FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCES

With the poultry sector being among the fastest growing agro-based industries world-wide, the poultry farms have emerged as a perspective and widely distributed business industry in Nigeria. However the global increase in the incidence of food borne illnesses with poultry and its products being a major contributor to these infections has become a major challenge to poultry farming. The aim of this study is to isolate and identify different enteric bacteria, find the antimicrobial sensitivity profile against the pathogens isolated from selected poultry farms in Benin city, Edo state. A total of fifteen (15) freshly voided fecal sample were collected aseptically from different poultry farms. The samples were cultured on selective and differential media including Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) agar, MacConkey agar, Salmonella shigella (SS) agar and bacterial isolate were identified based on cultural, morphological and biochemical properties. Antibiotic sensitivity test was carried using Kirby-Buer disk diffusion method. The total heterotrophic bacterial counts obtained from the fecal sample ranged from 1.00 × 106 CFU/g to 65.00 × 106 CFU/g. Five bacterial species were identified: Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp., Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca, and Proteus mirabilis. Among the identified bacterial isolate Escherichia coli had the highest frequency of (53.33%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae and Klebsiella oxytoca with a total frequency of (66.67%), Salmonella sp. with a frequency of (26.67%) while Proteus miribilis had the lowest frequency of (4.35%). E. coli and Klebsiella spp. demonstrated resistance to most βlactams, while Salmonella spp. were resistant to β-lactams and gentamicin (aminoglycoside) but showed low susceptibility to fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin). Proteus mirabilis was resistant to all antibiotics tested. Overall, over 80.00% of isolates exhibited resistance to at least two antibiotic classes. These findings underscore the presence of multidrug-resistant enteric bacteria in poultry environments and highlight the need for improved antibiotic stewardship, surveillance, and farm biosecurity.

Background Knowledge Visual acuity, the sharpness and clarity of vision, is significantly influenced by environmental lighting conditions. Different light sources, such as ambient light, LED bulbs, fluorescent lights, and incandescent bulbs, can impact visual performance. Optimizing lighting conditions is crucial for enhancing visual clarity and reducing eye strain in workspaces, educational settings, and other environments that demand precise vision. Despite its importance, there is limited research on how various light sources affect visual acuity within a room of fixed dimensions. Purpose This study investigates the effects of different light sources on visual acuity within a controlled room of constant dimensions at the Optometry Clinic, University of Benin. Method A repeated measures experimental design was employed, involving 35 participants with normal or corrected-to-normal vision. Visual acuity was assessed using Snellen charts under different lighting conditions. The room dimensions (length, width, and height) were kept constant, and a light meter was used to measure the illumination levels at the participants' eye level. Visual acuity was recorded in LogMAR values to ensure precision and consistency in data analysis. Statistical tests, including ANOVA and SPSS, were used to compare visual acuity across the different lighting conditions. Page7 Conclusion The study concludes that the choice of light source considerably impacts visual acuity within a room of fixed dimensions. These findings provide valuable insights for architectural lighting design, ergonomic practices, and the development of optimal visual environments in educational and professional settings.

Procreation was an important moral issue, and to ensure that both men and women are potent enough to procreate, aphrodisiacs were used to correct sexual dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction is basically the inability to achieve a normal sexual intercourse, and this include premature or quick ejaculation, inhibited ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, reduced libido, and orgasmic disorder (Kotta et al., 2013). In the 1990s, scientists carried out research work on aphrodisiacs and the first pharmacological remedy for impotence, Viagra (sildenafil) was approved. In a bid to look
for an agent that arouses sexual desire (aphrodisiac) with fewer side effects, the hunt for natural supplement from medicinal plants was intensified. Aphrodisiac plants have since been discovered and they have been pharmacologically tested in animals

