Joseph F. Nfongeh, James Epoke, Ekpo E. Antai, Emmanuel M. Ikpeme, Lawrence B. Etim, Martin Akeh and Solomon E. Ekpiken
The response of some haematological parameters in neonatal albino rats to different filtrate dosages of cell free extracts of Escherichia coli 0157:H7 obtained from human, cattle and chicken sources were investigated. At higher levels of extracts administration [1.0ml and 2.0ml], Packed cell volume [PCV], Haemoglobin count [HBC] and Red Blood cell Count [RBC] had highest decrease with human faeces isolates [IHF] from 49.9 to 48.0%, 12.0-10.4g dl-1 and 7.7 to 7.6 x 109 ml-1 respectively. White Blood count [WBC], Erythrocytes sedimentation Rate [ESR), Lymphocytes and Neutrophils counts on the other hand had highest increase with cattle isolates [ICT] ranging from 4.0 to 8.2 x 106 ml-1, 3.0 to 6.0x106 ml-1, 2.20 to 3.80 x 106 ml-1 and 1.60 to 3.90 x 106 ml-1 respectively. Statistical analysis showed significant difference [P<0.05] in the effects of the filtrate dosages on neutrophils and PCV in all the isolates. Significant difference [p<0.05] on the effects of the various dosages of human isolates [IHF] poultry [IPB] and cattle [ICT] isolates on both WBC and ESR were also observed . However, no significant difference was observed [P>0.05] with regards to the general effects of isolates on the haematological parameters studied. Cell free extracts of E. coli 0157:H7 used were found to have an overall negative effect on the haematological indices. Albino rats can therefore be recommended for use as a reliable small animal model to study host early responses as well as the role of bacterial virulence factors in the induction of haematological diseases
