Toxicity assessment of methanol extract of Parinari curatellifolia Planch ex. Benth.

Parinari curatellifolia is mostly employed in the treatments of leukemia, anemia and malaria. The study was to determine the hematological, biochemical and histopathological effects of methanol stem bark extract of Parinari curatellifolia (PCME) on liver and kidney of adult female Wistar rats. The oral acute (Lorke's method) and sub-chronic toxicity of PCME were evaluate. Adult female Wistar rats were grouped into group I (n=6), normal control (5mL/kg of distilled water) and groups II-IV (100, 200 and 400mg/kg/day of PCME, n=6 each) for 30 days. On 31st day, biochemical, hematological and histopathological parameters were assessed. The LD50 was found greater than 5000mg/kg. In hematological parameters, RBC showed an increase in the treatment groups, however, the increment was not significant. HCT, PLT, MCH and MCHC levels were significantly increased (p<0.05) while WBC levels in all PCME groups were reduced (p<0.05). Amongst the liver biochemical parameters, only the ALP activity was significantly (p<0.05) raised. In kidney biochemical parameters, serum potassium and chloride were significantly (p<0.05) reduced. Histopathological findings on the liver showed mild infiltrating leukocytes, vascular congestion and piece meal necrosis compared to the normal anatomic features while that of the kidney appeared normal. In conclusion, PCME may be slightly toxic to the liver on repeated administration.

Routine Ultrasonography for Intensified Tuberculosis Case Finding in High Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Tuberculosis (TB) Burdened Countries: A Proposed Frame Work.

Sonography has proven to be valuable diagnostic imaging equipment in the work-up of patients infected with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and tuberculosis (TB) coinfection. An extensive literature search was conducted between 1994 and 2021 for original peer-reviewed articles in the English language on ultrasound application in the diagnosis of extrapulmonary TB (EPTB), ultrasound application in infectious diseases in resource-constrained settings, point-of-care ultrasound in resource-scarce settings among others, across various electronic databases including MEDLINE, PubMed, POPLINE, Scopus and Google Scholar, among others and some gray literature were also retrieved. Emerging themes were identified by their recurrence in literature. Ultrasound imaging is a rapid diagnostic tool and can accurately identify and characterize pathologic findings in patients infected with HIV/AIDS and TB co-infection, such as enlarged lymph nodes, pericarditis, and pleural effusion, among others for prompt patient management. Ultrasonography is cheaper and portable; interfacing software has become more users friendly and image quality significantly improved, making it possible for the provision of imaging services in an increasing number of clinical settings in resource-limited settings where access to diagnostic imaging is scarce. The use of focused assessment with sonography for HIV (FASH) for prompt diagnosis of EPTB in regions with a high incidence of HIV/AIDS and TB co-infection will aid in prompt diagnosis and treatment of patients with undifferentiated TB, thus impacting on morbidity and mortality. The training and deployment of sonographers in endemic regions with a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS and TB co-infection, to diagnose EPTB using FASH protocol is a viable option that is in line with the global drive for intensified case finding and treatment algorithm, with a view to meeting the sustainable development goals target of ending HIV and TB epidemics and achieving universal health coverage.

Evaluation of phytochemical and antimicrobial properties of leaf extract of Tapinanthus sessilifolius (P. Beauv) van Tiegh.

Leaf extracts of T. sessilifolius growing on five different host plants (Psidium guajava, Citrus lemon, Vernonia amygdalina, Persea americana and Jatropa curcas) were evaluated for antimicrobial activity of the plant. Powdered leaves of T. sessilifolius collected from each host plant was divided into two portions. One portion was used for aqueous infusion and the other portion was successively extracted with hexane, ethylacetate and methanol. Infusion of aqueous extract of powdered leaves did not show antimicrobial effect even at the concentration of 1000 and 2000 microg/ml on test microorganisms (Staph. aureus, E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans). However in broth culture, methanolic and hexane extract had MIC range of 62.5-500 microg/ml and ethylacetate extract had 250-500 microg/ml. Phytochemical screening of leaf samples of T. sessilifolius collected from different host plants showed positive test for hydrolysable tannins, saponins, flavonoids, terpenes, cardiac glycoside, reducing sugars and proteins. LD50 concentration was found to be > 1.500 mg/kg for samples from P. guajava; 489.89 mg/kg for J. curcas and C. lemon; and 692 mg/kg for V. amydalina in mice.