FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCE

The study of the fungi associated with leaf spot disease of P. guajava (guava) was conducted in order to compare the radial mycelial growth of the isolated fungi on both potato dextrose agar (PDA) and corn meal agar (CMA). Fungi associated with the diseased guava leaves were isolated using the direct plating method while the radial mycelial growth of the isolated fungi was done using radial mycelial measurement technique. Pestalotia psidii and L. theobromae were identified as the fungi associated with the diseased guava leaves. Cultural description shows P. psidii to form whitish to grey mycelium with sparse black sporulation on PDA but grows very slowly on CMA with rarely visible mycelial growth on the culture plate. Lasiodioplodia theobromae on the other hand developed cottony mycelia that transition from white to black as the colony matures on PDA and produces less whitish to dark, septate mycelia on CMA which barely turns black as the colony matures. The results the radial mycelial growth of P. psidii and L .theobromae on corn meal agar shows an increase in the average mycelial growth of P. psidii from 3.25cm on day 3 to 5.20cm on day 7 while L. theobromae was observed to increase from 3.63cm on day 3 to 5.63cm on day 7. On PDA the average mycelial growth of P. psidii increases from 5.05cm on day 3 to 8.5cm on day 7 while L. theobromae was observed to increase from 3.90cm on day 3 to 7.45cm on day 7. Findings of this study has shown P. psidii and L. theobromae to be the major fungi associated with leaf spot disease of guava leaves and also shown the growth medium PDA to be more suitable for the in vitro radial mycelial growth study of P. psidii and L. theobromae.

In this study, prevalence of enteric bacteria in ready to eat suya and antibacterial activity of Tetrapleura tetraptera pod extract was carried out. The aim of this research was to isolate enteric bacteria from suya meats and determine the antibacterial potential of T. tetraptera against enteric bacteria. Standard microbiological methods were used to determine the total heterotrophic bacteria and coliform count of the suya samples using pour plate methods. Ethanolic extraction of pod of Tetrapleura tetraptera was done. The result of this study showed the total heterotrophic bacteria count (Log10 Cfu/g) ranged between 3.00±3.00 to 5.455606±2.50 (Log10 Cfu/g) while Total Coliform Count ranged from 3.00±0.50 to 4.921686±1.00 (Log10 Cfu/g). The bacterial
isolates isolated were Morgenella sp, Enterobacter sp, Pseudomonas sp, E. coli, Klebsiella sp and Bacillus sp. Phytochemicals screening showed the presence of saponin, te penoids, phenol, glycoside and alkanoids. Antibacterial screening showed that Tetrapleura tetraptera pod extracts possessed antibacterial activities against the test isolates with Klebsiella sp. Having 33.67mm for 100mg/ml while the minimum zone was recorded in Escherichia coli with 6.33mm for 75mg/ml concentration of extract. This finding also suggests good antibacterial potential of the pod extracts of Gum tree

