Background: Preeclampsia, a complex hypertensive disorder unique to pregnancy, significantly impacts maternal and fetal health worldwide, with a prevalence of 2–8%. This condition results from a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and immunological factors. Aim and objectives: This study aims to investigate the genetic predispositions to preeclampsia, focusing on specific gene polymorphisms among pregnant women at Central Hospital Auchi, Nigeria. Materials and methods: We examined the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) genes in 200 pregnant women, equally divided between preeclamptic patients and normotensive controls. Results: The eNOS G894T polymorphism was significantly associated with preeclampsia, with the T allele nearly doubling the risk. The VEGF C936T polymorphism's T allele also indicated a higher risk. The D allele in the ACE gene's insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism significantly increased the risk, as did the A allele in the TNF-α G308A polymorphism. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of genetic factors in preeclampsia and suggest that genetic screening could improve risk stratification and early detection. Future research should integrate genetic, epigenetic, and environmental data to understand preeclampsia's multifaceted nature and develop targeted therapies. This study underscores the potential of personalized medicine in managing and reducing the risks associated with preeclampsia.

Background: Dengue fever, (df) is a mosquito-borne disease caused by the dengue virus. Infection with dengue virus is a major cause of morbidity in the tropical and sub-tropical parts of the world. In about 60% of cases, it gives rise to undifferentiated fever which is clinically indistinguishable from other viral infections. Dengue fever is known to occur in Nigeria, but the magnitude of this disease remains unclear. This study was done to determine the prevalence and determinants of df immunoglobulins (Ig) among patients attending a military hospital in Lagos.Methods: Systematic random sampling was used to recruit participants. Study participants were patients presenting with febrile illness at Naval Medical Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. A semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data and 3 millilitres venous blood was drawn from each participant. Anti-dengue IgM and IgG was determined from whole blood using lateral flow chromatographic immunoassay in line with manufacturer’s instructions. Thick blood film was used for malaria microscopy. Epi-info version 7.2 was employed for data analysis using descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis at 5% level of significance.Results: Mean age of study participants was 30.1 ± 13.6 years and 182 (59.9%) were males. The prevalence of df IgM and IgG was 8.5% and 18.0% respectively. Malaria-dengue fever co-infection was 10.8%. Individuals with malaria were twice less likely to have df (OR: 0.46, 95%CI: 0.27 - 0.78). Military personnel and their relations were about 3 times less likely to have df (OR: 0.35, 95%CI: 0.18 - 0.66). Joint pain was significantly associated with df (OR: 1.78, 95%CI: 1.05 - 2.99).Conclusions: A significant proportion of study population had both df IgM and IgG. Screening for df should be part of routine tests amongst patients that presents with febrile illness particularly those with joint pain.

Background Immunosuppressive agents are crucial for managing autoimmune diseases and organ transplants, but synthetic options often cause significant side effects. Nigerian medicinal plants, rich in bioactive compounds, present a promising natural alternative for immune modulation. This systematic review examines the immunosuppressive properties of phytochemicals and phytonutrients from Nigerian plants, focusing on their mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential. Materials and methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted following PRISMA guidelines across major databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and AJOL. The search covered studies published between January 2000 and August 2024 using keywords like "immunosuppressive," "phytochemicals," "phytonutrients," and specific Nigerian plants. Studies were included if they investigated the immunosuppressive effects of Nigerian plants through in vitro, in vivo, or clinical methods. Non-immunological studies were excluded. Data extraction and quality assessment were independently performed by two reviewers. Results A total of 141 studies were reviewed, identifying several Nigerian plants with notable immunosuppressive effects. Azadirachta indica (neem) demonstrated a strong ability to inhibit T-cell proliferation and cytokine production. Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf) and Garcinia kola (bitter kola) were effective in reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines and modulating lymphocyte activity. Other plants, including Ocimum gratissimum (scent leaf), Allium sativum (garlic), and Zingiber officinale (ginger), exhibited promising immunosuppressive properties by regulating cytokine release and immune cell activation. These findings suggest that Nigerian medicinal plants offer diverse and effective immunosuppressive agents, working through mechanisms like cytokine inhibition and signaling pathway modulation. Conclusion This review highlights the therapeutic potential of Nigerian phytochemicals as immunosuppressive agents, encouraging further research to explore their clinical applications and integration into current treatment frameworks. Future clinical trials are essential to validate their efficacy and safety, with potential uses in autoimmune disease management, inflammatory conditions, and organ transplantation.

Background Nigerian medicinal plants are renowned for their therapeutic potential, which is attributed to a variety of bioactive compounds, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and terpenoids. This review aims to explore and summarize key bioactive constituents, therapeutic uses, and advanced extraction and purification techniques of six prominent Nigerian medicinal plants: Azadirachta indica (Neem), Garcinia kola (Bitter Kola), Vernonia amygdalina (Bitter Leaf), Ocimum gratissimum (Scent Leaf), Allium sativum (Garlic), and Zingiber officinale (Ginger). Methods A comprehensive analysis of recent literature was conducted to evaluate the selected plants' therapeutic applications and isolation methods. Extraction techniques such as column chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and steam distillation were reviewed for their effectiveness in isolating key bioactive compounds. Results Azadirachta indica (Neem) contains azadirachtin and nimbin, which are anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. Garcinia kola (Bitter Kola) features Kolaviron, which effectively treats respiratory and inflammatory conditions. Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf) includes vernodalin and vernolide, known for their antimalarial and antimicrobial properties. Ocimum gratissimum (Scent Leaf) provides eugenol and thymol, which are effective against antimicrobial and inflammatory issues. Allium sativum (Garlic) contains allicin, renowned for its antimicrobial action. Finally, Zingiber officinale (Ginger) includes ginger and Shogaol, which are useful for alleviating nausea and inflammation. Conclusion Advanced extraction and purification techniques are crucial for ensuring the efficacy and safety of bioactive compounds from these medicinal plants. Ongoing research and adherence to regulatory standards are essential to optimize therapeutic applications and minimize potential risks. Integrating traditional knowledge with modern healthcare practices will enhance the utilization and acceptance of these plants.

Introduction: Lassa fever (LF) is a communicable viral haemorrhagic disease. Person-to-person spread occurs by inhalation or direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected patient. Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) is essential in healthcare facilities for the wellbeing and safety of patients, staff and visitors. Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki is the designated treatment center for LF in Ebonyi State. We assessed IPC practices in this facility during the 2018 outbreak of LF involving healthcare workers. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on 135 healthcare workers selected by systematic sampling. Information on their knowledge and practice of IPC was collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire. We classified knowledge into "good", "fair" and "poor" based on the total correct response. Those that scored ≥75% of the maximum score were classified as good, 50-74% as fair and 15years in the facility (OR: 1.16 95%CI: 0.39-3.44) were associated with good knowledge of IPC precautionary measures. However, these associations were not statistically significant. Conclusions: The majority of the staff had good knowledge of IPC. However, knowledge of LF epidemiology was greater among those whose roles were related to management of LF cases. We recommended more awareness on LF, IPC practices and improved supply of IPC commodities.

Rational Drug Prescribing (RDP) optimizes therapeutic outcomes by aligning medication use with patient needs while minimizing risks and costs. Irrational p