FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCES

Vancomycin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) is a strain of S. aureus that has developed overtime due to the overuse ofvancomycin as an antibiotic for the treatment against S.aureus xinfections which have reduced the available options of managing the pathogen that causes a lot of infections including UTIs. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of Vancomycin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) from urine samples of selected students in the University of Benin, Edo State. A cross-sectional descriptive design was used, and sixty urine samples were collected and analyzed using standard microbiological andbiochemical methods to isolate and identify vancomycin-resistant S.aureus(VRSA) and assess their antibiotic susceptibility patterns. The results revealed that 23.3% of samples showed leukocytes, while Staphylococcus aureus (33%) was the most predominant isolate, followed by Escherichia coli (21%) and Pseudomonas spp. (11%). The overall VRSA prevalence was 6.7%, with a higher rate among females (5.0%) than males (1.7%). The isolates exhibited high resistance to β-lactam antibiotics, while most remained susceptible to ofloxacin and ceftriaxone. The findings emphasize a significant occurrence of antimicrobial resistance particularly vancomycin-resistant S. aureus, among university students. It concludes that improved hygiene practices, rational antimicrobial use, and continuous antimicrobial surveillance are vital to controlling the spread of resistant strains in the university communities.

This study examined the sedimentological and geochemical characteristics of problematic soils within the Lagos segment of the Dahomey Basin, Southwestern Nigeria, to understand their composition, depositional setting, and engineering implications. Eight borehole samples (BH1–BH8) were analyzed for particle size distribution, water content, density, and plasticity characteristics, while representative samples (L2 and L5) underwent X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The particle size distribution results showed that the soils are predominantly fine- grained comprising of clayey or silty materials to fine grained sand with mean grain sizes between 3.30ϕ and 6.83ϕ. Sorting values between 3.54 and 4.86ϕ classified them as very poorly sorted sediments deposited under fluctuating, low-energy coastal conditions. Water content ranged from 23.8 % to 36.9 %, density from 1.77 to 1.88 g/cm³, and void ratios from
0.65 to 0.81, indicating moist, moderately compacted soils with high porosity. The liquid limit and plasticity index values, ranging from 37.7–58.2 % and 21.3–32.6 % respectively, revealed high plasticity and significant swelling potential. XRD results confirmed montmorillonite (41–42 %) as the dominant mineral, alongside quartz (33–39 %) and minor actinolite or albite. These properties collectively explain the soils’ poor strength, high compressibility, and moisture sensitivity. The study concludes that the Lagos coastal soils are expansive and structurally unstable, requiring stabilization, effective drainage, or deep foundations to support safe and durable engineering development within the Dahomey Basin

A market survey was conducted to document and investigated the diversity and availability of root and tuber crops in selectedmarkets within Benin City, Edo State. The main objective was to identify the types, local names, Price, uses, and origin (indigenous or exotic) of rootand tuber crops commonly sold. This survey was conducted in seven major markets which are Oba market, Uselu market, New Beni market, Adolor market, Ekiadolo market,, Oregbeni market, and Ekosodin market, using direct observation and interviews with traders. Results revealed a diversity of root and tuber crops, including White yam (Dioscorea rotundata), Yellow yam (Dioscorea cayenensis), Water yam (Dioscorea alata), Cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta), Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), Irish potato (Solanum tuberosum), Carrot (Daucus carota), Beetroot (Beta vulgaris), Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Radish (Raphanus sativus), and Tigernut (Cyperus esculentus). Among these, white yam, yellow yam carrot, turmeric, sweetpotato, were the most frequently traded and widely consumed, indicating their dominance in the local food system. Few of the crops identified were indigenous, while a most of the crops identified were exotic, such as Irish potato, carrot, beetroot. The study concludes that root and tuber crops contribute significantly to food security, nutrition, and economic livelihood in Benin City. It also emphasizes the importance of market surveys in assessing plant diversity and promoting the conservation of indigenous crop species

Medicinal plants are reliable and effective in treating various health issues, ranging from minor to major health issues. This study examined the effect of Acanthus montanus leaf aqueous extract on the lipid profile of male Wistar Rats. Various standard methods were used to determine the effect of the aqueous extract of A. montanus leaf on lipid levels. The aqueous extract of the plant was administered orally at different dosages of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg to the animals. The 100 mg/kg of Sildenafil Citrate was the positive control, while 1ml of distilled water was administered as the negative control. Treatments were administered for 14 days. The results obtained from this experiment showed that the plant extract can slightly reduce cholesterol levels (130-140 mg/dl), triglyceride levels (52-96 mg/dl), high-density (39.5-44.5 mg/dl) and low-density lipoprotein (77-88 mg/dl), and balance testosterone levels (3.15-3.70 mg/ml). This research supports the potential use of the extract as a therapeutic or preventive agent for hypertriglyceridemia while preserving lipoprotein balance and reproductive hormone homeostasis.

