EFFECTS OF PROBIOTIC SACCHAROMYCES BOULARDII AND CO-TRIMOXAZOLE ON SOME HAEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN ADULT WISTAR RATS

Saccharomyces boulardii is a probiotic yeast used as a nutritional supplement. Co-trimoxazole, is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent used in the prophylaxis and treatment of infections.The goal of this study was to evaluate the individual and interactive effects of probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii and co-trimoxazole on some haematological parameters in albino rats. Thirty (30) albino Wistar rats weighing 150-200g were divided into five groups; Basal, A, B, C, and D, with six animals in each group. Group A (control) was given a normal rat pellet (standardized feed) and clean water (pH 6.5- 8.5). Group B was administered 5.5mg/kg body weight of the commercial probiotics (Saccharomyces boulardii). Group C was administered 4.4mg/kg body weight of co-trimoxazole. Group D was administered 5.5mg/kg body weight of the commercial probiotics and 4.4mg/kg body weight of co-trimoxazole. All administrations were done using a gavage tube for 15 days. Blood samples were collected for analysis on days 0, 5 and 15. The results showed that Saccharomyces boulardii caused a significant increase (P<0.05) in total white blood cell count and packed cell volume of the treated groups at day 5. On day 15, the total white blood cell count (10.67±0.66), packed cell volume (43.23±0.47), platelet count (932±38.89) and mean platelet volume (8.53±0.38) showed a significant increase (P<0.05) in the probiotic group. The co-trimoxazole group showed a significant reduction (P<0.05) in the packed cell volume and total white blood cell count. This study shows that Saccharomyces boulardii has a positive effect on the haematological profile of the test animals.