Bisphenol A (BPA), a pervasive endocrine-disrupting chemical, poses significant ecological risks to aquatic organisms due to its widespread environmental contamination. This study investigates the effects of sublethal BPA concentrations on total protein levels in Clarias gariepinus (African catfish), a bioindicator species, to evaluate its sublethal toxicity and physiological implications. Following the organization for economic cooperation and development (OECD) guidelines for sublethal testing, fish were exposed to four BPA concentrations (1.25, 2.50, 5.0, and 10.0 mg/L) alongside positive (0.0 mg/L BPA) and negative (1.25 mg/L DMSO) controls under static conditions for 28 days. Total protein levels were quantified spectrophotometrically using the Biuret method, with statistical analysis performed via one-way ANOVA and Dunnett’s test (p < 0.05). Results revealed a significant dose-dependent reduction in total protein at higher concentrations (5.0 and 10.0 mg/L) after 7 days compared to controls (p< 0.05). However, these differences diminished by day 28, suggesting potential adaptive mechanisms or compensatory responses. The transient decline in protein levels at higher doses aligns with BPA-induced oxidative stress, which may impair hepatic protein synthesis or accelerate proteolysis. These findings underscore the time- and dose-dependent nature of BPA toxicity, highlighting its capacity to disrupt protein metabolism in aquatic organisms. The study emphasizes the need for stricter regulatory measures to mitigate BPA discharge into aquatic ecosystems, thereby reducing its sublethal impacts on fish physiology and broader ecological health.

Soil contamination by heavy metals is a growing environmental concern in urban areas due to industrial activities, traffic emissions, and waste disposal. This study examines the spatial distribution and bioaccumulation of heavy metals in soil from New Benin Market, a livestock area, Benin Airport, Ogbemudia Stadium, and Siluko Moat, using Aporrectodea longa as a bioindicator. Soil and earthworm samples were analyzed for Zn, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Cd, and Fe using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), with statistical assessments conducted to determine site-specific variations. Results revealed site-dependent contamination patterns. The New Benin Market had lower concentrations, but bioaccumulation in earthworms indicated risks from vehicular emissions and metal-based products. The Livestock Area exhibited high Zn, Cu, and Fe levels probably due to animal waste and feed additives. At Benin Airport, Pb, Zn, and Cu levels were linked to aviation fuel combustion and vehicular emissions. Ogbemudia Stadium recorded the highest Zn and Ni concentrations possibly influenced by recreational activities and infrastructure maintenance. Siluko Moat showed notable Zn, Cu, and Fe contamination, with Pb and Cd probably due to urban runoff and sewage leaks. Earthworm bioaccumulation across sites underscores their role as ecological indicators and the influence of organic matter on metal retention. These findings emphasize the need for targeted remediation strategies, including phytoremediation, soil amendments, and stricter environmental regulations. Continuous monitoring and public awareness initiatives are essential for mitigating heavy metal pollution and ensuring sustainable urban land use.

Airborne bacterial contamination in student residential areas poses significant public health risks, particularly in densely populated university settings. This study evaluated the microbial quality of air in two student hostels, Ekosodin and Osasogie, at the University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria, over a three-week period. Air samples were collected and analyzed for total bacterial counts, cultural and biochemical characteristics, distribution patterns, frequency of occurrence, and antibiotic susceptibility profiles. The results revealed that Ekosodin generally exhibited higher bacterial loads, peaking at 5.4 ± 0.35 ×10³ CFU/m³ during Week 2, whereas Osasogie recorded the lowest load of 2.1 ± 0.20 ×10³ CFU/m³ in Week 3. Six bacterial species were isolated: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella sp., Proteus sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus sp. E. coli (25%) and S. aureus (20%) were the most frequently occurring isolates. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed that fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin and pefloxacin) and aminoglycosides (gentamicin and streptomycin) were the most effective against the isolates, while beta-lactams (ampicillin and amoxicillin) and cotrimoxazole showed widespread resistance. The Multiple Antibiotic Resistance (MAR) indices ranged from 0.00 (Bacillus sp.) to 0.40 (Pseudomonas aeruginosa), highlighting the presence of multidrugresistant bacteria in the residential air. These findings underscore the need for improved ventilation, hygiene, and routine microbial monitoring in student residential facilities to mitigate the risks of airborne bacterial infections.