Spices are food supplements or food products commonly used as flavouring and colouring agents, preservatives and/or herbs in folk medicine. Murraya koenigii (Linn, Spreng), (Family-Rutaceae) is a type of spice commonly called Curry leaves found in tropical and sub-tropical region and cultivated in China, Australia and Nigeria. It known as efirin oso in Yoruba and marugbo sanyan in Hausa. The aim of this study was to access the antibacterial activities of Murraya koenigii against Salmonella and Shigella species. Samples of commercial Murraya koenigii leaves were analysed and their phytochemical, phytocomponents and proximate components were assayed using standadrd methods. Also antibacterial activities of the olant extracts were investigated using well-in-agar diffusion methods. Data obtained for the different parameters were subjected to statistical analysis using the analysis of variance. The results of the phytochemical analysis revealed the presence flavonoid (8.81 ± 0.09 mg/100g), tannins (20.28 ± 0.53 mg/100g) and phenolic (44.83 ± 1.18 mg/100g) in aqueous extracts and flavonoid (67.1 ± 0.49 mg/100g), tannins (55.5 ± 1.98 mg/100g) and phenolic (68.0 ± 1.40 mg/100g) in ethanolic extract. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry confirmed the presence of Dodocanoic acid (0.40%), Tridecanoic acid (0.69%), Decanoic acid (0.29%), Tetramethyl-2- hexadecon-1-01 (1.65%), ctadecanoic acid (0.45%), Hexadecanoic acid (1.04%), Phthalic acid (1.14%), n-Hexadecanoic acid (29.6%), Hexadecanol (3.35%), acconic acid (6.23%), Octacosane (2.78%), Squalene (2.52%), Tetratetracontane (3.18%) and Cholesterol (1.57%). Zone of inhibition of the aqueous leave extract of Murraya koenigii on Salmonella sp and Shigella sp ranged from 0.10 ± 0.00 - 1.37 ± 0.03mm while zone of ethanolic extract ranged from 0.10 ± 0.00 - 1.67 ± 0.03mm respectively. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration ranged from 9.17 ± 2.20 - 45.0 ± 2.88 mg/ml for aqueous extract and 15.0 ± 7.64 - 90.0 ± 5.77 mg/ml for ethanolic extract. inimum actericidal Concentration (MBC) were negative in both aqueous and ethanolic extracts. The proximate analysis revealed the presence of Moisture (8.69 ± 0.52 %), Protein (19.73 ± 0.30%), Ash (1.95 ± 0.00 %), Fibre (4.31 ± 0.29 %), Lipid (6.53 ± 0.50 %) and carbohydrate (43.48 ± 1.72%). Shigella sp and Salmonella sp were resistant to septrin, ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin and perfloxacin and susceptible to sparfloxacin, augmentin and gentamycin with Salmonella sp having the highest multiple antibiotic resistance index of 0.5. The isolates were found to harbor plasmids. Plasmid profile of the bacterial isolates after curing showed that Shigella sp was totally cured while presence of visible bands was observed for Salmonella sp. signifying inherent resistance to antibiotics. The antibacterial activities observed in Murraya koenigii leaves extract is due to the presence of phytochemicals. The use of Murraya koenigii in folk medicine is therefore recommended

Anemia is a medical condition in which the concentration of circulating red blood cells is less than 13g/dL for males and 12g/dL for female adults. The leaves of Dennettia tripetala (DT) and Cola acuminata (CA) have been used to manage anemiain adults and children by herbal practitioners. This study compared the anti-anemic effects of Dennettia tripetala and Cola acuminata methanol leaf extracts on phenylhydrazine (PHZ)-induced hemolytic anemia in albino Wistar rats. The study was divided into four phases. In Phase I, nutritional and mineral
composition, qualitative and quantitative phytochemical content, In vitro antioxidant capacity, High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) were carried out in accordance with standard methods. In Phase II, acute and subacute toxicity of each extract was determined. In Phase III, the effect of each extract on biochemical parameters for kidney, liver and splenic functions were ascertained. Histology of bone marrow, kidney, liver and spleen and hematological parameters were also determined. In Phase IV, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for mRNA expression levels of IREG, HO-1, DMT-IRE and TFR1 genes in the liver and spleen was determined. Proximate analysis reveal that both leaf extracts contain substantial amounts of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, fibre and ash, with low moisture content. Minerals present are phosphorus, calcium, sodium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and potassium. Qualitative phytochemical and HPLC analysis reveal appreciable amounts of cardiac glycosides, saponins, alkaloids, terpenoids, coumarins, tannins, phenols, amino acids, and reducing sugars. Steroids were sparingly present, while flavonoids were abundant. GC-MS analysis showed the presence of terpenoids, hydrocarbons and fatty acids. Invitro anti-oxidant analysis indicates that CA scavenged DPPH radical better thanDT. However, DT had a higher total antioxidant capacity than CA. Acute toxicity studies show that both extracts had LD50 values >5,000 mg/kg body weight, with no mortality. Sub-acute toxicity revealed modulation of biochemical and hematological parameters. The effective dose of DT and CA against PHZ toxicity were 1,500 and 500mg/kg body weight, respectively. Administration of DT and CA resulted in significant (p<0.05) improvement of antioxidant status, biochemical indices and hematological parameters when compared with the negative control.

