HEAMATOLOGICAL, BIOCHEMICAL AND HISTOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF INFECTED Rattus albus (albino Wister rats) FED WITH PROBIOTICS (Lactobacillus sp.)

For years, Lactobacilli have been used as probiotics. They are believed to play important role in maintaining a state of immunological homeostasis within host. This research was aimed at evaluating immunity-boosting potential of lactic acid bacteria isolated from kunu and palm wine; using standard experimental/scientific methods. Results revealed the bacterial isolates, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei to influence the immune system of pathogen-infected albino Wister rats. The pathogen treated rats without probiotic did not survive shortly after the post-acclimatization treatment, while the pathogen treated rats (fed with probiotic) survived; with a mean weight ranging from 128.33 g – 149.19 g for pathogen treated rats, 140.18 g – 149.65 g for Lactobacillus species + pathogen treated rats and 150.90g – 188.31g for control rats (non-infected). The haematological parameters (PCV and Hb) of the Lactobacillus species + pathogen treated rats (ranging 45.6 – 53.4 %; 15.5 -17.8 mg/dl) were higher compared to the control rats (ranging 20.7 – 32.9 %; 6.9 – 11.0 mg/dl). Enzymes (AST and ALT) activities of the Lactobacillus species + pathogen treated rats ranged from 0.091 - 0.108 U/L and 0.092 – 0.094 U/L respectively; and the control rats ranged from 0.083 – 0.098 U/L and 0.072 – 0.095 U/L respectively, with no significant difference. The histological examination of the rats’ liver showed hepatic changes in the pathogen treated rats, unlike those of the Lactobacillus species + pathogen treated rats and the control rats, suggestive of the beneficial role of Lactobacillus species in the pathogen treated rats. However, further in-vivo research to study a more encompassing health benefits and the mechanism of actions of these Lactobacillus species is recommended.