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Research Article
Effect of Aqueous Propolis Supplementation on Performance in Hematological and Serum Biochemical Parameters of Cobb 500 Broiler Chicken
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 6, December 2025
Pages:
114-121
Received:
4 August 2025
Accepted:
18 August 2025
Published:
9 December 2025
Abstract: The increased usage of synthetic antibiotics for treatment and growth promotion in livestock has significantly resulted into antimicrobial resistance among livestock and human. To combat this challenge, the current study evaluated the effects of propolis, as a natural growth promoter, compared to a commercial synthetic booster on hematological and serum biochemical parameters of Cobb 500 broiler chickens. A total of 100 day-old chicks were randomly assigned to five treatment groups in a completely randomized design (CRD). The control group (CTR) received plain water, while the positive control group (CBB) received water supplemented with a commercial broiler booster. Three experimental groups (P1, P2, and P3) received propolis extract prepared from 100g, 200g, and 300g of raw propolis per liter of water, respectively. Birds were reared for 42 days, and blood samples were collected at days 3 and 42 for analysis of hematological and biochemical indices. The results showed that white blood cell indices responded variably to the type and dose of growth promoter. At day 42, the P1 group exhibited significantly elevated lymphocyte counts, suggesting enhanced humoral immunity. In contrast, the BST group showed increased neutrophil and monocyte levels, indicating possible innate immune activation or stress. Red blood cell parameters remained largely unchanged at day 3 but showed significant variations at day 42, particularly in MCV, MCHC, and RDW metrics, suggesting dose-related impacts on erythrocyte morphology. No significant differences were observed in total protein and cholesterol levels across all treatments, indicating minimal effects on liver function and lipid metabolism. Overall, the study suggests that moderate doses of propolis can enhance immune responses in broilers without adversely affecting blood biochemistry, supporting its use as a natural alternative to synthetic growth promoters.
Abstract: The increased usage of synthetic antibiotics for treatment and growth promotion in livestock has significantly resulted into antimicrobial resistance among livestock and human. To combat this challenge, the current study evaluated the effects of propolis, as a natural growth promoter, compared to a commercial synthetic booster on hematological and ...
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Research Article
Assessment of Antenatal Care Service Client Satisfaction and Related Factors for Expectant Women at the Health Center in Lideta Sub City, Adis Ababa, Ethiopia
Yoseph Tsehaye*,
Abebe Ahemed Endris,
Sindu Mekoria,
Yonas Biste,
Abedulwahid Abedu
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 6, December 2025
Pages:
122-134
Received:
31 July 2025
Accepted:
13 September 2025
Published:
11 December 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajbls.20251306.12
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Background: Antenatal care (ANC) may be defined as the treatment given to pregnant women and teenage daughters by knowledgeable fitness professionals in order to ensure the optimal prenatal fitness conditions for both mother and child. The components of ANC include risk assessment, prevention and treatment of conditions related to or contemporaneous with pregnancy, strength training, and health promotion. ANC lowers maternal and perinatal depression and mortality rates directly by identifying and addressing pregnancy-related confusions, and indirectly by identifying mothers and adolescents who are more likely to experience confusions during labor and delivery, thereby guaranteeing a standard of comparison to an appropriate level of care. Moreover, ANC provides a major chance to prevent and control concomitant diseases through assisted childbirth, as indirect causes of maternal morbidity and deaths, including HIV and illness infections, contribute to approximately 25% of maternal deaths and near-misses. Objective: to evaluate pregnant women's satisfaction with prenatal care and related characteristics in public health facilities in Lideta subcity, Ethiopia. Method: From June 23 to June 30, 2025, a quantitative institution-based cross-sectional investigation was carried out. A rigorous random sampling procedure was used to choose 365 study participants in total. Questionnaires from pre-tested structured interviews were used to gather data. SPSS version 24 was used to evaluate the data after it was entered into a Google Sheet. To determine the variables linked to customer satisfaction with prenatal care, descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used. Findings: Overall, 169 pregnant women (51.5%) expressed satisfaction with the ANC service. According to the results of the multivariate analysis, pregnant women who were satisfied with ANC services were less likely than their respective referents to be illiterate, have a primary education (AOR=0.226, 95%CI: 0. 072, 0. 713) and have attended tertiary education (AOR=0.304, 95%CI: 0. 104, 0. 892), be less than 30 minutes away from home (AOR=0.0933, 95%CI: 0. 03, 0. 285), and have a waiting time of less than 30 minutes. In summary, over 50% of expectant mothers expressed satisfaction with ANC services. Additionally, this study identified waiting times, education, and the distance between health facilities and homes as predictors of satisfaction. Health facilities are advised to consider the opinions of mothers in order to enhance the quality of ANC services.
Abstract: Background: Antenatal care (ANC) may be defined as the treatment given to pregnant women and teenage daughters by knowledgeable fitness professionals in order to ensure the optimal prenatal fitness conditions for both mother and child. The components of ANC include risk assessment, prevention and treatment of conditions related to or contemporaneou...
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Research Article
Occurrence and Antibiotic Susceptibility of Escherichia coli from Door Handles in the Faculty of Pharmacy, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Agulu
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 6, December 2025
Pages:
135-141
Received:
13 October 2025
Accepted:
25 October 2025
Published:
11 December 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajbls.20251306.13
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Door handles are high-contact surfaces that can serve as reservoirs for pathogenic microorganisms, including Escherichia coli, a significant cause of community- and hospital-acquired infections. Increasing antibiotic resistance among E. coli strains poses a public health challenge, necessitating local surveillance. This study investigated the prevalence of E. coli contamination on door handles within the Faculty of Pharmacy, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Agulu, and assessed the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of the isolates. A total of 100 swab samples were collected from door handles across offices, classrooms, hostels, laboratories, clinic, and other locations. Samples were cultured in nutrient broth, subcultured on MacConkey agar, and pure isolates identified using Gram staining, cultural characteristics and biochemical tests. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton agar with 12 commonly used antibiotics. Data were analyzed using CLSI breakpoints and Multiple Antibiotic Resistance Index (MARI) was used to assess multidrug resistance. Seventeen E. coli isolates were recovered, with the highest prevalence from hostel door handles (59%). Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed high resistance to β-lactams, including Ampicillin/Sulbactam (94%) and Piperacillin/Tazobactam (88%), as well as third- generation cephalosporins such as Cefotaxime (82%). Conversely, 100% susceptibility was observed for Gentamicin, Azithromycin, and Chloramphenicol, while Ofloxacin and Levofloxacin retained significant activity (88% susceptibility). Twelve isolates (71%) exhibited multidrug resistance, with MARI values >0.2, suggesting exposure to high antibiotic pressure. The findings highlight the role of fomites in harboring multidrug-resistant E. coli, underscoring the need for improved hygiene practices, routine surveillance, and rational antibiotic use within academic environments.
Abstract: Door handles are high-contact surfaces that can serve as reservoirs for pathogenic microorganisms, including Escherichia coli, a significant cause of community- and hospital-acquired infections. Increasing antibiotic resistance among E. coli strains poses a public health challenge, necessitating local surveillance. This study investigated the preva...
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,
Sebastian Wilson Chenyambuga
