MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE

Viruses of the Herpetoviridae family infect 90% of the earth’s population. Humans are the hosts of at least nine unique herpes viruses. This study is aimed at evaluating the seroprevalence of type specific Herpes simplex virus infection and the associated risk factors in a cross-section of asymptomatic healthy women of childbearing age in Kogi State, Nigeria. A total of 330 subject of 15 - 49 years were recruited from various local government areas of the three Senatorial districts of Kogi State. Blood samples were collected from participants and analyzed for HSV-1 and HSV-2 IgG antibodies quantitatively with IgG Type-Specific ELISA kit. In this research, the overall prevalence of HSV infection was 76.7%. Data further showed that majority (96.4%) of the population studied had HSV-1, while 77% had HSV-2 infections. Results also showed that the young adults age 15-25 years indicated prevalence of 93.7% for HSV-1 and 74.4% for HSV-2, while in the middle aged 26-35 years, the prevalence were 100% for HSV-1, and 78.4% for HSV-2. In the age group of 36-45 years the prevalence for HSV-1 and HSV-2 were 98.2% and 82.5% respectfully Among the married women the prevalence was 99.2% for HSV-1, while that of HSV-2 was 86.9% . For the unmarried women the prevalence was 94.5% for HSV-1, and 70.5% for HSV-2. The risk of HSV-1 or HSV-2 infections was not associated with age, age of first sexual exposure and number sex partners before marriage. Married women were at greater risk for HSV-1 (p = 0.03) and HSV-2 (p ≤ 0.001) infections compared to the unmarried women. The prevalence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 among educated subject were 96.2% and 79.9% respectfully while that of uneducated were 66.7% and 75%.The prevalence of HSV-1 and HV-2 among subject who had sexual intercourse below 15 years of age were 100% and 78.9% respectfully while those who had above 15 years of age were 98.4% for HSV-1 and 80.7% for HSV-2. The prevalence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 according to number of sexual partner before marriage were 100% for four partners, for three partners the prevalence was 100% and 83.3% respectfully. For two partners the prevalence for HSV-1 and 2 were 100% and 75% while that of one partner were 99% and 78.6% respectively. There were no significant difference (p=0.611) between the CD4 counts of HSV-1 and HSV-2 infected women and that of uninfected women. In conclusion, the prevalence of the HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections was high among asymptomatic healthy women of childbearing age in Kogi State, Nigeria. Efforts should be made to increase the awareness of HSV infection among women of child bearing populace.

The major components of petroleum are hydrocarbons which are toxic and have been implicated in a number of human diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the genotoxicity, oxidative stress and haemato – inflammatory markers among petroleum products exposed workers at NNPC Limited facilities at Abuja and environs. A total of two hundred and fifty adult males participated in this study. this research was a cross sectional study; a multivariable questionnaire was designed to provide answers to some questions. The questionnaire was divided into different sections comprises of social demographic variables such as age, sex, marital status, alcohol consumption, smoking etc. Others were awareness of hazards caused by occupational exposure to petroleum products and awareness of various ways of protection against the petroleum products with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Ethical approvals were obtained from Ministry of Environment, Abuja and Ethic committee of NNPC Limited. Under aseptic conditions, ten millimeter (10mls) of venous blood sample was obtained from each participating individuals at the end of the work shift on the day of exposure. The samples were processed according to each parameter requirement. Parameters such
benzene and its derivatives (phenol, styrene, butanoic acid, benzene, benzene chloro, o – xylene, toluene, benze 1, 3, dimethyl, p – xylene, naphthalene and ethylbenzene), oxidative stress markers (CRP, total oxidative capacity, glutathione reductase), inflammatory and immunological markers (IL1, IL3, IL4, IL6, IL9, IL10, IFN gamma, Human LT beta, IgG and IgM), haematological parameters and deoxyribonucleic acid damage marker (8 hydroxyl 2 deoxylguanosine) were analysed using standard methods according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Results showed significantly higher phenol in tanker drivers compared with petrol
attendants, auto mechanics and NNPC staff.