The handling of currency notes is an everyday activity that exposes them to various sources of microbial contamination. This study was carried out to evaluate the bacteriological quality of Nigerian currency notes collected from different sources banks, park, and petrol stations. A total of samples of different denominations (₦1000, ₦500, ₦200, and ₦100) were randomly collected from banks, park and petrol station and analyzed using standard microbiological procedures. The currency notes were swabbed, and the isolates were cultured on nutrient agar, MacConkey agar, and mannitol salt agar plates. The bacterial isolates were identified based on their phenotypical characteristics. the isolates were evaluated for their virulence factors and antibiotic susceptibility profile. The results revealed a high level of bacterial contamination on most of the notes examined, with isolates including loads compared to those from banks, possibly due to frequent handling and poor hygiene practices. The presence Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae. Notes obtained from petrol stations and park showed higher microbial of potential pathogens on currency notes indicates their role as fomites in the transmission of infectious diseases. This study emphasizes the need for improved public hygiene awareness, regular replacement of old and damaged notes, and the promotion of cashless transactions to reduce the risk of disease spread.

Fomites are generally considered as any inanimate object that can serve as a means of transferring pathogens to a new host. Table surfaces which are fomites can be a major source of spread of infectious diseases. The main aim of the study is to enumerate, isolate and identify bacteria from Environmental Management and Toxicology (EMT) students lecture tables at University of Benin as well as to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility test of the bacterial isolates. Samples were collected twice on a weekly basis using a sterile swab. Methods involved in the isolation and identification of the bacteria were serial dilution, Gram staining, biochemical test which include oxidase, catalase, indole, urease, sugar fermentation and potassium hydroxide test, as well as antimicrobial sensitivity test. The probable isolates identified were Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Klebsiella spp., Pseudomonas spp. and Enterobacter aerogenes, with the second week having a higher number of bacterial population and isolates. Unhygienic practices by the students accounts for these isolates.

I wish to express my deepest gratitude to all who supported this journey. First and foremost, I thank God Almighty for the strength, wisdom, and opportunity to complete this work. My heartfelt appreciation goes to my rock, my mother, Mrs. Uzzi-Akode, for her unwavering love and support. Thank you also to my dear sister, Mrs. Esele Fatima, her husband Mr. Odino Esele, and their children, Ainose Esele and Omo jade Esele, for their constant encouragement. I am profoundly grateful to my project supervisor, Prof. Alex, for his invaluable guidance and dedicated mentorship. I also thank Dr. Charles, Dr. Nosa, Dr. Frank, and Dr. Jeff for their academic influence and support. A special thank you to my project partners for their collaboration, and to my friends, especially Patricia and Mark, for their motivation and unwavering belief in me. Finally, I acknowledge myself for the perseverance andhard work invested in bringing this project to a successful conclusion.

Justicia carnea, commonly known as Brazilian plume or Jacobinia is a tropical flowering plant from the Acanthaceae family, it is traditionally used for it’s therapeutic properties. This study presents a meticulous proximate analysis, qualitative and qualitative phytochemical screening, mineral and vitamin C analysis obtained from Justicia carnea leaf. The Proximate analyses revealed high level of carbohydrate (57.16 ± 0.15%) and fibre (12.75 ± 0.11%) and moderate protein and ash content of (10.18 ± 0.10%) and (7.12 ± 0.09%) respectively, low level of fat (4.45 ± 0.08%) highlighting the plant’s nutritional value. The Phytochemical screening indicated that Ethanolic extracts were more efficient in extracting compounds such as Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Saponins Phenols and Terpenoids compared to Aqueous extracts. The high level of these secondary metabolites indicate the significant bioactivity of the plant. Quantitative analysis showed significant concentration of Polyphenones (65.20 ± 2.10%), Vitamin C (28.45 ± 0.86%) and moderate level of Phytic acid (10.04 ± 0.40%), which underscores the leaf’s antioxidant potentials. Mineral analysis identified Calcium and Iron as predominant elements. This lays a robust foundation for further exploration of the Justicia carnea leaf extract in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications, emphasizing it’s potential as a natural source of health promoting compound.