Epilepsy, a brain disorder associated with recurrent seizure. Although, epileptic drugs exist, about 30% of patient have drug-resistants or experience adverse effects, emphasizing the need for safer alternatives. Icacina trichantha Oliv.is a medicinal plant which belongs to the family Icacinaceae, used traditionally in the treatment of epilepsy. However, there is limited scientific evidence supporting such claims. This study evaluates the anticonvulsant potential of I. trichantha.in mice. Fresh leaves were collected, air-dried, pulverized, and extracted using 1:1 water and methanol solvent to obtain H-MLE of I. trichantha after concentrating to dryness. Phytochemical screening was carried out using Sofowara 1993 and Harborne 1973. For anticonvulsant activity, 25 mice were randomly allotted into 5 groups of n = 5 for both MES and PTZ induced seizures. Group I received 10 ml/kg deionized water, groups II – IV received
graded doses of the plant extract 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg and group 5 received 100 mg/kg phenobarbitone for MES and 5 mg/kg diazepam for PTZ and was observed for the presence of seizures. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, phenolics, saponins, and carbohydrates. Results obtained revealed that H-MLE had a significant P < 0.001 at 400 mg/kg in onset of seizure and P < 0.0001 at 400 mg/kg in duration of seizure in the PTZ induced seizure. However, there was no significant result P > 0.05 in the MES. This study supports its use in the treatment of epilepsy in traditional medicine which could be due to presence of secondary metabolites.

Groundnut sauce (Ose-Oji) is a popular traditional condiment widely consumed in many parts of Nigeria. Due to its high nutrient content and methods of preparation and storage, it is susceptible to microbial contamination, particularly by fungi. This study was carried out to isolate and characterize fungi present in Ose-Oji obtained from selected local government areas in Edo State. Samples of the sauce were collected from different vendors and transported to the laboratory under sterile conditions for analysis. Standard microbiological techniques were employed for the isolation of fungal organisms using suitable culture media. The isolates were further characterized based on their macroscopic and microscopic features. The study revealed the presence of several fungal species, including Aspergillus, Penicillium, Rhizopus, and Mucor. The occurrence of these fungi indicates possible contamination arising from poor handling practices, environmental exposure, and improper storage conditions. Some of the identified fungi are known to produce mycotoxins that may pose health risks to consumers. The findings highlight the need for improved hygienic practices during the preparation, handling, and storage of groundnut sauce. Public awareness and proper food safety measures are therefore recommended to reduce fungal contamination and ensure the safety of this widely consumed food product.

Poultry products is one of the most consumed animal products worldwide. Poultry products such as meat and eggs is a rich source of protein, fats and minerals. Poultry feed refers to the feedstuff consumed by poultry birds. This study was aimed at isolating fungi from poultry feeds sold in stores in Benin City. Three (3) forms of poultry feeds (mash, starter and finisher) were sampled in five (5) stores in Benin City. The samples were collected aseptically using in sterile polyethylene bags with sterile spatula and labeled accordingly. Serial dilution was made using water as diluent. Enumeration and isolation of fungi was carried out using potato dextrose agar (PDA) and Aspergillus flavus and parasiticus agar (AFPA). The pour plate method was employed and were incubated at 28+2°C for 7 days. Temperature and relative humidity of poultry stores were recorded using ThermoPro model (TP49-W-2) thermometer and hygrometer. The total fungal count range was of 0.10x105 on potato dextrose agar froms

