Public health

Food safety remains a critical public health concern globally, with dairy products repeatedly implicated in food-borne illness outbreaks. This study aimed to detect enteric pathogens in dairy products sold in Benin City, Edo State. Dairy product samples comprising of branded (Hollandia, Nana, Cedaa, and Super Yogo) and locally processed (Nono milk, Kindoromo, Wara, and Maishanu) products were purchased for this study. Enumeration and isolation of bacteria was done using serial dilution and pour plate techniques on selective agar. Bacterial isolates were identified based on cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics. The pH and total titratable acidity of samples were determined using a pH meter and acid/base titration method respectively, while antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. The total heterotrophic bacteria count of the samples ranged from 4.8±0.26 to 8.6±0.26 ×10⁸ CFU/ml, while colony counts on MacConkey agar, Salmonella-Shigella agar, and Eosin methylene blue agar ranged from 0.80±0.485 to 6.67±1.53 ×10⁷ CFU/ml; 1.13±0.31 to 6.87±0.61 ×10⁴ CFU/ml and 5.07±0.64 to 7.0±0.40 ×10³ CFU/ml respectively. Six bacterial isolates were identified in this study, which include: Escherichia coli1 , Escherichia coli 2 , Salmonella sp.1 , Salmonella sp.2 , Enterobacter aerogenes and Serratia marcescens with Escherichia coli1 , Escherichia coli2 , Salmonella sp 1 and Salmonella sp 2. having the highest frequency of occurrence of 33.33% each. The pH values of dairy samples ranged from 3.82±0.01 to 6.96±0.03, while total titratable acidity ranged from 0.17±0.02 to 1.86±0.02 mg/l. Most isolates were resistant to antibiotics used, with resistance indices ranging from 0.1 to 0.8, with Enterobacter aerogenes and Salmonella sp.2 recording the highest resistance index of 0.8, indicating multidrug resistance pattern. This study revealed that dairy products (especially in locally processed dairy products) sold in Benin City showed the enteric bacteria which may possibly be pathogenic with high multidrug resistance profiles, underscoring the need for improved hygiene practices, enforcement of pasteurization standards, and stringent microbiological monitoring in the dairy value chain.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global public health threat, significantly driven by the irrational use of antibiotics. University students represent a key demographic whose medication-related behaviours influence community resistance patterns. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding antibiotic use and resistance among undergraduate students of the University of Benin, Edo State. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed. A total of 430 students were selected using a multi-stage probability sampling technique across eight faculties. Data were collected using a structured, pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 27.0, utilizing descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests to determine associations between variables. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of respondents was 20.3 ± 2.9 years. The study revealed a high prevalence of antibiotic use, with 58.8% of students having used an antibiotic in the preceding six months. Overall, 81.6% of respondents demonstrated poor knowledge of antibiotics and AMR. Misconceptions were widespread: 78.1% incorrectly believed antibiotics are effective against viral infections (flu/coughs), and only 10.0% correctly identified the biological mechanism of resistance. Attitudes were predominantly negative (70.2%); notably, 51.0%perceivedsharingleftover antibiotics as a "helpful social gesture." Regarding practices, 50.7%demonstratedpoorbehaviour. The most common source of antibiotics was Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors xiv (29.3%), while only 18.8% obtained drugs via a doctor’s prescription. Faculty of study (p=0.005)and Level of study (p=0.005) were significantly associated with knowledge levels, with medical students and seniors performing better. Attitude was a significant predictor of practice(p<0.001). Conclusion: There is a concerning deficit in antibiotic literacy and a high prevalence of inappropriate practices among students at the University of Benin. The reliance on unregulated vendors and the social normalization of medication sharing underscore the need for urgent interventions. It is recommended that the University administration integrates antimicrobial stewardship modules into the General Studies (GST) curriculum and strengthens the campus health services to reduce reliance on informal medication sources.

Bread is a staple food widely consumed in Nigeria, yet concerns persist about the use of potassium bromate as a flour improver, despite its ban due to potential health risks including cancer and kidney damage. This study aimed to compare the levels of potassium bromate in bread samples collected from two Local Government Areas (Oredo and Uhunmwonde) in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A total of twelve unsliced bread samples were randomly collected from various markets, roadside vendors, and bakeries across the two LGAs. The samples were analyzed using spectrophotometric methods to determine the presence and concentration of potassium bromate. The results were statistically compared to identify variations between the two areas and assess compliance with regulatory standards. This study highlights the potential public health implications associated with potassium bromate contamination in bread and emphasizes the need for regular monitoring and enforcement of food safety regulations.

In the face of rapid urbanization and industrial growth, town planning laws have become essential in addressing environmental pollution in Nigeria. As the country continues to experience a surge in population and infrastructural development, pollution from industries, waste, and inadequate urban planning has escalated, posing significant risks to public health and the environment. Town planning laws are pivotal in regulating how cities and towns are structured, ensuring that environmental protection is prioritized in the design and development of urban spaces. Nigeria, like many other nations, has recognized the importance of establishing strong legal frameworks to tackle environmental pollution resulting from urbanization. The need
for effective town planning regulations stems from the growing concern over environmental degradation caused by unregulated urban sprawl, improper waste disposal, and industrial emissions. These issues have led to various environmental challenges, including air and water pollution, flooding, traffic congestion, recurrent building collapses etc. To address these challenges, various town planning laws have been enacted, including the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Law, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Act National Environmental Standards and Regulations Agency(NESREA) Act, and other regulatory measures. However, the enforcement of these laws has often been inadequate, leading to concerns about their effectiveness in combating pollution. This research will explore the legal framework established by Nigeria’s town planning laws, focusing ontheir significance in managing environmental pollution. It will assess the rights and responsibilities of individuals, businesses, and government agencies in ensuring compliance with these laws, as well as the role of regulatory bodies in monitoring and enforcing them. This research will also examine town planning systems in the UK and USA with a view to drawing insightful lessons from these jurisdictions who are known for their properly structured town planning system