Body Mass Index

Antibiotic resistance is one of the global health concern, as commensal bacteria such as Escherichia coli could serves as an important reservoirs of the spread of resistance genes. This study evaluated the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and antibiotic resistance of commensal Escherichia coli isolated from the stool samples of apparently healthy students at the University of Benin (UNIBEN). A total of 70 stool samples were collected and processed using standard microbiological methods. The isolates were identified by biochemical tests, and antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby– Bauer disc diffusion method in line with CLSI guidelines. The Extended Spectrum β- Lactamase (ESBL) production was screened phenotypically. The overall prevalence of Escherichia coli detected across all BMI categories was 85.7%. The ESBL-producing Escherichia coli accounted for 16.7% of isolates, with a higher proportion among underweight participants (26.1%) compared to those of normal weight (11.8%), though this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.2984). Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed that Ofloxacin was the most effective antibiotic, while Cefotaxime showed the highest resistance rates. Statistical analysis demonstrated no significant association between BMI and antibiotic resistance patterns (p > 0.05), although a borderline association was observed with Cefotaxime (p = 0.0523). The findings indicate that while BMI may not be a major determinant of Escherichia coli resistance carriage, healthy students can harbor resistant and ESBL-producing strains that pose a potential public health risk. Regular surveillance and strict antibiotic stewardship are therefore recommended.

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a common indicator of nutritional and general health, but its possible effect on visual performance, especially binocular vision, has not been widely studied. This study investigated how BMI influences binocular vision parameters Near Point of Convergence (NPC) , Amplitude of Accommodation (AoA) , Heterophoria, and Fusional Vergence among healthy young adults. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Benin Optometry Clinic involving 100 participants aged 17–30 years. Participants were grouped as underweight, normal, overweight, or obese based on the World Health Organization (WHO) BMI classification. NPC was measured with a meter rule, AoA using Donder’s push-up method, and both Heterophoria and Fusional Vergence assessed with a phoropter via the von Graefe technique. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation at a 0.05 significance level. Results: BMI was significantly associated with NPC recovery (p = 0.047) but not NPC break (p = 0.121). AoA and Heterophoria showed no significant correlations with BMI (p = 0.529; p = 0.154/0.999). Negative Fusional Vergence (NFV) break at 6 m differed significantly across BMI groups (p = 0.043), whereas Decompensated Phoria did not (p = 0.249). BMI also showed a significant relationship with refractive status (p = 0.039),Over weight subject were more of myopic astigmatism and Obese Subject tended towards hyperopic astigmatism. Conclusion: Higher BMI appears to reduce convergence recovery and fusional divergence efficiency, though accommodation and heterophoria remain unaffected. This suggests that excess body weight may compromise oculomotor control through systemic or neuromuscular mechanisms. Incorporating BMI assessment into binocular vision evaluations is recommended to promote both ocular and general health.