Musanga cecropioides R. Br. ex Tedlie (Family Urticaceae) is a tree distributed across some parts of Africa including Nigeria. Ethno-medicinal surveys shows that its leaves, root and root sap are used in the management of several health conditions, but there is a dearth of information on the biological activities of these parts of the plant to substantiate the ethno-medicinal claims. This study was aimed at evaluating the phyto-constituents and phytomedicinal properties of Musanga cecropioides leaf extracts, root extracts and root sap. The elucidation of phyto-constituents was done by carrying out qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening, proximate analysis, and screenings for vitamins, carotene, amino acids and mineral elements using standard protocols. Acute and sub- acute toxicity assessments of the samples were carried out in experimental an mals using established protocols. Musanga cecropioides leaf extracts, root extracts and root sap were screened for antioxidant activities using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrozyl (DPPH) and 2,2’-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiozoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging models, while the DNA protective effect was investigated on DNA damage caused by Fenton’s reagent. The antitussive activity was analyzed using the citric acid-induced cough model and mucus expectoration experiment, while anti- asthmatic properties were elucidated using the ovalbumin-induced asthma model. Antidiarrheal and anti-diabetic properties were elucidated using the castor oil-induced diarrhoea and Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes models respectively. The screening of Musanga cecropioides leaf extracts, root extracts and root sap for the phyto-constituents revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, moisture, fat, proteins, vitamins, carotene, essential and non-essential amino acids and micro and macro mineral elements in considerable quantities. The median lethal dose (LD50) for the aqueous and methanol leaf extracts, methanol root extract and crude root sap were indeterminable as no adverse effect was observed at the highest dose of 10000 mg/kg body weight, while the aqueous root extract caused absolute mortality at 5000, 7500 and 10000 mg/kg body weight leaving the LD50 at 2236 mg/kg body weight. The sub-acute toxicity study revealed that the extracts did not significantly alter the body weight and haematology parameters at 500, 1000, 2500 mg/kg. 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrozyl and 2,2’-azinobis-3- ethylbenzothiozoline-6-sulfonic acid scavenging assays revealed the presence of antioxidants in all samples with the leaf extracts showing the best activity. The leaf and root extracts protected pCAMBIA 1301 DNA from damage by Fenton’s reagent. Musanga cecropioides leaf extracts, root extracts and root sap showed significant anti-diarrhoeal activities, significantly increased mucus expectoration and suppressed cough bouts in guinea pigs at all doses in the antitussive study. In the anti-asthmatic study, the leaf extracts significantly increased the latency to pre-convulsive dyspnoea. The anti-diabetic study revealed significant reduction in glucose level by the aqueous leaf extract (50 mg/kg), methanol leaf extract (200 mg/kg), aqueous root extract (200mg/kg) and the root sap (2 ml/kg). Musanga cecropioides leaf, root and root sap possess antitussive, anti-asthmatic, anti-diarrheal and anti-diabetic activities. In conclusion, the therapeutic properties elicited by these plants extracts on selected diseases validated its ethnomedicinal reports.

Hospital wastewater is a significant reservoir of pathogenic bacteria and antibiotic-resistant strains, posing serious public health and environmental risks. This study investigates the bacteriological analysis of wastewater samples collected from different wards at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A total of four wastewater amples were obtained from different drainage outlets using sterile 500 mL glass bottles and transported under cold conditions to the Microbiology Laboratory of the University of Benin for analysis. The Total Heterotrophic Bacterial Count (THBC) varied across the sampled wards, with the highest bacterial load recorded in the laundry department (8.00 ± 0.05 × 10⁴ log₁₀ cfu/mL) and the lowest in the eye clinic (3.12 ± 0.23 × 10⁴ log₁₀ cfu/mL). Morphological, biochemical, and cultural analyses identified multiple bacterial species, including Salmonella sp., Bacillus sp., Escherichia coli, Enterobacter sp., Pseudomonas sp., Streptococcus sp., Staphylococcus sp., and Klebsiella sp. Among these, Staphylococcus sp. and Pseudomonas sp. were the most widely distributed, occurring in all sampled wards, while the eye clinic exhibited the lowest bacterial diversity. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed high resistance patterns among bacterial isolates, with Pseudomonas sp. displaying the highest resistance to multiple antibiotics such as Levofloxacin, Cefotaxime, Amoxicillin, and Azithromycin. Among Gram￾ix positive bacteria, Staphylococcus sp. exhibited the highest resistance, particularly to Rocephin and Erythromycin. The multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index ranged from 0.20 (Klebsiella sp. and Bacillus sp.) to 0.70 (Pseudomonas sp.), indicating substantial resistance to antibiotics. The findings highlight the potential health risks associated with hospital wastewater discharge and underscore the need for improved wastewater treatment practices to mitigate the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This study provides valuable data for hospital infection control and public health policies in Nigeria.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a well-recognized public health problem throughout the world. In this study presents data on the prevalence of MRSA and resistance pattern to other antibiotics on the selected specimen from three hospitals in Benin City, Edo State. A cross sectional study was conducted among 233 participants recruited from three hospitals in Benin City, Edo State they were 157 female and 76 male using a questionnaire and the following samples were collected from the participants such as nasal swab, urine and both nasal swab & urine. The culture media used are Nutrient and MacConkey agar . All media were prepared according to manufacturer’s instruction. The media used were sterilised in an Auto clave at 121 oC for 15 minutes. The following Morphological characterization were carried out which are; gram’s staining, Biochemical characterization, indole test, oxidase test, catalase test, urease test, motility test, coagulase test and citrate utilization test. Isolation of S. aureus was based on culture and biochemical profiles.