Vernonia Amygdalina is a plant renowned for processing several bioactive compounds, some of which may hold promising medicinal properties. Delving into its impact on leukemia presents an opportunity to uncover valuable insights regarding its therapeutic applications in leukemia-related conditions. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of Vernonia Amygdalina leaves extract on RAS and WT1 leukemia gene in male albino Wistar rats. A total of twenty (20) male adult albino Wistar rats were selected into four (4)M groups. The groups were the control group,benzene:2-propanol group, 250mg/kg of Vernonia Amygdalina group, andbenzene:2-propanol with 250mg/kg Vernonia A mygdalina group. RNA extraction and semi-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were used to isolate RNA from rat bone marrow, and complementary DNA was synthesized and was subsequently amplified using polymerase chain reaction. Gel electrophoresis was used to determine the bands of the genes while peripheral blood film and full blood count were carried out by manual and automated methods respectively. The findings revealed that; for WBC (White Blood Cells),there was no significant difference (p=0.881) in group 3 (8.90±3.60) and group 4 (7.03±1.16) when compared to group 1 (8.27±1.91) and group 2 (7.97±0.70).Also, in N(Neutrophils),there was no significant difference (p=0.149) in group 3 (2.50±0.50) and group 4 (6.00±2.04) when compared to group 1(10.00±0.58) and group 2 (9.00±2.65).L (Lymphocytes)also showed no significant difference (p=0.183) in group 3 (91.00±1.00) and group 4 (88.00±2.71) when compared to group 1(82.00±1.53) and group 2 (85.67±2.60).The M (Monocytes)also showed no significant difference (p=0.523) in group 3 (5.00±0.00) and group 4 (5.00±0.91) when compared to group 1 (6.67±1.76) and group 2 (4.33±0.33). E (Eosinophils)showedno significant difference (p=0.987) in group 3 (1.50±0.50) and group 4 (1.33±0.33) when compared to group 1 (1.33±0.33) and group 2 (1.33±0.33). The RBC (Red Blood Cells)also showed no significant difference(p=0.531) in group 3 (6.32±0.49) and group 4 (6.53±0.21) when compared to group 1 (6.02±0.78) and group 2 (6.99±0.24).Hb (Hemoglobin)also showed no significant difference (p=0.226) in group 3 (12.95±0.25) and group 4 (13.30±0.38) when compared to group 1 (12.50±1.40) and group 2 (15.03±0.64).PLT (Platelets)showed no significant difference (p=0.649) in group 3 (1010.50±252.50) and group 4 (27536.50±26837.19) when compared to group 1 (1356.00±705.72) and 2 (1111.67±193.69), except for a notable outlier in group 4 (27536.50±26837.19). This study concludes that Vernonia Amygdalina did not have any significant effect on leukemia gene RAS and WT1 expression. These results suggest that Vernonia amygdalina could not influence the expression of the leukemia gene RAS and WT1.

Inflammation is a reaction of a living vascularized tissue to an injury. Conventional or synthetic drugs used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases are available. However, there is paucity of information on the use of herbal medicine in the treatment of inflammation. The present study is aimed at evaluating the effects of aqueous extract of Altona Boonie on formalin-induced hepatic necrosis in male Wistar rats, using liver enzyme parameters. This study was done using 90 male Wistar rats. The animals were divided into 6 groups and 12 subgroups each comprising of 5 animals for the various plant extracts; leaf, stem bark and root bark, and treated accordingly: Normal control, formalin with A. Boonie extract (150mg/kg b w), formalin with A. Boonie extract (300mg/kg b w), formalin with A. Boonie extract (600mg/kg b w); group 5 (test group) received 5mg/kg, p. o of indomethacin and 300mg/kg b w extract only. After the experimental period of 10 days, the animals were sacrificed and the blood samples were collected and the biochemical analyses were carried out. The activity of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase-5 were measured using standard colorimetric methods. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and a P-value of <0.05 was considered significant. It was observed that there was a significant increase (p<0.05) in serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase 5 in the leaf, stem bark and root bark extract compared with the control group. Serum alkaline 12 phosphatase had no significant increase in the root bark extract compared to the control. In this study, it was observed that the aqueous extract of A. Boonie is effective against chronic inflammation in a dose-related manner. However, the present study suggests that the extract is toxic in high doses and longer dosage regimen. To minimize the toxicity, more toxicity studies should be carried out to understand more about the toxic effects of the plant on the live