Carica Papaya (Pawpaw) plant has been used for several years for its medicinal values such as anti-sickling properties, coagulation, anti-inflammatory and anti-malarial effects. This study was performed using ethanolic extract of the leaves to determine its ability to reverse haemolytic anaemia. Twenty-four albino wistar rats weighing between 115-200g were used. The rats were grouped into four (control group and Group I, II, and III). The rats were treated with 10mg/kg weight of phenylhydrazine. Control group were given no treatment. Group I served as positive control and were administered HB12 (1ml/150kg body weight). The experimental groups (II and III) were administered 200 and 100mg/kg body weight orally respectively for 28 consecutive days. At the end of the 28 days, samples from all groups were re-analyzed for all haematological parameters. Results are expressed as mean ± standard deviations for the all groups and analyzed statistically, the result showed significant increase ( p<0.05) in the packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration, platelet count and mean cell haemoglobin concentration and no significant increase (p>0.05) in the mean cell haemoglobin, mean cell volume, reticulocyte count, total white cell count, red cell count, basophil, eosinophil, monocyte, lymphocytes and neutrophils amongst groups I, II, III. There was a statistically increase (p<0.05) in packed cell volume of the three group I (0.398±0.008), group II (0.382±0.016), group III (0.365±0.014) respectively. Haemoglobin concentration of group I increased significantly to (14.980±2.620) while that of the experimental groups (group I and II) did not increase significantly increased order to reverse to pre-induction. Reticulocytosis significantly decreased (p<0.05) in the three groups (groups, I, II, and III), whereas platelet count was significantly increased only in the experimental groups, (groups I and II) with values of (1248±71.052) and (982.833±177.42). Hymenolepsis diminuta (rat tapeworms) were expelled from the rats in all the groups. The extract did serve sufficient to increase the overall blood loss as efficiently as HB12. Overall, the HB12 had better haematinic effect than both concentration of the Carica papaya. HB12 was able to restore haemoglobin and packed cell volume.

The activities of coffee in the fertility hormones, haemostatic and biochemical profile of female Albino Wistar rats have been investigated. The rats (180-200g) were housed in the animal house of the Dept. of Physiology of the University. The rats were divided into two groups of 12 rats (control) and 24 rats (test). Group 1 (control) was fed with normal rat feed and tap water ad libitum. While group 2 (test) were given rat feed with coffee extract and tap water ad libitum. The study lasted for 28 days. At the end of the experiment, cardiac puncture was used to collect blood samples for hormonal assay, and blood analysis. Results showed that fertility hormones (FSH, LH, Prolactin, Progesterone, Testosterone) and haematological indices in the test animals were significantly reduced (p<0.05) compared to the control rats. The extract also prolong the bleeding time, clotting time, Prothrombin time and Partial thromboplastin kaolin test (p<0.05), but most of the liver function profile were not significantly affected except for alkaline phosphatase which was reduced. Therefore it is concluded that coffee extract affects fertility hormones in rats but does not affect liver function and protein level, hence suggesting a continuum of favourable effect on liver function and protein concentration of the body.

Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Hepatitis C virus and Hepatitis B virus (HBV) are blood borne pathogens that can be transmitted through sexual contact, vertical transmission, and could pose great danger in healthcare delivery. Prevalence of co-infection of HIV, HBsAg and HCV was determined in pregnant women of African descent. One hundred (100) pregnant women of African descent were used for the study having obtained their consent and approval by the Research and Ethics committee. The screening and confirmatory tests were done using double check gold and Immunocomb II respectively while HBsAg and HCV were determined with one step test strip. Out of the one hundred (100) subjects studied, the prevalence rate was noted as 15%, 6% and 2% for HIV, HBsAg and HCV respectively. Co-infection of HIV and HBsAg was more prevalent, followed by co-infection of HIV and HCV and lastly co-infection of HBsAg and HCV. The age group of 25 – 29 years tested positive to HIV, HBsAg and HCV. All other age groups tested positive to HIV and either HBsAg or HCV while age group of 20 – 24 years tested positive to only HIV and negative to both HBsAg and HCV. Though these rates might be lower compared to previous studies, counseling and enlightenment campaigns should be sustained especially on the mode of transmission, prevention and management of these diseases. Government should ensure that compulsory screening for pregnant women is available and affordable at all levels.

Fifty four (54) subjects were randomly selected for the study on the Effect of surgery on blood coagulation factors. Surgical procedures studied were appendicectomy, adults (n=12), Hernia, adults (n=34), Cancer operation and Laparatomy) for pre- and post-operative responses. The control subjects were apparently healthy persons. The study was carried out using the following parameters, Prothrombin time (PT), Fibrinogen assay by serial dilution, platelet count and partial thromboplastin time kaolin (PTTK). Venous blood obtained from the subjects was introduced into EDTA and Sodium citrate bottles for analysis. Results obtained indicated an increase in the number of platelets (p<0.05) and fibrinogen level (p<0.01) after surgery while prothrombin time (in seconds) and partial thromboplastin time (in seconds) were prolonged (p<0.01) after surgery. It is concluded that surgical procedures affect the coagulation factors of patients.