Hydrogen peroxide is increasingly found in our environment as a byproduct of both natural processes and industrial activities. Its accumulation in our environment has resulted in hydrogen peroxide pollution, altering aquatic ecosystems and inducing oxidative stress in living organisms. This study evaluated the effects of Hydrogen peroxide on two freshwater microalgae specie; Scenedesmus sp. and Chlamydomonas sp. for 14 days under various concentrations (control, 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%) of Hydrogen peroxide and absorbance was measured using a visible spectrophotometer at 750nm. Physicochemical parameters such as pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity, dissolved oxygen and conductivity were analyzed using standard methods. Statistical analysis (two-way ANOVA, paired t-test descriptive statistics) was done using Microsoft Excel. Results showed that Hydrogen peroxide had a dose dependent effect on Scenedesmus and Chlamydomonas. A comparison of the growth response of both microalgae showed that Scenedesmus had a higher tolerance to hydrogen peroxide than Chlamydomonas, recording peak growth and a higher growth at 25% concentration while Chlamydomonas experienced peak growth at 25% concentration but a lower growth compared to Scenedesmus. The results revealed significant differences (p<0.05) in growth and physicochemical parameters studied across concentrations of Hydrogen peroxide except on the growth of Scenedesmus sp

This study was carried out to determine the genotoxic effects of varying treatments of non- alcoholic beverage industrial effluent on the expression of juvenile Clarias gariepinus genes. Tissue samples were extracted from juvenile C. gariepinus gills followed by RNA isolation, quantification and normalization of the isolated RNA, synthesis of complementary DNA, and agarose gel electrophoresis.

The overuse of antibiotics in poultry production has heightened resistance concerns, prompting the search for eco-friendly and plant-based antimicrobial alternatives. Both Chromolaena odorata and Vernonia amygdalina are rich in bioactive phytochemicals, including alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and saponins, known to exhibit strong antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Eight (8) poultry droppings samples were aseptically collected from four poultry farms in Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria, using sterile universal bottles. Standard microbiological procedures were employed for the isolation and identification of enteric bacteria, including serial dilution, culturing on MacConkey agar, and biochemical characterization based on Standard microbiological techniques. Fresh leaves of C. odorata and V. amygdalina were collected, washed, blended, and filtered to obtain aqueous crude extracts. Antibacterial activity was assessed using the agar well diffusion method, while the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were determined by broth dilution and sub-culturing methods respectively. Five bacterial isolates—Escherichia coli, Bacillus sp., Proteus sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus—were identified from the poultry droppings. Both extracts showed varying degrees of antibacterial activity against all isolates, with V. amygdalina producing larger zones of inhibition than C. odorata. The MIC and MBC results confirmed that higher extract concentrations corresponded with greater bacterial inhibition and killing effects, indicating concentration-dependent antibacterial efficacy. The findings demonstrate that Chromolaena odorata and Vernonia amygdalina possess significant antibacterial activity against enteric bacteria isolated from poultry droppings, suggesting their potential as natural, plant-based alternatives to synthetic antibiotics for controlling bacterial infections in poultry and mitigating antimicrobial resistance

Melanoides tuberculata is a freshwater snail of medical importance and serves as an intermediate host for several parasitic trematodes that affect both humans and animals. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of trematode infections in M. tuberculata snails from River Siluko in Ovia South-West Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. A total of 83 snails were collected in two batches: 17 and 66 specimens in May and July, 2025, respectively. All snails were subjected to standard cercarial shedding techniques and examined for the presence of trematode larvae under a dissecting microscope. Thereafter they were crushed and also examined. None of the snails shed cercaria. However, trematode larval stages (redia and furcocercous cercariae) were recovered from two (2.41%) of the snails examined after crushing. Only the snails examined in May were infected while none was infected in July. This finding showed that M. tuberculata from River Siluko harbors trematode infections, although at a relatively low prevalence. This indicates the role of M. tuberculata as an intermediate host for trematodes infection. The finding provides insight into the potential health risk posed by the aquatic environment of River Siluko. This study contributes to the understanding of the epidemiology of snail-borne trematode infections in the region and offers valuable data that can support public health planning, especially in community like Siluko that relied on water from the river for domestic and recreational activities. There is therefore need for continuous monitoring of freshwater snails parasites infection in the area.