone, with the highest multidrug resistant index (MDRI) of 0.8. Pseudomonas fluorescens and Enterobacter aerogens each had an MDRI of 0.5, while Corynebacterium spp. and Chromobacterium violaceum exhibited MDRI values ranging from 0.2 to 0.3. After plasmid curing, resistance was lost in several isolates, with A. hydrophila, S. aureus, Corynebacterium spp., P. fluorescens, K. aerogens and C. violaceum showing susceptibility to tested antibiotics. This study demonstrated that while physicochemical parameters of water sources in Ekenwan Campus were largely within permissible limits except for iron and chromium, the
microbiological quality was grossly compromised. The detection of multidrug resistant organisms, both plasmid-mediated and chromosomal, highlights the public health risk associated with these water sources. The findings confirm that water supplied in these hostels is unsafe for direct consumption and requires adequate treatment and disinfection to reduce risks of waterborne infections and antibiotic-resistant outbreaks in the student community

Cadmium and lead represent hazardous heavy metals that present substantial threats to environmental quality and human health worldwide. These metallic contaminants undergo bioaccumulation in living tissues, triggering oxidative damage and multiple pathological manifestations in vital organs. Given the extended biological retention periods of these toxicants, there exists an urgent requirement for efficacious and environmentally sound therapeutic approaches. This research examined how Annona muricata phytowaste extracts influence lead and cadmium tissue accumulation in Wistar rat models.Thirty male Wistar rats (80-100g) were allocated randomly across five treatment cohorts over 90 days. Group I received distilled water (control), Group II was administered lead acetate with cadmium chloride, Group III received zinc (1mg/kg) and selenium (1.5mg/kg), while Groups IV and V were treated with ethanol- based Annona muricata extract at 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg respectively. Heavy metal quantification in splenic, cerebral, and skeletal tissues was performed via atomic absorption spectrophotometry.Results revealed marked metal deposition in untreated subjects, with cadmium elevated by 189% in brain, 115% in spleen, and 102% in bone. Lead increased by 79% in bone, 55% in brain, and 115% in spleen. Zinc-selenium intervention reduced cadmium by 76% (spleen), 67% (brain), and 65% (bone), while lead decreased by 64%, 67%, and 54% respectively. The 250mg/kg EEAM dosage decreased cadmium by 73% across all tissues, with lead reductions of 66%, 46%, and 64%. The 500mg/kg dosage demonstrated superior protection in soft tissues, reducing cadmium by 80% in brain and lead by 75% in spleen, though skeletal tissue showed paradoxical increases suggesting metal mobilization.This investigation validates the therapeutic utility of Annona muricata phytowaste for ameliorating heavy metal intoxication, with protection equivalent to conventional supplementation. The transformation of agricultural by-products into therapeutic resources aligns with sustainable development objectives while addressing environmental contamination.

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder affecting how the body processes fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, stemming from insulin deficiency or dysfunction. The disease burden continues to grow, bringing complications that damage multiple organ systems. Diabetic nephropathy, one of the most serious complications, remains a leading cause of kidney failure. Traditional herbal remedies have shown promise in managing diabetes and its complications, with several plants demonstrating protective effects on kidney function. This study evaluated the nephroprotective effects of a bi-herbal leaf aqueous extract combining Vernonia amygdalina and Alstonia boonei against streptozotocin-induced kidney damage in Wistar rats. The leaves were washed, air-dried for two weeks, ground into powder, and soaked in distilled water for three days to create an extract, which was then concentrated and refrigerated for later use. The rats were grouped into 6 groups and kept in comfortable conditions with proper temperature control, regular feeding schedules, and care that followed all ethical guidelines for animal research. The rats were induced with STZ (streptozotocin), and a renal function test was carried out to assess kidney health. The results showed that the bi-herbal extract provided maximum protective effects at the lowest dose tested, significantly outperforming higher doses (P<0.05). The extract demonstrated measurable nephroprotective activity, suggesting potential therapeutic value in preventing diabetes-related kidney damage. These findings indicate that lower concentrations of the bi-herbal combination may be more effective than higher doses in protecting kidney function. Additional research is needed to establish optimal dosing protocols and confirm long-term safety before clinical application.