Garden egg (Solanum aethiopicum) is a staple vegetable in Nigeria, but concerns exist regarding potential heavy metal contamination and its impact on consumer health. This study investigated the presence of heavy metals (nickel, cadmium, and mercury) and oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) in garden egg samples collected from two markets (Uselu and Ikpoba Hill) in Benin City, Nigeria. A health risk assessment was conducted to estimate the potential health risks associated with nickel exposure. Garden egg samples (n=15) were purchased from each market. Samples were homogenized, and aliquots were used for eavy metal analysis via atomic absorption spectrometry, and oxidative stress marker assays (using standard protocols for MDA, GPx, SOD, and CAT activity measurement). The ean concentrations of Ni in Ikpoba Hill and Uselu Market were [0.032 ± 0.070] and [0.038 ± 0.068] respectively. The activities of SOD, CAT, GPx and MDA from Ikpoba Hill were 3.291 ± 0.792], [0.098 ± 0.058], [8.274 ± 2.043], and [0.728 ± 0.208] respectively, while for Uselu Market were [3.311 ± 0.938], [0.076 ± 0.020], [4.580 ± 1.287], and [0.668 ± 0.185] respectively. Relatively low levels of nickel were detected in both markets, while cadmium and mercury were undetectable. The Uselu market samples exhibited signifi antly higher levels of malondialdehyde, a marker of oxidative stress, and lower glutathione peroxidase activity, an antioxidant enzyme, compared to samples from Ikpoba Hill market. The reference dose (RfD) for nickel established by the US EPA and daily vegetable consumption recommendations from the WHO were used to estimate daily intake (EDI) and hazard quotient (HQ) for nickel exposure. The estimated daily intake and hazard quotient for nickel exposure from garden egg consumption were well below established safety thresholds, suggesting a low potential for non-carcinogenic health risks at the measured levels. These findings indicate minimal immediate health risks from heavy metal contamination in garden eggs sold at these markets. However, the observed variations in oxidative stress markers suggest potential differences in garden egg quality between the markets. Further research is needed to explore the factors influencing these variations, such as storage practices or agricultural techniques. Continued onitoring of heavy metal content in garden eggs is also recommended to ensure consumer safety.

A segment of the livestock industry, poultry birds include chicken, turkeys, ducks, and quails. Ectoparasite infestations are a common occurrence in poultry farms. These parasites feed on the skin, feathers, and blood of the birds, which results in illnesses and decreased egg production. Chicken lice is one common instance. The Phthipraptera order includes lice. Iguosa and Senior Staff Quarters (SSQ) in Ovia North East of Edo State are where this study was carried out in July 2023. This study was conducted to determine the species composition of lice in Ovia North East, abundance, species composition and mean intensity.The feathers of 101 hens were carefully held horizontally, in the opposite direction of their anatomical alignment, to expose the lice. The chickens were then hand-selected and inspected for lice. The only lice species identified in both farms were Menacanthus stramineus and Menopon gallinae, with Menacanthus stramineus being the only species on Iguosa Farm. 98.02% of both farms had lice, with M.stramineus having a frequency of 98.04 and M.gallinae having a prevalence of 14.85%. Iguosa had a total of 96.08% lice prevalence, while SSQ had the highest prevalence of 100%. M.stramineus was present in both farms, with no significant difference between them (p>0.1, p=0.127). In order to reduce the prevalence of lice and, especially, to increase poultry output, proper poultry management should be followed. Proper and constant treatment for lice should also be ensured.