Ocimum gratissimum (scent leaf) is a medicinal herb renowned for its essential oils rich in antimicrobial and antioxidant constituents. This study evaluated the influence of dumpsite pollution on the phytochemical and functional composition of O. gratissimum essential oil obtained from Egor, Ovia North-East, and Oredo Local Government Areas of Edo State, Nigeria. Essential oils extracted using a Soxhlet apparatus were characterized by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The GC–MS analysis revealed a predominance of hydrocarbons particularly decane and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate suggesting petroleum- and plastic-derived contamination, while FTIR spectra identified nitrogenous, carbonyl, and halogenated functional groups absent in uncontaminated reference samples. These alterations indicate that dumpsite exposure disrupts the biosynthesis of natural oxygenated terpenes, thereby diminishing the therapeutic quality of the oil and introducing potential toxicants. The findings demonstrate that environmental pollution significantly affects the chemical integrity of O. gratissimum and hence, the need to restrict its cultivation near polluted environments

Medicinal plants have long been used in traditional African medicine for managing kidney-related ailments, largely due to their rich phytochemical compositions and therapeutic potential. This study investigated the effects of methanol leaf extract of Anthocleista grandiflora on renal and electrolyte parameters in Wistar rats. A. grandiflora, a member of the Gentianaceae family, is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic properties attributed to its bioactive constituents such as flavonoids, iridoids, saponins, and tannins. Fresh leaves were collected, authenticated, air-dried, pulverized, and extracted with methanol. Twenty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: a control and three treatment groups receiving 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg of the extract orally for 28 days. Biochemical parameters including urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate were analyzed using standard diagnostic methods. Results indicated no statistically significant (p > 0.05) alterations in serum urea and creatinine concentrations across all groups, suggesting that the extract did not impair renal excretory function or protein metabolism. Similarly, electrolyte values remained within normal physiological limits, confirming the maintenance of acid–base balance and tubular integrity. Slight fluctuations in sodium and potassium were non-dose-dependent and within safe reference ranges. The extract demonstrated renal safety and stability across the measured biochemical parameters. The findings imply that methanol leaf extract of A. grandiflora exerts no nephrotoxic effects and may instead support renal homeostasis through its antioxidant and membrane-stabilizing mechanisms. These results validate its ethnomedicinal use in managing renal and urinary disorders and support its potential as a safe natural therapeutic agent for kidney protection. Further studies are recommended to isolate and characterize the specific bioactive constituents responsible for its renoprotective effects.

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is a vital food and oilseed crop in Nigeria, contributing significantly to dietary protein and economic livelihoods. However, long-term storage in sealed plastic or glass bottles applicable in a common household and small-scale trader practice creates a microaerobic, high-humidity environment conducive to fungal proliferation and aflatoxin contamination. This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic efficacy of a ternary essential oil blend derived from cloves (Syzygium aromaticum), thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and bay leaves (Laurus nobilis) which are all Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) botanicals
against fungal isolates from heavily infested groundnut samples. Fungal enumeration on Potato Dextrose Agar revealed a mean contamination level of 1.42 × 10⁷ CFU/g (replicates: 1.38, 1.42,
1.46 × 10⁷ CFU/g), exceeding the International Commission on Microbiological Specifications for Foods (ICMSF) safety threshold (<10⁴ CFU/g) by 1,420-fold. Morphological and microscopic
characterization identified six fungal species, with Aspergillus parasiticus (30.6%), A. flavus (28.2%), and Emericella astellata (18.8%) dominating the mycoflora. Coconut Extract Agar (CEA) under UV 365 nm and Ammonia Vapor Test (AVT) confirmed 88.2% of isolates as aflatoxigenic, indicating high risk of B- and G-group aflatoxin synthesis. The methanol extract of the spice mixture exhibited strong, concentration-dependent antifungal activity in disc diffusion assays, producing inhibition zones of 7.7–23.2 mm across 25–100% concentrations, with maximum efficacy (23.2 mm) against E. astellata at 100%. The essential oil blend demonstrated complete fungicidal action, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) ranging from 1.0% (E. astellata) to 7.0% (A. parasiticus) and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFC) from 3.0% to 9.0%. The MFC/MIC ratio (≤4) confirmed fungicidal rather than fungistatic activity. Mechanistically, the blend disrupts fungal cell membrane integrity, inhibits ergosterol biosynthesis, and suppresses aflatoxin pathway genes. The GRAS-compliant essential oil blend presents a promising, safe, and natural antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic agent for groundnut preservation. Future research should focus on in-situ validation and quantitative aflatoxin reduction using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).